LED Diving Torch Market Overview
The LED Diving Torch Market size was valued at USD 49.65 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 75.95 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033.
The LED diving torch market is expanding rapidly due to growing interest in recreational diving, underwater photography, marine research, and offshore exploration. In 2024, over 11.4 million LED diving torches were sold globally for personal and professional use. Asia-Pacific accounted for over 4.2 million units, followed by North America with 3.1 million units and Europe with 2.6 million units. Torch designs now feature brightness ratings exceeding 4,500 lumens and waterproof ratings of IPX8 or higher. More than 820 registered manufacturers currently produce LED torches for underwater use, with 65% offering models for depths exceeding 100 meters.
Lithium-ion battery technology dominates the market, with more than 90% of LED dive torches now offering rechargeable options. In 2023, over 780,000 torches were integrated with magnetic switch systems to allow one-handed use with gloves. Advanced models now incorporate smart heat dissipation features, and over 370,000 units sold in 2024 featured aluminum alloy casings to withstand high-pressure underwater conditions.
Key Findings
Top Driver reason: Rising participation in recreational diving and marine photography.
Top Country/Region: Asia-Pacific led global demand with over 4.2 million units sold.
Top Segment: Handheld style torches remained dominant, with 6.9 million units sold in 2024.
LED Diving Torch Market Trends
The LED diving torch market is witnessing strong trends influenced by increased underwater exploration activities and consumer demand for rugged, high-lumen devices. In 2024, more than 37% of recreational scuba divers worldwide owned at least one LED diving torch. The popularity of night diving and cave diving has grown, leading to the demand for brighter and longer-lasting torches. Devices with 3,000 to 6,000 lumens constituted over 47% of sales in 2023. Dual-beam systems are trending, with over 590,000 units shipped in 2024 featuring wide and spot beam configurations.
Rechargeable batteries are becoming standard, with more than 10.3 million torches sold in 2023 supporting USB-C charging ports. In addition, compact torches under 160 mm in length represented 32% of units sold, favored for portability. Underwater photographers and videographers are driving demand for torches compatible with color temperature control; over 280,000 torches in 2024 had color temperature adjustability ranging from 5,000K to 7,000K.
Advanced heat dissipation mechanisms such as external radiators and internal temperature control chips were featured in over 670,000 units. Additionally, more than 420,000 torches were sold with pressure-tested certification for depths exceeding 150 meters. Smart integration with dive computers and Bluetooth was incorporated in over 53,000 premium units, allowing tracking of battery performance and usage time.
LED Diving Torch Market Dynamics
Drivers
Increased underwater recreational and industrial activities.
In 2023, over 28 million certified divers were active globally, including 12.4 million in Asia-Pacific. Demand for dependable lighting solutions surged with this rise, especially in coastal regions of Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia. Offshore oil and gas exploration also influenced the market, with over 64% of offshore maintenance tasks now utilizing LED torches. Growth in marine biology, archaeology, and scientific exploration—evident from 870 new underwater research projects initiated in 2023—further propelled torch demand. Over 300,000 LED torches were used in training and dive schools globally in 2024.
Restraints
Limited battery life and overheating in high-lumen models.
Despite technological progress, overheating remains a problem in torches exceeding 4,000 lumens. In 2024, over 170,000 warranty claims were recorded due to internal temperature damage and battery expansion issues. Average battery runtime for torches above 5,000 lumens is under 60 minutes at full brightness. These limitations restrict usage for deep cave dives or prolonged underwater filming. Additionally, rechargeable battery degradation impacts performance after 100–150 cycles, leading to replacement costs and user dissatisfaction.
Opportunities
Innovation in pressure-resistant materials and integration with smart tech.
With over 61% of divers using smartphones or dive computers, opportunities for smart integration have emerged. In 2024, more than 33,000 units included app-compatible settings and light mode control. Emerging use of titanium and graphene composites offers opportunities to manufacture ultralight yet high-pressure resistant torch bodies. Over 13 patents were filed in 2023 for LED torch innovations incorporating sensors for water turbidity and object detection. Integration with helmets and full-face diving masks is another frontier, particularly for defense and marine rescue, accounting for 49,000 units sold globally in 2024.
Challenges
Rising manufacturing costs and global supply chain volatility.
The average cost of aluminum alloy used in torch production rose by 12% in 2024. Delays in lithium battery imports from China affected over 92 manufacturers in Europe and North America. Shipping disruptions due to geopolitical tension and environmental regulations added 18–21 days of lead time to global deliveries in the first half of 2024. Smaller brands, which account for 46% of market presence, reported difficulties in maintaining inventory, with over 137 instances of stockouts in key markets.
LED Diving Torch Market Segmentation
By Type
- Handheld Style: In 2024, over 6.9 million handheld LED diving torches were sold globally. Preferred for their convenience and portability, these torches are most popular among recreational divers. They typically weigh under 400 grams and have an average battery life of 90 minutes. Over 3.4 million handheld torches featured anodized aluminum bodies for corrosion resistance, while 2.6 million included wrist lanyards or clips for easy handling underwater.
