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What to Know Before You Buy an Emergency Flashlight

New options ensure you won’t be left in the dark

Chris Morris,

AARP

Published August 17, 2026

a photo shows a flashlight atop a fuchsia surface

Andrey Sayfutdinov / Shutterstock

Today, finding a flashlight can be as easy as tapping a button on your smartphone. But when the power goes out and there’s no telling how long it might be before it comes back, the last thing you want to drain is your phone’s battery.

Not too long ago, your only other real option was a handheld flashlight that put out an often fading beam and chewed through C or D batteries. Thankfully, your choices today can bring peace of mind — and a lot more light. What to look for in an emergency flashlight:

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Make it easy

Brightness shouldn’t be the only thing to look for when buying a flashlight these days. “I’d focus less on maximum brightness and more on ease of use and reliability,” says Brian Shaunfield, a store manager at a Lowe’s in Charlotte, North Carolina. “The best options are ones with large, obvious buttons or knobs, comfortable grip, simple controls. A simple rule of thumb is: Pick a light that you can use while half asleep, in the dark, without reading instructions.”

But brightness does matter

Older flashlights used incandescent bulbs, which would occasionally need to be replaced and had a fairly low (up to about 150) lumen count, or measure of brightness. But bulb technology has advanced. LEDs can provide anywhere from the 150 to 500 lumens you need for everyday tasks to over 1,000 lumens for outdoor use. To put it in perspective: 1,600 lumens is about the brightness of a 100-watt incandescent lightbulb. Just be aware that the brighter the light, the more it will drain the battery.

Get a charge

Disposable batteries can drain quickly and sometimes die before you need that flashlight. Today’s built-in, rechargeable batteries last longer (just be sure to keep the device charged) and are more environmentally friendly, creating less hazardous waste. Charge times vary, but a rechargeable LED flashlight can last anywhere from four to 27 hours, depending on the product and brightness.

Harness hand or sun power

A hand-crank flashlight can be used for as long as you like. A few minutes of cranking will give you roughly 30 minutes of light. There are also solar-powered options, which can store up to as many hours of light as other flashlights.

Use water

There are other ways to power some emergency flashlights. The most unusual of these is with a cup of water. By soaking the device in water, you can keep the light shining for up to 72 hours. This is a one-time use emergency backup flashlight, rather than one you’d use multiple times.

Get a grip

Older flashlights were often made of smooth plastic. Today it’s easy to find one with a rubber grip, or a metal one with texture, for a better hold.

Consider new functions

Many of today’s flashlights do a lot more than just shine a beam. They’re multifunctional devices that can include emergency whistles, car jump-starters or handheld fans. But “I wouldn’t make a combo device your only flashlight,” says Shaunfield. “In an emergency, the best primary light is still one that’s simple, easy to grab, easy to charge and dependable.”

Go hands-free

There are several wearable lights that can help in emergencies. Head-mounted models can free your hands while still offering plenty of lumens. Wrist mounted or flashlights incorporated into gloves can help you focus the light precisely where you need it. And some flashlights incorporate voice controls that let you power them on or off, change modes or adjust brightness from across the room.

Is the best flashlight not a flashlight?

Battery-operated and solar lanterns have become a common part of emergency prep kits, especially in areas that are in possible paths of major storms. Lanterns can light up a whole room while sitting on a flat surface, freeing up your hands for other tasks. They also usually have dimming capabilities, which can extend their battery life.

Chris Morris is a regular contributor to AARP publications and also writes about consumer technology for Inc., Fast Company, MoneyWise and other news organizations.

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