18650 flashlights are some of the most reliable flashlights on the market. But, what is the meaning of 18650? 18650 means 18mm diameter and 65mm length of the battery. Just like any other product, If you want to buy a 18650 battery flashlight, then you may have confused to see different types of flashlight brands. Not only the brand, but you may also be confused with the AA flashlights and AAA flashlights. For this reason, I have created this best 18650 flashlight review article. Personally, I have used most of these flashlights, and you can rely on this review.
I know that finding a quality flashlight isn’t easy. If your flashlight battery doesn’t work in an emergency situation, what is a flashlight’s use? 
People make mistakes, and they purchase the wrong flashlights. If you buy a flashlight considering its price, then it may fail to function properly. In order to avoid such mistakes, you have to compare different flashlights and ensure that you choose the right and most durable flashlight at a great price.
Top 4 Best 18650 flashlight Comparison 2023:
| Image | Flashlight Name | Lumens & Modes | Feature Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Tactical Choice Check Price | Fenix PD35 TAC Edition CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight Read Review | lm: 1000 Modes: 6 | |
Best Budget Choice Check Price | ThruNite TN12 V2 LED Flashlight with Cree XP-L LED 5 Versatile Modes Read Review | lm: 2531 Modes: 6 | (included) |
Powerful Tactical Choice Check Price | Bundle: Klarus XT21X Advanced LED Waterproof Flashlight Read Review | lm: 4000 Modes: 2 | |
Great EDC Choice Check Price | Bundle: Olight S2R II rechargeable flashlight for EDC camping Read Review | lm: 1150 Modes: 4 |
Summary of Contents
The 18650 flashlights offer users a number of great features such as a longer run time, greater brightness, are rechargeable, and economical. In addition, a good number of 18650 batteries come protected from things like overcharge and reverse polarity. So, you can rely on the batteries to provide you with several hours of use.
Related article: Check the review of 9 best-selling Coast flashlights
Best 18650 flashlight list from popular brands:
When choosing your flashlight, you should as well consider the brand that you are buying from. In addition, check out customer reviews to know what to expect from the 18650 light that you intend to buy. Looking at just the price or the appearance of the flashlight is not enough. Many times, people have purchased flashlights that have failed to function. Some buy flashlights only for them to be rendered useless after two weeks of use. So, check our 18650 flashlight reviews and consider buying from this list for long-term use.
Fenix PD35 Tac Edition 18650 Rechargeable Flashlight(Top Pick for tactical use)
If you are looking for reliable tactical flashlights for law enforcement, hunting, or hiking activities, the Fenix PD35 is a great fit for you. This is a great 18650 flashlight for tactical use. Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum, this flashlight has the ability to resist water and impact. The excellent hard-anodized finish prevents it from corroding and scratching. Furthermore, the flashlight uses Cree XP-L (V5) LED that produces 5 light modes and a strobe mode. The light modes include eco, low, mid, high, and turbo modes. It has a long run time of 140 hours, and the brightest mode (high mode with 1000 Lumen output) reaches up to 200 meters.
Technical Specifications of the Fenix PD35 Tactical
| Features | Fenix PD35 Tac |
| Lumens: | 1000 lumen output |
| Maximum Run-time: | 29 hours 15min (60 lumens) |
| Minimum Brightness: | 8 Lumens |
| Minimum Run-time: | 1 hour 10 minutes (1000 lumens) |
| Beam Distance: | 200 Meters |
| Outdoor Modes: | 6 |
| Tactical Mode: | 3 |
| Body: | Air-grade aluminum |
| LED: | Cree XP-L (V5) |
| Waterproof standard: | IPX-8 (2 meters for 30 minutes) |
| Length: | 137 mm |
| Weight: | 89 grams |
| Battery: | One rechargeable 18650 battery |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
The flashlight can be powered by one 18650 rechargeable battery or two 3V CR123A lithium batteries. Besides that, it has a stainless steel side switch for easy use and an intelligent memory circuit. The anti-roll body prevents it from rolling when it falls on the ground, and the low-voltage feature lets you know when to recharge the batteries.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Waterproof and impact resistant
- Very bright light
- Small and lightweight for everyday use
- Holster and pocket clip for easy carry
- Reverse polarity protection
Streamlight 88060 Pro Tac Flashlight
Powered by either two Streamlight 18650 Li-ion rechargeable batteries or 4X CR123A batteries, the Streamlight Pro Tac flashlight is a very bright flashlight. If you are in need of a powerful flashlight that has excellent battery life, then consider buying this. It uses C4 LED technology, which is shock resistant and has a lifespan of 50 000 hours. The LED emits a maximum output of 2 200 Lumens, which is exceptional for such a compact light. In addition, it provides the user with three light modes and one strobe mode. Operate the flashlight with one hand for momentary-on, variable intensity, or strobe mode.
