Whether you’re out to meet some friends or go camping, handy flashlights should always be within reach. The best small flashlight can improve survival situations when unforeseen situations occur from mild problems such as nailing a tent to the ground at night, or looking for missing people in the depths of the woods.
These flashlights are so tiny; you can just let them hang outside your bag or keep them in your pocket comfortably until the time comes that these babies should save a life.
| Image | Model | Lumens | Our Rating (5 highest) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Le Adjustable Focus Mini CREE Torch | 140 | 4.0 | $ |
 | OxyLED Super Bright CREE XML T6 | 500 | 4.2 | $$ |
 | Streamlight 73001 Nano Light (Add-On Item) | 10 | 3.5 | $ |
 | Vizeri LED Tactical Flashlight | 230 | 4.0 | $$ |
 | Streamlight 66318 MicroStream | 20 | 3.5 | $$$ |
 | J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight | 300 | 5.0 | $ |
 | Streamlight 88033 ProTac | 600 | 4.5 | $$$ |
 | UltraFire Mini Cree LED Flashlight (Add-On Item) | 300 | 4.0 | $ |
 | Brightex 600 Lumens Tactical Flashlight | 600 | 4.5 | $$$ |
 | Solaray Pro ZX-1 Professional Series Flashlight Kit | 1200 | 4.8 | $$$$ |
How To Find The Best Small Flashlight?
The best small flashlight is something that is durable, has great light-emitting capacity, and uses batteries that are efficient and long lasting. If the tactical flashlight you’re eyeing does not deliver on these terms, then you better go ahead and consider the next best choice that will satisfy both you and the amount you’ll pay for it.
There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding which is the best small flashlight for you, but depending on what you plan to use it for, only you can really assess its worth.
Typical length
Size does matter when you consider which mini tactical flashlight to purchase. Of course, you’d want something that is not hard to pack and is easily accessible. As a part-time tourist, outdoorsman, or a person with a military passion, big backpacks can be hard to manage and so they do their best to pack light, that is why these torchlights are so efficient and handy to have!
1. “Large” Small Flashlights
Although these life-savers are miniature, “large” is still a category. These kinds are usually used by policemen since they double as a weapon. Ranging from 6 inches and above, its bezel is still compact and handy.
2. Medium
Those that lie between 6 inches to 4 inches fall under the medium category. Certainly useful because of the impressing Lumens they carry, these babies are perfect for self-defense purposes. Just a quick flash at the eye, and you’ll be saving someone’s life and even your own.
3. Small, Mini, and Micro
Small flashlights range from 4 inches below. Because of the size, this can only accommodate one battery but this does not limit its light-emitting power in terms of beam distance. It still is impressive with the addition of tail switch options.
There are also models that are 3 inches and below and are called mini flashlights. This, of course, in unlikely to double as a weapon due to its size, but it still does pack a punch in terms of Lumens.
Micro flashlights are those that are 2 inches and below, living off button cell batteries. They usually take the form of keychains for efficient and quick-to-access storage.
Type of battery use
Depending on which you think is most convenient, the best small flashlight can offer battery options for the picky customer, from rechargeable ones to disposable types.
The usual AAA, AA, C, and D batteries are what’s called disposable alkaline batteries. These accessible batteries are always around cashier counters for your everyday battery needs, having a shelf life of up to 2 years. Although these offer lesser power, it still is convenient since most mini flashlights function on these types of power source.
CR123A and the CR2 are examples of disposable lithium batteries that are often used for torchlights. These batteries are more expensive but lighter than disposable lithium batteries, but you do get what you paid for since these provide more power and has a shelf life of up to a staggering 10 years!
If you do not like going to the store for new batteries every once in a while, then rechargeable Li-on cell batteries are perfect for you! Battery sizes such as 18500, 18650, and RCR123A are available for tac lights. They also are a bit more expensive since you also have to buy a charger to go along with it, but you technically save money in the long run.
Some tac lights come with their own rechargeable battery pack. These are usually just plugged into a socket and you just wait until the battery is good to go for whichever purpose you deem important.
