10 Best Keychain Flashlights of 2021

The keychain flashlight has long been seen as a novelty and decorative item by many. However, as technology progressed; smaller, more powerful and more efficient LED drivers have been developed and fitted into them.

Consequently, despite their lightweight and compact size, some keychain flashlights can today rival the luminosity of a regular flashlight. Best, keychain flashlights are also the most affordable illumination tool money can buy.

If you are fresh on the market for such a tool, you have come to the right place. We’ve hand-picked some of the best keychain flashlights for the money and give you our impressions. As we’ll see, some are better than others!

• Weight: 0.8 ounce
• Dimension: 5.1 x 3.3 × 0.3 inches
• Type of Battery: LR44 battery

The Streamlight 73001 keychain flashlight is one of the lightest and most affordable solutions in this review. Despite having a low price, it still has an excellent build construction.

The case is made from an aircraft aluminum with a black anodized finish. This is a scratch proof and more resistant to scuffing. The 5mm lens in this unit are parabolic in shape and has been optimized to ensure that it delivers a widespread and clean light. The light will be uniform and it won't dazzle the eyes or create shadow areas.

Moreover, this unit runs on the new LR44 battery type which ensures that this keychain flashlight has an excellent a runtime of 8 hours. This product is well-built, small and discrete as well as produces an excellent light. It can be used for a general purpose illumination tool when required and doesn’t cost that much.

If you’re looking for a lightweight and tiny keychain flashlight that is both well-built and durable, we can safely recommend the Streamlight 73001.

• Lumens: 120 lumens
• Weight: 0.48 ounce
• Dimension: 2.8 x 0.6 Inches
• Type of Battery: AAA

The Thrunite Ti3 is a classical EDC flashlight that is also small enough to be used as a flashlight keychain. This is a solid and well-built model from aluminum that can withstand heavy-duty applications.

With its 120 lumens, it isn't the brightest keychain flashlight but this unit is definitely more than bright for most people. Especially those using this flashlight for casual use.

Moreover, this model is quite convenient as it has a belt clip for better accessibility and used only 1 AAA battery to operate. Of course, it even has a keychain. There are many ways you can hang this flashlight.

All in all, this is a simple, durable, and yet practical keychain that provides good illumination for its size. The only caveat is that the price is a little bit higher than other models.

We can only recommend this model if you like the looks of it. If else, there are better models that are more bang for the buck in this keychain flashlight review.

• Weight: 0.16 ounce
• Dimension: 1 × 1 × 0.3 inches
• Type of Battery: CR2016 battery

The Finware is a 5-pack set of mini LED lights. This model is ideally used as a gift set, but can still be used for personal practical illumination purposes.

This product is extremely lightweight at only 0.16 ounces and has one of the most compact form factors. The operation is quite simple as it has only a power switch for on or off.

Moreover, this product is powered by a button cell CR2016 battery that is efficient and long-lasting. Replacement of the battery is not a problem down the line. Best, this battery guarantees at least 12 hours of runtime which is excellent.

But what is really interesting about this unit is that it's water-resistant, making it a good companion as an outdoor bag keychain.

The Finware is highly affordable and if you are going camping, or know someone who is, it's a very affordable keychain flashlight that will surely come in handy.

• Lumens: 380 lumens
• Weight: 0.47 ounce
• Dimension: 1.7 × 1 × 0.45 inches
• Type of Battery: Built-in 280 Li-ion battery

While most other keychain flashlights concentrate on size and sacrifice brightness, the Nitecore USB rechargeable keychain flashlight does both quite effectively.

This is a very bright unit that has an efficient and powerful CREE XP-G2 S3 LED driver that can output a whopping 380 lumens.

Quite impressive for a keychain flashlight that measures no more than 1.7 inches in length. Even more so, this product claims to have a runtime of 60 hours which is one of the best runtime stats around.

Additionally, the flashlight still has an excellent build construction even if it's made of plastic. The flashlight has a solid build that is durable and will last. The power buttons and light mode switches are premium-grade with a nice clicky feeling according to its users.

This model will make an excellent EDC keychain flashlight. Coupled with the fact that you can purchase this unit in 7 different colors, which is quite a fashion statement as well.

