10 Best Pocket Flashlights of 2021

When you need a compact and portable flashlight, nothing beats the pocket flashlight. This is a small illumination tool that fits in your pocket and delivers a lot of brightness. Furthermore, it can be used in a wide range of occasions, from camping, hunting to even biking, amongst others.

If you are looking for the best pocket flashlight for the money, we have exactly what you need!

We handpicked a selection of popular pocket flashlights and give you our impressions below. Hopefully, this will help you find a compact model for your need.

Without any further ado, let us get started.

• Dimensions: 0.5 x 5.25 x 0.5 inches
• Weight: 2.47 ounces

The Gearlight S1000 is a pack of 2 pocket flashlights that has an unbeatable price.

This model is weather and water-resistant. Thus, Gearlight S1000 is an excellent choice for outdoor activities like camping. It can't be dipped in water though, as the S1000 isn't waterproof.

To promote accessibility, the belt clip is removable and adjustable. This is a flashlight model that is both lightweight and portable.

Additionally, this model is powered by 2 regular AAA batteries that are easily available everywhere. Best, the Gearlight S1000 is one of the cheapest pocket flashlights when you take into account that this model is a pack of 2 flashlights for the money. What a deal!

• Lumens: 28 lumens
• Dimensions: 4 x 1 x 1 inches
• Weight: 2.08 ounces

The Streamlight 66318 is a miniature heavy-duty pocket flashlight that is very resistant to scratches and corrosion. Most of its abilities are explained by the fact that the Streamlight 66318 is made from an anodized aircraft aluminum and is type II MIL-SPEC rated.

It has a streamlined form factor and comes equipped with a pen clip for accessibility. The lens is made from polycarbonate making it scratch resistant.

We recommend it if you need a compact and durable pocket flashlight for heavy-duty use. On the downside, this model is not the brightest pocket flashlight in this review since it outputs only 28 lumens of light. The 66318 isn’t dim by any means, but just not as bright as other models.

• Lumens: 500 lumens
• Dimensions: 4.9 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches
• Weight: 0.32 ounce

The Hatori is the brightest pocket flashlight in this review. It outputs a bright 500 lumens of light while being powered by only AAA batteries. Clearly, the LED driver in this model is very efficient.

The build quality is also superb in this unit and made from a lightweight aluminum alloy that is also very durable.

There is a good attention to detail in the Hatori flashlight, to the point where this budget pocket flashlight almost looks and feel like a premium model that is many times its current price.

At 0.32 ounce, this model is also extremely lightweight. We feel that the Hatori will make an excellent tactical pocket flashlight as it’s so bright and easy to operate.

• Lumens: 120 lumens
• Dimensions: 0.6 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Weight: 1.28 ounces

The I-pure XPE2 has the shape of a pen that can produce a light. This unit is equally compact and easy to hold. While this unit does not have extraordinarily over the top features, it has decent specs that make it a pocket flashlight worth considering.

Its CREE XP-E2 R4 LED driver is efficient and outputs 120 lumens of light. Not the brightest, but bright enough for most casual purposes. It also does a good job not overheating.

Moreover, this model is water resistant and has a decent beam distance of 50 meters. Which is actually very good for a pocket flashlight.

This is clearly a flashlight that can be used for outdoor activities like camping or fishing. Best, the I-pure XPE2 is very affordable and value for money considering its build-quality and specs.

• Lumens: 90 lumens
• Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.6 x 0.6 inches
• Weight: 1.6 ounces

As its name suggests, the Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro is shaped like a stylus. This tool is a tall and slim pocket flashlight that offers a nice grip.

This model outputs 90 lumens of light, which isn't the brightest we have seen. However, where this pocket flashlight absolutely shines is in its runtime.

Indeed, at 6.5 hours, the Streamlight 66118 is one of the best pocket flashlights in terms of runtime especially considering this model is outputting 90 lumens. The long runtime may be explained by the fact that this unit uses 2 AAA batteries to run.

The Streamlight 66118 is also built like a tank and is even abrasion resistant. Of course, this tool is water resistant as expected. Best, you get a nylon holster with it. Neat!

• Lumens: 36 lumens
• Dimensions: 5.7 x 0.6 x 0.8 inches
• Weight: 2.24 ounces

The Coast G20 is a pretty average pocket flashlight both in terms of specs and looks. It outputs only 36 lumens of light, which isn't bright enough to make it a practical flashlight to use at night.

However, this model makes an excellent inspection pocket flashlight for shining close objects due to its compact form factor.

It still sports a decent aluminum build construction and is even impact resistant. It should last a long time and can be seen as a good investment.

Further, the beam distance of 22 meters is a welcome feature even if this isn't much. All in all, as long as the Coast G20 is used for close ranges, it should perform well. For long distances or outdoor use, look elsewhere!

