Tested: The Best Budget EDC Flashlights, All Under $50 (2024)

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; good EDC gear is seldom cheap, and cheap EDC gear is seldom good. If you know where to look, however, there are noteworthy exceptions to this rule, with pieces of gear that punch well above their weight, offering excellent performance and specs at surprisingly accessible price points. To demonstrate this point, we’ve thoroughly scoured the EDC torch space to deliver this curated guide to and hands-on review of the best budget everyday carry lights for under $50.

Selection & Testing

Before setting out to uncover the best sub-$50 everyday carry lights, we first needed to define what exactly an “affordable” light is. Though there are admittedly even cheaper options on the market, we’ve opted to define this as a daily-carryable torch costing no more than $50. Based on what this space has to offer, we believe the $50 mark unlocks a host of quality, capable picks that are still accessibly-priced for most individual. With this established, we then generated a list of factors to guide or picks, focusing on areas such as weight and dimensions, IP rating, material selection, number of settings and modes, lumen count and throw, carrying options, price and value, and extra features.

This criteria allowed us to then generate a shortlist of candidates that we proceeded to put to the test by individually carrying each for an extended period — and performing individual and side-by-side darkroom testing. Additionally, this process also clued us into other crucial areas such as each light’s ergonomics and grip, ease of operation, and construction and build quality. Providing comprehensive sense of what it was like to live with and carry these EDC torches, this hands-on review process provided the insight needed to narrow our original shortlist of candidates down to our final selections below.

Darkroom Test: When conducting our testing, each light underwent a darkroom test where each was used on its maximum brightness setting from one meter away from a wall.

Fenix E02R

Best Micro Light: With smaller flashlights, manufacturers can use smaller bodies, smaller batteries, and less material — factors that almost always result in cheaper overall prices compared to full-sized EDC torches. Consequently, when shopping in the affordable everyday carry light segment, we always recommend considering an ultra-compact keychain-style torch like the Fenix E02R.

The Good

Measuring just 1.89” in length and 0.55” in diameter, the E02R is an incredibly compact keychain light that boasts an A6061-T6 aluminum body that helps it to achieve a robust IP68 rating — i.e. the ability to withstand a one-meter drop and to be fully submerged in up to 6.5’ of water for up to half-an-hour. This essentially means that, despite its size, this mini Fenix torch is no less rugged than its larger counterparts.

With up to 200 lumens on tap, the E02R is admittedly the least bright flashlight on this list. Having said that, 200 lumens is sufficient for the vast majority of regular day-to-day tasks, whether you’re walking your dog, trying to unlock a door, or looking through a backpack, drawer, or glovebox. And, while I wouldn’t say this sub-2-inch flashlight boasts the best or most natural ergonomics, I will say that its combination of machining on the body and different diameters between the head and body actually do a surprisingly decent job or providing grip.

The light’s operation is incredibly simple and straight forward. It uses a twist-action setup where the flashlight’s head it rotated over its body — with a partial turn activating the torch’s 15-lumen low setting, and a full turn turning on its 200-lumen high mode. And, because it requires the head of the light to be twisted from the body, it’s almost impossible to accidentally turn on, even when carried on a keychain. I also loved how easy it was to activate the light without having to remove it from my keyring.

What’s more, I also really appreciate the way that Fenix opted to incorporate the light’s keyring and lanyard hole directly into the tail of the body, as it saves space but in no way compromises strength. I also liked how I was able to lash a small lanyard to this hole which made it markedly easier to fish out of my pocket when not carried on a keychain.

Supplementary Strengths

Due to its size, it obviously makes for a fantastic keychain light, though is no less conducive to being carried by itself in your pocket — plus I found it takes up a negligible amount of real-estate when carried that way. And, while it’s by no means a very large cell, this flashlight’s rechargeable 120-mAh Lithium-polymer battery allows it to operate for a generous 6.5 hours per charge on its low setting (or 25 minutes on its higher setting). As a result, I only had to charge this little light once every other week or so which I thoroughly appreciated.

Considering you can pick one up for under $25, it’s also hard to ignore the bang-for-your-buck that the E02R offers. And, while it doesn’t really impact its performance in any way, I nonetheless appreciate that Fenix sells this mini torch in a trio of anodized color options (black, brown, and blue) as it allows you to better pair it with your existing EDC loadout or gear.

