A spotlight is a lamp projecting an intense and narrow beam of light on an area. The beam of light is no wider than 45°. The beam is easy to control and point. They are a useful tool to carry thus most mobile phones have inbuilt LED lights. They come in handy to light up dark areas while walking down a dark alley or looking into the dark corners of a cupboard.
What if you need to see beyond the reach of this everyday carry (EDC) light? The beam reach and intensity on your EDC lights are limited. Then you need these handheld spotlights that help you see deeper and further into the darkness. These lights help you see what is going on across the field or investigate the movement on the roof of a multi-storeyed structure. These lights light up areas at a greater distance with their concentrated beam better than your EDC lights.
Best handheld Spotlights
Are of great help while boating, camping, hunting, trekking in the dark, etc. They can help you navigate using a navigation aid or find a landmark in the dark. They can help you spot things in the clear water, on the shallow bottom of a water body or floating near you. These spotlights can also be used as safety aids that can be used to signal other boats or people about hazards or ask for help.They are useful for scientists, excavators, cops, help and rescue operations, etc.
The added advantage is the recent advancement in battery and lighting technology. The batteries have become lighter and smarter due to the Lithium-ion batteries. While the lights have become smaller and last longer due to the Light Emitting Diodes (LED).
Best Handheld Spotlights in 2023
BEST OVERALL
1. Stanley FatMax SL10LEDS
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FatMax is a new brand by Stanley Black and Decker. These products are in the mid-price range or trade entry level and meant for beginners. These are battery-driven products that come with batteries in the kit.
Design and Build
The Stanley FatMax SL10LEDS is a 10-Watt ultra-bright LED spotlight. It can illuminate up to 920 lumens and run up to 7 hours on low setting in a single charge. The battery charges up in two hours and holds the charge for up to 12 months.It comes with a two-way 1 ampere USB port that can charge your personal devices.
It has a heavy-duty rubber bezel that protects the reflector, lens, bulb and other delicate electronics inside the tough casing.It comes with the Constant Light Output (CLO) technology and the trigger can be engaged in three modes – High, Low and Off. It comes with a collapsible pivot stand for a handsfree operation. There is an AC charger for replenishing the battery at home and a DC charger to charge the light using the car battery.
Functionality
The SL10LEDS is a compact and light to carry making it ideal for security personnel who serve at night, for technicians and electricians who reach into dark conduits to do their work. Its hands-free operation lets you direct the light at the desired angle and have both the hands to work with. The variable setting of high, low and off not only let you control the illumination but also prolong the charge on the battery. This, in turn, prolongs the life of the device and the battery.
Capacity
The SL10LEDS is 9 inches by 4 inches by 11 inches it weighs 2.1 pounds. It comes with a 7.5-volt Lithium-ion battery that lasts for 7 hours at a low setting. The LED bulb is capable of putting out a maximum of 920 lumens.
Additional Features
The SL 10LEDS comes with a one-year warranty and the kit contains an AC and DC charger beside the spotlight.
who is for it
They develop lights for standard and hazardous tasks by shaping innovative beam patterns into hands-free, handheld devices for even scene lighting.
BEST OVERALL
2. Waypoint Streamlight 44900
Waypoint not only makes flashlights they shape illumination. They engineer rechargeable lights that deliver the highest performance and durability. They develop lights for standard and hazardous tasks by shaping innovative beam patterns into hands-free, handheld devices for even scene lighting.
Design and Build
The Waypoint Streamlight 44900 is a lightweight handheld portable alkaline battery powered spotlight. It produces 550 lumens of light with a far-reaching 625-meter beam. This spotlight comes with a pistol grip that helps direct the beam to remote places to see better.Opposite to this grip handle is the pivot stand for a hands-free use.
The spotlight has three modes – a high, low and emergency mode. In the high mode, the bulb throws out 550 lumens up to 625m running for 10 hours at the peak intensity of 100,000 candelas. At low mode, it gives off 40 lumens of light with a beam distance of 178 meters.It runs up to 82 hours at the intensity of 7900 candelas. In the Emergency Signal mode, it runs for 82 hours. It can throw a long-range targeting beam with an optimum peripheral illumination. It is powered by 4C batteries and a 12-volt DC power cord.
Functionality
Waypoint Streamlight 44900 is a handheld spotlight with a pistol-shaped rubber covered non-slip grip. It can be used handsfree when it stands on its pivot stand for scene lighting. It is portable when used on its 4C batteries but can also be run for an unlimited time on the 12-volt DC cord. There is a secondary rotary switch that turns for mode selection. The polycarbonate housing and rubberized bezel are or additional mechanical support. It has been tested for IPX4 water-resistance and 1-meter impact resistance.