• Lumens: 250 lumens
• Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.8 x 0.8 inches
• Weight: 3.2 ounces

The Streamlight 88033 uses the C4 LED driver that is known for its high-efficiency and power. It can output a very bright 250 lumens of light without overheating.

Best, it has an ergonomic form factor that makes it comfortable to hold. The tail even has grooves to make it less slippery when held in wet conditions.

This model is IPX-7 rated which means that the device is waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It can definitely be used underwater, making it an excellent model for fishing at night.

The only caveat with the Streamlight 88033 is its price. This pocket flashlight is the most expensive model in this review but honestly, it has the specs and features to back the price. The Streamlight 88033 is definitely one of the best LED pocket flashlights on the market.

• Lumens: 100 lumens
• Dimensions: 3.7 x 1 x 0.6 inches
• Weight: 1.12 ounces

The Risemart XPE-R3 is another ultra-compact mini flashlight with a good brightness of 100 lumens. This model could win an award for being one of the most compact pocket flashlights on the market.

Indeed, at 3.7 inches, the Risemart XPE-R3 isn't very tall. It also has a sturdy build construction of aluminum that makes it durable and lightweight. The pen clip is a good addition as it can be hung on your belt or shirt for better accessibility.

What we like about this model is its ease of use. There are no fancy light modes or features in it. It only has one power button that lights it up or switches it off. Simple and yet effective.

Good to note that this model is also one of the smallest pocket flashlights you can purchase.

• Lumens: 100 lumens
• Dimensions: 3.4 x 0.59 inches
• Weight: 0.64 ounce

The Perman CREE XPE is just like the Risemart XPE-R3 above as this is the same model, just rebranded under a different name.

Many places say that the Perman CREE XPE outputs 1000 lumens of light, but that is not the case. Based on our estimate, it does not output more than 100 lumens of light since it uses 1 AAA battery.

However, all hope is not lost. The Perman CREE XPE is still a serious contender. The built quality is very good and this unit will definitely last a long time.

This product is also the most affordable and compact model in this entire review.

If the price is what have been keeping you from getting a flashlight so far, there is no reason not to anymore. The Perman CREE XPE is the cheapest pocket flashlight in this review.

• Lumens: 220 lumens
• Dimensions: 5.7 x 0.6 x 0.6 inches
• Weight: 0.8 ounce

Infray SD XPE2 is another pen-style pocket flashlight that favors usability. This model isn't the shortest as it measures a whopping 5.7 inches in length. However, the Infray SD XPE2 is comfortable to hold and it has a pen clip for accessibility.

Moreover, this unit is powered by 2 AAA batteries and emits a powerful brightness of 220 lumens. It certainly isn't the most powerful pocket flashlight but the 220 lumens is definitely more than enough for casual use.

Further, its IPX-4 rating makes it water resistant so it can be used outdoors and in wet conditions. However, do not go swimming with this flashlight!

We like that it has a runtime of 7 hours, which is quite decent by pocket flashlight standards.

Before purchasing a pocket flashlight, there are some important aspects to take into account. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Purpose

Your choice for a pocket flashlight will depend directly on the purpose or need you have. For example, if you are planning to use your pocket flashlight for a long time, then it needs to have a long run time which will be a feature that is more important than brightness, let's say. Another one is water-resistance is you are planning to take it camping.

2. Lumens

Essentially, the more lumens the flashlight is outputting the brighter it will be. Despite being very small and compact, pocket flashlights have a remarkable light output for their size

3. Waterproof

If you plan to use your pocket flashlight outdoors, then look at the IPX rating of your chosen model. Not all units are waterproof and if you use them regularly outdoors, you risk damaging them.

A good point to keep in mind is that anything that is IPX-7 or IPX-8 is fully waterproof and models that are rated IPX-4 and above will resist humidity fairly well. Of course, do not go diving with your pocket flashlight if the IPX rating is below IPX-7.

4. Accessibility

Pocket flashlights are compact and slim devices. However, to make them even more user-friendly and portable, go with models that have accessibility features like a pen clip. This will allow you to clip your pocket flashlight to either your belt or your shirt when you are not using it.

Remember that despite their small size, many models of pocket flashlights are quite tall and comparable to the size of a pen. Therefore, it can be difficult to store them in a shallow pocket.

5. Budget

Before purchasing a pocket flashlight, stick to a budget as it will help you find a model better suited for your need faster. You can easily go overboard when looking for a pocket flashlight online, as remember that not all models are affordable. There are some premium models with features that you may not need that can be quite expensive.

6. Battery Types

One good thing about the pocket flashlight is that they are versatile when it comes to battery type. Most pocket flashlight models will accommodate AA or AAA batteries that are readily available everywhere and cheap to purchase. Thus, the overall maintenance of the pocket flashlight is not very expensive in the short and the long run.