Sofirn SC13 Review: Tiny But Mighty EDC Flashlight

Quick Take
The Sofirn SC13 proves you don’t need a big, heavy flashlight to get serious performance. For around twenty bucks, this pocket-sized light delivers 1,300 lumens, has a surprisingly strong magnetic tail, and charges via USB-C. The user interface takes a little practice, but once you learn it, the SC13 is a dependable everyday carry light that works as a glovebox backup, a travel companion, or the flashlight you actually end up using.

First Impressions

The SC13 is small, almost comically so when you first open the box. It’s about the length of an AA battery and just slightly thicker than your thumb. In the package Sofirn includes the light, a rechargeable 18350 battery, a USB-C charging cable, a clip, a lanyard, and extra O-rings. Everything you need comes ready to go, which is impressive for the price.

I bought this one myself with no expectations. I’ve tested plenty of budget flashlights over the years, some better than others. Within a week of using the SC13, I realized Sofirn managed to cram a lot of value into this little body.

Build and Features

For such a tiny light, the SC13 feels well-built. The aluminum body has just enough texturing to give you grip without chewing up your pocket. The tail magnet is one of the best features. It’s strong enough to stick the light on a car hood, tool chest, or door frame and stay put, giving you instant hands-free light. I used it a few times in the garage and was surprised by how useful it became.

It runs on an included 18350 rechargeable battery, which is both a blessing and a curse. It keeps the light small and powerful, but it’s not the most common size. Luckily Sofirn gives you options. You can charge the battery in a standard charger, or just plug the flashlight in directly through its USB-C port. The battery indicator is simple but effective: green means full, red means you’re running low, and flashing red means it’s time to find a charger soon.

Performance

For a flashlight this size, performance is where the SC13 shines. It has six modes. Moonlight is just one lumen and will run for roughly 100 hours, which is perfect for finding something in a dark room or reading a map without ruining your night vision. Low mode gives you ten lumens for about 17 hours, while medium puts out 150 lumens for three and a half hours. High mode steps things up to 500 lumens and lasts for about an hour and a half.

Turbo is where things get fun. At 1,300 lumens it is shockingly bright, but it only holds that for about two minutes before dropping back to 500 lumens to prevent overheating. That short burst is enough to light up a backyard or flood a room, but you’ll feel the heat quickly in your hand. Strobe is hidden behind a double click and works as expected if you need it.

The beam pattern is balanced with a clean hotspot and enough spill to light up your surroundings without being too floody. It’s not a long-distance thrower, but that isn’t the point of an EDC light this size.

The User Interface

If there’s one weak spot on the SC13, it’s the user interface. It isn’t very intuitive at first. A long press from off gets you moonlight, holding the button cycles through low, medium, and high, and double-clicks take you to turbo and then strobe. Triple-clicking locks the light out.

The downside is that turning it off doesn’t always feel as simple as it should. You sometimes end up cycling through modes before shutting it down. After a week or two of use, the muscle memory kicks in, but the learning curve is noticeable. For twenty dollars, it’s forgivable, but it’s something new owners should be ready for.

Everyday Use

This light became a regular part of my daily carry for a few weeks, and it proved more than just a novelty. The size means you forget it’s in your pocket until you need it. The magnet made it great for quick jobs under the hood or around the house. It even worked well clipped to a backpack strap on evening walks.

It’s not a camping spotlight or a long-throw searchlight, but it fills the everyday role perfectly. Small enough to vanish in your jeans, powerful enough to handle anything you’ll realistically need in an urban or suburban setting, and cheap enough that you don’t mind beating it up.

Final Thoughts

The Sofirn SC13 is an easy recommendation. For about twenty dollars you get a tiny rechargeable flashlight that hits 1,300 lumens, has a strong magnet, comes with its own battery and charger, and feels solid in the hand. The user interface takes some practice, but once you get used to it, the SC13 is the kind of tool you’ll actually carry and use.

If you want a dependable little light for your pocket, car, or travel kit, this one is worth buying.