The Best Flashlights of 2020

Fenix flashlights are at the top of the lighting market due to their ultra-bright beams, durability, and longevity, but with so many flashlights to choose from, deciding on the perfect Fenix flashlight can be a difficult decision. Whether you’re searching for an everyday carry flashlight, the brightest flashlight possible, or a tactical flashlight, we have outlined the best Fenix flashlights of 2020.

What are the Best Flashlights of 2020?

The best Fenix flashlights of 2020 are the LD30, the LR40R, the E12 V2.0 and the PD36R in their respective categories. The powerful LD30 and the E12 V2.0 act as the best EDC flashlight while the LR40R is the brightest flashlight Fenix offers. The PD36R is arguably the best overall flashlight on the market. Fenix flashlights are a cut above the rest.The Best EDC Flashlight: Fenix LD30

The LD30 is an extremely compact flashlight that can blast 1600 lumens despite its small 4.3” everyday carry size. Its incredible lumen ability and throw of 673 feet (205 meters) proves it is the perfect everyday companion. Whether you drop your keys under the car seat, have a power outage at work, or just need a light while out walking the dog, once you use the LD30 you’ll never want another EDC flashlight again. With quick on/off activation, the Fenix LD30 can cycle through 7 different lighting modes via the side switch. This flashlight is also built with a battery level indicator and can last 70 hours on eco mode. You can always count on your EDC flashlight to be ready when you need it.

Other features of the LD30 include a two-position body clip so you can carry the light as you want and IP68 rated waterproof/dustproof. Its bright lumen output and tiny yet durable build easily makes the LD30 stand out from the other EDC flashlights on the market. The Fenix LD30 is undoubtedly the best EDC flashlight of 2020.

Main Features

Max Lumens – 1,600

Throw – 673 ft ( 205 m)

Runtime – 70 Hours on Eco Mode

Modes – 7

Size – 4.3”

Review of the LD30

“Very pleased! I LOVE this light. The smaller pocket-friendly size and huge light output are great, but the fact it’s never turned on in my pocket and is easy to turn on one-handed makes it my favorite. The double clip makes it nice to have the option for a hat clip. Build quality is top-notch and is what I expect from Fenix. 100% recommend.”

Nick P.

The Brightest Flashlight: Fenix LR40R

Fenix offers a wide range of super bright lights but none come close to the raw power of the LR40R. This rechargeable flashlight can throw an astounding 12,000 lumens 2,100 feet (640 meters). Quite small in size for the lumens it can emit, the LR40R stands 6.1” tall. This flashlight serves as the brightest Fenix flashlight of 2020 not only for its incredible lumen output but also because of its other user-friendly features.

The LR40R has 11 different lighting modes that you can cycle through. Whether you use floodlight or spotlight, you’ll be able to light up anything directly in front of you or surrounding you. With a 92 hour runtime on low mode, the LR40R doesn’t compromise power for usability. Equipped with a battery level indicator, you’ll always know the status of your light’s battery. And when it’s time to recharge, the LR40R can be charged via the USB Type-C port in as little as 3.3 hours. This astounding light can also act as a charging port for other devices using the discharge function.

Main Features

Max Lumens – 12,000

Throw – 2100 ft ( 640 m)

Runtime – 92 Hours on Low Mode

Modes – 11

Size – 6.1”

Review of the LR40R

“It has 4 spotlight options available and 5 floodlight options available. You can also have any spot option and any flood option at the same time. It has no weakness and is a great light for almost anything you may run into. It is not a lightweight but who cares, it is truly an amazing light.”

Mark K.

The Best EDC Flashlight: Fenix E12 V2.0

The E12 V2.0 is one of the best EDCs of 2020 for its size, versatile functionality, and beam distance. This high-power light was built with law enforcement and other tactical professionals in mind. Measuring only 3.06” long, the E12 V2.0 can easily be stored away or attached to your person using the body clip. The flashlight can throw a maximum of 160 lumens on High across a distance of 223 Ft (68 m). The tail switch gives you easy access to its three brightness levels making it extremely easy to use. IP68-rated the E12 V2.0 is also waterproof and dustproof. If you are looking for a AA-powered EDC flashlight, you can’t go wrong with this compact light.

Main Features

Max Lumens - 160

Throw - 223ft (68 m)

Runtime - 70 hr on Low

Modes - 3 brightness levels

Size - Length: 3.06” (76.6mm) Head: 0.75” (19mm) Body: 0.69” (17.6mm)

Review of the E12 V2.0

"I carry three things in my pockets at all times and have for years. A handkerchief, a Swiss Army knife and the E12 flashlight. Hardly a day goes by that I don't use it for something. I recently thought I'd lost it and immediately ought another . Found it and now I have a spare. Should have had one al along.

The E12 works well. It's tough, the battery lasts a very long time and I really like the three levels of brightness."

Robert S.

The Best All-Around Flashlight: Fenix PD36R

Fenix offers amazing flashlights but few compete with the all-around best Fenix flashlight of 2020 – the PD36R rechargeable flashlight. This high-performance flashlight has a number of amazing features that make it stand out from the rest. Throwing 1600 lumens 928 feet (283 meters), the PD36R is only 5.4” in length. The power to size ratio of this flashlight is unlike anything else on the market. Using a USB-C port, the PD36R’s included 21700 high-capacity 5000 mAh battery can be charged very quickly as well. Not only is it easier than ever to recharge your flashlight, but the 21700 battery ensures longer runtimes. In a pinch, you can charge it for only 10 minutes and have light for 5 hours. With a maximum runtime of 115 hours on eco mode, the PD36R is the best flashlight companion.

This all-around best flashlight also contains an external battery level indicator to see how much light you have left at a glance. With easy handling features, turn your light on via the tactical tail switch and cycle through 6 different lighting modes from the side switch. Equipped with a two-way body clip, carry the ultimate flashlight on your backpack or your belt. With its incredible lumen output, small size, and reliability, the PD36R is the best flashlight of 2020.

Main Features

Max Lumens – 1600

Throw – 928 ft ( 283 m)

Runtime – 115 Hours on Eco Mode

Modes – 6

Size – 5.4”

Review of the PD36R

“I absolutely love this flashlight. It’s small enough to carry in my pocket all day long without feeling bulky. The button feels tactile with a solid audible click. The flashlight body feels durable and the clip is very tight, so I know it won’t fall out. The low setting is bright enough to find my way around the house, while the turbo assists me at night when walking the dogs. I have had this flashlight for 3 weeks and use it nearly every day with short durations, and I still have not needed to charge it. I highly recommend this flashlight for everyday carry. You will not regret it!”

Francesco D.