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10 Best Pen Flashlights 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

OLIGHT Arkfeld Ultra 1400 Lumens EDC Flat Flashlight, Rechargeable Compact Pocket Flash Light Combines White LED, UV and Green Beam, Triple Sources Perfect for Checking, Working (Olive-Green)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,265
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Beam Distance

Most important from
1190 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivering up to 1400 lumens, the light output is bright, consistent, and perfect for a wide range of tasks.
Battery Type
The magnetic charging system is remarkably convenient and fast, eliminating the need for extra cables.
Beam Distance
A wide-angle UV light is included for close-up inspection tasks, though it doesn't project far distances.
Durability
The flashlight's solid aluminum body feels incredibly durable and built to withstand tough conditions.
Size and Weight
Its slim, rectangular profile and sturdy clip make it extremely pocketable and easy to carry every day.
Switch Type
Adjustable light levels and a unique selector switch make switching between modes seamless and user-friendly.

The OLIGHT Arkfeld Ultra is a compact and versatile pen-flashlight designed for everyday carry and outdoor use. It delivers a strong 1400 lumens of white light, which is bright enough for most tasks like working, camping, or emergency needs. In addition to the white beam, it offers a UV light and a green beam, expanding its usefulness for checking items, detecting stains, or special signaling.

The flashlight uses a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, which is convenient and eco-friendly, and it includes a magnetic charging cable for easy recharging. Its size is slim and lightweight (just over 4 ounces), making it comfortable to carry in a pocket without feeling bulky. Made from O-aluminum, the Arkfeld Ultra feels sturdy and durable, with a high-quality glass lens that resists scratches and maintains clear light output over time. The matte olive-green finish gives it a sleek, modern look, and it is also waterproof, which helps in various weather conditions.

While it has multiple beams, the green and UV lights are relatively low power (green ≤5mW), so they are best suited for specific tasks rather than illumination. Also, the compact size means its battery life might be shorter under high brightness use compared to bigger flashlights. This pen-flashlight is ideal for those looking for a reliable, multi-purpose light that can handle daily tasks, outdoor adventures, and specialized needs without taking up much space.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,265
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Beam Distance

Most important from
1190 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
Delivering up to 1400 lumens, the light output is bright, consistent, and perfect for a wide range of tasks.
Battery Type
The magnetic charging system is remarkably convenient and fast, eliminating the need for extra cables.
Beam Distance
A wide-angle UV light is included for close-up inspection tasks, though it doesn't project far distances.
Durability
The flashlight's solid aluminum body feels incredibly durable and built to withstand tough conditions.
Size and Weight
Its slim, rectangular profile and sturdy clip make it extremely pocketable and easy to carry every day.
Switch Type
Adjustable light levels and a unique selector switch make switching between modes seamless and user-friendly.
#2

Streamlight 66134 Stylus Pro USB 350-Lumen Rechargeable White LED Pen Light for Inspectors, Law Enforcement, and Everyday Use with USB Cable, and Nylon Holster, Black

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Durability
Battery Type

Most important from
29461 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
This pen light delivers impressive brightness and reliability in a slim, lightweight design that fits comfortably in any pocket or clip.
Durability
Its durability is outstanding, surviving drops and even being run over by a truck without losing functionality.
Battery Type
The rechargeable battery lasts longer than expected, providing hours of dependable light on a single charge.
Size and Weight
The compact size and rugged aluminum body make it an essential everyday carry tool for professionals and casual users alike.

The Streamlight 66134 Stylus Pro USB is a slim, lightweight pen flashlight designed for professionals like medical staff, law enforcement, and technicians who need a reliable light for close-up or low-light work. It delivers a bright 350 lumens output with a beam reaching about 109 meters, which is impressive for its compact size and ideal for inspecting small or confined spaces. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers up to 1.5 hours on high brightness and charges quickly via USB in roughly 2.5 hours, removing the need for disposable batteries.

Durability is a strong point here—the aluminum body is water-resistant (IPX4) and can withstand drops from up to 1 meter, making it tough enough for everyday professional use. The light’s ultra-slim design and light weight (just 1.76 ounces) make it easy to carry in pockets or clips. The sliding metal sleeve protects the USB charging port, adding to its ruggedness.

This pen light is a solid choice if you want a dependable, bright, and rechargeable flashlight that's durable and portable for professional or everyday low-light tasks. It may not be the best fit for those needing long-lasting battery life or a very long beam, but for most inspector or medical uses, it covers the essentials well.

