The 21 Brightest Flashlights in the World

When you need a handheld flashlight bright enough to light up a football field or illuminate a mountain range a small distance away, you should probably opt to get the best brightest flashlight on the market. We’re talking about a high maximum output of up to 100,000 lumens. That amount of lumen output is not a trivial quantity of light. It’s actually a bonkers volume of light to be output from a handheld device of any sort. This amount of brightness will reach a long throw distance of up to 1,000 to 1,350 meters, and some of the flashlights featured here will still have a surprisingly intense and useful beam at this range. Now, if you think you’ll wind up using one of the world’s brightest flashlights as an everyday carry item, or one that ends up going with you whenever you head into the great outdoors, you should consider a few other factors as well.

A high maximum output flashlight consumes gobs of power. Hence, unless you are ready to recharge it or buy fresh batteries every so often, you should keep tabs on the power consumption. Second, the type of rechargeable battery will dictate how long the flashlight will last while on its lowest or highest setting. When you are going camping or have small amounts of storage space, your brightest LED flashlight’s size and weight will matter a great deal. In a scenario where space is at a premium and weight is a concern, you want the brightest small EDC flashlight that will fit into your backpack without straining your back.

Next, how much are you willing to spend? The price tag varies depending on the lamp output, brand, and added accessories. Besides, opting for a cheaper flashlight that uses substandard parts will only cost you in the long run. Other factors include the dexterity and precision of controls.

So, what is the brightest flashlight that the world has to offer? Well, that’s what this buying guide is all about. We have scoured the globe of retail and found 21 of the brightest flashlights from leading brands. These choice flashlights are powerful, relatively compact in size, last long, easy to operate, and have other features like water-resistance to suit your unique needs. These flashlights push the limits of what a regular EDC flashlight can do.

1. IMALENT MS18 Flashlight – 100,000 Lumens

Do you need a giant spotlight to illuminate your backyard, but in the palm of your hands? Get the IMALENT MS18 flashlight, the brightest flashlight in the world. It is a medium-size flashlight with an OLED display, impact-resistant aluminum cover, and an ergonomic design for a better grip. The Imalent also features an almost unthinkable 100,000 lumens beam that reaches 1,350 meters. How bright is that? Here’s a great video showing off the full power of this beast. 

As you can imagine, anything outputting this amount of power will also put out some heat. That’s why the brightest flashlight in the world includes active cooling fans and a heatsink, kind of like in a personal computer. The lamp uses 18 CREE Xhp70 LEDs that shine in eight gradual levels. Hence, you can shift from blinding brightness to a lower intensity of 25,000 lumens.

2. Fenix LR40R 12000 Lumen

The Fenix LR440R 12000 Lumen alternates from a floodlight reaching 410 meters to a spotlight of 50 lumens for a throw of 163 meters. This range is in four output levels for the spotlight and five output levels for the floodlight. The flashlight uses an impact-resistant aluminum body with accessible dual stainless steel side switches. Hence, it will survive in wet conditions and submersion of up to 2 meters in water. More than that, however, it has a cool lockout mode that prevents unintentional activation, allowing you to preserve the battery power. You now have a flashlight that switches from a regular torch on a night hike to a search and rescue must-have.

3. MATEMINCO MT90P Luminus LED Flashlight

The MATEMINCO MT90P flashlight has an ergonomic groove key design comprising of an impact-resistant CNC aluminum cover, an easy to grip detachable handle, and a clicky switch. The flashlight uses the SBT90.2 LED lights to achieve a throw of up to 3,162 meters in its turbo setting. It has a high power constant driver and a portable cooling fan that ensures you get the brightness you need without overheating.

4. ThruNite TN50 16340 Ultra-Bright Monster

The ThruNite TN50 1630 Lumens is a compact, dependable, and easy-to-use flashlight. It fits perfectly in your jacket or backpack, making it indispensable for emergency use, search-and-rescue, or when going on camping. Including a fast-charger with a power-adapter, this brightest small led flashlight features a handy LED that will warn you about voltage issues and whether the flashlight is charging or not.

5. NITECORE TM10K Tiny Monster 10,000 Lumen

The Nitecore TMI10K is a palm-size flashlight with the strength of a construction site floodlight, all in a compact rectangular form. Indeed, you can attach this brightest small flashlight to a 550 paracord and have it as part of your survival bracelet. This tiny light monster has six powerful CREE XHP35 HD LEDs packed in a lightweight anodized aluminum cover. Its multifunctional OLED display provides real-time data on runtime, voltage, and temperature. And the dual side switches and the additional tail switch to control the five output modes.

