Best Self Defense Flashlight for Security: Reviews, Buying Guide, and FAQs

Flashlights are simple gadgets that provide lighting at night and under poor visibility conditions. However, we live in a world where every new gadget and gear must have a new level of multi-functionality to keep up with our increasingly changing needs.

Flashlights offer a simple and highly efficient way to protect yourself or your loved ones even. They are all small and compact, making it relatively effortless to carry them around. They are also well camouflaged which means no would-be attacker can suspect a thing until you use it. But, due to the large variety of self-defense flashlights available out there, selecting one can be a bit of a hassle.

Editors' Picks: Top Self Defense Flashlight for Security

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• Bestseller No. 1
  
  Smith & Wesson Self Defense Tactical Penlight with Aircraft Aluminum Construction with...
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Nitecore P20 Tactical Strobe Ready 800 Lumens LED Flashlight, Black
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  eagletac T25C2 XM-L2 XLamp LED Flashlight, Black
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  TASER StrikeLight Rechargeable Self-Defense Flashlight | Perfect for Running, Jogging,...
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  SureFire E2D Defender Ultra Dual-Output Flashlight with Dual-output tailcap click switch,...
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• Bestseller No. 6
  
  Pelican 7060 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight With Charger (Black)
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• Bestseller No. 7
  
  J5 Tactical V1-PRO Flashlight - The Original 300 Lumen Ultra Bright, LED Mini 3 Mode...
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• Bestseller No. 8
  
  VIPERTEK VTS-195 - 59 Billion Heavy Duty Stun Gun - Rechargeable with LED Tactical...
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• Bestseller No. 9
  
  Maglite Heavy-Duty Incandescent 6-Cell D Flashlight, Black - S6D016
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• Bestseller No. 10
  
  PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 (Rechargeable Battery and Charger...
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• Bestseller No. 11
  
  POLICE Stun Gun 305 - 59 Billion Rechargeable With Tactical LED Flashlight, Black
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• Bestseller No. 12
  
  GearLight Flashlight 2pk Bright, Zoomable Tactical Flashlights High Lumens Great Gift for...
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• Bestseller No. 13
  
  PowerTac M5 GEN2 Tactical Flashlight, 2030 Lumens LED Flashlight, EDC Flashlights High...
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• Bestseller No. 14
  
  Keenstone Rechargeable Flashlight, Tactical Flashlight 1500 High Lumens, High Powered LED...
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• Bestseller No. 15
  
  Vont LED Tactical Flashlight, Ultra Bright LED Flashlight, Smart Compact Design,...
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• Bestseller No. 16
  
  Tactical Flashlight - Small and Powerful Pocket Size LED Flashlight to Dominate The...
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• Bestseller No. 17
  
  NPET T09 Solar Flashlight Car Flashlight 268 Lumens LED COB Light USB Rechargeable...
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To ensure you get the best value for your money, we have prepared a list of the 8 best self-defense flashlights on the market right now.

Best Self Defense Flashlight for Security Reviews

1. NITECORE P20 Tactical Strobe Ready 800 Lumens LED Flashlight - Link

NITECORE is one of the top brands that has consistently delivered amazing flashlights for illumination purposes as well as for self-defense. The P20 Tactical Strobe Ready, 800 Lumens LED flashlight is another product that shows just how amazing NITECORE flashlights are.

The P20 flashlight comes with an impressive and amazing circuit. This highly efficient power circuit is strong enough to power the torch for about 26 hours after each charge. It comes with a sturdy anodized aluminum body that features a toothed bezel. The flashlight, which is only available in black colors is capable of creating 800 lumens of strobe lighting. This ensures any would-be attacker is completely disoriented once the mode is switched on with a single button.

NOTE: The P20 Tactical Flashlight has two other selectable modes asides from the strobe illumination mode. This ensures easy flexibility when using the flashlight.

The impact resistance of the flashlight is about 1.5 meters so you might want to keep that in mind before purchasing.

It features a premium CREE XM-L2 (T6) LED that supplies the light. It has a throw distance of about 210 meters.

Highlighted features:

• Premium sturdy anodized aluminum body that features a toothed bezel finish for a firm grip.
• Extreme performance thanks to its precision digital optics technology.
• Toughened ultra-clear glass made from mineral material.
• Anti-scratching coating on the reflector glass protects the LED.
• Comes with a two-way titanium steel clip
• Waterproof flashlight with a rating of IPX-8
• Button to quickly change the modes

Drawback:

• Batteries are not included on purchase.
• The battery life is not as great as the brand markets it to be.

