Best AA Flashlights To Light Up Your Nighttime Outdoor Aventures

If you need portable lightning, you should buy an AA battery flashlight. It is a useful, potentially life-saving gadget that every outdoor enthusiast should have. Besides, both AA flashlights and AA batteries are affordable and readily available.

After testing quite a few AA flashlights, I’ve prepared a list of the 7 best AA flashlights currently on the market. Please take a look at my detailed reviews and see if you agree with my best of all choice – the Streamlight ProTac 2AA Professional Tactical Flashlight I can’t wait to hear what you think!

In A Rush? Here Are My Picks

Let’s take a quick glance at the AA flashlights I have reviewed.

The 7 Best AA Flashlight Reviews 

Best Of All: Streamlight 88033 ProTac 2AA Flashlight

• 250 lumens maximum
• 130 meters maximum beam throw distance
• 2 hours runtime on the highest setting

The Streamlight 88033 ProTac 2AA tactical flashlight is compact (a little over 6 inches long and 3.4 oz in weight) yet I found it very powerful. It is powered by two AA batteries that are included with the purchase. The package includes a practical nylon holster and a detachable pocket clip, too. 

You can choose between three different user-selectable programs (high/strobe/low; high only, and low/high). The 10-tap programming you use to switch between programs and settings is easy to master, but you can always learn more about it by reading the user manual.

The highest setting produces the brightest light and longest beam – both admirable for such a small AA flashlight. If you need softer light or more running time, switch to the low setting that provides light for up to 43 hours.

The central beam is narrow and concentrated, but some light does “spill over” and illuminate the area near you. The beam is not adjustable, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. If the head was adjustable, the waterproofness might be compromised over time – this is what I learned from my experience owning various flashlights.  

So far, my ProTac 2AA Flashlight has proved to be very enduring. I dropped it a few times, but it didn’t scratch or break. 

Pros

• Excellent brightness with a nice balance between distance and width
• Maximum light output throughout battery life
• Durable aircraft aluminum construction 
• Anti-breakage tempered glass lens
• Anti-roll head
• Waterproof (IPX7 rated)
• Limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• Only comes in black, making it quite challenging to locate in the dark
• The tail switch needs to be pressed hard

Best Dual Fuel Battery: Streamlight 88061 ProTac 1L-1AA Flashlight

• 150 lumens maximum
• 160-meter maximum beam throw distance
• 1.5 hours run time on the highest setting

Having been so satisfied with the ProTac 2AA flashlight, I decided to purchase the ProTac 1L-1AA flashlight, as well. It didn’t disappoint me. In fact, it might be the best AA flashlight with dual fuel option I have ever tried. Dual fuel means this flashlight can use both CR123A and AA lithium/alkaline batteries. 

You will get both types of batteries in the package, so you can determine their advantages on your own. In essence, the CR123A battery lasts much longer if you use your light in low mode (14h compared to 7h). In high mode, on the other hand, the difference is insignificant (only about 10 minutes difference). You can also use the regular Lithium battery (the run time is similar to that of a CR123A battery).

This Streamlight model offers more-less the same functionality as the previous one, as you can see in its user manual. It has LED technology, three user-selectable programs, and ten-tap programming. It also comes with a pocket clip and nylon holster and is made of the same durable materials.

Pros:

• Bright, anti-shock LED bulb with a 50,000-hour lifetime 
• Requires only one AA battery
• Battery versatility
• RoHS compliant
• Black anodized finish
• Impact-resistant boro-float glass lens
• Waterproof (IPX7 rated)

Cons:

• Tail switch seems a bit flimsy

Best Variable Focus Flashlight: GearLight S2000 LED Flashlight 

• 1200 lumens
• A push-pull variable focus flashlight
• About 2 hours run time

For my next review, I have chosen to test the GearLight S2000 LED flashlight because of its budget-friendly price, heavy-duty construction, and compact size (7.5 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches). This flashlight offers plenty considering its reasonable price. You might say it is one of the best AA flashlights in its price category. That is probably the reason behind its enormous popularity.

GearLight S2000 is compatible with AA alkaline or NiMH batteries. You can use rechargeable batteries, too, to save even more money. Unfortunately, the batteries are not included in the package. This bothers me a bit since alkalines are so cheap. For battery installation, consult the user manual.

Accessories for this flashlight are scarce, to say the least. If it were not for the attached lanyard, they would be non-existent.

GearLight S2000 is a variable-focus flashlight. This type of flashlight is also called a ”zoomie” because you can zoom the light beam in and out by sliding the head of the torch forward and backward. The zoom action is very smooth, and there is a lot of adjustability, allowing you to alternate between a floodlight beam and a spotlight beam. 

