“A portable handy tool for proper illumination during emergencies.”
EDC (Everyday Carry) flashlights are handy illumination tools used in several daily activities, especially for outdoor activities (like camping, car broke down, or night-time walk).
These lights are compact, lightweight, and portable than traditional handheld lights. These flashlights are easy to hold in your hands.
They are available in different sizes, designs, and features, in which choosing the right among various options will be a bit tricky and difficult task.
We suggest you consider the following factors before investing in the EDC flashlights.
- Lumens: The brightness of the flashlight is measured in lumens, and the higher lumens produced by the lens will provide brighter light. The brightness range will be 10 – 1000 lumens, in which a flashlight with 300 – 1000 lumens is the perfect option to do your daily activities at night-time or emergency. So, choose them as per your requirement.
- Runtime: Irrespective of the battery type, its runtime is essential to consider. The battery life of an EDC flashlight will start at a minimum of 1 hour and can go up to 24 hours on continuous usage. So, pick the model that offers longer runtime to meet your daily requirements.
- Beam Distance: It is the maximum distance your flashlight beam can reach, and it differs for different models. Based on the use, you have to choose the flashlights with reflectors offering concentrated illumination or with a high area of effect. It is measured in meters, and it ranges from 10 – 1000 meters.
Knowing all about the product will help you to pick the right option. We are here with a list of some top-notch EDC flashlights along with a detailed “Buying Guide”. Read on to know how to choose the best one, as per your requirement.
Best EDC Flashlights
| Edc Flashlights | Lumes | Battery Life | Beam Distance | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting Ever EDC Flashlight | 140 | 30000 Hours | 492 Ft | Check On Amazon |
| Gearlight EDC Flashlight | Adjustable (Low-High) 1040 max | 4 Hours | 1000 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| Streamlight EDC Flashlight | 250 | 3.5 Hours | 68 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| Anker EDC Flashlight | 900 | 6 Hours | 200 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| OLight EDC Flashlight | 180 | -- | 60 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| Maglite EDC Flashlight | 2000 | 6 Hrs 45 Mins | 412 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| Binwo EDC Flashlights | 2000 | 5 Hours | 200 Metres | Check On Amazon |
| Coast EDC Pen Flashlight | 9 | 10 Hours | 30 Feet | Check On Amazon |
8 Best EDC Flashlights Reviews
1. Lighting Ever EDC Flashlight
EVER LED flashlight—a perfect blend of convenience and power. Compact and lightweight at just 128g, it’s easy to carry anywhere. Crafted with durable aluminum, it’s built to last.
Brighten up your surroundings with its strong LED beam, reaching an impressive 492ft. With 140 lumens of brightness, it’s like carrying daylight in your pocket. Just pop in three AAA batteries (included), and you’re set for hours.
Rain or shine, this flashlight can handle it with its water-resistant design. Zoom in for a focused beam or out for a wider glow, adapting to your needs.
From camping and hiking to tackling tasks at home, it’s your reliable partner. Backed by a 1-year warranty, it’s a purchase you can make with confidence.
What We Liked
- Portable and lightweight
- Super bright and long-lasting
- Water resistant and zoomable
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor activities
- The light beam can be focused or widened to meet different purposes.
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires 3 AAA batteries (included).
- The light beam is not as focused as some other flashlights.
- The zoom function is not as smooth as some other flashlights.
2. Gearlight EDC Flashlight
GearLight S1000 LED Tactical Flashlight – your ideal companion for everyday tasks and outdoor adventures. With an impressive 1000 lumens, it effortlessly lights up any space.
Crafted from tough military-grade aluminum, the S1000 is super durable, handling water and drops without a hitch. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket or bag, making it easy to carry around.
You can adjust the beam to your liking, and it offers different modes – high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS – for various situations. It comes with essential accessories too.
Weighing just 3.5 ounces, it provides up to 12 hours of battery life on high mode. It’s waterproof and can survive drops from up to 10 feet. The S1000 LED Tactical Flashlight: where brightness and reliability come together.
What We Liked
- Rugged build quality
- 1000ft beam
- Adjustable lighting
- Strobe and SOS functionality
- Waterproof casing
What We Didn’t Like
- Too heavy for home usage
- Average battery life
3. Streamlight EDC Flashlight
Streamlight’s Microstream lineup offers an exceptional everyday carry (EDC) flashlight series. Discover practicality with high and low beam choices, and a handy clothing clip for easy transport.
