Tactical flashlights are an essential tool, whether you’re on a night-time adventure in the great outdoors or dealing with a power outage at home.
These compact devices provide powerful illumination, making them a must-have for emergency situations or any activity that requires superior visibility.
This article reviews the top tactical flashlights that use 2AA batteries, starting with the ThruNite Archer 2A V3.
Summary of Our Top Picks of The Best Tactical Flashlights in 2024
| Best Overall | Runner-Up | 3rd Choice |
|---|---|---|
#1. ThruNite Archer 2A V3 (Affordable, versatile, and easy to use)   | #2. Olight Warrior Mini 2 (Compact, powerful, and rechargeable)  | #3. Fenix TK35UE v2 (High-performance, durable, and dual tail switches)   |
Tactical flashlights with 2AA batteries
ThruNite Archer 2A V3
Product Description
The ThruNite Archer 2A V3 is a compact yet powerful tactical flashlight that runs on two AA batteries. This flashlight stands out for its exceptional brightness, boasting a maximum output of 500 lumens.
The ThruNite Archer features five lighting modes—Firefly, Low, Medium, High, and Strobe—making it versatile for a range of situations.
Whether you need subtle lighting for a quiet night walk or a bright beam to navigate through darkness, this flashlight has you covered.
Its sleek design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The aircraft-grade aluminum body is robust and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
Moreover, the flashlight’s knurled design ensures a secure grip, even in wet conditions. It’s also waterproof up to 1 meter and resistant to impacts from a height of 1 meter, adding to its overall durability.
Key Features
- Maximum output of 500 lumens
- Five lighting modes: Firefly, Low, Medium, High, and Strobe
- Constructed with an aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Waterproof up to 1 meter and impact-resistant up to 1 meter
- Knurled design for a secure grip
- Powered by two AA batteries
- Reverse polarity protection to prevent damage from incorrect battery installation
- Tail switch for one-handed operation and easy mode switching.
Best Military Tactical Flashlights with 18650 batteries
Olight Warrior Mini 2
Product Description
The Olight Warrior Mini 2 is a powerful military-grade tactical flashlight that uses a rechargeable 18650 battery. With a maximum output of 1750 lumens, it’s capable of illuminating even the darkest corners with ease. The compact size of the Warrior Mini 2 doesn’t compromise its performance. It has six lighting modes, including a turbo mode for when you need a powerful beam and a moonlight mode for softer, more subtle lighting.
The flashlight is made from hard anodized aluminum, ensuring it can withstand tough conditions and rough handling. It also features a two-way pocket clip and a carabiner-style ring for versatile carrying options. Moreover, the Olight Warrior Mini 2 is waterproof up to 2 meters, making it perfect for outdoor adventures in all weather conditions.
Key Features
- Maximum output of 1750 lumens
- Six lighting modes, including Turbo and Moonlight
- Made from hard-anodized aluminum
- Waterproof up to 2 meters
- Two-way pocket clip and carabiner-style ring for easy carry
- Uses a rechargeable 18650 battery
- Features a proximity sensor that reduces brightness level when an object is too close, preventing overheating
Fenix TK35UE v2
Product Description
The Fenix TK35UE v2 is another top-of-the-line tactical flashlight powered by a 18650 battery. This model stands out with a whopping 3200 lumens maximum output, making it one of the brightest flashlights in its class. Despite its power, the TK35UE v2 maintains a compact design, making it both portable and efficient.
The flashlight is crafted from durable aircraft-grade aluminum with a type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish, ensuring it can handle any situation. It features dual tail switches—one for turning the light on and off and the other for selecting between five brightness levels and a strobe mode. The Fenix TK35UE v2 is also waterproof up to 2 meters and resistant to impacts up to 1 meter, making it incredibly durable and reliable.
Key Features
- Maximum output of 3200 lumens
- Five brightness levels and a strobe mode
- Crafted from durable aircraft-grade aluminum with a type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
- Dual tail switches for easy operation
- Waterproof up to 2 meters and impact-resistant up to 1 meter
- Powered by a 18650 battery
- Overheat protection to avoid high surface temperature
- Digitally regulated output to maintain constant brightness.
