The Best LED Flashlights Under $100

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It happens to all of us. One moment you’re going about doing your usual routine, then suddenly the lights go out. It’s at such times that having a flashlight is as important as having a friend. 

You don’t need to spend too much of your money to get one of good quality. As such, we provide you with a brief review of the best LED flashlights under $100. 

These are the best LED flashlights under $100 for your review:


How to Choose the Best Flashlight for You

It’s always important to consider your needs and situations where you would normally use a flashlight before going out to buy one. There are many aspects to a flashlight that might make one more preferable than another to you, aside from price. Let’s explore a few of them.

Read our Ultimate Guide to Flashlights to learn what to look for when finding the best flashlight for your needs

Brightness

How much light your flashlight will emit is significant. A flashlight’s brightness is measured in units called lumens. Generally speaking, the more lumens there are, the brighter your flashlight will be. However, that can come at a cost to battery life.

Beam Distance

This is basically a measure of your flashlight’s maximum range, the farthest its light can travel before losing its intensity and brightness. Those that use a wide beam naturally have a shorter beam distance compared to ones that use focused beams. 

Battery Type and Size

What kind of battery works with your flashlight, or the kind that comes with it is an equally important factor in your choice. 

Does the flashlight only use disposable batteries, or does it also work with rechargeable batteries? Are they built-in, or do they come separately? How many batteries of different sizes is the flashlight compatible with? 

Having answers to some, if not all, of these questions, will help you choose what suits you the best.

Learn everything you need to know about Batteries with our Ultimate Guide to Batteries!

Durability

Nobody likes a fragile flashlight. We’re all prone to having accidents and exposing our flashlights to impact force or water. Depending on how you’ll be using your flashlight, you’ll want to check its ability to handle such incidents. 

A flashlight’s water-resistance is rated using the IPX system, where a higher number means more resistance to water, and its impact resistance is measured in feet. The more feet there are, the better it can handle being dropped from the aforementioned heights or lower.

How durable is it? What does IPX6 mean? Read our Ultimate Guide to the ANSI/PLATO FL1 Standard symbols!

Size and Weight

When it comes to the size and weight of a flashlight, personal preference, and how you intend to use it are usually the deciding factors. You shouldn’t think that they’re irrelevant to the flashlight’s other attributes, though. Larger flashlights can house bigger batteries, and heavier flashlights are generally more powerful.

But maybe large and heavy isn’t what you’re looking for. Sometimes having an efficient flashlight that’s compact enough to fit in your pocket is exactly what you need. It comes down to you in the end.

Now that we’ve briefly summarized the important things to look out for in a budget-friendly flashlight, let’s explore our best options in the market for a flashlight that’s under $100.

Product Reviews 

Best LED Flashlight Under $100

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Courtesy of Fenix, the is a tactical edition of a pocket-sized flashlight. It comes with a few extra features compared to its predecessor. 

You can shine a light as bright as 1000 lumens with this flashlight. You also have five other output modes for less intense light, which you can use to conserve battery power. The flashlight can shine as far as 656 feet away. 

The light output is regulated by digital means to provide a constant brightness. There’s also a built-in memory, which basically saves the last output mode you used.

Using the flashlight is quite easy. The tail switch can be used to provide momentary or constant lighting, and the side switch changes between the different output modes. 

The device is powered up using one rechargeable 18650 or two CR123A batteries and can stay on for as long as 140 hours. Additionally, there’s an indicator that lets you know when your battery is running low as well as protection from reverse polarity.

The flashlight is also durable, made from aircraft-grade aluminum, and features an IPX rating of 8. You can submerge it in water for as long as 30 minutes, and it will still keep working.

Measuring 5.4 inches in length, 1.25 inches in diameter, and weighing 3.1 ounces, moving around with this flashlight will not be cumbersome at any rate.

Pros

  • Has a high light output.
  • Good beam distance.
  • Easy to use with two switches.
  • Resistant to water.
  • Lightweight and can fit in your pocket.

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with batteries.

Best Mini LED Flashlight Under $100

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From AceBeam comes one of the smallest flashlights you’ll ever see. The TK16-AL combines being ultra-compact with having outputs similar to the larger flashlights.

Despite its small size and weight — 2.6 inches long and 1.3 ounces — this little thing is able to shine very brightly, with an output that can reach 1300 lumens and a beam distance of 1108 feet. It’s quite an impressive feat for a mini flashlight. 

The light output is regulated and made efficient for long runtime via a special internal circuit design that also provides temperature control. So the flashlight won’t be getting too hot in your hands.

It is constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum to provide durability. It can withstand impacts from as high as 3 feet above the ground. It can also hold itself well against water damage, where it can handle being submerged as deep as 6 feet.

You won’t find any trouble using the flashlight due to its multi-function tail switch, one control for all functions. A lock system will ensure no accidental turn on. Carrying it around is also super easy, with its pocket clip and knurled surface.

Even though the flashlight comes with its own customized rechargeable battery, it can also be powered up by one CR123A battery, although maybe not as efficiently.

Pros

  • High light output and beam distance.
  • Very compact and light in weight.
  • Durable against impact and water damage.
  • Pocket clip makes for a very easy carry.

Cons

  • No charger comes with the battery.

Best Magnetic LED Flashlight Under $100

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The Baton Pro by Olight comes with a distinct feature: a magnetic USB charging system.

This flashlight can deliver a light output of five different modes, maxing at a whopping 2000 lumens. The wide beam shines as far as 433 feet. Using the lowest output mode, the runtime for this product can be as long as nine consecutive days.

With a length of 4.25 inches and a weight of 3.8 ounces, moving around with the Baton Pro is easy. Its pocket clip can be used in two different directions as well.