The Not So Good

While all in all the Fenix E02R is an overall fantastic — and very accessibly-priced — EDC light, I did stumble across a few minor downsides while testing the thing. For starters, I was a little taken back by how hot the business end of the torch gets after being on for just a minute or two — though this was to be expected based on its size and potency. Second, as touched on above, its ergonomics are a bit lacking, and its operation is not only limited to just two modes, but its lumen count isn’t anything to write home about either — again, largely to be expected based on its size.

Verdict: Whether you’re in the market for an ultra-compact pocket-carry torch or a mini keychain light, the Fenix E02R fits the bill with its ultra-compact size, simple twist-head activation, rugged IP68 rating, and a 200-lumen output that makes it perfect for the vast majority of EDC tasks.

Length: 1.80”
Weight: 0.52oz
Body Material: Aluminum
Max Lumens: 200
Throw: 160’
Modes: 2
IP Rating: IP68
Battery: Rechargeable 120-mAh Li-po

Olight Diffuse

Best Upgrade Pick: Regardless of price, when shopping for EDC torches, we tend to mainly focus on specs and raw utility. And though the Olight Diffuse would be an impressive light just based on these two areas, a massive part of what makes it so special — and so thoroughly deserving of a spot on this list — is its ability to beautifully balance form and function, as it now only packs an impressive lumen output, a rugged IPX8-rated body, and several noteworthy features, but it does all this while coming in a sleek package that’s been crowned with both iF Design and Red Dot Design Awards.

The Good

Milled from aluminum alloy, the Olight Diffuse features a pentagonal prism shape that’s not only sleek and eye-catching, but it also prevents the light from rolling off of tables, the hood of a car, or the gas tank of a motorcycle when set down. Weighing only 2oz, the light boasts a maximum lumen output of 700 and packs a 262’ throw. With a length of 4.43”, the Diffuse is still plenty pocketable, though is also just big enough to comfortably nestle in my hand. The pentagonal shape is also surprisingly ergonomic and provided a good deal of grip despite the smooth aluminum body. Like many of the brand’s pricier EDC lights, the Diffuse also comes outfitted with a TIR optic lens.

For a budget-friendly EDC light, the Diffuse actually boasts a good deal of functionality. It features a trio of regular modes (10-lumen low, 50-lumen medium, and 350-lumen high) that come supplemented via a one-lumen moon mode, a 700-lumen turbo mode, and a strobe function. As someone that’s previously carried a handful of different Olight models over the years (such as the Baton4 and Mini Perun 2), I also really like how the Diffuse uses the brand’s normal existing operational sequence (tap to turn on, hold down to cycle modes, hold down from off for moon mode, and double tap for turbo).

Supplementary Strengths

With an IPX8 rating and an anodized aircraft-grade aluminum housing, the thing is plenty rugged, too — so much so in fact that should you manage to damage it, Olight stands behind the torch with a full lifetime warranty. The light’s main button is encompassed via a backlight surround that acts as a three-color battery level indictor. This made it super easy to check the battery’s level every time I turned the light on. I also found that the light’s medium setting was sufficient for 90% of my day-to-day tasks — though I still thoroughly enjoyed using the maxed-out 700-lumen turbo mode and the nearly 300’ throw that comes with it.

In typical Olight fashion, the Diffuse is also offered in a myriad of anodized color options. And, though it can run off of pretty much any type of AA battery, the light ships with a custom rechargeable 920mAh 3.6V 14500 cell that offers up to 180 hours of use in its lowest moon mode setting or 2 hours in its 350-lumen high setting (or 70 minutes in its turbo mode). Considering everything that you get for under $35, the Diffuse also offers some pretty spectacular bang-for-your-buck.

The Not So Good

While there’s legitimately a ton to like about the Olight Diffuse, I do think there are a few minor areas where its design could be improved. For instance, I wish the company had opted to equip the light with a pocket clip. More importantly, not only do I feel the body could really benefit from some machining, but I’d also really like to see Olight bestow the Diffuse with a strike bezel, as it’s perfectly sized to fit in the hand and could be an effective self-defense weapon if it just had a scalloped or crowned bezel design.

