When the need arises, having the best brightest flashlight handy is always a must. Ultra bright flashlights are bigger than everyday carry (EDC) flashlights and they are not that pocketable. Small flashlights due to their size can be limited in their function and features and having a secondary bright flashlights to complement an EDC flashlight is the preferred method.
Carrying a less than 1000 lumen flashlight is oftentimes not ideal when out in wide open spaces. AA or AAA flashlight batteries don’t have enough power and capacity to use high performance LEDs. In this guide we look at some of the best brightest flashlight in the world.
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Why Carry the Best Brightest Flashlight
Really bright flashlights are useful for people working in certain occupations, military, law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency personnel, and the likes. That doesn’t mean that you have to be in those occupations to carry a powerful tactical flashlight.
Military grade flashlights is also ideal for hobbyist and people who love outdoors. If you like outdoor activities, having the brightest flashlight can help you see more of your surroundings and navigate the darkness.
Other than professional use and recreational activities, power outages, bad weather, responding to emergencies are some of the reasons why you need the brightest flashlight ever. If you are looking for more information about EDC flashlights, read our guide on how to choose a flashlight for EDC.
Choosing the Best Brightest Flashlight in the World
The following features are important when selecting a high lumen flashlight. The best brightest flashlight in the market are usually bigger than their everyday carry counterparts. They all use different types of rechargeable batteries. And there are differences in various features and functions.
Size
Most of the best and brightest LED flashlights in our list have multiple emitters. This increases the size of the head to accommodate additional LED’s for the high power flashlight. Compact sized flashlights are at a minimum the size of a soda can. They can fit in some pockets, but they are more suited for keeping in the bag or carrying on the belt.
Range
High lumens flashlight can have a wide beam, or long throw, and some have a good combination of both traits. Compared to small everyday carry flashlights, high performance flashlights are best used in wide open areas where you will get the benefit of having a wide beam or long range.
Brightness
Powerful flashlights with higher lumen output will have multiple emitters, which in turn consumes more power. It is necessary to know the ideal light output for the tasks or environment where the flashlight will be used.
Battery
Most powerful flashlights use either built-in proprietary batteries or 18650 Lithium-Ion cells. Lithium-ion 18650 batteries are preferred to proprietary ones since they are easier to replace, there are many types to choose from, and generally cheaper. The only advantage of proprietary batteries is reliability. They are made specifically for the flashlight and will always give best performance.
| Brightest Flashlights | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Fenix FD65 | Modes: 5 + strobe Brightness (lumens): 50 low, 3,800 max Length: 6.0 in (152.2 mm) Weight: 15.2 oz (431g) Range: 1345 ft (410 m) |
| Convoy L6 | Modes: 4 + strobe Brightness: 3,800 lumens max Length: 10.03 in (255mm) Weight: 19.4 oz (550 g) Range: 1640 ft (500 m) |
| BLF Q8 | Modes: UI ramping or 12 sets of up to 7 modes Brightness (lumens): 2 low 5,000 max Length: 5.31 in (134.87 mm) Weight: 14 oz (396 g) Range: 1476 ft (450 m) |
| Fenix TK75 | Modes: 6 + SOS/strobe Brightness (lumens): 50 low, 5,100 max Length: 7.4 inches (188 mm) Weight: 22 oz (630 g) Range: 2788 ft (850 m) |
| Fenix TK72R | Modes: 3 + strobe Brightness (lumens): 100 low, 9,000 max Length: 6.1 inches (156 mm) Weight: 14.5 oz (412 g) Range: 938 ft (286 m) |
| Olight X7R Marauder | Modes: 6 + strobe/beacon Brightness (lumens): 12,000 max Length: 5.08 inches (129mm) Weight: 23.4 oz (665 g) Range: 1246 ft (380 m) |
| Imalent DT70 | Modes: 4 + strobe/SOS/beacon Brightness (lumens): 16,000 max Length: 5.7 inches (145 mm) Weight: 15 oz (427 g) Range: 2296 ft (700 m) |
| Acebeam X45 II | Modes: 6 + strobe Brightness (lumens): 3 low, 18,000 max Length: 6.16 in (156.7 mm) Weight: 18.8 oz (535 g) Range: 2040 ft (622 m) |
| Acebeam X80 | Modes: 6 + strobe and RGB+UV LED Brightness (lumens): 80 low, 25,000 max Length: 4.6 in (117.7 mm) Weight: 11.6 oz (330 g) Range: 1089 ft (332 m) |
| Imalent DX80 | Modes: 6 + strobe Brightness (lumens): 120 low, 32,000 max Length: 8.3 inches (213mm) Weight: 42.4 oz (1204 g) with batteries Range: 2644 ft (806 m) |
The Best Brightest Flashlights
Fenix FD65
Fenix FD65 is a compact focusable flashlight with a max output of 3800 lumens using three Cree XHP35 HI LED emitters. The flashlight has a focusable beam, and it can reach up to 410 meters in range when spotlight setting is used. It uses four 18650 button top batteries. The flashlight has a soda/soup can design with an excellent build quality typical of Fenix flashlights. It has a total of 6 inches in length and 2.4 inch head diameter and a weight of 431 grams. There is a separate high and low side switches. The two dedicated buttons makes it easier to operate. There are five modes plus strobe and SOS. There is a standard tripod socket so you can attach the flashlight to a tripod.
