10 Best Spotlights of 2021
The spotlight is a special type of illumination tool that generally has a larger LED driver to produce more light and has a long handle that provides a comfortable grip.
It is a variant of the traditional flashlight and was made so that users can get more light and use it for an extended period without experiencing hand fatigue.
Moreover, some LED spotlight models even come with legs so they can quickly and easily be deployed on the ground or on a table.
If you are looking for a good spotlight for the money, we have exactly what you need.
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10 Best Spotlights – Review
- 1. DeWalt DCL043 Jobsite LED Spotlight
- 2. Streamlight 44900 Waypoint Spotlight
- 3. Halomall Portable Outdoor Camping Spotlight
- 4. Stanley Fatmax SL10 Rechargeable Spotlight
- 5. Stanley Fatmax FL5W10 Waterproof Rechargeable Spotlight
- 6. Stanley SL3HS Rechargeable LED Lithium Ion Spotlight
- 7. Brinkmann FBA-9507440 Rechargeable Spotlight For Hunting
- 8. Cyclops Sirius Handheld Spotlight
- 9. Satco Products SF77/394 Portable Spotlight
- 10. Brinkmann 800-2301-0 Spotlight
- How to Buy the Best Spotlight
- Conclusion
10 Best Spotlights – Review
Product Name |
Lumen |
Weight |
Current Price |
---|---|---|---|
1. DeWalt DCL043 |
1000 lm |
16 oz |
|
2. Streamlight 44900 |
550 lm |
28.8 oz |
|
3. Halomall Camping Spotlight |
N/A |
36 oz |
|
4. Stanley Fatmax SL10 |
2200 lm |
33.6 oz |
|
5. Stanley Fatmax FL5W10 |
520 lm |
24 oz |
|
6. Stanley SL3HS |
600 lm |
24 oz |
|
7. Brinkmann FBA-9507440 |
1100 lm |
96 oz |
|
8. Cyclops Sirius Handheld Spotlight |
300 lm |
32 oz |
|
9. Satco Products SF77/394 |
N/A |
20.8 oz |
|
10. Brinkmann 800-2301-0 |
1200 lm |
N/A |
1. DeWalt DCL043 Jobsite LED Spotlight
- Lumens: 1000 lumens
- Dimensions: 11.1 x 4.8 x 14 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Power Source: DeWalt 20 V Rechargeable Battery
The DeWalt DCL043 is a professional job site spotlight.
It is not the cheapest model. In fact, this model is one of the most expensive in this review. However, it has many good things going on for it. For one, it can output a 1000 lumens of light which makes it very bright.
It will have no problem illuminating dark areas brightly.
Moreover, the handle of this spotlight is coated with a soft rubber material that makes it extremely comfortable to hold for an extended period.
But what we really like about this spotlight is that it uses DeWalt's proprietary 20V lithium-ion battery that is cross-compatible amongst all DeWalt's rechargeable devices.
Even if you have a DeWalt power tool, you can safely swap the battery.
Very neat!
Additionally, this handheld spotlight only weighs 16 ounces which is very lightweight when compared with other spotlight models in this review.
You will have no problem maneuvering it, even at weird angles. All in all, despite the steep price of the DeWalt DCL043 we have to say that this is a very good spotlight for the money.
If you can afford it, grab this spotlight right now!
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Cons:
2. Streamlight 44900 Waypoint Spotlight
- Lumens: 550 lumens
- Dimensions: 8.1 x 7.7 x 3.8 inches
- Weight: 28.8 ounces
- Power Source: 4 "C" Alkaline Batteries
The Streamlight 44900 sports an excellent ABS build construction at an attractive price. This is a handheld spotlight that was built to last. Moreover, the C4 LED driver in this unit is very efficient and provides a long runtime.
The reflector inside is a deep-dish parabolic which scatters the light in a uniform way such that it gives a cool and comfortable light to the eyes.
At 550 lumens, this model is not the brightest spotlight in this review but it's still bright enough for casual or even professional use.
We also like the fact that this spotlight has good ergonomics.
Pros:
Cons:
3. Halomall Portable Outdoor Camping Spotlight
- Dimensions: 7.2 x 6 x 4.8 inches
- Weight: 36 ounces
- Power Source: Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
The Halomall Is traditionally a portable jobsite spotlight. However, it is a versatile model that can be used in a wide range of situations ranging from camping to work.
One of the things that distinguish this LED spotlight from others is that it has USB ports that you can use to recharge your smartphone, tablet or other devices.
Moreover, this model is built from a lightweight metal that makes it durable and very long-lasting. It can easily be carried with the top handle as well.
For even more versatility the Halomall has multiple light modes like red and blue that can be made to strobe or illuminate in a fixed way depending on your situation.