• Lumens: 37 lumens
• Weight: 0.8 ounce
• Dimension: 0.5 × 3.2 × 0.5 inches
• Type of Battery: AAA battery

The Maglite Solitaire isn't the most powerful illumination tool on the market as it only outputs 37 lumens. This isn't much by any means. However, it consistently ranks amongst the best AAA keychain flashlights that exist.

There are many reasons for this. For one, it has an excellent build construction made of an aluminum alloy that makes it durable and long-lasting. The manufacturer claims that this keychain flashlight is so sturdy that it should last a lifetime.

Furthermore, to promote ergonomics and handling, this model has tiny anti-skid grooves. You can even handle it with wet hands without it slipping.

To sweeten the deal, you can purchase this model in 6 different color variants and a spare bulb is included in the purchase.

Bottomline is this. If you need a very powerful and bright keychain flashlight, this model is not for you. However, if you want a highly durable keychain flashlight that could possibly last for decades, go get this model right now!

• Lumens: 150 lumens
• Weight: 1.76 ounces
• Dimension: 2.8 × 0.6 × 0.6 inches
• Type of Battery: AAA battery

Nitefox K3 is a mini keychain flashlight that despite its ultra-small length of 2.8 inches packs a real punch.

It can deliver an impressive brightness of 150 lumens which is more than enough to get a clear visibility in the dark. Moreover, it has 3 light modes that can quickly and easily be changed. An emergency strobe light mode is included.

The chassis is made from an aluminum alloy that makes it long-lasting and durable. There is a keychain attached at the end, but the Nitefox K3 is really a multi-purpose and mini EDC keychain flashlight that can be used as a regular flashlight.

It even offers the convenience of accepting rechargeable AAA batteries. All in all, if you require a LED keychain flashlight that does not cost a lot of money and is fully functional, the Nitefox K3 comes highly recommended.

• Lumens: 200 lumens
• Weight: 0.16 ounce
• Dimension: 2.5 x 1 x 1 inches
• Type of Battery: 16340 battery

In our opinion, the Nicron Mini is one of the best keychain flashlights in this review. It has everything we like in a miniature flashlight, from performance to durability.

The CREE XPE2 R3 LED driver in this unit can output an impressive 200 lumens of light without overheating. It has decent runtimes and this product is featherweight at only 0.16 ounces. Very portable.

Coupled with the fact that this unit measures only 2.5 inches, the Nicron Mini is highly portable and a pleasure to hold in the hands indeed. Additionally, the bottom is totally flat, making it sit flush on a table. Ideal for making it into a reading lamp.

Further, the Nicron Mini has a beam distance of 90 m allowing it shine very long distances quite effectively. But it doesn't stop there as this model has 4 light modes for more versatility.

• Lumens: 200 lumens
• Weight: 0.8 ounce
• Dimension: 0.5 x 0.6 x 1.6 inches
• Type of Battery: 10180 battery

Based on what we can gather, the Sdenow Mini is a generic keychain flashlight that has decent specs. We say it's generic because there are similar models to this one, with same specs but under different names.

However, let's give it a fair review. The LED driver in this device is quite efficient and can output an impressive 200 lumens of light without overheating.

Additionally, this model is one of the lightest and shortest in this review at 0.8 ounces and 1.6 inches in length. This lightweight and compact form factor allows it to fit anywhere and serves as an excellent keychain flashlight.

The build quality is decent and its made from an aluminum alloy for durability. It also has grooves on the surface to make it more comfortable to hold and anti-skid when used with wet hands.

What really differentiates this model from others is its quick charging time of less than an hour. Quite impressive. Even more, it's fully IPX-7 waterproof making it an excellent mini keychain flashlight that can be used outdoors.

• Lumens: 25 lumens
• Weight: 0.48 ounce
• Dimension: 0.3 x 1.8 x 0.3 inches
• Type of Battery: LR521 battery

The Keysmart Nano is in our opinion one of the best keychain flashlights in terms of build quality. Indeed, this patent protected model feels like it was carved straight out of a solid block of stainless steel. It gives it this premium feel and premium look.

It isn’t a very bright keychain flashlight as it outputs only 25 lumens of light. This isn’t a lot but still manageable for those out camping and need a little light that is not too dazzling to the eyes.

This mini flashlight is highly compact and lightweight. Moreover, this flashlight is extremely easy to operate and has an interesting way of turning it on. You simply have to twist it in one direction to power it on and twist it back the other direction to turn it off. We haven’t seen this in a keychain flashlight before.

