Everyday carry flashlights don’t have to be expensive. In fact, you can easily get an efficient edc flashlight for under $30 at many reputable stores and websites. A good flashlight will have a strong, powerful beam and a long battery life to be used for a long time. If you are interested in investing in an affordable edc flashlight, take a look at our compiled list below of some of the best options under $30.
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What is the Best Edc Flashlight Under 30?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Edc Flashlight Under 30 and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available under $30 edc flashlights that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these edc flashlights under 30.
We also wrote a brief edc flashlights under 30 Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 10 under $30 edc flashlights based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Streamlight MicroStream USB Rechargeable Pocket Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.1 Pounds (0 kg) Size: 3.6 x 0.6 x 0.6 Inches (9.1 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Brightness (Lumens): 250 Type: EDC |
See it in your local store:
MicroStream has rebranded for the 250-lumen variant this time. It’s a fivefold surge from older versions. The high setting has also been given precedence after consumers’ demand. However, you might miss medium-level brightness between two extremes.
Brace yourself for stylish shades of brown, blue, and red.
It’s made to withstand aggressive use. The military-grade machined aluminum boosts durability and finishing of the product. Its polycarbonate lens is scratch-proof; tested for 1m impact and water resistance.
You’ll get a mighty battery, USB cable, high-strength lanyard, and user guides with the flashlight. There is an option to choose clamshell packaging instead of regular boxes.
Pros
- Extended brightness,
- USB rechargeable,
- MIL-SPEC Type II case,
- Modish color schemes
Cons
- No medium mode,
- Charging adapters are sold separately
2. OLIGHT I5T EOS Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.1 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 4.8 x 1.5 x 1.1 Inches (12.3 x 3.8 x 2.7 cm) Batteries: 1x AA Brightness (Lumens): 300 Type: EDC |
See it in your local store:
I5T is the latest to adorn OLight’s EDC inventory. The box reads: “simple but special,” and it’s an accurate description.
There are no fancy modes – only tail switch controlled dual output. The flashlight illuminates at low by default. You can half-press the button to increase it to 300 lumens. The max lifespan is 20hrs which is top-of-the-line for a single alkaline battery.
OLight first claimed that it would support rechargeable 14500 lithium batteries. But it launched with only AA cells. The design is borrowed from the older i3T model with few changes.
It’s a great flashlight overall, throwing a white beam with boosted spillover and coverage.
Pros
- Cool white light,
- Fully waterproof,
- Impressive runtime,
- Dual-directional pocket clip
Cons
- Don’t support lithium batteries,
- No remarkable upgrades
3. Hatori Super Small LED Flashlight
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 3.5 x 0.6 x 0.6 Inches (9 x 1.4 x 1.4 cm) Batteries: 1x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 150 Type: Penlight |
See it in your local store:
Hatori mini penlight is half the length of a pen. With one alkaline battery, the CREE led can emit 150 lumens for two hours in a row. It also boasts intelligent protection against short circuits.
Two larger sizes provide a proportionate increase in performance as well as price.
It’s made of hard aluminum with detachable ends and waterproof rings. The knotty grip and removable clip will keep it safe for you in the dark. But a sudden and strong impact might break its barrel. You can’t put it through rough and tough use despite all the qualities!
Pros
- Three different sizes,
- Anti-skid and waterproof,
- All-weather application,
- 30-gram weight
Cons
- Not rechargeable,
- Crack-prone
4. Streamlight Stylus Pro Pen Light
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.2 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 5.3 x 0.6 x 0.6 Inches (13.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm) Batteries: 2x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 100 Type: Penlight |
See it in your local store:
In the world of ProTacs and Streams, Stylus penlights often get less acknowledgment. But they feature all the rugged and reliable characteristics with one upside. The head-to-tail diameter is only 15mm, fitting most compact places and adding no weight.
It also has a white C4 LED that shines like a full moon at 100 lumens. And HPL downrange beam pattern allows you to inspect from 60m afar.
Its stiff tail switch makes the only challenge. You need an iron thumb to turn it off. Otherwise, the momentary application is seamless. If you’re looking to send Morse code embedded signals, this might be your guy!
Pros
- Sleek pen-sized design,
- Abrasion-resistant,
- High-performance beam,
- Six colors available
Cons
- Strenuous switching,
- Single-mode
5. NICRON N7 90-degree Tactical Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.1 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 4.4 x 0.8 x 0.8 Inches (11.2 x 2 x 2 cm) Batteries: 1x AA Brightness (Lumens): 600 Type: Magnetic |
See it in your local store:
Sometimes, you need both hands without having to hold a wobbly torch in a drooling mouth. In such times of dexterity, you can affix magnetic flashlights to the chassis or fuse box.