Even better, this spotlight is waterproof so it can be used outdoors in wet conditions. If you're looking for an affordable and top-rated spotlight, the Holomall portable spotlight is a very good model to consider.
It has an excellent build construction, a built-in rechargeable battery as well as USB ports for practical purposes on the job.
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4. Stanley Fatmax SL10 Rechargeable Spotlight
- Lumens: 2200 lumens
- Dimensions: 9 x 4 x 11 inches
- Weight: 33.6 ounces
- Power Source: Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
For those who need the brightest spotlight that money can buy, the Stanley Fatmax SL10 is an absolute beast.
This model can output an impressive 2200 lumens of light making it the brightest spotlight in this review. Moreover, it still sports an excellent build construction of ABS plastic.
There is a trigger lock system in this unit that allows you to always let the light on without requiring you to press the trigger all the time. To make it even more versatile, the Stanley Fatmax SL10 works with both AC and DC current.
It comes with both adapters to make it work out of the box. What we like about this model is that despite its high performance, it still has a decent runtime of 7 hours which is excellent.
Of course, this value is based on the low light setting only.
It does come with multiple light modes for convenience.
Best, the Stanley Fatmax SL10 has an attractive price and for the performance, we simply have to rate this model as one of the best spotlights for the money.
Pros:
Cons:
5. Stanley Fatmax FL5W10 Waterproof Rechargeable Spotlight
- Lumens: 520 lumens
- Dimensions: 6 x 3 x 6.8 inches
- Weight: 24 ounces
- Power Source: Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
The Stanley Fatmax FL5W10 is a little more modest than the Stanley Fatmax SL10 reviewed above.
This unit can output only 520 lumens of light, which is not the brightest but still good enough for casual use. Moreover, it is a little bit smaller measuring 6.8 inches in length so it is easier to hold for those with small hands.
This model is also lighter at 24 ounces. Most impressively, the Stanley Fatmax FL5W10 has a runtime of 10 hours which is one of the best values in this review.
Another feature that makes this model unique is that it floats on water.
Yes, it is fully waterproof for up to 6 feet in the water and you do not risk losing this spotlight at night if you use it as a fishing spotlight. It will not sink.
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6. Stanley SL3HS Rechargeable LED Lithium Ion Spotlight
- Lumens: 600 lumens
- Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.6 x 4.3 inches
- Weight: 24 ounces
- Power Source: Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
The Stanley SL3HS is the best of both worlds when it comes to price and performance.
This spotlight can output an impressive 600 lumens of light, which is very bright while still being more affordable than other models with similar performance. Moreover, the handle of this spotlight has grooves which makes it very comfortable to hold and antiskid when handled with wet hands.
It has 5 light modes which makes it very versatile and this handheld spotlight will come in handy in almost any situation where you need a light.
The light itself is very efficient as this unit has a very decent runtime of 10 hours, mostly due to its highly efficient LED driver.
All in all, if you're looking for a budget spotlight that still delivers a lot of brightness, then we can safely recommend the Stanley SL3HS to you.
Pros:
Cons:
7. Brinkmann FBA-9507440 Rechargeable Spotlight For Hunting
- Lumens: 1100 lumens
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.5 x 10.5 inches
- Weight: 96 ounces
- Power Source: 12 V Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
The Brinkmann FBA-9507440 is not a spotlight for everyone. Indeed, this model is the heaviest in this review as it weighs 96 ounces.
However, it still outputs a very bright light of 1100 lumens which is more than enough for every type of situation.
What makes this spotlight unique is that it has a very large head that disperses the light uniformly and in a wide angle.
Clearly, the Brinkmann FBA-9507440 focuses on visibility and not simply on maximum brightness like other models do.
This unit can be recharged with any 12 V outlet, like a car cigarette lighter, for example. Despite its big size, it does not take long to recharge when compared to other models.
The only problem we have with this spotlight is that 96 ounces is heavy and can be uncomfortable to hold for an extended period.
Other than that, the Brinkmann FBA-9507440 is an excellent model for the money and if you need a bright light, you should seriously consider this model.
Pros:
Cons:
8. Cyclops Sirius Handheld Spotlight
- Lumens: 300 lumens
- Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 6 inches
- Weight: 32 ounces
- Power Source: Built-in Rechargeable Polymer Battery
The Cyclops Sirius is pretty much an average LED spotlight with its 300 lumens of brightness. It is a little big measuring 12 inches, but can still be comfortably held due to its ergonomic handle.
The runtime in this model is not the best we have seen as it is only 3 hours, but it will fulfill most users needs. Moreover, what we like about this spotlight is that it comes with a red filter so it is very good for hunting if you choose to use it this way.
