Include one of these compact yet powerful models in your car or camping supply kit for situations that require a bigger, brighter beam than a standard flashlight.
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Spotlights have evolved from bulky, power-hungry devices into compact, efficient powerhouses that fit comfortably in your hand. While your standard flashlight still has a place in your shed, outside your crawlspace, and in any outdoor emergency pack, spotlights are bigger, brighter, and essential for situations that require maximum illumination.
Their ergonomic grips are comfortable to hold and maneuver for long periods of time, and long-range beams cover large swathes of space at the push of a button. This combination of power, range, and portability offers a ton of utility, whether you're locating a remote hunting cabin after dusk or navigating your house or yard during a power outage.
These are the best handheld spotlights we recommend based on our experience using them for a variety of situations.
Looking for more ways to light up? Check our guides for the best pocket flashlights, headlamps, and LED shop lights.
Handheld spotlights are fantastic if you boat or spend any time on the water or even outdoors after dark. If that use case speaks to you, choose a model with an official waterproof “ingress protection” IP rating. This rating indicates how effectively your spotlight resists damage from dust (the first digit of an IP rating, measured on a scale from 1 to 6) and water (the second digit, measured from 1 to 8). For example, a spotlight with an IP61 rating only resists vertically falling water, while an IP66 resists powerful jets of water. An IP68 model is capable of withstanding being completely submerged in water.
Many spotlight models are only rated for water resistance and not dust. These ratings include an “X” where the first digit would otherwise be.
Also on the durability front, your spotlight should handle minor drops and falls without breaking or otherwise losing functionality. Look for options that feature protective housings around edges and corners. A thick rubber bezel around the lens is particularly useful, minimizing any damage from accidentally swinging it into hard surfaces during use.
Spotlights advertise their light output in lumen, which is essentially the maximum amount of light the unit’s LED’s can produce. If your primary goal is to find the brightest light possible, this is a great comparison tool. To increase the versatility of your light, look for those with several brightness settings, allowing you to choose a lower lumen setting for short-distance tasks—like map reading—that would otherwise be blown out by a higher setting.
While not always available, a “candela” measurement provides an even clearer idea of a spotlight's capability. The candela measurement indicates the maximum amount of light projected in a certain direction, with a higher candela translating to a more intense beam.
In terms of a handheld spotlight’s power supply, your choice is between rechargeable or disposable batteries. Rechargeable batteries typically live within the housing of the device (power tool brands like DeWALT use their own battery packs) and charge using an AC power cord plugged into the wall or a USB cord compatible with surge protectors, laptops, or wall adapters. Battery-powered models are preferable in any type of emergency kit for dealing with a power outage.
I’ve used handheld spotlights throughout my life, including several summers working at a marina where I rented out and maintained boats. I kept this experience in mind—as well as my extensive flashlight knowledge—when assembling this list of options, and I took factors like durability, water-resistance, and lumen output into consideration.
I also made sure to include several Streamlight models, a brand I’ve come to trust in the flashlight market. For this most recent update, I also looked for a model with the most up-to-date charging ports, including USB-C cords, which have become more common.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This LE model features a front-facing spotlight and a large side lantern for added versatility. Its bright green color is easy to spot quickly in an emergency, and its 1,000-lumen light switches to a low, 400-lumen beam when you don’t need as much power. The side lamp works great in tents while camping, too.
An LED battery indicator lets you know how much juice you have left before recharging. And the side lamp also functions as a red emergency light that’s helpful if you need to warn other drivers during nighttime roadside repair, but if you need that repair on a rainy night, know that this light’s low IP rating means it doesn’t hold up especially well after getting wet.
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.
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).
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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