Top Handheld Flashlights For EDC in 2025

Often overlooked, a high-quality handheld flashlight should be essential to your everyday carry (EDC). Flashlights serve many purposes, from finding the keys you dropped in the car to identifying a potential threat. 

Many people believe that if they carry a weapon mounted light on their pistol, they do not need a handheld flashlight. But do you want to have to point your pistol at every noise you hear? Or if you’re simply looking for your wallet that fell under the shelf at Target? That’s where handheld flashlights come into play.

One of my current EDC loadouts.

Flashlights have gotten smaller, brighter, and more feature-packed than ever over the last few years, not to mention more affordable (for the most part). That said, it’s difficult to find an excuse not to carry one. 

Features To Focus On

From basic to bougie, there is a light out there for everyone. Here are several features that you’ll want to consider and research when trying to find the perfect light for you: 

1. Light Output – If maximum light output is what you’re looking for, look at the lumens, candela, and beam distance. Without breaking each one down scientifically, think the higher the number, the brighter. 
2. Modes – I always prefer to have multiple modes. Low, high, and strobe are often what I look for. The low and high are self-explanatory, but the strobe can be useful for defensive scenarios. Even a low-power strobe can easily disorient an attacker and give you time to react and decide what your next move should be. 
3. Size – Especially if you’re going to be pocket-carrying, the smaller, the better. 
4. Battery vs. Rechargeable – Many individuals prefer rechargeable lights, whether via USB-C or micro USB. But if you don’t have access to electricity, your light is useless, so don’t automatically dismiss a standard battery-powered light. A light that can run on standard AA, AAA, or CR123 batteries is a great option, especially if it can run on multiple types of batteries. 
5. Pocket Clip – You’d be surprised how many types of pocket clips are out there. Consider how you will carry your light and where. Some pocket clips even have the ability to clip to your hat as well, while some are very minimalistic and meant for ultimate concealment. 
6. Water Resistance – I always suggest having a light with some level of water resistance. You don’t want to worry about it not working if you’re out in the rain or forget to take it out of your pocket in the wash. 

Many lights out there should be able to check everyone’s preferences for the features above. I’ll go over some of my favorite lights, but just know there are many other great options in addition to them. 

Favorite Flashlights

Streamlight MicroStream USB

I started carrying the MicroStream years ago when there was only a single AAA model. You can still find the AAA model, but you can also opt for this rechargeable one.

This is one of three MicroStreams I have.

Despite its ultra-compact size, it puts out 250 lumens on high and 50 lumens on low, with a run time of 1.5 hours and 3.5 hours, respectively. The battery fully charges in about four hours, and you never have to remove it to do so.

Streamlight went with a dual-purpose pocket clip that also clips onto your hat brim with ease. With the addition of the IPX4 rating and a limited lifetime warranty, it’s hard to pass this one up, especially for the exceptionally low price. 

Surefire Stilleto Pro II

Law enforcement officers, operators, and civilians look to Surefire for high-quality duty-ready lights. The Stilleto line has become increasingly popular in the EDC community, and for good reason. These models are slim, feature-packed, and provide fantastic light output.

Not your typical light! Source

However, they are pricey…very pricey. But many agree you get what you pay for. 

The Stilleto Pro II boasts a 1,500-lumen output on high, down to 25 lumens on low to save battery. At those outputs, you can expect run times of one hour and 24 hours, respectively. You’ll also have access to a high-frequency strobe setting that can be used to disorient an attacker. 

Technology is one of the reasons this offering is so expensive, as it’s programmable, USB-C rechargeable, and features an LED Fuel Gauge to track your battery charge. Additionally, it features a Mil-Spec hard-anodized aluminum body and an IPX7 rating. The result is one durable and ready-for-anything powerhouse of a light. 

Fenix PD36R PRO

It’s hard to beat the bank for your buck when it comes to the PD36R PRO from Fenix. 

Don’t let its compact size fool you; it puts out an impressive 2,800 lumens in turbo mode and has a max beam distance of 1,247 feet! With five brightness levels and a strobe feature, it’s surprising to see a max runtime of 42 hours.

This light could be the definition of small but mighty. Source

Constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum with an HAIII hard-anodized finish, durability is one thing you’ll never have to worry about. Additionally, it’s impact-resistant, dustproof, and waterproof down to 2 meters, so you can carry it confidently in any condition. 

ThruNite Archer 2A V3

Another budget-friendly model that won’t break the bank is the Archer 2A V3 from ThruNite. This light takes two standard AA batteries and features a reversed polarity protection system. Despite running on standard AA batteries, you can still achieve a max output of 520 lumens…not too shabby.

Slim for pocket carry with great texturing for control. Source

What helps set this light apart from others in this price range is the number of modes you can choose from. You’ll have five modes: firefly, low, medium, high, and strobe, which makes it ideal for EDC. Whatever mode you’re in when you turn it off will be remembered, and it will instantly turn on in the same mode next time (excluding strobe). 

Constructed out of 6061-T6 aluminum and carrying an IPX8 rating, you will not have to take it easy on this little light. 

Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA

The Protac 1L-1AA is one of my favorite lights. It features a multi-fuel capability, allowing it to be powered by a single AA or CR123 battery. Not only can you choose how to power it, but you can also program it to your preferred mode sequence via the TEN-TAP technology.

This light has seen some serious pocket time.

With high, low, and strobe modes, there isn’t much that this light isn’t equipped to handle. Up to 350 lumens on high for 1.5 hours or 40 lumens on low for 14 hours, you’ll have plenty of power for several day trips, depending on how you use it. 

Additionally, it’s IPX7-rated, has a dual-purpose pocket clip like the MicroStream, and features an anti-roll head. You name it, this light has it. 

Final Thoughts

You can’t go wrong with any lights on this list. It will come down to the features you want and the price you can afford. If I had to pick just one, it would probably be the Protac 1L-1AA, as it strikes an exceptional balance between performance and price. 

If none of these options catch your attention, there are plenty of other high-quality lights available. The important thing is that you carry one. You don’t want to be stuck with no light in a time of need, especially when these are so easy to have with you at all times. 

Stay safe, stay alert, and carry on!

Ryan Domke

Ryan Domke is a firearms enthusiast at heart who has worked with some of the largest manufacturers in the firearms industry, gaining knowledge and expertise he enjoys sharing with the 2A community. He has contributed to numerous reputable publications, including The Mag Shack, Springfield's "The Armory Life," Smith & Wesson's "The S&W Bench," and many others. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and enjoying the outdoors.

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