What to Look For In The Best 18650 Flashlight?

When you are looking for the best 18650 Flashlight, you need to keep in mind there are some very specific qualities that these flashlights should have. Like all other flashlights, the last thing you want to do is buy a flashlight that doesn’t work, which happens all too often when you shop by price alone. Rather than buying the cheapest flashlight around you are going to want to look for a flashlight that is going to work when you need it to, not just when it wants too. Something else that you need to look at when choosing the best 18650 light is if it’s durable or not. No matter how careful you are, chances are you are going to drop your flashlight a time or two. So, in order for a flashlight to be considered one of the best in its class it cannot shatter or break apart just because you drop it. Durable flashlights are made from strong materials, such as titanium or aircraft grade aluminum, and they have seals that entirely close off the inside of the flashlight to protect it.

Not Much Time? Here Is The Bullet List

Best Single 18650 Flashlights on the Market:

• Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget EDC): Atactical A1S
• Best 18650 Flashlight (EDC): Zebralight SC63W
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget Thrower): Convoy C8
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Thrower): Olight M2X-UT
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget Flooder): Astrolux S41
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Flooder): Zebralight H603
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget Integrated Charging): Manker U11
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Integrated Charging): Nitecore MH20
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget General Purpose): Ultrafire 502B
• Best 18650 Flashlight (General Purpose): Olight S2R
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget Hi-CRI): Jaxman E2
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Hi-CRI): Eagletac D25LC2 Nichia
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget Headlamp): Wowtac A2
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Headlamp): Olight H2R
• Best 18650 Flashlight (Small Production/Modded): Okluma DC2

Best Multiple 18650 Flashlights on the Market:

• Best Multiple 18650 Flashlight (Budget Thrower): Maxtoch Shooter 2X
• Best Multiple 18650 Flashlight (Thrower): Armytek Barracuda
• Best Multiple 18650 Flashlight (Budget Flooder): Thrunite Mini TN30
• Best Multiple 18650 Flashlight (Flooder): Olight X7R
• Best Multiple 18650 Flashlight (Budget Integrated Charging): Klarus RS30
• Best Multiple 18650 Flashlight (Integrated Charging): Imalent DT70
• Best Multiple 18650 Flashlight (Budget General Purpose): Nitecore EC4
• Best Multiple 18650 Flashlight (General Purpose): Thrunite TN35
• Best Multiple 18650 Flashlight (Hi-CRI): Eagletac SX30C2 Nichia
• Best Multiple 18650 Flashlight (Small Production/Modded): Noctigon Meteor M43 

**Below are our more detailed reviews. Click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

While durability and reliability are important to look for when choosing the best 18650 light, so are a few other things. The current 18650 flashlights are some of the most powerful flashlights ever made, with that said you are going to give up a little on portability due to the size of the Battery. These are not keychain flashlights. When looking through the 18650 flashlight reviews you will want to pay attention to how much power and features the flashlights have, as well as what kind of light they are using. With the best single 18650 flashlight you are not going to have as much power as you will with the a multiple 18650 light because more batteries means more power. However, each style still has its uses. When looking at 18650 lights look for one that uses the current generation of LEDs rather than an older LED.

Why Choose 18650?

With all of the different types of batteries out there for flashlights, you might be wondering why you should choose the 18650 over something else like the CR123A. One of the best reasons we can think of is that the 18650 battery is a Li-Ion rechargeable battery rather than a single use, primary battery and with the right connection, you can easily charge them while you are on the go. Not only that, but a single 18650 battery is as powerful as 3 to 4 AA battery because of the higher voltage. The 3.7 volts put out by the 18650 provides you with about three times the amount of watt –hours for the same capacity. If you opt for a high capacity 18650, it can be almost 4 times as powerful as standard AA batteries. Another reason to opt for the 18650 is because it is the same length as 2 x CR123A batteries, which makes them easy to interchange. 18650 batteries have a great size to capacity ratio, and they have a high discharge and high capacity rate making them superior to similar sized batteries.