The case is made from military-grade aluminum. It is advertised as being able to survive a 10-foot drop, and even though I haven’t tried that, I did drop it a few times, and nothing bad happened. Hence, I think it can handle quite a lot. It is waterproof, too, so I would say it is an all-weather flashlight. 

Pros

• Excellent price-quality ratio
• Very bright, adjustable light beam
• Durable, water-resistant case 
• Suitable for all weather conditions

Cons

• No accessories other than an attached lanyard
• No batteries included

Best EDC Flashlight: ThruNite LED Flashlight Archer 2A V3 EDC Flashlight

• 500 lumens for 200 seconds/ 280 lumens for 2 hours
• 15 days maximum run time (0.2 lumens)
• 93 meters maximum beam throw distance

If you want an everyday carry flashlight (EDC), which is small, rugged, and super easy to use, I suggest you check out the ThruNite 2A V3 LED Flashlight. Measuring just 6 inches long and 1 inch wide, and weighing a mere 48 grams, this flashlight is ideal for your pocket. If your pockets are not deep enough, you can clip it onto your belt (a practical pocket clip is included in the package along with some spare parts). 

I tested this flashlight while on a week-long camping trip. It gave me plenty of time to try all the settings and see how long the batteries last. I must say I am pleased with how this compact light performed. Everything is clearly explained in the user manual.

The medium and low settings are bright enough to lite your way through the dark wood or light up your tent at night. I didn’t have the need for the highest setting, but I have tried it, and I can vouch that the beam is quite long and well-focused. 

I don’t see the value of the fourth setting – the so-called firefly mode. I guess it could be a small-area night light. The problem is that it is so weak that I often forget to turn it off. You simply cannot see that it is on during the day, so it can drain your battery. The strobe performs flawlessly.

Pros

• Reasonably priced, small flashlight
• Does not get too warm during use
• Anti-reflective, ultra-clear, toughened lens
• Aerospace-grade hard-anodized aluminum body
• 4 light modes + strobe
• Anti-abrasive finish
• Waterproof (IPX8 rating)

Cons

• No batteries included

Best Candle Mode Flashlight: Maglite Mini Incandescent 2-Cell Flashlight

• 14 lumens maximum
• 5 hours and 15 minutes run time in high mode
• 96 meters maximum throw distance

If you often find yourself in situations where you need light but you also need your hands to be free, you might want to try a flashlight with a candle mode, such as the Maglite Mini Incandescent 2-cell flashlight.  

Candle mode means you can unscrew the head and use it to position the flashlight vertically without the risk of it falling down. It can be a helpful feature in various situations, but it is also a great way to light up your tent or even your home in case of a power outage.

The head is not only removable but also rotates, allowing you to adjust the light beam from spot to flood or vice versa. All in all, this Maglite Mini AA battery flashlight is very easy to use. 

It is one of its greatest assets. I also like that it comes in different colors – including camo.

I was surprised to find out this is an incandescent flashlight since LED flashlights dominate the market for all the good reasons (better brightness, durability, and lifespan). However, even though incandescent bulbs give out less light, they have their purpose. Sometimes, when dealing with people who are overly sensitive to bright light, you need softer light, and it is good to have that option. 

Pros

• Budget-friendly price
• Two high-intensity Xenon Incandescent Lamps
• Excellent for people who are sensitive to bright light
• Anodized finish for improved corrosion resistance
• 10-year limited warranty and 14-day money-back guarantee
• Water-resistant (IPX4 rating)

Cons

• Cannot measure up to the brightness of LED flashlights

Best Low-Budget Flashlight: Dorcy 3AA 4 LED Incredible Floating Flashlight

• ‎55 lumens maximum light output
• 31-meter maximum throw distance
• 8 hours and 45 minutes maximum run time

While browsing through low-cost AA flashlights, I stumbled across the brightly colored Dorcy 3AA Flashlights and decided to try one. My biggest problem was choosing the color since they were all so vivid – which is quite unusual for flashlights. 

As long as you are aware that 10 dollars can’t buy you a high-end tactical light, you can be very satisfied with this small Dorcy light. It is an everyday carry light you can use for some of your outdoor activities, especially those involving water, as this flashlight is not only waterproof but also designed to float. If you like fishing for striped bass at night as much as I do, this might be the best AA flashlight for you.

Even though the cheapest on my list, this flashlight feels quite solid. Most other AA flashlights in its price category feel lightweight and flimsy. If you have a kid who takes part in your outdoor adventures, this would be a great gift. It is easy to use, too, just read the user manual.

Pros

• Lowest price (batteries included!)
• Shock-absorbing rubber for anti-slip grip
• Integrated Spring Loaded Carabiner clip
• Floatable design
• Waterproof
• One-year limited warranty

Cons

• It gives out rings of light rather than a focused beam

Best Emergency Situation Flashlight: Nitecore MT2A LED Flashlight

• 345 lumens maximum light output (2 hr 15 min)
• 50 hours maximum run time
• 152 meters maximum throw distance

If you ever find yourself in an emergency, you need a reliable and durable flashlight that has both strobe and SOS modes. In my humble opinion, Nitecore MT2A LED Flashlight is one of the best AA flashlights for this purpose. 

