Best EDC flashlight: seven picks by carry and battery
Our starting pick is the Streamlight MicroStream AAA for simple replaceable-battery carry. At 3.6 inches and 1.1 ounces it is the smallest light here, and Streamlight rates its one AAA alkaline cell for 45 lumens and 2.25 hours. For more light from AAA cells, the Stylus Pro is our penlight shortlist: 100 lumens for 8 hours on two AAA, at 5.3 inches and 1.64 ounces. Compare the ProTac 1L-1AA if battery flexibility matters more (350 lumens on one CR123A, 150 on one AA), or the Streamlight Wedge if a flat rechargeable format is the preference: 0.60 inch thick, 3.3 ounces, USB-C, 300 lumens constant, with a 35-second, 1,000-lumen burst on Streamlight's Wedge page. The Stiletto Pro PLR-B is a SureFire pocket option to compare carefully by exact model; SureFire rates it at 1,000 lumens for 1 hour.
Choose the ProTac 90X when the right-angle format has a clear purpose: Streamlight rates 1,000 lumens and 7,350 candela in a 4.39 inch body, and this 88094 package runs on two CR123A. Choose the G2X Pro for a low-first preference: 15 lumens first, then 600. If high-first handheld use is the priority, compare our tactical flashlight picks. There is no need to force a pocket-light decision into the same ranking.
The pick labels are our editorial recommendations. Check price and availability on OpticsPlanet.
How we reviewed: we compared manufacturer documents, OpticsPlanet product descriptions and individual reviewer comments. Recommendations reflect documented features and our priorities; they do not represent measured editorial scores. Comments retain their dates and product context. See our methodology.
EDC flashlights compared
| Our pick | Product and configuration | Max output | Peak beam | Runtime | Battery | Size, weight | Controls | Price reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best simple AAA carry | Streamlight MicroStream AAA OpticsPlanet model: 66318 | 45 lm (Streamlight) | 420 cd, 41 m | 2.25 h | 1 x AAA alkaline | 3.6 in, 1.1 oz | Tail push button | around $35 |
| Best AA or CR123A choice | Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA Flashlight OpticsPlanet model: 88061; black | 350 lm CR123A, 150 lm AA (Streamlight) | 6,400 cd, 160 m (CR123A) | 1.5 h high (CR123A) | 1 x CR123A or 1 x AA | 4.25 in, 2.5 oz (CR123A) | Tail TEN-TAP, high first by default | around $60 |
| Best flat USB-C carry | Streamlight Wedge Flashlight OpticsPlanet model: 88811; coyote | 300 lm constant; 1,000 lm THRO burst (Streamlight Wedge page; the 88811 model name says 300 lm) | 1,200 cd, 69 m constant; 3,000 cd, 110 m THRO | 3 h constant; 35 s THRO bursts | Built-in 1500 mAh, USB-C | 5.46 x 0.60 x 1 in, 3.3 oz | Rotating thumb switch | around $100 |
| Best two-AAA penlight | Streamlight Stylus Pro Penlight OpticsPlanet model: 66118; black | 100 lm (Streamlight) | 950 cd, 62 m | 8 h | 2 x AAA alkaline | 5.3 in, 1.64 oz | Tail push button | around $35 |
| Best Stiletto pocket option | SureFire Stiletto Pro PLR-B OpticsPlanet model: PLR-B; black | 1,000 lm high (SureFire) | 5,100 cd, 142 m | 1 h high, 23.5 h low | Built-in lithium polymer; USB-C (SureFire) or Micro-USB (OpticsPlanet) | 4.5 in, 4 oz | Primary switch plus tactical tail switch | around $240 |
| Best right-angle carry option | Streamlight ProTac 90X Light OpticsPlanet model: 88094; black; CR123A package | 1,000 lm (Streamlight) | 7,350 cd, 171 m | 2.5 h high (CR123A) | 2 x CR123A in 88094; also takes SL-B26 | 4.39 in, 4.4 oz (CR123A) | Head push button, TEN-TAP | around $80 |
| Best low-first G2X option | SureFire G2X Pro Flashlight OpticsPlanet model: G2X-D-FG; forest green | 600 lm (SureFire) | 8,700 cd, 187 m | 1.5 h high, 52 h low | 2 x 123A, included | 5.2 in, 4.4 oz | Tail click, low first | around $100 |
Output, beam, runtime, size and weight are each maker's own ratings, on the battery named in the cell. The TEN-TAP default and the 90X battery package come from the OpticsPlanet listings.
