News

Aug 13, 2023

Best torch 2023: Our pick of the best rechargeable LED flashlights and high

Whether you’re heading out on an adventure, need help illuminating a workbench,

Whether you’re heading out on an adventure, need help illuminating a workbench, or just want to see when you’re walking the dog after dark, we’ve got the very finest rechargeable LED torches for you to choose from. Our jargon-free guide and considered reviews will talk you through the buying decisions so your money goes further and you get the LED torch you really need.

You're packing for a camping trip, but notice your torch's batteries are dead. Worse yet, you’ve got no spares and no time to buy any more. A rechargeable LED torch is the obvious solution, being practical and eco-friendly, and we have the best options available whatever your budget.

We headed out after dark to test a multitude of rechargeable LED torches including seriously bright but tiny keyring models to head torches and searingly bright handheld floodlights. Each of these torches excels at the job they were designed to do, but if you’re still not sure scroll down the page and you'll find our buying guide, which will answer all the key questions you might have.

Compared to an old-fashioned filament bulb, LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs are hundreds of times more energy-efficient, can be incredibly bright, last for decades and use very little energy.

To be more precise, the average LED consumes about 12% of the energy used by halogen and filament bulbs to emit the same amount of light, and will go on burning for hours, if not days, on the same set of batteries. An average LED has a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, while a filament bulb will fizzle out at around 2,000 hours. Whichever model of torch you select will likely provide many years of useful service.

LED torches come in a myriad of styles. If you simply need a flashlight for the toolbox or kitchen drawer, a pocket model will probably be ideal. These measure around seven centimetres in length, are generally quite affordable and yet still provide enough light to see where you’re going. Most pocket models come with a variety of beam strengths from ten and 800 lumens and many even have extra features such as strobe (for disorientating assailants) and SOS signalling.

If you plan on being where it's really dark, consider taking along a larger pocket-sized model (around 12 cm in length) with a higher lumen specification of 1,000+ lumens. Some of these models also provide several focus options, which allows you to narrow or widen the size of the beam. A head torch is also hugely practical for outdoor activities after dark including camping, running, hiking, and potholing… if that's your thing.

If you need serious power and a light beam that will be seen (and see) for miles, look for a heavyweight floodlight-style model with in excess of 1,500 lumens. These monsters are heavy and large (often more than 20 cm long), but they have the power to turn night into day at the press of a button. They can usually be set to provide either a football stadium-like super-wide beam or one that sharpens to highlight subjects up to a kilometre away.

Finally, don't underestimate the versatility of the humble keyring torch. These titchy beamers will not only highlight the route ahead but they will illuminate your front door keyhole, provide light when the car has broken down in a country lane and guide you to the fuse box when the lights go out.

The best rechargeable LED torches will be impervious to rain and will come with an IP rating. IP (ingress protection) is an indicator of how well protected an electrical device is from substances such as dust and water. For a torch you plan you use outdoors, a rating of IPX4 is a minimum starting point. IPX4 will cope with drizzle and light moisture. For the best protection, IP67 or IP68 is needed.

Until fairly recently, most LED flashlights used disposable batteries and many still do. Cheaper models invariably draw their power from ordinary alkaline batteries (AA, AAA and so on), while the more expensive models use dearer but much longer-lasting lithiums (usually of the CR variety).

However, disposable batteries are not only costly (especially the lithium variety), but they will end up in landfill, which is bad for the environment. The latest trend, therefore, is towards rechargeable lithium batteries that can be recharged very conveniently using a simple micro-USB or USB-C cable attached to a power source. The torch itself may be more costly but you’ll save a heap of sterling in the long run – and help save the planet too.

Prices can range from £10 all the way to £300+ but how much you spend will very much depend on what you’re using it for. If all you need is a backup light for the glove box in your car, then there is no point looking for a torch that could be seen from space. However, if you’re looking for a rugged tactical option, then you should look to spend a little more.

READ NEXT: Best fire pits

Price: £32 | Buy now from Amazon

The aluminium-clad Aurora 3 provides three floodlight-style beam strengths: a dim output for reading, the high beam and a mid-strength beam for general use. It also features a strobe function for those in an emergency. It should be pointed out that the full beam is gradually reduced to 65 lumens after about two minutes. This is to protect both the user and the internal components from the high level of heat it generates.

