The Best AND Cheapest Scuba Diving Torch 2025 - Tested By Divers

The problem with scuba diving torches
At Leagues Ahead Diving, we are committed to providing our divers with the best diving equipment during their dives with us.
For our dive center, one of the most difficult pieces of equipment to source was scuba diving torches.
Scuba diving torches can be:
- Expensive
- Fragile
- Prone to leaks
- Difficult to charge when you need a lot of them for a group of divers.
- And easy to lose!
After wasting a lot of money and throwing away many (including reputable brands) torches, we went on a mission.
A mission to discover:
- The best
- Most durable
- And the most cost effective diving torch that would be suitable for our dive center.
How we found this diving torch
A few months ago one of the instructors at Leagues Ahead Diving had an idea. To buy a few different types of cheap torches from AliExpress in the hopes that one might be half decent.
We went through numerous torches. Some were so dim they were unusable and some broke after just one or two dives. Finally we came across the XHP199 scuba diving torch which we now use for all our clients on a regular basis.
So let us dive into our insights based on real-world usage within our dive center and you can see why we were so impressed.
Low Cost: (Unbelievably cheap!)
We absolutely love this diving torch but please note that this is an affiliate link, and we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.
The cost of one XHP199 torch starts at an incredible €15,64 which included shipping to Gran Canaria.
In the past we have invested hundreds of euros in more expensive models such as the CRESSI Lumia+ torch which retails at €82 per torch. Unfortunately the more expensive brands of torches would break very easily, even after sending them back to CRESSI to be fixed, we ended up throwing them all away (a very costly investment.)
The cost to performance ratio of this torch is, to put it simply, outrageous. Originally we only brought one to test but after seeing how well it performed we put in a much bigger order and now happily provide them to all our divers.
Design:
The XHP199 torch has a sleek and sturdy design. Made from durable aluminum alloy, this torch has proven to withstand the wear and tear of our diverse diving conditions. Its compact size and textured grip make it easy to grip onto and even novice divers can manage it comfortably underwater.
Here in Gran Canaria we dive from the rocky shore. This means that often the torch is bumped and knocked against hard volcanic rock. But even after use every day, the torch has not scratched or cracked.
Despite its durable design, the torch is incredibly lightweight and when connected to your BCD it is not uncomfortable or a hindrance to your diving.
The torch comes with a lanyard which can be easily attached to the D-ring on your BCD and then stored in your BCD pocket ready for use.
Brightness and Beam Quality::
One of the most significant factors in a diving torch is brightness, and the XHP199 offers an impressive output of 9900 lumens.
During night and deep dives, divers are able to see clearly, even in low visibility conditions.
4 modes:
The XHP199 torch offers 4 modes:
- Strong light
- Weak light
- Fast flash
- And SOS mode.
The torch is completely user friendly and with one simple button you can easily switch through the four modes.
In previous torches we tested we found that the traditional slide magnetic switch often corroded very easily and after some use was difficult to use underwater. However the XHP199 torch offers a simple press magnetic switch which is easy to use even when wearing diving gloves.
Battery Life:
The torch is powered by a rechargeable battery. We tested the battery life during our 60 minute night dives and the battery did not run out or give any indication that it was running low.
There is nothing worse than providing a client with a torch and it running out of battery half way through the dive, this not only has the potential to be dangerous but it looks unprofessional. But during our dives, we found that the battery life held up exceptionally well and we were confident to keep providing these torches to our divers.
The ease of recharging with the included cable has also been a significant advantage, allowing for quick turnarounds between dives.
Included in the price:
- 1 X 18650 battery
- 1 X Charger EU/US
You can purchase more batteries and this way you don’t need to take the charger on your diving vacation, you can simply keep changing the batteries for charged ones. Or you can even purchase a car charger to charge it on the way to the dive site!
***We recommend investing in the C- 26650 battery, which is larger and the battery we used for our 60 minute night dives***
Waterproof Features:
With a waterproof rating of 800 meters, the XHP199 has been thoroughly tested in various conditions.
I can definitely confirm that we have not tested the torch at 800 meters, but our instructors and clients have taken it on dives down to 35 meters and we have experienced no leaks or performance issues.
The robust O-ring seals instill confidence, and these O-rings can be easily changed should you need to do so.
Client Feedback:
Our clients have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about the XHP199 torch. Many divers appreciated its lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry and manage during dives. The versatility of the beam has also been a hit, as divers can customize the lighting based on their diving needs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Long-lasting battery life
- Excellent waterproof rating
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- We found the shipping time to be incredibly quick, much quicker than when purchasing our torches from other popular manufactures.
Cons:
- We found that people would judge the torch based on the fact that we brought it from AliExpress, as opposed to how well the torch worked.
- Please note that KIT A on the website does not include the batteries. You should purchase kit D which includes the larger battery, charger, lanyard and battery holder.
The XHP199 scuba diving torch has become a favorite among our instructors and divers. Its impressive performance and user-friendly design has restored our faith in scuba diving torches.
If you are looking to enhance your underwater experience, we highly recommend the XHP199 torch. You can find it here and get ready to light up your next dive!
Happy diving from all of us at Leagues Ahead Diving.
Author: Sophie Keningale
Sophie Keningale works hard to share her passion for scuba diving through her blog posts and hopes to offer useful information for scuba divers and those holidaying in Gran Canaria. Sophie owns and operates Leagues Ahead Diving with her partner James and the center has been open since 2017.