Anker makes the most rational budget torch — 900 lumens from a single 18650 cell, five modes from moonlight to full blast, a zoomable beam that works as a flood or a spot, and IPX5 water resistance for rain and splashing. It does everything a torch needs to do and costs practically nothing, which means you can afford two and keep one in your car. The benchmark for what budget torches should deliver.
Fenix makes professional torches for police, military, and search and rescue teams, and the PD36R Pro brings that standard to the consumer market. 2,800 lumens at peak output, USB-C fast charging that tops up the included battery in under three hours, and IPX8 waterproofing that means genuinely submerged-proof. The multiple output modes are calibrated for real use scenarios rather than theoretical maximum claims. Serious kit for serious use.
Olight builds torches for people who actually use them in the dark — the Warrior X Pro throws its beam 600 metres at peak output, runs for 8 hours on its low setting, and the magnetic charging base means you never fumble with cables in the dark. A tail-switch for primary operation and a side switch for mode changes means the controls are intuitive under stress. IPX8 waterproofing and a strike bezel for emergencies. The torch for people who don't want to think about their torch.