Fenix FD65 is a compact powerful flashlight with solid build quality. Adjustable focus is an excellent feature which makes it the best brightest flashlight for all-around outdoor use.
Convoy L6
Convoy L6 is a large size flashlight using a single Cree XHP70 giving 3800 lumens maximum output. It uses two 26550 protected batteries.
The flashlight body is made from machined aluminum. At 10 inches in length, it is almost as tall as a Maglite 2D flashlight. This is a classic flashlight design with a larger diameter head at 2.66 inches and long battery compartment. It comes in two finishes, black hard anodized and clear model.
The flashlight has two switches, the tail switch is forward clicky that powers the flashlight, the side switch controls the mode. There are four modes, low-medium-high-turbo, and an additional strobe function. The flashlight retains the last mode used in memory. Cycling through the modes will start from low to turbo.
Convoy L6 is the best budget flashlight with a solid build, 3800 lumens brightness, simple user interface, and has a wide beam that is ideal as a searchlight. This is a good bright flashlight and enthusiasts often modify it to improve the output.
BLF Q8
BLF Q8 is a compact soda can design flashlight utilizing four Cree XP-L V6 HD LED with a brightness of 5000 lumens, or more if modified. This flashlight has a throw range of more than 450 meters. BLF Q8 has a wide beam and decent throw combination. It uses four 18650 protected button top Lithium-ion batteries which gives it a run-time of up to 1500 hours.
This flashlight is compact at only 5.31 inches in length with a body diameter of 2.36 inches. The body has an integrated camera thread mounting point for tripods.
There is a side switch to operate the flashlight and change modes. The switch glows when the flashlight is turned off. This is a neat feature as it will make it easy to find the flashlight in the dark. This feature turned off if desired, and draws a negligible amount of current. BLF Q8 has UI ramping and mode switch. The ramping function works by slowly increasing brightness level when the switch is pressed, until the desired brightness is selected. The other mode has 12 pre-programmed sets to choose from, each with up to 7
modes depending on the set. The flashlight has safety features designed to avoid overheating. It also has an electronic and mechanical lock out function for the switch to prevent the flashlight from accidentally turning on. It has shortcuts for turbo, strobe and low modes.
Since it was designed by flashlight enthusiasts, BLF Q8 is a powerful flashlight, and makes it the best brightest flashlight with the most features. It is a great tool for outdoors, dog walking, fishing, or photography.
Fenix TK75
The new upgraded Fenix TK75 now has a brightness of 5100 lumens with a beam distance of 850 meters. The design has very little difference from the previous releases. It uses four Cree XHP35 HI LED’s powered by four button top 18650 batteries. The flashlight has a decent spill and capable of a beam distance of 850 meters.
The flashlight body is made from durable high strength aluminum alloy. Two steel side switch buttons operates the flashlight. One to control general modes, and the other for flash output selection. There is a battery level indicator between the switches. There is a included extender that connects to the standard tripod socket where a shoulder strap can be attached to. The flashlight only weighs 630 grams and has a length of 7.4 inches (188 mm).
The flashlight has dual stainless steel side switches, one for general modes, one for flashing modes with a battery status indicator light at the middle. There are six modes, plus two flashing modes, SOS and strobe. There are safety features like low voltage warning, lock-out function and reverse polarity protection. Four CR123A can be used along with two 18650 batteries for emergency situations. Runtime can be extended by adding and additional body tube segment and battery holder. The brightness will remain the same with this setup. The battery carrier has a micro-USB charging port and has a battery status indicator.
Fenix TK75 is already a proven design and with the new upgrade with improved light output, beam distance, charging function and other updates makes it worthy to check out.
Fenix TK72R
Fenix TK72R is Fenix’s best brightest flashlight. It is capable of a maximum brightness output of up to 9000 lumens using three Cree XHP70 LED’s. Included in the package is a Lithium-Ion Fenix ARB-L45-14000 battery. There is a standard micro-USB port to charge the flashlight. It also has a USB discharging feature where the flashlight can act like a power bank.
The flashlight features an OLED display screen that displays the current lumens, battery level or runtime. There are three modes, low-high-memory, plus the usual strobe feature. Selecting an output level is made simple by using plus or minus buttons on the switch. This changes the brightness in increments of 100 lumens.
Fenix TK72R is a compact, easy to use, and versatile powerful flashlight with unique set of features and design. It is a 2017 Red Dot Award winner for product design.
Olight X7R Marauder
Olight X7R Marauder is the new and more powerful flashlight version of the X7. This rechargeable super bright flashlight has three Cree XHP70 cool white LED’s powered by a built-in custom Lithium-Ion battery delivers a maximum output of 12000 lumens with a range of 380 meters. The battery is non-replaceable nor accessible in any way. It has a pleasant all around beam profile suited for most environments. There is a small window in the reflector that houses the proximity sensor. The flashlight output is lowered if high beam setting is used near an object. This is to prevent accidentally damaging it. This safety feature is not very common in flashlights.
