Your phone already has a flashlight, which can make carrying another light seem unnecessary. The problem appears when you need illumination while using both hands, want to look into a tight space, or simply do not want to risk dropping your phone while treating it like a work light.
Price: $16.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
The WUBEN E2 Mini EDC Flashlight addresses that problem by making a dedicated light unusually easy to carry. WUBEN lists it at just 41.4 mm long and 10.7 grams with its battery, yet it combines a forward-facing white light, side COB lighting, red and blue signaling lights, a magnetic base, and USB-C charging.
Independent testing from 1Lumen confirms essentially the same size and weight, measuring the E2 at approximately 42 mm and 11 grams.
The E2 is therefore less about replacing a serious flashlight and more about putting several useful lighting options into something small enough to stay on your keys.
The 150-Lumen Claim Needs Context
WUBEN rates the E2’s main light at a maximum of 150 lumens, with Medium and Low settings rated at 50 and 5 lumens. The important word is maximum. Independent testing shows that output changes after the light is switched on.
1Lumen measured 122 lumens at startup and 102 lumens after 30 seconds on High. A separate MetaFlashlights test measured 145 lumens initially before output declined to roughly 100 lumens within the first 30 seconds.
Different equipment and testing conditions can produce different results, but both tests support the same practical conclusion: WUBEN’s 150-lumen specification should not be interpreted as sustained brightness.
That is not necessarily a major problem for a keychain light. The E2 is better suited to finding something under a seat, navigating a dark room, checking inside a bag, or handling a quick close-range task than lighting a large outdoor area.
The Side Light Adds Hands-Free Utility
The E2 also has two side COB LEDs that produce a wider flood of white light. WUBEN rates the side light at 80 lumens on High and 10 lumens on Low, and specifies a CRI of 90.
That side light becomes more useful because the E2 has a magnetic base. Attach the flashlight to a suitable metal surface and you can position the side LEDs toward your work area instead of holding the light in one hand.
For a small repair, checking equipment, or dealing with a power outage, that could be more useful than simply having a brighter forward beam.
The CRI 90 figure remains a manufacturer specification rather than one we have independently verified. Independent testing does confirm that the E2 uses separate side COB lighting designed to provide a broad flood rather than the more directional pattern of the main LED.
Red and Blue Lights Add Signaling Options
The E2 has another set of LEDs dedicated to signaling. Available functions include a red beacon and a red-and-blue flashing mode, while the side white LEDs also offer WUBEN’s pulsing Heartbeat mode.
These modes make the E2 more versatile, but the red-and-blue flashing function may be restricted in some places. Check local rules before using that mode publicly.
For most EDC users, the bigger advantage is simply that WUBEN has managed to combine directional, area, and signaling illumination in a flashlight weighing less than half an ounce.
The 120mAh Battery Explains the Tradeoffs
The E2 uses a built-in 120mAh rechargeable battery with USB-C charging. The battery is not designed to be swapped by the user.
That small capacity is one of the compromises required to reach the E2’s 10.7-gram weight. WUBEN rates the main light for seven hours at 5 lumens and one hour at 50 lumens, while its highest setting is specified to run at maximum output briefly before reducing brightness.
Interestingly, 1Lumen’s runtime testing exceeded WUBEN’s claims. It recorded approximately 11 hours and 32 minutes on Low, 1 hour and 29 minutes on Medium, and 36 minutes on High under its ANSI FL1 methodology. Those results come from one independent test rather than our own testing, but they provide useful evidence beyond the manufacturer’s specifications.
The built-in battery remains the main long-term compromise. You can recharge it easily, but you cannot carry a spare cell or simply replace the battery when it eventually loses capacity.
Small Enough to Stay With You
WUBEN rates the E2 IP66 for dust and water resistance and for impacts from 1.5 meters. Independent reviewer 1Lumen also notes its PC body, aluminum-alloy bezel, key-ring attachment point, and magnetic base. IP66 means this is built for wet everyday conditions rather than submersion, so it should not be treated like a diving or fully waterproof flashlight.
The more important durability advantage may simply be its low weight. At 10.7 grams, adding the E2 to a keychain or backpack creates far less bulk than carrying another conventional flashlight.
Who Should Buy the WUBEN E2?
The WUBEN E2 is for anyone who wants a dedicated flashlight without adding real pocket bulk. Its main beam handles quick directional tasks, while the side COB LEDs and magnetic base make close-range, hands-free work easier.
Price: $16.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
USB-C charging and signaling modes add flexibility, but buyers needing sustained output, long throw, or a replaceable battery should choose a larger EDC light. The E2’s advantage is simple: at 10.7 grams, it is easy to carry every day, and more likely to be with you when you need it.
