EDC flashlights are essential tools for anyone looking to brighten their path in unexpected emergencies. Since they are lightweight and compact, you can easily carry them in your backpack or handbag.
However, pinpointing the right flashlight among the options available can be confusing. We could shortlist the best EDC flashlights by focusing on three main factors.
- Lumens: Look for a flashlight with lumens ranging from 300 to 1000. This provides enough brightness for night activities or emergencies.
- Runtime: Select an EDC flashlight with a 1 to 24-hour runtime. This meets your daily needs without frequent recharging or battery changes.
- Beam Distance: Choose a flashlight with a beam distance that matches your needs. Consider if you require focused light for distant objects or a wide beam for broader illumination. Options range from 10 to 1000 meters.
Best EDC Flashlights – Comparison Table
| Edc Flashlights | Lumes | Battery Life | Beam Distance | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting Ever EDC Flashlight | 140 | 30000 Hours | 492 Ft | Check On Amazon |
| Gearlight EDC Flashlight | Adjustable (Low-High) 1040 max | 4 Hours | 1000 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| Streamlight EDC Flashlight | 250 | 3.5 Hours | 68 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| Anker EDC Flashlight | 900 | 6 Hours | 200 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| OLight EDC Flashlight | 180 | -- | 60 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| Maglite EDC Flashlight | 2000 | 6 Hrs 45 Mins | 412 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| Binwo EDC Flashlights | 2000 | 5 Hours | 200 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| Coast EDC Pen Flashlight | 9 | 10 Hours | 30 Feet | Check On Amazon |
8 Best EDC Flashlights Reviews
1. Lighting Ever EDC Flashlight
The LED Flashlight from Lighting EVER is a practical tool that combines ease of use with powerful performance. It’s both small, weighing only 128g, and easy to carry, perfect for anyone who needs reliable light. Made with strong aluminum, it’s built to last. This flashlight is short and light (4.2 inches and 128 grams), making it simple to take with you in a pocket or bag. It runs on three AAA batteries (which are included) and has a strong LED that can shine a light up to 492 feet away, with a top brightness of 140 lumens.
Made from military-grade aluminum, its skid-proof design and IPX4 water resistance make it well-suited for a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, or handling unexpected power outages. The flashlight’s zoomable feature allows you to customize focus for spot or flood beams, enhancing its adaptability in different situations.
What We Liked:
- Reliable and portable lighting solution for various scenarios.
- Compact design makes it easy to carry in pockets or backpacks.
- Skid-proof and IPX4 water resistance ensure durability and performance in outdoor conditions.
- Adjustable focus allows for versatile use, providing both spot and flood beams.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The zoom function is not as smooth as some other flashlights.
2. Gearlight EDC Flashlight
GearLight provides top-quality, reliable lighting solutions ideal for outdoor activities or unexpected power outages. These compact flashlights, with dimensions of 6.1 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches, are designed to easily fit into your pocket or backpack, ensuring preparedness at all times. The powerful LED lights can brightly light up rooms, suitable for a variety of needs.
Constructed with military-grade aluminum, these flashlights are built to last, offering durability and reliability in outdoor environments. They feature five adjustable modes and a zoomable beam, allowing for flexible lighting options. The design includes a Fast-Action Base Button for easy use. The package comes with two S1000 LED Tactical Flashlights, AAA Battery Holders, Hand Straps, and Holder Cases, providing everything needed for immediate use.
What We Liked:
- Rugged build quality
- 1000ft beam
- Strobe and SOS functionality
- Waterproof casing
- Effortlessly illuminates entire rooms with super bright LED lights.
- Durable construction ensures longevity, making it suitable for outdoor use.
- Compact design allows for easy storage and quick access in pockets or backpacks.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Dissatisfaction with the battery life, particularly on higher settings.
- Issues with the adjustment mechanisms, such as the zoomable feature and light modes.
3. Streamlight EDC Flashlight
The Microstream series by Streamlight presents an outstanding collection of everyday carry (EDC) flashlights. These flashlights offer practicality through selectable high and low beam options, as well as a convenient clothing clip for effortless carrying. Take, for instance, the Streamlight 66608 MicroStream Flashlight, a compact yet powerful device engineered for convenient and dependable everyday use. Emitting up to 250 lumens at its highest setting, this compact flashlight illuminates your surroundings with a bright, focused beam. Its multi-function push-button tail switch simplifies operation, enabling seamless mode transitions.
