Pocket flashlights have become increasingly popular due to their compact size and the fact that they are small enough to be even attached to a key chain. In the past, flashlights used to be big and bulky mostly because they required large batteries for a power hungry incandescent light bulb. As LED lights were introduced, power consumption was reduced drastically which meant smaller batteries would suffice.
Best Pocket Flashlight in 2017

The models available now are quite varied in terms of size, luminosity, features and weight. Their prices can also vary a lot. Since there are thousands of models to choose from and some appear to be identical yet wearing different branding, we took the liberty to select 10 models that are actually worth looking at. All of them are small, compact and can fit into a pocket so with no further ado here are the top 10 best pocket flashlight in 2017.

10. Wayllshine 7 Watts 300 Lumens Pocket Flashlight

The Wayllshine pocket flashlight is one of the most compact ones available and as expected it is quite light. It uses a regular 14500 or AA battery that needs to be purchased separately. Its LED lights are type Q5 offering a maximum luminosity of 300 lumens.

The exterior design of the flashlight is fairly simple. It has a focus adjusting mechanism and a simple clip that makes it easy to attach to a belt buckle. The on/off button is hidden at the end of the flashlight but remains easy to reach.

9. Cliplight 140 Lumens Super Bright Clipstrip LED Flashlight

Cliplight pocket flashlight is a different type of model due to how its LED lights are placed. It is actually a strip array that provides a better coverage, providing light for larger surfaces. Unlike other models it does not have a focus adjustment mechanism but it is well built. The model can survive intense shocks, dust or even direct water contact.

In terms of design the model is fairly simple with a small clip and a yellow and black coating. It runs on regular AAA batteries. The kit includes 3 batteries but they can be replaced with rechargeable ones.

8. OXYLED MD50 Cree 500 Lumen Bright LED Flashlight

OXYLED MD50 is a small flashlight that could fit easily inside a pocket. It is almost the same size of the length of the palm of an adult. The product uses a high quality LED light that offers a maximum luminosity of 500 lumens or so the manufacturers claim.

Unlike other models the OXYLED needs a 18650 battery type which are fairly easy to find online. They are rechargeable and have a rather higher discharge rate. It also works with 3 AAA batteries if 18659 are difficult to procure.

7. ThruNite Ti series Mini Keychain Flashlight

What sets apart the ThruNite Ti mini flashlight is the fact that it is extremely thin. Unlike similar models that also work on just one AAA battery the ThruNite managed to reduce its size quite significantly.

The model comes with powerful LED lights that have an average lifespan of at least 20 years and a simple clip. It has a fairly durable construction and can survive with absolutely no damage if it is submersed in water.

6. Streamlight 88033 Protac Tactical Flashlight

Some might argue that the Streamlight Protac is too big to be a pocket flashlight since there are so many models significantly smaller. While it is bigger it is still compact enough to fit into a pocket.

The model requires 2 AA batteries to power its 50 watt C4 LED array. Its LED lights are estimated to have an average lifetime of 50,000 hours which is a lot. The built quality is more than satisfactory as it comes with a belt clip and it is completely waterproof. As a bonus the package includes a simple holster to keep it stored properly.

5. Streamlight 66318 MicroStream C4 LED Pen Flashlight

Streamlight MicroStream C4 is the smaller brother of the Protac. It is significantly shorter but it uses the same C4 LED type. The model has a simple construction with no focus adjustment. It does have a clip and a tailcap for easier one-hand operation.

The model is bright enough due to its energy efficient LEDs and needs just one AAA battery. One is included in the package and can be replaced with a rechargeable one. Like some of their other flashlights it has a solid construction that makes it water resistant and shock-enduring.

4. ThorFire PF03 CREE XP-G2 LED Penlight

The ThorFire PF03 CREE XP-G2 LED pocket flashlight is a gorgeous gadget. It is extremely small, probably the smallest in our list. It uses a regular AAA battery and it is made of a high durability plastic. The model looks and feels well built.

For extra convenience the model has a dual-function pocket clip and 3 light modes. Its LED lights are both energy efficient and extremely bright. Their estimated lifespan is 20 years.

3. UltraFire 7w 300lm Mini Cree Led Flashlight

Despite being so small the UltraFire 7w LED flashlight is surprisingly bright. It is able to provide a luminosity of 300 lumens which is almost double than what similar models offer. The model is quite small and well-built with a waterproof design and a metal clip.
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The model uses regular AA batteries which are not included and can also work with rechargeable ones. The on/off button is placed at the end of the flashlight making it easy to use it with one hand.

2. Coast G10 Inspection Pocket Light

Coast G10 is a great pocket flashlight. The model is both small and durable. It is so small that it can be attached to a keychain and fit inside a pocket. The flashlight runs on a single AAA battery which is included in the package. Its LED lights are extremely energy efficient, draining the battery in more than two hours and a half of continuous usage.

Unlike most other models it does not come with a belt clip. It does have the on/off switch mounted on the rear for easy one hand operation.

1. outlite 501B LED 900 Lumen Handheld Flashlight

Outlite 501B is a compact pocket flashlight with an amazing lifespan and luminosity. The manufacturers claim that the LED lights have a lifespan of 100,000 hours while the luminosity is 900LM. That is a bit hard to believe but the flashlight does provide an incredibly bright light.

To power the LED lights the model needs a 18650 rechargeable battery as it provides 4.5 volts. Its body is made of aluminum and it is completely sealed making it water resistant.

The size and weight of pocket flashlights can vary a lot. Models that use 18650 rechargeable batteries are the heaviest ones by far. Even so their size still remains rather compact which is the most important aspect.

As for the pricing they all seem to fit in the same category. The main differences are made by the design. Some come with focus adjustment, belt clip or have a waterproof construction. Some even have all these features. What does seems to vary a lot is the luminosity they provide. In some situations it can be better to get a flashlight that offers a luminosity in the range of 100 to 200 lumens. However, this aspect as with all the above is a matter of personal preference.