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| Model | Winner | Max Lumens | Max Battery Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taclite EDC Flashlight | Cheapest (Free) EDC Flashlight | 300 | 3 Hours | Free (just pay shipping) |
| Klarus XT11GT | Best LED EDC Flashlight | 2,000 | 170 Hours | $$$ Check Price |
| Acebeam X80 | Brightest EDC Flashlight | 25.000 | 52 Hours | $$$$$ Check Price |
| RovyVon Aurora A3 | Best Keychain Flashlight | 550 | 2.5 Hours | $$ Check Price |
| Streamlight MicroStream | Best Penlight | 45 | 2.25 Hours | $ Check Price |
| Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA | Best AA Pocket Flashlight for EDC | 350 | 14 Hours | $$ Check Price |
| SureFire Titan Plus | Best AAA Flashlight for EDC | 300 | 7 Hours | $$$ Check Price |
| Klarus XT12S | Best Rechargeable EDC Flashlight | 1,600 | 200 Hours | $$$ Check Price |
Flashlights are just as important an EDC item as your wallet or a good pocket knife.
I’m sure that if you don’t carry a flashlight with you right now, you think that you don’t need one. That’s how I used to think.
But ever since I got an EDC flashlight, my opinion changed. Now I won’t go anywhere without at least a keychain light.
You don’t notice how often a flashlight would be useful until you carry one.
Still need some more convincing? Read on for some examples.
Already want an EDC flashlight but don’t know which one to get? Look a little further down for my recommendations!
Why You Should Always Carry a Flashlight
You already carry a lot of gear that is only used occasionally.
A pocket knife? Useful, but I don’t use mine every day.
Your driver’s license? Unless I’m buying “old-fashioned tooth disinfectant,” that’s rarely used.
However, you will run into darkness every single day. There is a 100% chance you will encounter the dark every 24 hour period.
Whether you’re in the city or tromping around the bush, when the sun goes down, you need artificial light.
Having a flashlight can make your life much easier after darkness falls. A simple example is a keychain light that illuminates your vehicle’s lock so you can open it without hassle.
Or perhaps you need to avoid doggy landmines while walking in the dark.
Even with the sun up, shadows can make life difficult.
Simple tasks such as digging around in your closet can benefit from handheld light.
If you need to work on your car’s engine, even at noon, some of the components will be in shadow. Use a light!
You might need a light even in your own kitchen.
Perhaps you got too vigorous while washing your hands and your wedding band fell off your hands, bounced out of the sink, and rolled under the fridge.
Don’t laugh, I’ve seen it happen!
I whipped out my flashlight and found that sucker within moments. Without my light, we would have had to blindly grasp in the grimy dark for that ring.
Also, some people use a flashlight as a potential method of self-defense.
A bright light can disorient a would-be attacker, especially when strobing.
Why Not Use My Smartphone Flashlight?
In this era of smartphones with a camera flash and flashlight app, why buy an EDC flashlight?
Smartphone flashlights can provide emergency light, but they have many disadvantages.
Phones are unwieldy compared to a cylindrical flashlight. They are easier to drop and less durable than a flashlight when you do drop one (and you will!).
The light is shone in flood pattern, which does not throw the light forward any real distance.
Flood lights can be fine, but smartphone lights are too-floody and not bright enough to be usable except at really close distances.
Plus, modern phone batteries are notorious for not lasting a long time. You only make that worse by using it as a flashlight.
And finally, good luck using your phone’s light in the rain!
It’s always a good idea to use the best tool for the job. In this case, a flashlight is that best tool.
Important Features of a Good EDC Flashlight
Not all flashlights are good everyday carry material.
Those fifty-cent lights from the discount store may be able to shine a beam, but I’ve seen them die from the lightest of knocks. You want something better.
Here are several criteria to keep in mind when considering buying an EDC flashlight:
Ease of Carry
There are three basic types of EDC flashlights, based on their size and how easy they are to carry.
Keychain flashlights are small enough to hang out with your house and car keys and therefore will almost always be able to be there for you. Even if you do not want to carry a big ol’ light in your pocket, I recommend a keychain light!
Next up are pocket flashlights. These are small and thin enough to hide in your pocket without annoying you. If you carry a pocket knife, you can fit one of these as well.
Sometimes they have a pocket clip as well, which can ensure that they won’t escape when you sit funny.
The largest EDC category flashlights are medium flashlights that are about 4 to 6 inches long. Comfortable in the hand but large enough to be noticeable in your pocket.
Extra-heavy small flashlights fit in this category as well, because you do not want to feel like you’re carrying a black hole in your pants.
I recommend having one of these bigger flashlights available, even if they are not always on your person. I keep several in my truck and one in a bag which goes almost everywhere with me.