Technical Specifications of the Streamlight 88060 Pro Tac
| Features | Streamlight 88060 Pro Tac |
| Lumens: | 2200 lm |
| Run-time: | Up to 40 hours (CR123A batteries) |
| Beam Distance: | 379 Meters |
| Tactical Mode: | 3 |
| Material: | Aluminum |
| LED: | C4 LED technology |
| Waterproof & Dustproof: | IPX7 (1-meter for 30 minutes) |
| Length: | 13.7 cm |
| Weight: | 1.06 pounds |
| Battery: | 2 Lithium Metal batteries are required. (included) |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
The large head ensures that the user is able to illuminate a large area by pulling it in or out for a spotlight or floodlight, respectively. Also, it has a nice grip that allows the user to easily handle the flashlight in all weather conditions.
Pros:
- Extremely bright light
- Sturdy construction for longevity
- Easy use with one-handed operation
- 3 light programs and strobe mode for versatile use
- Waterproof and impact resistant
- Excellent run time of up to 43 hours in low mode
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- The light is slightly bigger for an EDC flashlight. So, not good for carrying on a daily basis.
- The light heats up when used for long.
Cons:
- It becomes very hot when used for over a long period of time
ThruNite TN12 EDC LED Flashlight
If you are looking for the best 18650 flashlights for EDC use, then you should choose the right one. ThruNite is one of the leading flashlight brands on the market. The company always comes up with new and excellent flashlights. The ThruNite TN12 is one of the best products, and it’s worth every penny. The 1100 Lumen light provides great brightness that can illuminate a person standing 218 meters away. It utilizes the advanced Cree XM-L2 U2 LED, which provides the user with either a cool white or a neutral white beam. It all depends on your preference.
Technical Specifications of the ThruNite TN12 EDC Flashlight
| Features | ThruNite TN12 |
| Lumens: | 1050 lm |
| Modes: | 5 |
| Material: | Aluminum |
| LED: | Cree XP-L V6 |
| Waterproof: | IPX-8 |
| Length: | 25.4mm |
| Weight: | 9.9 ounces |
| Battery: | 1 Lithium-ion battery is required. |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Despite having a wide range of features, the TN12 can be operated easily with one hand. Use the tail switch to turn on the light or the side switch to cycle through Firefly, low, mid, high, or max light modes. Moreover, the flashlight is powered by one 18650 rechargeable battery, which can be recharged at least 500 times. If you intend to use the flashlight in extreme situations, just know that it is rated as IPX8 waterproof, and it’s also impact-resistant.
Pros:
- It has a thick light head for greater drop resistance
- Compact and lightweight LED light with extended battery life
- Extremely bright light with a maximum output of 1100 Lumens
- It comes with extra accessories like O-rings, pocket clip, and holster
- Sturdy construction for durability
- Firm grip for easy handling even in wet conditions
Cons:
- It heats up when used for long
- In order to activate strobe mode, the light has to be switched on
Olight S2R Rechargeable Flashlight With the Best 18650 Battery
With its convenient and innovative charging system, the Olight S2R rechargeable flashlight upgraded version of Olight S1A is a wonderful tactical light. It runs on one customized Olight 3200mAh 18650 battery that can be recharged using a USB charger, computer, or power bank. The magnetic tail cap is great for outdoor use, and the light has a two-timer. Also, the PMMA TIR lens ensures that the user gets a clear white beam. On a dark night, the Olight S2R light with its CREE XM-L2 LED can produce a maximum output of 1020 Lumens, which is just outstanding for its size.
