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The brightest flashlights compared by lumens
Flashlights are an essential item for nighttime outdoor activities like camping or walking a dog, emergencies, or whenever you need an alternative and portable light source. The average flashlight shines a decent enough beam, but if you're looking for something brighter, there are significantly brighter flashlights available.
The world's brightest flashlight clocks in at 100,000 lumens, but this list also consists of flashlights that can reach 80,000 and 34,000 lumens and have impressively long battery lives as well as built-in fans to keep them cool.
Also: Scared of the dark? You won't be if you get one of our favorite flashlights
And, if you aren't a self-proclaimed flashlight enthusiast and are simply looking for a reliable and bright flashlight, I also included lower-lumen flashlights that can get up to 8,000 lumens (which is still more lumens than the flashlight you'll find at the dollar store).
I've rounded up some of the brightest flashlights I've seen while keeping in mind that most manufacturers describe raw lumen outputs, which don't take into account real-life factors that can decrease a light's output. Still, there's no doubt these flashlights will shine a light on whatever you need.
- World's brightest flashlight
- Super bright light
- Long distance reach
- Impressive battery life
- Customer service could be better
- Loud at higher settings
Imalent MS18 tech specs: Lumens: 100,000 lumens | Beam distance: 4,429 feet | Battery Life: 14 hours on lowest setting | IP Rating: IP56
The brightest flashlight you can currently get is the Imalent MS18. Its maximum output gets up to a blinding 100,000 lumens. When turned on, it emits the highest brightness level for a minute before dimming to 25,000 lumens, which it can sustain for an hour. It has nine settings, including cold and warm light options, as well as a strobe light mode. The Imalent MS18 also features an OLED digital display to show the battery level.
As the world's brightest flashlight, the Imalent MS18 also has a heat pipe cooling system that uses cooling fans to ensure high performance (and to prevent overheating in your hands). In addition, the IP56 rating means the flashlight is water and dust-resistant.
According to the Torque Test Channel on YouTube, the Imalent MS18 gets 108,000 lumens at its peak when turned on, and the brightness reduces to a still powerful 72,000 lumens after approximately 30 seconds.
At $700, it's definitely more expensive than most people are willing to pay -- but the cost of the world's brightest flashlight.
- Affordable
- Added power bank
- Well-built flashlight
- Anduril 2 software can be complicated
Sofirn SP36 Pro tech specs: Lumens: ~8,000 lumens | Distance: 1,388 feet | Battery life: ~9 hours (on highest setting) | IP Rating: IPX8
You don't have to spend $700 for a bright flashlight, and with the Sofirn SP36 Pro, you get what you pay for. If you want a brighter-than-average flashlight for less than $100, this option reaches a max output of 8,000 lumens with a max beam distance of 1,388 feet, making it the perfect budget flashlight for camping or riding your bike at night.
It's built with Anduril 2.0 software, which offers you many modes to choose from, including adjustable brightness levels, strobe mode, Eco mode, and more.
- Portable and lightweight design
- Long-lasting light
- Useful Smart Proximity Sensor
- Some battery issues reported by customers
Olight Warrior Mini2 tech specs: Lumens: 1,750 lumens | Distance: 722 feet | Battery life: Up to 4 hours on lowest setting | IP Rating: IPX8
If you want a compact tactical flashlight, this option from Olight is small but mighty. The flashlight can emit up to 1,750 lumens for approximately 40 minutes (on turbo mode). It weighs less than 4 ounces, making it a convenient lightweight flashlight for everyday carry.
The Olight Warrior Mini2 has six settings, including moon and strobe modes. In addition, the light is equipped with a Smart Proximity Sensor that dims and shuts it off after one minute when the light is blocked by a nearby object.
The Torque Test Channel tested the Olight Warrior Mini2 and found that the flashlight lived up to its claims, shining 1,885 lumens at its peak.
- Windy mode
- IP68 rating means it can be submerged in water for longer periods
- Short charging time
- Loud fan
- Pricey battery replacement
Acebeam X75 tech specs: Lumens: 80,000 lumens | Beam distance: 3,773 feet | Battery life: 8 hours | IP Rating: IP68
Most of the brightest flashlights take longer to charge since they are so powerful, but this flashlight from Acebeam only takes 1.5 hours to fully charge its four batteries. The company claims its turbo mode can reach 80,000 lumens for 30 seconds, while other claims put its peak at just over 68,700 lumens. Then, it can run at 23,000 lumens for about 20 minutes, making it the most sustainable flashlight output on this list.
