With regular flashlights, you need to discard and replace their disposable batteries once they deplete. You’re likely to pay a heftier price up front when you opt for a rechargeable flashlight, but you won’t have to keep buying new batteries over time. Rechargeable batteries also produce less waste, making them a more eco-friendly option. The main downside of rechargeable models is that they won’t serve you well during a power outage if the battery is dead—since there will be no way to charge it. However, plenty of rechargeable flashlights can also rely on disposable batteries as a backup, so if you’re looking for a flashlight that works most of the time as a rechargeable model but is also emergency-ready, you may want to opt for a model with that flexibility.