Last updated September 2026 · By Christopher Smith, Bright Light LED
Short answer: the best EDC flashlight under $100 for most people is the Klarus G15 — 4,200 lumens, a 21700 battery, USB-C charging and an IPX8 rating for $69.95. If you want a flat light that carries like a phone, get the TrustFire Mini X3 Pro. On a tight budget, the TrustFire MT20 does the job for about $31.
Under $100 is the sweet spot for everyday carry flashlights. Spend less and you usually give up USB-C charging, real water resistance or honest lumen claims. Spend more and you are mostly paying for exotic emitters and titanium bodies you will scratch in a week. Here is what we recommend in that range, what each light is good at, and how to decide.
Quick comparison
| Flashlight | Best for | Max lumens | Beam distance | Water rating | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klarus G15 | Best overall | 4,200 | 656 ft | IPX8 | $69.95 |
| TrustFire Mini X3 Pro | Best flat EDC | 2,050 | 590 ft | IPX6 | $64.99 |
| Klarus FlatTac X1 | Most output in a flat light | 4,200 | 755 ft | IPX6 | $65.99 |
| TrustFire MT20 | Best value | 1,050 | Not published | Water-resistant | $30.99 |
| TrustFire E6 | Best pocket thrower | 1,500 | 1,804 ft (rated) | Water-resistant | $39.95 |
| TrustFire MINI2 | Best keychain light | 220 | Not published | IPX8 | $19.99 |
*Prices at Bright Light LED as of September 2026.
How we picked
We stock and ship every light on this list, so specs come from manufacturer data and our own product pages rather than marketplace listings. To make the cut, a flashlight had to be rechargeable, small enough to carry every day in a pocket or on keys, water-resistant, and simple enough to run one-handed without memorizing a click pattern.
Best overall under $100: Klarus G15
If you only want one light, the Klarus G15 is the pick. It hits 4,200 lumens on turbo with a 656-foot beam, which puts it in the same class as full-size tactical lights. More useful day to day are its eight modes, including a moonlight mode for close work, plus strobe, SOS and beacon.
It runs on an included 21700 cell with USB-C charging built into the body and a battery indicator. The forward-clicky tail switch gives instant momentary light, while a side switch handles mode changes. It is rated IPX8 to 2 meters and impact-resistant to 1 meter.
Best flat EDC: TrustFire Mini X3 Pro
Round flashlights roll in a pocket and print through fabric. The TrustFire Mini X3 Pro is flat, so it carries more like a phone than a tube. You get a 2,050-lumen white spotlight with a 590-foot beam, a warm floodlight, UV, a green laser, and red and blue light, powered by a built-in 2,000mAh battery with USB-C charging. The magnetic tail sticks to a fender or breaker panel for hands-free work.
The original Mini X3 ($61.99) is the same idea at 1,050 lumens with a 1,500mAh battery. For $3 more, the Pro is the better buy.
Most output in a flat light: Klarus FlatTac X1
The Klarus FlatTac X1 is the flat light for people who want maximum output and tactical controls. It is rated at 4,200 lumens and 10,800 candela with a 230-meter beam, has an OLED display for mode and battery level, dual tail switches, a lockout and a proximity sensor that drops output when the light is close to an object.
Treat the 4,200 figure as a burst: turbo runs for about 15 seconds before stepping down. That is normal for a light this thin, and it is why the comparison table in our flat EDC flashlight comparison lists runtimes alongside peak output.
Best value: TrustFire MT20
Around the $30 mark, the TrustFire MT20 is hard to argue with. It is a straightforward tube light with 1,050 lumens, turbo, high, medium, low and strobe modes, USB-C charging, a battery indicator and a two-way pocket clip. This is the light to buy if you want a spare for the glovebox or a first serious flashlight for someone else.
Best pocket thrower: TrustFire E6
Most compact lights flood a room but fade out at a few dozen yards. The TrustFire E6 is built for distance: 1,500 lumens with a rated 1,804-foot beam. If you walk a dog on unlit roads or check a fence line or livestock after dark, throw matters more than raw output. It also has a magnetic tail and dual pocket clips.
Best keychain light: TrustFire MINI2
The best flashlight is the one you have on you. The MINI2 puts out 220 lumens, is IPX8 waterproof and rechargeable, and uses a twist control with no buttons to fail. It is small enough that you will forget it is on your keys until the power goes out. See all keychain flashlights for UV and magnetic options.
How to choose between them
Lumens are the least important number
Peak lumens are measured for a few seconds before a light steps down to protect itself. Runtime at a sustainable output tells you far more. If you are not sure how much output you need, read our flashlight brightness guide first.
Decide on charging before brightness
USB-C in the body means one cable for your phone and your flashlight. A removable cell, like the 21700 in the G15, means you can swap in a charged spare in seconds. Built-in batteries, common in flat lights, save space but cannot be swapped. Our flashlight battery guide explains the cell sizes.
Body shape decides whether you actually carry it
A flat light disappears in a pocket. A tube light is easier to grip with gloves. A keychain light is always with you but will not light a yard. Pick the shape that matches where the light will live.
Frequently asked questions
What is the brightest EDC flashlight under $100?
The Klarus G15 and Klarus FlatTac X1 are both rated at 4,200 lumens. The G15 holds high output better because its removable 21700 cell and larger body manage heat and power more easily than a thin flat light.
Is 1,000 lumens enough for everyday carry?
Yes. For walking, working on a car, checking a crawl space or finding something behind a desk, 1,000 lumens is more than most people ever use. Higher peak output helps mainly when searching outdoors at distance.
Is a flat or round flashlight better for EDC?
Flat lights carry more comfortably in a front pocket and do not roll off tables. Round lights are easier to grip, often use removable batteries and usually have better water ratings. If comfort decides whether you carry it, go flat.
Do I need a rechargeable flashlight?
If you use a light regularly, yes. Rechargeable lights cost less to run and there is no scramble for batteries. Keep an AA-powered flashlight in your emergency kit as a backup.
What do IPX6, IPX7 and IPX8 mean?
IPX6 means the light resists powerful water jets, such as heavy rain. IPX7 means it survives submersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes. IPX8 means submersion beyond 1 meter, to a depth the manufacturer specifies — 2 meters for the G15. For everyday carry, IPX6 or better is plenty.
Where to go next
Browse the full everyday carry collection, see what other customers buy most in best sellers, or read how to choose a flashlight. Questions about a specific light? Email Customersupport@brightlightled.shop.
