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The problem with flashlights is that you don’t always know when you need them. Enter the pocket flashlight. A much more practical choice over a full-size flashlight or handheld work spotlight, these handy little tools are, well, little, making them comfortable to carry in your pocket and whip out when you lose your phone between car seats or have to inspect dark corners of your basem*nt for leaks or (worse?) ghosts.
Having one on hand is not a bad idea if you live in a city prone to natural disasters or power outages. These lights often have a pocket clip so they can attach to the brim of a hat, leaving both your hands free to work, and feel practically weightless. Read on for quick info on the best, then keep scrolling for key aspects to consider and our full reviews.
Need more items to add to your everyday carry rotation? Check out our picks for the best multitools, pocket knives, and slim wallets.
The Best Pocket Flashlights
- Best Overall: Streamlight 66601
- Best Value: Hatori Super Small Mini
- Best Super-Small: Olight I1R 2 Pro Eos
- Best for a Keychain: Streamlight 73300 Pocket Mate
- Best for Maximum Brightness: Nitecore T4K Keychain
What to Consider
Lumens
Light brightness is measured in lumens, or how much light shines through an area per second. The higher the lumens, the more light a flashlight produces. Although some other factors contribute to the overall brightness—beam settings and how much light is in your vicinity—you can use the lumen number as a rough comparison tool. Skew higher for more brightness. Remember that pocket flashlights have smaller bulbs, so your beam may not be as wide as a typical handheld one.
Length
Although our picks are compact, they vary in length. If you want your light to be attached to your keychain for maximum convenience, you’ll probably want to go as small as possible, though you’ll likely be sacrificing some brightness. But if you want something a little easier to hold onto and maneuver around, a lengthier model is more convenient. We recommend mini flashlights with pocket clips that can attach to hat brims and waistlines for DIY and home construction.
Water-Resistance
Most flashlights come with an IP, or ingress protection, rating showing how well they can withstand water and dust getting in. The first of the two digits in an IP rating indicates its resistance against dust, while the second correlates with water. The IP rating scale is from 1 to 6 for dust and 1 to 8 for water. The higher the digit, the more the protection. An IP rating of IP54, for example, indicates a dust rating of 5 and water of 4, which, according to official IP Rating charts, means it can withstand two to eight hours of contact with dust particles and splashes of water without damage. If a model does not have an IP rating and the brand claims it’s waterproof, assume it won’t hold up especially well against moisture.
How We Selected
Our DIY contributor Alex Rennie initially wrote this story based on using small pocket flashlights for years, which he found invaluable when working in low-light areas. Rennie included a range of sizes and flashlights fit for different tasks, from tiny 2-inch keychains to handheld 6-inch models, as well as lights that run on old-fashioned lithium batteries and rechargeable options that charge via USB. He’s had hands-on experience with every product on this list.
For this most recent update, I added photos from our use. I also cut down the number of flashlights we recommend based on the findings of other expert reviewers and hundreds of comments left by customers on retail sites.
Pros
- USB rechargeable, which saves money on batteries
- Super simple one-button operation
- Has a removable pocket clip for safekeeping
- Incredibly tiny
Cons
- The small size can also make it easier to lose
This Streamlight flashlight is on the higher end in terms of pricing, but its durability and USB charging capabilities are worth it. Its aluminum housing makes it nice and durable—able to withstand falls of up to 1 meter—and it slides open to reveal a protected charging port for easy access. Its push-button activation makes it quick and easy to turn on and switch between low and high power modes.
All the openings are protected with rubber o-rings, and thanks to an IPX4 rating, should hold up fine to some moderate splashing. The only downside is one many reviewers commented on: This flashlight is so small, it’s also easy to lose. Use its pocket clip to make sure it’s always nearby.
Key Specs
Max Lumens | 250 |
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Length | 3.9 in. |
Power Source | Rechargeable |
Runtime | 1.5 hours on high, 3.5 hours on low |
Water Resistance | IPX4 |
2
Best Value
Hatori Super Small Mini Pocket Flashlight
Pros
- Nice price at under $10
- Durable aluminum case
- Has a clip for pockets
Cons
- Battery isn’t included
- Not IPX rated, though Hatori claims it’s water-resistant
Despite the low cost of this Hatori light, it still covers the bases in terms of what you need in a pocket flashlight. Its 3.6-inch length is perfect for sliding into a pants or coat pocket, and the clip allows you to attach it to the bill of your hat or secure it in a shirt pocket. The Mini runs on a single AAA battery—which is not included, bummer—so you’ll need to keep a stash of those around.