You can fit one in your pocket if you are comfortable with the size and weight, or perhaps clipped to your belt. They are also excellent for purses.
Lumens/Candela/Intensity
For an EDC light, you want as bright a light as possible. Especially if there is a low power mode to save battery when you don’t need that much light.
Flashlight output is often measured in lumens, sometimes in candela. Lumens represent the total amount of light given by the flashlight.
Candela refers to how bright the light is at the source. Sort of like how horsepower measures the output power using a number of horses, candelas measure the output of light using a number of candles.
In both cases, the higher the better for our purposes.
Some flashlight manufacturers give both measurements and others only one. Lumens are more commonly seen in product specifications.
Battery Type
Flashlights always seem to be a little more power hungry than they should be.
A good EDC flashlight will either use a commonly sized battery or will be rechargeable.
If the flashlight requires expensive, funky batteries, then when it dies, good luck finding new batteries quickly!
Keychain flashlights often use watch batteries. Pocket flashlights frequently use AA or AAA batteries. Larger EDC lights will often use a battery such as the 18650.
Avoid those emergency flashlights which you can shake or crank to charge the battery for EDC.
They are not very bright and can take a long time before they are usable. They’re good for emergency kits because they last forever and don’t need external charging, but you want to carry something better on your person.
Environmental Resistance
Often, you’ll need light when the area around you is unfriendly toward electronics, such as rain or dust.
A good EDC light will be dustproof and waterproof. Typically this is achieved with o-ring seals and tight tolerances all around.
What use is a flashlight that fizzles out at a little moisture?
Durability
This is the primary reason to use a quality light rather than a cheap flashlight.
A good flashlight will be shockproof and have a rugged shell, so even if you drop it onto concrete the light will continue to shine.
Cheap lights are made with cheap metal and poorly-soldered electronic that will break and fail from the constant jostling your stuff goes through as you move about on your day.
Quality flashlights are made from thicker metal and have more durable electronics for a stronger beam and more intense brightness.
They also use shockproof LEDs and often have a system in place to regulate the current to the LED so it doesn’t overheat and cause damage to itself or the batteries.
Spend a little more now and you’ll save a lot of grief later.
Best EDC Flashlights
| Model | Winner | Max Lumens | Max Battery Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taclite EDC Flashlight | Cheapest (Free) EDC Flashlight | 300 | 3 Hours | Free (just pay shipping) |
| Klarus XT11GT | Best LED EDC Flashlight | 2,000 | 170 Hours | $$$ Check Price |
| Acebeam X80 | Brightest EDC Flashlight | 25.000 | 52 Hours | $$$$$ Check Price |
| RovyVon Aurora A3 | Best Keychain Flashlight | 550 | 2.5 Hours | $$ Check Price |
| Streamlight MicroStream | Best Penlight | 45 | 2.25 Hours | $ Check Price |
| Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA | Best AA Pocket Flashlight for EDC | 350 | 14 Hours | $$ Check Price |
| SureFire Titan Plus | Best AAA Flashlight for EDC | 300 | 7 Hours | $$$ Check Price |
| Klarus XT12S | Best Rechargeable EDC Flashlight | 1,600 | 200 Hours | $$$ Check Price |
Klarus XT11GT – Best LED EDC Flashlight
Product Specs
- Lumens: 2000 to 10
- Modes: Turbo, High, Medium, Low, Strobe, and SOS
- Battery: 1x 18GT-IMR, 1x 18650, or 2x CR123A
- Battery Life: 0.8 to 170 hours
- Dimensions: 5.59″ long x 1.37″ wide
- Weight: 4.58 oz without battery
- Accessories: Charging cable, lanyard, spare o-ring, battery, holster, pocket clip
Overview
The Klarus XT11GT is a medium-sized EDC light which uses a fancy version of the 18650-style battery to output up to 2,000 lumens!
That battery is rechargeable using the built-in micro USB port. There is a battery level indicator, too.
The flashlight is made from anodized aluminum that’s dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof. You can turn it on and off underwater, which is not something you can do with most waterproof flashlights.
A portion of the body is knurled for grip and there is a strike bezel around the CREE XPH35 HD E4 LED’s glass.
There are five brightness modes: turbo, high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS. You get to the various brightnesses by hitting a switch on the end, a side button, or a rear lever.
You can switch the XT11GT between three control schemes: tactical, outdoor, and advanced tactical.
Tactical mode is the default mode, outdoor mode is for when you don’t need the strobe, and advanced tactical mode is for simplicity when the flashlight is mounted to a firearm.
Overall, the XT11GT is a durable, powerful, and easy-to-use (once you learn the controls!) flashlight.
I reviewed this flashlight more in-depth here.