Best simple AAA carry: Streamlight MicroStream AAA
OpticsPlanet model: 66318
around $35exact price on OpticsPlanet
Streamlight rates the standard AAA MicroStream at 45 lumens, 420 candela and 41 meters, for 2.25 hours on one AAA alkaline cell. Our starting choice is for a small everyday light when a replaceable battery is the priority: at 3.6 inches and 1.1 ounces it is the shortest and lightest light on this page. Choose a different pick, such as the Wedge, if recharging inside the light is your requirement.
Pros
- Streamlight specifies one alkaline AAA for the standard MicroStream.
- Streamlight lists a pocket or hat clip for the AAA MicroStream.
- Streamlight lists 3.6 inches and 1.1 ounces.
Cons
- We would look elsewhere for a higher-output main work light: Streamlight rates the Stylus Pro at 100 lumens and the Wedge at 300 lumens constant.
- Streamlight rates it IPX4, below the IPX7 of the Wedge, Stiletto Pro, G2X Pro and both ProTac lights.
Best for: simple aaa carry
Key specifications
| Output | 45 lm (Streamlight) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 420 cd, 41 m (Streamlight) |
| Runtime | 2.25 h, rated to 10% of initial lumen output (Streamlight) |
| Battery | One AAA alkaline, included (Streamlight) |
| Length and weight | 3.6 in, 1.1 oz (Streamlight) |
| Switch | Tail push button, momentary or constant (Streamlight) |
| Water rating | IPX4 (Streamlight) |
“I use it when I’m getting hunting gear rounded up early in the AM, use it for work during dark hours, and use it when I’m working on vehicles.”
Huntnmo, an OpticsPlanet reviewer, January 8, 2021
Best AA or CR123A choice: Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA Flashlight
OpticsPlanet model: 88061; black
around $60exact price on OpticsPlanet
Streamlight lists the ProTac 1L-1AA for one CR123A or one AA battery, and the battery changes the light: 350 lumens, 6,400 candela and 160 meters on CR123A against 150 lumens, 2,750 candela and 105 meters on AA. Our recommendation is to start here when an AA fallback matters more than a flat pocket profile. It is 4.25 inches long and 2.5 ounces with a CR123A. We would still check how the clip sits in the pocket we use; battery flexibility does not settle carry comfort.
Pros
- Streamlight rates ProTac 1L-1AA high output with CR123A at 350 lumens.
- Streamlight rates ProTac 1L-1AA high output with AA at 150 lumens.
Cons
- We would not judge both battery choices from the higher output alone. On AA the high setting drops to 150 lumens; Streamlight rates it for 1 hour 20 minutes on an alkaline cell and 4.25 hours on an AA lithium, against 1.5 hours at 350 lumens on CR123A.
Best for: aa or cr123a choice
Key specifications
| Output | 350 lm (CR123A) or 150 lm (AA) high, 40 lm low (Streamlight) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 6,400 cd, 160 m on CR123A; 2,750 cd, 105 m on AA (Streamlight) |
| High runtime | 1.5 h on CR123A (Streamlight) |
| Battery | One CR123A or one AA (Streamlight) |
| Length and weight | 4.25 in; 2.5 oz with CR123A, 2.8 oz with AA alkaline (Streamlight) |
| Switch | Tail push button, TEN-TAP: High-Strobe-Low by default, High Only, or Low-High (OpticsPlanet) |
| Water rating | IPX7, 1 m for 30 min (Streamlight) |
“However, I wouldn't recommend this for an everyday carry. It is a little too big, and the clip is too lose to stay in your pocket.”