At the core, the Streamlight 66608 Microstream Flashlight stands compact. Its tail cap switch provides both momentary and constant on functions, coupled with high and low beams for adaptable lighting. The added pocket/hat clip enhances convenience without compromising its affordable cost and size.
The 350mAh battery features a safety circuit to prevent overcharging. Notably, the flashlight is USB rechargeable and includes a 5″ USB cord.
While the battery is rated for 4 hours, actual usage tends to be around 3.5 hours due to varying conditions.
Constructed with aluminum housing and Type II Military Spec anodizing, durability and abrasion resistance are ensured. From professional tasks to personal use, the Microstream series accommodates diverse needs.
What We Liked
- Abrasion Resistant Design
- High-quality construction
- Rechargeable battery
- Suitable for professional use
What We Didn’t Like
- Average battery life
- Slow charging process
4. Anker EDC Flashlight
Anker’s Bolder LC90 emerges as the ultimate solution if you’re in search of an extraordinarily luminous flashlight for extended reach. Its standout feature is the fully adjustable zoom lens, allowing precision beam control. This flashlight offers a choice of five adaptable settings to cater to various scenarios.
The premium-grade LED lights promise an impressive 5000-hour lifespan. Accompanied by a robust 3350mAh rechargeable battery, recharging becomes hassle-free via a phone charger or computer connection.
With multiple light settings available, even the brightest mode delivers an exceptional 6-hour battery life. Thanks to integrated drain protection, worries about battery depletion during extended inactivity are mitigated.
Boasting an IPX5 certification, the LC90 guarantees resilience against water and dust damage. The anti-slip design ensures a secure grip, while the provided wrist strap adds an extra layer of drop protection. Anker’s Bolder LC90: the epitome of luminosity, durability, and convenience.
What We Liked
- Anti-slip design
- Great battery life
- Waterproof and dustproof
- 5000 hours lifespan
- Adjustable beam
What We Didn’t Like:
- No charger included (only cable)
- Slow charging time
5. OLight EDC Flashlight
OLight’s EDC flashlight, a product that reflects the brand’s expertise in lighting solutions. It is well-known for its wide range of lighting products, from flashlights to headlamps and more.
This EDC flashlight runs on a single AAA battery and provides an output of up to 180 lumens. Its TIR optic lens ensures a balanced and soft beam for comfortable use. The on/off tail switch makes it easy to operate, and you can adjust the brightness from 5 to 180 lumens. With a light intensity of 900 CD, it can light up distances of up to 60 meters.
The flashlight boasts a sturdy full aluminum body with a double helix knurling design for grip. It’s designed to withstand accidental drops and is convenient to hold. With an IPX8 water-resistant rating, the flashlight is suitable for use in rainy conditions. Despite its durability, it remains lightweight and slim, making it easy to carry. The dual-direction pocket clip adds to its practicality, allowing you to keep it in your pocket or attach it to various items.
What We Liked
- Soft and balanced beam
- TIR optic lens
- Dual direction pocket clip
- IPX8-rated water resistant design
What We Didn’t Like
- Very basic – Lacks any advanced functions
- Very bright
6. Maglite EDC Flashlight
Maglite 3-Cell D flashlight, the pinnacle of full-sized flashlight solutions. This offering transcends the realm of casual portable lights, catering specifically to professionals and camping enthusiasts in need of unwavering illumination.
Distinguished by its intricate knurled design, this advanced lighting instrument serves multifarious purposes, from fishing to hunting and camping. The LED lights within promise an exceptional 50,000-hour operational span, radiating 168 lumens and extending beams up to 412 meters.
Addressing battery longevity, the Maglite lives up to its claims, providing a notable 6 hours 45 minutes of continuous use. Bolstering confidence, a lifetime warranty accompanies the product, safeguarding against potential manufacturing discrepancies.
Infused with cutting-edge technology and adhering to industry-standard craftsmanship, this flashlight boasts an IPX4 rating for uncompromised outdoor utility. Although not tailored for pocket-friendly portability, those in search of a robust lighting companion will find the Maglite 3-Cell D flashlight an optimal choice.