Verdict: Winner of coveted iF Design and Red Dot Design awards, the Olight Diffuse is a sleek and capable EDC torch with a generous lumen output, hardwearing body, and a wealth of genuinely useful features. If you’re looking for a competent and affordable-priced all-arounder of an everyday carry torch, look no further.

Length: 4.43”
Weight: 2.03oz
Body Material: Aluminum
Max Lumens: 700
Throw: 262’
Modes: 6
IP Rating: IPX8
Battery: Rechargeable 920mAh 14500 Or AA

Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA

Best Tactical Pick: For more-than-half-a-century, Streamlight has been producing high-quality lights trusted by everyone from military and law enforcement personnel to laborers to outdoor and EDC enthusiasts. The company makes dependable, built-to-last lighting gear with solid performance and accessible prices. For proof of this, look no further than the Pennsylvania outfit’s ProTac 1L-1AA torch.

The Good

Clocking in at 4.25” in length, Streamlight’s ProTac 1L-1AA is constructed around a body that’s been precision-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum — a choice of material that makes the light decidedly strong yet still lightweight enough for EDC use. The ProTac 1L-1AA is operated via a single tactical tail switch that serves as an on-and-off button and allows you to cycle through its trio of modes (low, high, and strobe). What’s more, the light features an IPX7 rating that makes it practically impervious to even the harshest of downpours or weather.

At 2.80oz, it tips the scales at a similar weight to a great many of our favorite everyday carry knives. The light’s middle-of-the-road sizing and respectable lumen output coupled with its hardwearing material selection and tough-as-nails construction also make it one of the most versatile options out there, as it lends itself to everyday carry use just as effectively as it does tactical use and outdoor applications. With a maximum output of 350 lumens, the ProTac 1L-1AA is far from the brightest torch on the market. Having said that, it’s also nothing to scoff at — far from it, in fact — as it’s more than capable of tackling most EDC tasks, plus it more-than-makes-up for this with everything else it has going for it.

Supplementary Strengths

Part of Streamlight’s ProTac Series, this light takes the alphanumerical portion of its monicker from the fact it not only runs off of a single AA battery, but the thing can also accept pretty much any type of double-A, from Alkaline to Lithium-ion. Regardless of fuel, the light offers 1.30 hours of burn time on its high setting and a full 14 hours of use on its lower setting. The overall build quality on this tactical-style torch is undoubtedly another major selling point, as it’s just a really beefy, robust, and generally well-crafted light.

Spanning 4.25” in length, the 1L-1AA is less pocketable than its keychain-style counterparts, but it also makes the light perfectly sized to fit in a closed hand. Add to that a machined, knurled grip pattern and a strike bezel, and you’ve not only got one of the best affordable EDC lights available, but also one that doubles as a particularly effective self-defense tool — an area furthered by its strobe function. The light also ships with a removable pocket clip and an included holster that definitely elevate the overall user experience of the torch. Because of the way its pressed steel clip is shaped, the thing can easily be clipped onto the brim of a hat, allowing it to essentially serve as an impromptu headlamp. Additionally, the flashlight can also be used as a weapon light thanks to an available mounting kit.

The Not So Good

At the end of the day, my issues with the Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA are few and far between, though I still see a few areas where it could potentially be improved upon. As touched on above, its 350-lumen output is respectable and for sure isn’t anything to scoff at, though it could be even more versatile and an overall better tactical and EDC torch if it were armed with a few extra candela. The larger size of this light would also make this upgrade fairly easy to pull off — even though it may result in a slightly steeper MSRP.

My main complaint, however, stems from the ProTac 1L-1AA’s pocket clip, or rather its shape and placement, as I found it often creates major hotspots when being wielded at full grip (like the way you would when using it as a self-defense weapon). Lastly, the light is also for sure on the larger end of the spectrum of what’s acceptable for EDC use, as it’s simply nowhere near as pocketable as lights like the Fenix E02R, NITECORE TINI2 Ti, RovyVon A23 Gen2, or Maratac Peanut Beast XL. At the end of the day, I can really only deduct so many points for this, as its larger size is also what makes it fit in the hand so well and what makes it such an effective self-defense or CQC weapon.