Nitecore MT2A is small enough to carry around yet not too small to lose. There is no zoom-in feature to focus the beam, but it is pretty focused by default. You can alternate between Turbo Mode and user-defined mode by turning the head of the flashlight as explained in the user manual. 

The flashlight sits nicely in your hand, while the U-shaped tail cap prevents you from turning on the light accidentally. The package includes a racial, high-quality double-loop holster and a detachable two-way anti-rolling clip.

This flashlight is in the mid-price category, but you can save some money by using rechargeable batteries. Overall, this is a great everyday carry flashlight! I would definitely recommend it.

Pros:

• Patented reverse polarity protection
• Highly versatile beam profile
• Compatible with rechargeable batteries 
• Up to 50.000 hours of burn time
• Waterproof (IPX8 rating)

Cons:

• It sometimes goes to default instead of your selected setting when you switch back from turbo mode

Why Should You Buy An AA Battery Flashlight?

If you are like most people, you probably think your phone’s dinky flashlight is enough. So, let’s first answer the question of why you need a flashlight in the first place. 

I must say there is truth in what most people think. In many everyday situations, your phone will suffice. However, if you spend a lot of time outdoors at night, there are numerous situations when you’ll need much more visibility than the phone’s flashlight can provide. Besides, when you are all alone in the woods in the pitch dark, you want to have an alternative if your phone’s light dies out, believe me!

Hence, the real important question is: Why choose an AA battery flashlight over all other types of flashlights?

Once you start looking at flashlights, you’ll quickly realize there are different power options you can choose from, such as AA or AAA batteries, D cell batteries, or CR123A, 18650, and 14500  battery systems of higher voltage. 

Each option has its advantages, but AA batteries have undisputed supremacy due to one crucial factor – they are the most common and easiest to get a hold of. That is why AA flashlights are my number one choice, and should be yours too.

Just look around your house, and you’ll see that most battery-powered devices use double “A” batteries. For this reason, almost every store sells these batteries, meaning you’ll never have to go out of your way to purchase them. 

If that is still too much trouble for you, you can always get rechargeable AA batteries and charge them on your own whenever they get emptied. It cannot get more convenient than that!

More compact AAA flashlights might seem like a good option, too, since AAA batteries are as easy to obtain. However, an AAA flashlight cannot compare to a powerful AA flashlight in terms of battery life and the brightness it can produce. 

What Should You Consider When Buying Your First AA Flashlight?

Here is what you need to consider before you choose your first AA battery flashlight:

Type Of Bulb

The best AA flashlights come with LED bulbs. A LED bulb is economical and virtually unbreakable. At the same time, it delivers an incredible light output. So, if you want a very bright light, choose LED AA flashlights. 

Halogen or incandescent flashlights are more-less the things of the past. Such bulbs use far more power while being far more fragile and producing way less light than any LED bulb. LED light is the future. 

According to Wuben, one of the biggest flashlight manufacturers in China, there are a few types of LEDs used in flashlight production. First of all, they are CSP or Chip Scale Package chips and SMD or Surface Mount Device chips. In general, CSP chips are the preferred choice since they are smaller and more reliable. There are also COB or Chip On Board LEDs which are multiple LED chips connected into a single module. They are also highly efficient and reliable. 

Level Of Brightness

The best AA flashlight is the brightest AA flashlight. According to the Energy Education team from the University of Calgary, there are two different ways to measure the brightness: 

Measuring Lumens 

As per Any-Lamp, a light manufacturer with more than 25 years of experience, lumens depict the total light output in all directions. They show how bright the light your AA flashlight produces is, but not how far it can reach.

How many lumens do you need?

It all depends on what you plan to use your AA flashlight for. If you are going to read or look for something in your backpack, 10 lumens will be more than enough. However, from my personal experience, general-use AA flashlights for outdoor enthusiasts should boast at least 100 to 300 lumens. If you hope to illuminate objects at great distances (a couple of hundred feet away from you), you must opt for 1000+ lumens.

The more lumens an AA flashlight produces, the quicker it will drain the batteries. For that reason, you should choose an AA flashlight with a range of output levels. In this way, you can save your battery life by using the highest output only when you must. 

Measuring Lux

As explained in the AAC technical magazine, when measuring lux, you measure the so-called “throwing distance” or the number of lumens per area at a certain distance. It shows you how far the light of your AA flashlight can reach.

Lux shows if your AA light can illuminate distant targets, which is especially important for nighttime hunters that do not have night-vision devices. 