Favorite 18650 Batteries and Chargers

Something else to consider is the best 18650 battery for flashlights. As with other types of batteries you are going to run across numerous manufacturers, but they do not all have the same quality. When it comes to the best 18650 battery for flashlights you are going to want to stick with batteries that are built around the Panasonic NCR18650B 3400 mAh industrial core. Some people like buying unprotected Panasonic NCR18650B batteries trying to save a little money but we prefer the protected batteries. The best 18650 battery for flashlights that we have ever used is the Orbtronic 3400 mAh protected top button batteries, which are made specifically for flashlights.

Knowing the best battery to use is one thing, but what about when those batteries need to be charged. These Li-Ion batteries aren’t cheap, so the last thing you want to do is destroy them by using a horrible charger. In all of the chargers that we have looked at, we feel that the best is the Xtar VP2 Li-ion battery chargers. Not only is it one of the most advanced chargers, it is also available for a great price and comes with a USB connection that allows you t use the charger as a battery pack.

Best Single 18650 Flashlight

Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget EDC):

Atactical A1S

The Atactical A1S is the ideal choice for those who are looking for a pocket-sized tactical light that won’t break the bank. The Atactical A1S is available in neutral and cool white. The light utilizes a CREE XP-L V6 LED to provide users with a peak beam intensity of 19,200 candelas with a maximum beam distance of 908.7 feet.

The tactical tail cap switch provides users with the ability to power the light on and off. The side switch allows users to cycle through four brightness levels, Strobe, and SOS mode. The pocket-size Atactical A1S features an intelligent memory function, low voltage indicator, and anti-slip knurling. Made from premium AL T6061-T6 the Atactical A1S has an IPX-7 rating and is impact resistant up to 4.92 feet.

Pros:

• Compact design
• USB built-in charging port
• Affordability

Cons:

• No holster
• Small delay when turning on

Specs:

• Weight: 3.07 oz. without battery
• Dimensions: 5.41 inches long and 1-inch diameter
• Lowest Setting: 24 lumens for 6 days
• Highest Setting: 1150 lumens for 3 hours

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Best 18650 Flashlight (EDC):

Zebralight SC63W

The compact Zebralight SC63W comes in at just under 4 inches long with a diameter less than an inch. This compact size and pre-installed pocket clip make the Zebralight SC63W the ideal EDC light. The Zebralight SC63W uses a neutral white CREE XHP35 LED to emit a maximum of 1100 lumens. Users can choose between three main brightness levels, in addition to Beacon and Strobe Mode. Each main brightness level can be programmed to two sub-levels and the second sub-level can be further programmed to different brightness levels.

To maximize runtime and brightness, the Zebralight SC63W uses PID thermal regulated outputs on its two highest output levels. A built-in battery capacity indicator alerts users to when battery levels are running low. To preserve battery life the light automatically steps down to the next level based on battery life. A smart user interface utilizes an electronic soft-touch switch to access all brightness levels and special modes.

Pros:

• Great adjustment range
• Compact
• Bright

Cons:

• UI can be frustrating at first
• Only uses unprotected 18650s

Specs:

• Weight: 1.3 oz without battery
• Dimensions: 3.64 inches long and 0.96-inch diameter
• Lowest Setting: 3 lumens for 18 days
• Highest Setting: 1100 lumens for 2 hours

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Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget Thrower):

Convoy C8

The Convoy C8 offers an excellent throw due to having a wider head than a body. The Convoy C8 is a mid-sized handheld flashlight that uses a CREE XM-L2 LED to emit a maximum of 1000 lumens. With the Convoy C8 users have the option of two modes. The first mode offers users the choice of three brightness levels: low: medium: high. The second mode offers five brightness levels: lo: medium: high: rapid: SOS. The light utilizes a clicky tail cap switch for easy one-handed operation.

The Convoy C8 requires a single 18650 battery, but the battery must be purchased separately. The battery tube offers springs at both ends. This gives the light the ability to accept button and flat top batteries, as well as protected and unprotected 18650 batteries. Reverse polarity protection prevents damage from occurring due to improperly installed batteries. Mode memory function memorizes the last brightness level used if the light is left on for more than 3 seconds. Low voltage protection alerts users to when the battery life is running low.