This light is water-resistant but isn’t IPX rated, so use caution if you bust it out around moisture or in the rain.
Key Specs
Max Lumens | 150 |
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Length | 3.6 in. |
Power Source | 1 AAA battery |
Runtime | 2 hours |
Water Resistance | N/A |
Pros
- Incredibly bright
- Rechargeable via USB-C
- Plenty of modes
- OLED display
Cons
- Pricier compared to other options on this list
- Overkill for those in bright cities
Will you ever need a keychain light that emits up to 4,000 lumens? If you’re in a major city, probably not. But those living in smaller towns may enjoy the comfort that this powerful flashlight can bring.
The T4K is 77 grams of powerful flashlight. It has five brightness levels and an OLED display showing battery level, voltage, and remaining runtime. It also has a keychain, keychain tag, and a USB-C charging cable, so no batteries are required.
Of course, power comes at a hefty cost. In terms of this flashlight, it’s the price: $90. But if power is what you need, the T4K can give you just that.
Key Specs
Max Lumens | 4,000 |
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Length | 3.2 in. |
Power Source | Rechargeable |
Runtime | 67 hours |
Water Resistance | IP54 |
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Pros
- High lumen output
- Rechargeable battery
- Comes with a battery saver mode
- Runs off of disposable batteries and a rechargeable battery pack
Cons
- May be too bulky for some
This Coast flashlight is an excellent choice if you want a balance of compactness and power, without committing to quite the price of the Nitecore T4K. Its turbo mode produces 2,100 lumens, but if you want to save some battery life, you can switch over to the low mode of 75.
The XP11R also offers some flexibility regarding power supply and can accept either traditional lithium batteries or the included rechargeable battery that you juice up via a USB cable. Its 6-inch length and textured handle also make it easy to maintain a secure grip while you use it.
Key Specs
Max Lumen | 2,100 |
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Length | 6 inches |
Power Source | Rechargable |
Running Time | 5 hours on high, 37 hours on low |
Water Resistance | IPX4 |
Pros
- Compact
- Convenient charging mechanism
- Works as a carabiner
Cons
- Short battery life
The light weight and half-inch width make this flashlight a contender if you prefer a slim profile instead of a cylindrical shape. The fact that this diminutive 73301 can produce a maximum 325-lumen output impressed us, given that’s higher than most other lights on this list.
It also features both a carabiner-style hook for attaching to a keychain and a pocket clip for use on your pants or ball cap. Its 20-minute runtime on the highest power setting is pretty short, though.
Key Specs
Max Lumens | 325 |
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Length | 2 in. |
Power Source | Rechargable |
Runtime | 20 minutes on high, 1 hour on low |
Water Resistance | IPX4 |
Pros
- Rechargeable via micro USB
- Simple operation
Cons
- Its tiny size also makes it easier to lose
- May not be bright enough for some
Don’t let the tiny size of this flashlight fool you; its 1.7-inch length still packs a punch, delivering a 180-lumen light beam. What makes the I1R so impressive is its simple operation doesn’t require any buttons or switches to deal with. You simply twist it to power it on and choose between the low and high beam settings. And the rechargeable port is a nice convenience at this size, which means you can easily charge it via micro USB without disassembling the casing.
Key Specs
Max Lumens | 180 |
---|---|
Length | 1.7 in. |
Power Source | Rechargable |
Runtime | 15 minutes on high, 6 hours on low |
Water Resistance | IPX8 |
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Pros
- Rugged, durable construction
- Reputable brand
- Batteries included
- Comes with a carrying case with room for batteries
Cons
- Not rechargable
- Relatively low lumen output
We’ve been using Maglight products for years, and this pocket-sized mini light has become a staple in our tool belt.
Its half-pound weight is heavier than our other options, and the 6-inch length ties it for the longest. But if you prefer a light with a bit more bulk, this is a great choice. It’s constructed of durable aluminum and impact-resistant up to 1 meter, so it’s rugged enough for frequent use.
It also comes in a hard carrying case with room for spare batteries—a nice perk.
Key Specs
Max Lumens | 97 |
---|---|
Length | 6 in. |
Power Source | 2 AA batteries |
Runtime | 11 hours on high, 32 on low |
Water Resistance | IPX4 |
Kevin Cortez
Commerce Editor
Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.
Alex Rennie
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.