Most individuals think that having a tactical flashlight that they can carry could be a hassle because they are either bulky or too oversized. Fortunately, manufacturers are now creating pocket flashlights suitable for everyday carry; they are light in weight and small enough to fit in any pocket. Choosing the best EDC tactical flashlight can be daunting particularly because of the numerous brands and models that are available today.

Every manufacturer will claim that theirs is better than its competitors. For that reason, I have come up with ten of the best flashlights for everyday carry below.

Our Top Pick for EDC Tactical Flashlights

Best Overall – Streamlight 66118 Tactical PenLight (Click here for a detailed review)

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TOP 2 – Streamlight 88033 EDC Tactical Flashlights (Click here for a detailed review)

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TOP 3 – J5 Tactical V1-PRO EDC Tactical Flashlights (Click here for a detailed review)

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The Best EDC Flashlights for The Budget Reviews

1. J5 Tactical V1-PRO EDC Tactical Flashlights

The first one of Best everyday carry flashlights are J5 Tactical V1-Pro. If portable powerful and durable are what you need in your EDC flashlight, then look no further than this incredible Tactical V1-PRO flashlight. With a lighting capacity of 300 lumens, this flashlight is capable of lighting up any dark corners or corridors without any trouble.

Featuring an aluminum alloy body, this flashlight is quite solid and durable. It can withstand several hard falls without any damage. In addition, its small size makes it a favorite among many users as it can easily fit in most purses, pockets, and glove compartments in vehicles.

One of the best things about this J5 flashlight is that its light can be adjusted to either produce a wide floodlight beam or a more focused narrow beam depending on your needs and the task at hand.

It also has three different lighting modes; high, low and strobe modes, which are adjustable depending on your needs.

This flashlight uses a single AA battery, which conveys remarkable power compared to other AA everyday-carry flashlights available today.

It is impressive how a single AA battery will provide you with a whole solid hour of consistently bright light with this J5 flashlight.

However, the AA batteries are not included in the package and thus have to be purchased separately. And apart from the AA battery, this flashlight can also be powered by a 14500 rechargeable battery, which is also separately sold.

The only downside is that its manufacturers mention nothing regarding its waterproof properties.

Pros

It produces powerful lighting of 300 lumens
The lighting focus can be adjusted to suit your needs
It is strong and durable
It has two powering options

Cons

The flashlight is not waterproof
The AA batteries are not included in the package

Simply put, this a powerful and strong little flashlight that has a lot to offer for its price range.

Click here to buy these J5 Tactical V1-PRO EDC Tactical Flashlights available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)

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2. Streamlight 66118 Tactical PenLight

This is one of the best pocket-sized flashlights. It is a USB gadget that suitable for both DIY and professional use. What, however, makes it rather handy is its powerful light output.

This flashlight can produce 90 and 250 lumens when on its lowest and highest light settings, respectively. It is one of the brightest pocket flashlights s you can find today. Depending on the setting, its runtime is about one and a half to four hours.

This penlight boasts a lightweight and stylish design. Moreover, it is convenient as it is easy to carry around because of its small size.

Its compact design, nonetheless, doe not impact its robust construction. Made from anodized airplane-grade aluminum, this is one of the most powerful mini-sized flashlights that you’ll come across today. In addition, it is water-resistant and impact-resistant as well.

Lastly, you could recharge this gadget on the go using a USB cord or a suitable AC adapter.

Its major drawback is the limited battery life. This penlight needs to be recharged quite often. Other users also complain that the on and off button is difficult to press.

Pros

This is a strong and durable flashlight thanks to the anodized airplane-grade aluminum body
It is water-resistant
It is impact-resistant
It features numerous lighting modes and is rechargeable

Cons

It has a short battery life
It is somewhat expensive

If you are a lover of style, then this is the flashlight for you!

Click here to buy these Streamlight 66118 Tactical PenLight available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)

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3. Streamlight 88033 EDC Tactical Flashlights

Here is another incredible mini-sized tactical flashlight from Streamlight; the Streamlight 88033 ProTac 2AA Lumen Professional Tactical Flashlight. It is compact enough to fit in any pocket and weighs in at just 3.36 ounces.

