Workos Flashlight Roundup: DL08, TS26s and TS23 Compared

Introduction

Workos has built a reputation for packing a lot of capability into reasonably priced flashlights, and this trio makes that clear. The lineup covers three very different jobs: the DL08 is a fully waterproof diving light that doubles as an emergency power bank, the TS26s is a well-rounded everyday carry light with the same power bank trick, and the TS23 is a high-output hybrid thrower aimed at home defense, vehicle use and search-and-rescue style tasks.

Each light plays to a different buyer, so the best choice depends less on which is “better” and more on which role you need covered.

Evaluation Criteria

We looked at each light across the same five areas: hardware quality, beam profile, versatility, user interface and value. The goal is to judge each flashlight for the job it is designed for, rather than against an arbitrary universal standard. A diving light, for example, is not penalized for being large, and a defense light is not penalized for lacking everyday-carry refinement.

Workos DL08: The Waterproof Emergency Workhorse

The DL08 is technically a diving light, rated for 100+ feet underwater, but it makes a compelling case as an emergency flashlight. The hardware is exceptional for the price: a very thick glass lens, double-wall aluminum construction, and a genuinely heavy, durable build. A long lanyard is included, and there is a mounting point that opens up options like vehicle attachment.

Where it gets interesting is the beam profile. The DL08 offers four independently adjustable emitters: a spot beam reaching up to 2,000 lumens and 18,000 candela, a flood beam, a red beam and a UV light. Each can be dimmed or brightened independently, so you can run a low flood alongside a bright spot or a red light at the same time. The UI supports both ramping and stepped modes, and while it takes a moment to learn, it is usable without instructions. Just remember that a double press from off locks the light out, and another double press unlocks it.

One caution: the light is designed to be cooled by water. Running maximum brightness continuously on land, especially in warm conditions, risks overheating since it may not step down. Indoors you will rarely need full output anyway.

The capstone feature is the built-in 5,000 mAh 21700 battery, charged over USB-C, which also supports reverse charging. In an emergency, that means the DL08 can keep your phone alive, and its waterproofing rating means you can trust it even if the whole bag gets soaked. At under roughly $40 on the Workos website with the battery included, the value is hard to argue with.

Workos TS26s: A Well-Rounded Everyday Flood Light

The TS26s is the most refined everyday light of the three and a genuinely strong release. The hardware scores top marks: the redesigned pocket clip starts near the head and sweeps back, leaving minimal exposed metal while still being reversible for hands-free use on a hat brim. The side switch has a firm, deliberate press that resists accidental activation, and you can slightly unscrew the head to rotate the clip into a more pocket-friendly position. A strong magnetic tail, crenulated bezel, mineral glass and a lanyard round out the package.

It runs on a built-in 5,000 mAh 21700 with USB-C charging and reverse charging, so it works as a power bank as well. It is IPX8 waterproof and produces a high-CRI, all-flood beam: 3,100 lumens but only 9,000 candela, meaning light spreads evenly rather than punching into the distance.

The UI is exactly what you would expect from a side-switch light: hold for moonlight, double press for turbo, triple press for strobe, four presses to lock and unlock. You can choose stepped mode with defined output levels or continuous ramping to find the exact brightness you want.

Versatility is high thanks to the power bank function, reversible clip, waterproofing and high CRI. The only real caveat is weight: the 21700 platform makes it a little heavy for some carry styles, and it lacks auxiliary emitters such as a red light. Still, there is not much else to criticize at this price point, and the power bank feature is something very few brands emphasize. Workos also sells through its own website, where regular sales often bring prices down further if you are willing to wait for delivery.

Workos TS23: High Output for Defense and Long Reach

The TS23 plays a completely different role. With 5,000 lumens of maximum output and a high 60,000 candela concentration, it is a hybrid beam: a long-reaching central hotspot with usable flood around it. That makes it well suited to home defense, search-and-rescue style reach, and as a vehicle light, where 300 hours of runtime on the 10-lumen low is a nice bonus.

Hardware is solid: an electronic switch, lanyard support, a reversible clip, good knurling, excellent heat dissipation (which this output level genuinely needs) and a crenulated bezel with ceramic balls for breaking glass. The switch is electronic rather than mechanical, which is worth noting if you prefer a clicky tail.

The UI is where this light earns its keep. Beyond the standard mode set (hold for the 10-lumen low, double press for turbo, triple press for strobe), there is a dedicated tactical mode: the light always comes on in turbo, and once on you cycle between medium and turbo. That is exactly what you want in a defense light, and we would leave it set that way. There is also moonlight via hold-from-off.

As a versatile multi-role light, it is limited: the reversible clip is not particularly useful here, there is no magnetic tail, and it is essentially a specialist. It is also too big and has too exposed a button to recommend as a pocket everyday light. But as a one-and-done nightstand or glove compartment light that is absurdly bright, it does the job very well, and Workos pricing keeps it competitive, especially through their own website’s regular sales.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want one light that can survive anything, keep a phone charged in an emergency, and still offer spot, flood, red and UV output, the DL08 is the standout. If your priority is refined everyday carry with flood lighting and power bank function, the TS26s is the easy pick. If you specifically want a very bright, long-reaching defense or vehicle light and do not need it to do anything else, the TS23 fits that role well.

Buying from the Workos website directly is often cheaper than marketplaces thanks to frequent sales, though delivery can take longer.

Conclusion

Workos delivered three good lights here, and two of them stand out. The DL08 is the most impressive package for the money: a waterproof, power-bank-equipped emergency light with an unusually flexible beam setup. The TS26s is a polished everyday carry light that keeps the same power bank capability in a more pocketable form. The TS23 is a decent, focused high-output option for defense and reach. Match the light to the role, and any of the three is easy to recommend.