When it comes to getting a bigger and brighter alternative to regular flashlights, the only thing that comes to mind is a handheld spotlight. They are brighter, more useful, and more reliable than ordinary flashlights.
However, with so many available options, one is bound to get confused about which unit to invest in. Fear no more! We've got you covered.
We've done extensive research on spotlights to bring you a buyer's guide and some of the best options of handheld spotlights in the market. You're surely going to find one for yourself amongst these.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Handheld Spotlight
Comparison of the Best Handheld Spotlights
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What Are The Best Uses For a Handheld Spotlight?
You may be wondering why anyone would call a spotlight versatile. What uses does it have? Let's take a look at all the instances where your spotlight will be your best friend.
Function as Searchlights
It is common practice for rescue teams to use spotlights as searchlights to look for survivors in any accident. The intensity of light a spotlight produces is perfect for the purpose.
Alternate Light Source
Would you rather burn a hundred candles or buy a spotlight which produces an equivalent amount of illumination? In times of a power outage or any related problem, spotlights will be lifesavers. They have longer battery lives whereas a candle would just burn out, leaving a waxy mess behind.
For Hunting at Night
If you're a hunter, a spotlight could be a great little addition to your hunting paraphernalia. There are specialized ones built for hunting to aid in locating and getting a visual on an animal during nighttime. These feature special colored lights and a certain lumen count specifically for hunting.
Useful While Sailing/Trekking
When it comes to outdoor trips, whether it be sailing, boating, or trekking high mountains, a spotlight should be a major part of your gear. These are sturdy and built to handle rough situations so they can help you navigate difficult waters when on an adventure.
For Camping
If you're planning a fun road trip or have decided to set up camp at night, a spotlight will be your best friend. It provides good illumination, leaving little to the imagination and helping you set up a good camping spot.
Used as Safety Aids
For the longest time, spotlights have been used to signal for help or let your presence be known. The beam distance on spotlights is greater compared to a flashlight, making it more useful, as it can alert a rescue team of your presence along a larger distance.
Are All Handheld Spotlights The Same?
Older technology has major differences compared to the kind we have available to us now. Even the units of measurement are different. Previously, we measured spotlights in terms of watts, whereas we do it in lumens now.
The new designs are more efficient and brighter, along with being environment-friendly. Not to mention, the newer ones are much more durable and long-lasting than the ones available before.
As far as the differences amongst the new models are concerned, these are limited to the available features. Some spotlights may have three brightness settings, whereas some just come with two.
Furthermore, they may differ in beam distance, that is, some may produce a beam that reaches longer lengths compared to others.
How to Choose a Handheld Spotlight?
Surprisingly, there's a decent amount of thought and research which goes into buying spotlights. There are certain measures which enable you to judge the performance of a handheld spotlight and, in turn, give you an idea on whether to invest in it, or not.
Here are some features which you should consider prior to investing one:
Lumens
To keep it easy to understand, the most basic definition of the lumen is that it's a unit of measurement of light similar to grams for mass. Depending upon what you need it for, spotlights have varying lumen measurements; the higher the lumen, the brighter the spotlight.
Beam Distance
As the name suggests, it is the distance at which the beam of your spotlight can reach. A good spotlight can produce a beam over a larger area.
Size and Weight
As far as the size and weight are concerned, one should look for a lightweight unit which is small enough to be handled with ease. Spotlights with higher lumen counts sometimes tend to be heavier and bigger in size due to housing a bigger and heavier battery.
If you do not need high levels of lumens, invest in a compact and lightweight spotlight that will be easier for you to handle.
Manufacturing Materials and Build Quality
It is important to look for superior build quality in your unit. The reason being, if you tend to use it outdoors or under rough conditions, it will survive better.
Particularly when using it around water bodies or lakes, one should look for a spotlight designed for that purpose.
Ergonomics
This might just be the factor that is least considered, but it is quite important. A well-designed unit would provide better grip and comfort when handling. It allows you to use the product with just one hand, freeing the other one.
Review of the Best Handheld Spotlights
Here are some top-notch products which we highly recommend and have reviewed in order to help you reach a decision quicker.
Best Overall:
DEWALT DCLO43 Max Jobsite LED Spotlight
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were ecstatic upon using this product. Overall, this got many positive reviews, which is why we've deemed it as our best overall. This product has become one of the user favorites and people swear by it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stood out to us for having excellent construction and producing a very bright light which travels a long distance. The included belt hook makes it very convenient to travel with and transport. Plus, the adjustable head allows it to shine light in multiple directions, making the hands-free operation easy.
Who Will Use This Most
This could be used by anyone, as it is highly versatile. It can work for normal home functions or taking outdoors to camp. This 1000-lumen unit has got you well-covered.
Bottom Line
Overall, it is a great investment and definitely worth the price paid. It is a highly versatile and useful tool. The construction and performance all are excellent, making this an amazing product.
Runner-up:
Rayovac Sportsman 500-Lumen
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Some buyers were slightly annoyed by the impossibility to recharge this unit. However, they were thoroughly impressed by its construction and build. Most people claimed they would repurchase when in need and will surely recommend it to a friend.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The indestructible claim is surely the most intriguing thing about this product. Although we don't know how true that is, this product surely is hard to break, given all the added protection it has. Which is great, as who wouldn't want it to work for a long time?
Who Will Use This Most
This wouldn't work for anyone looking to have rechargeable batteries, as this product was built for disposables. Furthermore, the batteries of this unit are slightly heavier, thus, it's best suited for those who are used to that weight.
Bottom Line
It is, overall, an amazing product. It is deemed indestructible by the brand as it is very sturdily built and waterproof as well as shatterproof. We haven't tested that theory, but it sure is very well built. It is a great investment for sure.