2. STREAMLIGHT 88062 ProTac 2L-X 500-Lumen Professional Tactical Flashlight - Link

The STREAMLIGHT 88062 ProTac 2L-X 500 Lumen Professional Tactical Flashlight is available in two models. The first and readily available model uses only CR123A Lithium batteries. The other model uses rechargeable 18650 batteries. The rechargeable version comes with a USB cable. It is only available in black color and is quite affordable compared to other options on the market.

The 88062 ProTac 2L-X is a 500 lumen EDC tactical flashlight. It is housed in an aluminum casing that meets type II military specifications. Despite this, it is lightweight and extremely durable. The aluminum casing is also abrasion-resistant.

NOTE: it comes with two (2) CR123A batteries but it does not include a rechargeable battery kit.

Highlighted features:

• A quite versatile flashlight that operates on lithium batteries and rechargeable batteries depending on the model you buy.
• Improved durability and grip thanks to its type II military-spec anodized aluminum housing.
• The scratch-resistant coating makes it abrasion-resistant.
• Intuitive controls.
• Great for both security and casual use.
• 500 lumens ensure there is enough blinding light to use on any would-be assailant.
• Great battery life makes it a reliable work and EDC flashlight
• The lighting sequence is programmable.

Drawbacks:

• The plastic clamshell packaging in which the flashlight arrives is a little over the top.
• The rechargeable battery kit is not included with the flashlight on purchase. It is sold separately by the brand.

3. NITECORE MH12S 1800 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight - Link

The MH12S 1800 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight is another entry from NITECORE. It is one of the best tactical EDC flashlights on the market.

One of the biggest selling points of this tactical flashlight is that it comes with a 5000mah battery. As if that isn't enough, the battery is rechargeable via a USB-C cable that is also included in the box alongside the flashlight. In other words, you get reliable battery life with the tank battery this flashlight comes with.

The NITECORE MH12S 1800 Lumen Tactical Flashlight is a high-performance flashlight that supplies 1800 lumen of light. It has a throw distance of about 321 yards.

Asides from its big battery capacity, the flashlight also has multiple power settings. On ultra-low settings, you can use the battery for about 1500 hours. It is easy to operate and suitable for daily use or the occasional camping and hiking.

The flashlight has 5 brightness settings all of which include a strobe feature. It also comes with SOS and a beacon which makes it an amazing gear to have while on patrols or camping.

The EC flashlight also comes with NTH10 hard tactical holster, lanyard, spare O-ring, and even a pocket clip.

Highlighted features:

• Amazing 1800 lumen creates disorienting light against intruders and would-be assailant
• Perfect for use on patrols, camping, hiking, etc.
• UBC charging port for fast charging (charger is also included out of the box)
• 5000mah battery for reliable lighting and practical protection
• Up to 5 different brightness settings with strobe
• Features a programing button to quickly turn on the blinding strobe light in life or death situations

Drawbacks:

• On high settings, the flashlight quickly gets alarmingly hot.

NOTE: This only occurs if the flashlight is defective, in which case you can contact NITECORE to return the product.

• The one-touch button for changing the brightness settings can be hard to find.

4. Taser StrikeLight Rechargeable Self-Defense Flashlight - Link

The Taser StrikeLight Rechargeable Self Defense flashlight is unique compared to other flashlights on this list.

Most flashlights with EDC functionality only let you, blind would-be assailants. Some are even sturdy enough that you can stun and strike intruders or would-be attackers. However, some specially designed flashlights take the task of helping you protect yourself from attackers a step further. For instance, some flashlights come with stun capabilities with which you can stun potential attackers.

The Taser StrikeLight rechargeable self-defense flashlight combines the high-intensity beam you can expect from an EDC flashlight with the stun protection of a stun gun. This gadget also comes with a loud stun Arc warning. This feature can be applied as a de-escalation tool to help protect you even more.

The only big dealbreaker with this flashlight is that it only provides 80 lumens of light. It does come with rechargeable features so you can charge the battery and reduce the cost that would otherwise be incurred by buying batteries.

On a full charge, this flashlight can provide light for about 5 hours. You can also use it for hundred (100) 5-second stun cycles. It is compact and small so you can carry it anywhere you want.