6. Acebeam X70 Ultra Bright Rechargeable Flashlight

The flashlight strives to create a high benchmark in portable lighting. It comprises 12 high power LED lights, a built-in battery pack, and a patented external fan that keeps it cool as it achieves 60,000 lumens. Besides, there is a built-in safety control circuit that guards against overcharging or overheating. And the battery indicator alerts you if there is full or less power. This everyday carry flashlight uses a durable aluminum alloy with an anti-abrasion finish.

7. OLIGHT X9R Marauder 25,000 Lumen LED Rechargeable Flashlight

The OLIGHT X9R Marauder is the brightest OLIGHT flashlight available. And if you know anything about OLIGHT products, you know that they come with a high level of build quality and overall excellence. The six CREE XHP70.2 LEDs illuminate up to a distance of 689 yards. Its built-in sensors monitor temperature and adjust accordingly to provide energy savings where possible, making it one of the most efficient and super-bright flashlights you can buy. This 25,000 lumens flashlight gives tactical flashlights a run for their money.

8. MS12 LED Flashlight

The MS12 LED Flashlight from IMALENT is your ideal brightest handheld flashlight when going camping, fishing, or any other extended outdoor adventure. The flashlight features 12 12xCREE XHP70 lights generating up to 53,000 lumens at a long throw of 913 meters. Its built-in cooling fan sustains this high power generation by keeping it cool and sturdy regardless of adverse weather conditions. Waterproof up to 2 meters, this flashlight is ideal in bad weather or in rough terrain where abrasion and drops are inevitable.

9. Manker MK36 12,000 Lumens LED Flashlight

The Manker MK36 flashlight is one of the brightest small EDC flashlights that weighs just 266 grams. Despite its diminutive size, this small flashlight beams 12,000 lumens to spotlight objects and terrain up to 332 meters away. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is both impact-resistant and resists heavy sprays of water, this ultra-bright flashlight has six CREE XHP50.2 3V LED lights powered by three 18650 Li-ion batteries. Its built-in thermal protection circuit keeps the lamp from overheating when operating at a high output voltage. And, its USB Type-C rechargeable port ensures you have a fast full charge.

10. ACEBEAM X80-GT High Lumens Flashlight 32500

The X80-GT flashlight is a small but beefy flashlight with some pretty insane beam capabilities. Imagine holding a military-grade flashlight with the strength of 32,500 lumens and an ability to survive up to 30 meters of submersion. That means you can easily take this brightest tactical flashlight and take it on your favourite submersible mission while lighting up the water in front of you as you SCUBA into unfamiliar territory.

The 18 x CREE XHP50.2 LEDs illuminate a distance of up to 369 meters. It mounts fast and easily on a standard tripod and is perfect for a wide variety of tactical activities, photography, or even stage lighting in a pinch.

11. Lumintop FW21 PRO Aluminum Flashlight

When you are but a mere novice to the use of some of the brightest and best flashlights in the world, you can appreciate a little help in setting the right brightness level for whatever purpose you’re using the flashlight for. That’s why the Lumintop FW21 PRO Aluminum Flashlight uses three CREE XHP50.2 Cree XHP50.2 (Cool White) lamps on an orange peel reflector with custom output modes. This very EDC-friendly flashlight will help you quickly decide whether you want a light for a tactical strobe, candlelight, or even a battery check. Its temperature sensors ensure it does not overheat or overcharge when running on high output, though always be mindful of the heat it can output out the front.

12. Astrolux MF01S Flashlight

This Astrolux flashlight stars an anodized aluminum body and a silicon rubber button encompassing its high power 18x Luminus SST-20 LEDs. This flashlight uses cooling fins that dissipate any excessive heat when running on high output. Hence, it is convenient for bikers, tactical use, search and rescue, and party lighting. What’s even cooler is that unlike all the other crazily-bright flashlights on this list thus far, this one comes in more than just black!

13. Lumintop 25,000 Lumen 1370 Meter Search Light

This beefy torch features four CREE XHP70.2 LEDs mounted on copper DTP MCPCB. All that means is that these lamps can together generate a beam of up to 25,000 lumens. Its combination of water-resistance and ability to output at the highest level for up to 3 minutes makes it an ideal flashlight for search and rescue missions. The massive eight batteries mean that even at half its maximum light output will provide plenty of light while lasting at least a few hours with continuous use. Given this flashlight’s capability and relatively reasonable price, it makes for a pretty fantastic value proposition.