The N7 has a 90-degree rotatable head for positioning of the beam’s focus at any desired angle. The standard AA battery emits 200 lumens. But a 14500 rechargeable can turn it into a workhorse by maximizing the output three times over.
You can clip it to your pocket or purse for worry-free trekking, fishing, and dog walking whether it rains or snows. The tough construction is up to sustain any accidental drops.
Pros
- Rotatable head,
- Four mode switching,
- Super strong magnet,
- Waterproof and fall-proof
Cons
- Batteries are not included,
- Low brightness at AA battery
6. OLIGHT I3T EOS Dual-Output Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.1 Pounds (0 kg) Size: 0.7 x 4.5 x 1.5 Inches (1.8 x 11.3 x 3.7 cm) Batteries: 1x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 180 Type: EDC Tail Diameter: 0.59 Head Diameter: 0.59 |
See it in your local store:
The I3T has leveled up the convenience of EDC (every day carry) flashlights. It’s a palm-sized solution with mind-blowing features.
Talk about portability – it clings to your pocket with dual-direction clips and little weight. Its TIR optic lens spreads out the intense beam. With a tail switch, you can shift the output from momentary to constant and low to high. The first setting produces 5 lumens of brightness, whereas the second one skyrockets to 180.
Nonetheless, it’s expected to last no more than an hour in the latter case. The silver lining is that alkaline batteries are widely available!
Pros
- Balanced beam,
- Light and Portable,
- Waterproof,
- Anti-slip DNA design
Cons
- Premium pricing,
- Short battery life on high setting
7. LUMINTOP TOOL AA 2.0 Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.1 Pounds (0 kg) Size: 3.5 x 0.7 x 0.7 Inches (8.9 x 1.9 x 1.9 cm) Batteries: 1x AA Brightness (Lumens): 650 Type: EDC |
See it in your local store:
LUMINTOP Tool v2.0 has brought major changes. You can now use a rechargeable Li-ion battery to increase output to 650 lumens and beam drop-off to 130m. Its built-in smart circuit prevents overheating, overcharging, and reverse polarity.
The housing of tail switch has integrated a blue-light diffuser. It is a boom for aesthetics but a parasite for energy. Tool flashlights focus on brightness manipulation. There is a turbo in addition to three typical settings.
It’s jam-packed with ideal attributes of an EDC: resistant to rain and cold, a palm-sized anodized framework, weight of four quarter dollars, and a reversible pocket clip.
Pros
- Cool white light,
- Up to 60hrs runtime,
- Four brightness levels,
- Works in sub-zero temperatures
Cons
- Battery-draining lighted tail cap,
- Not zoomable
8. RovyVon Aurora A1x EDC Flashlight 650 Lumens XP-G3 S5 LED Super Bright Outdoor Mini Keychain Rechargeable LED Flashlight, Small Torch(Grey)
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
See it in your local store:
9. Hoxida Super Bright LED Flashlight
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.2 Pounds (0.1 kg) Size: 5.4 x 1.4 x 1.3 Inches (13.7 x 3.6 x 3.4 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion Brightness (Lumens): 1200 Type: EDC |
See it in your local store:
Hoxida’s super-bright flashlight lives up to its name. It strikes an irradiating 1200-lumen beam at a 180m distance. You can still play with variable brightness, emergency light, and adjustable focus. Tweak the body out, and the wide flood lamp transforms into a narrow spotlight.
It has a peculiar rechargeable character. The USB cable and battery included in its package will be a relief for those trodden over by flashlights having everything but life-endowing batteries. The indicator on the connector’s opposite side turns green after a full charge and terminates the current.
If you opt to buy two flashlights simultaneously, a 25% discount awaits you!
Pros
- Perfect and portable size,
- Convenient recharge,
- Adjustable,
- far-reaching coverage,
- IPX6 waterproof rating
Cons
- No hand-carry strap,
- Limited warranty
10. AIDIER UltraTac A7 Keychain Light
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0 Pounds (0 kg) Size: 3 x 0.8 x 0.8 Inches (7.5 x 1.9 x 1.9 cm) Batteries: 1x AAA Brightness (Lumens): 180 Type: EDC |
See it in your local store:
A7 doesn’t trade functionality for its compact size. The tail switch toggles between the modes. The brightest setting is 180 lumens; a lower output and strobe are next in the line.
