Do you often have to walk in dark places, like an empty parking lot to get to your car after work? In such situations, you tend to feel more than a little insecure and vulnerable. It is a good thing to have a source of light not only to help you see in the dark but also feel safer.
AA flashlights are a terrific tool to have whether it is for EDC or to pack with your outdoor gear. There are countless models available these days, all in varying shapes and sizes, so you can find the best AA flashlight for your style and needs.
#2 NITECORE MT2A | #1 FENIX LD22 FLASHLIGHT | #3 THRUNITE ARCHER 2A |
  1st Runner-Up | Best Overall   |   2st Runner-Up |
Lumens: 345 Lumens | Lumens: 300 Lumens | Lumens: 500 Lumens |
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER AN AA FLASHLIGHT
Having an AA flashlight with you at all times can be very useful. Here are 5 reasons you should consider buying an AA flashlight:
- Compact and Portable: Although they are not as compact as keychain flashlights, AA flashlights are compact and lightweight enough to carry everywhere, everyday. You can carry it in your handbag or backpack without adding any weight to it, or put it in your car’s glove box. Having an AA flashlight allows you to have an easy-to-access light source whenever you need one as they are compact and portable.
- Easily Available: While you will find many compact flashlights for EDC and backup for tactical ones, the availability of AA flashlights is what makes them a salient option for anyone looking for a small, portable source of light. You can find this type of flashlight everywhere, from grocery stores to gas stations. Any time you need one, all you have to do is run into a store and get one – no flashlight hunting needed!
- Rechargeable Batteries: Are you tired of always replacing the batteries in your flashlight? Well, you never have to worry about that with AA flashlights. Nowadays, these types of flashlights use rechargeable AA batteries. Some even come with the more powerful lithium-ion batteries. When you notice your flashlight becoming slightly dim, all you have to do is recharge it. You can quickly get a performance boost without any hassles.
- Saves Money: AA flashlights are not only easily available but also very affordable. Plus, as mentioned above, they come with rechargeable batteries, which can save you a lot of money in the long run – replacement batteries are often more expensive than the flashlight itself. When you press the button for an AA flashlight, you get a powerful and bright portable source of light without having to burn a hole in your pocket.
- Fantastic for Emergencies: Because they are compact and lightweight, you can carry AA flashlights everywhere. You never know when you might be in an emergency situation where you need a source of light. When you have an AA flashlight, you are prepared for any situation and have a reliable light source within easy reach. It is especially handy when you do not have time to go through your survival kit to find your survival or tactical flashlight.
- Provides Security: When you are walking in a dark path or any other place without light, you tend to feel unsafe and insecure. An AA flashlight is very useful in such situations. All you have to do is take out your flashlight from your handbag or pocket and you have a powerful source of light that instantly makes you feel safer and more secure. Plus you do not have to worry about tripping or stumbling in the dark and possibly injuring yourself when you have an AA flashlight around. That is not very fun!
As you can see, AA flashlights are an excellent tool to have for a number of reasons (not just to tell scary stories with!). Whether you need a compact and portable source of light for an EDC or backup for your survival flashlight, an AA flashlight should be on your shopping radar. In fact, you may want to buy two of them!
You might want to also check our best CR123A flashlights article.
THE TOP 10 AA FLAHSLIGHTS
#1 FENIX LD22 FLASHLIGHT
Specifications:
| Our Rating: | (4.8/5) |
| Lumens: | 300 Lumens |
| Light Modes: | 4 b. leves, strobe, sos |
| # of Batteries: | Two |
| Battery Duration: | 22h 30min (medium) |
| Weight: | 2.5 oz |
| Water Resistant: | IPX-8 |
Pros:
(+) Lightweight and portable
(+) Made with quality materials for durability
(+) Easy and convenient operation
Cons:
(-) Quality of holster and lanyard could be better
Overview
The Fenix LD22 is a well-made AA flashlight with awesome specs and features. It is a 300-Lumen flashlight with Cree XP-G2 (R5) LED that lasts for 50,000 hours, giving you bright illumination when you need it most.
You get 4 brightness modes with this flashlight – Plus, Rapid, Strobe, and Hidden SOS. The push-button tail cap switch features momentary-on function as well as a side mode switch in the front so you can quickly and conveniently turn it on.