What We Liked
- Durable design
- Almost 7 hours of continuous usage
- High beam range
- Adjustable lighting options
What We Didn’t
- Bulky Design
- No carrying case
- Not suitable for recharging
7. Binwo EDC Flashlights
BINWO, a well-regarded flashlight manufacturer, presents the XML T6 LED Flashlights, boasting 2000 lumens for robust brightness. These pocket flashlights feature enduring LED bulbs with an impressive 50,000-hour lifespan.
Adaptable lighting options cater to various needs, toggling between floodlight and focused beam modes, reaching distances of 200 meters. The flashlight offers five working light modes, including different brightness levels, strobing, and SOS modes, adding versatility.
The IPX5 rating ensures weather resistance. It accommodates 3 AAA batteries or 1 18650 Battery. The package contains two flashlights, hand straps, and AAA battery holders (batteries not included).
Designed for practicality, these flashlights suit campers, professionals, and daily users. A battery life of around 5 hours rounds out the package. The BINWO XML T6 LED Flashlights are recommended for those seeking reliable lighting solutions.
What We Liked
- 200m beam length
- Adjustable lighting options
- Strobe and SOS features
- Waterproof and dustproof design
What We Didn’t Like
- No batteries included
- No adapter included
8. Coast EDC Flashlight
The Coast G20 Inspection Beam Flashlight caters to professionals needing precise lighting. Suited for workspaces and tight spots, it’s compact but not versatile. Camping or daily activities may demand larger flashlights.
Compact like a pen, its portability is convenient, aided by a clothing clip. It’s durable with water resistance and shockproof features. Activation is easy, offering over 2 hours 30 minutes battery life. Its aluminum build feels premium, fitting for a pocket flashlight.
Designed for focused tasks, this flashlight suits specific needs. Its narrow application doesn’t cater to general purposes. It operates on 2 AAA batteries, provided. If exacting illumination is your requirement, the Coast G20 is worth considering.
What We Liked
- Great for professional use
- Ultra-compact design
- Long battery life
- Waterproof build quality
What We Didn’t Like
- Very thin beam
Buying Guide for EDC Flashlight
To guide you in the proper selection process, we are here with a detailed explanation of its types, what factors to consider, and some FAQs that help you to know how to choose your best EDC flashlights, as per your requirement.
Let’s get into the details of what factors to check while shopping for the EDC flashlights.
1. Lumen Strength
The light brightness (the amount of light produced by the lens) is measured in lumens. Generally, the higher lumens count will produce brighter light. You need a light with multiple lighting options.
- The flashlight with a low light output of 5 – 10 lumens, which is enough to do simple daily tasks like finding keys from the car seat or unlocking the front door at night.
- The flashlight with a medium-light output of 35 – 100 lumens, which is perfect for lighting up a small outdoor setting or garden.
- An EDC flashlight with a high light output of 100+ lumens is used by the officials like police, firemen, and security guards.
Typically, picking a light that can produce 800 – 1000 (or more) lumens is an ideal option that helps even when disaster strikes that you won’t regret having a high-quality light source. Remember that using light with higher output levels for 5 minutes will easily drain the batteries. Yet your hand feels the heat long before it happens.
2. Size
While considering the size of the EDC flashlight, you should choose the model which offers compact, portability, and ease of access. Most people like to hang on the keychain or fit inside the pocket. Always, go with a flashlight whose size fits comfortably in the hand, yet not the bulky one which overcomes the purpose of using an EDC. Usually, the size of the flashlight will affect its light output. For instance, larger size flashlights use larger batteries to deliver higher light output.
Most EDC flashlights are available at below 5 inches, yet the majority are below 4 inches. These survival flashlights are categorized into 4 different types.
- Micro: <2 inches
- Mini: <3 inches
- Small: <4 inches
- Medium: <4 – 6 inches.
However, it depends on the personal decision, yet remember that the smaller the flashlight, the more portable it should be but results in less illumination.
3. Material
Most EDC flashlights are made of the most popular material called aluminum, yet some of these lights are made with stainless steel, copper, titanium, brass, and other materials. Here, you have to consider three main factors – heat conductivity, weight, and price. While copper or brass is great heatsinks, which are heavy (twice as aluminum light), and will tarnish quickly.