Rating
9.4
Brightness (Lumens)
Durability
Battery Type

Most important from
29461 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
This pen light delivers impressive brightness and reliability in a slim, lightweight design that fits comfortably in any pocket or clip.
Durability
Its durability is outstanding, surviving drops and even being run over by a truck without losing functionality.
Battery Type
The rechargeable battery lasts longer than expected, providing hours of dependable light on a single charge.
Size and Weight
The compact size and rugged aluminum body make it an essential everyday carry tool for professionals and casual users alike.
#3

OLIGHT Arkfeld Pro Rechargeable EDC Flat Flashlight with Green Beam, UV and White LED Combo, 1300 Lumens Portable Pocket Lights, Triple Sources for Emergency Working (Stars & Stripes Edition CW)

Rating
9.1
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Durability

Most important from
3992 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
This flashlight delivers exceptional brightness well beyond its size, rivaling even larger lights with impressive intensity.
Battery Type
Battery life is outstanding, lasting months on a single charge even with frequent use at medium brightness.
Durability
Its all-metal construction ensures remarkable durability, standing up to tough work conditions and occasional splashes without issue.
Size and Weight
Compact and lightweight enough for everyday carry, it fits comfortably in a pocket and is barely noticeable throughout the day.

The OLIGHT Arkfeld Pro stands out in the pen-flashlight category thanks to its impressive 1300 lumens brightness, which is quite strong for its small, portable size. Its triple light sources — white LED, green beam, and a high-intensity UV light — add versatility, making it useful not only for everyday tasks but also for emergency work and specialized uses like UV inspection. The green beam is low power (<5mW), suitable for close-up viewing without causing eye strain.

It uses a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, which is convenient and environmentally friendly compared to disposable options. The battery level indicator is a helpful feature, so you won’t be caught off guard by a dead battery. With dimensions just under 5 inches long and weighing about 6 ounces, it’s slim and light enough for easy pocket carry, fitting well in the EDC (Everyday Carry) category. The durable aluminum body hints at good resistance to bumps and water, enhancing reliability in various conditions.

Switching between modes is done via a circular selector, which should be straightforward for most users, though some might prefer a simpler on/off button. This flashlight is ideal for anyone needing a compact yet powerful light with multiple functions, especially if UV or colored light options are valued. However, if you only need a simple white light pen-flashlight, the extra features might be more than necessary.

Rating
9.1
Brightness (Lumens)
Battery Type
Durability

Most important from
3992 reviews

Brightness (Lumens)
This flashlight delivers exceptional brightness well beyond its size, rivaling even larger lights with impressive intensity.
Battery Type
Battery life is outstanding, lasting months on a single charge even with frequent use at medium brightness.
Durability
Its all-metal construction ensures remarkable durability, standing up to tough work conditions and occasional splashes without issue.
Size and Weight
Compact and lightweight enough for everyday carry, it fits comfortably in a pocket and is barely noticeable throughout the day.

Buying Guide for the Best Pen Flashlights

Pen flashlights are compact, portable lighting tools that are designed to be carried easily in a pocket or clipped to clothing. They are ideal for a variety of tasks, from professional use in medical and mechanical fields to everyday carry for general use. When choosing a pen flashlight, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best fit for your needs.
Brightness (Lumens)Brightness, measured in lumens, indicates how much light the flashlight emits. This is important because it determines how well you can see in different lighting conditions. Pen flashlights typically range from 10 to 200 lumens. For general use, 10-50 lumens is usually sufficient. For more demanding tasks, such as inspections or outdoor activities, you might want a flashlight with 100 lumens or more. Consider your primary use to decide the appropriate brightness level.
Battery TypeThe type of battery a pen flashlight uses affects its runtime, convenience, and cost. Common battery types include AAA, AA, and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. AAA and AA batteries are widely available and easy to replace, making them convenient for general use. Rechargeable batteries are more cost-effective in the long run and environmentally friendly, but they require access to a charging source. Choose a battery type based on your preference for convenience and environmental impact.
Beam DistanceBeam distance refers to how far the light can reach, which is crucial for tasks that require seeing objects at a distance. Pen flashlights typically have a beam distance ranging from 20 to 100 meters. For close-up tasks, such as reading or inspecting small areas, a shorter beam distance is sufficient. For outdoor use or situations where you need to see further away, opt for a flashlight with a longer beam distance.
DurabilityDurability is determined by the materials and construction of the flashlight. This is important if you need a reliable tool that can withstand rough handling or harsh environments. Look for flashlights made from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, which offers a good balance of strength and weight. Additionally, consider water and impact resistance ratings. For professional or outdoor use, higher durability is essential, while for casual use, standard durability may suffice.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a pen flashlight affect its portability and ease of use. Pen flashlights are designed to be compact and lightweight, but there can still be variations. Smaller, lighter models are easier to carry and handle, making them ideal for everyday carry or use in tight spaces. Larger models may offer more features or longer battery life but can be less convenient to carry. Consider how and where you will carry the flashlight to choose the right size and weight for your needs.
Switch TypeThe switch type determines how you turn the flashlight on and off, which can impact ease of use and reliability. Common switch types include tail switches, side switches, and twist switches. Tail switches are often preferred for their ease of use with one hand, especially in tactical situations. Side switches can be more convenient for everyday use, while twist switches offer simplicity and reliability. Choose a switch type based on your preference for ease of use and the specific tasks you will be performing.

FAQ