Pros:

• Amazing throw
• Dual springs in battery tube
• Memory Function

Cons:

• Doesn’t include battery

Specs

• Weight: 6.17 oz. without battery
• Dimensions: 5.98 inches long and 1.73-inch diameter
• Lowest Setting: 50 lumens
• Highest Setting: 1000 lumens

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Best 18650 Flashlight (Thrower):

Olight M2X-UT

If you are looking for the best single 18650 flashlights with the best throw, the Olight M2X-UT is a perfect choice. The Olight M2X-UT features a customized CREE XM-L2 LED paired with a large smooth reflector to create a tightly-focused beam. The domed LED, large smooth reflector, and the Olight M2X-UT’s large head give the light it’s amazing throw with a beam distance of over 2,600 feet. Using a single 18650 battery the Olight M2X-UT emits a maximum of 1020 lumens for up to 1 hour. The light offers three different brightness levels, plus strobe mode.

A forward tactical tail cap switch powers the light on and off and provides instant access to the momentary on feature. Brightness levels and strobe mode are accessed by rotating the head of the light or by tapping the tail cap. A built-in memory feature recalls the last brightness level used. The aircraft grade aluminum body is impact resistant up to 3.3 feet and offers an IPX-8 rating.

Pros:

• Intelligent Temperature Control System
• Twisty Head
• Excellent Throw

Cons:

• Tactical gip is not fixed
• Head twist requires 2 hands

Specs:

• Weight: 7.7 oz. without battery
• Dimensions: 6.4 inches long and 2.5-inch diameter
• Lowest Setting: 20 lumens for 30 hours
• Highest Setting: 1020 lumens for 1 hour

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Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget Flooder):

Astrolux S41

The Astrolux S41 offers an amazing flood light for its size.  Coming in around 3 inches the Astrolux S41 uses four Nichia 219B/XP-G2 LED emitters to produce a maximum of 1600 lumens. With the Astrolux S41 users have the choice between two mode sets. Each of the modes contained in the sets is very well spaced. The light comes equipped with mode memory, but users have the option to turn it off. Cycling through the modes is done via the soft touch push-button tail switch. Quick presses allow you to go up in brightness levels, longer presses allow you to cycle backward through the modes.

The Astrolux S41 can be powered by either a 18350 or a 18650 battery, which neither are included with the purchase of the light. The 18350 battery offers shorter runtimes with higher output ability. The 18650 battery increases the runtime but decreases the amount of light the Astrolux S41 emits. If you use a 18650 battery an extended body tube will need to be purchased separately. With an IPX-8 rating, the Astrolux S41 is also shockproof making it a great choice for use in the outdoors.

Pros:

• Choice of two modes sets
• Mode memory

Cons:

• Batteries not included

Specs:

• Weight: 3.17 oz. without battery
• Dimensions: 3.14 inches long and 0.94-inch diameter
• Lowest Setting: 1 lumen
• Highest Setting: 1600 lumens

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Best 18650 Flashlight (Flooder):

Zebralight H603

The Zebralight H603 provides users with a 120-degree flood using a CREE XHP35 Cool White LED. The Zebralight H603 emits a maximum of 1300 lumens on its highest setting using a single 18650 battery. Users can choose between three main brightness levels, in addition to Beacon and Strobe Mode. Each main brightness level can be programmed to two sub-levels and the second sub-level can be further programmed to different brightness levels.

To maximize runtime and brightness levels, the Zebralight H603 uses PID uses PID thermal regulated outputs on its two highest output levels. A built-in battery capacity indicator alerts users to when battery levels are running low. To preserve battery life the light automatically steps down to the next level based on battery life. A smart user interface utilizes an electronic soft-touch switch to access all brightness levels and special modes. The Zebralight H603 is one of the few lights in the industry that can serve as both a headlamp and a handheld light.

