Best Tactical Flashlight in 2023

Fenix Flashlights FX-PD35TAC

The first item on our list of the best flashlights around is the Fenix Flashlights FX-PD35TAC.

This durable flashlight has 1000 lumens of power behind it and can project its beam up to 200m. But don’t worry, we know that brightest isn’t always best, and that’s why we love that this flashlight has five settings of various brightness, plus a strobe for emergencies.

It’s hard to believe you can get much choice from a flashlight that can fit in your pocket! The small size and lightweight make this a great companion both for everyday use, like walking home in the dark, and for backpacking trips when you want to shed as much weight as possible.

And don’t worry if you get caught in a downpour – this flashlight can be submerged in a meter of water for half an hour without suffering.

Some minor drawbacks with his flashlight are that it doesn’t come with batteries included and it doesn’t tail stand either. It also lacks a focused long throw beam, so at longer distances, you get more of a floodlight effect.

However, this flashlight comes with some great features and, at this price, we think it’s an absolute steal!

SureFire P2X Fury

The SureFire P2X Fury is an incredibly durable flashlight with a body constructed from high-strength aircraft grade aluminum that has been hard-anodized to boot.

Plus, the grip is so good you’ll have no trouble using this flashlight with gloves on, making it an excellent choice for mountaineering trips.

We love the simplicity of the tail switch – partially press the button for a moment of light or hold it down for continuous light. With no other modes, you won’t spend any time fumbling around trying to find the main beam. The micro-textured reflector makes sure your beam will be nice and smooth too.

Oh, and we love the tail-cap switch lockout that means your flashlight won’t turn itself on in transit, saving your precious battery life.

The battery life itself could be a little longer, and this isn’t the cheapest tactical flashlight around, but if you’re after a reliable, simple, powerful light, then this could be the one for you. And because of its strength, you can always use it for self-defense!

Streamlight 69260 TLR-1

One of the best things about the Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 is its compatibility with a range of weapons, such as handguns and long guns, making it a great choice for tactical purposes.

It’s also super durable and won’t let you down even in harsh weather, thanks to its operating temperature of -40°F to +120°F. And don’t worry if you’re out in the elements and drop this flashlight in water because it can handle half an hour at 1 meter – more than enough time for you to pick it up again.

The beam has a maximum output of 800 lumens behind it and can stretch as far as 245m. The beams themselves come from a shock-mounted glass lens, which means that you simultaneously get a focused beam and great peripheral light.

This makes it great for spotting targets as well as observing large areas at once, and there’s a strobe function too for dazzling or for attracting attention in emergencies.

Unfortunately, the strobe can be a little tricky to operate, so we recommend spending some time at home to get used to it before you encounter any emergencies where you need to turn it on quickly.

Having just one light mode keeps things nice and simple, but there’s no option for anything less than 800 lumens, which is pretty bright, so bear that in mind.

Overall, this has to be one of the best tactical flashlights out there for use alongside firearms and in harsh environments.

Streamlight 88052 ProTac

Streamlight is renowned for producing high-quality tactical flashlights, and it’s therefore not surprising that we couldn’t help but add another one of their products to our list.

The Streamlight 88052 ProTac is a more affordable option than the 69260 TLR-1 but, the thing we like the most about it is the fact you can charge it via USB, making it a great flashlight for everyday use (not to mention a more eco-friendly option).

Don’t worry if you forget to power it up though, it also runs off disposable batteries to ensure that you’re never left in the dark.

Although available with a range of outputs, we think the 800 lumens model offers the best value for money. It comes with a USB cord, a removable pocket clip, and a nylon holster, although the clip can be a little fiddly to use.

Unfortunately, this tactical flashlight is water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, so it might not be the best for mountaineering trips. However, if you’re after something for everyday use, what better than an affordable, rechargeable light with a couple of modes to play with?

Pelican 7600

Don’t be fooled by the super sleek design of the Pelican 7600 – it may be slim but it’s super durable and has tonnes of extra features hidden away inside.