The aesthetics are flawless too. Its 3” twisty frame has several straps of diamond knurling and a metal clip. It wears a rubber diffuser to turn into a headlamp. The keychain hole is freakishly small. And putting the ring inside won’t be your day’s easiest job. It can also fall off in case it doesn’t sit correctly. However, this light’s hard-anodized surface is IPX8 level waterproof to stand downpours and downfalls
Pros
- Ultra-compact powerhouse,
- Adjustable brightness,
- Completely waterproof,
- Maximum value of money
Cons
- Tiny keyring hole,
- No momentary flashes
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best edc flashlight under 30 is below:
Overall best edc flashlight under 30 out there: Streamlight MicroStream USB Rechargeable Pocket Flashlight
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: OLIGHT I5T EOS Flashlight
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Hatori Super Small LED Flashlight
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Edc Flashlights Under 30
Battery Type
The best battery type for your flashlights depends entirely upon your use. Whether you want it to be rechargeable, or disposable. Do you need to use them right away or after a while? The size and the weather in which the flashlight will be used also matters. The most common rechargeable batteries are alkaline batteries. Found in AAA, AA, C, and D types, their nominal voltage is 1.5V and they have a self-discharge rate of approx. 2-3% per year, making them an excellent and easily available choice if you want a disposable battery for an emergency flashlight that is stored most of the time. If you want better performance in rechargeable batteries, go for lithium batteries. With a nominal voltage of 3V per cell and extreme weather endurance, they are perfect if you are looking for a disposable battery with a lower discharge rate than alkaline batteries. The only con is that they are more expensive than alkaline batteries.
If you want rechargeable batteries, as they are far more cost-effective in the long run, there are two options available – Lithium Ion and NiMH batteries. NiMH can be found in standard alkaline battery sizes but Li-Ion batteries come in their own standard sizes like 18650. NiMH batteries last longer than standard alkaline batteries despite having lower (1.25V) voltage owing to their lower discharge rate.
With a nominal voltage of 3.7V per cell Li-Ion batteries beat every other battery in terms of energy density, although its prices are reflective of that. Read the instruction manual of your flashlight to pick the best battery option for yourself. Also, consider your requirements and the use of your flashlight (emergency use, everyday use, etc.).
Lumens And Light Output
Lumen is a measure of the flashlight light output – so the ideal lumen number will depend on your situation. Usually, a flashlight with 300 to 1000 lumens is considered versatile enough for everyday use and frequent nightly tasks. But the number can go up for certain tasks that require more light output.
For reading or random everyday tasks, you will find a 300 lumens flashlight to be useful enough. For camping or similar outdoor activities like nightly walks or running, a 300 to 900-lumen flashlight will work well. If you’re hunter or military personnel, you may need to spot your prey or a threat from a considerable distance – for such situations, pick a flashlight with a light output of 1250-2500 lumens.
Flashlights with a higher light output than 2500 lumens are usually used in search and rescue operations as such operations require a much-focused illumination.
Run Time
The run time of a flashlight primarily depends upon its batteries. Li-Ion batteries have the highest energy capacity and they are also rechargeable. While alkaline and lithium are long-lasting disposable batteries. Other factors that affect the run time of a flashlight are its power draw i.e., its brightness setting, light output, and the number of batteries. A flashlight will last longer on a lower brightness setting than on a higher one. Flashlights with the lowest lumens will last the longest. Also, the higher the number of batteries the longer the run time of a flashlight. Choose the variables that best suit your situation.
Portability
The portability of a flashlight directly depends upon its size and weight. Pocket-sized LED flashlights made from aluminum are the best when it comes to picking the ideal portable flashlights. Not only are LED bulbs long-lasting but they also do not produce excessive heat – while aluminum is extremely lightweight and durable, making the combination of both an ideal portable flashlight option. Most compact LED flashlights to have a light output of 500-1000 lumens making them far superior to mobile phone torches. Consider a water-resistant LED flashlight with a belt clip for maximum performance, portability, and endurance.
Durability
Best flashlights are those that provide consistent high performance for a long period without succumbing to wear and tear. When it comes to durability anodized aluminum and titanium-made flashlights score the highest. Aluminum is the lighter and more portable option – anodized aluminum is also highly resistant against corrosions. Titanium is heavier than aluminum but provides higher durability, making it perfect to be used in a rugged or outdoor setting. A flashlight also has to be water-resistant to be durable, so make sure to purchase one with a high IP rating.
Questions and Answers About Edc Flashlights Under 30
- Tags: Flashlight, Product Review
- Categories: Outdoors, Photography
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