Pros:

• Battery indicator
• Regulated output
• Automatic step down

Cons:

• No throw or spot, just spill
• No pocket clip

Specs:

• Weight: 1.4 oz. without battery
• Dimensions: 3.85 inches long and 0.95-inch diameter
• Lowest Setting: 3.8 lumens for 18 days
• Highest Setting: 1300 lumens for 2 hours

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Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget Integrated Charging):

Manker U11

Using a CREE XPL V5 LED the Manker U11 can be powered by a single 18650 battery or two CR123A batteries. With the single 18650 battery, the Manker U11 has the ability to emit a maximum of 1050 lumens with a peak beam intensity of 16,000 candelas with a maximum beam distance of 827 feet. The intelligence lithium battery charge design allows charging via a micro USB port. Low battery warning alerts users when the battery is less than 20%. The Manker U11 is controlled via a side switch.

The Manker U11 offers two UIs: simple and advanced. The simple UI provides five levels of brightness, including a true moonlight mode and turbo mode. The simple UI mode offers three special modes: Strobe, Breath Flash, and SOS. From the off position, users have direct access to moonlight mode. The Advanced UI gives you access to four brightness levels, no moonlight mode. Each of the four brightness levels can be set to one of three sub-levels to provide you with a real selection of brightness levels.

Pros:

• Convenient side switch
• Two operating modes
• Low battery warning

Cons:

• User interface is tricky

Specs:

• Weight: 2.89 oz. without battery
• Dimensions: 4.13 inches long and 1.22-inch diameter
• Lowest Setting: 0.07 lumens for 45 days
• Highest Setting: 1050 lumens for 1 hour and 30 minutes

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Best 18650 Flashlight (Integrated Charging):

Nitecore MH20

The Nitecore MH20 uses a high-performance CREE XM-L2 U2 LED to emit a maximum of 1,000 lumens with the choice of five brightness levels to choose from. The Nitecore MH20 utilizes a two-stage switch to allow for easy one-handed operation. The switch provides users with direct access to turbo and ultralow modes, in addition to three concealed modes. Cooling fins paired with advanced temperature regulation keep the Nitecore MH20 cool to prevent overheating.

Coming in at just a little over 4 inches long and weighing only 3 ounces without the battery, the Nitecore MH20 is also the lightest rechargeable light made by Nitecore. The 18650 battery does not have to be removed for charging. The Nitecore MH20 features an intelligent charging module that rapidly charges the battery with a micro USB cord through the USB port. The Quality USB port cover protects from dust and moisture allowing the light to be used outdoors. A blue power indicator alerts users to remaining battery power and serves as a location indicator in standby mode.

Pros:

• Two-stage switch
• Advanced temperature regulation
• Micro-USB charging

Cons:

• Hot to touch

Specs:

• Weight: 308 oz without battery
• Dimensions: 4.13 inches long and 1.25-inch diameter
• Lowest Setting: 1 lumen for 150 hours
• Highest Setting: 1000 lumens for 2 hours and 15 minutes

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Best 18650 Flashlight (Budget General Purpose):

Ultrafire 502B

If you are looking for a decent light at a reasonable price the Ultrafire 502B is an excellent choice. The light is bright and durable enough to be relied upon by military and law enforcement personnel. The Ultrafire 502B can be powered by a single rechargeable Lithium-Ion 18650 battery or two CR-123 batteries. Runtime will be affected based on battery choice. To maximize runtime use a single 18650 battery.

Using a CREE XP-L V6 Led the Ultrafire 502B can emit a maximum of 850 lumens. This specific model of the Ultrafire 502B offers users a bright white light with a beam distance of 761 feet. The small pocket-sized light offers a black anodized aluminum body with a built-in belt clip. The tail cap switch allows users to switch between five different modes.

Pros:

• Rechargeable
• Multiple battery choices
• Strobe and SOS modes

Cons:

• Switch is sensitive
• Hot to touch

Specs:

• Weight: 4.6 oz. without battery
• Dimensions: 5.4 inches long and 1.25-inch diameter
• Highest Setting: 850 lumens