This flashlight has a built-in dual intelligent temperature regulation system, including an innovative cooling handle that automatically turns on when the flashlight needs to be cooled down. It also cools itself down after you've turned off the light, known as its Windy Mode.
- Lightweight and portable with a handle
- Battery voltage indication
- Charger not included
- Can get very hot
Acebeam X80GT tech specs: Lumens: 34,000 lumens | Distance: 1,224 feet | Battery life: 34 hours | IP Rating: IPX8
Weighing just .73 pounds, this flashlight from Acebeam is super lightweight and fits in the palm of your hand, but it can still shine up to 34,000 lumens. It has seven different settings along with the most durable IP rating on this list -- IPX8. That means the flashlight is shockproof and waterproof for submersions of up to 98 feet in water.
A handle makes it easy to carry, so it's great in situations like search and rescue, security, and hunting.
What is the world's brightest flashlight?
The world's brightest flashlight is currently the Imalent MS18 which has a maximum output of 100,000 lumens that can reach up to 4,429 feet. This crazy bright flashlight also has a heat pipe cooling system that uses cooling fans for ensured safety.
Flashlight | Price | Lumens | Beam distance |
Imalent MS18 | $700 | Up to 100,000 lumens | 4,429 feet |
Sofirn SP36 Pro | $63 | Up to 8,000 lumens | 1,388 feet |
Olight Warrior Mini2 | $90 | Up to 1,750 lumens | 722 feet |
Acebeam X75 | $400 | Up to 80,000 lumens | 3,773 feet |
Acebeam X80GT | $330 | Up to 34,000 lumens | 1,224 feet |
Which bright flashlight is right for you?
Every flashlight on this list is bright, and some emit more lumens than others. The best bright flashlight for you really depends on the size you're looking for, and how much you're willing to spend.
Choose this bright flashlight... | If you want... |
Imalent MS18 | The brightest flashlight overall. The Imalent MS18 is for flashlight enthusiasts willing to spend $700 on a flashlight. |
Sofirn SP36 Pro | A budget-friendly flashlight that still shines remarkably bright. The Anduril 2.0 software is built in to offer plenty of modes. |
Olight Warrior Mini2 | A compact tactical flashlight. It's also equipped with a Smart Proximity Sensor that dims when the light is blocked by a nearby object. |
Acebeam X75 | A super bright flashlight that charges quickly. This flashlight has the most sustainable output on the list. |
Acebeam X80GT | A bright flashlight that weighs less than a pound. Plus, it's easy to carry thanks to a built-in handle. |
How did I choose the best and brightest flashlights?
I ranked the brightest flashlights by researching each flashlight extensively and spending time reading real customer reviews of each product. I compared lumens, IP ratings, beam distance, and different price points to provide you with a wide variety of options. I also looked at recommendations from experts online, including the Torque Test Channel.
I am mindful that the lumens claimed by manufacturers are not always 100% certain. However, despite lumen variability, these flashlights are the brightest on the market, and I believe in their value based on real customer reviews, expert recommendations, and brand name reputation.
What are lumens?
A lumen is a unit of measurement for the intensity of the light coming out of a flashlight. A high lumen output means that the flashlight shines bright.
These brightest flashlights emit the most lumens of all flashlights on the market, when on the brightest setting, although many have multiple brightness options.
Keep in mind that many flashlight manufacturers exaggerate their claimed lumens, and the lumen output may vary depending on your use case with the flashlight.
How many lumens does a good flashlight emit?
The average flashlight emits about 100 lumens. However, any "good" flashlight worth buying will be greater than 1,000 lumens. It really depends on how you will be using your flashlight, and you probably don't need the world's brightest flashlight to look under the seats of your car.
How many lumens does a smartphone flashlight emit?
Your smartphone's built-in flashlight only emits around 40 to 50 lumens, so it is a significantly dim light compared to your average flashlight -- and even more so when compared to these bright flashlights.
Which flashlight brand is best?
You can trust brands like Imalent, Nitecore, Acebeam, Hank light, and Lumintop, among others to have high-quality flashlights with bright lumens.
Are there alternative bright flashlights worth considering?
The market is flooded with flashlights, but not all are as bright as they claim. Here are a few other trustworthy options to consider:
Best alternative for under $200
Nitecore TM9K
At 9,800 lumens, this flashlight is quite bright and can shine its beam up to 919 meters.
Best alternative for a splurge
Olight X9R Marauder
At $600, this isn't your average flashlight, but it does put out 25,000 lumens. Overall, it's a superior flashlight from a trusted brand.
Best alternative for a floodlight
Mankerlight MK38
This flashlight puts out 20,000 lumens, making it an excellent option when you need a powerful floodlight.