Highlighted features:

• Although one might think the 80 lumen this flashlight supplies is low, the power is a lot more effective than advertised.
• Rechargeable; a full charge can last up to 5 hours
• Great gifting idea to friends and loved ones
• Reasonable pricing
• The stun trigger is heavy which reduces the possibility of a misfire.

Drawbacks:

• The stun warning sound is a bit jarring.
• After a couple of months, the activate button for the taser fails to work.

5. SureFire Defender Series LED Flashlights with Strike Bezel - Link

This LED flashlight has a maximum light output of 600 lumens. But it also comes with an option to adjust the output level to 5 lumens. This low light option greatly improves the battery light and is great for providing light when the self-defense protection of the flashlight is not needed.

It features a TIR lens that provides a tight beam of light that also offers a peripheral vision. The flashlight comes with a coated tempered transparent window. This ensures the LED provides maximum light while also being impact-resistant. The button control system is intuitive and very easy to use.

The flashlight is housed in an aerospace aluminum body that is hard anodized. The high strength of this housing ensures extreme durability.

Highlighted features:

• Supplies 600 lumens of light.
• High strength housing for long-term usage and durability.
• It is the upgraded version (ultra) of another flashlight of the same name.
• Powerful centered beam pattern
• Compact design for better portability

Drawbacks:

• It is expensive.
• The flashlight gets hot (warm) when using it for an extended period.
• The power management is bad so you need an extra pair of batteries lying around at all times.

6. STREAMLIGHT 88061 ProTac 1L-1AA 350-Lumen Dual Fuel Professional Tactical Light - Link

The ProTac 1L-1AA 350 Lumen dual fuel professional tactical light is the cheaper version of another flashlight already discussed on this review list. As a result, there are only a few unique things to mention about this flashlight.

The ProTac 1L-1AA is a 350-lumen dual fuel tactical flashlight that can work using a lithium or alkaline battery. It is perfect for daily use and comes with high and low strobe modes. The different settings mode influences the battery life which makes it a great feature to have.

The LED is ultrabright and offers up to a 50,000-hour lifetime.

Highlighted features:

• Supplies about 350 lumens of light
• Compact and supports two types of batteries - single alkaline and lithium batteries
• You can program the settings to your preference
• Anti-scratch coating prevents scuffs and scratches on the long term
• The small size and compactness of the flashlight improve portability

Drawbacks:

• Users sometimes complain of defective flashlight
• The tape switch mount can be betters
• It is expensively priced

7. Pelican 7060 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight with Charger - Link

Rounding off the list, we have the Pelican 7060 Rechargeable Tactical flashlight. It is lightweight at only about 1.7 lbs. This makes it easier to move from one place to another. it comes with a 120V charger which ensures the flashlight is quickly juiced up.

You can also charge the flashlight with a 12V car charger when you are on the move. The 12V charger is however sold differently. Out of the box, you get holsters for holding the light while on patrol.

One of the biggest selling points of this flashlight is that it is designed for security use. As a result, it can double as a baton to whack potential muggers after blinding them.

The charger is well-built and reliable and the flashlight itself features solid construction. One of the things users love about this flashlight is that it comes with a programmable illumination pattern. It also features a rear and side button to quickly turn on the flashlight.

Highlighted features:

• Each charge is long-lasting
• Comes with solid construction for dependable durability
• Programmable beam pattern
• Multiple buttons to switch on the flashlight
• Affordable
• The beam range is fantastic
• Great gifting idea for family members

Drawbacks:

• Not as bright as SureFire flashlight or other popular EDC flashlight brands

Best Self Defense Flashlight for Security - A Buying Guide

Looking to buy a tactical flashlight for self-defense but not quite sure what to look for? We got the right guide for you.

Size

Not all flashlights are ideal for self-defense due to their size. Some do not even come with strobe capabilities which means you can't use them for your protection in any capacity.

The first thing you need to make sure of is that the flashlight is compact so you can use it as a baton should the need arise. It should also be small enough so you can carry it around without it standing out.

NOTE: This does not mean you have to get flashlights that are too small. The makes using the flashlight as a baton almost impossible since there is no leverage on small flashlights. However, with the right size, you can surprise a lot of potential assailants by blinding them.

Brightness and Lumen Output

Apart from the size, how bright the flashlight is should be the main factor you consider. The good thing is that it does not have to be bright. The flashlight just needs to be blind enough to disorient anyone exposed to it.

