Flashlight technology has improved greatly in recent years. This can make it difficult to find the best and brightest EDC flashlights, suitable for daily carry. In this article I will cover 5 of the top choices for everyday carry lights. These lights will be compact, extremely bright, and very durable. Expect to see budget lights, all the way up to more premium offerings. Let’s take a look at the list.
I have a confession to make. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed cool flashlights. I don’t know if that makes me a weirdo (most likely), but I still enjoy a well crafted light. As a police officer, I’ve come to depend on good quality, powerful flashlights, as a routine part of my job.
Over the years I’ve developed a lot of experience with different types of lights. My opinions are based off of my constant use of flashlights, and a few training courses I’ve been lucky enough to attend. As such, I tend to prefer the brightest flashlight I can find, with rugged build quality. Here’s my shortlist for the 5 top picks for the brightest EDC flashlights.
5 Best and Brightest EDC Flashlights for Daily Carry
- Streamlight 88812 Wedge XT 500-Lumen Slim Everyday Carry Flashlight
- Nitecore EDC27 3000 Lumen Flat EDC Flashlight
- OLIGHT Arkfeld Flat Flashlight 1000 Lumens Dual Light Source
- Cloud Defensive MCH EDC Dual Fuel 40,000 Candela
- Modlite Systems PLHV2 Handheld Flashlight
These lights are on the list because they fill specific purposes for every day carry (EDC). They are generally compact pocket flashlights, and all of them are brighter than 1000 lumens. Some of them are triple that brightness! However, these lights made the list for more than pure emitter power.
In the next section I’ll quickly review some of the qualities that might sway you towards one flashlight, and away from others. Form factor, battery type, and durability are just a few of the details that you will want to consider.
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The 5 Best and Brightest EDC Flashlights: Qualities
If you’ve read any of my other articles on weapons lights, or tactical equipment, you know that I prize durability, and reliability over all else. I don’t really care how many whizz bang features it has if it breaks within 20 minutes of use!
I normally look for a reasonable waterproof rating. While I’m not a Navy SEAL, it’s important to look for this as a mark of durability. Not only does a well constructed light keep water out, but it will keep out dust, and air, which can cause corrosion in the interior electronics of the light.
I also look for convenient charging, and battery options. You’ll notice that the brightest flashlight (s) tend to come with 18650 or 18350 battery packs. These are often easily rechargeable with a micro USB cable, or USB-C cable, which is preferred, as most devices use these cable types. There’s nothing more annoying than having a super duper special charging method for one piece of gear!
Lastly, you need to consider which is more important to you, having the most lumens, or more candela. Lumens are the overall light output. Candela can be thought of as how far the light will travel. Often times high candela lights have a narrower beam pattern. This can be great for long distance use, but less useful for lighting up an entire room, at close distance.
It’s also important to consider that a good EDC flashlight should have lower lumen output lighting modes for normal close up work. You don’t necessarily need 3000 lumens to jump start a car at night. In fact, that can be a bit of a pain for your eyes to switch from bright light to dim surroundings.
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics. Let’s get to the full list of the best and brightest EDC flashlights. Of note, the links to these lights are affiliate links. That means if you purchase them, after clicking on the link, we receive a small percentage for referring you. It doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps keep the lights on here. Pun intended !
Streamlight 88812 Wedge XT 500 Lumen
The Streamlight 88812 Wedge XT 500-Lumen Slim Everyday Carry Flashlight (Amazon Affiliate Link) is probably the most compact flashlight on this list. It’s clearly built with everyday carry in mind. It packs 500 lumens and 1900 candela. It’s USB-C rechargeable and is built from aluminum. Check this video out for more details.
The Wedge XT is also listed as IPX7 waterproof, and it’s drop proof to one meter. It comes in black and coyote tan colors. You can see from the video that it includes a low power mode that can really extend the battery life. On high power it will operate for 2 hours, and on low power you get more than 11 hours, which is great given it’s small size.
As of this writing you purchase this compact, bright EDC flashlight for around $80. Next we’ll talk about one of the best flashlights that I’ve carried on my tactical vest for several months now.
Nitecore EDC27 3000 Lumen Flat EDC Flashlight
The Nitecore EDC27 3000 Lumen Flat EDC Flashlight (Amazon Affiliate Link) is the brightest flashlight on this list by far. At peak intensity it can produce 3000 lumens. This light features a slim, flat profile, and an overall length of 5.34 inches. It has a pocket clip which makes it easy to access when pocket carried. I’ve found that it works well clipped to a pouch on my vest.
