EDC means every day Carry. Such EDC items include keys, a phone, a wallet, and a knife. But did you know that a flashlight is one of the essential EDC items that you should have? A good quality flashlight can help you when there is a blackout, when you come home late, when you walk with your dog at night, or when you need to change your car tire at night. Thus, you need a small, compact, high-quality everyday carry light. But, It is not easy to find the best EDC flashlight for the money!
You may find different types of flashlights like 18650 flashlights, AA flashlights, single AAA flashlights, or Rechargeable flashlights. But, Size is the most important thing you should consider before buying an EDC flashlight. After that, brightness, water-resistant, shock-resistant, lumens, durability, battery, switch, etc., features need to check.
Top 4 Best EDC Flashlight Comparison 2024
| Image | EDC Flashlights | Lumens & Modes | Feature Details |
|---|---|---|---|
(2023 Editor’s Choice) Check Price | Olight S1R Cree XM-L2 CW Compact EDC LED Flashlight Read Review | Lumens: 1000 Modes: 3 | |
(High-lumen Choice) Check Price | ThruNite TN12 XP-L Cool White EDC LED Flashlight Read Review | Lumens: 1050 Modes: 6 | |
(Tactical Choice) Check Price | Streamlight 88061 ProTac 1L-1AA Dual Fuel Professional Tactical Light Read Review | Lumens: 350 Modes: 4 | |
(Cheap Choice) Check Price | LUMINTOP Tool AA EDC Flashlight Read Review | Lumens: 550 Modes: 3 |
Our Top Pick EDC Flashlight video review:
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Currently, there are so many EDC flashlights on the market. This can be so confusing, and that’s why we have created this review to help people like you find the best EDC flashlight for your daily use. Before you select a flashlight, there are a number of things that you ought to know. Flashlights vary in construction, performance, brightness, run-time, and versatility. Choosing a reliable flashlight for your daily use can save you from danger.
Top Rated Best EDC Flashlight Review 2024
Having a flashlight can improve survivability in different situations and assist you with your day-to-day lighting needs. Whether it is a hooligan waiting for you down the garage or an attacker trying to ambush you, the everyday carry flashlight will single them out quickly and assist you to call for help or disorient them. So, what are the best EDC flashlights of 2024? If you want a high-quality everyday carry flashlight, then check our top ten list:
Olight S1 Baton EDC Flashlight (Our Top Pick)
The Olight S1 Baton has become a favorite EDC flashlight over the years due to its compact design and pocket-friendly size. With a maximum Lumen of 500, this flashlight can light your darkroom or path without any problem. It has a Cree XM-L2 CW LED and a PMMA TIR lens with a 90% light transmittance rate. These allow it to provide bright white light. Press the easy-to-use button to switch on the light and cycle through the 3 light modes and 2 special modes. Olight S1 Baton is our top pick and best EDC flashlight 2024.
Technical Specifications of the Olight S1
Features |
Olight S1 Baton |
| Maximum Brightness: | 500 lumens |
| Minimum Brightness: | 8 Lumens |
| Maximum Run-time: | 500 lumens. 25 day |
| Beam Distance: | 110 Meters |
| Modes: | 3 |
| LED: | CREE XM-L2 |
| Length: | 2.4 inches |
| Weight: | 1.12 ounces |
| Battery: | 1 CR123A battery is required. |
Check Today’s PricePros:
- Provides bright light with a maximum of 500 Lumens
- 3 light modes and 2 special modes for a wide range of uses
- Pocket clip for attaching to the pocket
- Firm grip for easy handling
- It has a long runtime as it runs on a 1x CR123A battery
- Sturdy construction with an anti-scratch finish
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons:
- It is very small for a medium-sized hand
- It doesn’t come with a battery.
Streamlight 88061 ProTac LED Light
If you want an EDC flashlight for camping or hiking, Streamlight ProTac will be a great fit for you. Equipped with a 3 watt super high influx LED with a 20,000 hrs lifespan, you will get quality and interrupted light for 6.75 continuous hours. It is also powered by lightweight CR123A batteries and has a two-way clip for easy attachment to the belt or pocket. The flashlight is safe to use as it is RoHS compliant and meets applicable European Community Directives. The Magnetic tail cap helps you easy hand free operation in the dark.
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Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Durable construction
- 3 light modes for versatile use
- Two-way pocket clip for easy storage
- Easy to operate
- Waterproof with an IPX7 rating
Cons:
- Poorly made switch that spoils after a short period. Use it carefully.
