After testing over 20 different flashlights, we found the Best Tactical EDC Flashlights. Our favorites include the Olight Warrior 3S, Streamlight Pro Tac 2L-X, and the Nextorch E52C.
We have personally used all of these flashlights, some for over five years. They have been carried daily, stored in our vehicles, used in matches, and trained with.
We have been using flashlights for over 40 years, from taking low-light pistol classes to hiking in the woods at night. We look not only for the best features in a Tactical EDC flashlight but also for the best value. We don’t assume the most expensive is the best. We test them out for ourselves.
Keep reading to find out what we learned.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary of Our Favorites
Notable Mentions:
- Powertac E9R-Gen 4 – Most Features
- Streamlight Microstream – Most Discrete
Best Tactical EDC Flashlights
Olight Warrior 3S – Best Overall
- Lumens: 2300
- Modes: Moon/Low/Med/High/Turbo/Strobe
- Activation: Tail Switch with Momentary On and Side Switch
- Battery: Internal Rechargeable
- Runtime: 3.4 hrs high, 130 hrs low
- Waterproof: IPX8
- Size: 5.5 inches long, 1.2 inches diameter
- Weight: 6.2oz as tested
- Warranty: 5 Year
- MSRP: $120
The Olight Warrior 3S is an interesting combination of a tactical and EDC flashlight.
It has all the features I look for in a tactical flashlight. The durable, waterproof case feels substantial in my hand. It is the perfect size and doubles as a great striking weapon.
The tail switch has a dual momentary mode. When I lightly press it, it turns on medium mode; when I fully press it, it turns on Turbo mode. I can also change this to Turbo mode with a light press and strobe mode with a full press. A quick press turns the light to constant on mode.
No other flashlight I have found has this, and I think it is a great idea. In a self-defense situation, starting in a lower brightness mode makes a lot of sense, but I can quickly go to high with just a little more pressure.
The side switch is great for everyday use when not under duress. It also has a mode memory, and I can set it to start out in low, medium, or high mode. I can also simply hold the side switch for a very low moonlight mode to be more discreet.
This light also has a lock mode that I can set by holding the side switch for over two seconds. I like this mode when I am storing the light in my pack to prevent it from inadvertently coming on. For added safety, it has a proximity sensor on the front of the light that will dim it if it senses something about 6 inches away or less.
The run time is great with the built-in rechargeable battery. To charge it, I simply attach the magnetic charger to the tail. This is great for keeping the light charged up on my nightstand, guns safe, or in my safe room, as we discussed in our Home Defense Guide. It even has a battery charge indicator around the side switch.
It also comes with a nice holster with a MOLLE strap on the back. I can attach it to almost anything.
The price is affordable as well. I can often find this flashlight for less than $100.
The only negative I have found is the weight. It is almost 50% heavier than most other lights of this size at 6.2 ounces. It is noticeable, so if you like to keep it lightweight, go with one of the others.
Recommended for:
The Olight Warrior 3S is for anyone looking for a multi-purpose Tactical EDC light and is not concerned about weight.
Streamlight Pro Tac 2L-X – Best Value
- Lumens: 500
- Modes: Programmable – High/Strobe/Low, High Only, Low/High
- Activation: Tail Switch with Momentary On
- Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable or (2) CR123A
- Runtime: 3.25 hrs high, 30 hrs low
- Waterproof: Yes, IPX7
- Size: 5.14 inches long, 0.9 inches diameter
- Weight: 4.4 oz as tested
- Warranty: Lifetime
- MSRP: $55
The Streamlight ProTac 2L-X has been one of my favorites for a while. I have three of these now and keep one in my vehicle emergency kit, nightstand, and in my gun safe. The features, along with the great price, make it a great value.
This light will run on both an included rechargeable battery and standard CR123A batteries. My Pale Blue Earth rechargeable batteries work great in it as well. I like this since I have multiple options.
I like that I can press the tail switch partially for momentary mode and then press it fully to keep the light on. This is essential for self-defense situations.
I can cycle through the different modes by pressing the tail switch multiple times. I can select from three different light programs: High/Strobe/Low, High Only, and Low/High.
My favorite is the Low/High mode. When I press the tail switch, it lights up in low mode. If I double-tap, it goes to high mode. This is great not only for conserving battery, but I often don’t need high mode when it is dark. If I need the bright mode, I can quickly get it with just another tap.