Capacity
The Waypoint Streamlight 44900 throws a maximum illumination of 550 lumens up to 650 meters and 40 lumens up to 178 meters. It serves as an Emergency light for 82 hours. Dimensions 6.75 inches in length, 7.14 inches in height with a head diameter of 3.50 inches and weighs 1.8 lbs with batteries.
Additional Features
The Streamlight 44900 comes with a wrist lanyard and a limited lifetime warranty.
Best Spotlight
3. Stanley Black and Decker LEDLIS
Stanley Black and Decker were previously known as Stanley Works. It is a Fortune 500 company from the United States of America that manufactures household hardware and industrial tools. They also make security products such as locks and alarms.
Design and Build
The LEDLIS is a part of the Fatmax series. This is a LED spotlight that used a 10-Watt rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. The LED and the reflector help produce a tightly focused beam of light producing the maximum output of up to 2000 lumens.
The Continuous Light Output (CLO) technology allows the spotlight to run six times longer and five times brighter than the halogen-based lamps without dimming. The model is ergonomically designed with a pistol grip covered with a silicone sleeve for a comfortable grip. There are a lock and pivot stand and a trigger lock for a hands-free operation.
There is a dimmer button that helps extend the runtime of the spotlight by consuming less battery power. The 7.4 Volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery runs for an hour on 2000 lumens and 7 hours on 700 lumens. The latest battery technology holds the charge up to 12 months without recharging. The unit comes with an AC charger for home and a DC charger for your automobile.
Functionality
The Stanley Black and Decker LEDLIS is an essential tool at home during a power failure or reaching into dark spaces in the basement or the attic. It is of great assistance during a roadside emergency in the dark. If are a professional like an archaeologistor a biologist working at night this tool is of a great assistance.
Capacity
The Stanley Black and Decker LEDLIS comes with a 7.4 Volt battery that lasts for 1 hour at 2000 lumens and 7 hours at 700 lumens. It is 7.75 inches by 6.5 inches by 3.75 inches in length, height and width. It weighs only 1.5 pounds making it easy to handle in tight spaces.
Additional Features
The LEDLIS comes with a lithium-ion battery, a home and car charger and one-year limited warranty.
The LEDLIS spotlight is light, handheld and battery-powered. This portable battery powered light holds the charge for up to 12 months. It comes with the CLO that lasts 6 times longer and burns 5 times brighter. Variable lumens at a low/medium/high between 700 to 2000 lumens on a 7.4-volt rechargeable Li-ion battery. The pistol-shaped design is for easy grip.
It has a trigger lock and a collapsible pivoting stand for a hands-free operation. This means you can reach into the under-the-sink cabinet to correct the leak and under the car to make those repairs. It comes with an AC and a DC charger so you are always prepared, charged and never in the dark. It has been tested by independent labs such as ETL and they found it safe and reliable.
Best Budget
4. Brinkmann Q-Beam Max Million III
The Brinkmann is a well-known name in the market for the outdoor life. They make camping equipment, outdoor cookers, lighting, smokers, etc for the last 30 years.
Design and Build
The Q Beam has a dual halogen bulb with a high and low setting. On the high setting, it gives off 1100 lumens of light that reaches 420 meters into the darkness. The battery lasts for 20 minutes on full setting at 11800 candelas. At a low setting, it gives off 700 lumens that reach 300 meters into the darkness.
The battery lasts up to 45 minutes at 5500 candelas. There is a polished aluminium reflector for maximum brightness and mechanical support. The rubber bezel and toughened glass ensure durability in rugged conditions. The rechargeable 12-volt battery charges in and out of the spotlight.There is a quick release battery compartment, a high and low switch and a lockout switch to prevent unintentional activation. There is a DC adaptor for use in corded mode while the battery is charging. There also a 12-volt AC charger.
Functionality
The Brinkmann Q-Beam Max Million III is a hand-held battery-operated portable spotlight. It comes with rechargeable batteries that will provide emergency illumination during power outages – will come in handy in off-road automotive and inside the garage emergency situations too – a handy companion on camping, boating, fishing, hunting and hiking trips is very useful for patrolling and adventure trips too.
Capacity
The Q Beam has dual settings at a high setting, it delivers 1100 lumens at 60 watts and 700 lumens at 35 watts. At a high setting the beam reaches 420 meters and on a low setting, it reaches 300 meters on a clear night. On a high setting, it will last 20 minutes while on a low setting for 45 minutes. It is powered by a powerful 12-volt rechargeable Li-ion battery. It comes with a 120 volts AC charger.
