Best Waterproof Flashlight

Flashlights clearly come in handy for power outages, but that’s not the only reason one would need a flashlight. And it’s definitely not a reason you’d be searching for the best waterproof flashlight.

But in this bright flashlight review, you’ll have 12 options to choose from regarding where to look for the smallest brightest flashlight, the most eco-friendly flashlight, marine flashlights and plenty of others that are water resistant.

You should be able to use these waterproof flashlights in a variety of places: camping, night swimming, hiking and walking on rainy nights and days, dog walking, and even emergency flashlights for bathroom and/or kitchen outages. (Yes, you could always use a regular flashlight, but do you really want to risk the odds of dropping it in a pool, sink or puddle? Probably not.)

Some need batteries. Some are rechargeable. And all should be packed into your emergency bag or utility drawer to find at a moment’s notice.

Best Waterproof Flashlight

1. Dorcy Floating

This flashlight is not only waterproof, but if you drop it, it will just float along. You’ll have a head start to catch it in the pool or a rain puddle.

Key Features

• Available in five colors (neon green, blue, pink, purple, yellow)
• Four super bright LEDs
• Carabiner clip

This waterproof LED flashlight, with 55 lumens of light output, contains four super bright LED bulbs. Ideally the runtime is eight hours and 45 minutes. This comfortable grip light option operates with three AA batteries that is suitable for camping, hiking and night walking.

Pros

• No-slip rubber grip
• Impact resistant

Cons

• Bulbs burned out within a matter of months, according to one user
• Too dim for three AA batteries, according to another user’s comparison of prior batteries

Keep track of this flashlight with the built-in tail cap carabiner clip. Attach it to your belt (assuming it’s durable enough) or backpack. This product is warranted to be free from material defects or workmanship for one year from date of purchase.

2. GearLight LED Tactical

This two-pack of handheld flashlights are not only water resistant but also described as “virtually indestructible,” meaning it can survive up to a 10-foot drop. It’s even been tested for freezing and run over by a truck.

Key Features

• High-grade aluminum
• Five light modes (high, medium, low, strobe, SOS)
• Bonus holsters (two)

These flashlights can show you objects up to 1,000 feet away and are 10 times brighter than the average incandescent lights. Just install three AAA batteries or a single rechargeable battery. Slide it into your pockets, backpack or purse for quick access.

Pros

• Wide-to-narrow beam zoom
• Ultra bright wide area beam

Cons

• Batteries not included
• Light doesn’t always work or just flickers, according to one user

This flashlight comes with a one-year, no-questions-asked replacement warranty.

3. BlueFire CREE XM-L2 Scuba

The BlueFire CREE is shock resistant, and is mainly designed for professional divers or underwater photographers.

Key Features

• Three working modes (low light, strobe light, high light)
• Aluminum alloy head
• Fluorescence ABS body design

This marine flashlight comes with a lanyard and hand strap, and is convenient to carry. Use a rechargeable 18650 Li-ion battery or three AAA batteries. It’s also waterproof up to 80 feet under water.

Pros

• Updated version of T6 chip (brighter)
• Less heat radiation than other flashlights

Cons

• Batteries not included
• Cannot screw the switch tightly underwater

Ideally you should turn the light on before you go under water. It’s difficult to screw the switch below the surface.

4. WOWTAC BSS V4 Tactical

This black anodized flashlight has a side switch with a super bright light to scope out whatever you need.

Key Features

• Tail switch design
• Aluminum alloy
• IMR 18650 3100mAh battery

The alloy makes it easy to break glass in an emergency and has high water resistance for all weather conditions. Super bright and lightweight, this pocket-size flashlight is USB chargeable. It also has six lighting modes (firefly, low, medium, high, turbo, strobe), and is perfect for all indoor and outdoor events.

The light indicator has three options: red for normal charging, blue for a full charge and purple for an abnormal charge.  Make sure to screw down the light tail cap tightly before charging or before first use.

Pros

• Anti-abrasive surface finish
• Wrist strap for hands-free usage

Cons

• Tail switch would not activate for one user
• After powering on for 10 minutes, it was too hot to touch

Before you charge the light, make sure to screw down the light tail clip tightly for a proper charge.

5. AmeriLuck 5″

Zoom in for a wide beam, and zoom out for a long beam with this handheld LED flashlight.

Key Features

• Five modes: High, medium, low, SOS, strobe
• 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery
• High-quality aluminum alloy

Buy it as one solo flashlight or in a four-pack. Just add three AAA batteries for a brilliant, large area for this five-inch flashlight. Depending on how bright you need the light, you may consider this advertised “ultra bright” light as a “soft white” light.

Pros

• Sharp, strong edge can easily break windows in car accident
• No rust issue

Cons

• Batteries not included
• User reports it overheats easily; must remove batteries

This flashlight is covered by a limited three-year warranty.

6. Consciot Rechargeable Camping Lantern

This waterproof light comes with a USB cable for emergencies and a two-way hook to connect it to something easily reachable at a moment’s notice.

Key Features

• Camping lantern
• Searchlight
• Two-way hook and embedded hook

Insert two rechargeable lithium batteries (18650) after a charge of five hours. It should be able to work up to 3.5 hours on six modes (high, low, red, strobe, and side lanterns of high 360 and low 180). The rubber material and the sealed housing resistance design provides IPX4 waterproof rating, which can prevent circuits from splashing water all over the place.

