The Sofirn SP21 v2.0 is a 1x18650 dual-switch flashlight with a Cree XP-L HI emitter, 222m throw and 901 lumens for under $30. It compares well to competitors that are twice as expensive.

The Thrunite T10 v2 is an e-switch AA/14500 EDC light with a tailcap magnet. It was only available briefly before being replaced with an upgraded version, the T10 II.

The Astrolux S43 is a 1x18350/1x18650 EDC flashlight with optional high CRI and USB charging. For those who wish the Emisar D4 had built-in charging, this may be the light for you.

The Wowtac A4 is a 2x18650 flashlight intended for long-distance illumination - a thrower. It's the lowest price thrower I know of using the XHP35 HI, giving it high output for its class, and full output on low batteries. I just wish it came in a warmer tint.

The Thrunite TH30 is a right-angle flashlight/headlamp using a single 18650 battery and a Cree XHP70.2 emitter to make 3350 lumens. It has the highest output of any light in this form factor as of this writing. As a result, the size and weight are higher than average, but manageable for those who value output. It features USB charging and includes a suitable high-drain 18650 battery.

Wowtac is a budget brand affiliated with Thrunite offering a line of 18650-powered flashlights, with an included 18650 battery that has a direct USB charging port, starting at $20. The A2S is the right-angle/headlamp version with higher output and a larger battery capacity for $30. This is probably the best value headlamp on the market and also makes a good handheld.

The Olight H2R is a right-angle flashlight/headlamp/worklight similar to the Armytek Wizard Pro. Its exposed charging contacts presented a fire hazard at the time of this review, but the tailcap design has since been updated. It has high output and a good user interface, but a weak magnet, exposed scratch-prone plastic optic, and a headband I found uncomfortable.

The Rofis MR70 is a combination flashlight, lantern and USB powerbank powered by a standard-size 26650 Li-ion rechargeable battery (included). The lantern is warm white and the main LED is cool white. Neither has an especially low mode, and the timed stepdown for the main LED is quite aggressive. The MR70 is versatile though, offering several functions and a lot of battery capacity.

The Astrolux K1 is a keychain light with white, UV and red emitters, an integrated Li-ion battery and USB charging. There's a choice of a cool white Cree XP-G3 or neutral white 90 CRI Nichia 219C and a variety of body colors. It's prone to activation in the pocket, and quality could be better. It does have a lot of features for the price though.

The XT12S is a mid-size duty/utility type flashlight with magnetic charging and dual tail switches using a single 18650 battery. It offers shortcuts from off to high and low (or strobe). Its output falls well short of the advertised 1600 lumens, some modes have visible flickering and audible noise, and my sample was not waterproof. The concept isn't bad, but the execution could use some work.

Acebeam says the L30 is "like a side-arm that takes shotgun shells". That's been done and isn't a great idea, but the L30 is. The high-only tailswitch with all other functions on the side switch is what I would consider an optimal UI for a duty type light. Output is around 4000 lumens until heat limits it to 2000.

The MT07S is a moderately throwy, 4x18650 high-output light to compete with the likes of the Nitecore TM16, Fenix TK75 and Acebeam K60, but at a much lower price. This is a light to bring to situations where a lot of light is required, or where light may be needed for a long period of time.

The HT35 is a large, 2x26650 zoomie with an XHP35 emitter. While beginners often think they want adjustable focus, I consider it a specialty feature better suited to those situations where a spill-free spot is desirable. Applications that come to mind are photography, signaling to indicate a specific object or location, some types of hunting and use as a makeshift followspot. The HT35 is much more powerful than what's typical of this category.

The Fenix HM50R is a small right-angle flashlight/headlamp using an included 16340 rechargeable battery and USB charging, or disposable CR123A battery. The HM50R features an intentional slow rampdown of its brightness during use designed to prolong runtime despite having hardware capable of sustaining full brightness. There is no way to turn this feature off. It seems like the HM50R is designed for inattentive users, or to compete with low-quality headlamps that advertise absurdly unrealistic runtimes.

The Klarus XT2CR is a pocket friendly 18650 light with USB charging and dual tailswitches offering shortcuts to useful modes or strobe. It is hampered by output falling well short of advertised, visible flickering, poor thermal regulation and cool white tint.

The Acebeam L16 is a long-throwing tactical light. I usually avoid the T word, but this thing fits. It's intended to be a police duty light, or to be mounted on a rifle, and it fits that role well. What I found most compelling for the use case is that pressing the tailswitch always results in max output, with all other functions controled by the side switch. I strongly recommend looking for the 5000K neutral white version, as the cool white model reviewed here is very harsh.

The Armytek Wizard Pro is a multipurpose right-angle flashlight/headlamp/worklight with magnetic charging and an 18650 Li-ion battery. Nearly two years after the original publication of this review, a modified (high-CRI) version remains my favorite and most-used all-around flashlight.

The Wuben T102 is a 1x26650 light with an XHP70 emitter, large reflector for respectable throw, sensor-based thermal regulation, USB-C charging and a boost driver that could provide stable output as the battery drains. Unfortunately, it doesn't, dropping to half output unless the battery is fresh off the charger.

The Haikelite MT-01 is a 3x18650 general-purpose light the size of a Red Bull can. Its large battery capacity and stable output make it a good choice for extended use. It also provides the option of using fewer 18650s if necessary.

The TK25 R&B is an unconventional design with a rotating head to switch between two white, and one each red and blue emitters. It offers very high red and blue output, but no low-output modes to preserve dark adaptation. It's intended for hunting animals that don't react to red light, and following blood trails with blue. It should work well for that application, though better color quality for the white emitters would be most welcome.