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When darkness falls, a reliable flashlight is your best friend, but not all flashlights are created equal. I tested some of the highest-quality flashlights available, keeping in mind real-life factors that can decrease a light's output, which raw lumen outputs don't usually represent. A lumen is a unit of measurement for the intensity of the light coming out of a flashlight. The higher the lumens, the brighter the flashlight. I also spoke to experts to further help you make the most informed purchase whether you're going camping, building a severe weather kit, or setting up photography lighting. Also: The best portable power stations Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. What is the brightest flashlight right now? The world's brightest flashlight, the Imalent MS32, clocks in at 200,000 lumens and has a built-in fan to keep the unit from overheating. However, the most powerful option sports a mighty price tag. The Imalent SR16 still has a powerful 55,000 lumens and costs several hundred dollars less. If you're looking for a quality budget flashlight, the Fenix PD36R Pro is about $120. Read on to see all of the brightest flashlight options for you. The brightest flashlights of 2025 Latest flashlight news If you're in the market for a flashlight, but shelling out $100 or more isn't an option, check out our other favorite flashlights.Many of these flashlights will see price drops as the holidays approach. Keep an eye out for sales with ZDNET's early Black Friday coverage. Latest updates October 2025: We made substantial format and editorial changes, verified product availability, and updated pricing. Alternative bright flashlights For more, check out the best flashlights of 2025, the best portable power stations to take on your next camping trip, and our guide to home batteries and backup systems. Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.
