LED Torches and Camping Lamps
The latest and best torches tested and reviewed by Fred-in-the-shed
Updated 6th June 2026
LED torch technology is racing ahead and here at Fredshed I have been testing the best since 1999.
The latest developments are Chip on Board (COB) Led panels and super powerful mini torches with rechargeable batteries.
Prices have fallen as a result of technological improvements but many of the "bargain torches" are VERY low quality.
I will attempt to show you the best of the best and some acceptable cheaper quality alternatives.
All of the links on my site are affiliate links that pay a small commission from the retailer on completed sales.
On This Page
Hand Size and Zoomable LED Torches
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Best LED Torch Reviews Hand Size and Zoomable LED Torches Also Known as Tactical Torches Years ago my metal bodied Maglite was my favorite torch because it was solid, reliable and didn't fall apart like many plastic torches. The other attractive thing about the Maglite was its "geek appeal". It felt hi-tech and cutting edge.
Sadly Maglite didn't move fast enough and other companies developed the new technology bulbs and reflectors that enable torches to be significantly brighter AND last longer! Maglite are still around and have caught up a bit now, use the link below for a good example Mini Maglite Torch Powered by 2 AA Batteries The big improvement started when German company LED Lenser introduced the LED Police Tech Torch. It was only 5 inches long and 148g but was bright enough to dazzle a mugger. It gave out 115 Lumens which was quite a lot back then for a small torch. Use this link for the latest verson of the Led Lenser Police Tech Torch Led Lenser torches never claim the highest lumens but you can be sure that the lumens they produce are, genuine, and perfectly focused. I have used my Police tech torch for more than 10 years and it has been 100% reliable. It is the benchmark torch that I compare all the torches that I test. Led Lenser are constantly improving each model and the latest police tech version has a handy hexagonal rubber ring around the end to stop it rolling off of flat surfaces.
Apart from the classic Police torch most Led Lenser torches are in their extensive P range. Led Lenser torches make fantastic gifts and you never see one in a charity shop along with the foot spas, electric steamers and other unwanted gifts. If you register your torch with Led Lenser you will get a 7 year guarantee, (from a company likely to still be around in 7 years). Other premium brands may cost less but often are not zoomable , because to work well this requires complex optics and electronics.
The image above shows the Led Lenser P7 tactical torch and the Police tech model that preceded it. The P7 is only slightly larger but twice as bright! This classic torch uses 4 AAA batteries to give a genuine 450 Lumens . It comes with a sturdy case and presentation box if you want to give it as a present. A rechargeable version with a fancy magnetic charger is also available but around 40% more expensive. Use the links below to buy this tried and tested LED torch and also help my work testing products.
The battery cartridges use gold connectors that will not rust and cannot corrode. Ledlenser P7 Professional LED Torch Led lenser P7R - rechargeable P7 Torch
LATEST TORCH RELEASE - MARCH 2026 - OLIGHT OCLIP PRO S If you want a robust, powerful rechargeable torch with all the light options in a compact size, here it is. About the size of a human thumb, this state of the art torch covers many uses.
This latest
multi-function clip on-torch from brand leader Olight is only 57mm
tall, but puts out 600 Lumens!
As well as 5 levels of white light it has RGB
colour
options and a high quality UV light for forensic use. The Oclip Pro S is
the top of the popular Oclip range and is highly water and impact
resistant.
I am so impressed
with this versatile torch that is charged by a USB C cable
the same as my Iphone. The image below
shows how the UV light detected splashes of cooking fat on my
kitchen wall. The wall looked clean to the naked eye so I will
be having a word with my cleaner.
I also like the RGB
options including the "disco" option that cycles and flashed through
all 3 colours! If you are a cyclist red light can be used as a back up rear light.
Or the 5 level white light is ideal for the front facing cycle lamp. The clip mechanism
is very strong and the torch is also magnetic for more mounting
options.
Oclip Pro S Multi-function
rechargeable torch
If you want a cheap, simple but bright and reliable torch I have been testing this Blukar model.
It recharges using a USB c cable and has
4 modes, all operated from its end switch. The Aluminum case is very well made and the brightness is astonishing for the price. The image below shows its most focused setting, lighting up the beach from my balcony.