What I like most about this device is its power output. Using advanced C4 LED technology, this flashlight produces 250 lumens on a high and 18 lumens on a low.

The run time is 2 hours and 48 hours for high and low light settings, respectively. Also included is a strobe light setting that runs for several hours. All this power is produced from two AA batteries included in the package.

It is also worth noting that this flashlight is waterproof (IPX7 rating) and constructed using anodized aircraft-grade aluminum.

You might, however, want something a bit smaller. This Streamlight flashlight is somewhat large compared to most other everyday carry flashlights. Other than that, there is absolutely nothing not to love about this gadget.

Pros

It uses C4 LED technology
It is strong and durable
It has powerful power output; 250 lumens
It features a compact design

Cons

It is somewhat larger in comparison to its competitors

This should be one of the top choices for individuals who are looking for high power outputs in their penlights. This flashlight is capable of lighting up a distance of up to 40 meters.

Click here to buy these Streamlight 88033 EDC Tactical Flashlights available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)

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4. Streamlight MicroStream EDC Tactical Flashlights

Just as indicated in the name, this flashlight from Streamlight features a compact design and is specially intended for convenient usage.

A few of its great features are a constant or temporary operation, a push-button tail cap switch, and powerful light output.

Powered using a single AA alkaline battery, this super-compact flashlight features a strong aluminum body with military particular type II anodizing, making it durable, scratch-resistant, and incredibly light in weight.

This flashlight utilizes C4 LED technology to produce reasonably bright light and has a runtime of 30,000 hours. So it can last you almost a lifetime!

At its highest light setting, it produces 45 lumens with a lighting distance of 52 meters. This gadget is perfect for low-light jobs but too bright for carrying out pupil examinations on patients.

It is very light in weight. You might even forget that you are carrying it in your pocket as you will barely feel its weight; this is something that’s only found in the best pocket EDC flashlights.

It is, however, weird how one of its faults is its size; it is smaller than a regular pen. You might, therefore, easily lose it. It is also not rechargeable.

Pros

It is one of the best cheap EDC flashlights
It is small in size and easy to carry around
It produces bright light

Cons

It is not rechargeable
It is not suitable for heavy-duty jobs

Do not let its small size fool you! This Streamlight flashlight comes with lots of incredible for its tiny size and cheap price. If you are in search of the best EDC flashlight under $50, look no further.

Click here to buy these Streamlight MicroStream EDC Tactical Flashlights available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)

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5. COAST HP1 Tactical Flashlights

If you are in search of a compact, affordable, and bright flashlight that is perfect for everyday carry, this Coast flashlight should be among your top considerations. It is one of the brightest EDC flashlights on this list.

This Coast HP1 190 Lumen Pure Beam Focusing LED Flashlight features a strong aluminum casing, which is not just impact-resistant but also dust and corrosion-resistant.

It utilizes a patented beam focusing lighting system that allows the user to switch between an ultra-view flood beam and a bulls-eye spot beam, making the flashlight useful for far away and close-up lighting.

The device also uses a powerful LED bulb to produce a steady light beam of 190 lumens. This light brightness is enough to light up any dark corner or corridor.

This flashlight also has three powering options; it can be powered using a single AA battery, a NiMH rechargeable battery, or a 14500 lithium battery.

It is all up to you to choose the option that suits you best. Note that the battery option you pick will only affect the flashlight’s runtime but not its brightness level.

Another useful feature is the adjustable pocket clip. This clip holds the light in place to prevent any unnecessary drops. This makes it one of the best pockets to carry flashlights today.

The only thing that you might dislike about it is the switch button. It isn’t easy to press.

Pros

It comes is fairly priced
It is compact and small in size
It is strong and durable thanks to the aluminum casing

Cons

The switch button is difficult to press

Anyone in search of a powerful and compact flashlight that they can easily carry around every day will love this product. It is not only affordable but quite strong as well.