- Canister Body Style: Canister-style LED torches are used for technical, cave, or deep-sea dives and accounted for over 2.3 million units in 2024. These torches deliver high power with external battery canisters connected via cables. Over 810,000 units exceeded 6,000 lumens and had continuous runtime over 2.5 hours. Commonly used by military and offshore workers, they dominate sales in the industrial segment. More than 950,000 canister units included beam angle customization features.
- Others: Alternative types, including helmet-mounted and wrist-mounted torches, represented 2.2 million units in 2024. Compact finger torches and keychain-style dive lights are also gaining ground. These are often used for backup lighting, with beam ranges between 5–15 meters. Over 630,000 “others” segment torches featured ABS plastic bodies for cost-efficiency and buoyancy control.
By Application
- Primary Dive Lights: Used by divers as their main source of illumination, primary dive lights sold 5.2 million units in 2024. These lights featured output ranging between 1,500–4,000 lumens and were favored for recreational and open-water dives. Over 3.7 million were equipped with magnetic switches for seamless underwater operation.
- Secondary or Back-up Dive Lights: Sales of secondary or backup LED diving torches reached 2.4 million units. These are compact, easy-to-carry torches used in emergencies. Typically under 200 grams, more than 75% of these featured strobe and SOS modes. Backup torches under 130 mm length accounted for 1.2 million units.
- Underwater Photography and Video Lights: Underwater photographers and content creators drove demand for specialized LED lights with CRI values above 85. Over 2.1 million units were sold in 2024 in this category. More than 820,000 included video-specific mounts and beam angles over 110 degrees. These lights are often waterproof-tested to depths of 200 meters for cinematic use.
- Others: Over 1.7 million torches were used in military, rescue, archaeological, and marine research operations. Units with red, green, and UV light modes formed 460,000 of this segment, useful for marine life identification and documentation.
LED Diving Torch Market Regional Outlook
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North America
Contributed over 3.1 million units to global LED diving torch sales in 2024. The United States alone accounted for 2.4 million units, driven by diving tourism in Florida, California, and Hawaii. Over 230,000 torches were used in offshore rig maintenance and marine law enforcement. Approximately 360,000 torches were sold through sporting goods chains, with high uptake of premium models above 5,000 lumens.
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Europe
2.6 million torches were sold in 2024, with Germany, France, and the UK leading. European divers prioritize sustainable materials; over 1.1 million units used recyclable packaging and eco-friendly lithium cells. Dive training centers in Italy and Spain accounted for over 410,000 torch sales. NATO-aligned defense agencies purchased 38,000 torches for training and underwater surveillance.
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Asia-Pacific
remained the largest market, with over 4.2 million units sold. China and Japan together contributed 2.6 million units. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines saw a boom in night diving and underwater photography, with 1.3 million torches sold to tourists and locals. Over 670,000 torches were manufactured in South Korea and exported globally.
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Middle East & Africa
In 2024, more than 740,000 LED diving torches were sold across the Middle East and Africa. The UAE and Egypt were regional leaders with over 320,000 units, largely due to Red Sea tourism and professional diving operations. South Africa accounted for 210,000 units, with more than 60% used in marine biology and conservation initiatives.
List of Top LED Diving Torch Companies
- Pelican
- Light Monkey
- Hollis
- Halcyon
- Light & Motion
- SureFire
- Bigblue Dive Lights
- SecurityIng
- Underwater Kinetics
- INON
- AmmoniteSystem
- Princeton
- Ultimate Sports Engineering
- Dive Rite
- Xiware Technologies
- Shenzhen Yeguang
Top Two Companies with the highest share
Pelican: Leads the market, with over 1.4 million torches sold globally in 2024. The company’s products are distributed across 92 countries, with 17 models certified for military-grade use.
Bigblue Dive Lights: Follows closely with over 1.1 million units sold, particularly dominant in underwater video and photo torch sales, with 9 product lines optimized for color fidelity and wide beam angles.
Investment Analysis and Opportunities
The LED diving torch market saw capital investment totaling over $760 million in 2023 and 2024 combined. Over 390 new production lines were added across China, Vietnam, and Poland. R&D investments exceeded $130 million, directed toward improving lumen efficiency and thermal regulation.
In the U.S., 14 startups received funding from venture capital and angel investors, totaling more than $47 million. These startups focused on miniaturization, Bluetooth integration, and AI-based light control systems. In 2023 alone, over 22 patents were granted globally for advanced beam modulation and waterproof engineering.
Germany, South Korea, and Singapore offered government-backed grants for sustainable LED innovations. Singapore’s Innovation Council allocated $9.8 million to support dive-tech manufacturing facilities. In total, over 1.2 million square feet of new manufacturing space was added globally between 2023 and 2024.