Verdict: Largely characterized by both its immense durability and off-the-charts versatility, the Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA is an alloy-bodied, IPX7-rated, 350-lumen torch that’s compact enough for EDC use while being large enough to make for a particularly effective CQC weapon — an area furthered by its machined grip pattern and crowned strike bezel. If you’re after a solid everyday carry torch that can also excel in tactical scenarios, this is no doubt the one to get.

Maratac Peanut Beast XL

Most Powerful Pick: Whether it’s knives, pens, pry-bars, or flashlights, mini EDC items tend to offer some basic functionality though are hugely lacking in utility compared to their full-sized counterparts. This simply isn’t the case with the Maratac Peanut Beast XL, as it not only looks like a shrunken-down version of large Maglite-style torch, but it also backs up its appearance with a feature list and spec sheet that’s legitimately comparable to — if not outright superior to — full-sized EDC and outdoor flashlights.

The Good

Essentially a scaled down version of a full-sized torch, the Peanut Beast XL measures 3.20” in length, making it decidedly compact while still sporting enough body surface area to provide sufficient grip. Its IP68-rating and ability to survive 1.5-meter drops is directly owed to its precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminum body, which sports three sections with grip-bolstering cross-hatch texturing.

Packing one helluva punch for its size, the light comes loaded with a brass head, an aluminum alloy reflector, and a lens with an anti-reflective coating. The flashlight features a one-lumen moon mode, a 70-lumen low setting, a 400-lumen medium setting, a 1,000-lumen high sitting, and a turbo mode that brings out its maximum 1,620 lumens —and a more-than-1,000-foot throw. One of the major draws of this light is also its design. The concept of a scaled-down full-size light is simply a fun design — and one that’s legitimately backed by impressive levels of performance and functionality.

Supplementary Strengths

The flashlight draws from an included rechargable 350-mAh Lithium-Ion battery which affords an hour of use on its high setting and a generous 45 minutes at its max turbo setting. Even though it spans under 3.5” in total, the team at Maratac have still managed to incorporate a proprietary circuit design into the light that benefits from reverse polarity protection. Another one of my favorite aspects of this light is its backlit button, as it not only serves as a battery level indicator, but it also emits a red light when the torch isn’t in use. This made it substantially easier to dig out of a glovebox or bag, especially in lowlight settings — not at all unlike tritium vials.

Though several of the other lights I tested boast IP68 ratings, none boast the overall durability of the aptly-named Peanut Beast XL, as this little torch is truly built like a tank. The light also ships with extra O-rings, plus Maratac even sells spare 10440 batteries for under $7, allowing you to easily swap in a fresh cell when out in the field. And, while it’s far from being the least expensive torch on this list, I’d actually argue the XL-spec Peanut Beast affords some pretty terrific bang-for-your-buck.

The Not So Good

It can be easy to at-first write-off Maratac’s Peanut Beast XL as being a gimmick or novelty item of sorts due to its design and appearance, as it’s legitimately capable of going toe-to-toe with much larger — and much pricier — lights. One area where this torch does fall short (pun semi-intended) is its overall ergonomics and grip, as the scaled-down design just doesn’t fit in the hand very well. This is admittedly only really an issue in tactical or hard-use scenarios — which isn’t what this light was designed for — so I can’t really fault Maratac all that much for this shortcoming, though it’s still worth mentioning. Additionally, I would have loved to see Maratac bestow the Peanut Beast XL with a strobe function and possibly even a lockout mode.

Verdict: Sporting a design that sees a full-size flashlight scaled down to under 3.5” in length, Maratac’s Peanut Beast XL is an ultra-potent and thoroughly pocketable everyday carry torch that punches well above its weight in terms of durability and brightness, with a more-than-1,000-foot throw and over 1,600 lumens on tap.

Length: 3.20”
Weight: 1.5oz
Body Material: Aluminum
Max Lumens: 1,620
Throw: 1,020’
Modes: 5
IP Rating: IP68
Battery: Rechargable 350mAh Lithium-Ion

NITECORE TINI2 Titanium

Best Titanium Pick: From titanium bodies to generous lumen counts to optic lenses to onboard digital displays, premium features are typically reserved for EDC lights that come at a premium price. So, the fact there’s a torch on the market that boasts all of these aforementioned amenities along with a sub-$50 price tag is beyond noteworthy. And the light we’re talking about is of course the NITECORE TINI2 Ti.