Lumintop 550 Lumen Pocket-size Flashlight
The Lumintop pocket-size flashlight uses Cree XP-L HD LED with a lifespan of 50 000 hrs. It is the best EDC flashlight under 30. The aircraft-grade aluminum alloy is a sturdy material and lightweight as well. Using this 550 Lumen flashlight is very easy with just one hand.
Related Product: What is the Best Keychain Flashlight in 2024?
Also, you can cycle through the 3 light modes that it comes with for different uses. Since the flashlight is impact resistant, accidental droppings will not render it useless as it will still function well. Utilize the flashlight as you go out hunting, hiking, or searching for the lost keys in the yard.
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Pros:
- It is waterproof thus suitable for different weather conditions
- Durable construction with the aircraft-grade aluminum
- Impact-resistant and corrosion free
- Portable and lightweight flashlight
- Three output modes for different uses
- Firm grip for easy handling
- 5 years warranty
Cons:
- Many users complained that the flashlight is not as bright as advertised.
ThruNite TN12 EDC Light Tool
Made with the latest Cree XP-L V6 LED technology, the ThruNite TN12 EDC flashlights are the brightest flashlight on this list. It produces a maximum output of 1100 Lumens on its 18650 rechargeable battery. The battery is USB rechargeable via the cord. The side switch allows you to toggle between six different modes. This is the perfect flashlight for your outdoor needs as it offers 6 light modes. The modes are the firefly, low, medium, high, turbo, and strobe modes. The upgraded stainless steel switch is easy to use, and the thick head makes the light to be more impact resistant.
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Pros:
- Durable aluminum construction
- Pocket clip and lanyard for easy storage
- Compact and lightweight EDC flashlight
- Centralized LED for a focused beam
- Extremely bright light with a maximum of 1100 Lumens
- Supports USB charging
- Powered by the energy-efficient 18650 batteries for a longer runtime
- 6 light modes for different uses
Cons:
- It is somehow bigger and heavier than most EDC flashlights
- The tactical flashlights are a bit costly
Nitecore MT1A Mini LED Flashlight
Built for everyday use, the Nitecore MT1A is a flashlight that everyone should have. It is small and lightweight, making it easy to keep. Despite its subcompact design, the MT1A mini flashlight offers the user 5 light modes, a strobe and SOS mode. Slip it easily in your pockets, purse, or backpack.
Related article: Need a light that can be rechargeable? Check our best rechargeable flashlight list.
It is also sturdily constructed to withstand tough conditions like water, impact, and corrosion. Powered by a 1 AA battery, this is the perfect flashlight for your daily lighting needs. Thus, it is called the best EDC flashlight aa.
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Pros:
- Easy to operate with the convenient two-mode interface
- Has an extra Lumen tactical keychain flashlight
- A versatile flashlight with 5 brightness levels to select from
- Water and impact resistant
- Anti-roll design that prevents rolling when dropped accidentally
- High-quality construction with the aero-grade aluminum alloy
Cons:
- It is not very bright, with a maximum of 180 Lumens
Klarus Mi7 EDC Flashlights
If you are looking for the best EDC flashlight under 50, then buy this flashlight. The klarus Mi7 flashlight is a very durable and bright EDC tactical light. If you want a tactical quality flashlight but small, then this is the flashlight for you. Klarus is known for its sturdy and versatile flashlights. The Klarus Mi7 may be just a small flashlight, but it still delivers in tough conditions. It is the perfect EDC light for your hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, or rescue missions. Made of sturdy aerospace-grade aluminum, this flashlight is both impact and water-resistant. Switch the flashlight to the lock-out mode and slip it into the pocket. You will not have any accidental activation.
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Pros:
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight and portable
- One-touch access to different light modes
- Over-discharge protection
- Scratch-resistant
- The light is Micro USB rechargeable via a USB charging port
- Waterproof and impact resistant
- Extremely bright light with a maximum of 700 Lumens
Cons:
- Slightly costly
LED Flashlight Coast G19
In addition to their line of quality knives, flashlights, and multi-tools, Coast flashlight products offer a lifetime warranty. The Coast G19 LED flashlight is offered at a very affordable price. It is also compact and lightweight, making it suitable for everyday use. Even though it is small, the G19 inspection light provides an excellent illumination that covers up to 20 meters. In addition, it can run for 2 hrs 30 minutes. The firm grip allows you to hold it firmly, even in wet conditions. Put it in your front pocket or attach it to your belt using the clip.
