No matter whether you’re dealing with a power outage, taking an evening stroll or simply searching for something in a badly lit place, flashlights are always a handy tool to have around. But, their often bulky size or heavy weight makes them impractical to keep in your pocket or backpack. That is unless you’re in possession of one of the best mini flashlights.
Mini flashlights offer exactly what they advertise. Their compact and lightweight design makes them ideal for carrying at all times. Whether that’s in your backpack, pocket or attached to your keychain. Often around the size of a pen or lip balm tube, these versatile lighting devices can definitely help you out in a pinch. And, as many of them are tough and waterproof, you never need to worry about the weather or storing them in a compact space.
When it comes to picking the best mini flashlight for you, it’s worth considering the following elements:
Size – Even though all mini flashlights are comparatively small, you still get to choose from a number of options which range from a pen-sized option to one which can sit in the palm of your hand. Consider what’s comfortable and best suited to your needs.
Lumens – You should also consider the strength of the light produced by the flashlight. For some, merely producing any light would suffice. However, if you’re looking for something to light your way at night, it’s worth favoring something in the higher lumen bracket.
Water/Dust-Proofing – While almost all the options on our list are waterproof, there are differences. Make sure to check the IP rating. The higher the value in the rating, the greater resistance the device will have to intrusion from foreign bodies, like sand and moisture.
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When you’ve considered the features you’re looking for in your lighting device, check out our top 12 options below and find the best mini flashlight for you.
1. Hatori Super Small Mini LED Flashlight
BEST OVERALL
You wouldn’t think a penlight could be so bright, but this Hatori Super Small Mini LED Flashlight really is. It has a convenient tail cap on/off button for usability as well as a belt clip for easy carrying, whether that’s to your belt, bag or even a book. It’s also water-resistant which means it’s suitable for outdoor activities or bad weather emergencies in rain or snow. Additionally, it’s backed by over 1,500 five-star reviews on Amazon, making it a great gift choice for any outdoor enthusiast.
2. LE CREE LED Flashlight
BEST BUDGET
This LE CREE LED Flashlight is a solid little flashlight with ultra-high output. It has a sturdy glass lens, a handy wrist strap and the beam can be adjusted. It’s also IP44 rated and sports an anti-slip design which means light rain and splashes should be no problem. Overall, this budget-friendly device is an ideal choice for almost every user, no matter whether you’re walking in the woods or working on your computer.
3. Nitefox Mini AAA Flashlight
BEST KEYCHAIN
If you’re looking for a mini flashlight to add to your keychain, the Nitefox Mini AAA flashlight could be the answer. This compact, 150-lumen flashlight is powered by a single AAA battery and features a built-in keychain. It’s also IPX8 waterproof and offers three different brightness settings. You’ll also find a diffuser attachment which turns the flashlight into a candle-like light source ideal for reading and general illumination. Plus, there are four different colors to choose from.
4. RISEMART Super Small Mini Flashlight
BEST DUAL SET
This two-pack of RISEMART Super Small Mini Flashlights includes two devices, making it great for couples or households looking for more than a single flashlight. Each light is constructed from a tough and durable aluminum alloy and uses an impressively bright CREE LED to illuminate the way. The design also includes a non-slip finish on the barrel and a pocket clip for added convenience. Additionally, you’ll find one keychain and one rope tether for an added carrying option for your flashlights.
5. EverBrite 9-LED Flashlight 6-Pack
BEST COLOR RANGE
Each of the six EverBrite 9-LED Flashlights included in this pack is lightweight and mini-sized. There are also six different colors which means it’s easy to give a color to family members, friends or colleagues and always know whose flashlight is whose. Each compact device runs on three AAA batteries, sports a grippy outer finish and uses nine LEDs to produce light. Their functional design is ideal for a variety of occasions, including camping, walking or climbing. This also makes a great nighttime reading light when a lamp is not available.
6. Mini Flashlight Keychain with Micro USB
MOST COMPACT
Convenient, waterproof and shockproof, this mini flashlight takes practicality to the next level. Its compact size makes it perfect for stashing in bedside drawers, bathroom vanities or right on your keychain. The ability to recharge the flashlight using the supplied micro USB cable is handy and means it’s easy to charge from power banks. You never have to throw batteries away. Overall, this well-reviewed, tiny flashlight is both cost-effective and great for everyday use.
7. EverBrite 4-Pack Mini LED Aluminum Flashlight
BEST MULTI PACK
What we love about this multipack of flashlights is that they come in four fun colors, making them ideal for handing out to kids at a sleepover or group campout. The case includes a glow-in-the-dark band which makes them even greater fun for kids and actually makes them far easier to find if the power suddenly goes out. Furthermore, the flashlights use nine LEDs to produce a powerful beam that can illuminate things up to 30 meters away.
8. INFRAY LED Pen Light Flashlight
BEST PEN LIGHT
With its elongated, pen-like design and non-slip outer, the INFRAY LED Pen Light Flashlight offers greater purchase than many of the more compact options on our list. This makes it a smart option for healthcare professionals and users looking for that added bit of precision when lighting things up. In addition, the IPX5-rated flashlight features three different lighting modes and includes a twisty end which allows you to switch between a wider and narrower beam.
9. Maglite Solitaire LED 1-Cell AAA Flashlight
MOST TRUSTED
As one of the most trusted and popular brands available, it’s always hard to look past Maglite when choosing a lighting device. This is exactly the case with the Maglite Solitaire LED 1-Cell AAA Flashlight. The compact design includes an easy-grip outer, twist on/off head and comes with a keychain and a single AAA battery to power the device. In addition to being of the highest quality, the 47-lumen flashlight is also waterproof to one meter and drop proof up to two meters.
10. LUMINTOP TOOL AA 2.0 EDC Flashlight
BEST WATERPROOF
If you happen to live in an area that is particularly rainy or sandy, the LUMINTOP TOOL AA 2.0 EDC Flashlight could be the device for you. As it’s rated IP68, the flashlight can cope with submersion in water and drops from up to five feet. It can even withstand dust, dirt and sand, too. You’ll also be able to choose between four different lighting modes and make use of the clip which lets you attach your light to pockets, hats or backpack straps. And, the smart device includes a built-in Smart IC which protects it from overheating, over-voltage and over-current.
11. NICRON Mini Flashlight
BEST ARTICULATING
While slightly larger than many of the options on our list, one thing the NICRON Mini Flashlight has that many others don’t is an articulating head. This 90-degree turn allows for either an upright or horizontal orientation when carrying the device. It’s also IP65 rated and includes a high-tenacity magnet on the base which lets you mount the flashlight against metal surfaces. The attractive design sports a non-slip surface around the barrel and features a smart switch which requires a two-second turn on to prevent accidental switching on or off.
12. J5 Tactical V1-PRO Flashlight
BEST TACTICAL
With over 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, it was a tough call not awarding the J5 Tactical V1-PRO Flashlight the top spot on our list. At its most powerful, it’s capable of producing a 300-lumen beam of light that can travel up to 600 feet. It’s available in three different colors, including black and blue aqua, and features a zoomable head as well as three different lighting modes. It can withstand splashes from any direction as its IPX4 rated and allows you to choose between either a single AA battery or a 14500 rechargeable battery, depending on your preference.