The best rechargeable LED torches in the UK 2023

The flashlight offers many possibilities of use: for work, to move in the dark ... More versatile and autonomous, rechargeable LED models have supplanted battery models. But between range, autonomy, brands and brightness, not easy to make the right choice. To make your life easier, here is our guide to the best rechargeable LED flashlights in 2020.

Klarus XT21X 1
8/10

Best value for money

Klarus XT21X

The best rechargeable LED flashlight in 2021

The Klarus XT21X has thought of everything: 316 m range, 4,000 lumens of power, 5,000 mAh rechargeable battery, USB port to recharge directly from a device. Buy it with your eyes closed.

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The Klarus XT21X is a powerful tactical flashlight with a dual rear switch and a side LED switch. It is charged via its 5,000 mAh battery and offers a brightness of 4,000 lumens. The range of the light beam reaches 316 m, enough to illuminate far ahead.

For recharging, a USB cable is provided to connect this rechargeable LED flashlight to any device with a USB port. You can adjust the brightness in 4 modes. There are even 2 flash modes to suit all users' needs. And for added convenience, a storage case is provided.

ITimo 2
7/10

Best value for money

ITimo

The best entry-level rechargeable LED flashlight

You want to buy smart? The ITimo rechargeable flashlight will please you. It is sold for less than 6 euros, and is recharged by exposure to the sun or by activating the dynamo crank.

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As shown in the picture, this entry-level LED flashlight has a small solar panel on one side and a dynamo crank on the other. So you have the choice between 2 charging modes, essential for outdoor activities (camping, hiking, mountaineering...).

Note that by turning the crank of the ITimo for 5 minutes, you will have 1 hour of lighting. And 40 h of exposure to the sun ensures a complete recharge of the battery. Khaki in color, this rechargeable LED flashlight fits easily into a pocket. And to top it all off, it costs less than 6 euros.

Fenix RC40 3
8/10

Best premium value for money

Fenix RC40

The best high-end rechargeable LED flashlight

Waterproof up to 2 meters and capable of withstanding a drop of more than 1 meter, the Fenix RC40 rechargeable flashlight has a record battery life of 125 hours. With this model, you get the most bang for your buck.

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The Fenix RC40 has a brightness of 6,000 lumens. Its power is such that its brightness reaches 730 m! In addition, the huge battery has a capacity of 7,800mAh, which provides 125 hours of battery life. However, this has a negative impact on the dimensions of this rechargeable LED flashlight and its weight (1.15 kg).

Certified IPX8, the Fenix RC40 can be immersed up to 2 m deep. It's also robust enough to withstand drops from 1m, or even a little more in some cases. And for the lighting, you will have the choice between 5 modes: Turbo, High, Medium, Low and Eco. Not to mention the Strobe (flash) and SOS functions.

Acebeam X80 4
8/10

Powerful

Acebeam X80

Outstanding brightness

This rechargeable LED flashlight offers 5 colors to light up and has a range of over 300m. But its main asset is its brightness of 25,000 lumens. And you can dive with it!

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The rechargeable flashlight stands out for its 25,000 lumens of brightness. This is made possible by 12 CREE XHP50 LED emitters that produce a white light with a range of over 332 meters. CREE XPE2 and Nichia emitters allow the color of the light beam to be varied (pure red, green, blue and ultraviolet) for specialized use.

About the size of a soda can, the Acebeam X80 is the perfect tool for emergency rescue, scuba diving to 100 feet and outdoor activities. It has four rechargeable Acebeam Lithium Ion batteries of 3,100 mAh each in the body. Thus, it keeps a very good autonomy in spite of its strong luminosity.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best rechargeable LED torch

Any specific needs?

The best rechargeable LED flashlight in 2021

The best entry-level rechargeable LED flashlight

The best high-end rechargeable LED flashlight

Outstanding brightness

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best rechargeable LED torches

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Klarus XT21X 5
8/10
ITimo 6
7/10
Fenix RC40 7
8/10
Acebeam X80 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Klarus XT21X
ITimo
Fenix RC40
Acebeam X80
The Klarus XT21X has thought of everything: 316 m range, 4,000 lumens of power, 5,000 mAh rechargeable battery, USB port to recharge directly from a device. Buy it with your eyes closed.
You want to buy smart? The ITimo rechargeable flashlight will please you. It is sold for less than 6 euros, and is recharged by exposure to the sun or by activating the dynamo crank.
Waterproof up to 2 meters and capable of withstanding a drop of more than 1 meter, the Fenix RC40 rechargeable flashlight has a record battery life of 125 hours. With this model, you get the most bang for your buck.
This rechargeable LED flashlight offers 5 colors to light up and has a range of over 300m. But its main asset is its brightness of 25,000 lumens. And you can dive with it!
Power
4,000 lumens
700 lumens
6,000 lumens
25,000 lumens
Range
316 m
15 m
730 m
332 m
Battery
5,000 mAh
40 mAh
7,800 mAh
4 x 3,100 mAh
Lifetime
Recharge
USB Batteries
Dynamic crankSun
USB Batteries
USB Batteries

