10 Best Emergency Flashlights for Staying Prepared and Safe

Last Updated on November, 2024

Lacking an emergency flashlight when you need one is a horrible experience.

It only escalates as you realize the phone’s flashlight, you thought would be enough, is anything but enough.

But what if I impulsively bought the wrong light? I had that question bothering me. I know it bothers you as well. 

So, I bought, analyzed over 30 emergency flashlights and trimmed the list down to top ten, and identified the best one.

This read is ALL you need if you want a best emergency flashlight. 

Let’s jump right into it!

Editor’s Choice
Fenix E20 V2
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

#2nd Best Choice
Acebeam E70 Mini
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

5.0

5.0

4.9

4.9

4.9

Overall Score

4.9

#3rd Best Choice
Nitecore MH12 V2
Brightness
Beam distance
Runtime
Durability
Price

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.8

4.9

Overall Score

4.8

10 of the Best Emergency Flashlights 

1. Fenix E20 V2 (Editor’s Choice)

There are 3 main reasons why I ordered this beauty,

  1. Brand value (which means guaranteed quality)
  2. Limited lifetime warranty I got
  3. One of the best AA flashlights

But what does it bring to the table? 

Max settings

350 lumen – 125m – 4 hours; that’s the maximum settings. All of this is done by a Luminus SST20 LED light, which is amazing for sudden power outages.

Resistance qualities

The 1m impact resistance and IP68 dustproof and waterproof resistance underwater to 2m is an admirable design effort.

Dimensions

The E20 V2 is 127mm long with a head dia of 21mm and body dia 16.8mm. This LED flashlight is barely 40g/1.4 oz, excluding the batteries, so that’s more convenient.

Type of the battery

The AA battery method is used here.

Although 2 alkaline batteries are provided, Fenix recommends NiMH batteries. 

But you’re not going to get the massive voltage that an alkaline battery gives. But AA batteries still do a decent job.

Notable special features

  • Maximum runtime of 200 hours in the lowest mode
  • Limited lifetime guarantee
  • Reverse polarity protection
  • Both dustproof and waterproof
  • Reverse tail switch 
  • Intelligent overheat protection against high surface temperature
  • Premium type HAIII hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish

Modes of operation

The torch has four different lighting modes, and let’s see how each operates.

EcoLowMidHigh
Lumen output530150350
RuntimeAlkaline200hrs93hrs 35mins11hrs 15min3hrs 45min
Ni-Mh140hrs34hrs 30 min5hrs 30 mins1h 30 mins
Distance15m35m76m126m
Intensity44cd288cd1448cd3950cd
Box IncludesTwo alkaline AA batteries, spare O-ring, Lanyard

Pros

  • Low weight
  • Higher battery life
  • Comprehensive package
  • 4 operational modes
  • Waterproof and dust proof

Cons

  • AA Battery type

2. Acebeam E70 Mini (#2nd Best Choice)

Acebeam is a brand that has been with me for some time, especially since I bought their K75 a while ago; one of the best flashlights

But I bought the E70 mini anyway. 

Max settings

2000 lumens – 600 lumens – 2 hours – 153 meters – 5,875 cd.

I’m pretty sure any emergency situation can be handled with 2000 lumens.

Resistance qualities 

The rating is per IP68. This means the E70 mini can be submerged to 2m. 

Its aluminum body has made the flashlight resistant to impact up to 1m of a drop — that’s more than enough.

Dimensions

The regular E70 is around 128mm, and the E70 mini is just 111m — that’s quite convenient to hold. The head dia is 26mm, and the body dia is 23.4mm.

The cherry on top is its low weight, just 72g without the battery.

Type of the battery

Rechargeable flashlights are always cost-effective in the long run. E70 mini comes with the Li-Ion battery and the ARC18650H-310A charger for an additional $10.

The battery is rechargeable, and the type of charging is USB-C, the biggest green flag.

Notable special features

There are 4 main features that make the E70 mini stand out.

  1. 5000K neutral white light (Best for an indoor power outage)
  2. Uniform and smooth spot
  3. Above 90 CRI (color rendering index) 
  4. The stainless steel body clip

For those unfamiliar, CRI is a quantitative measure of the ability of the light source to reveal an object’s true colors. The highest is 100, and that’s of the sun.

