Skip to content
Sofirn SC21

Sofirn/EDC

Sofirn SC21

Tiny 16340 light running Anduril 2 with a magnetic tailcap. The SC21 punches well above its price with high CRI and USB-C. Perfect for a compact pocket light.

Beam profile

Balanced, about 29° wide. A usable hotspot with enough spill to see around it.

Estimated from 1,000 lm ÷ 5,100 cd — how this works

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The price shown is a snapshot from the last catalog sweep, not a live figure.

Specifications

Output
1000lm
Peak intensity
5100cd
Beam distance
143m
Emitter
LH351D 5000K
Colour rendering
90 CRI
Beam type
Flood
Cell
18650
Runtime
1.5 hrs (high)
Modes
Ramping + Stepped
Interface
Anduril 2
Water/dust
IP68
Dimensions
3.3 x 1.0 in
Weight
1.6 oz
Warranty
1 Year

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

What owners report

Sofirn SC21/4 sources reviewed

The SC21 is Sofirn's answer to the Olight Baton 3, built for people who would rather have a removable cell and USB-C than a proprietary charging dock. For about $21 you get high-CRI output, a magnetic tailcap, a deep-carry clip and a 16340 in the box — a specification list reviewers repeatedly describe as hard to beat at the price.

The beam is on the floody side with a defined hotspot, which suits a general-purpose pocket light. The recurring reservation is low-voltage protection: on the original SC21 it only engaged on turbo, so the cell can be run down on lower modes. One reviewer also had a mushy switch on their first sample that a replacement didn't share. The later SC21 Pro addresses several of these, so check which one a listing is actually selling.

Consistently praised

  • High-CRI emitter at a price where colour rendering is usually the first thing cut
  • Magnetic tailcap and a genuinely deep-carry pocket clip
  • USB-C charging with the 16340 cell included
  • Floody beam with a defined hotspot — a sensible general-purpose EDC profile
  • 16340 size makes it small enough to actually carry every day
  • Complete package for around $21

Common complaints

  • Low-voltage protection only engages on turbo, so lower modes can over-discharge the cell
  • One reviewer's first sample had a mushy switch; a second unit didn't
  • Runtime is short, as any 16340 light's is
  • USB port placement draws criticism
  • Easy to confuse with the newer SC21 Pro, which is a different light

Questions people ask

Should I buy the SC21 or the SC21 Pro?
The Pro is the later revision with a higher output and fixes to several of the original's rough edges. If the prices are close, buy the Pro. The original is still a good light when it's meaningfully cheaper.
Is the missing low-voltage protection a problem?
It matters if you habitually run the light until it dies on a low mode, which can take a lithium-ion cell below a safe voltage. Using a protected cell, or simply recharging before it gets dim, avoids it entirely.
How does it compare to an Olight Baton?
Similar size and concept, but the SC21 takes a standard 16340 and charges over USB-C rather than a proprietary magnetic dock, and it costs a third as much. The Olight has better finish and a real warranty.
Is the magnet strong enough to be useful?
Yes for hands-free work on a steel surface, which is what most owners use it for. As with any magnetic tailcap, keep it away from cards and expect it to collect swarf in a workshop.
Sources (4)

Head to head