Finding the best tactical flashlight under $50 is challenging. Trust me I know. I bought four tactical flashlights in the last 4 months. To be honest their quality was all over the place, ranging from poor to mediocre.
So I decided to create a ‘Buyers Guide’ for tactical flashlights under $50. To help other people like me who want to purchase a tactical flashlight but have no idea where to start.
I did in depth research on the budget tactical flashlights available on Amazon and will be providing you with reviews on the top 7.
I’ll also let you know what questions you should ask yourself before deciding on one. Which will save you a lot of time and money. Both good things right?
Best Tactical Flashlight Under $50 | Best Value | Brightest Tactical Flashlight Under $50 |
 PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 |  Streamlight 88061 ProTac Tactical Flashlight |  Hoxida High Lumens Tactical Flashlight |
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7 Best Tactical Flashlights Under $50
1. PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000
PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 is a rechargeable flashlight. That can be used for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
The Cree LED bulb produces a maximum output of 1200 lumens with a range of up to 600 feet. It has 5 light modes: high, medium, low, strobe and SOS.
The flashlight has a zoom lens that allows you to adjust the focus from spot to floodlight mode. It also has a high-quality aluminum casing with anodized finish. With an anti-slip rubber grip for added durability.
The PeakPlus LFX1000 uses a rechargeable 18650 battery or three AAA batteries (not included). It can last up to 6 hours before you need to recharge it.
This tactical flashlight is IPX6 waterproof rated. So you don’t have to worry about it if drops into water or you get caught in rain.
Features:
Brightness: 1200 lumens
Battery type: 18650 rechargeable battery/AAA Alkaline Batteries (3)
Water Resistance: Water resistant
Maximum Beam Distance: 600 feet
Charging: USB
Bulb Type: Pro Series LED
Modes: 5 Lighting Modes (High/Medium/Low/Strobe/SOS)
Pros
- Very affordable
- Adjustable zoom
- Lightweight and compact
- Uses both a rechargeable battery and alkaline batteries
- 5 light modes
- Comes with case
Cons
- Some users complained that the included adapter for alkaline batteries doesn’t work well
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2. Streamlight 88061 ProTac Tactical Flashlight
Streamlight 88061 ProTac Tactical Flashlight is a high-powered flashlight that can be used for a variety of applications. Including law enforcement, security, hunting, and camping.
It has three modes: high, low and strobe. The high setting emits 350 lumens of light while the low setting emits 40 lumens.
This allows you to choose between maximum brightness or extended runtime. Depending on your particular needs. The high beam has a range of up to 525 feet and runs for up to 4.5 hours.
The low beam has a range of up to 174 feet with a maximum run time of 14 hours.
The Streamlight 88061 features an aluminum body with a anodized finish. For durability and corrosion resistance. The lens is made from impact resistant glass and it is sealed against water and dust.
The bezel is made from impact resistant material and the switch is waterproof to 1-meter. The body has also been tested to withstand drops and vibrations.
What’s great about this tactical flashlight is it’s dual fuel capabilities. It can run on either a CR123A lithium battery or an AA alkaline battery. Both are included.
To activate the light, simply press the switch on the side of the flashlight head. There is also a lockout feature. So you don’t accidentally activate it while carrying it around in your pocket or backpack.
The Streamlight 88061 has an LED bulb rated at 50,000 hours of service life. This means you’ll never need to replace the bulb!
Features:
Brightness: 350 lumens
Battery type: CR123 Lithium Battery/AA Battery/AA Alkaline battery
Water Resistance: Water resistant (IPX7 Rating)
Maximum Beam Distance: 525 feet
Bulb Type: C4 LED bulb
Modes: 3 Lighting Modes (High/Low/Strobe)
Pros
- Uses two different battery types (AA and CR-123A batteries)
- Pocket clip included
- Great run time
- 50,000 hour bulb service life
- Lightweight and Portable (great for every day carry)
Cons
- Light has a tendency to break easily
3. Anker Bolder Rechargeable LC90 Tactical Flashlight
If you’re looking for a high-quality tactical flashlight, Anker Rechargeable LC90 Tactical Flashlight is the perfect choice. It has many features that make it stand out from the crowd.