Pros
- Charging port
- Many brightness modes
- Three operating buttons
- You don’t have to cycle through the modes to get to the one you want
Cons
- Complicated controls
- Too large to fit in a pocket for most people
- The lever switch is easy to activate on accident
Summary
The Klarus XT11GT is my favorite EDC flashlight, if you have the room. It’s also the best choice for self-defense and is a good rifle light, too. You can see my review of the XT11GT versus the XT12s here.
Acebeam X80 – Brightest EDC Flashlight
Product Specs
- Max Lumens: 25,000 to 80
- Modes: Turbo-Max, Turbo, High, Medium, Low, Ultra Low, Strobe, Red, Green, Blue, and Ultraviolet
- Batteries: 4 x 18650
- Battery Life: 1.3 to 52 hours
- Dimensions: 4.63″ long x 2.56″ wide
- Weight: 11.64 oz without battery
- Accessories: None
Overview
The AceBeam X80 is a soda can that can throw out a whopping 25,000 lumens on turbo-max mode!
It accomplishes this task using four special high-drain 18650 batteries. Unfortunately, such a large amount of light produces huge amounts of waste heat, so it can only stay on for up to one minute before the onboard electronics regulates the power down to 4,000 lumens.
The body is made from anodized aluminum, knurled for grip, and is about the size of a soda can.
So, it’s not a pocket flashlight, but it will fit in a bug out bag without issue.
There is only a single button. You cycle through the modes using that button and double press it for turbo and turbo max.
There are red, green, blue, and ultraviolet LEDs for specialist uses as well.
Pros
- EXTREMELY BRIGHT
- Long battery life (not on turbo)
- Many brightness modes
Cons
- Have to cycle through all of the modes to get to the mode you want
- Large
- Requires Acebeam-specific high-drain 18650 batteries to use the highest-light mode
Summary
If you need AS MUCH LIGHT AS POSSIBLE, try out the AceBeam X80!
RovyVon Aurora A3 – Best Keychain Flashlight
Product Specs
- Lumens: 550 to 22
- Modes: High, Medium, Low, and Strobe
- Battery: Non-removable
- Battery Life: 0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Dimensions: 2″ long
- Weight: 0.496 oz with battery
- Accessories: Lanyard, two-way clip, and USB cable
Overview
We go from the largest flashlight on the list to the smallest, the Aurora A3, made by RovyVon.
This tiny flashlight is only 2″ long and weighs just under half an ounce, so it hides perfectly among your keys.
Then, when you hold the button down for half a second, it erupts into 550 lumens of light! After two minutes, it will step down to 65 lumens to protect itself against the heat.
You can then press the button to cycles through the brightness modes and turn it off by holding for another half second.
It is made from CNC-machined aluminum and is IP65-rated for water resistance.
You can use the included clip to attach it to a backpack or cap for hands-free use.
The battery is integral to the unit and charges to full in 45 minutes, which helps to offset the short battery life.
Pros
- Charging port
- Fits unnoticed on your keychain
- Very bright for such a small size
Cons
- Short battery life
Summary
The Aurora A3 is a nearly perfect keychain light, being small, bright, and rechargeable.
Streamlight MicroStream – Best Penlight
Product Specs
- Lumens: 45
- Modes: Single
- Battery Life: 2.25 hours
- Dimensions: 3.6″ long x 0.6″ wide
- Weight: 1.1 oz with battery
- Accessories: Pocket/hat clip and lanyard
Overview
Streamlight’s MicroStream may only have a single mode that throws a 45 lumen beam, but it is small, efficient, and runs on a single AAA.
The tail switch button can be pressed for momentary or constant on. The clip bends twice so you can attach the MicroStream facing either direction. Or, if that clip annoys you, remove it!
The body is made from textured anodized aluminum and an o-ring seals the battery cover to make the flashlight waterproof.
At 3.6″ long and 0.6″ wide, and weighing just over an ounce, the MicroStream can fit almost anywhere. You’ll forget it’s in your pocket.
However, unscrupulous sellers have been selling knock-offs, so make sure you purchase an authentic Streamlight MicroStream!
Pros
- Compact and light
- Uses a single AAA battery
Cons
- Only 45 lumens
- Watch out for fakes!
Summary
If you need a small, durable flashlight that takes AAA batteries and can fit anywhere, look no further than the Streamlight MicroStream.
Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA – Best AA Flashlight for EDC
Product Specs
- Lumens: 350 to 40
- Modes: High, Medium, Low, and Strobe
- Battery: 1x AA Alkaline or Lithium, or 1x CR123
- Battery Life: 1.33 to 14 hours
- Dimensions: 4.25″ long x 0.95″ wide
- Weight: 2.4-2.8 oz depending on battery
- Accessories: Pocket/hat clip and nylon holster
Overview
The Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA flashlight is a flexible EDC light. You can get a maximum of 350 lumens out of it with a CR123 battery or 150 with a single AA battery.
