Whenever you have to go out somewhere and need a survival kit, the first thing that everyone looks for is a high-quality flashlight. No matter what happens, you need a reliable source of light with you to get things done.
Be sure to consider the most important aspects of a good torch as you make your choice. To help you out with that, here's our review of some top-notch flashlights that will hardly put a dent in your pocket.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Flashlight Under $20
Comparison of the Best Flashlights Under $20
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Can You Find a High-Quality Flashlight for Less Than $20?
Purchasing a product that fits your budget is usually a difficult task, but you can make it work if you remain smart about it. A common misconception of the market is that the more you spend, the better quality you can get. However, that is not always the case.
With a flashlight, make sure that the bulb used inside it is LED and is able to give you intense white light at least, if not variable. This does not require a lot of investment, so the product should not be overpriced. Since this should be your priority, it is easily possible for you to get a flashlight of serviceable quality under $20.
Why Are These the Best of the Year?
It does not matter how trivial a matter may be, but before you make a final decision on a product to buy, you need to know the reason why you are going for a specific product and not any other. We find our picks of cheap flashlights to be the best for the following reasons:
LED
For a flashlight, the first thing you must look for is the quality of light it can give you. If your chosen flashlight does not give you the appropriate light intensity, then there is no need to invest in it. The products that have been reviewed ensure that you get the added perks with normal light.
Battery Efficient
The main purpose behind buying a flashlight is to be able to produce light for a long time, which is essential when the situation demands that you to do so. If you have gone camping, you would need the light to stay with you at the time of need. Hence, the listed products are those that are bound to give you light for at least 12 hours, if not less.
UV Light
Some of the flashlights that have been mentioned also consist of a UV light feature. This is useful in various scenarios. You could easily use the ultraviolet radiation to detect insects that are otherwise not detected, whether indoors or outdoors, and even for spotting stains on your carpet.
Review of the Best Flashlight Under $20
Everyone wants to be able to purchase a product that gives them good quality while also staying light on the pocket. That is the reason why we have reviewed some of the best budget options for you to choose from.
Best Overall:
J5 Tactical V1-PRO
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This flashlight has proven itself to be one of the best products around because of its high-intensity light and the fact that it is extremely compact. So, you do not have to worry about carrying around a heavy lamp on your trip.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Most of the flashlights on the market do not give you a durable structure, and they get broken very easily. Rest assured that this one isn't like those. Not only is this torch weather-resistant, but it is also tough enough to be used for longer trips.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the perfect choice for a person who is on the road a lot. Even if you are traveling on your bicycle or some other vehicle, like a truck, the varying light intensities allow you to use it in whatever way you want.
Bottom Line
There is a reason why this flashlight is considered by us to be the best overall product in this category. Its versatility, durability, and strength enable you to make the most of your light in any circumstances. All you need is a couple of batteries, and you will be good to go.
Runner-up:
Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This lantern-shaped flashlight seems like a very diverse and convenient design for any kind of situation that you might be faced with. What is more, it is easy to use, so you do not have to struggle with understanding how to work it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Most of the flashlights out there on the market are not shaped differently, so this is something that is unique to this light. Also, its military-grade construction makes it accident-proof, so it's hard to break.
Who Will Use This Most
This could be the ideal addition to your camping paraphernalia because you can go hiking while carrying this lantern; you can even hang it in your camp or outside it when it is time for you to settle down.
Bottom Line
Flashlights are not usually found in a different design, so this product seems like a breath of fresh air for a person who wants something else for their camping trip. It is easy to carry, and the adjustable handle makes life easier.
Best for the Money:
Escolite UV Flashlight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This flashlight has proven to be super helpful for people who own pets because it allows them to spot any mess that they have made within seconds. Apart from that, the light that it gives is also strong, so you can use it anywhere.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Not all flashlights are going to give you the added facility of using ultraviolet detection, so that ability only adds value to this particular product. Its diverse range of use is truly worthy of praise.
Who Will Use This Most
People who have pets at home can definitely make use of this flashlight because it will allow them to detect urine on the carpet. Also, if you are fond of vegetables, you can use this to detect and remove out worms.
Bottom Line
Made up of an aluminum body, this flashlight is handy and lightweight, so it is definitely counted among the most durable options on this list. The additional feature of ultraviolet blacklight detection adds even greater value to an already amazing product.
4. TaoTronics Black Light
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
After using this product, everyone has started being extra careful with the flooring they walk on because they want to make sure everything is clean. With its ability to detect a whole lot of stains, this has been extremely helpful.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Ultraviolet blacklight detection has many useful applications, so it is just not a flashlight that you are using. Detect dried urine from your pets, unwanted insects in your vegetables, and so much more with this cost-effective solution.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a lamp is fit for use inside and outside the house. So, make it a flashlight if you want or detect stains with it, the versatility of the light is commendable. This will mostly be used by people who have pets and keep them indoors.
Bottom Line
Rarely are you going to find a flashlight that is not only light on your pocket but also gives you features that are fitted to it. This flashlight is helpful in detecting unwanted stains around the house, car, and even helps you take out pests in your garden.
5. Streamlight MicroStream
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
People using the Streamlight MicroStream have been satisfied with the light intensity this can provide you. It is lightweight, so they do not really have to think twice before carrying it on themselves when they are going for a trip.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most impressive things about this flashlight are the exterior and the structure. With its aluminum body that is not only corrosion-resistant but also durable, this flashlight can be used for any activity. The lens is also resistant to scratches, so you do not have to worry about its quality degrading.
Who Will Use This Most
The use of this flashlight is not specified to indoors or outdoors, so this can be used by people who go for walks or for camping and want to carry an extra set of flashlights on themselves.
Bottom Line
The Streamlight MicroStream flashlight is a good purchase if you want a flashlight for immediate use. The only thing you will have to take care of is carrying batteries with you, and you will have everything sorted out.
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
As with anything you do, be mindful of the aspects to avoid, or make accommodations for, if you are not in need of them. Some of them have been discussed below.
Batteries Are Not Rechargeable
Most of the time, when people are looking for a flashlight to purchase, they usually want it for a hiking, trekking, or camping trip they might be taking. This is the reason why, with these flashlights, one would always have to carry extra batteries with themselves lest the ones in use run out. This could be a hassle for a person who spends a lot of time traveling because the batteries would occupy most of the space in their bag and there won't be enough space for other important stuff.
Protect Your Eyes
Most of the products that we reviewed use UV light, which is certainly not friendly for the eyes. While using ones that come with this feature, it will be a good idea to ensure that in extremely dark conditions, you are wearing yellow shaded glasses, so the ultraviolet light is blocked.
Not Kid-Friendly
The flashlights under discussion will need to be powered using AA or AAA batteries, and when this is the case, you'll have to be careful around children. Kids have a tendency to play with batteries, and this could be harmful to them. You will have to be cautious of this fact all the time and not leave these lying around them unattended.
Conclusion
After making sure you have read through our reviews diligently, you can decide on what lamp you would want according to your needs. Whether you want added perks such as UV light or just a plain flashlight that gives you LED light, it is going to be your decision.