Power
You have to understand two concepts when you plan to evaluate and buy the best small flashlight out there: Lumens and Candela/Beam Distance.
Image Credit: HouseLogic.com
Lumen is what comes out of the front. The light power or light energy emitted by the equipment is measured by Lumens and is rated from 1 to 700+ lumens. Depending on how much light you think you may need, consider these varying ranges:
- 1-14 lumens are best for basic lighting needs;
- 15-59 lumens have enough power to light up an entire room;
- 60-149 lumens are perfect for outdoor lighting;
- 150-299 lumens are suitable for camping trips and far, dark out places;
- 300-699 lumens can light up a whole field already;
- 700+ lumens offer all-out brightness just from a mini light.
Another factor you must take into account is Candela and Beam Distance. High lumens do not necessarily mean effective lighting. Candela and Beam Distance is both dependent on the reflector, but they are not the same. Candela is the maximum brightness it can produce, while beam distance is basically how far that light can go.
Again, depending on the Candela and the Beam Distance, torchlights can be a type that “floods” or “throws”. Flooding mini flashlights have a wider illuminative reach while throwing tac lights have a longer illuminative reach. Still, it all depends on where and how you plan to use these life-savers; only you can determine which is the best small flashlight.
When Does It Come In handy?
Since the world does not always guarantee a light-secured environment, flashlights can come in handy in various situations, especially those that are as compact as tac lights!
With their light-emitting power, tac lights can be a tool for self defense. Depending on the size, some can be used as a club, and depending on the lumens, some can be used to temporarily blind attackers or opponents, although prolonged exposure can damage eyesight permanently.
Obviously, these babies assist you in finding things in the dark or poorly lit areas. Also, flashlights come in handy in emergency situations may it be for calling rescue by flashing the light around the area to call for help, or for looking for survivors. This equipment really is small but terribly useful!
Best Compact Flashlight: Top 10 Picks
Le Adjustable Focus Mini CREE Torch
Praised for its cheap but impressive light power, the Le Adjustable Focus Mini CREE Torch gives you quality lighting! This tac light is armed with 140 lumens and an adjustable focus that can certainly lead you out of the dark woods.
It does both throw and flood so efficiently, you can even use it as a spotlight! This requires and is inclusive of 3 AAA batteries that are sealed to become water resistant, perfect for the muddy waters you’ve been dying to explore.
It is also under 5 inches which makes it easier to have and keep, just put in a side pocket and you’re good to go. The black and skid-proof design makes you want it even more,!
OxyLED Super Bright CREE XML T6
When the sky suddenly pours on you, your OxyLED Super Bright CREE XML T6, still does the job with a water resistance rating IPX-6, which is the highest flashlights can get.
Measuring only 2.1 inches and weighing only 0.88 pounds, this is as handy as a tool can get for a traveler or explorer. First impressions do matter because the OxyLED Super Bright CREE XML T6 comes complete with a plastic padded case for all the torchlight accessories!
Inclusive of a battery pack that has rechargeable batteries and an AC charger, you can store up power with the safety feature from over charging and even over discharge. This further impresses with 500 lumens and 5 light modes!
You can switch from 3 brightness options, strobe and S.O.S features. It is made of durable and aircraft-grade alloy that ensures its long life with you!
Streamlight 73001 Nano Light (Add-On Item)
If you want a tac light that is cheap, handy, easy to use, and lights your way, the Streamlight 73001 Nano Light may just be the right thing for you!
About the size of your thumb, this China-made tactical light perfectly adapts the look of a keychain! With 10+ lumens, you’re sure to light your way efficiently without the worries of having to destroy your night vision.
Also, this tac light does not have fancy switches, you just turn the handle and poof – there’s your bright light! This works on 4 tiny alkaline batteries, which lasts for 8 hours. You could also just replace the batteries when they’re dried out.
Vizeri LED Tactical
Another great torchlight would be the Vizeri LED Tactical. With three brightness settings of low, medium and high, this torchlight lets you customize your lighting experience.