Best for the Money:
Stanley Fatmax FL5W10 520-Lumen Spotlight
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were very happy with this product. The construction and performance of this product highly impressed them. However, some did complain that it wasn't bright enough and didn't offer enough versatility in terms of brightness options.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for its lightweight and compact construction, which isn't the case for every spotlight available on the market. Most of them weigh a lot and are a pain to handle. Furthermore, it is a very cost-effective option.
Who Will Use This Most
This would work for normal home use. Even though this product is waterproof, it isn't the best option to test in that way, as its construction isn't very heavy-duty.
Bottom Line
This product offers excellent brightness, which alone makes it a worthwhile investment. The performance and construction have left everyone impressed, which is why people love and adore this tool so much. This unit is another of the buyers' favorites.
Best Rechargeable Handheld Spotlight:
Odear Super Bright Torch Spotlight
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were extremely happy with their purchase. Some did, however, complain that it isn't as they advertise it, although it gets the job done. All in all, it did leave many people impressed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for being one of the more cost-effective, lightweight, and easily rechargeable options. It truly is a good investment. Even though it doesn't feel very heavy-duty, it might just be what somebody is looking for, and it's always good to have a cheaper option as well.
Who Will Use This Most
It's the perfect spotlight for individuals looking for an easy to recharge and lightweight spotlight, as this tool is the embodiment of that description. It will work for normal house jobs or outdoor adventures very well too.
Bottom Line
All in all, it is a pretty decent product. The product is easy to recharge, as it has two modes of charging it, which is rare. It is pretty affordable, as well. It is a worthy investment.
Best for Hunting and Best 12 V Spotlight:
Streamlight Waypoint Spotlight
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
It worked out great for many people. However, some did complain that the beam was too narrow. It did mostly get positive reviews, though.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us for being a great deal. It is not only shock-resistant but very bright and performs very well outdoors, making it a perfect addition to one's hunting paraphernalia.
Who Will Use This Most
It is great to be used for hunting as it is very bright and shock-resistant, which makes it perfect for outdoors.
Bottom Line
This product is highly functional and its performance makes it totally worthy of the investment. If you can bring yourself to overlook the cons, it just might be the perfect spotlight for you. It surely has a brilliant design.
Best for Boating:
NoCry Rechargeable Spotlight
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were very happy with this product. They said they would repurchase if needed to and it surely is very waterproof.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stood out to us for being the most effectively waterproof model amongst all the recommendations, which speaks a lot about the product. That being said, it is lightweight, which is another plus point.
Who Will Use This Most
It would be best for boating or sailing trips where one is surrounded by bodies of water, as the most outstanding feature of this product is being waterproof. It makes trips easier to navigate, as it is very reliable.
Bottom Line
This spotlight will be your best friend when you go on boating or sailing trips. The waterproof nature makes it the perfect companion on such adventures. This tool proves to be worthy of investment in the long run.
Best LED Handheld Spotlight:
CSNDICE LED Searchlight
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Even though it has its fair share of complaints, most buyers seemed very happy with the working of this unit. They loved the lightweight and compact construction of this unit paired with the versatile features.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stood out to us for being lightweight and compact. These are two qualities which are very essential in a spotlight coupled with the fact that it offers versatility in terms of the brightness modes.
Who Will Use This Most
It is great for anyone. The lightweight construction allows it to easily handled, even by kids. Furthermore, the two brightness modes make it versatile.
Bottom Line
It surely is a beastly product where the pros largely outweigh the cons. This product will prove to be a highly worthy investment and surely a long-term one. The design it features and its performance are truly impeccable.
Most Powerful Handheld Spotlight:
Stanley Fatmax SL10LEDS 920-Lumen
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were pretty happy with this product. They seem to appreciate it a lot. However, they did complain of a few problems where the tool froze, which makes it slightly unreliable outdoors.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stood out to us for being easy to handle. It produces a very bright light, which is great. Overall, it is a good package, which is why it is a buyers’ favorite.
Who Will Use This Most
This works very well for many people. It really is a truly versatile product. One could use it for multiple things. However, this isn't the best for outdoors as it does occasionally freeze.
Bottom Line
All in all, it's a great product and a very worthy investment. The versatility of the spotlight makes it a great deal. The construction plus performance are why this product is such a user-favorite tool.
Pros and Cons of Handheld Spotlights
Still puzzled over whether a spotlight is a worthy investment or not? The best way to decide is by looking at the pros and cons of this product which will help you decide whether it's worth your money.
Pros
- Spotlights are highly versatile. They will be useful on many occasions, such as boating, trekking, camping, etc., as mentioned earlier.
- The run time on these things is phenomenal. There are certain options available in the marketwhich work for months without needing to be charged.
- They are the best mode of illumination or best alternate if electricity poses problems, like in the middle of a power outage.
- The well-built and sturdy construction enable them to work in a rough situation and tough climates; this can't be expected from a normal flashlight.
- These units are designed to be ergonomic and according to user comfort. The compact and lightweight nature makes them a handy tool.
- Good quality spotlights are well-warranted, which makes them a once in a long-time investment.
Cons
- These may be costly. They aren't by any means cheap. Investing in a good-quality unit may cost you a bit.
- Some products require AC adapters or similar modes of charging, which may be inconvenient and an added expense.
Conclusion
To summarize everything, it's fair to say that the product you choose will strictly depend on your needs. If you're looking for a spotlight to use while hunting, the type will differ from the one you buy for daily use. Keep that in mind as there is no one fix for all.
Invest once in a quality product from a reliable brand and you'll appreciate the investment, as the product will pay it back with great performance and durability. Keep the buyer's guide in mind and you will surely find a decent product, even if you research on your own.