It comes with a customized rechargeable battery and a specially designed magnetic USB charging station. You just place it on top and get a refill. On top of this, there’s a visual indicator that allows you to monitor the battery’s life during usage.

Exposure to water will not be a problem with this flashlight due to its water-resistance, with an IPX rating of 8.

Pros

  • Convenient charging.
  • Very high light output.
  • Visually displays battery life.

Cons

  • Only compatible with its own customized battery.

Best 90-Degree LED Flashlight Under $100

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For those who want a flashlight that can tilt its head 90 degrees, the MT21C adjustable flashlight Nitecore is a great choice.

With a light output of 1000 lumens shining as far as 603 feet, the runtime of this product can be as long as 700 hours on the lowest output mode. 

A power indicator exists which informs you of how much power there is left. It is compatible with either rechargeable 18650s or CR123A batteries. 

What stands out, though, is the ability of its head to tilt, as well as the metal loop, which you can use to hang the light and shine it on wherever you need to work. Its low weight of 3.7 ounces and length of 5.2 inches, along with a magnetic base and pocket clip, make it very portable.

An advanced regulation system keeps the flashlight’s temperature in check. Additionally, misplaced batteries don’t cause any damage to the flashlight due to its reverse polarity protection system.

It has a good water-resistance of 6 feet in depth and can hold itself falling from heights up to 3 feet.

Pros

  • Can be hung and aimed where you please.
  • Magnetic base and pocket clip allow for easy securing.
  • Works with several battery types.
  • Resistant to water and impact.

Cons

  • Head becomes too hot with prolonged use.

Best Rechargeable LED Flashlight Under $100

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Of all the flashlights that use 18650 rechargeable batteries, the TC12 by ThruNite is the best choice among them. 

It provides five different output modes, with their max shining at a bright 1000 lumens as far as 898 feet. You don’t need to worry about overcharging this particular flashlight as its micro USB charging port comes with a safety mechanism against that.

Both a tail switch and a side switch allow for versatile use of the flashlight, so it’s suitable not just for outdoor purposes but also tactical ones. Carrying it around will not be a problem either due to its lightweight and compact nature, as well as a clip that comes attached to it.

Moreover, it can handle itself well from falling with its 3-foot impact resistance and resists water damage up to a depth of 6 feet.

Pros

  • Protects itself from overcharging.
  • High beam distance and light output.
  • Two-switch control allows for versatile use.
  • Resistant to impact and water.

Cons

  • Recharging can be problematic the first time.

Best Dual-Fuel LED Flashlight Under $100

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When it comes to flashlights that have the dual fuel feature, look no further than the Nitecore P12 flashlight.

With a light output maximum of 1000 lumens and a beam distance of 761 feet, the P12 is very handy for all kinds of people in all sorts of situations. Its runtime also extends for as long as 520 hours at low light.

More features include a memory function that saves your last-used brightness level, no flickering, and a side switch that serves multiple functions — including having an integrated power indicator that warns you when you’re running low. In addition to all of this, the flashlight can stand on its tail, which can be convenient in some situations.

It’s compatible with many battery types and sizes and can be powered up using one 18650 rechargeable battery or 2 CR123A batteries, which come included in the package.

Its sturdy construction gives it good resistance from impact, up to 3 feet, and from water, up to 2 feet.

Pros

  • Compatible with many battery sizes.
  • High beam distance and brightness.
  • Can stand on its tail.
  • Comes with extra batteries.

Cons

  • Problems have been noted with recharging.

Best LED Flashlight With Recharging Base

Maglite Mag-Tac LED Rechargeable Flashlight

If you’re looking for something simple but does not compromise on performance, you will find the Maglite Mag-Tac very appealing.

It provides a brightness of 543 lumens, and lower with a power-saving mode. The light can reach as far as 593 feet, and it can keep running for up to 4 hours.

All the flashlight’s functions are activated through one tail switch, which makes it easy to use. It comes with its own customized battery as well as a USB charging base that can be mounted on any surface you want.

Additionally, the product features a detachable clip, which is quite neat and makes the product an easy carry.

It also boasts a 6-feet impact resistance rating as well as adequate water-resistance with an IPX rating of 4.

Pros

  • The pocket clip is detachable.
  • Comes with a mountable recharging base.
  • Has a multi-function single switch.
  • Sturdy against impact.

Cons

  • No power indicator for battery life.

Best Pocket LED Flashlight Under $100

SureFire Stiletto Multi-Output Rechargeable Pocket LED Flashlight

If you’re looking for something pocket friendly and is the best of its kind, you will find the SureFire Stiletto up to the task.

It comes with three different light outputs, maxing at 650 lumens, which can be activated via a primary. It provides a wide beam of light, which helps you with situational awareness in the dark. Another switch comes with the product, which can be used to program different activation sequences for the preferred output mode.

You’ll be able to keep watch on the battery’s life using the flashlight’s built-in power gauge. It comes in a sturdy and slim design that you can easily slip in and out of your pocket, also keeping it secure with a clip and providing easy access. It can handle being exposed to water for as long as 30 minutes at a 3-foot depth.

The Stiletto comes with an integrated battery that can provide a runtime of as long as 30 hours and then later recharged using a micro USB port.

Pros

  • Produces a wide beam with good light output.
  • You can monitor charging and discharging of the battery.
  • Slim design is very pocket friendly.
  • Has programmable activation sequences.

Cons

  • No locking system to prevent accidental activation.

Conclusion 

After this brief journey through the best budget-friendly LED flashlights currently on the market, you should now have a summarized but thorough idea of what you need. Now you can get yourself a quality flashlight at a reasonable price.

Don’t forget to share this with your friends so that they, too, can benefit and meet their needs.