The Fenix LD22 also comes with a holster and lanyard so you can carry it any way you want to. It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish and toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating for durability and toughness under any condition.
Conclusion
Although not much has changed from the previous version, the Fenix LD22 is still a fantastic model. We like the steel crown that this version has instead of the previous one’s notched top. This is a very bright AA flashlight that is built with high-grade materials to ensure durability. We like the fact that the Fenix LD22 uses standard AA batteries so we do not have to hunt for special batteries.
While the holster and lanyard quality could be improved, it is still a superb flashlight. After using it in water and being dropped and beat around, we found that it still worked well – it is definitely a tough little flashlight that you must get if you are in need of a compact, sturdy flashlight.
#2 NITECORE MT2A
Specifications:
| Our Rating: | (4.7/5) |
| Lumens: | 345 Lumens |
| Light Modes: | 3 b. leves, strobe, sos |
| # of Batteries: | Two |
| Battery Duration: | 12 h (medium) |
| Weight: | 2.36 oz |
| Water Resistant: | IPX-8 |
Pros:
(+) Very bright with 345 Lumens
(+) Brightness is easy to adjust
(+) Made from light yet durable materials
Cons:
(-) Slightly tricky to insert batteries
(-) Pocket clip is a little loose
Overview
Considered one of the most popular products because the batteries it uses are easily available and it features various modes, the Nitecore MT2A is another superb choice for anyone looking for a small yet powerful AA flashlight. It uses 345-Lumen LED to give you optimum light whenever you need it.
Its focused beam reaches 166 yards and comes with 3 brightness modes along with Strobe and SOS. The aluminum reflector gives you a smooth, powerful beam each time you activate it. The Nitecore MT2A also comes with a Lumen Tactical Premium top cover loop holster for easy and convenient carrying. For a compact, waterproof and impact-resistant AA flashlight, there is nothing like the Nitecore MT2A.
Conclusion
The Nitecore MT2A is an impressive AA flashlight. It is bright, easy to use and carry and made of top-quality materials to make it sturdy and long-lasting. Unlike many flashlights out there, brightness levels are easy to adjust. We found that inserting batteries can be a little tricky but it is not a serious problem.
Also, the pocket clip on the flashlight sits quite loosely so you might want to be careful with that. All in all, we think that the Nitecore MT2A is a great AA flashlight and highly recommend it.
Check out our recommended 18650 Flashlights article.
#3 THRUNITE ARCHER 2A
Specifications:
| Our Rating: | (4.7/5) |
| Lumens: | 500 Lumens |
| Light Modes: | 3 b. leves, strobe, firefly |
| # of Batteries: | Two |
| Battery Duration: | 11 h (medium) |
| Weight: | 1.7 oz |
| Water Resistant: | IPX-8 |
Pros:
(+) High-quality construction with top-grade materials
(+) Anti-scratch coating
(+) Good battery life
Cons:
(-) Switch quality needs improvement
(-) Batteries not included
Overview
The ThruNite Archer 2A is a 500-Lumen AA flashlight with CREE XP-L V6 LED that gives you a powerful source of light. It is well constructed with an aerospace-grade aluminum body that has a military-grade type III hard-anodized abrasive finish. It is sturdy and its abrasive finish gives you a good grip and feels good in the hand.
The ThruNite Archer 2A flashlight is a superb choice for all types of application, from EDC, self-defense and security to emergency or medical services and law enforcement. This is a powerful flashlight that is awesome for taking on your outdoor trips as well. If you are looking for an affordable yet high-quality and durable AA flashlight, the ThruNite Archer 2A is a great choice.
Conclusion
The ThruNite Archer 2A is an excellent AA flashlight with some nice features like water resistance, aero grade aluminum body, and anti-scratch coating. This means that it is built to withstand rough use, making it a good choice for EDC, outdoor adventures as well as law enforcement, firefighters, etc. You get 5 different light modes to meet all your needs.
It does not come with batteries but the upside is that you only need to use one AA battery, so it is really economical. We think that the poor-quality switch should be made better but all in all, the ThruNite Archer 2A is superb for those looking for an affordable, tough, and bright AA flashlight.
