Proprietary batteries can usually be replaced. Imalent makes replacements I believe. The issue is cost (they can be spendy) or getting to them. You run the risk of serious damage to the host either internally or externally getting it apart like if loctite or other glue was used to stick bezels, joints, or pcbs together. For most folks, when it dies, you toss it or for the technically inclined or curious, tear it apart to see if it can be salvaged
I require replaceable batteries. Including charging on the light can be nice, when done well.
Standard removable batteries every time.
If I can’t change the batteries or the batteries aren’t standard, I won’t buy the light.
This is the wrong target demographic to ask that question.
Outside of that, “it all depends on the aplication”
Every light that I have seen that has USB charging has a removable battery. I would never buy a light with a proprietary non removable or removable battery.
I like using the battery of my choice with the charger of my choice.
I prefer removable for quick batteries changes, with very well sealed host. The worst the weather the more I use flashlights. Charging ports are the weakest spot to fail. NO charging ports, at least for my needs.
That is a very situational question…so it depends on the purpose for the light. Normally, I use only lights with replaceable rechargeable batteries. I do however have some flashlights with built in batteries that were extremely inexpensive….like 12.99 for three pack, and they have only 3 functions low, high, and strobe. they have built in 18650 2000mah batteries with a male usb under the endcap for charging. These are ideal for having a few in vehicles, and if I run into someone with car trouble I can just give them one to keep so they can see to fix their issue. When you are talking 4 bucks and change each, they have their place, and at 800 lumens on high, the lights are usable, even with the anemic 2000 mah rating. If I had children, they would be perfect for them to use camping, and if they lost it or broke it, well it’s only a little over 4 bucks. It is not a light that I would often use, but is great to keep peoples paws off my nicer lights. Except for very cheap lights, I would never buy lights that have built in batteries.
proprietary built in battery=FAIL!
i often get dead stuff and replace cells since i can easily do it but those items get moved down the line.
if i suspect a battery is dieing off i want to be able to swap it and keep going not plug in and wait.
Removable battery for sure. I try to avoid stuff that has a non-replaceable battery since that device will become useless when the battery dies. I want my devices to last beyond the battery life if possible.
Removable common size standard cell.
Built in USB charging is great, USB-C port, but NOT for any kind of nonremovable non-standard cell.
Removable battery with a USB C port in the flashlight for charging. I’ve been looking for the smallest 18650 light with built in charging. Haven’t found one yet.