The Good

With a square-shaped body spanning less-than-2.0”, the TINI2 Ti also serves just as well as a keychain light as it does a pocket-carry torch. The body features a dual-button setup and an onboard OLED display that shows real-time metrics on areas such as battery life, mode, brightness setting, and remaining run-time. Thanks to a titanium body, the entire flashlight tips the scales at just 0.66oz, too — though NITECORE also sells this light in other material versions including stainless steel and aluminum models.

Despite its tiny size, this mini torch sees a pair of OSRAM P8 emitters crammed into its titanium housing. Set behind a total reflective optic lens, this dual LED emitter setup ultimately affords the light a 292’ throw and a maximum output of 500 lumens — a 32% increase over the first-generation TINI’s 380-lumen count. As far as size-to-lumen ratios go, the TINI2 Ti scores incredibly high.

Powered by rechargeable 280-mAh Lithium-ion battery, the light affords a generous 45 minutes of run time on its high setting, eight hours on its low setting, and a whopping 60 hours on its moon mode. It can also run for 15 minutes on its turbo setting. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn that this sub-$50 EDC torch also comes armed with an advanced power cutoff technology — an area made all the more impressive by the light’s tiny size.

Supplementary Strengths

There’s a definite cool/trick factor that I also appreciate about the TINI2 Ti, as its sleek design, titanium construction, dual-button layout, and onboard OLED display just give it a much more premium and modern feel than practically every other light I tested. The light’s operational modes also see the buttons divided up, with one controlling cycling through its normal modes and the other regulating its special functions such as turbo mode. Also included is a lockout mode that prevents accidental activation.

Due to its boxy body shape, the light doesn’t provide the best ergonomics, though it is small enough to easily grasp with my fingers. Its size and shape also makes it easy to use its dual button setup when being held without having to move, rotate, or otherwise reposition the light. Its IP54 rating admittedly isn’t the most robust, though it’s sufficient for standing up to rain and bad weather, it just can’t be submerged.

The Not So Good

While I stand by my argument for NITECORE’s TINI2 Ti easily being one of the best sub-$50 EDC lights on the market, I do feel like there are a few subtle ways in which it could be improved. Though it doesn’t necessarily feel cheap, it definitely lacks the unmistakably premium feel to it that a lot of other titanium EDC products boast (including a great many of NITECORE’s more expensive torches). And, while I appreciate the operational modes that it does have, I still wished the company outfitted the torch with a strobe mode. My bigger complaints stem from the torch’s turbo mode.

Not only is the TINI2 Ti’s maximum 500-lumen setting only available in short bursts, but you also have to hold the button down the entire time it’s in that mode. Additionally, even with a full battery, it can only operate for 15 minutes on its turbo mode before needing a recharge. With any luck, some of these issues will be addressed when NITECORE inevitably releases the TINI3.

Verdict: Boasting a slew of top-shelf features typically only found on EDC lights with top-shelf prices, the NITECORE TINI2 TI is a thoroughly modern keychain-style everyday carry torch that packs a titanium body, a dual-button layout, an onboard OLED display, and up to 500 lumens — all while still coming in at under the $50 mark. If you’re after the best keychain light on the market, the TINI2 Ti is the light to get.

Length: 1.83”
Weight: 0.76oz
Body Material: Titanium
Max Lumens: 500
Throw: 292’
Modes: 5
IP Rating: IP54
Battery: Rechargeable 280-mAh Li-Ion

RovyVon A23 Gen2

Best Overall Pick: Thanks to a sleek design, modern materials, and 380 lumens on tap, RovyVon’s original A23 flashlight was a major hit amongst EDC enthusiasts since first hitting the market in 2019. Roughly three years after its debut, the company returned to the drawing board in order to deliver the new and massively improved RovyVon A23 Gen2 — a premium pocket torch that’s been upgraded and/or updated in just about every possible area.

The Good

IPX8-rated and able to withstand 1.5-meter drops, the A23 Gen2’s body is milled 6063 aluminum that’s further fortified via an anodized finish. This choice of high-end aircraft-grade construction not only makes the torch rugged and lightweight, but it also allows RovyVon to sell the thing at an exceedingly reasonable price point. Offered in multiple anodized color options, the body houses a single LED emitter that puts out up to 1,000 lumens and allows it to achieve a nearly-500-foot throw.

