1
Best Overall
DeWalt 20V MAX LED Handheld Spotlight
Now 50% Off
You’ll need to supply your own 20-volt DeWalt battery for this spotlight, but if you already have one on hand, this high-quality light checks all the right boxes. It’s heavy-duty, reliable, and made by one of our go-to power tool brands.
Transport it hands-free by attaching it to the handy, built-in belt hook (not found on most spotlights), and use it in almost any situation thanks to its two brightness settings. Its rugged, over-molded lens cover reduces the chances of damage from accidental drops and falls.
And thanks to a pivoting head, this light also adjusts from a 90-degree angle to a straight, flashlight-style shape—a very handy customization when using it as a standalone worklight.
Key Specs
| Maximum Lumen | 1,000 |
|---|---|
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Weight | 1.4 lb |
| Estimated Runtime | Up to 11 hours (depending on capacity of battery used) |
2
Most Durable
Streamlight Waypoint Handheld Spotlight
Pros
- Waterproof even when fully submerged
- High-impact housing
- Excellent range and adjustable output
Cons
- Slightly heavier than most
This model uses a three-level output control and adjustable stand to provide a range of custom lighting options. It floats when dropped in water, and the impressive IPX8 rating protects its internal components (even if submerged up to two meters deep).
Its three power modes range from 1,400 lumen (with a three-hour runtime) to 38 (84-hour runtime), and a convenient, color-coded LED indicator lets you know your battery level. A rubberized ring protects the lens from drops and falls, and the cushioned handle provides a comfortable grip for extended use.
Thanks to its bright green color, this high-visibility option stands out on a cluttered garage shelf or inside a packed-to-the-brim mobile emergency kit.
Key Specs
| Maximum Lumen | 1,400 |
|---|---|
| IP Rating | IPX8 |
| Weight | 1.5 lb |
| Estimated Runtime | 3 hours on high; 84 hours on low |
4
Best Rechargeable Option
Stanley Fatmax SL10LEDS Handheld Spotlight
This Stanley spotlight charges easily at home or inside your car. It even charges external devices like smartphones via USB port, making it uniquely well-suited for emergency use. Set it up on its stand for convenient hands-free lighting, or collapse the stand for easy portability and more compact storage when the spotlight is not in use.
The included red lens offers superior night vision—essential for map reading—and a power status ring indicates the current battery level. One version of the Stanley FatMax handheld spotlight boasts a 2,200-lumen output—fairly high for such an affordable light—and claims to stay charged for up to 12 months. The other brings the cost down even further and projects a still solid 520 lumens.
Key Specs
| Maximum Lumen | 2,200 |
|---|---|
| IP Rating | N/A |
| Weight | 1.4 lb |
| Estimated Runtime | Up to 10 hours |
5
Best Non-Rechargeable
Streamlight 44900 Waypoint
Powered by four C batteries, this compact Streamlight model boasts an impressive ten-hour runtime. When cranked down to the 40-lumen “low” setting, it provides a lengthy 82-hour runtime, which is well-suited for long-term emergency use.
If you prefer to conserve battery life and have access to a power outlet, the included power cord offers unlimited power (as long as it stays plugged in and you don’t lose power). Attach it to the included top-mounted stand for simple hands-free positioning. Its 550-lumen output isn’t the brightest on our list, but it will still come in handy for closer-range use (up to 625 meters).
Key Specs
| Maximum Lumen | 550 |
|---|---|
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Weight | 1.8 lb (with batteries) |
| Estimated Runtime | 10 hours on high; 82 hours on low |
6
Most Comfortable to Hold
Streamlight 44955 Dualie Waypoint
Pros
- Ergonomic, top-mounted handle
- Thumb controls
- Flood beam option
Cons
- Some prefer the added control of a pistol-grip
This Streamlight model features a noticeably more comfortable and ergonomic top-mounted handle. It lets you hold the light “suitcase-style” and swing it side to side as you direct the beam, placing less strain on your wrist and forearm. Plus, since all of its controls are positioned conveniently on the handle, it’s easy to control them with your thumb.
In addition to the forward-facing spotlight, this model also gives you a side-mounted floodlight. This extra light lacks the range of the spotlight but generates a wider “flood” beam for illuminating your workspace or more of your path while walking at night.
Key Specs
| Maximum Lumen | 1,000 |
|---|---|
| IP Rating | IPX7 |
| Weight | 2 lb |
| Estimated Runtime | 3.5 hours on high; 170 hrs on low |
7
Most Compact
ThruNite Catapult Pro
Pros
- Takes up minimal room
- High-lumen output considering its size
- Internal rechargeable battery
Cons
- Lacks ergonomic handle of typical spotlights
This compact light—measuring just 6.5 inches long—conveniently fits into a pocket or backpack and still produces an impressive, 2,700-lumen beam—higher than many spotlights twice this one’s size.
Unlike the plastic housing of most handheld spotlights, the Thrunite’s aluminum construction stands up much better to drops and falls, and a convenient lanyard hole and holster prevent drops and falls altogether.
I’ve used a smaller Thrunite as my primary flashlight for years and have always been impressed with its quality and overall longevity. The only notable downside of this model is the lack of a comfortable handle you’ll find on most larger spotlights.
Key Specs
| Maximum Lumen | 2,700 |
|---|---|
| IP Rating | IPX8 |
| Weight | 0.5 lb (not including battery) |
| Estimated Runtime | 2 hours on high; 42 days on lowest “firefly” setting |
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider’s Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
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