Technical Specifications of the Olight S2R 18650 Flashlight
| Features | Olight S2R 18650 |
| Lumens: | 1020 lumen output |
| Modes: | 5 |
| Material: | Aluminum |
| LED: | Cree XP-L V6 |
| Waterproof: | IPX-8 |
| Length: | 4.3in/105mm |
| Weight: | 3.58oz (including battery) |
| Battery: | 1 Lithium-ion battery is required. |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
If you don’t want to accidentally switch on the light, you can turn on the lock-out mode. Unlike other 18650 lights, this one comes with a low-voltage indicator for warning you when the battery gets low. Other exceptional features include reverse polarity protection, firm grip, pocket clip, pouch, and flat tail cap. Now let’s check some of the advantages and disadvantages related to the S2R 18650 flashlight reviews.
Pros:
- Pocket sized light constructed with durable and lightweight materials
- USB rechargeable flashlight produces very bright light
- Compact with a firm grip for easy use
- The excellent and convenient charging system
- Look-out feature to prevent accidental turning on of the light
- Waterproof with an IPX8 rating
- 5-year warranty
Cons:
- The beam doesn’t cover a long distance as it is supposed to. It is also not variable but just floodlights.
SureFire P1R Peacekeeper Rechargeable Flashlight
If you are looking for a 18650 flashlight that you can depend on in all situations, the SureFire P1R peacekeeper will be a good choice. This rechargeable LED flashlight is sturdily built of high-quality aluminum. In addition, it uses an indestructible LED to produce a maximum of 600 Lumens. This means that this SureFire flashlight is very bright and covers a great distance. So, you can use it for hunting, hiking, fishing, emergency services, or law enforcement. To add on, it has a coated, tempered window for resisting impact and maximizing light output. This is one of the best 18650 flashlights for survival use.
Technical Specifications of the SureFire P1R Flashlight
| Features | SureFire P1R |
| Lumens: | 600 lm |
| Run-time: | 46 hours |
| Modes: | 2 |
| Body: | Aluminum |
| LED: | XM-L2 LED |
| weatherproof: | Yes |
| Weight: | 1 pound |
| Battery: | 1 Lithium-ion battery required |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
18650 Li-ion rechargeable batteries power the P1R peacekeeper flashlight. When you run out of power, simply recharge the light using an AC charger or a DC car charger. It is also easy to use as it has a tail cap switch for momentary-on or constant-on. The hard bezel can be used to break glass or hit an attacker.
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Very bright light
- Waterproof
- Useful for self defense
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to operate
- Reflector enhances the beam for excellent light
Cons:
- It is somehow costly
Klarus ST15 Rechargeable Device
If you are security personnel or outdoor enthusiast, the Klarus ST15 rechargeable LED light is for you. Just like any other Klarus light, the ST15 is sturdily made for tactical and outdoor use. It is made of an aircraft-grade aluminum 6061-T6 body with a hard-anodized finish. The body can resist water and impact. In addition, it has a reflector to provide the user with a smooth but powerful beam. It uses the latest CREE XP-L HI V3 LED bulb that emits a maximum of 1100 Lumens. This is great for hunting, mountaineering, hiking, or for any other outdoor activity.
Technical Specifications of the Klarus ST15 Flashlight
| Features | Klarus ST15 |
| Lumens: | 1100 lm |
| Modes: | 6 |
| Material: | Aircraft-grade aluminum |
| LED: | CREE XP-L HI V3 |
| Waterproof: | IPX-8 (underwater 2 meters) |
| Length: | 138mm |
| Weight: | 110 g |
| Battery: | 18650 Lithium-ion batteries required |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Other exceptional features include the 4 lighting modes and 2 flashlight modes. So, you can use it for different purposes. The two-way clip allows you to either insert the flashlight in an up or down position. Insert one 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123A batteries that produce high brightness with long battery life. When the light is turned on, it remembers the last light mode.
Pros:
- It has a battery low power protection feature
- Reverse polarity protection to avoid bad battery placement
- 4 light modes for different uses
- It is shock-resistant
- This powerful light is waterproof and impact resistant
- The constant circuit with no PWM dimming avoids flickering of the light.
Cons:
- The information about the flashlight should be more clear
PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Light
PeakPlus is a wonderful flashlight with 5 light modes. It can be zoomed to adjust the focus, with its greatest throw reaching up to 600 feet. Zoom the light to full brightness, medium brightness, low brightness, strobe brightness, or SOS. It runs on one 18650 rechargeable battery or 3 AAA batteries. The flashlight is also water-resistant and shockproof, thus making it ideal for tactical situations, camping, hunting, outdoor, military, fishing, or general use. It is one of the cheapest but best 18650 flashlights.