The size of this flashlight is good. Small enough to keep in my pocket but big enough to make it easy to use. The clip works well, and I can remove it if I want. The holster is OK, although I don’t use it much.
This light has been durable, and in over five years, I have never had any issues. It is waterproof and impact-resistant, plus it comes with a lifetime warranty.
It puts out 500 lumens in high mode. This is certainly adequate for short distances and self-defense situations but can be a little low for using outdoors over a long distance.
Recommended for:
The Streamlight ProTac 2L-X is for anyone looking for an affordable EDC flashlight. This one checks all the boxes for me.
Nextorch E52C – Brightest
- Lumens: 3000
- Modes: Low/Med/High/Strobe
- Activation: Tail Switch with Momentary On
- Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable or (2) CR123A
- Runtime: 2.5 hrs high, 65 hrs low
- Waterproof: IPX8
- Size: 6.1 inches long, 1.1 inches diameter
- Weight: 4.6 oz as tested
- Warranty: 5 years
- MSRP: $87
The Nextorch E52C is the brightest flashlight we have found and is still small enough to be what I would consider an EDC flashlight. It is just over 6 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
What sets it apart is the runtime. With 3000 Lumens in high mode, it still has a runtime of 2.5 hours. This is about the same as other 500-lumen flashlights that are similar in size.
It is waterproof, shock resistant, and has a durable feeling all aluminum case. The tail switch feels durable as well, and the case has tabs on the side of the switch to protect it.
I like the fact that I can recharge this light without removing the battery. I can just unscrew the lens cover to reveal a USB-C connector. It also has a battery status indicator, so I can visually see four different battery charge levels without having to guess.
The only thing I have mixed feelings about is the mode selection. This light always starts out in high mode. To change to the other modes, I have to lightly press the tail switch within 2 seconds to cycle to medium and low mode.
This interferes with momentary mode somewhat if I turn the light off and back on with the 2-second window. When using it inside as a tactical light, this becomes distracting. With some practice and training, though, it may work OK.
Recommended for:
The Nextorch E52C flashlight is for someone looking for a bright tactical EDC flashlight. It is a great option for outdoor use.
ASP Tungsten – Best Self-Defense
- Lumens: 430
- Modes: Low/High and Momentary
- Activation: Tail Switch with Mode Thumb Switch
- Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable or (2) CR123A
- Runtime: 3.5 hrs high, 110 hrs low
- Waterproof: Yes, FL1/IPX Standard
- Size: 5.75 inches long, 0.9 inches diameter
- Weight: 4.2 oz as tested
- Warranty: Lifetime
- MSRP: $162
The ASP Tungsten flashlight has some unique features that other EDC flashlights don’t have.
ASP makes products specifically for law enforcement. Some of the products they make, like this light, also translate well to civilian use. ASP is primarily a law enforcement training company as we discussed in our ASP Pepper Spray review.
They take feedback from officers and apply it to their products. So, you know they have been tested in real-world conditions.
What makes this flashlight unique is the tail switch mode selector. Built into the tail switch is a rotating selector with three modes: Momentary, Lock, and Constant.
When I spoke with Michael Hess at ASP, he explained how they developed the tail selector switch.
The lock mode is the center position of the selector and keeps the light from coming on when I don’t want it to. This is great for throwing in my Get Home Bag. Not only does it save the battery, but it can also get really hot.
Holding it in my right hand, I push it up with my thumb to activate constant on mode. The intent here is, when I am holding it in my right hand, I am in search mode and not in immediate danger. This mode also allows momentary light with a light press of the tail switch.
Holding it in my left hand, I push up with my thumb to activate momentary mode. The intent here is that I may be in danger and have a weapon in my right hand. In a self-defense situation, I want momentary mode in case I need to quickly conceal my position.
The only negative with the switch is it does take some training. If someone picks up this light without knowing how to use it, they won’t easily figure out how to turn it on. This may be a good or bad thing, depending on your intended use.
The beam was also developed intentionally. It has a concentrated center beam plus a wide lower-intensity halo. This illuminates my target for easy identification while also giving me peripheral light so I can see other possible threats.
The size is good, and the output is adequate for close distances.