All in all, the Cyclops Sirius does not have any more distinguishing features when compared to other spotlights in this review.
If you like this model, get it as it is a good spotlight. If else, there are even better top-rated spotlights in this review that are worth the money.
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Cons:
9. Satco Products SF77/394 Portable Spotlight
- Dimensions: 7.6 x 7.3 x 5.6 inches
- Weight: 20.8 ounces
- Power Source: AC
The Satco Products SF77/394 is one of the brightest spotlights in this review.
This model does not have a rechargeable battery but is plugged directly into your AC power outlet. It has a 60 W LED driver producing a very bright light.
Moreover, the base is large and stable so this spotlight will not tip over easily. Due to the shape of the base of this spotlight, you can even mount on the wall if you want. Moreover, the aim can quickly and easily be adjusted.
All in all, this model is one of the most powerful spotlights in this review and if you do not need a portable spotlight then you should seriously consider the Satco Products SF77/394.
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10. Brinkmann 800-2301-0 Spotlight
- Lumens: 1200 lumens
- Power Source: 12 V DC
Not everyone needs a rechargeable spotlight. Indeed, the Brinkmann 800-2301-0 does not have a rechargeable battery as you would expect in a conventional spotlight.
Instead, it plugs directly in a 12 V DC outlet like a car cigarette lighter to produce a light. The light itself is quite bright at 1200 lumens which will easily allow you to see in the dark with excellent visibility.
Moreover, the handle has grooves and is ergonomic so this device is quite comfortable to use. The only problem we have is that the provided 12 V cable may not be long enough.
But other than that, this model is an excellent handheld Spotlight for the money, especially for those looking for a very bright unit and do not care about a rechargeable battery.
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How to Buy the Best Spotlight
Before finding the best spotlight for the money, here are some aspects you must first consider.
1. Purpose
First and foremost, you will need to understand your purpose for the spotlight. This will dictate what type of model to get.
When it comes to spotlights, there are various models that are suited for various needs. Some are handheld spotlights while others are meant to be deployed and placed on the ground.
2. Brightness
LED spotlights are generally very bright. However, you still need to take into account its brightness before purchase since some models are brighter than others.
This brightness in a spotlight is measured in lumens (lm). The higher the lumens value, the brighter the spotlight will be.
Asides from the brightness, also take into consideration the efficiency of the LED Driver. The better its efficiency, the longer the spotlight can be used since it will not have overheating issues.
3. Durability
If you want a long-lasting spotlight, the durability is an important aspect.
This durability depends on many factors like the materials used for its construction and the efficiency of the LED driver, amongst others. Ensure that your preferred model is made from a tough and solid material.
Metals like aluminum are lightweight and very durable. However, due to size and price issues, most LED spotlights on the market are made from a more cost-effective material like ABS plastic.
ABS is still highly durable and long-lasting, despite being only plastic. Additionally, ABS is also lightweight and does not add extra weight to your spotlight.
4. Ease of use
Using a spotlight should not be difficult. In fact, absolute beginners can start using the spotlight right away. To make it even more user-friendly, check out for features like a long handle with a soft rubber coating that makes it ergonomic and comfortable to hold.
Additionally, most spotlights adopt the handle-trigger form-factor which is known for its ease of use. Look where the power switch is located and try to judge if it's in the right place.
For example, a power switch that is far away from the handle will be difficult to work with.
5. Battery
The battery is the heart of the rechargeable spotlight. Your choice of the battery will first depend on your need. Some users may prefer to go with a spotlight that comes with a rechargeable battery while others may need more power and go with a direct DC or AC model.
If you choose a rechargeable model, ensure that it has a lithium-ion battery that is known for its high-efficiency, short recharge time and long runtime.
Additionally, keep in mind that some branded spotlights like models from DeWalt use a proprietary battery system that can be interchanged amongst all DeWalt products.
This may be a plus for you if you already own a few cordless DeWalt devices.
6. Accessories
Since many handheld spotlights are powered by a 12 V battery, it is a good idea to check if the manufacturer ships the product with necessary cables and accessories.
Accessories like a 12V car lighter cable are very important if you plan a trip in the wilderness.
Conclusion
This spotlight review comes to an end. We have covered quite some ground when it comes to spotlights, and hopefully, you are now better informed about spotlights in general.
As we have seen, the LED spotlight comes in various shapes, sizes, and budgets. There is a model for everyone and for every use.
Best of all, they are almost all heavy-duty illumination tools that are highly durable and long-lasting. They will serve you for years to come, no problem. Pick the best spotlight for your need from our review above.
If you are still uncertain about which spotlight model to get, we recommend you go through our review again.