Pros

• Lightweight (0.76 pounds)
• Identifies when fully charged (blue) versus charging (red)

Cons

• Warranty policy says “not applicable”
• May feel awkward to hold unless by the handle

This flashlight is designed for dark and emergency situations, including rainy days and severe weather.

7. Ano D703

Press for three seconds to turn it on, and turn on and off with one hand.

Key Features

• 100K hours life span
• Three light modes (high, mid, strobe)
• Anti-pressure

The optimized design of this flashlight (2 x 6.99 x 1.18 inches) will never burn down electric modules and can view items 650 feet below with its 1,000 lumens. Tested in the water pressure chamber with 800 PSI, it can work at 100 percent for 30 minutes.

Pros

• High-polished reflector (deeper and wider)
• Tight beam angle for stronger penetration

Cons

• USB charger is not included
• Three flashlights failed for the same user

To avoid that annoying habit flashlights have of turning on accidentally from a minor rub, you’ll have to hold this one in place for a few seconds to turn it on and off.

8. Anker Rechargeable Bolder

This zoomable flashlight will last for six hours with no batteries needed.

Key Features

• 900-lumen CREE led
• Five light modes (high, medium, low, strobe, SOS)
• 18650 battery included

This flashlight includes a micro USB charging port and micro USB cable. It can aim the light for as far as approximately two football fields (660 feet) and reaches nearly 1,000 feet. Its durable aluminum body and shock-resistance protection can endure rough handling. With an anti-slip finish, it’s also a reliable flashlight to use for emergencies.

Pros

• Pocket-sized for easy storage
• LEDs have 50K hour lifespan

Cons

• Adapter not included
• A few users complained of either no working light mode or the light mode having to constantly be re-programmed

This flashlight is covered by an 18-month warranty.

9. Hoxida LED

This pocket-size LED flashlight can light up for any situation you need: high, low, strobe, SOS modes.

Key Features

• 1200 lumen cree LED
• Green (full power), red (charging) light
• Adjustable focus (narrow to widespread beam)

Less than 5 inches in length, this is a flashlight that you can stick in your purse, bag or back pocket. Its beam distance is up to 600 feet, and can be charged by any USB interface, car charger or power charge.

Pros

• Zoomable option
• Internal digital control circuit that could prevent overcharging and prolong the rechargeable lifespan

Cons

• Battery will discharge even when turned off for one user
• Light failed to charge and/or stay on for a few users

This impact-resistant flashlight is covered by a 30-day return/money-back guarantee. Just make sure to remove the insulation sheet before charging and use.

10. LETMY LED

This two-pack of flashlights is ideal for portable outdoor use.

Key Features

• Military grade aluminum alloy
• Waterproof water ring
• Zoomable design

Available in five modes (high, medium, low, strobe, SOS), this super bright high-performance light has a working life of 50K hours. You will need three AAA batteries or one 18650 rechargeable battery.

Pros

• Anti-slip handle
• Adjustable focus range

Cons

• One user’s flashlight (two total) stopped working after dropping one time
• Another user got no response after flashlight failed after 10 months

This flashlight comes with a two-year replacement warranty. It also has a 90-day money back guarantee.

11. HeCloud Professional

This underwater outdoor flashlight is small enough that you can fit into your pocket, and it won’t take up as much room as even your smartphone. (Of course it may be fatter and definitely don’t sit on either.)

Key Features

• Tail cover
• AAA battery holder
• Wrist strap

This flashlight (5.15 x 0.98 inches) has a IPX8 waterproof level and is suitable for beginner divers. This is a major relief for swimmers who are already trying to get used to swimming at varying lengths. The flashlight should make it even easier for them to scope out the area. The life span of this camera is estimated to last for 60K hours or more.

Pros

• Super bright flash
• No need to replace the bulbs for the life of the camera

Cons

• Three AAA batteries not included (but needed for power)
• Keep away from sand

This flashlight is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty.

12. Coast Pure Beam

This flashlight helps you see as far as 247 meters into the distance.

Key Features

• Twist-focusing lens (provides two beams in one light)
• Two light modes (bulls-eye spot beam and ultra view flood beam)
• 710 lumens

With a runtime on low, it can run for 40 hours. With a runtime on high, the power can last two hours and 15 minutes. The beam distance on high runs for 810 feet, and a low beam distance runs for 255 feet. With a waterproof polymer body, the durable construction of this flashlight may save you from an accidental drop.

Pros

• Grip-textured handle to avoid spillage
• Focusing and beam technology for maximum beam distance

Cons

• No holster included
• Light problems for multiple users (either not switching modes, not turning on at all or dying in a matter of months)

This water-resistant flashlight is covered by a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Bottom Line

Did any of these 12 waterproof flashlights meet your needs? Hopefully so. Some do not come with batteries included, so you should probably stock up on a few extras. (You don’t want to be put in an awkward situation where you have to wait for it to charge or search around in the dark trying to find where the extra batteries are. Test the flashlight regularly, and keep batteries in an accessible spot.)

They’re all weather resistant and should be suitable during rough, rainy weather. Some may be lighter than others, making it easy to carry for all family members. Or, choose a more heavy-duty one and carry it by the handle.

The goal here is to make sure that the light voltage matches whatever your needs are. In addition to testing the flashlight to make sure it works at all, figure out which mode works best for which room (high, medium, low, strobe, SOS). Shining a light in your living room probably won’t need as much power as a dark basement.

Make sure to test the flashlight with the lights off beforehand, so you know how helpful the flashlight will be when you really need it. Here’s hoping this is all you need if an emergency happens, and it works for the promised years (or lifetime) to assist you in finding the best one for the job.

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