The Aurora A3's 130mAh lithium polymer battery takes about 45 minutes to charge using the supplied micro-USB cable and provides a running time of up to 38 minutes on the mid-strength beam. This is a staggeringly bright little torch that tucks into the smallest of pockets. Alternatively, attach it to a keyring or wear it around your neck using the supplied chain.

Key specs – Length: 55mm; Width: 14mm; Max lumens: 650; Min lumens: 20; Max beam distance: 80m; Max runtime: 38mins

Price: £87 | Buy now from Amazon

As the torch is customisable, users can easily reverse the process so it starts on a low beam instead. There's a strobe function too, but, given that it will hardly ever be used, it's hidden away under a different custom mode. However, the best thing about this torch is that it comes with a multiple-focus beam that's easily adjusted by sliding the front barrel forwards or backwards.

The splash-proof MT10 is just 12.8cm in length and uses a single Xtreme LED that burns for a gobsmacking six hours on full beam and an even more impressive 144 hours on low beam. To charge, just plug it into the nearest USB 3 power source and it even comes with a useful battery indicator. Although this torch will easily fit inside a small jacket pocket, Ledlenser has seen fit to include a natty integrated belt clip and even a separate nylon hip case.

Key specs – Length: 125mm; Width: 30mm; Max lumens: 1,000; Min lumens: 10; Max beam distance: 180m; Max runtime: 144hrs

Price: £96 | Buy now from Amazon

The MH23 comes with five different beam strengths, from one lumen – just bright enough to see by without attracting attention – to a mind-bending 1,800 lumens. It also features an emergency strobe and SOS, plus a very cool locator beacon built into the torch button that gently flashes intermittently so it can be found in the darkness of a tent.

This torch sports very impressive running times: 330 hours in Ultralow mode to 30 minutes in full Turbo mode. Most users will probably find that the Mid (260 lumens) and High (760 lumens) modes are the most practical for everyday use since they are capable of running for five hours and two hours respectively.

Key specs – Length: 111mm; Width: 31mm; Max lumens: 1,800; Min lumens: 1; Max beam distance: 294m; Max runtime: 330hrs

Price: £60 | Buy now from Gtech

This work lamp has two brightness settings (150 and 300 lumens) and produces a really bright beam that can be adjusted for diffuse or focused light simply by turning the lens cover. In diffuse mode, it will illuminate any DIY task, whether it's painting a wall, mounting a shelf or fixing a car. It's also easy to set up because it can be angled 180˚ or hung from its built-in plastic hook (handy for hanging in a tent). It runs for a long time too – nine hours on maximum and 18 hours on minimum.

The Task Light weighs 600g and comes bundled with a charger and 2.5aH 20V battery that can be hot-swapped with the company's Impact Driver, Combi Drill and Multi-Tool. It's one of the best task lights we’ve come across, not least because even its brightest setting isn't too dazzling to work by.

Key specs – Length: 120mm; Width: 68mm; Max lumens: 300; Min lumens: 150; Max beam distance: about 20m; Max run time: 18hrs

Buy now from Gtech

Price: £18 | Buy now from Amazon

Expect a runtime of about 15 minutes on high (150 lumens) and almost six hours on low (five lumens) and when it comes to charging time, simply unscrew the top half and it springs open to reveal a micro-USB port for the provided cable.

If you’re in the market for a tiny, keenly-priced rechargeable torch that attaches to any keyring without adding extra clutter, this is the one for you. It's available in two colours – black and brown – and comes with a fixture loop.

Key specs – Length: 40mm; Width: 15mm; Max lumens: 150; Min lumens: 5; Max beam distance: 40m; Max run time: 6hrs

Price: £39 | Buy now from Amazon

This excellent model from Ledlenser features two different outputs – 20 lumens for general low-light use and 400 lumens for brightening up the landscape. Rather ingeniously, it also incorporates a focus system that adjusts from a wide floodlight to a narrow 180m beam simply by turning the front lens dial. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery should provide about four hours of burn time in High mode and up to 35 hours in Low mode.

It can also be used as a hand torch and even attaches to clothing with the provided metal clip. But removing the main plastic housing from the head strap attachment requires quite a bit of force and the rechargeable battery compartment is equally tricky to open for the first time. On the plus side, the rechargeable battery can be replaced with a standard AA alkaline battery, should the need arise.