Operational modes

There are five different lighting modes, excluding Turbo and strobe, switched between by one mode switch. 

How do they differ?

Ultra-LowLowMid1Mid2HighTurboStrobe
Lumen output1260170380900-6002000-6001000
Runtime100hrs19hrs7hrs3hrs2min + 1 hour 55min40s + 2hrs2hrs 
Distance20m39m52m71m102m153m112m
Intensity104cd375cd675cd1275cd2625cd5875cd3150cd
Box IncludedBatteries

Pros

  • Exceptional lumen count
  • Wide range of operational modes
  • 100 hours of maximum operational hours
  • Crisp clean 1500K light
  • Rechargeable batteries

Cons

  • Doesn’t show the battery level 

3. Nitecore MH12 V2 (#3rd Best Choice)

What caught my eye was its light source, which is Cree XP-L2 V6. It is a bright light with massive light output.

So, what did I get from its maximum operating settings?

Max Settings

The Nitecore MH12 V2 brings a massive beam distance of 200m+ with 1200 lumens and a light intensity of 10,200cd — all of this runs for almost 4 hours; that’s a deal to me.

Resistance qualities

Nitecore MH12 v2

Seeing the maximum operational settings, I expected impressive resistance qualities, and Nitecore didn’t let me down.

It’s the same as the E70 Mini; 1m impact resistance and submersible up to 2 meters under the IP68 waterproof rating.

Dimensions

Weighing in at 30g (without the batteries), the MH12 is 158mm in length, with a 25mm head dia, which is perfect for an EDC/ emergency light.

Type of the battery 

The Nitecore MH12 V2 is a rechargeable flashlight.

It comes with rechargeable batteries that are fully compatible with multiple battery sizes. The battery specifications are denoted as 1 × 21700, 1 × 18650, 2 × CR123, and 2 × RCR123. 

The same dimensional theory of 18650 battery denotation applies here; 21mm in length and 70mm in width. Since these are Li-Ion batteries, you can expect even more battery life than the 18650 ones.

Notable features 

MH12 is one of the best flashlights. Look at these features.

  1. ATR (advanced temperature regulation): Optimal performance is maintained while adapting to ambient environmental conditions
  2. Power indicator
  3. Memory function (excluding SOS and BEACON modes)
  4. The pocket clip is detachable
  5. NTH10 tactical holster feature (for quicker drawing out)

Nitecore has always been a tech-focused company, and these exclusive features certify that.

Operations modes

There are two major light modes such as daily mode and tactical mode (outdoor mode), whereas the daily mode is the default mode.

High, medium, low, strobe and SOS, including beacon and ultra-low, are available in the daily mode. SOS and BEACON are absent in tactical mode.

daily mode. SOS and BEACON are absent in tactical mode.

Ultra-LowLowMidHighStrobeBeaconSOS
Lumen output1553001200120012001200
Runtime1500hrs46hrs8hrs3hr 45min
Box IncludedMH12 V2 x 1NL2150 5000mAh 21700 Rechargeable BatteryUSB-C Charging CableMetal ClipLanyardSpare O-ringSpare Tail Switch Cover18650/CR123a Battery AdapterNTH10 hard case Holster

Pros

  • Rechargeability 
  • 1500 operational hours
  • Multiple lighting modes
  • USB-C charging
  • 1000+ lumen maximum lumen output

Cons

  • Dimensionally longer flashlight that might be hard to use

4. Gearlight S1000 (AAA batteries)

The Gearlight brand isn’t that familiar to me, but the sweet deal caught my eye: two units for the price of one.

There was one rare special feature too. For that price, it was a catch. So, of course, I had to buy and review it.

Max settings

The company doesn’t specify the lumen count or the beam distances. But the light was brighter than regular flashlights. S1000 qualifies as an emergency light.

Resistance qualities

Although there is no standardized rating, the product is well water resistant and shock resistant. It was working perfectly fine after a 2m drop. 

Since I bought the light from a reliable Amazon seller, I think the authentic quality was well preserved.

Gearlight S1000

Dimensions

‎The S1000 is 6.1 inches in length. Body dia and head dia are borderline equals at 1.57″. So, the product is quite compact and convenient to carry since it’s only 9 grams.