It’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which makes it durable and lightweight. The body of this flashlight is waterproof, shockproof and slip resistant.
So you can use it in any weather condition without any worries.
The flashlight comes with an anti-roll design on its tail cap. Which prevents it from rolling around when placed on a flat surface.
This tactical flashlight has five modes, with a max output of 900 lumens (high beam mode). Plus up to 6 hours of run time (medium beam mode).
- High beam mode
- Medium beam mode
- Low beam mode
- Strobe mode
- SOS mode
You can switch between these modes easily using the push button on top of the flashlight.
If you need more runtime, then simply recharge your flashlight. It takes 6 hours to fully charge this device on its micro USB port.
This flashlight features a 900 lumens CREE LED bulb that has an estimated lifespan of 50,000 hours.
What’s more, the Anker Bolder LC90 doubles as a self defense weapon. It’s designed with an extra long handle and scalloped bezel built for striking.
This tactical flashlight has five modes, with a max output of 900 lumens (high beam mode). Plus up to 6 hours of run time (medium beam mode).
Features:
Brightness: 900 lumens
Battery type: 18650 rechargeable battery
Water Resistance: Water resistant (IPX5 Rating)
Maximum Beam Distance: 1000 feet
Charging: Micro USB
Bulb Type: CREE LED bulb
Modes: 5 Lighting Modes (High/Medium/Low/Strobe/SOS)
Pros
- Rechargeable battery
- Water resistant
- Impact resistant
- Nearly 1000ft range
- Easy to use
Cons
- Neck piece is flimsy
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4. Feyachi FL11-MB Tactical Flashlight
Feyachi FL11-MB Tactical Flashlight is a high-quality flashlight that comes with a lot of great features. It has a super bright 1200 lumens LED light that has a maximum reach of 656 ft.
The flashlight is made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, so you can be sure that it will last for years. This also makes it very lightweight. So, it’s ideal for carrying around in your pocket or backpack.
The beam type on this flashlight is spot. Which means that it produces a very focused beam of light that shines at a distance of up to 200 meters (656 feet).
This tactical flashlight also comes with a picatinny mount and pressure switch. So, you can easily attach it to your rifle. Plus it comes with a dual-switch tail cap that allows for single handed operation.
It also has a water resistance rating of IP65. So, it’s perfect for hunting and other outdoor activities.
Features:
Brightness: 1200 lumens
Battery type: 18650 rechargeable battery
Water Resistance: Water resistant (IP65 Rating)
Maximum Beam Distance: 656 feet
Charging: USB
Bulb Type: LED
Modes: 2 Lighting Modes (Constant on/Momentary On)
Pros
- Durable and shock proof (made from aircraft grade aluminum)
- Comes with 2 batteries
- Rust and water resistant
- Comes with a picatinny mount
- 1200 lumens
Cons
- Some users complained of faulty pressure switch
- Only has 2 modes
5. GearLight S2000 LED Tactical Flashlight
The GearLight S2000 LED Tactical Flashlight is a long-range flashlight that is great for outdoor activities. It’s sturdy, bright, and easy to use.
It is made of aluminum alloy (military grade), with a rubberized grip with finger grooves on it. So you can hold it securely and comfortably.
The GearLight S2000 LED Tactical Flashlight is built tough. With a shockproof design and lens that is made from toughened glass. So it will stay in one piece even if you drop it.
This tactical flashlight can be used in basically any environment. As it’s both weather and water resistant.
It comes with an adjustable focus ring that allows you to switch from floodlight mode to spotlight mode easily. This flashlight has an ultra bright light at 1200 lumens and can zoom out as far as 1000 feet away.
The GearLight S2000a has five light modes: high, medium, low, strobe and SOS mode. It uses four AA batteries (sold separately).