The only caveat with this model is its price as it's a little steep but you always get what you pay for, right?

If you don’t require much light but need a very high-quality keychain flashlight that you can use in the long term, then the Keysmart Nano Torch keychain flashlight is an excellent grab for the money.

• Lumens: 550 lumens
• Weight: 2.08 ounces
• Dimension: 7.2 x 2.8 x 0.8 inches
• Type of Battery: Built-in 130 mAh Polymer Li-ion

And finally, we have the best for last. The RovyVon is by far the most powerful keychain flashlight in this review with its impressive brightness of 550 lumens. This is it does bright flashlight that can even be used as an EDC keychain flashlight.

This model isn’t the lightest by keychain flashlight standards as it weighs 2.08 ounces, but in all fairness, this is still extremely light.

This flashlight is also quite portable measuring 2 inches in length which makes it an incredibly powerful mini keychain flashlight for the money.

The build construction is superb as the RovyVon is made from stainless steel with a PVD coating making it durable and long-lasting.

Moreover, it has a built-in 130 mA Polymer Li-Ion battery that cannot be replaced. However, this model has a very distinct feature as it has a red light indicator that shows when the battery is in low mode. It will shine red to indicate low battery. Neat!

The caveat is that this model is quite pricey, in fact, the most expensive model in this entire keychain flashlight review so far.

1. Size

While most keychain flashlights are already small, some are smaller than other models. Their small size makes them very portable and one of the best advantages of the keychain flashlight is that you easily forget they are there until you need them.

We recommend that you do not necessarily choose the smallest keychain flashlight, but rather the most powerful keychain that is most suited to your need. If you need a little more brightness, it does not harm to choose a model that is a little bit bigger.

Keep in mind that size is relative when it comes to keychain flashlights. The biggest of them are still small when compared to a regular size flashlight.

2. Durability

Since you will probably be taking your keychain flashlight out in the open where it will be exposed to the elements, it is important that the flashlight is durable.

For best durability, we recommend that you choose a shell casing made of an aluminum alloy. It will be lightweight and long-lasting.

However, you can even go with a plastic keychain flashlight if you are on an absolute budget. Just make sure to tuck your keychain flashlight in your pocket to prevent exposure from the outside.

3. Battery

A common type of battery used in a keychain flashlight is the button cell battery CR2016. This type of battery is small but has enough voltage to power the LED driver and produces sufficient lighting.

However, there are models that come with AAA batteries and even if they are not as small or flat as models equipped with CR2016 ones, they deliver much more light. You will need to choose the battery type based on your need.

In short, for portability CR2016 is the best while other types of batteries are for performance and brightness.

4. Bulb Type

In the past, the best keychain flashlights were equipped with incandescent bulbs. Unfortunately, this type of bulb is not very power efficient and also does not deliver a good type of light.

For the best bang for the buck, we recommend that you go with a keychain flashlight equipped with an LED driver.

5. Beam Type

The light emitted from a keychain flashlight is typically widespread and not focused because most models lack the zoom function.

If you simply require an illumination tool, then the beam distance is not a very important factor for you.

However, make sure that the flashlight is equipped with a lens so as to spread the light in a wide angle, providing maximum visibility.

6. Light Modes

Modern keychain flashlights come in different light modes that makes them versatile. You have the ability to switch from high to low on the fly.

Most models have a basic of 2 light modes while most sophisticated models may have up to 4 or even more.

7. Weight

Most keychain flashlights are optimized for weight and are highly portable. However, accessibility is also an important factor.

Features like a clip will allow you to hang your flashlight anywhere for better accessibility.

Furthermore, since this tool is so small, being able to attach it to yourself or to your bag will prevent you from losing it.

As we’ve seen, the best keychain flashlight should not cost you a lot of money as they are highly affordable. They are also portable, reliable and versatile tools so they can be used anywhere you require illumination.

Additionally, those flashlights come in a wide variety of shapes so they can even be used as a fashion statement. Hanging them in your bag is a popular choice, but you can really hang them anywhere; from car keys to camping bags. The sky is the limit.

Finally, we recommend that you choose a keychain flashlight based on your need and take into account its size and battery it uses. If you have not found a decent model yet, go through our review again.