That’s almost weightless and deserves to be in every emergency kit.

Type of the battery

AAA batteries power this little beast. The pair I bought were not rechargeable, but I saw that the brand manufactures several rechargeable flashlights.

Notable features

The adjustability of the focus is amazing; the S1000 is a zoomable flashlight. The zoomability lets you change the beam pattern from a focused beam to a flood beam.

The second feature was what was included in the package. This is what the package contains;

  • ‎2 x S1000 LED Tactical Flashlights
  • 2 x Holder for AAA batteries
  • 2 x Battery Tubes
  • 2 Hand Straps
  • 2 x Holder Cases [Bonus Accessory]
  • 1 x Operation Guide
  • 1x Warranty Card

Operational modes

There are 3 modes: low, mid and high.

Pros

  • Adjustability of light
  • A comprehensive package
  • Quite easy to carry
  • Decent light

Cons

  • Almost no brand value
  • No lumen count specification from the company
  • Not rechargeable

5. ThruNite TC15

Having that CREE XHP, or any CREE light, in an emergency flashlight is the easiest way to spot a potential emergency flashlight. That’s how I noticed the ThruNite TC15.

Max settings

2500+ lumen output for 243m distance is picture perfect if you’re looking for a little beast of an emergency light.

Resistance qualities

TC15 also has impact resistance upto 1.5m and the 2m submersion IPX8 rating.

ThruNite TC15

That means the device can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. 

It’s perfect for emergency situations involving water.

Dimensions

122.5mm x 27mm x 24mm are the dimensions of the TC15, and it weighs only 71g, excluding the batteries. So, it’s a good flashlight that deserves to go in a first aid kit.

Type of the battery

With a working voltage between 2.75V-4.2V, you need one lithium ion battery to make the flashlight work.

Most importantly, it’s USB rechargeable.

Notable features 

I absolutely love the knurling patterns, but the CREE XHP LED flashlights, and the sleek design stand out. 

Operational modes

There are 6 operational modes, and let me simplify everything for you since there are many brightness levels.

LowMidHighTurboFireflyStrobe
Lumen output2225010532531-8000.5830
Runtime68hrs6.5hrs86mins2.5mins+ 85mins41.5days180mins
Distance243 meters(max)
Intensity14850 cd(max)
Box IncludedPocket clip x 1Holster x 1Spare O-rings x 2Lanyard x 1Thrunite 3100mAh IMR18650 battery x 1USB charger cable x 1Spare USB rubber cover x 1Spare side switch x 1

Pros

  • 2500+ lumen count strong light
  • Comprehensive package
  • Multiple operational modes
  • USB-C to USB-C charging 

Cons

  • Two way pocket clip

6. OLIGHT I5R Emergency Flashlight

I5R is an uncrowned king of a tactical flashlight. that comes with the Olight’s 5 year warranty.

Let’s take a look at what else it brings to the table.

Max settings

The I5R is one of the best battery powered flashlights that emits 350 lumens for 10 odd hours with an amazing throw of 64 meters and a candela intensity of 1,038cd. 

Resistance qualities

Drop test resistance is not 1m like most other flashlights, but 1.5m. This is along with the IPX8 water resistance rating. 

OLIGHT I5R

But they’re not dust resistant, so don’t take one near a beach, even if it’s made of a supreme aircraft grade aluminum alloy.

Dimensions

The head dia is 17.8mm, equal to the body diameter, and the length is 95.4mm. The weight is 60g, and that’s with the battery. 

It’s safe to say that it’s lighter than most flashlights, making it a good candidate to be in emergency kits.

Type of the battery

The I5R is a battery powered flashlight; not just any battery, but a customized 1429mAh rechargeable battery. The trick to ensuring long battery life is sticking to the charging devices and methods that the manufacturer suggests.

Notable features

Here are some of the notable features I noticed.

  • Smooth anti-slip tail cap switch
  • 3 colors to choose from
  • Double helix body knurling
  • TIR optic lens

Operational modes

There are 2 major modes named mode 1 and mode 2; let’s see how different each mode is.

