Flashlights are one of the most underrated gadgets.
A list of occasions where you will need a flashlight can fill several pages. We all face situations where we wish we had a flashlight handy. Whether hiking or searching for goods in the attic, the flashlight will be your friend.
What to Spend on Flashlights
Flashlights seem like inexpensive gadgets, but good ones can cost hundreds of dollars. However, most people do not need to spend more than $50 on a flashlight. So, we have brought you a list of the best flashlight for under $50.
Put Some Thought Into Your Next Flashlight
Do not get us wrong. Spending less on a flashlight does not mean that you should not give it importance. Flashlights deserve as much consideration as any other gadget that you buy. You do not want your flashlight to stop working when you need it the most.
You also would not want your flashlight to be useless in some cases. Sometimes, your life might even depend on a flashlight. So, you need to put more thought into a flashlight than you might think.
With so many options, it can be hard to select the best flashlight under $50. After our recommendations, we have compiled a buying guide to ease your purchase decision.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
We chose our top picks based on overall customer reviews. We only selected flashlights with a maximum light output greater than 250 lumens. We then shortlisted flashlights based on their features and selected the ones that gave the best value for money.
We then shortlisted flashlights based on their durability. For this, we turned to user reviews and only selected the ones with the highest durability. Then we checked the overall weight and design of the flashlight to ensure that it was comfortable to hold. Finally, we looked at customer reviews regarding the overall experience when returning or changing the flashlights. We were left with the five best flashlights under $50 that we will now review.
1. XML T6 Tactical Flashlight
Why We Like It
The XML T6 flashlights are one of the most powerful flashlights you can get under the $50 range. It has an impressive maximum light output of 3000 Lumen. One of the best things about this purchase is that you get two flashlights.
We love that you can adjust the brightness levels according to your needs. When you adjust these flashlights, the flashlight will go from having an overall length of 5 inches to an overall length of 5.5 inches.
The large flashlight can even function as a large area of floodlight. These flashlights have an overall beam distance of 656 ft. You can rotate the torch head to adjust the focus. So you can tailor it to your specific needs.
This flashlight is great for the outdoors. It can project strong and bright light over a high distance. Users praise it for its utility while camping in a forest or between mountains.
The overall build quality of this flashlight is also good. It can easily take a hit or two. It also has a weatherproof design which makes it suitable for use outdoors. It is made up of high-quality aluminum alloy, and the surface has a rubber cover.
Since this is a very bright flashlight, it helps that it has good heat dissipation. User reviews tell us that it does not get too hot even after hours of use, and its rubber grips come in handy if it gets hot. Both flashlights come with plastic sleeves, AAA battery holders, and a hand strap. You can also use this flashlight with rechargeable batteries.
What You Should Know
These flashlights have a weatherproof design, but they are not waterproof. Do not immerse them underwater, or else they will stop working. You should also note that these do not come with batteries, so you have to buy them separately.
2. GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight
Why We Like It
An article titled "the best flashlight under $50" cannot be complete without mentioning a GearLight Led tactical flashlight. It is one of the highest-rated flashlights on Amazon, and as of now, around 17,000 people have collectively given it 4.7 ratings. You should also note that 80% of the buyers have given it an impressive five-star rating.
The best thing about this flashlight pack is that it is the most budget-friendly tactical flashlight you can get. The package comes with two identical flashlights with an impressive 1040-lumen maximum light output.
This flashlight uses two AAA batteries. You can use rechargeable batteries for this flashlight as well. It has one of the best constructions that we have seen on a flashlight. The build is military-grade aluminum construction that is also weatherproof. So, this flashlight is perfect for outdoor use. We are pleasantly surprised that it packs such a nice build, and the whole pack costs about $15.
This flashlight features two zoom modes. The wide zoom gives you a longer light beam, whereas the focus mode gives you a shorter light beam. So, this flashlight can be used indoors as well.
The overall focal length of the light can be changed by adjusting the zoom of the flashlight. It is very comfortable to hold and is one of the lightest flashlights we have ever seen. User review tells us that its heat dissipation is also good.
What You Should Know
These flashlights are known for using up too much battery. Users report that they have to change batteries after just one camping night. For about $15, we do not have any complaints. However, we recommend getting a set of rechargeable batteries with this flashlight.
3. Stanley Rechargeable Flashlight
Why We Like It
If you need a heavy-duty and unique-looking rechargeable flashlight, the Stanley Rechargeable Flashlight is a good choice. It is one of the best rechargeable flashlights you can get under $50. This flashlight can easily double as a spotlight. It is designed in such a way that most people would take it as a spotlight.
