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Best Spotlights

Updated June 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Stanley 10 Watt Lithium-Ion LED Spotlight
Stanley
10 Watt Lithium-Ion LED Spotlight
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Highly Rated
Bottom Line

This spotlight's dependable performance and durability earn it our home improvement expert's praise.

Pros

A must-have for anyone seeking prolonged battery life and ultra-powerful LED lights. Features a home charger and car charger. Has a red lens for emergencies.

Cons

Lacks adjustable light settings.

Best Bang for the Buck
BuySight Rechargable Spotlight with Handle
BuySight
Rechargable Spotlight with Handle
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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

Our expert recommends this spotlight for its well-rounded and user-friendly facilities.

Pros

Resists damage from high drops and tough weather conditions, making it excellent for outdoor use. Carry it via the handle the shoulder strap. Large-capacity battery allows for operation throughout the night.

Cons

Beam is more narrow than some users expected.

Streamlight 12V DC Power Cord
Streamlight
12V DC Power Cord
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Bright & Reliable
Bottom Line

It's limited by a narrow spotlight beam, but users praise its brightness and reliability over time.

Pros

Unlike most spotlights, this one remains very bright even on the lowest settings. Operable with battery power or a DC power cord.

Cons

Narrow spotlight beam fails to light up entire surrounding area.

Energizer LED Spotlight
Energizer
LED Spotlight
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

A water-resistant spotlight that is compact enough to use in tight spaces and comes recommended by our expert.

Pros

Offers a beam distance of up to 310 meters for superior visibility in the dark. Includes a folding stand for hands-free use. Space-saving design.

Cons

Heavy construction. Battery does not stay charged for very long.

BERCOL Rechargeable Spotlight Flashlight
BERCOL
Rechargeable Spotlight Flashlight
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This spotlight has a beam distance of 500 meters, and its bright light earns our expert's praise.

Pros

Comes with a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that lasts 10 hours on a full charge. Widely applicable. Powerful beam.

Cons

A few reports of its plastic frame falling apart after a few weeks of use.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

57
Models
Considered
178
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best spotlights

The average flashlight can help you find your way in the dark, but if you’re doing a job that requires a bright, lasting stream of light, you need something more. A portable spotlight may be your answer.

Portable spotlights are made for consumers who need a reliable beam of steady, strong light. The best portable spotlights are sturdy with excellent LED lighting and long-lasting rechargeable batteries. You don’t have to hold the light steady, nor do you have to worry about dealing with flickering light as you work.

Portable, hand-held spotlights are durable, convenient, and highly effective for the tasks most consumers face. In addition to having handles that are easy to grip, most of them are capable of standing in a stationary position so both of your hands are free to complete tasks. Their rugged construction is built to withstand bumps, drops, and other mishaps that are likely to happen on the job.

In the sections below, you will find detailed information about portable spotlights. Whether you’re tackling repairs in the dark, completing a DIY project in your shop, or working on your car in the driveway, there is a spotlight out there for you. When you’re ready to make a purchase, check out our five select models.

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Adequate light while you’re working is more than just a convenience; it’s a must-have when it comes to safety. With proper lighting, you can avoid mishaps like hammering a finger, dropping tools, or misplacing items while you work.

LED vs. halogen spotlights

Though spotlights are available with both LED and halogen bulbs, LED models definitely have the advantage. LED lights are brighter, burn longer, and can be housed in smaller lighting units for superior portability. Halogen spotlights are usually larger, bulkier, and not quite as bright. There’s not that big of a difference in terms of price, either. Therefore, we find LED spotlights to be far more practical and useful for the majority of consumers.

Expert Tip
Take time to make sure your purchase meets our needs. Do you need a free-standing or a handheld model? One with a strap or one with a tripod or stand? Do you need your spotlight to be waterproof? There are many variables in the features.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

Spotlight power sources

Handheld spotlights generate power from different types of batteries, some of which require charging.

Spotlights with lithium ion batteries

These spotlights are built to last with internal batteries that could potentially keep a charge for months, depending on your usage patterns. Recharging can be accomplished with an AC or DC adaptor. Some have the option of running with a power cord to bypass the battery. On the downside, these model usually have sealed internal batteries that aren’t meant to be replaced. Though they can last for many years, once they fail to recharge or hold a charge, the spotlight is typically no longer of use by battery.