Additional Features
The Q-Beam Max Million III comes with a carry bag, an extra bulb and a one-year warranty.
Best Ultra Bright
5. BIGSUN Q953 Rechargeable LED Spotlight
Your hiking or camping trip may turn to be one of your worst nightmares if you don’t have the best LED spotlight with you.
BIGSUN Q953 is the best option you may need to lighten your space. It’s time to make your adventure trips more fun and entertaining with this small and portable spotlight.
This LED spotlight is not only great for outdoor adventures but you can also use it for reading, vehicle maintenance, and other important tasks.
Want to know how? Well, let’s jump into the details.
Design and Built
BIGSUN Q953 is a lightweight  LED spotlight made of high-quality Aviation Material Aluminum Alloy. The spotlight can be used to light up a wide area while the floodlight can be used for repairing purposes. It also has a USB charging point on the backside that can be used in case of an emergency. This spotlight comes with a foldable tripod stand that helps you when you’re performing a task alone.
You can easily keep it into your backpack when you’re going for hunting, camping, hiking, fishing, or even spelunking. You can also attach it to an adjustable shoulder strap using the strap hole that is available at the bottom of its handle.
Functionality
The BIGSUN Q953 LED Spotlight produces 6,000 lumens allowing you to light up a wide area. With a lighting distance of up to 800 meters, you can stay aware of what’s happening around you.
You can access the strong, light, and weak light mode by pressing the button accordingly. The flashlight gives you the freedom to read or repair things without causing any damage to your eyesight. The flashlight also has a strong and low light mode you can use according to your needs.
The sidelight can also be used as a red & blue Warning Light in case of a road emergency. If your car breaks down in the middle of the way, you can use this mode to alert others that are moving on the road. You can activate this mode by holding the switch for 5 seconds.
You can use the USB charger or AC/DC adapter to recharge the light. It takes around 2 hours to recharge this device completely. The spotlight can serve you for 16 to 30 hours while the flashlight can be used for 20 to 40 hours based on the mode you’re using.
Conclusion
BIGSUN Q953 LED Spotlight is the best companion for camping and hiking lovers. The spotlight lights up a wide area in the dark while the flashlight enables you to read or perform repairing and maintenance. The 10000mAh lithium-ion battery enables you to use this light for hours. This spotlight can also be used as a power bank in case of emergency. You can perform lots of other tasks with this remarkable spotlight.
Best Ultra Bright
6. Eornmor Handheld LED Spotlight
Eornmor is dedicated to bringing the best products to their customers. They conduct market research and pick the best products such as LED lights, power banks. tactical wrist watches cum flashlights, etc.
Design and Build
The Eornmor Spotlight serves as a searchlight, a floodlight and a lantern. There are 6 Cree LEDs in the front cupped inside an ellipsoidal reflector. At maximum illumination, it delivers 6000 lumens up to 2600 feet. There are three modes – high. low and SOS. There are two side lights too that serve as a lantern. They light up in high and low mode.
The battery has a huge capacity and serves as a power bank too. It charges via the USB port and lasts between 8 to 25 hours depending upon the rate of consumption. The light can be mounted on a shoulder strap for a handsfree operation. It is made of high-quality ABS plastic with IPX4 protection. This makes it water, dust and impact resistant.
Functionality
The Eornmor Spotlight is perfect for the life in the outdoors. It is a high-intensity spotlight but can illuminate your camp in the floodlight mode. It can also be used as a lantern due to the lights in the side panels. There are three settings in the spotlight mode and two in the lantern mode. The battery also doubles as a power bank.
Capacity
The Eornmor Spotlight has a maximum illumination of 6000 lumens irradiating up to 2600 feet. The battery capacity is 9000 mAh that lasts between 8 – 25 hours depending on the use.
Additional Features
The Eornmor LED Spotlight comes with a US cable, a lanyard, a user manual and 12 months warranty.
Best vallue for money
7. Cyclops Sirius 500
GSM Outdoors is an innovative house that sells brands like Epic Action Cameras, Cyclops lighting, American Hunter, Western Rivers, etc. They make every kind of device you may require in the great wide outdoors.
Design and Build
The Sirius 500 is a handheld spotlight has two modes. The high mode delivers 500 lumens for 3 hours and the low of 45 lumens for 12 hours. It uses 3 high powered CREE LEDs for long range lighting. And uses 6 LEDs for lighting up the immediate area.Both LEDs emit white light.