Key specs – Length: 75mm; Width: 50mm; Max lumens: 400; Min lumens: 20; Max beam distance: 180m; Max runtime: 35hrs

Price: £53 | Buy now from Heinnie

Hold the button down and the beam strength jumps a notch higher then higher still and then, when you think it can't possibly get any brighter, it reaches full power and everything looks like it's in broad daylight. Well, sort of. If you double-tap the button, it skips straight to full beam. Finally, there's strobe mode for really attracting some attention or disorientating an assailant.

The only issue with this model is that the on/off button is very sensitive, which means it can easily be switched on if the button is resting against another object in your pocket, drawer or a suitcase. But, thankfully, it charges up in about 90 minutes using a standard micro-USB cable (provided). You can safely expect about 18 minutes of use on full beam (not especially great) and up to 17 hours on low. It's waterproof to 2m, too.

Key specs – Length: 77mm; Width: 22mm; Max lumens: 800; Min lumens: 10; Max beam distance: 126m; Max runtime: 17hrs

Buy now from Heinnie

Price: £57 | Buy now from Amazon

It also has a softer red LED beam to help preserve night vision and prevent dazzling others. A double-tap of the red beam activates a pulsing strobe that runs for up to 350 hours – a very handy signal if in need of help. To recharge, simply plug the supplied micro-USB cable directly into the enclosed battery and attach it to the mains or a portable USB power bank. And if you don't have access to a power source, simply replace the removable rechargeable battery with three normal AAA batteries.

The Actik Core can be angled up or down and comes with a comfy reflective head strap replete with an integral emergency whistle that's surprisingly loud. In the pantheon of wilderness gear, this rechargeable model is a mini triumph. It's light as a feather, easy to use, not too expensive and extremely versatile.

Key specs – Length: 55mm; Width: 40mm; Max lumens: 350; Min lumens: 5; Max beam distance: 95m; Max runtime: 160hrs

Price: £17 | Buy now from Amazon

The Vagocom's narrow beam arm articulates to any angle and comes equipped with a magnetic base and handy hook for hands-free siting. It features five beam modes: high, low, single LED, static red, and a flashing red mode for warnings and emergencies. High mode is the one you’ll likely use most since it provides a broad, bright and diffuse 450-lumen glow that's perfect for most situations. Charged via USB in 3-4 hours it has an impressive runtime of between three and 8hrs.

Key specs – Length: 148mm; Width: 40mm; Max lumens: 450; Min lumens: N/A; Max beam distance: 5m; Max runtime: 3-8hrs

Price: £45 | Buy now from Cotswold Outdoor

The rechargeable Li-ion battery has five light modes - low, medium, high, turbo and flash settings - and the Nichia LEDs used offer a piercingly good white light in all conditions. It's not startlingly cheap, but you get what you pay for from a trusted global brand.

Key specs – Length: 130mm; Width: 29mm; Max lumens: 545; Min lumens: N/A; Max beam distance: 45m; Max runtime: 16hrs

Buy now from Cotswold Outdoor

Price: £165 | Buy now from Amazon

It can manage three hours at full brightness, but keep going for 79 hours nonstop in eco mode, which is beyond impressive. It also charges to 80% capacity in just half an hour, and the well-designed charging cradle can be used at home or in the car.

It's drop and water (IPX4) resistant, hefty, but not cumbersome and has been certified for use by the USA based National Tactical Officers Association. It's expensive, but with a replaceable battery and excellent build quality, it will last for years.

Key specs – Length: 260mm; Width: 48mm (widest point); Max lumens: 1082; Min lumens: 138; Max beam distance: 458m; Max runtime: 79hrs

Price: £50 | Buy now from Go Outdoors

The soft fabric strap feels more like a headband, and it is also good at wicking away moisture from your head if you’re running or working hard after dark. It is also highly adjustable, so much so that kids can wear them as easily as adults.

At 325 lumens, it isn't the brightest design available, but with a 10m flood light and 70m sport light mode, it works well for woodland trail runs and gloomy night hikes. The front panel also tilts nicely if you need to adjust the angle of illumination.

Battery life is also more than acceptable for all but the most extreme ultrarunners, offering 40hrs on the lowest and 3hrs on maximum brightness.

Key specs – Length: 42mm (lamp section); Width: 22mm (lamp section); Max lumens: 325; Min lumens: N/A; Max beam distance: 70m; Max runtime: 40hrs

Buy now from Go Outdoors