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Buying guide - rechargeable LED torch

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How to choose your rechargeable LED torch

If you want to choose your rechargeable LED flashlight properly, you should consider the following criteria:

#1 - Various uses

First of all, you choose a flashlight according to its use. Some people use rechargeable LED flashlights only to replace old-fashioned candles in case of power outage. Others use them during night hikes. They are also used by security personnel or handymen. The performance required is different depending on the use, but in any case, you want them to be operational at all times. You can choose between two beam widths: panoramic and spot.

#2 - Ergonomics, size and weight

Weight and size also matter. If you must walk with a lamp on your belt or in your hand, go for the lightweight model. Be aware that lights, rechargeable LED tactical lights are lightweight and very powerful. They offer both a very long life and a brightness that cannot be compared to incandescent lamps. No one wants to carry around a heavy flashlight in their bag. In practice, tactical flashlights tend to overheat when compact. For example, a 10 cm long flashlight with 1000 lumens of light output heats up faster than a 16 cm flashlight with the same light output value, regardless of the manufacturing material. If the lamp overheats a few minutes after use, you will have to switch to a lower wattage mode if the model has one. For everyday use, choose a type that is no more than 7 cm long. For outdoor enthusiasts, choose a flashlight with a light capacity approaching 1,000 lumens. Generally, flashlights 12 cm in length have this luminosity. For professionals, flashlights that are longer than 20 cm providing more than 1,500 lumens are the most efficient.

#3 - The power source

Power sources come in different types: batteries, cells, photovoltaic cells... Rechargeable batteries and cells have a good autonomy and are more practical in isolated areas. Some flashlights work with a mains power supply. Others can be recharged with a dynamo or from your car's cigarette lighter using a cable and a USB charger.

A special case: solar torches

Solar flashlights do not work in shadowy areas. Some models have separate solar panels that can be positioned or moved to capture the light. With outdoor solar torches, it is possible to create a usable outdoor space (garden, terrace...) regardless of weather conditions. The solar lamps are a design decoration for all outdoor events. They produce a flickering light effect.

#4 - The power

The

power is measured in lumens. The higher this value, the more powerful the flashlight is, and the more, it illuminates around it. Some models offer different power levels to adapt the brightness to your needs and save some battery life. Several manufacturers provide the value in lumens corresponding to the maximum power of the LED. But, you should keep in mind that practically and in most cases, you will lose up to 30% of power due to the energy loss caused by the protective lens of the LED and the reflector. For example if the LED has 1040 lumens max, this is not the value that is at the output of the lens.

#5 - Autonomy and regulation

You may have noticed that the moment the batteries or cells start to discharge, the light intensity tends to drop. For this reason, manufacturers have implemented in the new models of LED flashlights, especially tactical models, the regulation systems to regulate this intensity. The autonomy, meanwhile, determines the duration during which the user can operate his lamp. This criterion is not to be neglected, especially in case of an emergency situation. It should be noted that generally models with greater autonomy cost more.

#6 - Lighting range

The lighting range is one of the most important characteristics because it establishes how far the light beam can go to illuminate. And to see as much as possible, it's obviously better to have a longer range, unless your sole purpose is to use this lamp for repairs.

#7 - Certifications

The majority of high-end lamps are made with certain standards. The best known is IPX. It ensures that the lamp is rainproof and up to a certain level of immersion according to the number indicated, for example IPX-8 means that your lamp remains waterproof up to two meters under water. The lamp in question is not necessarily used for swimming at two meters under water. All flashlights designed for firefighters or employees working in explosive atmospheres are ATEX certified. They are explosion-proof. ATEX zones (ATmosphères EXplosives) are classified from 0 to 22.

How does a rechargeable LED flashlight work?


Equipped with LED technology, rechargeable LED flashlight is a very useful accessory for any outdoor night activities such as hiking, camping, but also for indoor uses. In general, it is designed for professional use and also has strong lighting capabilities. It is very practical because it can be worn on the forehead or wrist.

Indeed, it is thanks to this advanced technology that it provides a very powerful and long range lighting. As a reminder, LED stands for "light-emitting diode", which means semiconductor chip. In principle, the movement of electrons will emit light according to the principle of electroluminescence. The LED has a simple structure and is easily integrated into an electrical circuit.