This is the current price of these COAST HP1 Tactical Flashlights available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)

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6. COAST G19 EDC Tactical Penlight- Best Mini Torch Light

The importance of adding to your survival kit cannot be stressed enough. You never know when the need will arise, and it is thus always better to have one than not have one included.

Most people, however, assume that their survival kit’s flashlight has to be expensive, which is far from the truth.

Even though good EDC flashlights work best for most emergencies, one does not necessarily have to spend a lot to obtain the best quality.

The Coast G19 Inspection Beam LED Penlight is a good example of such. This particular flashlight is shaped and sized like a pen, making it very easy to carry.

With a maximum light output of 54 lumens, this device is perfect for close-up tasks. It has significantly low light output in comparison to most other mini-sized flashlights.

Nonetheless, since it is so cheap, you could purchase more than one piece and have them around your house. What’s more, it is water and impact resistant.

Its only downside is that its light is not bright enough to light up all conditions.

Pros

It is small and compact hence easy to carry around
It is really cheap; it is among the best EDC flashlights under $50
It is both water and impact-proof

Cons

It has a significantly low light output

Tiny, compact, and cheap, this Coast flashlight might be tiny in size but delivers great performance. It is among one of the best tactical flashlights available on the market today.

This is the current price of these COAST G19 EDC Tactical Penlight available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)

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7. OLIGHT 90 Lumens i3E EOS Tactical Flashlights

At times, even though you have the largest and most pricey flashlight on the market, you might still need a small flashlight with you; one that is easily portable and easily fits in any pocket.

Luckily, manufacturers are now making small flashlights to attach to a keychain and carry in your pocket.

A good example of such is the Olight 90 lumens i3E EOS flashlight. This flashlight is reasonably priced (less than 10 dollars) and emits 90 lumens of clear light- enough to satisfy anyone in need of some clarity.

Bear in mind that this particular flashlight is, however, not intended for heavy-duty tasks. Instead, it is mostly suited for low-light demanding situations.

It is powered using one AA battery and is completely waterproof. In addition, and similar to all other Olight flashlights, this particular model features a high-performance LED with a run time of 60,000 hours and an aluminum reflector.

Its major shortcoming is that it is not rechargeable. So, unfortunately, you will constantly have to replace the AA battery.

Pros

It is small in size and light in weight, which makes it easily portable
It features a high-performance LED
It completely waterproof

Cons

It is not rechargeable
This flashlight is not suitable for heavy-duty use

If you are an individual who never leaves their home without carrying a flashlight, then this is the perfect choice for attaching to your keychain or belt.

This is the current price of these OLIGHT 90 Lumens i3E EOS Tactical Flashlights available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)

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8. Fenix E12 EDC Tactical Flashlights

Next in this list is the Fenix E12 flashlight. This is a well-constructed, pocket-sized flashlight that’s capable of meeting all your lighting needs.

With some light settings to choose from, this tiny flashlight is versatile and handy for many situations. Its 50-lumen medium light setting lasts for about six and a half hours, while the 8-lumen low light setting can last for about 40 hours. Its highest light setting emits 130 lumens of bright light. You could either use AAA or AA batteries to power it up.

Made from strong aircraft-grade aluminum, you can rest assured that this flashlight will last you an entire lifetime; it is super-strong and durable.

Also incorporated into this flashlight’s housing is a tough anodizing coat for additional resilience against abrasions and corrosion.

You will also be happy to know that this Fenix flashlight model is waterproof. It can stay underwater for 30 minutes without any worries of damage. And being only four inches long and weighing less than two ounces, you will barely feel or notice it when carrying it around.

One thing, however, that most users complain about is the flashlight warming up when used in its highest light setting.

Pros

It pockets well
It is a strong and durable flashlight
It features great light settings
It can be powered by either AAA or AA batteries
It has an excellent beam spread

Cons

It can get a bit warm when used on its highest light setting

This is without a doubt a great mini-sized flashlight with lots of great features. It is a worthy purchase.