This flashlight has a 5-watt LED, and the best thing about it is that it comes with a power-saving mode. This mode is ideal when using this flashlight outdoors, where you know that you will not have a power source to recharge the flashlight.
The flashlight has a long battery time. It has up to ten hours of runtime which is more than enough for most of us. The light has three brightness modes. So you can adjust its brightness according to your needs.
It has an excellent industrial-grade build and design. User reviews tell us that this flashlight can last for several years. It has an ergonomic handle that makes it easier to hold and grip. Despite being so bright and powerful, this flashlight does not get too hot easily.
What You Should Know
We find that this flashlight is a little heavy. It has a total weight of about 1.6 pounds. This weight might not seem much at first, but it might get uncomfortable when you hold it for a long time.
You should also note that the company has not advertised this flashlight as weather or water-resistant. So, handle it with care when using it outdoors.
4. Streamlight MicroStream Flashlight
Why We Like It
If you are looking for a mini flashlight, you cannot go wrong with Streamlight MicroStream Flashlight. This flashlight is about the size of your palms and packs a 250-lumen LED. The flashlight is built with anodized aluminum, which is of excellent quality. The overall build quality of this flashlight is superb, and user reviews tell us that it lasts for a couple of years.
One of the best things about this flashlight is that it is rechargeable. It can be charged through a USB cable that comes in the package. It features a tail cap switch and is very easy to operate.
This flashlight is perfect for all indoor and outdoor use. You can make it a part of your everyday carry as it is small and lightweight.
The flashlight features a momentary and constant operation. The momentary operation lights up the flashlight as long as you hold the on button. The constant operation will keep the headlight on as long as you do not turn it off. You can also adjust the beam length to high or low. The flashlight also has a pocket clip attached to it so that it is easy to carry. The flashlight has an overall runtime of 1.5 hours which is impressive given its small size and battery.
What You Should Know
One of the drawbacks of this flashlight is that it takes a long time to charge. You will have to put it on charge for 4.5 hours to get a battery life of 1.5 hours. This micro flashlight comes at a premium price, so we expected better-charging performance. You should also note that while this flashlight comes with a USB cord, it will not come with a power adapter. However, you can plug the USB into any spare power adapter or on your laptop. If you would like a dedicated charger for this micro flashlight, you would have to buy it separately.
5. Streamlight ProTac Flashlight
Why We Like It
Streamlight ProTac is one of the most lightweight pro tactical flashlights under $50. However, this does not mean that its build quality is compromised. This flashlight is shockproof, so you can drop it without expecting it to encounter damage.
The flashlight operates on a single lithium or alkaline battery and has a maximum light output power of 350 lumens. The flashlight is great for both indoor and outdoor use. It has three modes, and the low mode can run up to 14 hours.
The flashlight is easy to carry and comes with a pocket clip. It clips onto your pocket, and you will not even feel its presence. If you liked the Streamlight mini flashlight but wanted something more powerful, this flashlight is a perfect choice.
You will find all three operation modes of the mini flashlight in this one. It has a very ergonomic design. You will almost always use this flashlight with one hand, which also makes it a good replacement for the mini flashlight.
User reviews tell us that this flashlight never gets hot. This means that you can keep it on for long hours without worrying about affecting its durability.
What You Should Know
We would have liked to see a rechargeable flashlight at this mid-price point. However, you can overcome this by buying rechargeable batteries. We also believe that while 350 lumen is adequate light brightness, at this price, it is subpar. However, you do get the lightweight and easy-to-use design in exchange for light brightness.
Buyer's Guide for Flashlights Under $50
We start most of our buying guides with the budget component. However, we have a fixed budget range of under $50 here. So, we will jump straight to other factors.
Light Output
When it comes to flashlights, one of the most important things to consider is the light output. Light output is denoted in lumens, and the higher this value, the brighter the light is. The light output varies from one flashlight to the other. You would want to buy a flashlight with the highest light output within your budget.
How Many Lumens Should Your Flashlight Have
Light output in flashlights can be as low as 100 lumens and as high as 3000 lumens. We recommend that you should go for at least 250 lumens. A super bright tactical flashlight will have a maximum light output of at least 1000 lumens.
Varying Light Modes/Settings
Some flashlights will also come with varying light settings/modes. The light mode will control how much output you need from this flashlight. These are multipurpose flashlights that you can use indoors and outdoors as well.
Light Beam Distance
When we talk about light output, we also talk about the light beam distance, which tells us how far the light can travel. Flashlights with a higher beam distance are suitable for outdoors, whereas the ones with a lower beam distance are suitable for indoors.