Mode 1Mode 2
Lumen output350-15015
Runtime10 + 170 mins37 hours
Distance64m12m
Intensity1038cd40cd
Box Includedi5R EOS (Battery Included) x 1USB A-C Charging Cable x 1Hooking Clip x 1i5R EOS User Manual

Pros

  • Light beam and the quality of the light is amazing
  • A comprehensive package
  • Battery included 
  • Generally extended durability

Cons

  • Only two operational modes

7. LumiNRG Tactical Flashlight

It’s not cheap but cost-effective if you want to get a truckload of features. 

The LumiNRG tactical flashlight is one good example of that. Let’s see what we get!

Max settings 

1000 lumens for 1200 ft of a throw is what the brand promises. Just like with the S1000, some standardized details are lacking in the product description, but that’s not a problem.

Not for the price.

LumiNRG

Resistance qualities

The product isn’t drop-tested but is waterproof. But, I didn’t want to ruin the money I spent, so I decided to take my chances.

Dimensions

Product dimensions are 12 x 6 x 6 inches, and the aluminum body has two different knurling patterns. The flashlight weighs only 198g, including the battery.

So, you can fit this one in your glove compartment easily.

Type of the battery

I didn’t expect a rechargeable flashlight since all rechargeable lights are quite expensive. But LumiNRG proved me wrong.

You can use rechargeable lithium ion batteries to power the device up. But the recommended type is an 18650 battery that delivers 10 hours of light in the medium setting.

Notable features

Here are some notable features of the flashlight.

  • Magnetic base
  • 360 degrees light
  • USB rechargeable

Operational modes

There are 4 major modes, and they have not listed the numerical values (just like the S1000). But these are the modes,

  • Strobe
  • Medium spotlight
  • High wide beam
  • Lantern mode (360 degree mode)

Pros

  • Easy to illuminate all around with 360 degree mode
  • Diversity of operational modes
  • Rechargeable

Cons

  • Specs of operational modes aren’t company-specified
  • No battery level indicator

8. Streamlight 88052 ProTac

Streamlight is a brand that produces sleek flashlights, and the ProTac carries the legacy. It’s an amazing emergency flashlight that deserves to be in every emergency kit.

So, let’s look at what this product brings to the table.

Max settings

You get 1000 lumens for 1.5 hours at the highest operational mode, with a beam distance of 220m under 12,000cd intensity. 

This operation is done with two 3V CR123A lithium batteries, rechargeable 100 times. That’s how a proper emergency light should be.

Streamlight 88052 ProTac

Resistance qualities 

The ProTac has the legendary IPX4 rating, which is borderline rare in emergency flashlights. IPX4-rated flashlights are resistant to water splashes from any direction. 

In addition, there’s the standard 1m impact resistance certified by Streamlight.

Dimensions

The flashlight length is 165mm, the head dia is 31mm, and the body diameter is 27mm. It weighs just 204.12 grams, including the batteries. 

That’s why your first aid kit deserves this flashlight.

Type of the battery

The ProTac is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery (P/N 74175). But it also accepts two CR123A lithium batteries or a rechargeable 18650 USB battery. The flashlight will be fully charged in 7 hours from the zero mark. 

I recommend always going with what the brand recommends for the ideal operation. 

Notable features

This one has a lot, but let me point out the most significant ones.

  1. Battery level indicator for charging + overcharge prevention circuit system
  2. Rechargeable battery up to 1000 times
  3. Gasket sealed lens
  4. TEN-TAP® programmable switch: This allows users to select one of three different programs.
  5. Anti-roll face cap
  6. Removable pocket clip and holster

Operations modes

There are 4 modes altogether, and there’s a massive difference in each mode, as there should be. Let’s look at the variation.

LowMidHighStrobe
Lumen output6538010002531-800
Runtime23hrs3hrs 30min1hr 30min1.5hrs
Distance53m133m219m
Intensity700cd4420cd12000cd
Box IncludedThe flashlight itself

Pros

  • 2500+ lumen output strong light
  • Multiple operational modes
  • Battery level indicator 
  • Rechargeability 

Cons

  • Operation by lithium batteries

9. MagLite ST3D116 3-Cell Flashlight (Alkaline Batteries)

I immediately noticed the “limited lifetime warranty,” which was my sign to check the product out.

Besides, the product has an aesthetic blue hue, and I liked that too.

So, let’s see what it is!