Designed for resilience, the MicroStream incorporates a metal sleeve safeguarding the charge port, enhancing its resistance to damage. Its compact and lightweight construction makes it a versatile companion for various activities, easily fitting into your pocket or attaching to your gear. Additionally, the USB rechargeable battery enhances convenience, ensuring hassle-free power replenishment for your next outing.
What We Liked:
- Abrasion Resistant Design
- High-quality construction
- Compact and lightweight design for easy everyday carry.
- Powerful LED technology with a maximum output of 250 lumens.
- Multi-function push-button tail switch for easy operation.
- Rechargeable battery with USB charging capability for convenience.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Slow charging process
- Issues with battery life and overall durability.
- Limited runtime on high mode compared to similar flashlights.
4. Anker EDC Flashlight
Next up, for those looking for a powerful and far-reaching flashlight, Anker’s LC90 LED Flashlight is a great choice. It features an adjustable zoom lens that lets you control the light beam with precision. This small flashlight is very useful, thanks to its strong 900-lumen CREE LED that lights up large areas well, making sure you can see clearly in any situation. It also has a rechargeable 3350mAh battery that lasts for up to 6 hours, offering dependable light for a long time.
The LC90 is built to last, with water resistance rated at IPX5 and shock resistance, so it can handle outdoor activities without a problem. You can adjust the light to suit your needs, from a wide floodlight for better visibility to a narrow spotlight for detailed work.
What We Liked:
- Anti-slip design
- Great battery life
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Adjustable beam
- Rechargeable 3350mAh battery provides up to 6 hours of non-diminishing brightness.
- Adjustable focus and five adaptable settings (High, Medium, Low, Strobe, SOS) for versatile use.
What We Didn’t Like:
- No charger included (only cable)
- Slow charging time
- Issues with the adjustable focus, finding it less intuitive.
- The flashlight is a bit heavy.
5. OLight EDC Flashlight
The OLIGHT EDC flashlight is a prime example of OLIGHT’s expertise in creating reliable lighting options. This range includes everything from flashlights to headlamps, with the OLIGHT EOS standing out for everyday use. It runs on a single AAA battery and shines brightly with 180 lumens, making it both dependable and easy to carry. The flashlight features a high-quality CW LED and a TIR optic lens for a smooth, evenly distributed light suitable for different situations.
Its design includes a handy dual-output function that allows for quick switching between 5 and 180 lumens, depending on your needs. The flashlight is also lightweight and compact, perfect for daily carry in your pocket or for attaching to hats or straps using its dual-direction clip.
What We Liked:
- Soft and balanced beam
- TIR optic lens
- Dual direction pocket clip
- IPX8-rated water resistant design
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very basic – Lacks any advanced functions
- Low setting dim, affecting close-range visibility.
- The on/off switch may require extra effort to operate.
- Limited battery life.
6. Maglite EDC Flashlight
The Maglite 3-Cell D flashlight is the perfect solution for professionals and camping enthusiasts who need reliable illumination in large-sized flashlights. Its intricate knurled design serves various purposes, from fishing to hunting and camping, while its top-notch quality and durability make it a must-have for outdoor adventures. Featuring weather-resistant seals and an anodized aluminum body, it can endure harsh conditions during camping, climbing, and other outdoor activities.
The diamond knurl design not only improves its appearance but also ensures a firm grip, enabling precise control over advanced lighting functions. With its spot-to-flood beam focusing, you can easily adjust the beam’s focus for versatility in any scenario. Running on three D batteries, this flashlight employs the latest MAG-LED technology, delivering a powerful projecting beam with adjustable brightness for outstanding illumination.
What We Liked:
- Durable design
- Almost 7 hours of continuous usage
- Adjustable lighting options
- Weather-resistant seals and anodized aluminum construction for superior durability.
- Diamond knurl design for a secure grip and advanced lighting control.
- Spot-to-flood beam focusing allows you to adapt the beam’s focus as needed.
- Utilizes new MAG-LED technology for brilliant adjustable brightness.
What We Didn’t Like:
- No carrying case
- Not suitable for recharging
- Issues with durability after accidental drops.
- Limited availability of replacement parts, specifically for the LED.
- The flashlight can become dead after a relatively low-height fall.