There is a detachable red lens that improves night vision. Overall this spotlight improves illumination by 20 per cent. The model is ergonomically designed with a rubberized non-slip grip that is fitted with a trigger pulse switch.It has a dual recharge with an AC and DC adapter and a 12-volt car adaptor thus you are prepared anywhere. It comes with an always ON switch that can be locked. It is powered by a 6 volt 2.5Ah SLA rechargeable battery.
Functionality
The Cyclops Sirius 500 is a tough rugged model that can take the rugged outdoors. It meant for camping, hunting, surveillance, and chores like caring for cattle in the outdoors. It has two levels of illumination – one at 500 lumens for foggy nights where you need a beam that pierces and illuminates. And the other at 45 lumens for regular surveillance and lighting. It is impact and waterproof due to the rubber and plastic casing.
Capacity
The Cyclops Sirius 500 uses a 6V 2.5Ah SLA battery to deliver 500 lumens at maximum power and 45 lumens on a low setting. It has 3 white light LEDs for long range illumination and 6 white light LEDs for close range.
Additional Features
The Cyclops Sirius 500 comes with an AC/DC adaptor for indoor charging and a 12V car adaptor for charging in the car and using it corded. The unit comes with a 12-month warranty.
8. GOODSMANN TACTICPRO
Goodsmann helps you lead a smart life. They bring you handheld lights, landscape lights, boat covers and electrical tools. The core group comprises of professionals from the USA and China. They purchase goods from factories across China and bring you the best that pass audit standards such as ITS, SGS, BV, etc.
Design and Build
The GOODSMANN TACTICPRO is a 35 watts HID spotlight. It gives out a powerful illumination of 2000 lumens that lights up to 850 meters. The unit is made of high-quality materials such as ABS plastic and an aluminium alloy parabolic reflector that focuses the light at a spot.
At the centre of this reflector is a High-Intensity Discharge lamp that achieves maximum brightness after a minute. HID lamps produce light from an electric arc instead of a filament. These gas discharge burners are known to be more efficient than tungsten lamps. There is a spotlight to floodlight adjustment that makes it a versatile tool. This light is powered by a heavy gauge coiled cord. This 8-foot cord plugs into a 12-volt socket.
Functionality
The GOODSMANN TACTICPRO has two modes – the Spotlight and Floodlight. It switches between the two modes at the press of the trigger. It can be used at home for emergency situations where you have to work in the dark. You can use the car DC adaptor to use this light.
Capacity
GOODSMANN TACTICPRO should be used under 12 – 14 volts. This 35-watt spotlight emits 2000 lumens of light that illuminates up to the distance of 850 meters.
Additional Features
The GOODSMANN TACTICPRO comes with a 12-volt DC plug with an 8 feet cord, a hanging bracket, a nylon carry bag and a yearlong warranty.
Best for an outdoor life
9. Odear LED Spotlight
This spotlight is another offering by Odear. It is a multipurpose light with serves as a handheld torch, a searchlight, a flashlight and a spotlight. The online retailer endeavours to bring you the best products in the categories of lights, garden and lawn equipment, etc.
Design and Build
The Odear 6000 lumens is illuminated by Cree LEDs that light up to 2600 feet. There is a high capacity 9800 mAh rechargeable battery that can illuminate up to 8 hours on full power while it lasts double the time on low mode. There is a circuit protection that protects against power surges prolonging battery life.
The model is made of high-quality ABS plastic and the unit is fully sealed against dust, drops, water, explosion, etc. There is a USB charging port that is used for charging the spotlight and your phone. There are two loops to attach a shoulder strap.
Functionality
The Odear LED Spotlight is meant for an outdoor life such as hiking, fishing, camping, scouting, sailing, etc. The USB port can be used to charge your phone. The unit illuminates in two modes – spotlight and work light. In the work light mode, it can illuminate an entire room or a camp making it a perfect indoor and outdoor lighting solution.
Capacity
The Odear LED Spotlight is a powerful spotlight that illuminates at 6000 lumens irradiating a distance of 2600 feet. The built-in 9800 mAh battery runs up to 8 hours on full illumination and 16 hours on low mode. The USB charger can charge mobile devices at 5 volts.
Additional Features
The Odear LED Spotlight comes with a 5-watt bulb, a shoulder strap, a USB charger and an AC adaptor plus a 12 months warranty.
10. TITAN X10
Rugged Camp specializes in Outdoor Camping Gear. They offer a range of travel-friendly products for your adventures. They manufacture camp pillows, air mats, spotlights, portable chairs, camping lanterns with insect zappers, etc.