4. Power Source
Batteries (replaceable or rechargeable) are the only power source of EDC flashlights. The replaceable batteries (AA or AAA batteries) are cheap, easy to find, access, and replace, yet unable to recharge this battery. While EDC flashlights that are powered by rechargeable batteries will make their usage simple and effective.
Most of these batteries are easily recharged with a USB cable either at home or work. Since you won’t require any external charger, this battery keeps the daily gear to the lowest. However, chemical-based batteries are known for their longevity, while AA (CR123) or AAA (18650-sized) batteries are known for their availability and convenience of use.
5. Bulb Type
EDC Flashlight uses either a modern LED bulb or a traditional incandescent bulb to produce effective lighting. LED lights are the best and strongest lighting source option in terms of efficiency and output that provides long-lasting lighting to make use of the light all day long than incandescent bulbs.
6. Additional Features
Here are some add-on features that allow you to use the EDC flashlight with ease. Have a look at them and check for your required features.
- Adjustable Beam – An adjustable light beam offers extra lighting versatility. It let you use the flashlight for a different purpose. For instance, widen the beam for seeing your surroundings or illuminate a campsite, while narrow the beam for reading the book.
- Strobe – It is an essential emergency feature used to give a signal for help, especially when you are lost in the dark on a hiking track or broken down of a car on the road at night.
- Brightness Modes – There are various levels of brightness modes like low, medium, high, strobe, or additional turbo features available in EDC flashlights. Most basic models offer 2 settings (high and low modes), while advanced lights come with 3 or 5 settings.
- Attachment Features – An EDC flashlight should offer attachment options like the reversible pocket clip, lanyard, keychain, or a carabiner clip that help to keep the flashlight close/near for quick access in emergencies.
- Control Functions – Tactical style controls like a tail switch or button, sliding switch, or a twisting head will let you control or access the flashlight easily. Among them, the press button functions or tail switch of the light is easy to use. While a twisting head takes a bit more time to set the desired mode through settings.
7. Environmental Resistance
Check the resistance of EDC flashlights to environmental factors before making their purchase. For this, see the IP rating of the product, which provides a quick evaluation of environmental resistance, particularly on water and dust. For instance, an EDC flashlight with IP 67 rating will offer water resistance for up to 30 minutes at a meter depth, and also give protection against dust ingress. Keep in mind that the higher the number, the better protection it offers.
8. Durability
It is a must to choose an EDC flashlight that is designed with a durable body, impact resistance, and effectively resisting external elements. They can easily withstand daily pounding and last for a long time than the snazzy lookalikes.
9. Build Quality & Performance
Mostly, people invest in EDC flashlights to assist in their daily tasks. So, it is a must to check the build quality of these lights before making its purchase. A pair of a tough outer shell with great internal build quality will form the best flashlights like a high-quality durable plastic or anodized aluminum are two popular choices. These lights are capable to repel moisture, dust, or sand and let you use them daily.
However, the battery life of the flashlight will fall under its performance. So, you have to look for a flashlight that offers around 8 hours of usage. LED lights are power-efficient bulbs that can easily run for an extended time.
10. Deployment Method
An easy and quick to deploy is the best EDC flashlight you have to use. For this, initially check whether a tactical light has a tail cap switch or not, or as a minimum for high output mode. Secondly, inspect how the light is stored while not using it. Most of these lights come with either one or two pocket clip designs – a fixed (one-way clip), and a removable, reversible clip. Choose the one that suits your requirement.
11. Flashlight Interface
Compared to traditional lights, EDC flashlights are lightweight, compact, and portable that offers an easy-to-use interface (easy to access, operate or use even in dark). However, the best feature of these lights will be the interface for low-light situations. The quick way to tactile and felt by hands are buttons, which are easy to turn on the lights even if they are out.
12. Price
You have to spend a bit extra money to pick a quality EDC flashlight. The price range of these flashlights will be from $20 – $100 (or above), in which models with the price below $50 are not worthy and excellent options. while models within $50 – $100 are durable, reliable, and well-engineered. Those whose price range is above $100 will offer high lumen outputs and various unique features. So, choose them as per your requirement and budget range.
