10 Best Waterproof Flashlights of 2021

One of the smartest investments you can make when it comes to critical tools has to be investing in top-quality waterproof flashlights.

The ability to cut through complete and total darkness even when everything Mother Nature (or a man-made emergency, for that matter) throws at you is trying to prevent just that is nothing short of a super power.

At the same time, not all waterproof flashlights are made to provide you with the kind of power, light output, and dependability most people expect. When you invest in a waterproof flashlight you expected it is going to work right out of the box no matter what, and that it’s going to be able to stand the test of time – but not all options can deliver on those promises.

That’s why we have put together this quick guide.

Below you’ll find inside information about what you should be looking for in top-quality flashlights today, features that go far beyond just waterproofing capabilities. Use the details included in this guide – as well as our quick reviews of some of the best waterproof flashlights money can buy today – and you’ll have no trouble whatsoever sorting through the myriad of options available.

Three Key Features the Best Waterproof Flashlights Have

But before we dig right into our quick reviews it’s important to highlight three of the key features you should expect every top-tier waterproof flashlight to include. Make sure that you invest in a quality tool that includes these three features and you’ll have a lot less to worry about.

LED Technology

First and foremost, LED technology is light years beyond incandescent and other flashlight lighting sources that isn’t even a competition any longer. These LED lights are far more durable, far more dependable, and provide and even, efficient, and consistent light pattern time and time again – all while consuming a lot less energy along the way.

Light Output

The second thing you need to look for in your new waterproof flashlight is that it has a light output that you are going to be satisfied with. Flashlight light output figures are always measured in lumens, and the lumen rating that you are after should be tailored to how you expect to use this flashlight moving forward. 20 lm does a great job to help you read a book in the middle of the night whereas 3500 lm are going to act as a second sun sitting in your hands.

Run Time

Combining LED technology with specific lumen ratings will give you a good idea of how long you can anticipate your flashlight operating for on a single charge or on a single set of batteries. Obviously, the longer run time you get out of your flashlight the better off you’re going to be – so always shoot for options that offer as long a run time as possible.

Top 10 Waterproof Flashlights

1. Cree XP-L LED 1050 Lumens

Certainly one of the best waterproof flashlights you’ll be able to get your hands on today, this particular unit is compact, lightweight, and rock solid – all while taking advantage of advanced rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology and LED light source technology to guarantee that you get a superbright flashlight that lasts and lasts.

The run time is rated at 370 hours of light at the lowest levels or a single hour of light at 1050 lm – with a variety of different settings in between to offer plenty of flexibility in how you use this flashlight.

2. LETMY Tactical Flashlight

Another top-tier waterproof flashlight you can get your hands on today, this particular option isn’t going to set you back very much money at all (just about $10) but it’s going to provide you with years and years of consistent performance that you can trust and rely on.

Made out of military grade aluminum alloys, steel, and with a hard anodized finish this is shockproof, drop resistant, and completely waterproof. It’s also 20% brighter than your traditional flashlights and can throw a beam up to 600 feet away.

3. ThruNite TN12 EDC LED Flashlight

If you have extra money to spend on a top-tier Every Day Carry (EDC) flashlight – a flashlight you can depend on in emergency situations, as well as throughout the day – then this is where you’re going to want to invest your cash.

Ridiculously lightweight, relatively compact, and designed to withstand everything short of a nuclear bomb blast this is an LED waterproof flashlight that’s going to provide you with reliable performance for decades to come.

4. NEBO Big Daddy 2000-Lumen Flashlight

Certainly one of the best waterproof flashlight options money can buy, the coolest thing about this particular set up is that it can be adjusted between five different light modes between 500 lm and 2000 lm – offering you plenty of light (and plenty of battery life) depending on your specific situation.

The entire unit runs off of nine AA batteries (included with your purchase), which means it’s going to be a little bit power-hungry – but that’s what you get with a big, heavy duty, utility flashlight like this.

5. Nebo Redline Blast - 6542

This is the slightly slimmed down version of the flashlight we just highlighted above, a more compact and sleek system that is just as formidable, just as bright (or nearly so), and just as capable.

Again you have five different light modes to flip between, running from 140 lm at the low-end all the way up to 1400 lm at the high-end. This unit also has a built-in strobe light effect that you can trigger with no difficulty at all.

6. NITECORE P12 2015 Version

Sleek and compact, you are going to be amazed at just how much of a performance focused waterproof flashlight this unit is the second that you throw its light on. Capable of putting out 1000 lm with no difficulty whatsoever, it can toss a beam 232 m away without degradation in the light source.

Combine all of this with a nearly indestructible form factor and anodized aluminum shell and it's easy to see why this is such a popular option in the world of waterproof flashlights right now.

7. NEBO 3200-Lumen LED Rechargeable Flashlight

3200 lm makes this one of the most impressive LED flashlights on the market today, a truly bright flashlight that is going to be able to illuminate even the darkest nights or crawlspaces you may find yourself in.

The strobe light effect at 3200 lm can shine for up to two hours thanks to the lithium-ion battery technology built right in, battery technology that keeps this flashlight lightweight and easy to recharge. The outer aluminum shell is impact resistant, water resistant, and capable of withstanding all kinds of use and abuse as well. This is a top-tier option for sure.

8. P50 LED Brightest 6000 Lumen Tactical Flashlight

If you want to make sure that you never have to worry about the dark again, no matter what your situation or circumstance, this is going to be the flashlight for you.

Slim, easy to handle, and as near to an indestructible waterproof flashlight as you are going to find on the market today, this particular option can produce 6000 lm of high intensity light or more than two hours thanks to the LED technology running the show and the lithium-ion battery technology under the hood, so to speak.

9. Thorfire Scuba Diving Flashlight

Anytime you’re talking about a flashlight that is SCUBA diver certified you know you are in great hands and that this piece of technology isn’t going to let you down when it gets a little wet.

Taking advantage of three CREE XPL LED components to put out 2000 lm at its maximum output, you can cast tight beams of bright light up to 656 feet away – even under up to 230 feet of water. This is as good an emergency LED waterproof flashlight as you are going to find on the market today, with all the bells and whistles you could hope for but none of the skyhigh price tag.

10. Super Bright Cree LED Flashlight

If you don’t necessarily need an indestructible spotlight on hand at all times, but instead want a 100% waterproof and high intensity pen light in the event of an emergency or just to find something in dark corners of your property this is going to be an option you’ll want to consider.

Five different levels of brightness are available, with the maximum output of 1000 lm helping you to get plenty of brightness compared to more traditional flashlight options. The military grade materials throughout offer strength and durability, and this particular flashlight is 100% waterproof with a full IP 68 rating.