Have you tried walking or working in a dark place or a room without a source of light? I doubt were you able to accomplish anything because let’s face it… We are not superhuman, when it’s dark we can’t really see anything. It’s pretty much hopeless trying to get anything done in the dark, that’s why I am going to show you the ten best AA led flashlights available on the market today. But why AA flashlights? There are literally hundreds of different models out there, all varying in shapes and sizes. I chose to review AA-flashlights because they are pretty compact and most of all, cheap.
| Model | Lumen | Quick Info | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 1TAC - TC1200 PRO | 1200 | NUMBER 1 RATED Compact and tough used by military and Emergency Services. | $ | Buy Direct & Save 75% |
 Streamline ProTac 2AA | - | Easily operated ,Will last you a long time , Durable, anti-shock prevents the lens from shattering , Lightweight and portable , Handy clip designed for pockets | $ | Buy on Amazon |
 Nitecore MT2A | 345 | Easy to adjust brightness,Has several modes,Simple to use and can be carried everywhere you go, Made from durable and light materials | $$ | Buy on Amazon |
 Thorfire TG06 | 300 | Adjustable light modes,It is exceptional for both indoor and outdoor activities | $$ | Buy on Amazon |
 Fenix E12 | 130 | Surface is very scratch resistant , Different light modes , Comes with one AA Battery , Adjustable light beam , Compact size | $$ | Buy on Amazon |
 UltraFire SK68 | 300 | Portable and comfortable,Affordable,Can be used with normal AA-batteries | $ | Buy on Amazon |
 200 Lumen Mini Bonfire | 200 | Lightweight and portable , Possible to adjust focus without difficulty , Detachable clip for belts and pockets | $$ | Buy on Amazon |
 Maglite Mini Incandescent | - | Lasts longer,Can be used as an candle,The focus can be easily adjusted by just twisting the head of the flashlight | $$ | Buy on Amazon |
 Coast HP1 | 190 | Uses one AA-battery , Innovative focusing system , Resistant to both water and impacts , The body of the flashlight is coated to resist corrosion and rust. | $$ | Buy on Amazon |
 ThruNite Archer | 200 | Tough construction will probably outlast you , 5 different light modes, varying from low to high and strobe , Uses one AA-battery , Weather proof | $$ | Buy on Amazon |
Just want to remind all of you that this top ten is of course my own opinion. I just go from my own testing and from what others have said, if you feel like some of these AA flashlight do not live up to their hype I would gladly replace them with something better! If you find these to be too small for your taste, we also have a written an article about the best flashlights on the market.
This small yet powerful bright flashlight is very tough and very compact. It is used by the US Military, Police & First Responders for a very good reason. It is made from aircraft grade aluminium making it extra strong… heck its even been to space and back in testing with no issues at all.
It has a magnetic base so it can be used hands-free and has a built-in clip for attaching to trousers while on the move.
This flashlight comes with high, low and intelligent strobe modes. The TC12000 has a rechargeable battery but can also be used with normal AA-batteries. I would suggest stocking up on non-rechargeable batteries because if the power grid goes out you won’t have much luck charging them.
The incredible brightness gives an intense 1200 lumen beam that can reach up to 2 miles in distance.
This TC1200 Pro is now available to the public for the first time which is amazing news for outdoorists like me.
This flashlight truly is the best flashlight available. I have tested hundreds of flashlights and none others come close.
Here are some key factors why it is my highest rated survival flashlight:
- Lighting – Brightest and Highest Visibility – 1200 lumens and 2 miles in distance.
- Durable – Made From Aircraft Aluminium – Light and Durable
- Waterproof – Fully Waterproof sealed casing of the lamp and power box.
- Fireproof – Yes it is fireproof for up to 5 minutes
- Real Life Uses – This flashlight is used by the country’s emergency teams and military
Description:
ProTac 2AA is among of the top efficient AA flashlights, mostly because of how convenient it is. If you’re looking for something that is both portable and cheap, while at the same time giving plenty of light, you should take an extra look at this AA flashlight.
- Crafted with high quality materials
- Uses 2 AA alkaline batteries
- It has push button switch with numerous functions and various modes
- Has C4 LED that is impenetrable to any kind of impact
- Detachable clip for easier carrying
- Resistant to water
Pros
- Easily operated
- Will last you a long time
- Durable, anti-shock prevents the lens from shattering
- Lightweight and portable
- Handy clip designed for pockets
Cons
- Its water resistant feature doesn’t last very long
Description:
Nitecore MT2A is considered as one of the most broadly used products because of the availability of their batteries and the various modes it features. If you are looking for an extraordinary yet small flashlight then try this one.
- Uses 345 lumens LED that supplies optimum illumination
- Beam reaches about 166 yards
- Battery powered with 2x AA batteries
- Three brightness modes along with strobe and SoS
- Includes a tactical and durable loop holster
Pros
- Easy to adjust brightness
- Has several modes
- Simple to use and can be carried everywhere you go
- 345 lumens
- Made from durable and light materials
Cons
- Inserting batteries can be fiddly
- The pocket clip sits pretty loosely
Description:
Thorfire TG06 is another product filled with nifty technicalities. This is a single AA LED flashlight that packs a punch, powered by just one alkaline battery it can output a power of 300 lumens. That’s pretty crazy if you ask me ,and considering that this is the cheapest AA flashlight out there, you’re getting a whole lot for your moneys worth.