Battery Life
The last thing you want is your flashlight dying when you need it. You also would not want to charge your flashlight after every hour. Ensure that you get a flashlight with long battery life. The best rechargeable flashlights can last for weeks.
Some flashlights come with a single aa battery, while others can come with multiple aa batteries. If you do not want to buy a battery pack every time you run out of one, ensure that you get a flashlight with a rechargeable battery.
Durability
Flashlights can be subject to heavy use. The best tactical flashlights are impact resistant, so they can easily take a fall without damage.
Overall Life
Consider durability in terms of the overall life of the flashlight. Low-quality flashlights may become completely useless after a couple of months. Good flashlights, on the other hand, can last you for several years. We recommend looking at customer reviews about the durability of the flashlight.
Heat Dissipation
When you use a high-output flashlight, you may encounter heating issues. If the heat dissipation mechanism of the flashlight is not good, it will not last for long. We recommend doing some research and looking for customer reviews about heat management.
The Flashlight Might get Too Hot to Touch
Some flashlights may get too hot to touch only after minutes of use. You will not be able to hold these flashlights for long, and they will become useless. In such cases, a rubber grip helps in holding the flashlight. Look for features that dissipate heat and make it easy to hold the flashlight.
Weight, Size, and Shape
You will face situations where you have to hold your flashlights for hours at end. So, your flashlight should be comfortable to hold. The lighter the flashlight is, the better.
Why Weight Matters
One pound weight may not seem much, but it adds up when you hold it up for hours. You should also ensure that your flashlight has an ergonomic shape and size. It should grip well in your hand to minimize the risk of dropping.
If you are purchasing the flashlight online, we recommend looking at user reviews about the ease of holding and gripping the flashlight.
Accessories
It's always good to have several accessories with your flashlight. Some flashlights come with handy accessories, such as a belt clip. These accessories make it easier to carry and use flashlights. If all else is equal, buy a flashlight that comes with the most useful accessories. Some flashlights may even come with spare parts, so keep an eye out for them as well.
Mandatory Accessories
Some accessories are a must; if your flashlight does not come with them, you will have to buy them separately. These include a charger cable, adapter, and extra batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flashlights Under $50
Here are the most frequently asked questions about flashlights under $50.
Is there another brand you can recommend that has a good deal?
J5 Tactical V1-Pro has a pack of three flashlights for just over the $50 price range. Three flashlights for about $50 is a great deal on Amazon. However, because it wasn't under the $50 price point, we chose not to recommend it.
How many lumens is best for a flashlight?
It depends on what you plan to use the flashlight for.
For example, a flashlight that is used for general purposes around-the-house needs might only need a beam of around 50 lumens. However, if you are going to be using the flashlight for outdoor activities such as camping or hiking, you will need a flashlight with a much brighter beam, such as 1000 lumens or more.
Who makes the best quality flashlight?
There are a number of factors to consider when looking for the best quality flashlight. The most important consideration is the type of bulb. LED bulbs are of the highest quality and will last the longest. Other important factors include the type of battery, the focus range, and the size of the flashlight.
Some of the best-quality flashlights on the market are made by NITECORE, OLIIGHT, and Streamlight. These brands offer a wide variety of flashlights with different features, so you can find one that's perfect for your needs. They also have a reputation for making durable flashlights that can withstand heavy use.
What is the best pocket flashlight?
The best pocket flashlight is the one that is the brightest, has a long runtime, and is small and light.
Are 6000 lumens too bright?
It depends on what you're using it for. 6000 lumens is a lot of light and could easily be too bright for some applications. For example, if you're trying to read or work in a low-light environment, 6000 lumens would be too bright and potentially cause eye fatigue.
On the other hand, if you need a lot of light for a specific task like welding or metalworking, 6000 lumens may not be enough, and you may need something brighter. It depends on your needs and what you're using the light for.
Are 5000 lumens too bright?
5000 lumens is not too bright for everyday use. However, it may be too bright for some people in certain situations.
A lumen measures the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. A typical flashlight emits about 10-30 lumens, while a room lamp emits about 250-300 lumens. 5000 lumens is considerably brighter than either of those examples.
For most people, 5000 lumens is not too bright for everyday use. It may be too bright for some people in certain situations, such as when trying to read or sleep. If 5000 lumens are too bright for you, consider using a lower brightness setting or moving to a darker location.
What Option of Flashlights Under $50 Is Best For You?
So, what's the best flashlight under $50? All the options we presented can be great choices for you and your home. Now it comes down to personal preference. We hope this article has given some clarity on what kind of flashlight you want in your home.
Thanks for reading!
Here is the list of items reviewed:
2. GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight
3. Stanley Rechargeable Flashlight