14. Wicked Lasers Flashtorch

The Wicked Lasers Flashtorch is probably the brightest mini flashlight you can get today. It features an ultra-portable design with a powerful beam of up to 4,100 lumens. With such a beam, you can use the tool as a searchlight or floodlight. The lockout mode guards against accidental activation once you finish using it. With a four-pack of lithium-ion batteries, this flashlight weighs just over one pound, making it ideal for EDC or travel scenarios.

15. RovyVon Aurora A3 Outdoor EDC Mini Keychain Rechargeable LED Flashlight

This LED Flashlight is a tiny torch with durable construction and is available in two anodized aluminum colours, including black and red. A perfect fit for lanyards and keychains, this flashlight features a stainless steel chain and clip and an aluminum alloy cover. Weighing at a mere 0.03 lbs (no, that’s not a typo), this is the type of flashlight you’d want to include in your survival kit. In fact, you might want to get more than one, after all, it’s only thirty bucks!

16. Sofirn BLF SP36 Powerful 6000 Lumen Flashlight

The Sofirn SP36 is a small flashlight that relies on four CREE XPL2 LED (5350-5700K) to emit a beam of up to 6,000 lumens. With a long throw of up to 550 meters, this flashlight is the type you’d want when you want to travel with a minimalist backpack. The flashlight uses a Type-C rechargeable port that powers it to last for the next 45 days when on eco-mode. Plus, its advanced temperature regulation (ATR) technology keeps it from overheating or overcharging when operating on high output. 

17. IMALENT LD70 4000 lumens flashlight

Unlike most flashlights, the LD70 uses only one American CREE XHP70 2nd LED lamp to produce up to 4,000 lumens that illuminate up to 203 meters. Its built-in OLED display allows you to have a glance at the temperature, voltage, and other parameters on a real-time basis. Plus, a thermal control unit ensures the flashlight does not overheat or overcharge. Hence, this might be your go-to flashlight when camping, working in the outdoors at night, or mountain climbing.

18. IMALENT MS03 13000 lumens flashlight

The IMALENT MS03 flashlight utilizes three pieces of American CREE XHP70 2nd LEDs whose lifespan is up to a tremendous 50,000 hours, with a maximum output of 13,000 lumens. This powerful beam is powered by a 4000mAh 21700 Li-ion battery that charges fast on a Type-C USB connection. Yet, it is a lightweight and compact flashlight using the anti-abrasive anodized aluminum alloy body, inbuilt thermal controls, and a double press power switch that guards against accidental on/off clicks.

19. ThruNite TC15 NW 2300 Lumens LED Flashlight

The ThruNite TC15 LED Flashlight is a user-friendly rugged flashlight with a perfect grip and a non-slip design. Its six brightness levels vary between 1 lumen to 2,300 lumens. Sure it’s not the brightest flashlight out of this bunch, but it’s portable and includes a carrying case. Ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, and cottaging!

20. SureFire Titan Ultra-Compact LED Keychain Light Series

The SureFire Titan Ultra-Compact LED keychain flashlight beams at 300 lumens, 75 lumens, and 15 lumens, making it ideal for situational awareness in a darkened parking lot or when on an adventure in the outdoors. It uses a head switch that twists to activate any of the three output levels. Plus, this tiny light uses a rechargeable AAA NiMH battery that takes 3 hours to charge. Other accessories like the removable pocket clip and the stainless steel split ring allow you to attach the flashlight to your backpack of keys for safe upkeep.

21. NITECORE TM9K 9500 Lumen

The Nitecore TM9K keychain flashlight is a palm-sized flashlight with high power brightness equivalent to a street light. This compact and lightweight flashlight is encased in a small stainless steel crenellated bezel with waterproof capabilities of up to 2 meters. Plus, its metal poster clip and holster makes it convenient to handle the torch using one hand.

Conclusion

Note that the brightest flashlight on the market will not automatically be the right one for you. First, decide what power levels and metrics you want your flashlight to hit based on your intended long term use. Then, use the above well-researched guide as your reference point when deciding on your ideal brightest flashlight. And don’t forget to read customer reviews. Despite the unfortunate plague of fakes, you can occasionally find a gem that will give you the proper product insight. That insight may also give you an idea of what type of customer support and after-sales service you can expect from the company you’re buying you a flashlight. 

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