Liam D, an OpticsPlanet reviewer, October 5, 2025
Best flat USB-C carry: Streamlight Wedge Flashlight
OpticsPlanet model: 88811; coyote
around $100exact price on OpticsPlanet
Streamlight lists Wedge output as 300 lumens constant and 1,000 lumens in a 35-second THRO burst. Our choice is for someone who wants the Wedge's flat carry format and USB-C charging. The constant setting gives 1,200 candela and 69 meters for 3 hours; THRO raises that to 3,000 candela and 110 meters for the length of the burst. The body is 0.60 inch thick and the integrated 1500 mAh battery recharges in 3 hours through a USB-C port in the tail.
Pros
- Streamlight lists USB-C charging and a rotating thumb switch for the Wedge.
- Streamlight lists Wedge weight as 3.3 ounces.
Cons
- The timed burst would not meet our requirement for continuous peak brightness. Decide whether the constant setting meets the task before buying for the boost.
Best for: flat usb-c carry
Key specifications
| Output | 300 lm constant (Streamlight; also the 88811 model name), 1,000 lm THRO burst (Streamlight Wedge page) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 1,200 cd, 69 m constant; 3,000 cd, 110 m THRO (Streamlight) |
| Runtime | 3 h constant; THRO allows 35-second bursts (Streamlight) |
| Battery | Integrated 1500 mAh lithium polymer, 3 h recharge (Streamlight) |
| Charging port | USB-C in the tail (Streamlight) |
| Size and weight | 5.46 x 0.60 x 1 in, 3.3 oz (Streamlight) |
| Switch | Rotating thumb switch (Streamlight) |
| Water rating | IPX7 (Streamlight) |
“Love how comfortable it is in my front or back pocket.”
JW300, an OpticsPlanet reviewer, February 2, 2022
Best two-AAA penlight: Streamlight Stylus Pro Penlight
OpticsPlanet model: 66118; black
around $35exact price on OpticsPlanet
Streamlight lists the Stylus Pro with two alkaline AAA batteries and a tail switch. Our pick is for someone who prefers a penlight form and wants more than the MicroStream gives: Streamlight's current page rates 100 lumens, 950 candela and 62 meters for 8 hours, while OpticsPlanet's 66118 model name says 90 lumens; either figure is at least twice the MicroStream's 45 lumens, and the runtime is over three times its 2.25 hours. The cost is a second AAA, 5.3 inches of length against 3.6, and 1.64 ounces against 1.1.
Pros
- Streamlight's current Stylus Pro page rates white output at 100 lumens.
- Streamlight lists Stylus Pro length as 5.3 inches.
- Streamlight includes two AAA alkaline batteries and a nylon holster.
Cons
- We would compare the control access as carefully as the dimensions. A penlight preference does not answer whether the tail switch suits glove use.
Best for: two-aaa penlight
Key specifications
| Output | 100 lm (Streamlight) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 950 cd, 62 m (Streamlight) |
| Runtime | 8 h (Streamlight) |
| Battery | Two AAA alkaline, included (Streamlight) |
| Length and weight | 5.3 in, 1.64 oz (Streamlight) |
| Switch | Tail push button, momentary or constant (Streamlight) |
| Water rating | IPX4 (Streamlight) |
“I carry this light daily it performs great and is an important tool for me to have.”
CB8809, an OpticsPlanet reviewer, November 1, 2025
Best Stiletto pocket option: SureFire Stiletto Pro PLR-B
OpticsPlanet model: PLR-B; black
around $240exact price on OpticsPlanet
SureFire's Stiletto Pro sheet for PLR-B describes a rechargeable pocket light with a primary switch and a tactical tail switch. Our recommendation is to compare this when a SureFire pocket format and a high top output are the priority: SureFire rates 1,000 lumens for 1 hour on high, with 5,100 candela and 142 meters, in a 4.5 inch, 4 ounce body. We would not borrow a specification from another Stiletto model.
