Best flashlights of 2023: We tested over 500 flashlights
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Table of contents: Best flashlights in 2023
Best single cell LEP 2023
Weltool W3 PRO TAC
The Weltool W3 PRO Tac made one of the biggest output jumps in recent LEP history. While most LEP flashlights could ‘only’ reach 500 lumens, the W3 PRO TAC actually reaches over 1,000 lumens. This is such a huge jump, and makes it an amazing performer. It’s not regarded as the farthest reaching flashlight, it definitely has the best combo of throwy and wide beam for LEPs. The beam looks quite a bit like a regular LED flashlight, but it clearly is not.
Something that makes it stand out from the rest as well, is its UI. In normal use, you will notice only 1 mode. But there is also a hidden, lower mode, that can only be accessed from Off.
LEP stands for Laser Excited Phosphor, and is using a laser diode as its light source, but using a special technique make it look like a normal LED flashlight.
Here are some reasons why I think it’s so great:
- Best combination of throw and flood in an LEP flashlight
- Highest output of all single cell LEP flashlights
- Basically a single mode flashlight, but with a hidden strobe and Low mode
- Comes with a high quality, 5,000mAh USB-C rechargeable battery.
You can get 25% off at Nealsgadgets if you use our unique discount coupon: 1lumenLEP
Best multi-cell LEP of 2023
Maxtoch Owleyes W PRO v2
World’s farthest-reaching flashlight below $1000
- Farthest reaching LEP Flashlight (this is not an LED flashlight)
- Dual head LEP flashlight (Laser Excited Phosphor)
- Max output: 1200 lumens
- Works on 3*21700 batteries
LEP flashlights have become immensely popular recently. We reviewed about 40+ of them, and the Maxtoch Owleyes W PRO v2 came out as the best-performing LEP flashlight (and LED in that regard as well). Its specs rating claims a beam intensity of up to 4.0 Mcd, and mine was able to reach 4,000,000 cd with ease. This means a beam distance of 4,000 meters / 4374 yards / 2.49 miles. That with just the white beam, and it throws much less with the yellow, green, or red filters.
The Lowest mode is still able to reach up to over 2100 meters / 2300 yards for over 9 hours. Medium mode is still good for 3200 meters / 3500 yards. Most flashlights can only dream of these numbers. If you don’t mind a little funny looking flashlight, this is what you should get.
Interested in reading more: check out our review of the Maxtoch Owleyes W PRO v2.
Reasons why the Maxtoch Owleyes W PRO v2 is such an amazing flashlight:
- Can reach up to 4 kilometers, which is the best-performing LEP flashlight for consumers below $1000
- One of the best sustainable outputs and beam distance
- Comes with a pack of filters to change the color of the beam (which I don’t use)
Get $50 off with the following coupon: WP50V21L
Most powerful flashlight in the world, as of 2023
Imalent RS32
The brightest flashlight of 2023, and nothing else comes close!
Most powerful flashlight
- Max output: 120,000 lumens (we measured 101.000)
- Max beam intensity: 1,090,000 cd (we measured 777,500 cd)
- Works on 8*21700 batterypack
The Imalent SR32 is the new Lumen King… and nothing comes even close!
It dethrones the Imalent MS18 as the brightest flashlight on planet earth, but only slightly.
Check out our full Imalent SR32 review.
Reasons why you should get the Imalent SR32:
- Most powerful flashlight on the planet in 2023
- Newly designed cooling system
- Includes a carry handle with built-in switch
- Ultra high speed charging due to the 100W USB-C charging.
Get 10% off with our exclusive discount coupon: 1Lumen
Best EDC light of 2023
Olight Baton 3 Pro Max
Olight is one of the few flashlight brands that keep innovating and upgrading their existing lights.
One of the popular flashlight series they have is the Baton.
One of the latest ones we reviewed is the Baton 3 Pro Max, with a total of 2500 lumens (we measured 2380) and available in 3 versions, cool white, neutral white, and warm white. This is the color temperature of the light it produces, so you can get your preferred LED option.
Its runtimes are also amazing with over 60 days of runtime in its lowest, 1 lumen mode. We haven’t tested this, because we have too many flashlights to review, and focus on the brightest modes mostly.
Interested in reading more: check out our review of the Olight Baton 3 Pro Max.
Reasons why the Baton 3 Pro Max is recommended:
- Can run for 60 days in its lowest mode
- High quality build, and Olight has a great warranty
- Has plenty of power, in combination with an easy to use UI
- Available in different body colors
- Available with different LED colors
- Comes with a rechargeable battery and magnetic charging cable, so you don’t need to invest anything into a special battery charger
Get 10% off at Olight with the following coupon: 1lumen
More interesting flashlights lists
Throughout the year we will update the list with new and interesting flashlights that we think fit this page. And we don’t limit ourselves to certain categories. Some are great throwers, while others are great keychain lights. Some might be great for EDC, while others may be great for camping or self-defense.
If you are particularly looking for the best within a certain category, make sure you check out the following links:
- Best rechargeable flashlights
- Best tactical flashlights
- Best EDC flashlights
- Best pocket flashlights
- Brightest flashlight
What is the best flashlight? We reviewed 500+
Our team at 1Lumen has been reviewing flashlights for a very long time, and we have gained significant knowledge about flashlight, how to test them, and what key features to look for. We have tested and reviewed over 500 flashlights so far, from various brands and models. This means that we have conducted thorough research to ensure the information we provide on 1lumen is as accurate and reliable as it can get, unlike CNN, ZDnet who are ranking for ‘best flashlights’, while having no clue what they talk about.
We are a dedication team, reviewing countless flashlights, with comprehensive and unbiased reviews. We believe that our expertise in this field is unparalleled, and we do our best to deliver the most detailed information to our readers to help them make informed decisions when buying their next flashlight.
When you trust our expertise, you can rest assured that you are getting the most reliable, honest, and comprehensive reviews available! As simple as that.
Don’t trust me?
Read one of the few hundred reviews!
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