How we compare and rank flashlights
You should be able to check every number on this site. Here is exactly where our data comes from, how we draw each light, and the rule behind every ranking.
Where the specs come from
Every size, weight, battery, output (lumens) and throw figure is a manufacturer published spec, taken from the manufacturer's product page or an authorized retailer's listing of those specs. The exact source is linked on every light's page. 290 of 293 lights have dimensions confirmed on a source page; the rest are marked unverified. Missing values are left blank, never guessed. Some retailers round millimetres from inches, so a value may be off by about ±0.5 mm.
Weights are published on different bases (with or without battery) and we label which is which. We only compare weights directly when both are on the same basis.
How the true-to-scale drawings work
Every outline is drawn from the published length and diameters (head, body and tail; or width × height for flat lights, headlamps and weapon lights), at one shared scale of millimetres. Overall length and maximum diameter or width are exact; head length, taper and tail shape are approximations. Reference objects (credit card, US quarter, AA, 18650 and 21700 cells, a phone the size of an iPhone 15) use their standard published sizes.
How each guide is ranked
Every buying guide uses one stated rule, applied the same way to every light in our catalog that matches. A guide is only published if at least 8 lights match, and shows the top 25.
- Best keychain flashlights: ranked by maximum output (manufacturer lumens); ties go to the shorter light.
- Best tactical flashlights: ranked by throw (manufacturer ANSI beam distance, metres); ties go to the brighter light.
- Best headlamps: ranked by maximum output (manufacturer lumens); ties go to the shorter lamp.
- Smallest 1,000+ lumen flashlights: handheld lights rated at 1,000 lumens or more, ranked by overall length (shortest first); ties go to the slimmer light.
- Best 18650 flashlights: handheld lights that run on an 18650 cell, ranked by maximum output; ties go to the shorter light.
- Best 21700 flashlights: handheld lights that take a removable 21700 cell, ranked by maximum output; ties go to the shorter light.
- Best AA flashlights: lights that accept AA batteries, ranked by maximum output; ties go to the shorter light. Many AA lights also take a 14500 Li-ion cell, and the top lumen figure is often for that cell.
- Best AAA flashlights: lights that run on AAA batteries, ranked by maximum output; ties go to the shorter light.
- Best rechargeable flashlights with a built-in battery: handheld lights whose battery is listed as built-in or included rechargeable, ranked by maximum output; ties go to the shorter light. Many lights with removable cells also charge over USB, but our catalog does not record charging, so they are not listed here.
- Longest throw flashlights: handheld lights ranked by manufacturer ANSI throw (beam distance, metres); ties go to the brighter light.
- Brightest flashlights: handheld lights ranked by maximum output (manufacturer lumens); ties go to the shorter light.
- Best weapon lights: weapon-mounted lights ranked by throw (manufacturer ANSI beam distance); ties go to the brighter light.
- Best flashlights under $50: handheld lights with a verified in-stock price under $50 (the lowest option on the linked store page when we checked), ranked by maximum output (manufacturer lumens); ties go to the shorter light.
- Best flashlights under $100: handheld lights with a verified in-stock price under $100 (the lowest option on the linked store page when we checked), ranked by maximum output (manufacturer lumens); ties go to the shorter light.
Best EDC flashlights is different: it is a short list of editorial picks in three carry sizes, chosen by weighing size and weight first, then output, beam, battery type and charging, using the published specs shown on each light's page.
How comparisons are written
Each “A vs B” page is written from the specs above only. We call out a difference when it is meaningful: at least 3 mm in length, 1.5 mm in diameter, 5 g (or 5%) in weight on the same basis, or 10% in output or throw, plus whether the battery is removable or built in. We do not compare runtime, user interface or build quality, and we say so on every page.
How we check prices
Prices are read directly from the store page linked next to each price: the brand's official store where it publishes a price, otherwise a major authorized retailer. We record the lowest option that was in stock and the date we checked; “from” means the page offers several options. We never estimate or carry over a price: if we could not verify it, it is left blank. 265 of 293 lights currently have a verified price, from 13 stores. Prices change, so always confirm on the store page before you buy.
Hands-on testing
We have not hands-on tested these lights yet, and nothing on this site claims we have. Hands-on testing, with measured output, runtime and our own photos, is coming. Until then, every figure is the manufacturer's published spec.
Money and independence
Some links are affiliate links. Rankings are never paid for and are never changed by commissions. Details on our disclosure and independence page.
Report an error
See a wrong number, a dead link or a light we are missing? Email liambuehlerbusiness@gmail.com with the page and, if you can, a link to the source. We fix confirmed errors and update the page date.