Recommended for:
The ASP Tungsten flashlight is for anyone in the law enforcement field, and it is also a great flashlight to store in a survival pack. Self-defense is its primary function.
Princeton Tec Alloy-X – Best Compact
- Lumens: 400
- Modes: Low/Med/High
- Activation: Tail Switch
- Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable or (2) AAA Alkaline
- Runtime: 0.7 hrs high, 34 hrs low
- Waterproof: IPX7
- Size: 5.5 inches long, 0.5 inches diameter
- Weight: 1.5 oz as tested
- Warranty: 5 years
- MSRP: $62
The Princeton Tec Alloy-X is a great option when pocket space is at a premium.
It has 400 lumens and is half the size of other flashlights with similar brightness. Plus, it has three light modes.
I like how it will run on the included rechargeable battery and standard AAA batteries. If the rechargeable battery runs down and I am in a pinch, I can just throw in regular batteries.
The case is aluminum, waterproof, and feels durable as well. It is also discrete, and I can carry it almost anywhere, even in a shirt pocket.
This light’s default mode is medium, and it can’t be changed. I can cycle through the low and high modes with a light press on the tail switch.
The only thing that I don’t like about this flashlight is it does not have a momentary mode. The tail switch has to be fully pressed and then released for the light to come on. I am used to flashlights coming on when I lightly press them, so it was not what I expected at first.
There is no battery level indicator, and the battery must be removed from the flashlight to charge it. But I am giving up a few features for the smaller size.
Recommended for:
The Princeton Tec Alloy-X is for anyone looking for a smaller EDC flashlight that is discrete and easy to carry.
Powertac E9R-Gen 4
- Lumens: 2550
- Modes: Firefly/Low/Med/High/Turbo/Strobe
- Activation: Tail Switch with Momentary On and Side Switch
- Battery: Li-Ion Rechargeable or (2) CR123A
- Runtime: 2.1 hrs high, 20.9 hrs low
- Waterproof: IPX8
- Size: 5.5 inches long, 0.9 inches diameter
- Weight: 4.6 oz as tested
- Warranty: Lifetime
- MSRP: $130
The Powertac E9R-Gen 4 has more features than any other light on our list.
It has five light levels plus a strobe, with Turbo mode putting out an impressive 2550 lumens. It also has a very low “firefly” mode, which allows it to be used discreetly in low light levels.
I like that it has a tail switch with both momentary and constant on and a side switch that serves a dual purpose.
With the light off, it activates strobe mode. With the light on, it cycles through the five modes.
I love how it remembers which mode it was left in. I can pick what mode I want ahead of time and don’t have to cycle through all the modes each time I use it like some other flashlights.
It has a built-in rechargeable battery and a charge status indicator. It also has a nice magnetic charge cable, so I don’t have to worry about plugging in a USB cable. I can literally grab it and go, and the cable just falls away.
The all-aluminum case is waterproof, shock resistant, and has an aggressive knurled texture to keep it from slipping out of my hand. I would say it is the perfect size, too.
A plastic belt holster also comes with it. This is not a cheap nylon holster, either. I found it is great for attaching to my pack or wearing it on my belt while camping or hiking when pocket space is at a premium.
The only real negative I could find is the run time. While it is adequate, it is lower than some of the others when comparing lumens vs runtime. All of the features more than make up for this, though, and the price is still reasonable as well.
Recommended for:
The Powertac E9R-Gen 4 EDC flashlight is for anyone who needs a do-it-all EDC flashlight with a wide range of light levels. You can set and forget this one.
Streamlight Microstream
- Lumens: 45
- Modes: One
- Activation: Tail Switch with Momentary On
- Battery: One AAA Alkaline
- Runtime: 2.25 hours
- Waterproof: IPX4
- Size: 3.6 inches long, 0.6 inches diameter
- Weight: 1.1oz as tested
- Warranty: Lifetime
- MSRP: $35
I included the Streamlight Microstream since it is an affordable backup option. I have had a couple of these over the years.
The size of this flashlight is what makes it great. It is half the length and half the diameter of most other EDC flashlights. I can literally just drop this in my pocket and forget it is even there.
The brightness is OK for indoors but not really bright enough for outdoor use at any sort of distance.