Pros
- SureFire's PLR-B sheet rates the Stiletto Pro at 1,000 lumens on high, 300 on medium and 25 on low.
- SureFire's PLR-B sheet describes a reversible pocket clip for bezel-up or bezel-down carry.
Cons
- The OpticsPlanet listing names a Micro-USB charger type, while SureFire's PLR-B sheet lists USB-C with an included USB-A to USB-C cable. We would confirm the cable in the box if the connector matters.
Best for: stiletto pocket option
Key specifications
| Output | 1,000 lm high, 300 medium, 25 low (SureFire) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 5,100 cd, 142 m (SureFire) |
| Runtime | 1 h high, 1.5 h medium, 23.5 h low (SureFire) |
| Battery | Integrated lithium polymer (SureFire) |
| Charging port | USB-C (SureFire PLR-B sheet); Micro-USB (OpticsPlanet listing) |
| Length and weight | 4.5 in, 4 oz (SureFire) |
| Switch | Primary switch, tactical tail switch, programming (SureFire) |
| Water rating | IPX7, 1 m for 30 min (SureFire) |
Best right-angle carry option: Streamlight ProTac 90X Light
OpticsPlanet model: 88094; black; CR123A package
around $80exact price on OpticsPlanet
The OpticsPlanet listing describes the ProTac 90X as a right-angle light with a removable pocket clip. Our pick is for someone who wants the beam orientation and clip position to suit a particular task; Streamlight says the clip attaches to MOLLE, turnout gear and harnesses. It matches the Stiletto Pro's 1,000 lumens with more reach (7,350 candela and 171 meters) and runs 2.5 hours on high with CR123A, in a 4.39 inch body. The head-mounted push button is one Streamlight describes as easy to use with gloved hands.
Pros
- Streamlight lists ProTac 90X power as an SL-B26 pack or two CR123A batteries.
- The OpticsPlanet model description identifies this ProTac 90X package as 88094 with CR123A batteries.
Cons
- We would choose a straight light if the angled format has no clear use. Confirm the exact battery package when comparing the USB version.
Best for: right-angle carry option
Key specifications
| Output | 1,000 lm high, 300 medium, 65 low (Streamlight) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 7,350 cd, 171 m on high (Streamlight) |
| Runtime with CR123A | 2.5 h high, 4 h medium, 21 h low (Streamlight) |
| Battery | Two CR123A in this 88094 package (OpticsPlanet); also takes an SL-B26 pack (Streamlight) |
| Length and weight | 4.39 in; 4.4 oz with CR123A (Streamlight) |
| Switch | Head push button, TEN-TAP: three programs (Streamlight) |
| Water rating | IPX7, 1 m for 30 min (Streamlight) |
Best low-first G2X option: SureFire G2X Pro Flashlight
OpticsPlanet model: G2X-D-FG; forest green
around $100exact price on OpticsPlanet
SureFire describes the G2X Pro as low-first. Our choice is for someone who prefers a lower setting at the start of everyday tasks: 15 lumens first, then 600 lumens with 8,700 candela and 187 meters. At 5.2 inches and 4.4 ounces with its two included 123A batteries, it carries the same figures SureFire gives the high-first G2X LE, so the opening mode is the whole decision between them.
Pros
- SureFire's current G2X Pro ratings are 15 lumens on low and 600 lumens on high.
- SureFire lists two included 123A lithium batteries for the G2X Pro.
Cons
- We would prefer a high-first option when that opening setting is the main requirement. A low-first preference should be deliberate.