7. Binwo EDC Flashlights
BINWO is a reputable company known for making top-quality LED flashlights, including the XML T6 model. This flashlight shines brightly with 2000 lumens and has a long-lasting life of 50,000 hours. It offers flexible lighting by switching between wide floodlight and narrow beam modes, covering a distance of up to 200 meters. You can choose from five different lighting modes, such as various levels of brightness, a strobe effect, and an SOS signal, making it highly versatile.
With an IPX5 rating, it’s built to withstand different weather conditions. It can be powered by either 3 AAA batteries or a single 18650 Battery. The package comes with two flashlights, straps for easy carrying, and holders for AAA batteries. These flashlights are designed to be practical and are ideal for campers, professionals, or anyone who needs reliable light.
What We Liked:
- 200m beam length
- Super bright 3000 lumens output for exceptional visibility in various situations.
- Durable and waterproof construction, ensuring reliability in any weather.
- Five versatile modes including High, Medium, Low, Strobe, and SOS, catering to diverse lighting needs.
- Zoomable flashlight with retractable focus, offering both long-range observation and short-range floodlight.
- Lightweight design and alloy material make it easy to carry.
What We Didn’t Like:
- No batteries included
- No adapter included
- Inconsistencies in the performance of the two flashlights in the pack, leading to concerns about overall dependability.
8. Coast EDC Flashlight
The Coast Beam Flashlight is perfect for professionals who need precise lighting in specific environments. While it is compact and convenient for tight workspaces, it may not be versatile enough for activities like camping or everyday use that require larger flashlights.
With a size resembling a pen, its portability is boosted by a clothing clip, and its durability is demonstrated through water resistance and shockproof features. Boasting easy activation and a battery life of over 2 hours and 30 minutes, it proves to be a reliable choice. The aluminum construction gives it a premium feel, making it suitable as a pocket flashlight.
Tailored for focused tasks, this flashlight is designed to address specific needs rather than being suitable for general purposes. It runs on 2 AAA batteries, which are included. If you need precise and exacting illumination, the Coast G20 is worth considering.
What We Liked:
- Great for professional use
- Ultra-compact design
- Long battery life
- Waterproof build quality
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very thin beam
Buying Guide for EDC Flashlight
To guide you in the proper selection process, we are here with a detailed explanation of its types, what factors to consider, and some FAQs that help you to know how to choose your best EDC flashlights, as per your requirement.
Let’s get into the details of what factors to check while shopping for the EDC flashlights.
1. Lumen Strength
The brightness of an EDC flashlight, often referred to as the amount of light produced by the lens, is measured in lumens. In general, a higher lumens count indicates a brighter light output. When selecting an EDC flashlight, it is crucial to consider the various lighting options available to cater to different scenarios and needs.
a. Low Light Output (5 – 10 Lumens)
A flashlight with a low light output ranging from 5 to 10 lumens is suitable for simple daily tasks. This level of brightness is ample for activities such as finding keys on the car seat or unlocking the front door at night without causing unnecessary glare. It provides just enough illumination for close-range, low-intensity tasks.
b. Medium Light Output (35 – 100 Lumens)
For lighting up small outdoor settings or gardens, a flashlight with a medium-light output ranging from 35 to 100 lumens is ideal. This level of brightness strikes a balance between illuminating your immediate surroundings and conserving battery life. It proves effective for tasks that require a bit more visibility, such as walking in dimly lit areas or inspecting your surroundings.
c. High Light Output (100+ Lumens)
EDC flashlights with a high light output of 100 lumens or more are commonly used by officials such as police, firemen, and security guards. These flashlights provide intense illumination, making them suitable for demanding situations and emergencies. They can be crucial for activities that require a broad and powerful beam, enhancing visibility in large spaces or during critical operations.
d. Ideal Option (800 – 1000+ Lumens)
For a versatile and reliable EDC flashlight that can handle a range of situations, opting for a model with an output of 800 to 1000 lumens or more is considered ideal. This level of brightness ensures ample illumination even in challenging conditions, making it a valuable tool for emergencies. However, users should be mindful of battery drainage, especially when using higher output levels. Extended use at maximum brightness can lead to faster battery depletion and may generate noticeable heat in the hand.
2. Size
When considering the size of an EDC flashlight, it’s essential to prioritize compactness, portability, and ease of access. Most users prefer models that can be conveniently hung on a keychain or comfortably fit inside a pocket. Opting for a flashlight that fits comfortably in the hand without being bulky ensures practicality in everyday use.
It’s important to note that the size of the flashlight can impact its light output. Generally, larger flashlights use larger batteries, enabling them to deliver higher light output. However, for EDC purposes, striking a balance between size and performance is key.