Type Of AA Batteries

As explained by the Qualitative Reasoning Group from the Northwestern University, Illinois, all batteries work similarly, but they do not work equally well. When shopping for an AA flashlight, you must consider what type of batteries it uses and whether it uses a single AA battery or you’ll have to invest in multiple AA batteries.

You must consider some important facts when choosing batteries, too, such as their type, capacity, whether they can be charged or not, and how well they perform in low temperatures. Let’s see what the most popular options are.

Alkaline AA Batteries

Alkaline AA batteries seem to be the most popular choice. According to ScienceDirect, they account for 80% of manufactured batteries in the US. From energy and CO2 footprint perspectives, alkaline AA batteries (or AAA batteries) are more benign than lithium-ion or Ni-cadmium batteries, as stated by The Battery Universe that has been in the battery sales business since 1999. Hence, they should be your choice if you are searching for an environmentally-friendly choice. Just be sure to recycle them once you are done using them.

On the downside, alkaline AA batteries are prone to leakage, especially if you do not use your AA flashlight regularly. Even the best brands leak, and that can ruin your flashlight. It happened to me, too! Therefore, I highly advise removing alkalines when not using your AA flashlight.

Some manufacturers are willing to compensate for the damage caused by their batteries leaking. However, I had a friend who went through that process, and he ended up wasting a lot of time and paying for expensive shipping costs. In the end, it was not worth the bother.

To learn how to prevent alkaline battery leakage, watch the video below: 

Rechargeable NiMh AA Batteries

Rechargeable NiMh AA batteries are one of the best AA batteries you can use for AA flashlights. They are medium-temperature batteries operating in temperatures from -5 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Modern rechargeable batteries have eliminated the problem of the high self-discharge rate. It means you no longer need to worry that they will lose power if not used for a long time. 

NiMh AA batteries deliver more power than alkaline batteries. Therefore, you get about double the minutes of runtime at max power using NiMh than when using alkalines. They are also better for our environment than NiCd batteries.

I often buy Eneloops, and I am satisfied with their power capacity and output. I haven’t had any leakage issues, either. Their self-discharge rate is rather low, too, meaning you can store them fully charged and use them as often as you like.

NiCd AA Batteries

According to ScienceDirect, NiCad batteries are the best choice if you plan to use your AA flashlight in extreme environments, such as a snowstorm or tropical heat. These batteries boast a longer life cycle than NiMH or Li-ion batteries, too. Unfortunately, they are not widely available as many manufacturers have discontinued their production. 

NiCd AA batteries typically have a charging problem – the so-called  “memory effect”. If you do not charge them to their full capacity after each use, the next time you charge them, they will charge only up to the last highest charge. It means their lifespan will be much shorter than it could be. 

As experts from the Sciencing website explain, you can recondition the NiCd batteries, but it will cost you at least three life cycles. It is not very safe either, so ensure you know what you are doing. You can watch the video below if you require assistance:

Lithium AA Batteries

AA lithium batteries can be both rechargeable and non-rechargeable. Of course, I prefer the latter. These batteries can replace alkaline AA batteries in most devices that use this size. 

The main advantages of Lithium AA batteries are prolonged shelf life, higher capacity, and lower weight. A Lithium AA battery provides longer service of AA flashlights than alkaline or NiMh AA batteries. Unfortunately, they are still rather expensive and hard to obtain.

FAQs

Does Surefire make a AA flashlight?

Surefire makes a AA flashlight called the Surefire E2L AA Outdoorsman Dual-Output LED Flashlight. However, this company is best known for its tactical flashlights with CR-123 batteries. To be honest, if you want a reliable, high-output tactical flashlight, CR-123 is the best choice.

What flashlights do Navy Seals carry?

Navy Seals carry tactical flashlights. A tactical flashlight is much brighter than a regular one. You can mount it on a rifle or pistol too. It usually has a strobe mode or steady high-beam mode navy seals use to disorient and temporarily blind their opponents.

What flashlight do US police use?

US police use LED flashlights with multiple output settings and a strobe mode. Their flashlights must be rechargeable (car-charging option included) and adaptable to various distances. Depending on the department, police officers most often use Streamlight Stinger and Strion flashlights.

Final Observations

I hope you liked my list of the best AA flashlights. It is time to choose your favorite. 

I stand by my choice of the Streamlight ProTac 2AA Professional Tactical Flashlight If it is a brand  good enough for American police, and The U.S. Department of Homeland Security

(DHS) concluded it is, then it must be good enough for even the most demanding outdoor enthusiasts, too. 
If you are more interested in low-budget AA flashlights, I recommend the colorful, multi-functional Dorcy 3AA 4 LED Incredible Floating Flashlight If you need more help, reach out to me. Please share this article, too, so that we can help more people find their favorite AA flashlights!