Not only that, it also has the features of strobe and S.OS. that you can access by softly pressing the tail switch. Easy, right? The head of the torchlight also lengthens to provide you to the zoom feature, where you twist the head to zoom in or zoom out, depending on what kind of lighting you prefer.
The Vizeri also “memorizes” the light setting you happened to put on for more than five seconds once you turn it on again. Also, this operates on 230 lumens at most, carrying with it a beam distance of up to 300 meters when you use the zoom out feature. This certainly lets you see farther and in greater depths, even under water as this torchlight is water resistant with an IPX-7 rating.
Streamlight 66318 MicroStream
The Streamlight 66318 MicroStream is convenient to use and store. Measuring only 3.5 inches, the “S” clip lets you slip the tac light in front of your polo pockets for better access, or clip it to your hat when rummaging through dark closets or cabinets.
This life saver is operated by a single AAA battery that you can just replace when it dies out but the batteries does take quite a while before giving up – our trials put it at around 8 hours of battery life.
The MicroStream is packed with 20 lumens – not too bright, but perfect for night strolls or as a backup light! It’s also made with durable polycarbonate.
J5 Tactical V1-Pro
Perfect for hunting and camping, the J5 Tactical V1-Pro prepares you for literally anything. In outdoor situations, you’d want something that fits your palm perfectly and the J5 Tactical does just that – this handy life saver measures only 3.7 inches.
Don’t be deceived by its size though, because this is Flash Tactical’s best small flashlight. With a maximum of 300 lumens and a beam distance of up to 600 feet, this baby could light up a football field.
It also has 4 light modes you could select from intelligent, high, low, and strobe. This also only runs on one AA battery or a 14500 rechargeable battery to keep your lights on and ready for whatever that comes your way.
Streamlight 88033 ProTac
This 5.91-inch tac light comes with an easy switch at its tail end. Inclusive of 2 AA alkaline batteries, these has a maximum output light power of 600 lumens.
A holster is also included in the purchase to complement the tac light. The throw and flood functions of the Streamlight 88033 ProTac lets you see through almost anything!
UltraFire Mini Cree LED (Add-On Item)
Whether you just a good outdoor excursion or have to defend yourself against would-be attackers, the UltraFire Mini Cree LED may just be the best one for you!
You can zoom something into detail by just simply extending the head forward to focus the beam, but with 300 lumens at the maximum, you can certainly see almost anything in the dark.
This is operated by a single AA battery which makes it easier to power up since it is a common find. Its pocket size nature makes it even more convenient and useful.
Brightex 600 Lumens Tactical
The promise of original LED light comes from Brightex 600 Lumens Tactical. Measuring only 4.5 inches, this is as compact as a tac light can get. It packs quite a punch as well – 600 lumens to be exact.
This model also has 5 light modes: high, medium, light, strobe and SOS. The last light mode is an impressive X2000 Zoom. Also, its double 0-rings water proof the entire light, making it a good choice for night fishing. Not to mention, the Brightex tactical also comes in an environmental-friendly packaging that is still durable and attractive.
Solaray Pro ZX-1 Professional Series Kit
You want something bright? The Solaray Pro ZX-1 Professional Series Kit will give you bright. Equipped with an mind-blowing 1,200 lumens, this will light up your whole world, if not blind you.
It has 5 light modes, from high, medium, low, intruder strobe, and S.O.S. signal. If that wasn’t enough, the Solaray Pro ZX-1 Professional Series Flashlight Kit also has a zoom function that has a spotlight effect. It is operated by rechargeable Lithium ion-batteries that is inclusive of the Cordless Lithium-Ion Rapid Battery Charger. The batteries can be recharged up to 500 times before opting to replace.
Get The Best Compact Flashlight Now!
Whether it’s for looking for things under the bed, or hunting and camping, mini flashlights come in handy whenever, wherever. Just remember what factors that are crucial for your tac light experience so that you don’t purchase the wrong kind.
Find what fits your needs today and have your own best small flashlight!