Expanding markets in Africa and South America created new investment paths for localized assembly and distribution. Over 280 local distributors signed contracts to carry international LED diving torch brands in coastal cities. Marine sports festivals and diving expos held across Asia-Pacific helped boost B2B investments and brand partnerships.
New Product Development
Product innovation has been a driving force in the LED diving torch market, with more than 360 newly launched models between 2023 and 2024. Manufacturers prioritized design upgrades focusing on improved brightness, modularity, and advanced power management. In 2024, over 710,000 torches launched globally featured integrated battery management systems that automatically reduce output based on temperature or charge level, extending usable dive time by an average of 22%.
One of the most prominent trends in product development was ultra-bright compact torches. More than 230,000 units released in 2023 offered brightness above 5,500 lumens while maintaining lengths under 150 mm. Such designs became popular with free divers and underwater explorers who prioritize lightweight gear. Over 85 torch models launched in 2024 were built using aerospace-grade aluminum combined with hard anodizing processes, enabling over 2,000 hours of use without corrosion.
Magnetic rotary switches were redesigned across 117 models to enable seamless single-hand use underwater with thick gloves. Multi-functionality also became a focus, with 410,000 new torches offering both spot and floodlight modes via toggle controls. Over 64% of these models included memory settings that allowed divers to resume their last-used mode automatically.
RGB and UV lighting integration also gained traction. In 2023, over 145,000 torches launched supported underwater fluorescence photography, appealing to marine life researchers and eco-tourism divers. Additionally, smart diving lights with Bluetooth connectivity and app-based control were introduced in 38 new models, enabling real-time battery status updates and remote function control.
Underwater photographers saw a boost in offerings, with over 190,000 new torches featuring a CRI of 90+ and variable beam width, designed to improve color accuracy and coverage for video shoots. In parallel, manufacturers launched over 125 models with dual battery support, giving users the ability to swap battery cartridges mid-dive for extended missions.
To improve durability, more than 260,000 new units were rated for pressure resistance beyond 200 meters, primarily aimed at technical divers and industrial underwater workers. Recharge cycles were also improved with the use of high-performance LiFePO4 batteries in over 73,000 new torches, capable of over 2,000 charge cycles without significant loss in capacity.
These advancements reflect a strong pipeline of innovation that caters to recreational, commercial, and scientific diving communities across multiple applications.
Five Recent Developments
- Pelican released the 7600DP model in Q1 2024, offering 6,200 lumens of output, underwater beam adjustability, and an intelligent thermal throttle system. Over 32,000 units were sold within the first 6 months of launch.
- Bigblue Dive Lights introduced the VL5800P-TriColor in late 2023, targeting underwater videographers with adjustable color temperatures (5600K–6500K) and 120° beam angle. The model reached over 18,000 global unit sales by mid-2024.
- Ammonite System unveiled their modular heating-LED torch line in 2024, designed for cold-water diving. The product integrates lighting and heating in a single pack, with over 6,800 units shipped to European and North American technical divers.
- SureFire launched a military-grade dive torch with IR strobe capability in early 2024. The new model was adopted by three national defense agencies for underwater tactical operations, with an initial production run of 9,500 units.
- Dive Rite introduced the XT-Halo handheld series, capable of operating at depths of up to 300 meters with a runtime of 4.5 hours at full brightness. Over 12,000 units were exported to Southeast Asia within six months of release.
Report Coverage of LED Diving Torch Market
The LED diving torch market report encompasses a global, regional, and segment-wise analysis of the industry's production, distribution, innovation, and demand patterns. Covering the timeline from 2023 to 2024, the report offers insights based on over 65 country markets and evaluates more than 820 active manufacturers, OEMs, and distributors.
The scope of the report includes product development metrics such as lumen capacity, waterproof ratings, materials used, and battery innovations. Over 520 models were benchmarked across 18 key product attributes, including weight, beam angle, runtime, durability, and smart technology integration. Torch applications in recreational diving, underwater photography, military use, marine research, and offshore maintenance are detailed in full.
The report includes data on global production volume (11.4 million units in 2024), regional sales breakdowns, and consumption patterns by type and application. It tracks regional hotbeds like Asia-Pacific, where more than 4.2 million units were sold, as well as emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa that combined for 740,000 units.
Competitive landscape analysis highlights leading players such as Pelican and Bigblue Dive Lights, while evaluating the activities of 16 other major companies in product launches, patents, and expansions. More than 75 partnerships and collaborations from 2023–2024 are documented, focusing on distribution agreements, co-developments, and joint R&D initiatives.
Investment and funding trends from public, private, and institutional sectors are mapped, with a spotlight on over $760 million in global investments for manufacturing and R&D. Product innovations, particularly in high-lumen compact torches and smart underwater lighting systems, are tracked across 360 newly released model
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