Keeping that in mind, the minimum light output the ideal flashlight must have is 120 lumens. Any tactical flashlight with 120 lumens or higher would get the job done well.

TIP:- How high the power output is, determines how long any attacker or assailant is disoriented.

That said, you should also note that the brighter the flashlight, the more power it eats since it requires more energy. The implication is that you will run through batteries quickly if the flashlight is non-rechargeable.

Additional Features

Different features might come in handy in a self-defense flashlight. Most features present in a self-defense flashlight improve your defense against an attacker.

For instance, most tactical flashlights come with a strobe feature. The strobe function lets you release the full power of the flashlight to temporarily blindside an attacker with one button.

Some flashlights come with tough and durable cases that can come in handy. This is because these cases are often military-grade plastic or aluminum which makes them using the flashlight more effective as a baton.

Some flashlights come with sharp ridged edges on both front and back that can be useful while hitting an attacker. Some tactical flashlights also come with stun capabilities that let you stun an attacker.

The pricing of a tactical flashlight often depends on the type of additional features it comes with as well as its brightness level.

Ease of Use

Self-Defense flashlights for security are tools you can use to protect yourself in dire situations. This means it must be easy to use. You don't want a complicated flashlight that would be hard to operate without drawing the attention of the attacker.

The product description of a flashlight often gives information about how to operate the flashlight.

Durability

The type of material the flashlight is made of also determines how easy it will be to use. While the material used in making the flashlight does not affect its usability, it does influence its durability. How durable a flashlight is can be the difference between the flashlight breaking down on first use as a baton or being an effective baton.

The durability of a flashlight also includes whether it is waterproof or not. Not many tactical flashlights for security are waterproof. The only way to identify which flashlight is waterproof is by checking its product description. No IPX rating means you should avoid getting the flashlight wet if you intend to use it for long-term purposes.

Pricing and Budget

Lastly, you need to consider how much the flashlight costs. Several factors can influence how expensive a tactical flashlight is. A good way to get the best value for your money is to check out user feedback about the specific flashlight you want to buy.

In this post, we highlighted the important features you need to keep in mind about each flashlight reviewed.

Battery Type

There are only two types of batteries you can use in most flashlights - a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery.

Using a flashlight that requires non-rechargeable batteries can be costly in the long run depending on how often you use it. Rechargeable batteries offer significant advantages since you can always charge them when they run out of juice to power the flashlight.

So, you need to consider how frequently you might have to use the flashlight. Your answer should give you an idea of the right type of flashlight for you.

NOTE: Rechargeable flashlights often cost more than non-rechargeable ones. They are also brighter since the battery capacity is bigger.

Self Defense Flashlight FAQs

How Many Lumens Does Self-Defense Flashlight Need?

The ideal tactical flashlight should be compact while still managing to pack a punch. About 120 lumens is the least light output you want to have in your flashlight. This is the ideal brightness that can disorient a grown individual.

NOTE: There are a few tactical flashlights that come with a maximum power output of about 80-120 lumen. This is not to say they won't get the job done but the effective range is reduced.

Are Tactical Flashlights Legal?

Yes, they are. They are specially designed for security operatives but civilians can also use them to protect themselves.

NOTE: Flashlights that double as stun guns might be banned in some places.

How Effective Is a Flashlight for Self-Defense?

A tactical flashlight offers much more than a traditional flashlight. This is because tactical flashlights provide an effective tool for self-defense. They often come with a button that lets you automatically turn on a single powerful beam strong enough to optically disorient an invader or would-be attacker.

Such flashlights also have a compact design. This makes it possible to use the flashlight as a blunt force weapon.

Tactical flashlights also have a feature so they can be mounted on a gun and light up a target.

So are they effective? Absolutely. The fact that you can disorient a would-be attacker with this flashlight can make a world of difference in life and death situations.