The tail switch has a momentary mode, so it works very similarly to my larger flashlights.
What I really like about it is the clip. Not only can I attach it to my pocket so I can find it quickly, but it will also attach in the reverse direction to the bill of my hat. So, it becomes a headlamp in an emergency situation.
I like to carry this to larger events like the movies or concerts since it will pass through most security checkpoints, and if I need to get out of the building quickly, it frees up my hands.
I have found these for less than $30, so the price is great as well.
Recommended for:
The Streamlight Microstream is a great backup and emergency preparedness option.
Wait a Minute, What about Surefire?
You may wonder why none of the Surefire flashlights made it to our list. Basically, it came down to one thing: price. Surefire certainly makes awesome flashlights. They are durable and work well. But for what they cost, it is just not worth it.
Flashlights are tested to the ANSI/NEMA FL1-2009 standard. This is usually noted on the outside of the box with various symbols. This ensures the flashlight meets certain durability standards. There are plenty of flashlights such as these on our list that meet this standard and are considerably cheaper than Surefire.
Tips for Choosing the Best Tactical EDC Flashlight
There are a few key considerations I have found that are important when considering a tactical EDC flashlight. I carry my flashlight not only for everyday use but also for self-defense situations when I need to clearly identify a threat.
Size
I like to carry a flashlight that is about five or six inches long and about one inch in diameter. I find this is a good size to keep in a pocket, and it is easy to operate. Smaller flashlights are harder to find and operate, and larger flashlights are harder to carry.
If I don’t have the pocket space for my typical flashlight, I go with a smaller microlight. There are also cases when I may carry my regular light and a microlight.
Brightness
I find the optimal brightness to be around 500 lumens. Self-defense situations always occur at very close ranges, and using my flashlight in my home or vehicle for utility is also at very close ranges.
Turning on a super bright light at night makes it hard to see, especially when my eyes are used to the dark.
The thought that you can blind an attacker with a super bright light is only partially true. It will temporarily cause them to be unable to see, but it will also affect you. Plus, they can still get to you, and your light clearly shows them where you are.
It is better to use a flashlight as a tool to identify and use other means to stop an attacker like pepper spray or worst case a concealed carry handgun.
The only real reason for more than 500 lumens is for using the flashlight outside to see a longer distance.
Modes
Selectable modes on an EDC flashlight are a nice function to have, but not the most important.
A high-lumen flashlight with at least a low/high mode is nice since I can use the low mode for typical use and then switch to high mode when I need it. Even better if the modes are programmable so that I can set it up like I want.
I don’t find strobe modes to be effective, so I do not use them.
Activation
Tail switch activation is the easiest and most intuitive way to turn on an EDC flashlight. I can simply hold the light in my hand, point, and use my thumb to activate it. This keeps my hand up near my head in a defensive position in case I need to strike with it or protect my head.
Another must-have is momentary activation mode. I like the tail switch to turn the light on both momentarily and continuously. This is important if I need to quickly scan an area and don’t want to give away my position for an extended period.
Carry Options
I like to be able to access my EDC flashlight quickly when I need it. This means that I don’t want to dig around in my pocket trying to find it among other items.
Pocket clips are my preferred way to carry them. A belt holster is also fine when I can conceal it in cooler weather. I find they just draw too many looks from others if I wear one with shorts and a shirt.
Battery Type
The choice between a rechargeable flashlight and one that uses standard batteries is a personal choice.
At first, it seems like a rechargeable battery is the way to go, but you must also have the discipline to check it and charge it.
The best of both worlds is a dual-fuel flashlight that will take both standard and rechargeable batteries.
For Flashlights that use standard CR123A cells, I like to use Pale Blue Earth Rechargeable Batteries. I keep two sets so I always have one charged and ready to go.
Stay Updated
After you choose the best Tactical EDC flashlight, be sure to stay up to date on all of our content by joining our Newsletter. Each week, we include tips on how to stay mentally prepared with actionable ideas and strategies. We also include any good deals we have found, plus updates to our content.
Check out our guide where we tested the Best Survival Flashlights that we keep in our survival kits. We keep them in multiple places.
Also check out our Best Pistol Light Guide for our favorite lights for our CCW and home defense handguns
Now, check out our other Self-defense guides for everything from mindset to our Favorite IWB Holsters!