Most EDC flashlights available on the market measure below 5 inches in length, with the majority falling below 4 inches. These flashlights are typically categorized into four different types based on size:
- Micro: Less than 2 inches
- Mini: Less than 3 inches
- Small: Less than 4 inches
- Medium: Between 4 to 6 inches
3. Battery Type and Runtime
The choice of battery plays a significant role in flashlight performance. For instance, flashlights powered by CR123A batteries commonly offer a longer runtime compared to those using AA or AAA batteries.
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, although an initial investment, prove cost-effective in the long run. Data indicates that flashlights with a runtime of 8 to 10 hours on a single set of batteries are considered efficient for everyday use.
4. Bulb Type: LED vs. Incandescent
EDC flashlights commonly use either modern LED bulbs or traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights, favored for their efficiency and output, outshine incandescent options. LEDs offer long-lasting illumination, making them ideal for continuous daily use. Their energy efficiency is crucial for maximizing battery life, a key consideration in EDC.
In contrast, incandescent bulbs, with their shorter lifespan and heat generation, are less practical for compact, everyday carry flashlights. For optimal performance and reliability, choosing an EDC flashlight with a modern LED bulb is recommended.
5. Additional Features
When selecting your ideal EDC flashlight, consider the following add-on features that contribute to ease of use and versatility:
a. Adjustable Beam
An EDC flashlight with an adjustable beam provides enhanced lighting versatility. This feature allows you to modify the beam width, enabling you to widen it to illuminate your surroundings or narrow it for focused tasks like reading. This adaptability ensures the flashlight suits various purposes.
b. Strobe Function
The inclusion of a strobe function is crucial for emergency situations. Whether you find yourself lost on a hiking trail or experiencing a roadside breakdown at night, the strobe feature serves as a vital signaling tool, alerting others to your presence and seeking help.
c. Brightness Modes
Look for EDC flashlights offering multiple brightness modes. Basic models often provide two settings (high and low), while advanced options may include three or five settings, such as strobe or turbo modes. This flexibility allows you to tailor the brightness to your specific needs, conserving battery life when maximum illumination isn’t necessary.
d. Attachment Features
An EDC flashlight should come equipped with attachment options, enhancing its portability. Features like a reversible pocket clip, lanyard, keychain, or carabiner clip offer convenient ways to keep the flashlight within reach for quick access during emergencies or everyday use.
e. Control Functions
Consider the control functions of the flashlight. Tactical-style controls, including a tail switch, button, sliding switch, or twisting head, impact ease of use. Press button functions and tail switches are generally user-friendly, providing quick and intuitive access to various modes. On the other hand, a twisting head may require slightly more time to navigate through different settings.
Incorporating these add-on features into your criteria when choosing an EDC flashlight ensures that you not only have a reliable light source but also a versatile tool that caters to a range of situations with ease.
6. Construction and Durability
Durability is paramount for an EDC flashlight. Flashlights crafted from robust materials like aircraft-grade aluminum or stainless steel offer superior longevity. According to industry standards, flashlights with an IPX7 rating can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making them suitable for various environments and unexpected weather conditions.
7. User Interface and Controls
Ease of use is a critical factor. Flashlights with intuitive interfaces and user-friendly controls enhance user experience. According to user feedback, models offering multiple brightness levels and special modes like strobe or SOS cater to diverse needs. An accessible interface ensures seamless access to these features, even in high-pressure situations.
Type of LED Flash Lights
These compact and portable EDC flashlights come in different sizes, ensuring versatility. Here are various types of EDC flashlights:
- Pocket flashlights, equipped with clips for convenient attachment to jackets or pockets, are compact yet powerful. The evolution of LED and flashlight technology enables brighter illumination in smaller sizes.
- Penlights, favored by professionals like doctors and engineers, feature a slim design for easy pocket storage. These beginner-friendly EDC lights are ideal for close-up tasks, offering both ease of operation and portability.
- Mini Keychain EDC Light stands out as the tiniest EDC flashlights. Their compact size allows easy attachment to a keychain, ensuring convenient carry without adding bulk. Suitable for everyone, these keychain flashlights are a perfect choice for those seeking or already owning an EDC flashlight.
- Holsters or lanyards provide alternatives to pocket storage, ensuring the flashlight is always within reach. The magnetic tail cap feature offers a hands-free lighting option, particularly beneficial for car mechanics working efficiently by attaching the light to the car.
