The 10 Best Rechargeable Flashlights Of 2021

Advancements in battery technology keep making, even the best rechargeable flashlights, even better every year. We’ve got more than a few lights in our store that are powered by the very same batteries that keep Tesla cars on the road, eBikes on the trail, and solar-powered homes off the grid.

With all that advancement, it’s hard to keep up with who’s making the brightest, most powerful, or most convenient flashlights on the market. In the article below, we go over some of the reasons why you should consider a rechargeable flashlight if you haven’t made the switch already. We also cover our picks for the best rechargeable flashlights currently in our store and cover some stand-out features you’ll find on each model.

Why Should You Buy Rechargeable Flashlights?

Non-rechargeable flashlights are great for storing over long periods of time. Their batteries require no maintenance and can last up to a full decade. Those perks, however, come at a cost. Alkaline-powered flashlights aren’t nearly as bright and won’t last as long as a rechargeable flashlight with a lithium-ion battery.

That’s why for folks like us, who depend on their lights and use them regularly, having one of the lights below is the only serious choice. 

The 10 Best Rechargeable Flashlights In Our Store:

Whether you’re looking for a tactical flashlight, a regular everyday-carry option, or the ideal companion for camping and outdoor activities, the best rechargeable flashlight for just about any application is waiting somewhere in the list below.

Fenix E30R

User friendly, compact, and powerful, the E30R from Fenix is one of the best rechargeable flashlights around. It’s got everything you need, with six output modes, up to 70 hours of runtime, and a full 1600 lumens of brightness on its highest setting. Combine that with its palm-sized dimensions and IP68 waterproofing and you’ve got an incredible pocket-sized flashlight that punches way above its price point.

Nitecore i4000R

Nitecore’s i4000R is a tactical flashlight built for law enforcement, which means it’s engineered to the highest standards of power and durability. Its powerful 21700 battery packs an impressive 5000mAh capacity and recharges super fast, using the i4000R’s integrated USB-C charging port.

You’ll also appreciate the well-designed tactical features including tail switch operation, a one-touch strobe feature, and a burly striking bezel, and an included quick-release tactical holster, which is Molle System compatible right out of the box.

WUBEN A21

Boasting an outrageous 4200 lumens capacity in an EDC-friendly package, the Wuben A21 is a great all-rounder that packs a ton of tech. In addition to its USB-C rechargeability, users also get Wuben’s patented intelligent hybrid circuit electronics package. This regulates temperature and light output in real-time, boosting the performance and runtime of the torch while also protecting against damage from improper battery installation.

The A21 also has one of the most advanced user interfaces in our list, which utilizes a single side switch to select everything from output levels, strobe functionality, and lockout mode while also doubling as a battery status indicator. 

Fenix PD36R

Fenix’s PD36R is the latest and greatest evolution of their ever-popular PD35 series of lights. The latest PD36R is not only brighter and longer-lasting than the PD35 models but also manages to be even lighter and more compact as well. 

Recharging duty goes through a modern USB-C port discreetly tucked away behind the front light body, which is both lightning fast (you can get five hours of runtime from a quick 10-minute charge) and waterproof with or without its rubberized dust cover.

The Fenix’s rugged aluminum body features both a side switch and a tactical tail switch as well a low-profile crenulated bezel, making it more than deserving of its place in our list of the best rechargeable flashlights money can buy. 

Klarus XT21C

The Klarus XT21C is a customer’s favourite. Its sleek design features an aggressive striking bezel, an easy-access tactical tail switch, and plenty of knurling for glove-friendly operation. Inside its box, you’ll find a powerful USB-C rechargeable 21700 series battery with a full 5000mAh capacity, which powers a top-of-the-line LUMINUS SST70 LED up to 3200 lumens and a 324-meter throw distance.

If that all sounds impressive, it’s because it should. Combine that with IPX8 waterproofing and Klarus' claimed runtime of over 48 straight days and you might just have one of the best rechargeable flashlights on the market.   

Fenix TK26R

The TK26R is a tactical flashlight from Fenix that delivers on the usual critical features while also adding a few premium ones we love. In addition to the tail switch, powerful 1500 lumens strobe, and rugged striking bezel, this torch features both red and green light modes, which will preserve your night vision and are ideal for everything from roadside emergencies and directing traffic to hunting and camping applications.

A familiar 18650 battery powers the LUMINUS SST40 main LED, and combined with a well-designed reflector throws for a full 350 meters. 

Fenix UC35 V2

If hardcore tactical torches aren’t your bag, the Fenix UC35 V2 might be the best rechargeable flashlight to consider.

It’s got all the same impressive features of other Fenix lights on our list like digital circuit protection and IP68 waterproofing, but it trades the aggressive features of the TK26R for a more utility-focused package.

The included 18650 battery sticks to tried-and-true features like micro USB charging and a CREE XP-L series LED but still manages to crank out a full 1000 lumens of brightness on its highest setting. A full 800-hour claimed runtime is also possible in the lowest setting, making the UC35 V2 one of the best rechargeable flashlights you can have on hand for blackouts and other home emergencies. 

Klarus XT2CR Pro

The XT2CR Pro is the second Klarus torch on our list, but this one is much more of a balanced EDC option than the hardcore tactical XT21C above. It still boasts an impressive 2100 lumens output, which is even more surprising considering its slimmed-down dimensions. At just five inches long and one inch wide, the XT2CR pro is as pocket-friendly as it is useful, but still packs plenty of the premium features of its more aggressive cousin.

The same IPX8 waterproofing, for example, as well as the new fifth-generation tactical tail switch which features a larger control surface and faster activation.

Nitecore R40 V2

Nitecore’s R40 V2 takes rechargeable tech a step further by adding the option of wireless inductive charging (just like an iPhone) to its impressive list of features. Don’t worry, it’s still got an integrated USB-C port as well for when you’re away from home base, but the convenience of the included desktop and wall-mounted cradles is fantastic.

You’ll also find plenty more to love with the latest R40 including a powerful 21700 series battery which allows this torch to run on its “ultralow” 1 lumens setting for a whopping 12,000 hours. Obviously, that’s not a ton of light, but even the Nitecore’s usable 50 lumens setting will run for a full 38 hours on a full charge, making this light as good for home emergency use as it is in the field.

Fenix E18R

As the smallest light on our list, you might be tempted to think that the Fenix E18R’s keychain-friendly dimensions limit its real utility, but you’d be mistaken there.

Using a single ARB-L16-700P Li-ion battery (size 16340), this potent mini-baton is capable of cranking a full 750 lumens from the palm of your hand.

It’s also got a laundry list of premium features included in the price including magnetic recharging, IP68 water and dust proofing, and even packs the same safety-lockout functionality of torches three times its size. On top of that, this tiny light boasts a powerful 750 lumens strobe setting for self-defence situations and is good for a full 70 hours of runtime on a full charge.