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10 Best Small Tactical Flashlight 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

OLIGHT Baldr S 800 Lumens Compact Rail Mount Weaponlight with Green Beam and White LED Combo, Magnetic USB Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight with 1913 or GL Rail, Battery Included (Black)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,126
Beam Distance
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
4429 reviews

Beam Distance
The projection isn’t the brightest, but perfect for pistols where you don’t need to shine hundreds of yards.
Battery Type
Charges easily with a magnetic charger like an Apple Watch.
Size and Weight
Very compact and doesn’t protrude past the end of the barrel.

The OLIGHT Baldr S is a compact tactical flashlight designed for weapon mounting, providing up to 800 lumens of brightness with a green laser beam for precision. It's an upgrade from the previous Baldr Mini, offering 33% more light. The flashlight includes a useful low mode of 100 lumens, ideal for indoor use. It comes with dual ambidextrous switches, allowing easy operation with either hand.

The built-in 3.7V 380mAh lithium polymer battery is rechargeable via magnetic USB and fully charges in 80 minutes, delivering up to 140 minutes of runtime at 100 lumens. This makes it a practical choice for those needing reliable performance without frequent recharging. It is compatible with both GL and Picatinny rails, adding to its versatility in mounting options.

Made from durable aluminum, it is lightweight yet robust. The 800 lumens might be overkill for some indoor applications, and the flashlight is best suited for tactical use rather than general everyday carry.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,126
Beam Distance
Battery Type
Size and Weight

Most important from
4429 reviews

Beam Distance
The projection isn’t the brightest, but perfect for pistols where you don’t need to shine hundreds of yards.
Battery Type
Charges easily with a magnetic charger like an Apple Watch.
Size and Weight
Very compact and doesn’t protrude past the end of the barrel.
#2

Streamlight 89000 ProTac 2.0 2000-Lumen Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight with USB C Cable, and Holster, Box, Black

Rating
9.8
Lumens
Beam Distance
Battery Type

Most important from
869 reviews

Lumens
Compact and bright with excellent build quality and a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
Beam Distance
The high setting will light up neighborhood sidewalks for almost an entire block.
Battery Type
Extremely bright in a small package, with the 26650 battery lasting a very long time.
Runtime
The battery lasts about 5 hours on various settings before needing a recharge.
Durability
Compact and bright with excellent build quality and a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
Size and Weight
Not ideal for everyday carry due to its size, but perfect for home or property use.
Modes and Features
Medium brightness is practically perfect for night walks, keeping cars from ignoring stop signs.

The Streamlight 89000 ProTac 2.0 is a robust small tactical flashlight that delivers a powerful 2,000 lumens, making it suitable for various applications such as law enforcement, security, and personal use. It boasts a beam distance of 262 meters, allowing you to see long distances clearly. The flashlight is powered by a rechargeable SL-B50 lithium-ion battery, which can conveniently be recharged via the included USB-C cable without removing the battery from the light.

The run time on high is 2.25 hours, which is decent for a flashlight of this power, though it may require frequent recharging if used extensively on high mode. The body is made of durable aluminum and is IP64-rated, ensuring it is dust-tight and water-resistant, making it reliable in different environments. Weighing 8.2 ounces and measuring 6.02 inches in length, it is relatively lightweight and compact for easy carrying.

The flashlight features a tactical tail cap switch for momentary or constant on operation, as well as a strobe mode for signaling or disorienting. Additionally, the TEN-TAP programmable feature allows for customization of the light modes, offering versatility based on user preference. The relatively short runtime on the highest setting may be a limitation for users needing prolonged high-intensity light, and the recharge time might be an inconvenience during extended use. This flashlight is ideal for tactical scenarios where high output and durability are critical.

Rating
9.8
Lumens
Beam Distance
Battery Type

Most important from
869 reviews

Lumens
Compact and bright with excellent build quality and a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
Beam Distance
The high setting will light up neighborhood sidewalks for almost an entire block.
Battery Type
Extremely bright in a small package, with the 26650 battery lasting a very long time.
Runtime
The battery lasts about 5 hours on various settings before needing a recharge.
Durability
Compact and bright with excellent build quality and a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
Size and Weight
Not ideal for everyday carry due to its size, but perfect for home or property use.
Modes and Features
Medium brightness is practically perfect for night walks, keeping cars from ignoring stop signs.
#3

Nitecore EDC29 EDC Tactical Flashlight, 6500 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Slim Flat Shape with Spotlight Floodlight Strobe Modes Digital Display Sticker

Rating
9.7
Lumens
Runtime
Durability

Most important from
323 reviews

Lumens
Its brightness levels are impressive, with the 6500 lumen mode being almost painfully bright and generating noticeable heat.
Runtime
Battery life is excellent, especially on lower settings, with the 15 lumen mode offering up to 65 hours of runtime.
Durability
The flashlight feels solid and sturdy in your hands, with a robust construction that inspires confidence.
Size and Weight
The flashlight's flat form factor makes it easy to carry in a pocket or backpack.
Modes and Features
The Nitecore EDC29 builds on the success of its predecessors with new features that enhance its usability and performance.