- Tactical Lights serve as defensive EDC flashlights, emitting blinding light for self-defense. With impressive lumen output and protruding bezels for added functionality in challenging situations, these lights are crafted from aluminum, striking a balance between lightweight design and durability.
Types of EDC Flashlights
These everyday carry flashlights are lightweight, compact, and portable, yet vary in size ranges. Here are some of the different types of EDC flashlights.
- Pocket flashlights are a type of EDC light that comes with clips, which let you clip and carry the light easily and conveniently onto your jacket or pocket. Most of these pocket flashlights offer high outputs to ensure that user won’t lose power to the size. With the advancement of LED technology and flashlight technology, we can easily see brighter lighting of flashlights at a smaller size.
- Penlights are another type of this EDC flashlight, which are quite popular for professionals like doctors and engineers. Its slim design will let you slip it easily in and out of the pocket. These penlights are great beginner EDC lights that offer beam to read and up-close work that makes it easy to operate and carry conveniently.
- Keychain lights are considered the smallest/tiny EDC flashlights. You can easily slip this LED flashlight onto a keychain and carry it everywhere conveniently, just as a key. Also, these popular EDC flashlights are small that don’t bulk up with keyring. They suit perfectly for everyone, irrespective of either they own (or) looking to get an everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.
- A lanyard or holster is used to keep the flashlight always with you. At certain times, we won’t want EDC flashlights in your pocket, then holsters and lanyards will allow you to place the light comfortably on wherever you want. It has a magnetic tail cap that provides a hands-free light source, which is the best feature for car mechanics, as it sticks on the car and lets them work effectively.
- Tactical Light is a common defensive EDC flashlight that creates a blinding light for the user to escape from the threat. Apart from remarkable lumen output, they have bezels with protrusions to offer extra bite in the worst scenarios. They are made with aluminum and thereby provide a perfect balance between their lightweight and strength.
EDC Flashlights – FAQs
Ans: A tactical EDC flashlight proves invaluable in various life-threatening situations. For example, it can be employed to disorient an assailant while being pursued. Moreover, it becomes indispensable during power outages at work, emergencies in dark environments such as being trapped in an elevator, or when conducting car repairs in low-light conditions.
Ans: Typically, a flashlight emitting over 100 lumens can be irritating to an attacker, inducing a similar effect to seeing black dots after staring into the light. It’s important to note that a light below 800 lumens may not blind an attacker, while a 1000-lumen flashlight is adequate to cause distress and temporary blindness.
Ans: The brightness of an EDC flashlight should range up to 300 lumens for everyday tasks. However, for activities like nighttime walking, camping, or similar needs, an EDC flashlight with 300 to 1000 lumens may be necessary.
Ans: EDC flashlight stands for Everyday Carry Flashlight, implying a compact flashlight carried daily along with essentials like keys, phone, wallet, and pen. Serving as a convenient light source during emergencies or at night, these flashlights are smaller than regular ones, easily fitting into pockets. While emergency lights are crucial for specific situations, carrying an EDC flashlight is recommended for its constant accessibility.
Ans: Some of the brightest EDC flashlights include the IMALENT MS18 (100,000 Lumens), IMALENT RT90S (36,000 Lumens), ThruNite TN50 (16,340 Lumens), IMALENT MS03 (13,000 Lumens), Fenix LR40R (12,000 Lumens), and Nitecore TM10K (10,000 Lumens).
Ans: Most EDC flashlights typically range from 20 to 1000 lumens, with some exceeding 10,000 lumens. For regular daily use, an EDC flashlight with 300 lumens is adequate. However, if intended for nighttime or emergency use, an EDC flashlight ranging from 300 to 1000 lumens would be suitable.
Ans: Measured in lumens, EDC flashlights with up to 300 lumens are suitable for everyday tasks. For activities like camping or nighttime use, EDC flashlights ranging from 300 to 1000 lumens may be preferable.
Conclusion
The selection of your EDC flashlight should be guided by your intended usage. Your specific needs and preferences should determine the appropriate choice. For everyday tasks, a heavy-duty flashlight may not be necessary, while for professional use or frequent camping, investing in a high-quality flashlight is essential.
Additionally, factors such as extra features including strobe lights or LED displays should be taken into account when selecting an EDC flashlight. To discover the ideal EDC flashlight for your requirements, we suggest exploring our list of recommended flashlights.