Max settings

Maximum brightness is 168 lumen for 412m throw at 42,533cd intensity — it’s a flex to have this sort of a beautiful balance. 

Resistance qualities

MagLite ST3D116 3-Cell

The standard 1m drop impact resistance is there with the IPX4 rating.

Dimensions

The flashlight dimensions are 13.39 x 3.03 x 3.03 inches, which fits the EDC and emergency light setting. It weighs 30 ounces/ 856g with the batteries included.

Type of the battery

The flashlight runs on Alkaline D batteries, and the 2-cell and 3-cell versions of the light were not categorized as rechargeable flashlights

Notable features

Although the brand tries to emboss several features, these are the best two, in my opinion.

  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Zoomability
  • 1m drop resistance

Operational modes

There are only two, and the manufacturer specifies them as the spot mode and the flood mode. This is from the zoomability of the light.

  • The peak beam distance is 412m
  • With maximum lumen count of 168 lumens
  • The maximum runtime is 80 hours

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty makes the flashlight more valuable
  • Two different modes of operation
  • Extremely cost effective

Cons

  • Just two operational modes
  • Can’t recharge
  • Less brand value
  • Pretty heavy for an emergency flashlight 

10. PeakPlus LFX2000

The LFX2000 is the first PeakPlus emergency light I’ve owned, and I have to tell you, it really was a good investment. 

All emergency kits deserve lights like these.

Max settings

So, the maximum lumen count is 1200, at a range of 100-400m. I counted the duration to be around 5 minutes. 

That was quite decent for the product type.

PeakPlus LFX2000

Resistance qualities

Resistance qualities are better than average in this product. The drop impact distance is 3m, with the standardized IPX4 water resistance.

Dimensions

The length is 196mm, with a borderline equal head dia and body dia of 45mm.

Notable features

The 2 most significant features I noticed were the XML-L LED type and the adjustability, or the zoomability of the light.

Operational modes

PeakPlus guarantees 10 hours of operational time in the low mode. There are four more operational modes. This excludes the two zoomability modes; floodlight mode and spotlight mode.

Here are the rest of the modes:

  • Low
  • Mid
  • High
  • Emergency

Pros

  • Cost effectiveness 
  • Strong zoomable light
  • 6 operational modes
  • Fits better in emergency kits

Cons

  • No warranty 
  • Lumen count isn’t disclosed by the manufacturer

The Benefits of a Flashlight for Emergencies

  • Safeguard Your Smartphone
  • Worst Case Scenario Is Still Cheap
  • Obtain The Expected Illumination
  • Save Your Phone’s Battery
  • Lighten Up Difficult Locations
  • Minimize All Sorts Of Damages

Top Factors to Consider in Choosing Emergency Flashlights

  1. Brand value
  2. The number and the variety of the operational modes
  3. Ease of switching it on
  4. The overall price
  5. Characteristics at the maximum settings
  6. Battery life and rechargeability
  7. Whether the light is zoomable or not
  8. Resistance against water and dust
  9. Dimensional compatibility
  10. Warranty
  11. What the box includes

In Conclusion

Picking an emergency flashlight is harder than picking a regular one.

You don’t have to go through the long process of analyzing them since I did that for you. You’ll be fine even if you picked a random flashlight from the list.

But Fenix E20 V2 is the best one in the list. The product wins the race with a massive lead thanks to all the features and the cost-effectiveness — that’s what I chose to use permanently.

You should probably use it too. 

Finally, be sure to share this with your friends and help them choose better help to move in the dark.

FAQs

The average cost of an emergency flashlight is between $10-$30.

You can confirm that your flashlight is an emergency flashlight if the manufacturer mentions it.

The best place to buy flashlights is usually directly from the manufacturer’s website.

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
Fenix E20 V2
Brightness
Beam Distance
Runtime
Price

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

Overall Score

5.0

visa, master, amex, paypal
Pros
  • Low weight
  • Higher battery life
  • Comprehensive package
  • 4 operational modes
  • Waterproof and dust proof
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of November
Cons
  • AA Battery type

Was this article helpful?

Photo of author
Author
Dillon Morrison
I have been involved in the flashlight community since 2007. My brother has a flashlight shop from where I have tested and reviewed more than 600+ different types of flashlights. You can find more about me here.

Leave a Comment