Buy on Walmart

Smith & Wesson Self Defense Tactical Penlight with Aircraft Aluminum Construction with - Walmart Link

Nitecore P20 Tactical Strobe Ready 800 Lumens LED Flashlight, Black - Walmart Link

OLIGHT M23 Javelot 1020 Lumen LED Tactical Flashlight - Walmart Link

eagletac T25C2 XM-L2 XLamp LED Flashlight, Black - Walmart Link

SOG DE-06 Dark Energy 750A Tactical Flashlight, Rechargeable 18650 Battery, 6 Inches, LED - Walmart Link

TASER StrikeLight Rechargeable Self-Defense Flashlight - Walmart Link

SureFire E2D Defender Ultra Dual-Output Flashlight with Dual-output tailcap click switch, - Walmart Link

SureFire P1R Peacekeeper, Dual-Output Rechargeable LED Flashlight with anodized aluminum - Walmart Link

Pelican 7060 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight With Charger (Black) - Walmart Link

J5 Tactical V1-PRO Flashlight - The Original 300 Lumen Ultra Bright, LED Mini 3 Mode - Walmart Link

VIPERTEK VTS-195 - 59 Billion Heavy Duty Stun Gun - Rechargeable with LED Tactical - Walmart Link

Maglite Heavy-Duty Incandescent 6-Cell D Flashlight, Black - S6D016 - Walmart Link

PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 (18650 Battery and Charger Included) - - Walmart Link

POLICE Stun Gun 305 - 59 Billion Rechargeable With Tactical LED Flashlight, Black - Walmart Link

GearLight LED Flashlight Pack - 2 Bright, Zoomable Tactical Flashlights with High Lumens - Walmart Link

Fenix Flashlights FX-PD35TAC Flashlight, 1000 Lumen, Black, 5.5 in - Walmart Link

PowerTac M5 Tactical Flashlight, 1300 Lumens LED Flashlight, CREE XM-L2 U3 Flashlights - Walmart Link

Keenstone Rechargeable LED Flashlights 2 Pack, 1500 High Lumens, Zoomable, 5 Modes, - Walmart Link

Vont LED Tactical Flashlight, Ultra Bright LED Flashlight, Smart Compact Design, - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Smith & Wesson Self Defense Tactical Penlight with Aircraft Aluminum Construction with - eBay Link

Nitecore P20 Tactical Strobe Ready 800 Lumens LED Flashlight, Black - eBay Link

OLIGHT M23 Javelot 1020 Lumen LED Tactical Flashlight - eBay Link

eagletac T25C2 XM-L2 XLamp LED Flashlight, Black - eBay Link

SOG DE-06 Dark Energy 750A Tactical Flashlight, Rechargeable 18650 Battery, 6 Inches, LED - eBay Link

TASER StrikeLight Rechargeable Self-Defense Flashlight - eBay Link

SureFire E2D Defender Ultra Dual-Output Flashlight with Dual-output tailcap click switch, - eBay Link

SureFire P1R Peacekeeper, Dual-Output Rechargeable LED Flashlight with anodized aluminum - eBay Link

Pelican 7060 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight With Charger (Black) - eBay Link

J5 Tactical V1-PRO Flashlight - The Original 300 Lumen Ultra Bright, LED Mini 3 Mode - eBay Link

VIPERTEK VTS-195 - 59 Billion Heavy Duty Stun Gun - Rechargeable with LED Tactical - eBay Link

Maglite Heavy-Duty Incandescent 6-Cell D Flashlight, Black - S6D016 - eBay Link

PeakPlus Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight LFX1000 (18650 Battery and Charger Included) - - eBay Link

POLICE Stun Gun 305 - 59 Billion Rechargeable With Tactical LED Flashlight, Black - eBay Link

GearLight LED Flashlight Pack - 2 Bright, Zoomable Tactical Flashlights with High Lumens - eBay Link

Fenix Flashlights FX-PD35TAC Flashlight, 1000 Lumen, Black, 5.5 in - eBay Link

PowerTac M5 Tactical Flashlight, 1300 Lumens LED Flashlight, CREE XM-L2 U3 Flashlights - eBay Link

Keenstone Rechargeable LED Flashlights 2 Pack, 1500 High Lumens, Zoomable, 5 Modes, - eBay Link

Vont LED Tactical Flashlight, Ultra Bright LED Flashlight, Smart Compact Design, - eBay Link

Conclusion for Self Defense Flashlight Buyers

There is no denying that the world we live in is dangerous. There is a need to protect oneself either while working as a security operative or as a civilian. Fortunately, several gears can help you with that. One of them is the tactical self-defense flashlight that can blind and disorient attackers and would-be intruders for a couple of seconds.

For even more protection, some of the best flashlights for security come with stun features that can stop any potential attacker in his or her tracks. The best flashlight for security offers great bang for your buck and we have compiled a list to make the decision-making easy.