The flashlight is powered by a rechargeable onboard 850-mAh Lithium-polymer battery that, thanks to being larger, allows the light to operate on its maximum 1,000-lumen turbo mode for up to 45 minutes — a seriously impressive feat considering both its size and MSRP. While simple in nature, I nonetheless really appreciate the battery level indicator light as it allowed me to constantly keep tabs on the status of its cell with just a quick glance.

Benefitting from a slew of updates over its predecessor, the A23 Gen2 now features an internal Li-po battery with a capacity that’s been increased by 41.6%, resulting in a 850-mAh cell. The charging port has also been upgraded to a more modern USB-C item, and the gen-one’s screw-fixed pocket clip has been jettisoned in favor of a reversible and detachable item that’s also magnetic.

Quite possibly the biggest update comes in the form of the Gen2’s new dual button layout, which uses one button to control normal functions and the other to access special operations (like turbo or strobe modes). Individually, none of these tweaks are really game-changers, but collectively they turn an already great flashlight into what’s unquestionably one of the best out there — and almost certainly one of, if not the very best EDC torch being offered for under $50.

Supplementary Strengths

Though it comes in at well-over $50 ($78.95 to be exact), this little torch can be optioned with a pair of green-glowing or blue-glowing tritium vial inserts. Not only do the optional tritium vials look cool — and give the torch an all-around more top-shelf feel — but they also make finding the flashlight in the dark a breeze, as the darker the setting, the brighter the vials glow.

Though it spans just under 3.0” in length, the A23 Gen2 feels comfortable and secure in-hand, and its circular machining around the head does a great job of increasing grip — a vital addition considering its size and lack of grip space. It honestly only took a few minutes of using the thing before it became abundantly clear that the RovyVon A23 Gen2 was engineered from the ground up specifically for EDC use. So, while it may not offer the same level of versatility as some of the other torches I tested, it seriously excels at daily-carry use.

Having used a handful of RovyVon’s more high-end (often titanium-bodied) lights, I was delighted to see that the A23 Gen2 benefits from the same top-notch level of craftsmanship and build quality as its pricier counterparts. This top-notch craftsmanship also practically guarantees years of daily use. If you were to hand me the RovyVon A23 Gen2, explain its specs and features, and ask me to guess its price, I’d have assumed it was close-to-double its actual MSRP. This brings me to my next point — and the torch’s next major selling point and highlight — which is its value. With everything it has going for it, its sub-$50 price tag makes this EDC light something of a steal.

The Not So Good

The RovyVon A23 Gen2 is an objectively stellar flashlight, though it’s not exactly perfect, and could no doubt benefit from a few tweaks here and there — updates that will hopefully eventually appear on the A23 Gen3). While the dual tail switch design is cool and becomes intuitive after a few days of using it, it did require a bit of a learning curve. I also found that after putting away the Aurora A23 and using another EDC torch for several days often resulted in me needing to re-learn the buttons’ operation (though it’s easier to learn each time you do it).

It doesn’t end there, as I really wish RovyVon opted to bestow the second-gen A23 with a magnetic tail — like on the Olight Baton4 (or Baton3) or the NEBO Torchy — instead of a magnetic pocket clip. Additionally, I found that the magnetic pocket clip often grabbed on to other items in my pocket (such as pens or lighters) and pulled them out with the light when removed from a pocket.

Verdict: With its well-balanced combination of durability and brightness, sleek design, and straight-forward operation, the RovyVon A23 Gen2 is something of the ultimate everyday carry torch currently being sold for under the $50 mark. If you simply want the best there is for half-a-bill, this is unequivocally the one to get.

Length: 2.99”
Weight: 1.58oz
Body Material: Aluminum
Max Lumens:1,000
Throw: 492’
Modes: 5
IP Rating: IPX8
Battery: Rechargeable 850-mAh Li-po

Affordable EDC Flashlights Comparison Chart

What To Consider When Shopping

For the uninitiated, shopping for an everyday carry flashlight can be tricky — even more so when your budget is $50 or below. Knowing this, we’ve broken down the key aspects to consider when buying an EDC torch for half-a-Benjamin.