Best Value Small Rechargeable Torch Would You like to Support Fredshed?
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Latest and Best Small Torches - With Rechargeable Batteries
This is my superb Olight S1R
Baton 11 This is one of my favourite and most used torches due to its handy size and high spec. The on/off switch also lights up to show you the level of battery power. This torch is waterproof
at 2 metres and only weights 51g! It is top quality and has a 5 year warranty.
My Orange coloured torch shown is a limited edition model which may not
always be
available.
The standard model is black, and the latest Baton 4 version has even more power.
This miniture Baton 3 inch Torches powered by a
rechargeable Li-ion battery.
The IMR16340 battery is charged using a magnetic clip and USB port for extra convenience.
The 4th generation of this amazing torch is IXP 8 rated waterproof and throws its light up to 170m.
I am so impressed with this torch that I am happy to call it SIR
Baton!
With 4 levels of power and the brightest (turbo
mode) giving 1300 Lumens. It lights my garden and houses in the next
street as if they were in daylight! I compared my S1R to the
slightly larger, top
quality Fenix E12 but it was no-where near as bright or easy to operate.
Fenix make great
torches and the E12 is probably the best torch powered by just one AA
battery. It has 3 light levels, operated from the end switch or by twisting and retruning the torch head. It also stands on its end and light an average sized room for several hours depending on which of the 3 settings you chose.
AA Powered Fenix E12 Mini Torch (8cm long and 160 Lumens) If you want the same size torch with
even more Lumens and extended run times the Baton 3 is 1200 Lumens and
the premium version comes with a box that is also a charger that can charge the torch 3 times before it needs charging itself. The Baton 4 is now available with a protective
case that has a backup battery than can charge the torch or act as a
powerbank.
Best Olight, Police and Military
Tactical Torches Compared
Olight
Seeker 3 Pro and Warrior X3 Tactical Torches tested and reviewed
Olight
Warrior X3 - Single LED, 2500 Lumens and 560m range. Olight Seeker 3 Pro - Four LEDS, 4200 Lumens and 250m range These two excellent torches use the same
3.6v 5000ma rechargeable battery but function in very different ways. The Warrior has an end switch (useful with
rifles) and 2 light levels. The Olight Seeker 3 Pro has a clever top switch
and 5 light levels. Both of these Olight models
have the superb magnetic USB charging system as shown above with the
S1R baton model.
The Warrior has the beam range but the Seeker has the floodlight effect.
Olight Warrior X3 Police and Military Tactical Torch
The Warrior has a maximum throw of 560m which I can
confirm from my use on
this beach. The Warrior will
vibrate to let you know when the battery is getting low. Accessories included are a superb holster with a magnetic catch and an o
ring for improved grip. The Warrior X3 is IPX8
waterproof and drop proof to 3 metres. I am not keen on end switches and find it hard to
use the correct force on this one. If you want a rugged torch with the best range
then the Warrior X3 is worth a look. The X3 has been
replaced by the X4 with 2600 lumens and dual charging ability. The Warrior X3 shown has 3
Zirconium balls on the bevel for breaking glass and an extra 60m throw of the beam. The Warrior X Pro
has no balls and its range is slightly less.
Buy the Warrior X4
- (buying via this link will provide a small commission for this
site)
Olight Seeker 3 Pro, Police and Military
Tactical Torch If you prefer a
similar size, simpler torch with a wider beam the Olight Seeker
3 Pro has a max 250m throw but 4600 Lumens! This means it will light up the area in front of you like a soccer pitch when the floodlights come on! It has 4 LED's and a
side button with small green lights that tell you the battery level
and power settings.
The body has a
rubber grip and on the turbo setting the torch will automatically
dim if you come close to an object. The Beam angle is wider than the
Warrior and the new Seeker4 pro model now has dual charging. This means you can
use a USB C lead or the supplied magnetic charger.
Best Key Ring Torch
Olight EOS Pro Keychain Torch -180 Lumens Having a little torch on your key ring is so useful
but most of them will only just about light up a keyhole and often
fall apart after a few knocks. I used a LED Lenser K3 for
over 3 years but found it a little bit large at
7cm. I have now moved on to the much smaller and brighter
new Olight 1R2 EOS. The new model is 4cms long, weighs only 12gms, and
has a rechargeable Li-ion battery. The battery is charged in the torch by a USB cable so no
need to fiddle about with those little button batteries. There are 2 versions, the pro model has 180 Lumens against 150 for the standard model. Another great mini torch is the Coast model powered
by 1 AAA battery and its clear beam is shown below.