#4 COAST HP1
Specifications:
| Our Rating: | (4.6/5) |
| Lumens: | 190 Lumens |
| Light Modes: | wide and focus |
| # of Batteries: | One |
| Battery Duration: | 3h 30min |
| Weight: | 1.79 oz |
| Water Resistant: | IPX-4 |
Pros:
(+) Easy focus adjustment with one hand
(+) Very affordable
(+) Resistant to water, impact, and rust and corrosion
Cons:
(-) Does not come with batteries
(-) Li-Ion batteries do not last long as alkaline ones
Overview
This is a 190-Lumen AA LED flashlight that is perfect for EDC, backup in emergency or survival kits and a range of other applications. Using Li-Ion battery, you get a light output for 171-meter beam distance and 1-hour 15-minute runtime. The Coast HP1 features a patented focusing system that provides a slide focus as well as better beam quality than many other products out there.
With the Coast HP1, you can use 1 AA alkaline, 145000lithium, or NiMH rechargeable batteries – batteries are not included in the package. It is both water and impact resistant and features a lightweight aluminum casing that is rust and corrosion resistant. The innovative, well designed Coast HP1 is a smart choice whether you need it for work or play.
Conclusion
One of the things that make the Coast HP1 AA flashlight a product worth your consideration is its affordability. You do not have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality, powerful compact flashlight – even if you have more money in this lower tax era which all workers due but this is another topic. We like the innovative focusing system that provides fantastic beam quality, and also think that the slide focus is a nice touch.
The only drawback we noticed is that Li-Ion batteries run out faster than alkaline ones when using the flashlight. But apart from this, we have no complaints and think that the Coast HP1 is a very good purchase if you are looking for a well-designed and affordable compact flashlight.
We recommend checking our top single AA flashlights article.
#5 STREAMLIGHT 88061 PROTAC
Specifications:
| Our Rating: | (4.6/5) |
| Lumens: | 350 Lumens |
| Light Modes: | 2 b. levels, strobe |
| # of Batteries: | One |
| Battery Duration: | 14 h (low) |
| Weight: | 2.5 oz |
| Water Resistant: | IPX-7 |
Pros:
(+) Easy to operate
(+) The durable anti-shock feature protects the lens from shattering
(+) Built for rough use and all types of conditions
Cons:
(-) Water resistance does not last very long
Overview
This ultra-compact, top-quality AA flashlight is another smart choice for anyone looking for a portable flashlight. The Streamlight 88061 ProTac is a 350-Lumen dual-fuel flashlight that uses one AA alkaline or AA lithium battery or one CR123A lithium battery.
This super-high flux C4 LED flashlight features a 20,000-hour lifetime and is water resistant and impervious to shock. It also features a multi-function, push-button tactical tail switch that allows you to operate momentary, variable intensity or strobe mode with one hand. The Streamlight 88061 ProTac, with its LED Solid State Power Regulation, gives you maximum light output as long as the battery lasts.
Conclusion
Because it is so easy to operate and super-bright, we think that the Streamlight 88061 ProTac is an excellent purchase. It is made of premium quality materials that ensure tough and durability. We also like the C4 LED that makes it resistant to any kind of impact.
Compact and lightweight, it is easy to carry everywhere, especially with the handy detachable clip that it comes with. While it says that it is water resistant, we found that this feature does not last very long, but then again, this is not such a major issue. If you are looking to buy a sturdy, durable and bright AA flashlight, you should definitely consider the Streamlight 88061 ProTac.
#6 PELICAN 2360
Specifications:
| Our Rating: | (4.5/5) |
| Lumens: | 375 Lumens |
| Light Modes: | High, strobe, low |
| # of Batteries: | Two |
| Battery Duration: | 13 h (low) |
| Weight: | 4.6 oz |
| Water Resistant: | IPX-8 |
Pros:
(+) Impact-resistant LED lamp module
(+) Non-slip textured body
(+) Push-button tail switch is easy to operate
Cons:
(-) Slightly more expensive than many other AA flashlights
Overview
This is another compact and lightweight LED flashlight that emits 95 Lumens with a runtime of 2 hours on 2 AA batteries. The Pelican 2360 has an aerospace-grade aluminum body with a textured exterior that prevents it from slipping from your hand. It is highly resistant to impact and built to last long. The push-button tail switch is designed for ease of use.