Technical Specifications of the PeakPlus Super Bright Flashlight
| Features | PeakPlus |
| Lumens: | 1100 lm |
| Beam Range: | 200 to 500 meters |
| Modes: | 5 |
| Material: | Aluminum Alloy |
| LED: | CREE XP-L HI V3 |
| Water Resistant, Anti-abrasive, Skidproof: | Yes |
| Weight: | 11.2 ounces |
| Battery: | 1 x 18650 Battery (included) OR 3 x AAA Batteries (not included) |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Using this flashlight is a joy as it comes with a wide range of accessories such as a case, 1X 18650 rechargeable battery, AA battery holder, lithium-ion charger, and a user manual. The long-lasting aluminum body made this light suitable for use in extreme wet weather conditions. At such a great price, you will be able to get a quality light that brightens your path, camp, or even a dark alley.
Pros:
- Easy to use the flashlight with the zoom in or out function
- Pocket size flashlight for easy carry
- Sturdy construction from aluminum alloy
- Four light modes for outdoor, tactical, and general use
- Over-charging protection
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Not the most durable flashlight
Anker Tactical Rechargeable LED Flashlight
The beautiful and sturdily made Anker tactical LED flashlight is a quality 18650 light for versatile use. It uses CREE LED, which produces a maximum of 900 Lumens and offers the user 5 light modes. The light modes are low, medium, high, strobe, and SOS modes. This compact USB rechargeable flashlight is made in a unique way so that it can perfectly fit in your pocket. Additionally, it has an anti-slip finish that allows the user to hold the light tightly even when intense situations.
Technical Specifications of the Anker Tactical Rechargeable Flashlight
| Features | Anker |
| Lumens: | 900 lm |
| Run-time: | Up to 6 hours |
| Modes: | 5 |
| Material: | Durable Aluminum |
| LED: | Cree LED XM-L2 |
| Water Resistant: | IP65-rated |
| Length: | 200 m |
| Weight: | 6.24 ounces |
| Battery: | 1 Lithium-ion battery required |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
The flashlight runs on one 18650 3350mAh battery that can be recharged using the micro-USB charging cable included in the purchase bundle. Other excellent features are IP65 waterproof rating, maximum beam distance of 200 meters, a runtime of 6 hours, zoomable light, and a shock-resistant body. This is a great flashlight for hunting, dog walking, hiking, and law enforcement with such outstanding features. On top of that, the manufacturer offers the user an 18-month warranty.
Pros:
- Self defensive weapon
- Durable tactical flashlights for outdoor use
- Easy to interface
- Extremely bright light with a max of 900 Lumens
- It is shockproof and impact resistant
- Small and lightweight for everyday carry
- Worry-free charging as it doesn’t’ overheat
- 18-month warranty
Cons:
- Charging the flashlight through the USB is a bit slow
- Recharging the light is somehow annoying as you have to unscrew and screw the back part
Outlite A100 Handheld LED Light
For those who don’t have much to spend but still want a quality and bright flashlight, the Outlite A100 LED a flashlight is a great option. The flashlight uses LED technology with a lifespan of 100 000 hours. When the head is adjusted to the spotlight, the beam covers up to 600ft, which is just amazing for outdoor use. Powered by a 18650 lithium-ion battery, this flashlight will offer you 5 light modes to select from. These are the low, mid, high, strobe, and SOS modes. Strobe mode can be utilized to disorient an assailant, while the SOS mode can be used when you are in danger or lost. Outlite A100 is the best 18650 flashlight for the money.
Technical Specifications of the Outlite A100 Handheld Flashlight
| Features | Outlite A100 |
| Lumens: | 450 lm |
| Modes: | 5 |
| Material: | Aluminum |
| LED: | XM-L T6 LED |
| Water Resistant: | Yes |
| Weight: | 5.3 ounces |
| Battery: | Lithium Metal batteries required |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
This durable flashlight is made of high-quality 6061T aluminum alloy, and it is waterproof. As a result, you can use it in rainfall. Alternately, you can power on this flashlight using 3X AAA batteries. Since it’s a durable light, you can use it for outdoor or general activities.
