USB Rechargeable Flashlights
Short version: if you want a rechargeable light that still takes store-bought batteries in a pinch, the Streamlight ProTac HL-X USB and ProTac HL 5X USB run on their rechargeable battery or on CR123A cells. For a small light that lives on a USB cable, the MicroStream USB is the easy pick.
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pocket and EDC flashlights · tactical flashlights · high lumen flashlights · AA and AAA flashlights · rechargeable headlamps · all camping lighting
USB rechargeable flashlights compared
| Light | Output | Power notes |
|---|---|---|
| Streamlight MicroStream USB | Not listed | Pocket clip, charges by USB |
| Streamlight MacroStream USB | Not listed | Lithium ion, recharges in 4 hours |
| Streamlight Stylus Pro USB UV | 400 nm UV | Recharges in 2.5 hours, rated for 300 cycles |
| Nightstick Metal USB Zoom Focus | 200 lumens | Zoom focus beam |
| Streamlight Poly-Tac 1X USB | 500 lumens | Polymer body |
| Streamlight ProTac HL USB | Not listed | USB cord or AC wall adapter, TEN-TAP modes |
| Streamlight ProTac HL-X USB | 1,000 lumens | Rechargeable battery or CR123A |
| Streamlight ProTac HL 5X USB | 3,500 lumens | Rechargeable battery or CR123A |
| Streamlight ProTac HL 6 | 5,300 lumens | Ships with SL-B48 battery |
| Streamlight ProTac 2.0 USB | Not listed | USB cord included |
| Streamlight ProTac HP-X USB | Not listed | USB cord included |
| Streamlight MegaStream USB | Not listed | MegaStream HP also available |
| Olight Baton 4 Pro | 1,600 or 1,800 lumens | Also in our EDC lights |
| Olight Oclip Pro | 600 lumens | Clip light |
| Olight ArkPro | Not listed | Flat EDC body, Class 3R laser |
Multi-fuel lights
The best rechargeable light is the one that still works when you forgot to charge it. Several Streamlight models are built for that. The ProTac HL-X USB and HL 5X USB both run on their rechargeable battery or on CR123A lithium cells, and the ProTac 2AA-X USB is built around AA batteries as well as its USB pack. Toss two CR123As in the glove box and the light never leaves you stuck.
A rechargeable emergency flashlight for the truck
A USB light charges from the same port as your phone, which makes it the easiest emergency light to keep topped off. Lithium ion cells slowly lose charge in storage, so plug it in every couple of months. If you want something you can leave in a drawer for a year and trust, an AA or AAA flashlight with lithium batteries is the better choice for that one job.
Spare batteries and other ways to charge
The ProTac HL 6 uses Streamlight's SL-B48 battery, and a two-pack of SL-B48 USB rechargeable batteries lets you swap instead of wait. Streamlight's Stinger and Strion lights charge from 120V AC and 12V DC chargers rather than USB, and you will find them with our tactical flashlights.
USB rechargeable flashlight FAQs
How long does a rechargeable flashlight take to charge?
It depends on the light. Streamlight lists about 4 hours for the MacroStream USB and 2.5 hours for the Stylus Pro USB UV.
Can I use regular batteries in a rechargeable flashlight?
Only in a multi-fuel model. The ProTac HL-X USB and HL 5X USB accept CR123A cells as well as their rechargeable battery. Most other USB lights use a built-in or proprietary battery.
What is the best USB rechargeable flashlight for camping?
For a pocket light around camp, the MicroStream USB. For a light that also covers a long walk out, the ProTac HL-X USB at 1,000 lumens gives you plenty of reach and the CR123A backup.
Are USB rechargeable flashlights worth it?
If you use a light more than a few times a month, yes. You stop buying batteries and most rechargeable lights put out more light for their size. Keep one battery-powered light as a backup for long storage.