Best for: low-first g2x option
Key specifications
| Output | 15 lm low, 600 lm high (SureFire) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 8,700 cd, 187 m (SureFire) |
| Runtime | 52 h low, 1.5 h high (SureFire) |
| Battery | Two 123A lithium, included (SureFire) |
| Length and weight | 5.2 in, 4.4 oz with batteries (SureFire) |
| Switch | Tail click, low first (SureFire) |
| Water rating | IPX7 (SureFire) |
Carry size: length, thickness and weight
By the makers' figures, the MicroStream is the shortest and lightest pick at 3.6 inches and 1.1 ounces, followed by the Stylus Pro at 1.64 ounces (though 5.3 inches long) and the ProTac 1L-1AA at 4.25 inches and 2.5 ounces with a CR123A. The Wedge is longer at 5.46 inches but only 0.60 inch thick, at 3.3 ounces. The Stiletto Pro is 4.5 inches and 4 ounces; the ProTac 90X is 4.39 inches and 4.4 ounces with CR123A, with a clip Streamlight says attaches to MOLLE, turnout gear and harnesses; the G2X Pro is 5.2 inches and 4.4 ounces.
If a head-mounted format serves the task better, compare our headlamp picks.
Read steady output separately from a burst
Streamlight lists Wedge output as 300 lumens constant and 1,000 lumens in a 35-second THRO burst.
Streamlight's AAA MicroStream sheet rates runtime at 2.25 hours to 10% of initial lumen output.
The Wedge's constant setting is the one rated for 3 hours. OpticsPlanet's model name for the coyote 88811 says 300 lumens and does not mention THRO; the burst comes from Streamlight's Wedge page, which lists coyote among its colors. We could not confirm from the 88811 listing itself that this package has the THRO mode, so buy it for the 300-lumen constant setting. The Stiletto Pro shows the same pattern in a multi-mode light: SureFire rates 1,000 lumens for 1 hour, 300 for 1.5 hours and 25 for 23.5 hours. Match the ordinary output to the ordinary task; a timed boost and a runtime endpoint answer different buying questions.
Keep similar names separate: G2X Pro against G2X LE
SureFire describes the G2X Pro as low-first.
SureFire describes the G2X LE as high-first.
SureFire gives both 600 and 15 lumens, 8,700 candela, 187 meters and 4.4 ounces with batteries, so the opening mode is the reason to choose one over the other for daily carry.
FAQ
What is the best EDC flashlight here?
Our starting choice is the standard AAA MicroStream: Streamlight rates 45 lumens for 2.25 hours on one AAA, in 3.6 inches and 1.1 ounces. Choose the Stylus Pro for 100 lumens from two AAA on Streamlight's current page, the Wedge for a flat USB-C light with 300 lumens constant, or the ProTac 1L-1AA when you want one light that runs on either a CR123A or an AA.
Is this the rechargeable MicroStream?
Streamlight specifies one alkaline AAA for the standard MicroStream. This recommendation concerns that standard AAA model. If charging inside the light is a requirement, the Wedge and the Stiletto Pro PLR-B are the picks here with built-in batteries; keep the exact MicroStream model name visible when comparing specifications.
Does the Wedge provide its highest output continuously?
Streamlight lists Wedge output as 300 lumens constant and 1,000 lumens in a 35-second THRO burst. The constant setting is rated for 3 hours at 1,200 candela and 69 meters; THRO is a short boost to 3,000 candela and 110 meters. Choose it if 300 lumens suits the ordinary job.
Should I choose a penlight or a flat flashlight?
The Stylus Pro is a 5.3 inch penlight that runs 100 lumens for 8 hours on two AAA and weighs 1.64 ounces. The Wedge is 5.46 by 0.60 by 1 inch, weighs 3.3 ounces, recharges over USB-C and gives 300 lumens constant. Choose the penlight for replaceable cells and low weight, the Wedge for more output and charging.
Is the G2X Pro or G2X LE a better EDC choice?
SureFire describes the G2X Pro as low-first and the G2X LE as high-first. SureFire rates both at 600 and 15 lumens, 8,700 candela and 4.4 ounces with batteries, so choose the Pro when a 15-lumen first setting suits everyday tasks and the LE when bright-first operation matters.