Pros:
- Water-resistant and shockproof
- Sturdy construction for longevity
- 5 light modes
- Easy to use
- Covers a wide area or particular spot by zooming it
- Portable and compact
Cons:
- The toggle is flimsy
- It heats up after prolonged use
Urpower Tactical Rechargeable Flashlights
The Urpower is another outstanding 18650 rechargeable tactical flashlight. It might be the cheapest flashlight on this list, but it still performs well. Similar to most of the best 18650 flashlights, this LED light can be zoomed in or out for a spot or flood beam. In addition, it has 5 light modes, which make it be versatile. When you run out of power, easily charge the flashlight using its charger, which is protected with the overcharge feature. Also, it has reverse polarity and short circuit protection features.
Technical Specifications of the Urpower Tactical Flashlight
| Features | Urpower |
| Lumens: | 1000 lm |
| Run-time: | 5 hours |
| Max Lighting Range: | 1150ft |
| Modes: | 5 |
| Material: | Aluminum |
| LED: | Super Bright CREE LED |
| Rainproof: | IPX5 |
| Length: | 5 5/16″ |
| Weight: | 3.23oz |
| Battery: | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
What makes this light to be unique is its exceptional brightness that can brighten a very dark area and cover up to 1150 ft. Use it outdoors without the fear of rainfall or dropping, as it is both water and impact-resistant. Also, the aluminum construction will give you years of use as the aluminum body is slip and shock-resistance. With a runtime of 5 hours, this is a great light for walking the dog, hunting, or even fishing.
Pros:
- Built to last long
- Very bright flashlight with a max of 1000 Lumens
- Waterproof with an IPX5 rating
- 5 light modes for versatile use
- Easy and safe to recharge
- Reverse polarity protection
Cons:
- It takes 6 hours to fully charge, which is a lot of time
- It has short run times, which may not be ideal for most outdoor and tactical activities.
Most common questions about 18650 flashlights
What is a 18650 flashlight?
18650 is a battery type, and if you use that in your flashlight, then it will be called 18650 flashlights.
What does it mean 18650?
18650 means the size of the battery, and it’s 18mm by 65mm.
What type of chemistry is used in 18650 batteries?
Mostly Lithium-ion chemical. So most of the batteries supported micro-USB charging
What is the Voltage of 18650 batteries?
The 18650 battery is usually rated at 3.6volts or 3.7volts.
Related article: What are the best Nitecore flashlights in 2023?
Conclusion
A flashlight is a great survival tool that every person ought to have for self defense. It doesn’t matter if it’s walking your dog in the evening, camping, hiking, reading in the dark, fishing, emergency response, law enforcement, or any other outdoor activity; a flashlight will still make the difference. The best 18650 flashlights will give you more flexibility than any other flashlight. The 18650 batteries have proven time and time, and they can be relied on due to their longer runtime and rechargeable nature. So, you don’t need to buy batteries more often as they can be recharged several times.
I hope you have found a flashlight from our list that you think will help you out in your endeavors?
FAQ
Question: My flashlight is flickering. What should I do?
Answer: There are various reasons that may cause your flashlight to flicker. The first and most common cause is a dead battery. If the battery is dead, replace it. Another cause is dirt on the screw threads or other contacts. Rectify this by cleaning the contact points using a cotton ball dipped in alcohol.
Question: How do I change the batteries in my flashlight?
Answer: Changing the batteries in your best 18650 flashlights shouldn’t be a problem at all. Just remove the cap, which is usually located at the tail end of the flashlight, by twisting it counter-clockwise. Get rid of dead batteries and put new ones with the negative of the flat side of the battery facing the spring in the flashlight. In case your flashlight utilizes a battery cartridge, place it with the arrow pointing towards the flashlight.
Question: Is there any difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
Answer: Yes, there is. If your flashlight is rated to be waterproof, this means that it can be submerged in water and still function very well. But if it is said to be weather-resistant or water-resistant, this means that it can resist water, but when submerged in water, it may fail to work. Always check the flashlight rating before submerging it in water.
Still, have a question after reading this best 18650 flashlight? Comment below.
Will the flashlight be damaged if an 18650 5000mAh is used instead of an 18650 4000mAh?
It will not damage 18650 flashlights. But, 5000mAh battery has more capacity, more storage. That means, it will last a bit longer than 4000mAh.