This AA flashlight comes with a removable two-way pocket clip that allows you to attach it to your pocket or hat brim. The Pelican 2360 AA flashlight is a well-made product that gives you bright illumination whether you are on your work site, in the wilderness or at home in the dark.
Conclusion
The Pelican 2360 is an impressive LED AA flashlight that gives you bright light whenever you need it. We like the textured body and impact-resistant lamp module that ensures great performance even in wet or slippery conditions.
We also like the easy-to-use push-button tail switch. Although it is a little more expensive than many of the other AA flashlights out there, we think that it is worth it.
Not only is it extremely bright, but the Pelican 2360 AA flashlight is also rugged and tough, making it an excellent choice for EDC, outdoor trips, emergency kits, and survival gear. If you are looking for a high-quality AA flashlight, you should give the Pelican 2360 a try.
Check out our selection of the highly-rated AA flashlights article here.
#7 EAGLE TAC D25A
Specifications:
| Our Rating: | (4.5/5) |
| Lumens: | 200 Lumens |
| Light Modes: | 4 b. levels, strobe |
| # of Batteries: | One |
| Battery Duration: | 9 h (low-medium) |
| Weight: | 0.85 oz |
| Water Resistant: | IPX-8 |
Pros:
(+) Powered by one regular AA battery
(+) Very bright
(+) Compact and lightweight
Cons:
(-) Pocket clip falls off easily
(-) Overheats and affects the brightness
Overview
The Eagle Tac D25A is a powerful and awesome-looking 200-Lumen AA flashlight with the latest CREE XML2 U3 LED. You get 4 brightness settings along with Strobe mode. The black titanium finish gives it a stylish look while adding to its durability.
It features a stainless steel pocket clip that allows you to attach the flashlight for your convenience. You get a nylon holster with a self-retention device and a mil-spec paracord lanyard with a quick-attachment clip. Easy to use and extremely bright, the Eagle Tac D25A is a compact yet powerful and durable AA flashlight.
Conclusion
Using CREE XML2 U3 LED, the Eagle Tac D25A is a powerfully bright AA flashlight that is ideal for EDC as well as a backup for survival or tactical flashlights. It is tiny so we were surprised by how bright it is. It is also very solid, so it is sure to last quite a while.
We found the pocket clip quite flimsy – it falls off easily and because the flashlight has striped treads, you cannot screw it back on. The Eagle Tac D25A also overheats which makes the brightness drop. However, all in all, we think that this is a nifty little AA flashlight that will come in handy when you need an easy-to-access light source.
#8 THORFIRE TG06S
Specifications:
| Our Rating: | (4.3/5) |
| Lumens: | 500 Lumens |
| Light Modes: | 3 b. levels, moonlight, strobe |
| # of Batteries: | One |
| Battery Duration: | 3h (low) |
| Weight: | 1.6 oz |
| Water Resistant: | IPX-8 |
Pros:
(+) Strong, sturdy construction
(+) Glow-in-the-dark O-ring
(+) Automatically switches to middle mode from high mode
Cons:
(-) Clip is a little hard to remove
Overview
This is an ultra-bright 500-Lumen AA flashlight that has a neutral white tiny. The ThorFire TG06S is extremely bright and reliable. This multi-functional flashlight has 5 brightness modes that are perfect for a range of different applications, so you can carry it everywhere.
It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy ensuring durability. The ThorFire TG06S is sturdily built so you can always rely on it for non-slipping performance under any condition. One of its coolest features is the O-ring behind the lens – it glows in the dark so you can find the ThorFire TG06S any time in the dark.
Conclusion
There are a number of things that make the ThorFire TG06S a great buy. For one, it is super bright for such a small flashlight. It allows you to avoid overheating and loss of power by automatically switching to middle mode after 3 minutes on the high mode.