- Can be powered by one AA battery or one 14500-battery
- Made with special alloy material guaranteed to last you a life time
- Weighs a mere 1.3 ounces
- Comes with a handy detachable clip, perfect for belts and pockets
Pros
- Design makes it super easy to carry around
- Adjustable light modes
- It is exceptional for both indoor and outdoor activities
- Glow in the dark O-ring to make it easier to find
Cons
- Small size makes it easy to lose
- The clips is fragile, prone to break sooner or later
Description:
Fenix E12 is among of the best aa flashlight because of its outstanding performance, long lasting battery life, has really good performance and is also very affordable. It’s not much bigger than a single AA-battery and packs 130 lumen, not too shabby! If durability is your major concern then this model is basically a perfect match for you.
- Special LED with a longer lasting performance of several hours
- Wider range of illumination
- Provides various modes
- Manufactured with high quality aluminum materials
- Water resistant
Pros
- Surface is very scratch resistant
- Different light modes
- Comes with one AA Battery
- Adjustable light beam
- Compact size
Cons
- Water resistant is mediocre, will let some water in if exposed for too long
- Doesn’t handle cold climates well
- Light seems weaker than 130 lumen
Description:
UltraFire is another known manufacturer. This model is a highly popular flashlight, that is very cheap as well. Some of my favorite features of this light are the three light modes, adjustable focus, 300 lumen output and of course, the tactical design.
- Small size that allows user to carry it everywhere
- Made from lightweight aluminum materials
- Brightness is not affected by its size since it uses a CREE Q5 LED
- Powered by AA battery
- Water resistant
Pros
- Since it is tiny, it is portable and is comfortable to carry
- Can be used for any outdoor activities
- Affordable
- Can be used with normal AA-batteries
Cons
- A lot of illegitimate (read: Chinese knock offs) copies are sold
- No batteries included
Description:
If you’ve been paying attention, this AA-flashlight should oddly familiar. Want a hint? It’s basically a knock off/rebrand of the popular UltraFire SK68. Now it might just be the housing that’s identical, because specification wise they’re a little different. Instead of 300 lumen, the Bright Medic light outputs about 200. It’s compact and uses only a single AA battery to operate.
- 200 lumens
- O-ring makes it resistant to rain
- LED-light is rater to last over 100,000 hours
- Made from tough anodized aluminum
- Powered with single AA Battery, which is also included
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Possible to adjust focus without difficulty
- Detachable clip for belts and pockets
Cons
- Some customers have gotten defect versions of the light
- Can “lag” sometimes, meaning it doesn’t respond right away
Description:
Maglite Mini Incandescent is a beloved flashlight that uses two AA-batteries. You might know Maglite for their larger and heavy duty flashlights, which are often mistaken for batons. This one however is a lot smaller, it’ll fit in your pocket with ease. In terms of appearance it doesn’t look very exciting, I know, but Maglite is all about performance rather than looks. If you prefer power over aesthetics, you can’t go wrong with the Maglite Mini Incandescent.
- Completely weather and drop resistant
- Made from high quality materials making it very durable
- Has a 5 hour run time
- Possible to adjust focus, choose between flood light or a laser focused beam
- Can be converted into a candle by flipping it over, see pics for info
- Comes in multiple styles with different colors
- Battery operated using 2 AA batteries
Pros
- Plenty of different styles and colors
- Lasts longer than other flashlights thanks to superior build quality
- The focus can be easily adjusted by just twisting the head of the flashlight
- Can be used as an candle
Cons
- Not the strongest in terms of lumens
Description:
Coast is a well known player in the flashlight game, their HP1 flashlight has almost 2,000 positive reviews on Amazon. The HP1 is a single AA alkaline battery flashlight which outputs 190 lumen. The beam can reach as far as 560 feet. Downside is the battery time, which only lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. Features a patented focusing system which makes adjusting the focus really easy.
- Uses one AA-battery
- Innovative focusing system
- Resistant to both water and impacts
- The body of the flashlight is coated to resist corrosion and rust.
Pros
- Works with rechargeable batteries
- Easy to adjust focus with one hand
- Detachable clip for belts and pockets
- VERY affordable
Cons
- No batteries included
- Li-Ion batteries doesn’t last as long as alkaline ones
Description:
This AA flashlight from ThruNite is used by a wide variety of people, law enforcement, security, firefighters, hikers and plenty more. It’s constructed from aerospace aluminum, meaning you can treat it as poorly as you want, it won’t break. It has a light output of 200 lumen at max, but can go down to 0.1 lumen if necessary (which increases the battery life from 3 hours to 17 days!).
- Tough construction will probably outlast you
- 5 different light modes, varying from low to high and strobe
- Uses one AA-battery
- Weather proof
Pros
- Water resistant
- Has an anti-scratch coating
- Flexible light modes
- Good battery life, even on highest setting
Cons
- No batteries included
- Poor quality switch