Coast G19 54 Lumens/3.25 Hours Run Time Pen Torch, Black
Coast G19 54 Lumens/3.25 Hours Run Time Pen Torch
Olight
i1R 2 EOS Rechargeable LED Keychain Torch 180 Lumens
Ledlenser
P3 LED Torch (Black)
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Coming Soon - Headlamp with hand wave on/off function! |
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Best Ultra Violet Forensics Torch
Ultra Violet Forensics Torch
This clever torch shows up all hidden organic
substances and some artificial ones too. I showed this to a real forensic scientist who was
amazed at it's performance and low price. It's 51 LEDS powered by 3 AAA's makes this torch
is powerful enough to show everything! It is scary to use this on your kitchen and even more so when staying in hotel rooms. Now available - mixed function LED torch with UV
as well!
This superb rechargeable torch has 7 functions all controlled by a top switch that illuminates green. It has a zoomable head and the side of the torch has a bank of COB LEDs that will light a room. The end of the torch is magnetic so ideal for sticking to broken down cars. The 4th click of the switch activates the Purple UV bulb which is very good for detecting organic matter.
USB Rechargeable Torches,
3 in 1 UV Torch with 7 Modes [2 Pack] |
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Head Torches
Being a keen gardener, DIYer and a
wheelchair user I use a head torch a lot as it keeps my hands free to
push the wheelchair, use my tools and crucially - hunt snails at
night! For so many jobs a head torch is
more useful than a normal hand torch and you don't have to worry
about dropping it. Petzl is
one of the leading brands and its Pixa model was designed to survive explosions! Over the years I have tried many
makes head torch, which thanks to LED bulbs are now much brighter. The latest development is hand wave control
for the different brightness levels
I tested this Olight Array 2S. It
has 3 LED bulbs for spot, flood and also red light. The battery is recharged by USB C cable and is
housed in watertight box at
the back of the headband. Sadly Olight has discontinued this model but another of my favorite
brands, Blukar has a similar (and cheaper) model. It has a simple, easy to access on/off
switch and the lamp can be tilted up or down to throw the light beam
exactly where you need it. Once the lamp is on you can change the brightness
by waving your hand up for bright and down for dimmer. Blukar
hand-wave controlled re-chargeable Headtorch
Best Lantern Torch - Great For Cars, Camping
and Worklight
This
moderately priced lantern torch is ideal to keep in your car,
toolbox or bedside table. It has a standard end beam from an LED bulb and a separate
lantern beam on the side from a COB LED panel.
The torch is 6 1/2 inches long and made from tough plastic.
It runs off 3 AAA batteries and has a pocket clip and a magnetic
base to hold it to your car.
I bought a couple of these in March 2019 and still use them
frequently.
Although no longer available but even better is this all metal
model from long established torch maker Nebo.
Nebo Big Larry 2 - Torch, Work light, Warning Lamp
The Nebo big Larry has 4 functions.
Torch, white lantern, red lantern and flashing red lantern.
Big Larry 2 runs off 3 AA batteries, has a magnetic base and
pocket clip.
For the money this is the most practical all round torch and
very well made.
If you would like a camping lantern with the option of flickering flames, then the Olantern from Olight is superb.
OLIGHT Olantern
Rechargeable (Moss Green) It charges by magnetic USB like most Olight torches and is robust and waterproof. It can be uses in warm white tone flickering flame mode or you can switch the bulb
to cold white for brighter modes. The flickering flame is fantastic in a room or tent but not bright enough outside to do much apart from look pretty. If you switch to the other bulb you have 3 brightness settings for 30, 120 and 360 lumens!
The 360 lumen setting is bright enough to light my medium size garden. I also really like the motion sensor that
illuminates the on/off switch as soon as you touch the lamp.
The Olantern is solid and has a heavy base and hanging hook and is available in 3 colours. I like the flickering flame effect so much I use it in my bedroom as a night light!
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