Technology has come a long way from crank-powered low-light flashlights. Between long-lasting lithium-ion batteries and easy charging, solar flashlights make it easy to have the right amount of light you need when you need it. From keychain low-lumen flashlights to giant torches for illuminating the woods, solar-charged flashlights merge eco-friendliness and low-light preparedness into one, eliminating the need to carry around bulky nine-volt batteries or constantly worry about the lifespan of the light.
Which flashlight is right for you? That will depend on your needs and budget: inexpensive, thumb-sized solar-powered flashlights make an excellent addition to any keyring for day-to-day use, while tens of thousands of lumens torches are more pricey but will light up even the darkest of campsites or basements when the need arises! These flashlights all have their time and place, so read on to parse out which solar flashlight is perfect for you.
In case of emergency
FosPower Emergency Solar – $32
Packed with features you’ll need during natural or artificial disasters, FosPower’s hand-crank and solar-powered flashlight can not only light up a flooded basement or nighttime backyard but also can play emergency broadcasts via its AM/FM radio! The flashlight can be powered by a hand-crank, AAA batteries, or via the solar panel conveniently located on top of the unit, and with a 2000 mAh battery can charge any smart device right from its water-resistance USB port. This flashlight is perfect for your emergency kit and easily fits in your bug-out bag.
Survival & Versatility
NPet T09 – $23
Shining bright with 268 lumens, the T09 can be charged via its built-in solar panels or USB port and is extremely handy in many situations. A magnetic head makes maintenance easy, allowing precise placement against any metal surface, and has a window-breaking safety hammer and seat belt-cutter built into the frame. Covering the USB port on the bottom is a compass, rounding out this flashlight as an incredibly versatile purchase.
Wide, bright lighting
Suaoki Collapsible Clover Style Camping Light – $30
With 18 LEDs and an easy-to-use design, this hangable lantern can take your camping, fishing, and emergencies from the dark of night to day, all for an affordable price. Suaoki’s clover light can be folded or expanded as needed and includes a smart chip to avoid overcharging or discharge. Three light modes (high, low, and SOS) make this folding lantern the perfect camping companion.
Pocket-sized illumination
Goal Zero Torch 500 – $50
Affordable and impressively bright, the Torch 500 comes from one of the most trusted solar and emergency preparedness brands. A step up from the previous Torch 250 model, the 500 is designed for easy, widespread use and boasts an incredible 500 waterproof lumens, with two modes for spotlight and floodlight use. The Torch 500 can be charged via its built-in solar panels or a USB port that can also charge your devices from its 5200 mAh battery.
Brightest Handheld
Mixilin Rechargeable 9000 – $40
Featuring six light modes and a sunlight-competitive 9000 lumens, this IPX5 waterproof torch has four colors to light up your surroundings comfortably for everyone’s eyes. Its 9600 mAh battery can last plenty long enough in both the spotlight and side-light modes. This great spotlight is perfect for long-distance viewing, with the ability to illuminate objects more than a thousand feet away!