That’s a limitation of the battery design, by the way.
This means that you can load it up with a powerful battery, but if it starts to go dim while you’re away from your battery stash, you can use omnipresent AA’s just fine.
This battery versatility is matched by the ability to select three operating modes: High-Strobe-Low, High Only, and Low-High.
The push-button tail switch can be momentarily held down or clicked to turn on.
The body of the flashlight is anodized aluminum, though the knurling is only on the rear end of the flashlight. It is waterproof, though not a diving light.
A two-way clip allows you to clip it onto your pocket, cap, or best friend’s ear, facing either direction.
Pros
- Three control modes
- Versatile battery selection
Cons
- Needs CR123 batteries to reach full power
Summary
The Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA is a very versatile AA-powered EDC flashlight.
SureFire Titan Plus – Best AAA Flashlight for EDC
Product Specs
- Lumens: 300 to 15
- Modes: High, Medium, and Low
- Battery: 1x AAA
- Battery Life: 1 to 7 hours
- Dimensions: 3.4″ long x ” wide
- Weight: 2 oz with battery
- Accessories: Pocket clip
Overview
SureFire sells the Titan Plus as a keychain light. It can be used as one, but it is almost twice as long and is four times heavier than the Aurora A3.
You turn it on by twisting the head to your desired brightness, thus necessitating two hands to operate.
So, while it can go on a keychain, to me it is a penlight that fits very comfortably in a pocket.
The Titan Plus is made from brass and polymer, not aluminum, so it is heavy-duty and can handle more abuse than lighter flashlights. This does make it a bit heavy, though.
It’s also waterproof and shockproof, as you would expect from SureFire.
If you don’t need the turbo mode then you can try the normal Titan. That flashlight is made from aluminum and only has two modes, the highest of which puts out 125 lumens.
Pros
- Almost impossible to accidentally activate
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Too heavy for keychains
- Two-handed operation
Summary
If you need a small light that runs off of a single AAA, the SureFire Titan Plus will light your way.
Klarus XT12S – Best Rechargeable EDC Flashlight
Product Specs
- Lumens: 1600 to 10
- Modes: Turbo, High, Medium, Low, Strobe, SOS
- Battery Life: 1.2 to 200 hours
- Dimensions: 5.64″ long x 1.37″ wide
- Weight: 4.62 oz without battery
- Accessories: Charging cable, lanyard, spare o-ring, battery, holster, pocket clip
Overview
The Klarus XT12S has many similarities to the Klarus XT11GT. In fact, when I reviewed the XT11GT, I reviewed the XT12S at the same time. They went head to head, and the XT11GT won.
But just barely.
The XT12S is still a fantastic medium-sized EDC light. All it lacks is the button on the side and in its place, it gains a magnetic charging port.
I could gush over that charging port, and in fact, did so in the prior review. The magnetic system makes charging a breeze.
The Klarus XT12S is not as bright as the XT11GT, but it makes up for it in battery life. On low, you can expect 200 hours of usable light.
You can leave the light on for over a week and still use it for another 24 hours, and then some!
However, it does only have two control modes and lacks the versatility of that third button.
Pros
- Can last a whopping 200 hours on low
- Magnetic charging port
- Many operating modes
Cons
- Too large to fit in a pocket for most people
- The lever switch is easy to activate on accident
Summary
If your priority is on battery life and easy charging, the Klarus XT12S shines the way.
Top Picks
Ideally, I would recommend you have three EDC flashlights available.
Get a RovyVon Aurora A3 and attach it to your keychain. Heck, get several, and sneak one onto your partner’s keychain, too!
After that, I recommend a slim flashlight to carry in your pocket. If you want as small and light as possible I recommend the Streamlight MicroStream. However, if you want something more powerful, then use the SureFire Titan Plus.
Then, get one of the two Klarus flashlights, and make sure it’s within easy reach. I keep one in my backpack.
By the way, my favorite of these flashlights for self-defense purposes is the Klarus XT11GT. It has a 2,000-lumen strobe mode, strike bezel, good grip, two tactical modes, and is sized to fit 1″ rings if you want to mount it on a firearm.
However, if your goal is to wow your friends, you need to buy the Acebeam X80. There’s nothing like 25,000 lumens out of a soda can!
Conclusion
If you get just one flashlight on this list, you will be set up with a quality light that will shine away any shadows that darken your life.
Well, maybe not figurative shadows. But an EDC flashlight can help you do certain tasks more easily, such as cross a dark street or replace a burned-out headlight in the middle of the night.
Plus, who wants to get gunk from your car’s engine bay on your smartphone?
Save your phone’s battery for other things and carry a flashlight every day!