Design and Build
The Titan X10 brings you 1000 lumens of illumination by Cree LEDs. These LEDs are set in an ellipsoidal reflector that helps focus the brilliant beam of light.
The model puts out light in three modes – the spotlight, work light and emergency mode.There is a USB charger and port to charge your smart devices.You can hold the spotlight in a pistol grip. Or pull out the retractable stand to make tripod suitable for a handsfree operation. There is a non-slip grip on the handle and a shoulder strap to carry the light. The unit can be charged in 3 ways – by using the AC/DC adaptor, a 12-volt DC plug charger for automobiles and a USB cable.
Functionality
The Titan X10 comes with Cree LEDs and a parabolic reflector that focus the light into a strong beam. This makes it a brilliant flashlight while camping, hunting, power outage, etc. The other two modes besides the spotlight are work light and emergency light. The emergency light blinks to send out SOS, etc. The 4000 mAh battery allows you two complete recharges of your smartphone via a USB port and cable. Work handsfree by opening up the tripod built into the handle or snap the stand back and grip it in your hand.
Capacity
The Titan X10 illuminates for 2 hours at 1000 lumens or spotlight mode. And last for 8 hours on work light mode and 15 hours on the emergency light mode. The battery capacity is 4000 mAh.
Additional Features
Rugged Camp’s Titan X10 comes with a 3-way rechargeable battery which charges via a wall outlet, car charger and a USB charger, an emergency indicator and a shoulder strap. There are a user guide and a 12 months warranty.
Know your Spotlights
Bulbs – Spotlights come with a variety of bulbs that vary in brightness, longevity and cost. The main types are:
- LED bulbs which are solid state bulbs that have a longer life and can run for longer hours.
- The incandescent bulbs are xenon or halogen bulbs. These have a long-distance range and high performance.
- The C4 LEDs are paired with reflectors to create an intense beam for a sharp focus.
- The combination LEDs are where the incandescent bulb and C4 LED features are fused to produce a light that has a better runtime and life.
Brightness – Lumens is the measurement of light emitted per second.The more the number of lumens the brighter the light. Always read the specifications on the packet of the product before you buy them. Reading product reviews, it helps to decide if it is the product you require.
Rechargeable –Many handheld spotlights are powered by solar panels or rechargeable batteries. The solar-powered lights use the sunlight to charge the Li-ion or Lithium polymer battery. But most use the Li-ion batteries recharged by AC or DC current as they are safe environmentally-friendly and economic options in the long run. Besides they give you the freedom that comes with a portable device.(we have also written a comprehesive guide about the Best Laser Levels)
To choose the right spotlight you need to define the intended purpose
Reflectors – The beam of light is magnified and intensified by the use of a reflector in a spotlight. These are shiny reflective ellipsoidal surfaces that collect and direct light to the lens.
Durability – There are many spotlights in the market that may be light but this does not ensure quality.So, opt for the ones with an established reputation even if they are a little bulky. Most come with ergonomic handles and features to carry them around with ease. Choose a metal body over plastic as they hold up better against drops and water.
Features to Look for On Your Handheld Spotlight
When you buy your spotlight, look out for the following:
Make and Model -Most brands make more than one model of the spotlight. These may differ in lumen output, accessories, etc. Study these models to pick the one with the exact features you need.
Colourway –Spotlights come in various colours that facilitate finding them with ease.
Lumen Output–The amount of light put out by the spotlight is the most important feature. The light thrown out by LED is measured in lumens.
Beam Options–The beams of light may be names Turbo, High, Mid, Low, Strobe or SOS according to the light output.
Runtime –The spotlight consumes the battery according to the intensity of light it is putting out. In Mid mode it may last 13 hours 30 minutes andin the Low mode, it may last 150 hours.
When you buy your spotlight, look out for the following:
Bezel Diameter–Bezels are the ring around the front of the spotlight. It holds all the pieces such as the reflective concave cup, the LED, etc that make the spotlight together.
Overall Length–Is the length of the device, it should be just right to fit into your backpack.
Weight with Battery – It is important to know as you want to carry more power in lumens per weight of the battery.
Battery Type – Most of these packages come with a pair of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.These batteries come with intelligent technology such as holding the charge even when not used for over a year. This not only prolongs the battery life but also of the device.
Controls – Most spotlights will come with a momentary and constant on switch.
Accessories – Spotlights come with various accessories such as a plastic holder, lanyard, battery charger, AC to DC plugins, USB cables, O-rings, nylon holster with belt loop, etc. These are to enhance the user experience in some way or the other.