The flashlight is compact at 5.08 inches in length, 2.05 inch diameter body, and with a slightly bigger head diameter at 2.67 inches. The body has a hidden lanyard attachment point. Twisting the tail cap reveals a hidden USB Type-C charging port. There are a total of six modes plus strobe/beacon functions.
Olight X7R Marauder is ideal for general outdoor activities. Due to the safety feature, burning a hole in your pocket or bag will be less likely if the flashlight is accidentally turned on.
Imalent DT70
Imalent DT70 sports four factory dedomed Cree XHP70 LED that delivers up to 16000 lumens. Though named by Imalent as the “Flood King”, due to the wide beam spill the bright LED flashlight is also capable of up to 700 meters throw. It uses four 18650 batteries and 3000 mAh IMR 18650 protected cells comes with the package.
The body is made from machined aluminum. It is 5.7 inches in length and weighs 427 grams. There is a micro-USB charging port hidden under a rubber cover. There are two electronic switches and an OLED display which shows battery status and lumen rating used. Pressing the right switch turns the flashlight on using the last mode used. Succeeding presses will cycle through the modes low-medium-high. The left button activates the turbo, strobe, SOS, and beacon modes.
Imalent DT70 the “Flood King” has a great beam with good spill and throw combination which makes it an excellent all-around flashlight with a crazy bright turbo output when needed.
Acebeam X45 II
Acebeam X45 II is an upgraded version of X45. It now uses four Cree XHP70.2 LED that has a maximum output of 18,000 lumens. The smooth and shallow reflector results in a good combination of a floody beam and a long throw with a range of 622 meters. Four 18650 high discharge IMR Lithium-Ion batteries powers the flashlight.
The flashlight is still small enough at 6.16 inches in length and fits well in the hand when used. There are six modes plus strobe function. The lowest mode is firefly at 10 lumens with a runtime of 310 hours. Firefly mode is not a typical feature for multi-emitter high performance flashlights, so it is a welcome addition. The highest mode, turbo-max has a brightness of 18,000 lumens which ramps down to 4000 lumens after 3 minutes.
Acebeam X45 II’s balanced mix of flood and throw, along with firefly mode and useful turbo max mode are a good combination of features. An excellent choice for a well built all-purpose super bright LED flashlight.
Acebeam X80
Acebeam X80 is one of the most powerful compact soda can sized military grade flashlight in the market. Designed for military, law enforcement, emergency rescue, forensic investigators. It is also one of the best brightest flashlight for those who love the outdoors. It is capable of delivering 25,000 lumens using twelve Cree XHP50.2 LED emitters. The super bright flashlight does not have a deep reflector hence it delivers a wide floody beam with a throw distance of 332 meters. It also has two of each Cree XPE red, green, and blue LED’s as well as a single Nichia 276A ultraviolet emitter. Four 18650 Lithium-Ion high drain batteries powers the flashlight.
This high lumen flashlight body is 4.6 inches (117.7mm) in length and constructed from durable aircraft grade aluminum. A single button side switch provides access to all functions. The flashlight has six modes, ultra-low,low,mid,high,turbo,turbo-max, plus strobe and secondary RGB and UV LED. The two turbo modes start at 11000 lumens or 25000 lumens then ramps down to 4000 lumens after 3 minutes for the former or 1 minute for the latter. The flashlight comes with a threaded ring with a lanyard attachment which fits in the stardard tripod socket. A small LED battery indicator on the side of the head shows the voltage.
Acebeam X80 is a compact powerful flashlight which should be part of every serious professional’s (or hobbyist) kit.
Imalent DX80
Imalent DX80 is the brightest flashlight in our list and aptly referred to by the manufacturer as “The End of Darkness”. It uses eight Cree XHP70.2 LED that results in a super bright flashlight output of 32,000 lumens with a range of 806 meters. A built-in battery pack power the flashlight and it has eight 3000 mAh 18650 Lithium-Ion batteries. The flashlight has a charging port for a standard 19v-2A charger. Unfortunately USB charging is not possible.
This is a fairly large flashlight at 8.3 inches with a head diameter of 3.6 inches and made from aluminum alloy. It has a OLED display located above the side switch. The single side switch makes it easy to operate the flashlight. There are six modes plus strobe. The OLED display shows the output, voltage and mode used. The bottom part has an attachment point for a lanyard.
Imalent DX80 is the best brightest flashlight in our list. This is the highest lumen flashlight that has a good balance of power, flood, and throw. This powerful tactical flashlight will suit any professional and hobbyist that needs the brightest LED flashlight.
Own the Night with The Best Brightest Flashlight
You should always have the best brightest flashlight as a complement for your everyday carry flashlight. We have listed some of the best brightest flashlights on the market in this review. When selecting the best brightest flashlight for your needs, always consider how often you will use it and where you intend to use the powerful flashlight the most. You should also consider the type of battery that it needs and if they are readily available. Super bright flashlights are very useful part of your every day carry kit.