The anodized aircraft grade aluminum body will withstand most bumps and scrapes but, in case that wasn’t enough, this flashlight also comes with a lifetime guarantee, making it well worth the investment. Oh, and it’s waterproof too, so no worries on that front.

Not only does the light come with three output modes, plus a strobe setting, it also has three color settings (red, white, and green), making it a very versatile flashlight. At 944 lumens on its highest setting, and casting a beam up to 225 meters, this is one powerful light, although sadly there’s no way to focus the beam.

We also love that you can use both rechargeable and disposable batteries with this one, so you’ll never end up without juice. Another handy feature is the battery level indicator, so you’ll know when you need to power up, which might be necessary as the battery tends to run out a bit quicker than it says – although this is still a lot longer than many other options.

Despite the powerful illumination and all the quirky perks, this tactical flashlight is still reasonably priced. If you want something affordable, versatile, and sleek, then we can’t think of anything better.

Anker Bolder LC130

If you’re after something incredibly bright but without a hefty price tag, then we’d certainly recommend the Anker Bolder LC130.

With 1300 lumens of power behind it and a beam that stretches up to 250m, there’s not much this flashlight won’t shed a light on. Plus, the tail stand is nice and sturdy, so you can easily light up a whole room or tent when you need to.

If you’re looking to save juice, however, why not opt for the medium or low settings. This light also has an SOS mode and even a morse code mode for serious emergencies, making this a great option for outdoor adventurers, although it is a little on the heavy side.

We also like that this tactical flashlight can be sourced from both rechargeable and disposable batteries, although unfortunately reaching the charging port involves some unscrewing and is a little fiddly.

However, at least this means no water will get inside, and the flashlight overall can handle being submerged in a meter of water for up to half an hour.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to focus the beam, but with this much light behind it, you might not need to anyway. If you’re after an ultra-bright light with some nice extra touches at an affordable price, this is the way to go.

Smith & Wesson MP12

The Smith & Wesson MP12 is another great mountable option, and it comes with a pocket clip, holster, and lanyard, so you’ll always have it with you when you need it.

It’s compatible with most weapons but, apologies to all you pistol lovers – you’ll have to find something else as it’s not recommended to be used with them.

With 875 lumens of power behind it, this is one powerful light, but we were pleasantly surprised to see that it can run on high for 1hr 45mins – longer than most lights this powerful in this price range.

But in case you do find yourself running low on juice, you can always switch to the low power mode. And there’s a strobe mode too for emergency situations. Although we like that the switch to move between modes is silent, we don’t like how fiddly it is.

We also like that this tactical flashlight is lighter than lots of other options out there, so you can pop it in your bag and hardly know it’s there. It’s still nice and sturdy though, thanks to the anodized aluminum body and shatterproof lens, plus it’s waterproof and impact resistant to 1 meter.

On the whole, this is a fantastic mountable option that’s great for everyday use as well as outdoor adventures.

SureFire Dominator

The SureFire Dominator is by no means the cheapest tactical flashlight out there but in some cases, like this, you really do get what you pay for.

This military-grade tactical flashlight emits an incredible maximum output of 2400 lumens on its highest setting, which is more than enough for almost every purpose we can think of. And not only that, but the beam stretches for an impressive 900m so you’ll always know what’s coming your way.

Despite this dazzling illumination, the run time on its highest mode is still over 2 hrs, which is far longer than that of many weaker lights on the market.

It’s incredibly versatile too, with the lowest of its nine-light modes emitting just 14 lumens. Changing between modes is super easy as well, thanks to the user-friendly rotating ring switch, making this a great light for real-life emergencies.

This powerful light can be powered via a rechargeable lithium-ion battery but, in case you run out of juice, why not take some spare disposables out with you too as it can be powered by these too.

It even comes with a wall charger and car charger included, plus there’s a battery level indicator, so there really is no excuse to get left in the dark.

The main drawback of this tactical flashlight, aside from its hefty price tag, is its weight – you’ll certainly know you’ve got this light with you. However, the added weight is an inevitable part of having a light this well made and powerful.

Overall, with this flashlight, you’ll be able to blind any attacker and light up any area, and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t last you the rest of your life.