A review of high-quality flashlights that cost less than $50.
A reliable flashlight is an essential tool for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman, a homeowner tackling a repair project, or simply someone who wants to feel safe walking home at night. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Especially if you’re on a budget. Fear not! We’ve compiled a list of the 5 best flashlights under $50, carefully chosen for their affordability, durability, and performance.
Our list includes a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a compact keychain light for everyday use, a powerful flashlight for camping or hiking, or a versatile headlamp for hands-free illumination, we’ve got you covered. All of the flashlights on our list are highly rated and have earned praise for their brightness, battery life, and ease of use.
We understand that finding a quality flashlight on a budget can feel like a daunting task. However, we’ve done the research for you! We’ve carefully considered features like lumen output, beam distance, battery life, and overall durability to bring you a selection of the best flashlights that deliver exceptional performance without breaking the bank.
Our aim is to help you find the perfect flashlight for your needs and budget. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover your next lighting companion!
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Olight S1R Baton II | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Streamlight MicroStream | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nitecore NU25 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fenix E12R | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Olight S1R Baton II
A compact and powerful EDC flashlight with a sleek design and multiple output modes.
Specifications :
- Max output: 1,150 lumens
- Battery: 1 x 18650 (included)
- Runtime: Up to 130 hours
- Dimensions: 3.62 inches long, 1.02 inches in diameter
- Weight: 3.5 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Bright and versatile with a variety of output modes
- Compact and lightweight, easy to carry in your pocket
- Durable and water-resistant
- Magnetic tailcap for hands-free use
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other flashlights on this list
- 18650 battery can be bulky for some users
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a powerful and versatile EDC flashlight.
- You want a flashlight with a sleek design and a comfortable grip.
- You need a flashlight with a magnetic tailcap for hands-free use.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You prefer a smaller and more lightweight flashlight.
- You don't need a flashlight with multiple output modes.
Bottom Line:
The Olight S1R Baton II is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile EDC flashlight. It's bright, durable, and has a sleek design. The magnetic tailcap is a great feature for hands-free use. However, it can be a bit pricey compared to other flashlights on this list and the 18650 battery can be bulky for some users. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line EDC flashlight and price isn't a big concern, the Olight S1R Baton II is definitely worth considering.
Streamlight MicroStream
A small and affordable keychain flashlight that's perfect for everyday carry.
Specifications :
- Max output: 100 lumens
- Battery: 1 x AAA (included)
- Runtime: Up to 2 hours
- Dimensions: 2.25 inches long, 0.625 inches in diameter
- Weight: 1.1 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Small and lightweight, easy to carry on your keychain
- Bright and powerful for its size
- Affordable price
- Water-resistant
Reasons to avoid :
- Short runtime compared to other flashlights on this list
- Not as bright as some other keychain flashlights
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a small and affordable keychain flashlight.
- You need a flashlight that's easy to carry and always at hand.
- You don't need a flashlight with a long runtime.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a flashlight with a long runtime.
- You need a flashlight that's very bright.
- You're looking for a flashlight with advanced features like multiple output modes.
Bottom Line:
The Streamlight MicroStream is a great option for anyone looking for a small, affordable, and reliable keychain flashlight. It's bright enough for most everyday tasks and is very easy to carry. However, it has a short runtime and isn't as bright as some other keychain flashlights. If you're looking for a small and inexpensive flashlight that you can always have with you, the Streamlight MicroStream is a good choice.
Nitecore NU25
A compact and versatile EDC flashlight with a USB-rechargeable battery.
Specifications :
- Max output: 1,000 lumens
- Battery: Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Runtime: Up to 100 hours
- Dimensions: 3.46 inches long, 0.98 inches in diameter
- Weight: 2.6 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Bright and powerful for its size
- Compact and lightweight, easy to carry in your pocket
- USB-rechargeable, no need for extra batteries
- Multiple output modes
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other flashlights on this list
- The USB port can be a bit fragile
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a powerful and versatile EDC flashlight.
- You want a flashlight with a USB-rechargeable battery.
- You need a flashlight with multiple output modes.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget.
- You prefer a flashlight with a longer runtime.
- You're concerned about the durability of the USB port.
Bottom Line:
The Nitecore NU25 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact and versatile EDC flashlight with a USB-rechargeable battery. It's bright, powerful, and easy to carry. However, it can be a bit pricey compared to other flashlights on this list and the USB port can be a bit fragile. If you're looking for a convenient and reliable EDC flashlight with a USB-rechargeable battery, the Nitecore NU25 is worth considering.
Fenix E12R
A small and lightweight EDC flashlight with a long runtime.
Specifications :
- Max output: 350 lumens
- Battery: 1 x AA (included)
- Runtime: Up to 100 hours
- Dimensions: 3.7 inches long, 0.75 inches in diameter
- Weight: 1.8 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Small and lightweight, easy to carry in your pocket
- Long runtime on a single AA battery
- Affordable price
- Water-resistant
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as bright as some other flashlights on this list
- Limited output modes
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a small and affordable EDC flashlight.
- You need a flashlight with a long runtime.
- You want a flashlight that's easy to carry and always at hand.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a flashlight with a very bright output.
- You need a flashlight with multiple output modes.
- You're looking for a flashlight with advanced features like a magnetic tailcap.
Bottom Line:
The Fenix E12R is a great option for anyone looking for a small, lightweight, and affordable EDC flashlight with a long runtime. It's perfect for everyday tasks and is very easy to carry. However, it's not as bright as some other flashlights on this list and it only has one output mode. If you're looking for a small and inexpensive flashlight that you can always have with you and that will last for a long time, the Fenix E12R is a good choice.
Explore further with 16 Best Flashlights for Walking at Night Safely
ThruNite T10
A compact and powerful EDC flashlight with a user-friendly interface.
Specifications :
- Max output: 1,000 lumens
- Battery: 1 x 18650 (included)
- Runtime: Up to 100 hours
- Dimensions: 3.7 inches long, 1 inch in diameter
- Weight: 3.1 ounces
Reasons to buy :
- Bright and powerful for its size
- Easy-to-use interface with a single button
- Durable and water-resistant
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit bulky for some users
- The 18650 battery can be a bit bulky for some users
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a powerful and affordable EDC flashlight.
- You want a flashlight that's easy to use.
- You need a flashlight that's durable and water-resistant.
Don't buy it if:
- You prefer a smaller and more lightweight flashlight.
- You need a flashlight with a very long runtime.
- You're looking for a flashlight with advanced features like multiple output modes.
Bottom Line:
The ThruNite T10 is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and affordable EDC flashlight with a user-friendly interface. It's bright, durable, and easy to use. However, it can be a bit bulky for some users and the 18650 battery can be a bit bulky for some users. If you're looking for a straightforward and reliable EDC flashlight that won't break the bank, the ThruNite T10 is definitely worth considering.
There you have it, five fantastic flashlights that won't break the bank but will still provide you with reliable illumination. Whether you need a light for everyday carry, camping, or emergency situations, these options will keep you covered. Don't be fooled by the price tag; these flashlights are packed with features and performance that rival more expensive models.
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Remember, the best flashlight for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like brightness, runtime, size, and features to find the perfect fit.
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Beyond the flashlights listed above, a plethora of other excellent options exist in the sub-$50 range. Don't hesitate to explore and find the perfect light for your next adventure.
Finally, remember that investing in a quality flashlight is an investment in your safety and peace of mind. With a reliable light source, you'll be prepared for any situation, no matter how dark it gets.
Mohammed 
Reem