The brightest flashlights of 2025: We shine a spotlight on our top picks
When darkness falls, a reliable flashlight is your best friend, but not all flashlights are created equal. I tested some of the highest-quality flashlights available, keeping in mind real-life factors that can decrease a light's output, which raw lumen outputs don't usually represent. A lumen is a unit of measurement for the intensity of the light coming out of a flashlight. The higher the lumens, the brighter the flashlight.
I also spoke to experts to further help you make the most informed purchase whether you're going camping, building a severe weather kit, or setting up photography lighting.
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What is the brightest flashlight right now?
The world's brightest flashlight, the Imalent MS32, clocks in at 200,000 lumens and has a built-in fan to keep the unit from overheating. However, the most powerful option sports a mighty price tag. The Imalent SR16 still has a powerful 55,000 lumens and costs several hundred dollars less. If you're looking for a quality budget flashlight, the Fenix PD36R Pro is about $120.
Read on to see all of the brightest flashlight options for you.
Sort by AllThe brightest flashlights of 2025
Show less View now at AmazonWhy we like it: The brightest flashlight you can currently buy is the Imalent MS32. Its maximum output supplies up to a blinding 200,000 lumens -- beating its previous title-winning 120,000 lumen iteration, the Imalent SR32.
Who's it for: This flashlight would serve well for emergency use cases or if you want the bragging rights of owning the world's brightest flashlight.
This model has eight settings, including cold and warm light options as well as a moonlight and strobe mode. When switched on, the Imalent MS32 emits the highest brightness level for about 45 seconds before dimming to 40,000 lumens. It can sustain this level for about 40 minutes.
The Imalent MS32 also has a heat pipe cooling system that uses three cooling fans to ensure high performance and to prevent overheating. In addition, the IP56 rating means the flashlight is water and dust resistant.
Who should look elsewhere: While the brightest, the Imalent MS32 is weighty and not ideal for everyday carrying. In addition, at $750, the world's brightest flashlight requires a deluxe budget.
Imalent MS32 tech specs: Lumens: 200,000 lumens | Beam distance: 5,308 feet | Peak beam intensity: 655000cd | Battery Life: 18 hours on lowest setting | IP Rating: IP56
Pros
- World's brightest flashlight
- Long distance reach
- Impressive battery life
- Eight different settings
- Not ideal for everyday use
- Heavy at almost 12 pounds
Why we like it: The brightest flashlight you can currently buy is the Imalent MS32. Its maximum output supplies up to a blinding 200,000 lumens -- beating its previous title-winning 120,000 lumen iteration, the Imalent SR32.
Who's it for: This flashlight would serve well for emergency use cases or if you want the bragging rights of owning the world's brightest flashlight.
This model has eight settings, including cold and warm light options as well as a moonlight and strobe mode. When switched on, the Imalent MS32 emits the highest brightness level for about 45 seconds before dimming to 40,000 lumens. It can sustain this level for about 40 minutes.
The Imalent MS32 also has a heat pipe cooling system that uses three cooling fans to ensure high performance and to prevent overheating. In addition, the IP56 rating means the flashlight is water and dust resistant.
Who should look elsewhere: While the brightest, the Imalent MS32 is weighty and not ideal for everyday carrying. In addition, at $750, the world's brightest flashlight requires a deluxe budget.
Imalent MS32 tech specs: Lumens: 200,000 lumens | Beam distance: 5,308 feet | Peak beam intensity: 655000cd | Battery Life: 18 hours on lowest setting | IP Rating: IP56
Why we like it: Imalent's other option may not beam as bright as the world's brightest flashlight, but it's still a shining star packing in 55,000 lumens with 16 light-emitting diodes, also known as LEDs.
Who's it for: The SR16's turbo setting puts out 55,000 lumens for 42 seconds before goi
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