Best Tactical Flashlights with 21700 batteries
Fenix PD36 Tac
Product Description
The Fenix PD36 Tac is a remarkable tactical flashlight that uses a high-capacity 21700 battery. This flashlight boasts an impressive maximum output of 3000 lumens, providing powerful illumination for any situation. It features two operating modes: Duty Mode for tactical applications and General Mode for daily use.
The Fenix PD36 Tac is built to last, with a robust construction of durable A6061-T6 aluminum. It’s also designed to be IP68 rated waterproof and dustproof, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to 2 meters and is resistant to dust and dirt. With its anti-slip design and included holster, the PD36 Tac is easy to handle and carry, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts or professionals requiring reliable lighting.
Key Features
- Maximum output of 3000 lumens
- Two operating modes: Duty Mode and General Mode
- Durable A6061-T6 aluminum construction
- IP68 rated waterproof and dustproof
- Anti-slip design for secure handling
- Powered by a 21700 rechargeable battery
- Included holster for convenient carrying
Olight Warrior 3s
Product Description
The Olight Warrior 3s is a high-performance tactical flashlight powered by a 21700 battery. With a maximum output of 2500 lumens, this flashlight offers intense brightness coupled with a throw distance of 220 meters. The Warrior 3s features six different lighting modes, including a strobe mode for emergency situations.
Constructed from robust aluminum alloy, the flashlight is resistant to impacts and falls. It’s also rated IPX8 for water resistance, so you can use it confidently in wet conditions. The Warrior 3s includes a dual switch design for easy operation, and a power indicator located on the center of the switch clearly displays the battery status.
Key Features
- Maximum output of 2500 lumens
- Six lighting modes, including a strobe mode
- Constructed from durable aluminum alloy
- IPX8 water resistance
- Dual switch design for easy operation
- Power indicator shows battery status
- Powered by a 21700 rechargeable battery
Olight Warrior X3
Product Description
The Olight Warrior X3 is a top-tier tactical flashlight that operates on a 21700 battery. It delivers a commanding 2500 lumens of light output, with a beam distance of up to 560 meters. The Warrior X3 offers two brightness levels, allowing you to adjust the intensity based on your needs.
The flashlight’s body is made from sturdy aluminum with a knurled grip for a secure hold, even in challenging conditions. It’s also shock-resistant and waterproof, making it a reliable companion for demanding outdoor activities. The Warrior X3 features a unique tail switch for intuitive operation, allowing you to switch modes or activate the light quickly.
Key Features
- Maximum output of 2500 lumens
- Two brightness levels
- Sturdy aluminum construction with a knurled grip
- Shock-resistant and waterproof
- Unique tail switch for quick and easy operation
- Powered by a 21700 rechargeable battery
- Comes with a magnetic charging cable for easy recharging.
Best Affordable Tactical flashlight
ThruNite TN12 PRO
Product Description
The ThruNite TN12 PRO offers a fantastic balance between performance and affordability. This tactical flashlight, powered by a single 18650 battery, can output up to 1100 lumens, providing ample brightness for any task. It boasts six lighting modes, including a Firefly mode that provides soft lighting for up to 74 days on a single charge.
The TN12 PRO is crafted from durable aircraft-grade aluminum and features an anti-abrasive finish for longevity. It’s also IPX8 waterproof and impact-resistant up to 1 meter, ensuring it can handle various outdoor conditions. With its compact size and included holster and lanyard, the TN12 PRO is easy to carry and handle, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly yet reliable tactical flashlight.
Key Features
- Maximum output of 1100 lumens
- Six lighting modes, including Firefly
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction with an anti-abrasive finish
- IPX8 waterproof and impact-resistant up to 1 meter
- Powered by a single 18650 battery
- Included holster and lanyard for easy carry
- Reverse polarity protection to prevent damage from incorrect battery installation
Brightest Tactical flashlights
Nitecore TM9K Tac
Product Description
The Nitecore TM9K Tac stands out as one of the brightest tactical flashlights on the market. Powered by a built-in 5000mAh rechargeable battery, this flashlight can produce an astounding 9500 lumens in turbo mode. It features five brightness levels and three special modes—Strobe, Beacon, and SOS—for versatile use.