This light has several different modes, all of which are accessed by two end cap buttons. A half push on the wide button gives you all 3000 lumens of intensity, which is good for 240 yards of beam distance . A full push starts strobe mode at full power. The raised button on the end gives you access to switch modes, and turns on its constant on feature at: 15, 200, or 1000 lumens. Check this video out.
Like other flashlights on this list, it has a USB-C rechargeable li-ion battery. I’ve found that it works ok as a tactical light, but I do wish some of the button pushing was a little simpler. It can be hard to get the right button pushes in emergency situations. One nice feature is the LED screen that lets you know exactly whats going on with the light.
It’s important to point out that the unparalleled brightness Turbo mode (3000 lumens) is only available for 30 sec or so. After that it begins to overheat and the light automatically dims to 1000 lumens to protect itself. As of this writing you can pick up the EDC 27 for right under $90. Next, let’s talk about one of the most innovative flashlights on the list.
Olight Arkfeld Flat Flashlight 1000 Lumen
The OLIGHT Arkfeld Flat Flashlight 1000 Lumens Dual Light Source (Amazon Affiliate Linke) is a unique, high lumen flashlight that combines a bright LED flashlight with a green laser pointer. Like other lights on this list, it features a compact, flat profile and an overall length of 4.33 inches.
On full power it produces 1000 lumens for around 4 minutes, which makes it great for EDC use. Once it heats up, it dims to around 300 lumens. It has a 100 minute run time at that 300 lumen power output. Interestingly enough, it can also be dimmed to 60, 15, or even 1 lumen on its lowest setting. Check out this video for the details.
The laser is a great feature that comes in handy for many different professionals. I often use visible lasers as a police officer to indicate to team mates what I’m talking about. It’s much easier to lasso a window with a laser, than it is to talk someone on to it at night! It’s also great for folks that do presentations and use a laser pointer to aid in communication.
Given this flashlights versatility, I think this would be the best EDC flashlight choice for general everyday use. As of this writing you can purchase the Arkfeld for a little under $90. Next, let’s talk about a very high candela EDC light.
Cloud Defensive MCH EDC Dual Fuel 40,000 Candela
The Cloud Defensive MCH EDC Dual Fuel 40,000 Candela (Amazon Affiliate Link) is the best combination tactical light and EDC flashlight on this list. It also happens to be one of the most powerful lights, with an even mix of candela and lumens.
This version of the MCH has an impressive maximum output of 1700 lumens, and 40,000 candela, making it ideal for longer range applications. This powerful EDC flashlight also comes out of the box with a great pocket clip, and some innovative light negligent discharge rings, to keep from accidentally turning the light on when you don’t want to. Check this video out.
The MCH is listed as a duel fuel light, meaning that if you run it with the supplied 18650 power cell, you get the full power output, with a 65 minute run time. You could also use two CR123A batteries, at 550 lumens for a 60 min runtime.
I like this option because I’ve found that whenever I need my light the most the batteries will die. Having the ability to throw in some CR123’s allows you to quickly remedy this issue. Like other lights on this list, it has a variety of modes, and programming options, for the single button.
While this light does come with a lot of great features, it’s also fairly expensive. As of this writing you’ll be spending a little less than $240 to pick it up. I think this is probably the best value EDC / tactical flashlight, given its tremendous brightness.
Modlite Systems PLHV2 Handheld Flashlight 54,000 Candela
The Modlite Systems PLHV2 Handheld Flashlight is the brightest EDC flashlight, with the smallest form factor. This aluminum light comes with a relatively short 18350 power cell, which produces 54,000 candela and 1350 lumens.
As you might expect with a light this size, it has relatively short run time of 35min. If you need more battery power you can pick up this same light with the longer battery, 18650 cell. This light can only operate with the supplied rechargeable battery. You cannot use CR123A batteries. Check this video out.
If you need a very compact light to illuminate objects at medium to far distances then this is your best option. The bad news is that this is the most expensive light on the list. As of this writing it will run you around $309 dollars to pick up this powerful EDC tool. Let’s get to my final thoughts, and recommendations on this list of the brightest EDC flashlights
Final Thoughts
Any of these rechargeable lights will make a great EDC flashlight, for normal everyday situations. They’re all rugged, and extremely bright flashlights with more than enough light to get the job done. However, I think most folks will find the best utility with the Arkfeld. It’s quite compact and has that great laser beam.
If you need a mixed used tactical / EDC light, then I think the Cloud Defensive MCH is your best option. It is very bright, and it can run on CR123A batteries, as well as the supplied 18650 battery. If you have any comments or questions put them below, and I’ll get you an answer. Don’t forget to join the email list below.
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