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Pros:
- Simple and compact design
- Portable and lightweight
- Impact and water-resistant
- Firm grip for easy use
- Coast lifetime warranty
Cons:
- It’s very small and not very good for medium hands.
- Not the brightest light to have on a dark night
Surefire Defender Flashlight Series
With its high output of 300 Lumens, the Surefire defender is an ideal light for your daily lighting needs. It has an ergonomic tactical magnetic tail cap for quick access to maximum output in emergency situations. The Surefire flashlight is powered by a high-energy CR123A battery that gives it a long run time. When attacked, you can use the strike bezel to hit the attacker. Additionally, the revolutionary pocket clip enables you to attach the flashlight in any direction.
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Pros:
- Dual tail cap click switch for easy operation
- Sturdily constructed with an aerospace aluminum body
- A great defensive weapon with a strike bezel
- Compact design for easy storage
- Weatherproof flashlight
- The TIR lens produces a focused beam
Cons:
- A bit costly when compared to other EDC lights
Fenix PD25 LED Tactical Flashlight
Offered by one of the most trusted brands on the market, Fenix pd25 is a great flashlight for outdoor lovers. The 550 Lumen flashlight produces a very powerful beam of light that reaches up to 130 meters. It is powered by one 16340 rechargeable Lithium ion battery or 3V CR123A lithium batteries. Li-ion batteries are known for better runtime with long battery life. The flashlight can last for 100 hrs on low mode, which is amazing for such a light. Whether it’s raining or not, the flashlight will still function as it is rated as IPX8 waterproof. Despite these excellent features, this EDC flashlight weighs less and can be kept with much ease.
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Pros:
- Uses Cree XP-L (V5) LED with a lifespan of 50 000 hours
- Produces bright light with a maximum of 550 Lumens
- The tactical flashlights have a low-voltage warning function to let you know when to change the battery
- This light has an anti-roll design that prevents the flashlight from rolling when it falls
- It is versatile as it offers 5 light modes and strobe mode
Cons:
- It accidentally lights on in the pocket
Surefire 6 PX Pro Flashlight
The Surefire 6PX Pro is a simple but powerful flashlight. It uses a virtually indestructible LED bulb that emits a maximum of 600 Lumens. This is further boosted by the polycarbonate micro-textured reflector that creates an excellent beam of light. To turn on the light, you can use the dual tactical tail cap switch for momentary-on and then access the high or low light modes with 200 Lumens and 15 Lumens, respectively. You will get better runtime on a low setting.
In addition to these features, the Surefire 6PX pro has a mil-spec hard-anodized finish to defy corrosion. You can also use this flashlight in rainfall as it has a waterproof rating of IPX4.
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Features:
- Aerospace aluminum construction
- Maximum of 200 Lumen
- Polycarbonate micro-textured reflector
- Hard-anodized finish
- Dual tail cap switch
- Hard strike bezel
- Virtually indestructible LED technology
- Two light modes
Pros:
- It is lightweight and portable
- The light is sold at a very good price
- It produces excellent light
- The EDC light is waterproof
- It is durably made with a strong aerospace aluminum body
- Easy to use with the dual-output tail cap clicky switch
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a firm grip, and it tends to slip from the hand during use
GearLight LED S1000 EDC Tactical Lights
At such a great price, you will get two GearLight EDC flashlights in one bundle. Buy the flashlight bundle as a present for your son, who loves outdoor activities. This handheld flashlight might be cheap, but it is very powerful. It comes with 5 light modes for different uses. The S1000 initial version of GearLight s1200 light runs on 3x AAA batteries or a single 18650 rechargeable battery. If you are out camping and want a very bright light, zoom it in for a spotlight or out for a flood beam. Moreover, it will defy all weather conditions to be it rain or dust. This is because it is weather resistant. The indestructible LED bulb will provide you with years of use.
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Pros:
- Strong, military-grade aluminum body
- Ideal for self defense
- Weather and shock-resistant
- 5 light modes for different purposes
- It has a tactical tail switch for easy one-handed operation
- Anti-roll design to prevent rolling when it falls accidentally
- USB rechargeable cord included
- Lightweight and compact design
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Not as bright as advertised. For better brightness, you can use the Imalent DN35 2200 Lumens flashlight
- Cycling through the different modes is a bit challenging
Features to look for in the best EDC Flashlights
Each and every one of us have those items that we can’t miss to carry on a daily basis. A Flashlight is one of them.
Type of bulb
– before the LED bulb was discovered, most flashlights used the incandescent bulb. Today, many flashlights with EDC included usually use LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. These are preferred over incandescent bulbs because they provide greater efficiency, greater brightness, better battery consumption, and are indestructible.