Size: Because EDC lights are meant to be carried on their user on a daily basis, the size of these flashlights is of monumental importance as it will massively impact the overall user experience. It’s also worth pointing out that most of the larger flashlights in this space will boast more lumens and better battery life, however, will be noticeably less pocketable — in some cases even needing to be carried in a backpack or sling — while their smaller counterparts are easier to carry and more pocketable but typically lack the power of larger lights, though there are a couple of exceptions.

Materials: A flashlight’s ability to stand up to drops and the elements — i.e. its overall durability — will primarily be owed to the materials used to construct the light’s body. At the sub-$50 price point, the vast majority of budget flashlights are crafted from aluminum or stainless steel. In addition to looking into the material used, we also recommend checking on whether that material has been fortified via any special type of treatment or coating.

Battery: Battery and power source are also crucial to take into account when shopping. When looking at this area, you’ll want to review the battery pack or cell that a torch ships with, the burn time it offers on its various settings, and whether or not the light can also run off of store-bought batteries.

Output: No matter what type, a flashlights performance will largely boil down to the lumen output and throw. As a result, this is unquestionably one of the most crucial areas to take into account when shopping as it plays a massive role in separating cheaper, dimmer models from their brighter, more high-performance counterparts.

Carrying Options: Unlike most regular outdoor flashlights, EDC flashlights are designed to be carried on one’s person on a daily basis where they can be kept at the ready for whenever needed. As a result, most EDC torches feature elements such as pocket clips or keychain holes that provide convenient carrying options for their user.

Value: When buying a budget EDC light value is of pretty monumental importance. While you won’t find any flashlights with top-shelf body constructions or other high-end features like auto-dimming proximity sensors or LCD displays, there are plenty of solid, pocketable options that feature impressive levels of durability and healthy lumen outputs — making these the key areas to focus on when considering value.

Honorable Mentions

With the exception of Streamlight’s ProTac 1L-1AA, there are very few genuinely capable tactical flashlights that can be picked up for half-a-bill or less — though the $40 ACEBEAM TAC AA is undoubtedly one of the rare few. Powered by an included USB-C-rechargeable 14500 battery — though also able to run off of a standard AA battery — the TAC AA is IP68-rated and features a milled aluminum body with a machined grip pattern, a tactical striking bezel, a tactical tail switch, and an LED emitter putting out a max 1,000 lumens. Though it lacks the build quality and more premium internals of the ProTac 1L-1AA, it makes up for it with its generous lumen output — though not quite enough to best the Streamlight as a whole, resulting in its honorable mention here.

ThruNite makes some of the best budget-friendly EDC gear while still delivering a quality product. As such, anytime you’re shopping for an affordably-priced piece of kit, we always recommend checking out their catalog. The ThruNite T1 brilliantly proves this point, as this sub-$40 torch spans just 2.7” in length while packing a whopping 335’ throw and an even more impressive 1,500 lumen output. Fitted with a removable pocket clip and a magnetic tail, this is sadly another light that, while wildly impressive on paper, is prone to suffering from reliability and occasional build quality issues — leading us to bump it to an honorable mention.

The NEBO Torchy can most politely be described as a more budget-friendly “homage” to the Olight Baton3 (or Baton4). Boasting a length that’s just slightly longer than the Olight at 2.64”, this super pocketable EDC torch packs a maximum output of 1,000 lumens. Other features like a magnetic tail, a magnetic-coupling charger, a custom button, and an alloy body with a machined grip pattern collectively make the Torchy one of the best EDC lights for under the $50 mark. Like the above model from ThruNite, the Torchy’s sub-par reliability and build quality have ultimately made it another particularly honorable mention.

Another seriously terrific pick from the team over at Maratac, theREV 5 Titanium is a solid little torch that’s milled entirely from 6AL4V grade Grade 5 titanium and boasts a ridiculous level of durability. Part of the brand’s Executive Series, this model features a GITD diffuser and front o-ring around reflector, an orange peel reflector composed of polished aluminum, an anti-reflective-coated lens, a proprietary circuit design, and a Cree XP-G2 S4 emitter putting out up to 180 lumens. Considering all it’s got going for it, this model’s $50 price is an absolute steal — and that’s before even considering that it’s finished entirely by hand. Sadly, this was a limited edition release that’s now completely sold out, forcing us to relegate it to a particularly honorable mention.