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Best Rechargeable Flashlight Under $50
Finding a good flashlight can be quite difficult, no doubt. There are so many types, brands, and models out there, that coming to a final purchasing decision can be a pain in the butt.
Now, consider the fact that you obviously do not want to have to buy batteries all the time, and your decision is made even harder, plus the fact that you probably do not want to spend a fortune on a flashlight either.
With that being said, there are many good options out there, which is what I’m here to do today, to help you find the best rechargeable flashlight under $50.
If you’re not sure what to look for when choosing a rechargeable flashlight then my guide here at the end of this page is worth reading before making a decision. In other words, there are some important features that you always need to keep an eye out for.
Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Anker Bolder LC90 2-Cell Rechargeable Flashlight
- 900 lumens
- IPX5 rated water resistant
- Micro USB charging
- 6700 mAh battery
Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A powerful, lightweight flashlight with 5 different modes, plus a high capacity battery.
If you are on the hunt for a flashlight with a lot of throw with a long runtime from the high capacity battery, this is one of the best options to go with.
The high-performance Cree LED bulb, which the Anker Flashlight features, delivers up to 900 lumens in a rugged, waterproof body. The light beam remains bright at over 600 feet and can throw to 200 metres, which is quite impressive.
This particular flashlight comes with 5 different modes including high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS functions. It can even zoom to create a wider or narrower beam depending on your needs.
The 6700 mAh battery is high capacity and can last for up to 13 hours runtime in medium mode, and takes 11 hours to charge. Although the wall charging unit does not come included there is a micro USB port and cable supplied.
Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Soonfire Compact EDC Flashlight
Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 1060 lumens
- IPX-8 (2 metre submersible)
- USB charging
- 3400 mAh battery
Compact design, waterproof to 2 metres depth, plus a high capacity battery.
This is a slightly less expensive rechargeable flashlight than the Anker we just looked at, but it does also have some really good features. For one, the Soonfire Flashlight is even smaller and lighter than the above option.
It is so small that you won’t even notice carrying it around and it can definitely fit in pocket for every day carry.
This flashlight is made with super impact-resistant aluminum, plus it is also totally waterproof to ensure longevity. In terms of durability, this flashlight is definitely one of the better options out there at this time.
Furthermore, the Soonfire has 5 different operation modes including strobe, SOS, low, medium, and high mode. The controls are easy to navigate through thanks to the simple and durable user interface.
At its highest light output mode, this flashlight puts out 1060 lumens of light and the beam can throw to around 250 meters, which is very impressive for a compact flashlight.
On the highest output mode, it has a battery life of around 150 minutes, which admittedly is impressive. You can recharge the high capacity 3400 mAh battery via the USB port.
Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Olight S1R II Baton Flashlight
No products found.
- 1000 lumens
- IPX-8 (2 metre submersible)
- Micro USB charging
- 550 mAh battery
Ultra compact size. Tail cap magnetic charging. IPX-8 rated.
While this may be a little over budget for some, I’ve included the Olight as it comes as part of a full package which does offer great value overall in my view.
In terms of weight and size, this is without a doubt the smallest, lightest, and most compact option I’ve reviewed.
It is specially designed for convenience and ease of use, with the easy to get to grips user interface.
This flashlight is barely as long as the palm of your hand, making it super convenient to carry around with you all day. The Olight Flashlight has also been designed for its comfort and good grip, which is thanks to the knurled pattern on the body.
Speaking of the body, it is made with high quality aluminum alloy, making it highly durable and impact resistant. What is impressive is that this flashlight is totally waterproof and can be submerged to 2 meters underwater with an IPX-8 rating.
This particular option puts out around 1000 lumens of light, which is impressive for the small size. Ideal as an every day carry flashlight.
With a beam distance of 145 meters it has one of the longest beam lengths for a mini EDC flashlight. Considering its super small size, this is impressive indeed.
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Streamlight ProTac 2L-X 500 Lumen Professional Tactical Flashlight
Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 500 lumens
- IPX-7 (1 metre submersible)
- Cradle system charging
- 650 mAh battery
A quality flashlight with a waterproof rating down to 1 metre, plus versatile battery options.