The Nitecore EDC29 EDC Tactical Flashlight is a highly impressive choice for those seeking a small tactical flashlight. It boasts an extraordinary brightness of 6500 lumens, allowing for a beam throw of 437 yards, making it suitable for various outdoor and tactical activities. One of its standout strengths is the versatile output modes, offering spotlight, floodlight, and strobe modes with six brightness levels.

The digital display adds convenience by showing outputs and status, and the ability to customize controls enhances user experience. It is USB-C rechargeable, which is efficient, with a full charge taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes. On its low mode, the flashlight has an extensive runtime of 61 hours, which is beneficial for prolonged use without frequent recharging. The flat, slim shape and lightweight design make it easily portable, fitting comfortably in a pocket, and the included lanyard and belt clip increase its practicality. The durability of the flashlight is ensured with anodized aluminum construction, and it is water-resistant, adding to its reliability in various conditions.

However, the maximum runtime of 2 hours on higher modes may be a limitation for some users expecting longer performance at maximum brightness. Additionally, while it includes one lithium-ion battery, users might need to consider accessibility to spare batteries for extended trips. The Nitecore EDC29 provides robust performance and versatility, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, security professionals, and anyone needing a reliable, powerful flashlight in a compact form.

Rating
9.7
Lumens
Runtime
Durability

Most important from
323 reviews

Lumens
Its brightness levels are impressive, with the 6500 lumen mode being almost painfully bright and generating noticeable heat.
Runtime
Battery life is excellent, especially on lower settings, with the 15 lumen mode offering up to 65 hours of runtime.
Durability
The flashlight feels solid and sturdy in your hands, with a robust construction that inspires confidence.
Size and Weight
The flashlight's flat form factor makes it easy to carry in a pocket or backpack.
Modes and Features
The Nitecore EDC29 builds on the success of its predecessors with new features that enhance its usability and performance.

Buying Guide for the Best Small Tactical Flashlight

Choosing the right small tactical flashlight can make a significant difference in various situations, whether you're camping, hiking, or need it for emergency purposes. The key is to understand the specifications that matter most and how they align with your needs. Here are the essential specs to consider when selecting a small tactical flashlight.
LumensLumens measure the total amount of light emitted by the flashlight. This spec is crucial because it determines how bright the flashlight will be. Flashlights with lower lumens (around 100-300) are suitable for close-up tasks and general use. Mid-range lumens (300-1000) are ideal for outdoor activities and tactical situations where you need more visibility. High lumens (1000+) are best for search and rescue operations or when you need to illuminate large areas. Choose the lumen output based on how much light you need for your specific activities.
Beam DistanceBeam distance indicates how far the light can travel before it diminishes. This is important for activities like hiking or searching in the dark. Short beam distances (up to 100 meters) are good for close-range tasks. Medium beam distances (100-300 meters) are suitable for outdoor exploration and tactical use. Long beam distances (300+ meters) are necessary for search and rescue or when you need to see far into the distance. Consider the environments where you'll be using the flashlight to determine the appropriate beam distance.
Battery TypeThe type of battery used in a flashlight affects its runtime and convenience. Common battery types include AA, AAA, CR123A, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. AA and AAA batteries are widely available and easy to replace, making them suitable for general use. CR123A batteries offer longer runtime and higher power but can be more expensive. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are cost-effective in the long run and environmentally friendly, ideal for frequent use. Choose a battery type based on how often you use the flashlight and your preference for convenience versus performance.
RuntimeRuntime refers to how long the flashlight can operate before the battery needs recharging or replacing. This is important for ensuring your flashlight lasts through your activities. Short runtimes (1-3 hours) are sufficient for brief tasks or occasional use. Medium runtimes (3-10 hours) are suitable for extended outdoor activities or tactical situations. Long runtimes (10+ hours) are necessary for overnight trips or emergency preparedness. Consider how long you typically need the flashlight to last and choose accordingly.
DurabilityDurability is about how well the flashlight can withstand rough conditions, including drops, water exposure, and extreme temperatures. This is crucial for tactical use and outdoor adventures. Flashlights with basic durability are fine for everyday use. Those with higher durability, often indicated by IPX ratings (e.g., IPX4 for water resistance, IPX8 for waterproof), are better for rugged environments. Military-grade durability is ideal for extreme conditions. Assess the environments you'll be in and choose a flashlight that can handle those conditions.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a flashlight affect its portability and ease of use. Smaller, lighter flashlights are easier to carry and handle, making them ideal for everyday carry (EDC) and quick access. Medium-sized flashlights offer a balance between portability and performance, suitable for outdoor activities and tactical use. Larger, heavier flashlights provide more power and features but can be cumbersome to carry. Consider how you plan to carry and use the flashlight to determine the best size and weight for your needs.
Modes and FeaturesModes and features refer to the different settings and functionalities a flashlight offers, such as strobe, SOS, and adjustable brightness levels. These are important for versatility in various situations. Basic flashlights with one or two modes are sufficient for general use. Flashlights with multiple modes and features are better for tactical use, outdoor activities, and emergencies. Think about the scenarios you'll encounter and choose a flashlight with the modes and features that will be most useful to you.

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