Features:
Brightness: 1200 lumens
Battery type: AA Alkaline Batteries (4)
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours on Low Setting
Water Resistance: Water resistant (IPX5 Rating)
Maximum Beam Distance: 1000 feet
Bulb Type: LED
Modes: 5 Lighting Modes (High/Medium/Low/Strobe/SOS)
Pros
- Slip resistant grip
- Weather, shock and water resistant
- Durable (strong enough to survive a 10ft drop)
- Comes with lanyard
- Great price
Cons
- Doesn’t come with batteries
- Heavy
- Some users complained about the lens scratching easily
6. WUBEN C3 Tactical Flashlight
The WUBEN C3 Tactical Flashlight is a powerful, waterproof flashlight. It offers you a great deal of control over how much light you need. With an incredible 6 different settings with memory function.
It has high, medium, low, eco, strobe and SOS modes. It also can be used as a standard flashlight or as a floodlight.
This tactical flashlight is one of the brightest flashlights under $50. It comes with a super bright 1200 lumens and a beam that can extend out to 588 ft.
The WUBEN C3 Tactical Flashlight is made of aluminum alloy. Which makes it lightweight but durable. The head of the flashlight has a textured finish for grip and comfort.
The tail cap has a switch for changing modes and turning on or off the flashlight.
This six-function flashlight has an incredible run time. It lasts up to 143 hours when using eco mode. Plus its battery is rechargeable. So, it can be be easily charged via its micro USB port.
This flashlight comes with a lanyard and pocket clip. Weighs only 4.34 ozs and is only 4.78 inches long. So, it’s compact and easy to carry.
Features:
Brightness: 1200 lumens
Battery type: 18650 rechargeable battery
Battery Life: Up to 143 hours on eco Setting
Water Resistance: Water resistant (IP68 Rating)
Maximum Beam Distance: 588 feet
Charging: Micro USB
Bulb Type: OSRAM P9 LED
Modes: 6 Lighting Modes (High/Medium/Low/Eco/Strobe/SOS)
Pros
- Long battery life (can last up to 143 hours on economy)
- 6 lighting modes
- Lightweight and compact
- Comes with pocket clip and lanyard
- Easy to use
Cons
- No momentary on/off options on tail switch
7. Hoxida High Lumens Tactical Flashlight
The Hoxida High Lumens Tactical Flashlight is a great choice for anyone looking to up their game and make the most of their night-time adventures.
It comes with an incredible 90,000 lumens and a reach of nearly 2000 feet. Making it the brightest flashlight under $50 on our list.
This super bright flashlight can basically make night turn to day!
Whether you’re looking to go hunting or just want a flashlight that can help you see great at night. This is the right choice for you.
This tactical flashlight was designed with durability and reliability in mind. It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy with a hard anodized finish.
That makes it strong enough to withstand any situation you might encounter out there in the wild. The high-quality LED bulbs are also shock resistant and can last up to 100,000 hours.
The Hoxida High Lumens Tactical Flashlight has seven (7) different modes: high, medium, SOS, High COB, Medium COB, Red COB, and RED flashlight COB settings. So, you can adjust its brightness according to your needs at any given time.
It’s also designed to be used as a strike flashlight. So, you can use it as a self defense weapon if needs be.
Features:
Brightness: 90000 lumens
Battery type: 18650 rechargeable battery
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Water Resistance: Water resistant (IPX5 Rating)
Maximum Beam Distance: 2000 feet
Charging: USB
Bulb Type: XHP90 LED, COB (Chip on board)
Modes: 7 Lighting Modes (High/Medium/SOS High COB/Medium COB/Red COB/Red Flashlight COB)
Pros
- Super bright light (90,000 lumens)
- Beam covers almost 2000 ft
- Doubles as a power bank (you can use it to charge USB devices)
- COB sidelight
- Durable
- Water resistant
Cons
- Bigger and heavier than other flashlights on this list
What to Look for In a Tactical Flashlight under $50 (Buyer’s Guide)
If you are in the market for a new tactical flashlight, you’ll want to make sure that you find one that is right for you. There are many tactical flashlights to choose from, and they don’t all have the same features.