Built from aero-grade aluminum alloy, the TM9K Tac is both lightweight and robust. It’s rated as IP68 waterproof, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to 2 meters. The flashlight also features a USB-C charging port for quick and efficient recharging, making it a reliable tool for demanding lighting needs.
Key Features
- Maximum output of 9500 lumens
- Five brightness levels and three special modes (Strobe, Beacon, SOS)
- Built from aero-grade aluminum alloy
- IP68 waterproof
- USB-C charging port
- Powered by a built-in 5000mAh rechargeable battery
- Dual tail switches for easy operation
Nitecore TM20K
Product Description
The Nitecore TM20K takes brightness to a new level with an incredible maximum output of 20,000 lumens. This high-powered tactical flashlight, running on a built-in 21700 battery, features five brightness levels and three special modes—Strobe, Beacon, and SOS.
Constructed from aero-grade aluminum alloy with a HA III military-grade hard-anodized finish, the TM20K is built to last. It’s also IP68 rated, making it waterproof up to 2 meters and dustproof. The flashlight includes a multifunctional OLED display that shows real-time information about the battery level, voltage, brightness level, and more.
Key Features
- Maximum output of 20,000 lumens
- Five brightness levels and three special modes (Strobe, Beacon, SOS)
- Constructed from aero-grade aluminum alloy with a HA III military-grade hard-anodized finish
- IP68 waterproof and dustproof
- Multifunctional OLED display
- Powered by a built-in 21700 battery
- Thermal regulation and overcharge protection for safety.
Best Tactical Thrower
Acebeam L35
Product Description
The Acebeam L35 is a tactical thrower that shines in its ability to cast a powerful beam over long distances. It’s powered by a single 21700 battery and can produce an impressive output of 5000 lumens, with a maximum beam distance of up to 480 meters. This makes the L35 perfect for search and rescue operations, outdoor adventures, and any situation where extensive reach is required.
The L35 is built from durable aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and features a hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish, ensuring it can withstand tough conditions. It offers seven different lighting modes, including strobe and SOS, providing versatility for various situations. The flashlight also features a dual switch design—side switch for daily use and a tail switch for tactical purposes, making it user-friendly.
Key Features
- Maximum output of 5000 lumens
- Maximum beam distance of 480 meters
- Durable aerospace-grade aluminum alloy construction with a hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
- Seven lighting modes, including Strobe and SOS
- Dual switch design for easy operation
- Powered by a single 21700 battery
- IPX8 waterproof and 1.2 meters impact resistance.
FAQ Torch/tactical Flashlight
Tactical flashlight questions
What is a Tactical Flashlight?
A tactical flashlight is a high-performance tool designed for professional use in tactical (military or police) situations. These flashlights are typically built to be durable, reliable, and offer high light output. They are often compact, have a rugged design, multiple light modes, and are made to withstand harsh conditions.
What is the Brightest Tactical Flashlight?
As of 2024, one of the brightest tactical flashlights available is the Nitecore TM20K, which can produce an incredible 20,000 lumens output.
LumiTact G700, J5 military flashlight or military-grade flashlight? It’s a scam
While there are many legitimate military-grade flashlights on the market, some products like the LumiTact G700 and J5 Military flashlight have been identified as potentially misleading or overhyped in their marketing claims. Always be sure to research and verify the credibility of a product before making a purchase.
What is the best smallest tactical light?
The best smallest tactical light could vary based on personal preferences. However, the Olight Warrior Mini 2 is a popular choice due to its compact size, robust features, and powerful light output.
What is the Best Tactical Flashlight under $50?
Based on the search results, the ThruNite TN12 Pro and PeakPlus LFX1000 are good options for tactical flashlights under $50, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
What are the most popular tactical flashlight brands?
Some of the most popular brands that manufacture tactical flashlights include Fenix, Olight, Nitecore, Acebeam, and ThruNite.
What is the best affordable tactical flashlight?
The ThruNite TN12 Pro is often recommended as the best affordable tactical flashlight due to its impressive features and reasonable price point. It offers a maximum output of 1100 lumens, various lighting modes, and durable construction.
