We shine some light on the market’s most reliable and efficient options

ost homes will probably have a torch of some description lying around somewhere - and you will have probably reached for said torch in some emergency situation.

When experiencing some kind of lowly-lit conditions, whether that be a power cut, looking for something hidden away under the bed or running out to the bins at night, a torch is a household essential.

They are simple tools to provide light that are battery-powered, usually hand-held and portable. As well as playing an important role around the house, they are also great for outdoor quests, whether that takes the form of late-night dog walks, hiking adventures and overnight camping trips.

These light providers will help you guide your way after dark and also ensure you are seen by others around you. They are reliable safety devices to prevent any tripping or bumping into things which you can’t see and many have special features to give off a strobe lighting effect if in danger. Whether setting off on DofE or fetching something from your loft, make your experience easier, safer and brighter with a reliable torch.

Lumens: Lumens is the unit measurement of brightness. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the light. Consider just how powerful you need your torch to be – this will of course depend on what you are using it for.

Battery Life: Ensure the torch you pick has an efficient battery life – the last thing you want is your torch failing on you in a dark situation and when you need it most. Many use rechargeable batteries so you can power up again quickly, and some even have clever indicators to warn you when they are in need of juice.

Size: Pocket-sized to chunky, and at all different weights; torches come in all varieties. Again, think about what exactly you will be using your torch for when checking out size options. Compact and lightweight designs make great travel-friendly options for on-the-go.

Beam radius: This describes how far the light beam will extend. Many will shine up to 150-200m. Are you using your torch to illuminate into the distance? If so, look for ones that will throw the light further.

Features: From waterproof and shockproof to splash and shatter resistant, it’s important to know what each torch features in their design. The more robust and hardwearing they are, the more reliable they will be and the longer they will last. Many torches have beam options to choose between – for example low, medium and high light modes and often a strobe option which can prove very useful in unpredictable emergencies.

Shop the best torches below

Flicker between seven varying brightnesses on this super versatile and highly functional torch – including high, energy-saving and emergency strobe modes – and never be left in the dark.

Battery-powered with over three hours run time, its 400-lumen output has a 150m beam radius to illuminate into the distance and its durable alloy construction means it is shockproof, corrosion proof and built to last. It is also lightweight making it easy to carry on low-light walks.

Shine bright light from this high-intensity LED bulb for up to 20 hours. The 120-lumen lantern will help you out in dark situations such as power cuts, dusky walks or shady corners of your loft, and its wrist strap makes it super handy and portable. Chunky and water-resistant, this is an essential option to have on standby in your house for when you need it.

Thanks to its emergency strobe mode, you can rely on this super slick torch to keep you safe in all kinds of situations, from camping trips to late-night hikes, or trying to find someone in a dark environment.

Made from aircraft aluminium with a tough shatterproof lens, it is also very durable and has a powerful 1200-lumen bulb which can beam up to 200m away. Rechargeable through a USB port, it will last up to four hours on high light, or 15 hours on its low light mode. It can also charge up other devices such as iPhones, guaranteeing you never run out of power.

Compact and lightweight, pack this pocket-sized torch into your bag and be armed with 300 lumens of light wherever you go. With four lighting modes, you can switch between high, low, strobe or SOS lighting and also zoom in using its adjustable focus feature, with a beam range of up to 180m.

Recharge from a variety of devices using the USB port (e.g. laptop or phone charger) and take on the move. Its aluminium alloy construction makes it extra strong and drop-resistant.

Whip this small and nifty LED torch out in low-light situations and brighten up the dimmed surroundings lying ahead. It may have a thrifty price tag but the design is high-quality where it is shock resistant, splash-proof, and comfortable to hold thanks to its rubberised, soft-grip body. It also has a wrist strap so there’s no unexpected dropping or misplacing it when out and about.

Use the easy touch button and switch through the low, medium, high or strobe lighting modes on Nebo’s 1000-lumen LED torch. A high performer with powerful illumination, you can also zoom in (up to three times) for extra brightness far away in the distance or to something up-close using its intelligent settings. It’s made from anodized aluminium to create a water-resistant, robust design and comes with a detachable lanyard for convenient transportation.

A powerful illumination for its small size, light up objects and spaces within a wide range with Stanley’s flashlight torch. Its aluminium alloy design has an anti-slip finish for grip, which makes it comfortable and sturdy to hold. Simple to use, just choose between the three different modes and adjust the focus accordingly. An optional lanyard is included so you can wrap it around your hand, neck or hang it up when not in use.

Always be prepared on your outdoor adventures with this Lifesystems torch, which is part of the Duke of Edinburgh recommended kit. Providing up to 60 hours of battery life and with a 50-175m adjustable beam angle, see clearly in the dark, whether shining for a large floodlight area or a focused spotlight. The aluminium body is water-resistant, comes with a wrist strap and there are five modes of lighting to flicker between, including a flashing one for emergency situations.

Operated with one simple touch of the button, switch on Forclaz’s torch and guide your way through the dark. Resistant to water splashes and with a useful elastic strap for fastening to your wrist, take on your walks, hikes, and camping trips and make the most of its 50 hours of reliable battery life. A great pocket-friendly sized torch which won’t break the bank.

Olight’s upgraded S2R torch is worth the investment, boasting a large 1,150-lumen output from its compact, lightweight (80g) size.

The state-of-the-art design – a strong aluminium alloy body with small square textures for easy grip – features a three-colour power indicator so you will be alerted when next to charge its lithium battery – from green to orange, then red when less than 15 per cent full.

Multi-functional with modes including turbo, moonlight and strobe, illuminate your setting and never be afraid of the dark. It comes with a lanyard, pouch and dual-direction pocket clip for easy storing while on the move.