This is the current price of these Fenix E12 EDC Tactical Flashlights available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)

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9. Thorfire 18650 EDC Tactical Flashlights

Anyone in search of a bright flashlight will certainly be impressed by this particular model. This Thorfire flashlight has a powerful light output of an incredible 1070 lumen, making it the brightest every-day carry flashlight on this list.

And not is the emitted light powerful, but it is also capable of reaching long distances (600 feet away).

You will certainly enjoy using this flashlight with five different modes to pick from (high, low, medium, firefly, and turbo). In addition, it features a tail switch for turning the light on and only needs a simple click to switch it off.

In addition, it has an 1850 lithium battery that lasts longer in comparison to most AA batteries. This means that you can expect a long-lasting battery with this particular flashlight, which is exactly what s needed in survival situations.

That’s not all. This flashlight features a detachable clip that makes it easy to attach to your belt or survival gear. It is also compact and light in weight and will not weigh you down while on the run.

Some users, however, complain that its switch button is not that reliable.

Pros

It emits extremely bright light (1070 lumens)
It has five different light modes
It is very easy to operate
It is one of the best rechargeable EDC flashlights
It is easy to attach and detach to your belt

Cons

Its tail switch button is not that reliable

This Thorfire flashlight features one of the brightest light outputs I have ever seen in an everyday carry flashlight. For such a tiny flash, such brightness is just incredible; this is one of the best everyday carry flashlights.

This is the current price of these Thorfire 18650 EDC Tactical Flashlights available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)

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10. Olight S1 Baton Cree Tactical Flashlights

Nothing is better than a tiny flashlight that’s capable of powerful illumination. And even though small flashlights are normally underestimated, what most people do not know is that they are simply the outcome of packing all the features of standard flashlights into much smaller compartments.

The S1 Baton Cree from Olight is the smallest flashlight made by the company. Weighing in at 1.06 ounces and only 24 inches long, this flashlight can certainly fit in any pocket; it is one of the best-concealed carry flashlights today.

And the best part is that this tiny lighting device can produce 500 lumens of light, which is found in bigger flashlights.

Also included are a couple of light modes—the moonlight mode, which is the lowest setting, has a light capacity of 0.5 lumens. There is also an 80 and 8 lumens mode. Additionally, there is a strobe light mode that’s perfect for emergencies.

The one thing I do not like about it is that it quickly heats up during use.

Pros

It features a tough and strong construction
It is compact and powerful; it is one of the best small EDC flashlights
It is available at an affordable price
It produces bright light on the highest setting; 500 lumens

Cons

It is not rechargeable
It easily heats up during use

Whether you are searching for something to add to your survival kit or need a lightweight flashlight to carry on your camping trip, this Olight tactical light model is a choice. It is a nice choice for those shopping on a budget.

This is the current price of these Olight S1 Baton Cree Tactical Flashlights available at Amazon (affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)

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What Is An EDC Flashlight

An EDC flashlight is a small, portable flashlight that can be carried on a daily basis. They are typically lighter and smaller than traditional flashlights, and often have multiple light settings. EDC flashlights can be used for a variety of tasks, such as finding your way in the dark, checking under the hood of your car, or lighting up a dark room.

What is The Best EDC Flashlight

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preferences. Some people might prefer a flashlight that is small and compact for easy carrying, while others might prefer one that is brighter and has more features. Ultimately, the best EDC flashlight is the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

A flashlight is among those devices that you never really think much about until the need for it arises, tactical shotgun flashlight. Therefore, having a light and compact one with you is a wise idea as you never know when you will need it. That’s why EDC flashlights come in.

The best EDC flashlights are versatile, portable, bright, and also light in weight. These are some of the features to consider when choosing a flashlight.

Investing in an EDC flashlight is a wise thing to do. The above list will hopefully help you make the right choice.

Christian Smelling

The 16th Sergeant Major of the Army, Sgt. Maj Christian Smelling was sworn in on August 11th 2009 and has held every enlisted leadership position ranging from cannon crew member to command sergent major

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