Pros:

  • Long-lasting internal battery

  • No need to purchase batteries frequently

  • Long battery life with full charge
     

Cons:

  • A bit pricier than models without rechargeable batteries

  • Can’t change the battery when it no longer charges

"Spotlights that are powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries are capable of amazing run times. This capability is extremely handy in outdoor situations when you can’t access electricity. "
STAFF
BestReviews

Spotlights with traditional alkaline batteries

Spotlights that run on alkaline battery power typically require “C” or “D” batteries. They are easy to change and sometimes preferred by traditionalists. These models may have an alternative DC power cord for use without batteries.

Pros:

  • Quick and easy battery changes

  • Usually a few dollars cheaper than lithium-powered options

  • Practical for those who don’t intend to use a spotlight often
     

Cons:

  • Shorter run time

  • Costly replacements (with extended use)

  • Batteries are “old-fashioned” and a hassle

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Expert Tip
Consider adding a red photography film lens to an existing light for an emergency-style spotlight. This is ideal for roadside or camping.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

Spotlight lumen output

Whether your need a spotlight to search dark areas or to complete entire projects, there are spotlights available that emit the lumens that work best for you.

  • Some spotlights have 900 to 2,000+ lumens. These models are suitable for use in the darkest areas. They are typically on the higher end of the price spectrum.

  • Less-powerful spotlights (300 lumens or less) are ideal for tasks around the house or in the workshop. They are a few dollars cheaper than those with higher lumens.

  • Most spotlights have variable settings. Lumen output ranges from approximately 40 lumens (on the lowest setting) to several hundred or more lumen beams on high.

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Expert Tip
Consider whether you need a spotlight for the home and one for the car.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

Spotlight handles

You don’t have to worry about your grip on spotlights, as the handles are made with comfort in mind. Most models sport contoured handles that feel a lot like bicycle handlebars. While some are uncovered, there are models available with soft or rubberized cushioning for added comfort.

Hands-free option: Having a good grip on your spotlight is important, but so is being able to have both hands free while you’re working. Most spotlights are manufactured with this in mind. Some models are made to stand on their handles; others have built-in stands that pivot, lock in place, and fold down neatly when not in use. Both options work well when it comes to keeping the light bright and both hands on your work.

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Expert Tip
Most handheld spotlights feature a mounting mechanism, so you don’t have to physically hold the light to accomplish your work goals.
STAFF
BestReviews

Spotlight prices

Considering all of the uses for handheld spotlights, they are surprisingly affordable. While a modest model with a limited beam output (300 lumens or less) runs around $30, mid-level options that emit approximately 550 lumens can be found for about $40. Higher-end models don’t come with a major price hike, either. Spotlights that put out 900 to 2,000 lumens often cost around $50.

Tips

  • Conserve battery power when possible. Not all tasks require the brightest spotlight setting. If you can see well enough with a dimmer beam, you will enjoy longer battery life whether your spotlight is powered by lithium ion or alkaline batteries.
  • Understand your lighting needs. Some spotlights emit well over 900 lumens and are capable illumination ranges of more than 100 yards. This is impressive if you need a model that can light up extremely dark or large areas, but it may be more than you need. You can save a little money if a spotlight with a lower lumen output would work for you.
  • Base your buying decision on your work area. If you require a reliable light source for extended outdoor use, consider a model known for its long battery life, such as those powered by lithium ion batteries. On the other hand, if you want a spotlight to keep in your automobile, a small spotlight that can be charged with a 12-volt adapter through the vehicle’s cigarette lighter is a great option.
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Spotlights are handy to keep in your car. In the event of car trouble or a flat tire, you will have ample light if you need it.

FAQ

Q. I’m tough on tools. How well do portable spotlights hold up to wear and tear?

A. Spotlights are typically encased in durable, heavy-duty plastic or polycarbonate. While we don’t recommend careless handling of your new spotlight, chances are it will withstand minor mishaps.

Q. Are spotlights susceptible to water damage? Are they practical for use in wet conditions?

A. It’s best to protect your spotlight from excessive moisture. While a little rain isn’t likely to cause problems, a soaking rain could cause major damage. Submersion is not recommended and could cause almost cause total failure of the light.

Q. How easy it is to use this type of spotlight hands-free?

A. Whether you choose a spotlight with a flat-bottom grip that can be stood up on its handle or one with its own stand, spotlights are just about as easy to use hands-free as they are when gripped in the hand.

Q. How long does it take a rechargeable spotlight to recharge?

A. Recharging times vary. Some models take only a few hours; others take two or three times that much. The upside is that a full charge typically lasts a long time. Of course, the frequency and duration of your usage sessions could affect this.