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10 Best Tactical Pen Lights 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Streamlight 66134 Stylus Pro USB 350-Lumen Rechargeable Penlight with USB Cord & Nylon Holster, Black

The Streamlight 66134 Stylus Pro USB Penlight offers a solid performance for those needing a compact and reliable light source. With 350 lumens, it provides bright illumination suitable for various activities such as hiking, camping, and everyday carry. The penlight’s high mode produces a peak beam intensity of 2950 candela, reaching a distance of up to 109 meters, which is impressive for its size.

The battery life in high mode is relatively short, running only for 1.5 hours, which may be a limitation for extended use. The battery is rechargeable via USB, and the penlight includes a lithium-ion battery, making it convenient and cost-effective in the long run. Durability is a strong point, as the penlight is constructed from anodized machined aircraft aluminum and has an IPX4 water resistance rating, ensuring it can withstand tough conditions.

At 5.95 inches in length and weighing just 1.76 ounces, it's lightweight and portable, fitting easily into pockets or pouches. The sliding metal sleeve for USB port protection is a thoughtful addition. Users looking for a durable, bright, and portable penlight will appreciate its features. However, those who need longer battery life for continuous use might want to consider alternative options.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Lumens
The light is very powerful even for being only 65 lumens it definitely seems like more. It is a huge improvement over an iPhone or any cell phone camera for that matter.
Durability
This product is not the best out there but it is close. It is slim, not much bigger than your standard pen, it is very simple, and it is rugged.
Size and Weight
This product is not the best out there but it is close. It is slim, not much bigger than your standard pen, it is very simple, and it is rugged.
#2

GearLight S100 LED Pocket Pen Light- 2 Small, Compact Flashlights with Clip for Tight Spaces, Police Inspection, Nurses & Medical Use

The GearLight S100 LED Pocket Pen Light is a compact and versatile option for those needing a reliable flashlight for tight spaces. With a brightness of 100 lumens, it offers sufficient light for close-up tasks like inspections, medical use, and daily repairs. The flashlight is powered by two AAA batteries, which are not included, and provides a decent battery life for its size and brightness level.

Its small dimensions (5.25 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches) and lightweight design (1 ounce) make it easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in pockets or clipped onto belts and bags. This durability is notable, as the flashlight is constructed from military-grade aluminum, allowing it to withstand accidental drops and temporary water submersion, adding to its robustness for everyday and emergency use.

However, the absence of included batteries might be inconvenient for some users, and while 100 lumens is adequate for many tasks, it may fall short for those needing brighter illumination in larger areas. In summary, the GearLight S100 is a practical and durable choice for users like nurses, mechanics, or anyone needing a reliable, portable light source for close-up work and daily use.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Lumens
Impressive brightness and clean white beam make it ideal for walking dogs at night.
Battery Life
Uses standard AAA batteries, which are easy to find and can be replaced with rechargeable ones for cost savings.
Size and Weight
Its convenient size fits easily in a pocket, making it perfect for everyday carry.
Additional Features
The simple push button on the end is easy to use and works well.
#3

Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro 100-Lumen Penlight with 2 AAA Alkaline Batteries, Black

The Streamlight 66118 Stylus Pro 100-Lumen Penlight is a solid choice for those needing a reliable and portable light source. One of its standout features is its durability, thanks to the anodized machined aircraft aluminum construction, which ensures it can withstand rough handling. The penlight produces 100 lumens of light and has a beam distance of 62 meters, making it quite effective for short to medium-range lighting needs.

With an 8-hour runtime on two AAA batteries, it offers decent battery life for extended use, though it may not be the best for long-term, continuous operation without carrying extra batteries. The IPX4 water resistance and 2-meter impact resistance add to its durability, making it suitable for outdoor activities and challenging environments. At 5.3 inches in length and weighing just 1.64 ounces, it is compact and lightweight, easy to carry in a pocket or clipped onto a belt.

The removable pocket clip is a convenient feature for everyday carry. However, the light output of 100 lumens might be insufficient for users needing brighter illumination, and the non-rechargeable nature of the penlight means you'll need to keep spare batteries on hand. In conclusion, the Streamlight 66118 is a durable, portable, and efficient penlight, best suited for tasks like cycling, hiking, or general everyday use, but may fall short in scenarios requiring higher luminosity or longer continuous use.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Lumens
Surprisingly powerful light for its size, making it quite practical.
Battery Life
Battery life exceeds expectations despite being non-rechargeable.
Durability
Lightweight, durable, and simple – a must-have penlight.
Size and Weight
Compact and easy to carry, perfect for everyday use.
Additional Features
The removable pocket clip is handy, though it can become loose with use.

Buying Guide for the Best Tactical Pen Lights

When choosing a tactical pen light, it's important to consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the tool. Tactical pen lights are versatile devices that combine the functionality of a flashlight with the practicality of a pen, often including additional features for self-defense or emergency situations. To make an informed decision, you should understand the key specifications and how they relate to your intended use.
LumensLumens measure the brightness of the light emitted by the pen light. This is important because it determines how well you can see in low-light conditions. Lower lumens (10-50) are suitable for close-up tasks and reading, medium lumens (50-200) are good for general use and walking in the dark, while higher lumens (200+) are ideal for tactical situations and self-defense. Choose the lumen level based on how bright you need the light to be for your typical activities.
Battery LifeBattery life indicates how long the pen light can operate before needing a recharge or battery replacement. This is crucial for ensuring the light is reliable when you need it most. Short battery life (1-3 hours) is acceptable for occasional use, medium battery life (3-10 hours) is better for regular use, and long battery life (10+ hours) is ideal for extended use or emergency preparedness. Consider how often and for how long you will use the pen light to determine the appropriate battery life.
DurabilityDurability refers to the pen light's ability to withstand physical stress, such as drops, impacts, and exposure to water. This is important for ensuring the pen light remains functional in tough conditions. Basic durability is fine for everyday carry, medium durability is suitable for outdoor activities, and high durability is necessary for tactical or emergency use. Think about the environments in which you will use the pen light to choose the right level of durability.
Size and WeightSize and weight affect how easily you can carry and use the pen light. A smaller, lighter pen light is more convenient for everyday carry and discreet use, while a larger, heavier pen light may offer more features and better performance. Compact and lightweight models are ideal for carrying in a pocket or purse, while larger models may be better suited for a backpack or tactical gear. Consider how you plan to carry the pen light and what balance of size and weight works best for you.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality of a tactical pen light. Common features include a glass breaker tip, a self-defense tool, a writing pen, and various light modes (such as strobe or SOS). These features can be important for personal safety, emergency situations, and versatility. Determine which additional features are most relevant to your needs and look for a pen light that includes them.

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