Very simple to use, the rechargeable LED flashlight generally has the same operation as conventional bulb flashlights. In this sense, all the lamps need a power source to supply the light that the lamp will diffuse. Of course, what differentiates them is the power supply method. With traditional battery operated flashlights, the batteries need to be changed regularly.

The rechargeable LED flashlight, on the other hand, as its name suggests, is equipped with a battery or rechargeable batteries. Apart from that, in terms of power consumption, the rechargeable LED flashlight saves a lot of energy, as it consumes much less power. In addition, it guarantees long battery life for a long service life.

Battery or rechargeable torch?

Battery powered torch

Buying the battery-only flashlight is the right choice for the simple reason that with rechargeable batteries like NiMH, you will have access to maximum power. In addition, this type of battery is available in most stores, so you'll have no trouble finding one. However, if your flashlight runs on batteries only, you obviously have fewer charging options.

Rechargeable torch

With a rechargeable AAA torch, you'll definitely have a way to keep your batteries topped up. If you are in a remote location and the nearest store is hundreds of miles away, you can simply recharge your flashlight using its USB port. This type of device is considerably more expensive than simple AAA batteries.

Verdict

If you're looking for a good AAA flashlight, look for one that has multiple recharging options, i.e., one that's battery-powered and rechargeable via USB. On the other hand, if you're looking for a good flashlight but don't have the money, a battery-powered flashlight is the perfect solution for you.

Tips

Don't confuse ultra power with long distance lighting

A lamp with a very high power of several thousand lumens will not necessarily light very far. This is not always correct. Of course, to light far, you need a certain power, but you also need a design adapted to the level of the lamp: the angle of lighting impacts on the range, the reflector has a role on the distance on which the luminous flux will diffuse.

The real power of a flashlight

We

take away 30% of the value indicated in lumens to have a rough idea of the real power. Also, beware of low-cost flashlights that claim to provide 1,000 or 2,000 lumens. Twelve-LED flashlights with 1,000 lumens do not necessarily provide 12,000 lumens, you need large batteries to achieve that value.

Choose between the different types of LED flashlight models available

For

night hiking enthusiasts and construction professionals, headlamps that keep your hands free are recommended. Also opt for this model if you need to grip during outdoor activities. For individuals who want to light a particular place or their way, choose a standard lamp. It is light, handy and suitable for mobile use. You can quickly neutralize your enemies both at home and on the street with the tactical LED flashlight with a switch on the right. The safety it provides and its power are the main advantages of this kind of flashlight. Tactical flashlights usually have high brightness and strobe mode, easy operation. They have a compact design with a very good grip. Emphasis is also placed on the ruggedness of the material, the simplicity of its interface and its resistance to water and shock.

FAQ

What is the best rechargeable LED flashlight?

The best rechargeable LED flashlight depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

What are the two main types of flashlights that are water resistant?

There are two main types of lamps that are water resistant: waterproof flashlights that can be immersed in water according to the manufacturer's specifications on the duration and depth of immersion, and water resistant flashlights that can be used in the rain, but cannot be immersed in water. Both types of lamps have a certain degree of waterproofing that allows them to be in contact with water.

Is there any way to prevent the battery life from being shortened?

It is advisable to always charge your new battery overnight before using it for the first time. This is called initialization and will ensure that you get the optimum capacity of the battery. Only charge the battery when it is about to be completely discharged. Avoid letting your battery discharge completely.

How to best maintain your flashlight?

You need your flashlight in almost every emergency situation. In order to do this, it must be properly maintained so that it can function normally without malfunction or incident. To remove dirt, we recommend using an alcohol swab or other degreasing cleaner. Q-Tips, a toothbrush, or other bristle pliers are needed to clean flashlights with slots or grooves. A lubricating lotion can be used to easily screw or unscrew your equipment.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  7. , thespruce.com
  8. , 1lumen.com
  9. , gearhungry.com
  10. , amazon.co.uk
  11. , leroymerlin.fr
  12. , amazon.co.uk
  13. , amazon.co.uk
  14. , amazon.co.uk
  15. , ledlenser.fr
  16. , elumeen.com
  17. , cdiscount.com
  18. , leroymerlin.fr
  19. , amazon.co.uk
  20. , manomano.fr
  21. , boulanger.com
  22. , la-lampe-torche.com
  23. , manomano.fr
  24. , cdiscount.com
  25. , cdiscount.com
  26. , fr.rs-online.com
  27. , ebay.fr
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  29. , la-bs.com
  30. , fr.aliexpress.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Klarus XT21X 9
Klarus XT21X
ITimo 10
ITimo
Fenix RC40 11
Fenix RC40
Acebeam X80 12
Acebeam X80

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