All you have to do is tap it once to go back to high. We also like the O-ring which glows in the dark so you do not have to fumble around to find it. Another thing that makes the ThorFire TG06S a great flashlight is the price. You get a really high-quality AA flashlight at a very affordable price. If you are looking for a bright mini flashlight at a low price, you should go for the ThorFire TG06S.
#9 MAGLITE MINI PRO
Specifications:
| Our Rating: | (4.3/5) |
| Lumens: | 245 Lumens |
| Light Modes: | High, low |
| # of Batteries: | Two |
| Battery Duration: | 27 h (low) |
| Weight: | 2.53 oz |
| Water Resistant: | IPX-4 |
Pros:
(+) Easy to change focus by twisting the flashlight’s head
(+) Superior build quality to ensure durability and strength
(+) Can be converted into a candle
Cons:
(-) Not as high-Lumen as many other AA flashlights
Overview
The Maglite Mini PRO is a small yet bright AA flashlight that is ideal for EDC, emergencies, survival as well as law enforcement. This flashlight performs extremely well and is made with materials of the highest quality to ensure strength and durability.
Compact and lightweight, it will easily fit in your pocket, giving you an easily accessible source of light whenever you need it. You can adjust the focus by simply twisting the head – you can easily choose between a laser-focused beam or flood light. Flip it over and you can convert it into a candle. If you are looking for an AA flashlight that is well built, durable and performs well every time, you should go for the Maglite Mini PRO.
Conclusion
Although the Maglite Mini PRO is not the strongest in terms of Lumens compared to some of the other products available today, we included it in this list of top AA flashlights as it has a fantastic build quality and some poignant features. We like that you can simply twist the head for quick and hassle-free focus adjustment.
The Maglite Mini PRO can also be converted into a candle by flipping it over, which we think is a handy feature to have.
#10 SOG DARK ENERGY
Specifications:
| Our Rating: | (4.2/5) |
| Lumens: | 128 Lumens |
| Light Modes: | Momentary on, Full on, Low, Strobe, reading |
| # of Batteries: | One |
| Battery Duration: | 67.3 h (reading mode) |
| Weight: | 3.8 oz |
| Water Resistant: | IPX-7 |
Pros:
(+) Black body is made from tough hard-anodized aluminum
(+) Easy to operate
(+) Extremely bright for its size
Cons:
(-) Poor quality clip
Overview
You can always count on SOG for world-class products and the Dark Energy AA flashlight does not disappoint. This compact 128- Lumen flashlight comes with a CREE R5 LED bulb with an optical-grade polycarbonate lens and textured aluminum reflector. You can choose between 5 operation modes – Full On with 100% brightness, Low with 40% brightness, Reading with an output of 4 Lumens, Momentary On and Strobe.
The SOG Dark Energy is IPX-7 protected against immersion in water – water immersion time is 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter. This flashlight has a solid, sturdy build quality ensuring durability and superb performance even under the roughest conditions. If you are looking for a small yet super-bright and tough AA flashlight, the SOG Dark Energy is a fantastic choice.
Conclusion
When it comes to build quality and brightness, the SOG Dark Energy AA flashlight is pretty much unbeatable. It has a good grip and feels comfortable in the hand. Compact and lightweight, it makes for a fantastic EDC flashlight.
The SOG Dark Energy is also a marvelous backup flashlight for your emergency or survival kit. We were a little disappointed with the clip because the screws holding it to the flashlight did not last very long. But you can just slip it into your pocket or bag so carrying it everywhere is not an issue. If you are in the market for a bright, solid AA flashlight, we recommend the SOG Dark Energy.
And don’t get alarmed by the name dark energy, it does sound ominous but it is not like it is going to bring any bad luck into your life. How much more bad luck can there be anyways in this world, the Patriots are still be allowed to cheat year after year?!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
As you can see, there are many awesome AA flashlights you can buy whether you need one for EDC or emergency kits or outdoor adventures. They are bright, powerful and well-constructed with quality materials and best of all, they are available at prices that do not burn a hole in your pocket.
These compact flashlights are handy in all kinds of situations, from finding keyholes in the dark to making you feel more secure in unlit parking lots or alleys to providing illumination to light your path when you are out camping, hiking, and so forth. If you are looking for a portable light source to prepare you for any situation, you should purchase an AA flashlight.
It is that simple.