Types of EDC Flashlights
These everyday carry flashlights are lightweight, compact, and portable, yet vary in size ranges. Here are some of the different types of EDC flashlights.
a. Pocket flashlights are a type of EDC light that comes with clips, which let you clip and carry the light easily and conveniently onto your jacket or pocket. Most of these pocket flashlights offer high outputs to ensure that user won’t lose power to the size. With the advancement of LED technology and flashlight technology, we can easily see brighter lighting of flashlights at a smaller size.
b. Penlights are another type of this EDC flashlight, which are quite popular for professionals like doctors and engineers. Its slim design will let you slip it easily in and out of the pocket. These penlights are great beginner EDC lights that offer beam to read and up-close work that makes it easy to operate and carry conveniently.
c. Keychain lights are considered the smallest/tiny EDC flashlights. You can easily slip this LED flashlight onto a keychain and carry it everywhere conveniently, just as a key. Also, these popular EDC flashlights are small that don’t bulk up with keyring. They suit perfectly for everyone, irrespective of either they own (or) looking to get an everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.
d. A lanyard or holster is used to keep the flashlight always with you. At certain times, we won’t want EDC flashlights in your pocket, then holsters and lanyards will allow you to place the light comfortably on wherever you want. It has a magnetic tail cap that provides a hands-free light source, which is the best feature for car mechanics, as it sticks on the car and lets them work effectively.
e. Tactical Light is a common defensive EDC flashlight that creates a blinding light for the user to escape from the threat. Apart from remarkable lumen output, they have bezels with protrusions to offer extra bite in the worst scenarios. They are made with aluminum and thereby provide a perfect balance between their lightweight and strength.
Best EDC Flashlights – FAQs
Ans: A tactical EDC light is used in several lifesaving situations. For instance, use in case when you want to confuse the attacker who is chasing you. The EDC flashlight helps in a power outage at work and helps you a lot when you trap in an elevator or have to fix your car repairs in darkness.
Ans: Usually, a flashlight with more than 100 lumens will irritate the attacker. It provides the same effect of seeing the little black dots in the eyes after looking into the light. Remember that light with under 800 lumens won’t blind the attacker, while 1000 lumens is sufficient to cause distress and blind them temporarily.
Ans: The light brightness of the EDC flashlight should be up to 300 lumens for daily tasks. While for nighttime walking, camping, or other similar requirements, you may need EDC flashlight with 300 – 1000 lumens.
Ans: EDC Flashlight is short for Everyday Carry Flashlight. As the name suggests, it is flashlight that you carry with you every day in your pocket or backpack, along with other essentials such as keys, phone, wallet, pen etc. An EDC Flashlight acts as a handy light source during night or during an emergency. They are usually smaller than regular flashlights so that you can easily put them in your pockets.
If you are camping or going on a road trip, then you will definitely carry some sort of emergency light with you. But an EDC Flashlight will be always with you in your pocket and you can use it whenever needed. We do recommend you to carry an EDC Flashlight.
Ans: Some of the brightest EDC Flashlights are IMALENT MS18 which produces 100,000 Lumens, IMALENT RT90S which produces 36,000 Lumens, ThruNite TN50 which produces 16,340 Lumens, IMALENT MS03 which produces 13,000 Lumens, Fenix LR40R which produces 12,000 Lumens and Nitecore TM10K which produces 10,000 Lumens.
Ans: Typically, most EDC Flashlights will produce a light output in the range of 20 – 1000 lumens. There are some EDC Flashlights that produce more than 10,000 lumens. But, how many lumens do you need for EDC? For normal everyday usage, you need EDC Flashlights with 300 lumens. But if you want to use it during night time or emergency, then EDC Flashlights with 300 – 100 lumens would be fine.
Ans: Brightness of a light is measured in lumens. EDC Flashlight with up to 300 lumens are good for everyday tasks. For camping, night time usage and other similar needs, you might need EDC Flashlights with 300 – 1000 lumens.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, your choice in EDC flashlights should be driven by how you want to use yours. Depending on the applications you need a flashlight for, you can make the right choice. If you need one for assistance with daily tasks, you should not require a heavy-duty flashlight.
But if you require one for professional usage or happen to go camping a lot, a high-end flashlight is a must. Extra features like strobe lights or LED displays should also be considered when opting for EDC flashlights. We recommend checking out our list of flashlights to find the right EDC flashlight for yourself.