What is cool about this particular flashlight is that it can run with 2 different battery types. You can use CR123A batteries or 18650 batteries too. If you use the CR batteries, you can get up to 2.75 hours of runtime with this flashlight, and if you use the 18650 batteries, you can get up to 3.25 hours of runtime with it.
This is quite impressive seeing as most of the other flashlights on this list simply do not last this long. This flashlight comes with its own cradle charging system, and it does not take long to recharge at all.
Furthermore, this item is made with a solid aluminum housing and features an anodized finish. This aircraft-grade aluminum flashlight has a super high level of impact resistance, plus it has a great waterproof rating and can be submerged down to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
With that being said, this is one of the less bright flashlights on this list, only putting out 500 lumens, but it is still not bad considering it has a beam distance of 165 meters on the highest setting.
Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fenix PD25 550 Lumen CREE LED EDC Flashlight
No products found.
- 550 lumens max
- IPX8 rating water resistant
- USB charging
- 700 mAh battery
If you’re looking for a low cost flashlight, it’s worth considering. Powered by 2 battery types.
We really like this option because it can be powered by a 16340 rechargeable Li-ion battery or one 3V CR123A lithium battery.
What you need to know here is that with the Li-ion battery you get 550 lumens of light, but with the CR battery, you only get 270 lumens of light. Either way, while this is a nice little flashlight that does not cost too much, it really is not all that bright.
However, we like how the battery life for this flashlight is quite long, plus it comes with the USB charging cable included.
In terms of durability, this flashlight is quite strong thanks to the aircraft grade aluminum build which it features.
What is also neat here is that you can choose from 5 different modes from Low at 5 lumens to Turbo at 550 lumens .
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Final Thoughts
My Best Choice here goes to the Olight S1R Baton. When looking at all of its features such as the modes, the bulb, the battery life, durability, and brightness, overall, it is definitely the No. 1 option to go with and worth that extra cost in my view.
On the other hand, my Best Buy goes to the Streamlight ProTac as it comes in at an excellent price and features great all-around performance.
Whichever flashlight you choose in this review, it will serve you well.
You may also be interested in my review of 2 high output EDC flashlights or my full review of the WowTac W1 pocket flashlight.
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- Multitools for military and other uses
- Best compass for day hikes
Last update on 2024-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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What To Look For In a Rechargeable Flashlight
Lumens
In simplest terms, lumens is the measure of visible light which the human eye can see, which is emitted from a single source of light.
The more lumens a flashlight has, the brighter it will appear to your eye. For instance, a 60 watt lamp has around 800 lumens of brightness.
To fully understand how lumens affect a flashlights brightness take a look at my article on lumens for flashlights.
Beam Distance
Of course, when buying a flashlight for outdoor, hunting, and tactical purposes, you want it to have a good beam length.
The better the bulbs are and the more lumens the light in question has, the further the beam of light will be able to reach. Some flashlights can only reach 100 yards out, while other can reach out to 1,000 yards.
Battery Type and Output
You also need to pay attention to the battery type in question. Some flashlights have conventional batteries, some have nickel cadmium, some have lithium ion batteries, and so on.
In terms of the output, this is measured in mAh, with some batteries having an output as low as 1,000 mAh, with others as high as 4,000 or more.
Impact and Water Resistance
If you get a flashlight for outdoor purposes, it absolutely needs to be impact resistance. Also, it should be water resistant. Keep in mind that there is a difference between being water resistant and waterproof.
Bulb Type
Understand that there are differences between various bulb types like halogen, LED, incandescent, krypton, and others.
Modes and Controls
You want the flashlight in question to have buttons that are easy to press and control. At the same time, having different modes like SOS and strobe, as well as high, medium, and low output is useful too.
Size and Weight
When it comes to your flashlight, you probably want one that is lightweight and compact. However, keep in mind that smaller flashlights often have less power and less battery life when compared to larger ones.