So what should you look for in a tactical flashlight under $50?
Here are the key features you should be paying attention to when looking for the best flashlights under $50.
Brightness (Lumens)
The higher the number of lumens on a flashlight, the brighter its beam will be.
Look for a flashlight that has at least 120 lumens, but a higher lumen count of 300 or more is preferable. Especially if you want to use your tactical flashlight to blind a would be attacker.
Really bright flashlights will offer 1000 lumens or more.
Beam Coverage
A tactical flashlight under $50 typically comes with one of three beam types: spot, flood or zoomable. A flood beam flashlight is designed to light up a wide area.
While a spot beam is designed to go for a longer distance but with a narrow beam.
My recommendation is to choose a flashlight that is zoomable. A zoomable flashlight can zoom in our out. Which means you can use it as either a spot or flood light.
Another factor to consider is the range of the beam. The best budget tactical flashlights, have a range of 500ft or higher.
Light Settings
The light modes are another important feature for you to consider. The best tactical flashlights under $50 will come with at least four modes: high, low, medium and strobe.
Low and medium settings are designed for indoor use.
While the high setting, is better for outdoor use, as it delivers the highest light output. The strobe setting is a flashing light that can be used to blind attackers.
Other light settings that you may come across in budget tactical flashlights are:
- SOS: a light that flashes in Morse code to alert rescuers
- Eco: Economy mode that saves on power
- COB (Chip on Board)
Water and Impact Resistance
Tactical flashlights should be able to withstand water damage. If it can’t stand up to the rain and snow, or gets damaged by some water splashing on it. Then, it’s not going to be much good if you need it in an emergency situation.
Look for flashlights that are weather and water resistant. The best budget tactical flashlights are able to be submerged. These flashlights come with an IPX7 or IXP8 rating.
But, try to get one with at least an IPX4 rating, which means that it can withstand water splashes.
You’ll also want to ensure that your tactical flashlight can withstand drops. After all, no matter how careful you are, the flashlight is bound to drop some time.
So, you’ll want to get a flashlight that is shock or impact resistant. The best ones are typically able to withstand up to a 10 foot drop.
Batteries and Battery Life
Most flashlights use alkaline AA or AAA batteries. However, some use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery instead. The type of battery will affect how much power your flashlight has available at any given moment.
But it also impacts how often you need to replace and recharge those batteries!
Regular alkaline batteries will have to be replaced regularly and may end up costing you in the long run. While, a rechargeable battery has to be recharged often.
So, you need to weigh the pros and cons depending on what you’ll be using your flashlight for.
But, you can also get the best of both worlds, as some tactical flashlights, are hybrid. Like the Streamlight 88061 ProTac Tactical Flashlight. It uses both an alkaline and a rechargeable battery.
This will allow you to use your flashlight without worrying about running out of power while out in the field.
Another thing to consider is if the batteries are included in the package. Some flashlights do not come with batteries. Which means you’ll end up spending additional money.
Materials
Next, think about the materials in the flashlight. Most budget flashlights are made from aluminum. Aluminum is often used because it’s lightweight but strong enough to withstand impacts from falls or drops.
But my recommendation is to look for a flashlight made from aircraft grade aluminum. Preferably with an anodized finish. It’s more durable than regular aluminum.
Because it can withstand even more stressors like heat and cold without breaking easily.
The material that the lens is made of is also important. Look for a flashlight made from toughened or impact resistant glass.
Final Words
The best flashlight for you can be found by carefully considering your needs. And if you’re searching for a tactical flashlight that costs under fifty bucks. Then the buying guide above should help you find the perfect one.
Just remember to consider the things we discussed. The right flashlight could really make all the difference in an emergency. It could even save your life.
The best tactical flashlight under $50 is the PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000. It’s a got all the features you need in a budget tactical flashlight. It’s a good flashlight, I recommend it.