Lumens
– the number of Lumens a flashlight has determined how bright your light will be. Normally, everyday carry flashlights come with Lumens of between 50 and 1000. Depending on what you want to use the flashlight for, you can either go for a powerful or less powerful light. For instance, a 50 to 200 Lumen flashlight will be the best deal if you want a light for home use. But if you want an EDC for outdoor use, then you should consider a light with at least 400 Lumens or more.
Battery type
– how long do you intend to use the flashlight? Is it just for a few hours or for the entire night? The type of battery your flashlight uses will determine how long the flashlight will last. A good number of EDC flashlights are powered by AA, AAA, or CR123A batteries. AA and AAA batteries are very easy to find and cheap, too. CR123A batteries are not easy to find but provide the longest run time. They are also lighter when compared to AA batteries. Also, consider buying a rechargeable flashlight that provides the best run-time.
Waterproof rating
– there is a high chance that you will have to use your flashlight in extreme weather conditions, like when it’s raining. A good flashlight should be in a position to offer you light even when the conditions are not favorable. For this reason, make sure that you check the water resistance rating of the flashlight. Most of them are rated using the IPX code. It can be IPX4, IPX7, or IPX8 waterproof rating.
Related article: Which One is More Advanced Between Klarus XT11GT and XT12GT?
Construction
– since you will be carrying the flashlights every day, it is prone to fall, crash, or get some knocks. So, having a quality and sturdily made flashlight will resist breaking or spoiling on impact. That’s why you should consider buying a flashlight built of metal instead of plastic. As a result, you will end up using the flashlight for a very long period of time.
Size of the flashlight
– the aim of EDC is to have a flashlight that can provide you with light, but at the same time, it shouldn’t be a burden to carry. Ideal EDC flashlights should be small enough to fit in your pocket easily. Hence, you will need a flashlight that is less than 4-inches long, and it should be light. This means that you will have to sacrifice things like runtime and brightness. The smaller the light, the less powerful it becomes. Though, there are some exceptional small, everyday carry flashlights. In addition, a short light will be easy to slip into your pocket than a longer one. Even some EDC flashlights can be used as a keychain flashlights. Durably constructed EDC lights can also be used for self defense.
Type of switch
– no one wants a flashlight that takes them ages to switch on. Before you buy a flashlight, ensure that it is easy to operate. A one-handed operation light is the best, especially if you need it in an emergency scenario. Also, the side switch should not turn on itself when put in the pocket. This will drain your battery for nothing.
Weight
– I wouldn’t want to weigh down my pocket with a heavy flashlight. Therefore, it is crucial that you consider the weight of the flashlight before buying. For instance, aluminum and titanium flashlights are lighter than steel flashlights. Also, use CR123A batteries as they are lighter.
Summary
Not every EDC flashlight that you see out there is worth having. First, you need to know what features you desire the most and the purpose of the flashlight. Some are built for tactical use, while others are just good for simple lighting needs. Also, there are those that offer stunning brightness, and others are known for their versatility. Whatever the case, you should ensure that you spend your cash on a flashlight that will be reliable and deliver when you need it to. In the above list, we have offered you flashlights that are sturdily built, powerful, and easy to carry. Most of the time, people take flashlights for granted until they are in need of them. But, it is one of the essential items that you should carry.
FAQ
Question: What features should I look for in an EDC flashlight?
Answer: The best EDC flashlights should be portable, well designed for easy carry in your pockets or for attaching to the keychain, they should have a strong housing to withstand impact, be bright with various light modes, and they should have a good waterproof rating.
Question: Which batteries should I choose for my EDC light, between AA and Lithium-ion batteries?
Answer: Normally, EDC flashlights are powered by either AA or Lithium-ion batteries. AA batteries are easily available and are cheap. The only challenge is that they tend to drain faster. On the other hand, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries run for a longer period of time but cannot be easily found. Also, they are quite expensive than AA batteries. Also, lithium batteries are usually larger, and having an EDC flashlight of this ort will take up much space in your pocket.
Question: How long do EDC Flashlights last?
Answer: This depends on the type of material the EDC flashlight is made of. Most of the EDC lights are made with a durable polymer material that is long-lasting. But overall, it depends on how well you maintain your flashlight. Also, a flashlight that is waterproof has a higher chance of lasting longer than one that is not protected from water.
Still, have a question after reading this best EDC flashlight review? Comment below.