Updated: June 10th 2022
Why A AA Flashlight?
Many of the smaller flashlights on this site are based on the CR123a battery which is a specialty battery. But, what is the best AA flashlight in 2024 and why would you want AA over CR123A?
The AA battery accounts for over 50% of all standard battery sizes sold. Since they are widely available they are more convenient than some other battery types. Sometimes you do not want to mess around with special batteries if your flashlight dies, you want to be able to go down to the gas station or use normal rechargeable batteries to get your flashlight going again. Lastly, many doomsday preppers like the idea of being able to stockpile standard size batteries.
If you are looking for this size but you do not care about a specific battery then check out this article with the brightest flashlights in the world or our best led flashlight hub article that links out to all of our other buyers guides.
Short On Time? Here Is The Bullet List
Best 1xAA Flashlights on the Market:
- Budget: Lumintop Tool AA 2
Neals Gadgets 8% off “BTF” | BangGood | Amazon - Headlamp (Compact): Sofrin HS05
- Overall: Skilhunt M150 V3
- Throw: Lumintop GTA
- Brightest: Sofrin SP10 V3
- Bling: Acebeam Rider RX
Best 2xAA Flashlights on the Market:
- Overall: Thrunite Archer 2A V3 NW
- Budget: Zanflare F2S
- Throw: Fenix E25UE
- Brightest: Armytek Prime A2 V3
Best 4xAA Flashlights on the Market:
- Overall: Nitecore EA41
- Budget: Coast Polysteel 600
- Throw: Thrunite TN4A
- Flood: Manker MK41
**Below are our more detailed reviews. Click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
If you are looking for some good batteries we like the Eneloop AA Ni-MH batteries (rechargeable) and the La Crosse BC-1000 charger.
If you want to use primary batteries (non-rechargeable) or just want some spares lying around, the Energizer L91 AA Lithium Batteries are great. These Lithium batteries are different and safer than Li-ion and they are way better than alkaline batteries.
For the doomsday prepper type go with the Lithium Batteries since they have a longer shelf life.
If you want to push your flashlight to the limit you could try 14500 Li-ion batteries. 14500 batteries will fit but they run at a voltage of 3.6 instead of 1.5 Volts and can easily kill the driver or led. Before you try 14500 batteries research your flashlight and see others results.
A flashlight with AA batteries can not perform to the same level as a light with CR123a without being way bigger. But, any of these lights would be a great flashlight for law enforcement as a backup to larger handheld lights or pistol lights.
So when you are looking for the best AA LED flashlight we need to understand that it will not compete with the strength and size of other tactical flashlights but we can come close. For instance the brightest AA flashlight in our guide is 280 lumens with an XM-L2 bulb. A similar CR123a flashlight could produce above 600 Lumens. Here we are only talking about flashlights that use 1 AA and those that use 2 AA, I will give you my picks for both.
Best AA Flashlight in 2024
Best 1xAA Flashlight (Budget):
Lumintop Tool AA 2
The Lumintop Tool AA 2 is a great upgrade from the previous model tool. Some of the highlights of the Tool 2 is the ability to use either 14500 li-ion batteries or standard AA batteries. Also, the light has a true memory mode which most single AA flashlights do not have and espesially at this price point. When using a 14500 li-ion battery the Tool 2 has a maximum output of 650 lumens with four brightness options and strobe. When using a standard AA the maximum output is 270 lumens.
This light has both a tail switch and a twisty head. It has an IP rating of IP68 which is one of the highest possible ratings. At a budget price this is a great light coming from a top manufacturer. But, there are some downsides to this little light. Probably the thing that we would like the most would be a real moonlight mode. The lowest setting on a 14500 is 16 lumens which is really bright still and 3.7 lumens with a standard AA battery. This is a great option for every day carry (EDC) Flashlight.
Pros:
- User friendly interface
- Can use li-ion, Alkaline, or Ni-MH
- Memory
- IP68
Cons:
- No moonlight mode
Specs:
- Weight: 0.79 oz w/out battery
- Dimensions: 3.52 inches long and 0.73-inch diameter
- Lowest Output: 16 lumens for 37 hours
- Highest Output: 650 lumens for 33 minutes
Check Neals GadgetsCheck BangGoodCheck Amazon
Best 1xAA Flashlight Headlamp:
Sofrin HS05
The Sofrin HS05 uses a Samsung LH351D LED with a small mirror reflector. The Sofrin HS05 can emit a maximum of 1000 lumens with a li-ion 14500 cell or 260 with a standard AA alkaline battery. The Sofrin HS05 has a great moonlight mode with an output of 1 lumen with both batteries. Like most of the flashlight son this list this light can be powered by li-ion or alkaline which offers so much flexibly and is great for prepper situations.
The Sofrin HS05 offers five brightness levels, plus a beacon and strobe and SOS modes. The five levels are Moonlight, Low, Medium , High, and Turbo. The UI on the HS05 is pretty simple UI with a press to go on and then hold to cycle throw modes. Moonlight is directly accessible by holding from off, turbo is at 2 quick clicks, and strobe is at 3 quick clicks. The main downside to this light is that the recharging of the li-ion is not internal but they give you a small battery charger in the kit. I guess this saves on space and costs for those that want to use AA batteries.
Pros:
- Extremely compact
- Dual Fuel
- IPX-8 rating
Cons:
- Not internally rechargeable
Specs:
- Weight: 1.4 oz without battery or headband
- Dimensions: 3.3 inches long and 0.92-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 1/1 lumens for 128/82 hours
- Highest Setting: 1000/260 lumens for 1 minute
Best 1xAA Flashlight (Overall):
Skilhunt M150 V3
The Skilhunt M150 V3 is an upgraded version of the extremely popular Skilhunt M150 V1 and V2. The orange peel reflector and glass lens is paired with a CREE XP-L2 LED or the Samsung LH351D to emit a maximum of 750 lumens. This light has a magnetic bottom so you can attach it to near by things if it helps you work. It also has a high waterproof rating of IPX-8. The manufacturer’s claim with the Skilhunt M150 V3 is a maximum beam distance of 110m.
The Skilhunt M150 V3 uses a single side switch design with a great UI, if you are looking for something a little more complicated the M150 does allow you to change to a separate set of brightness levels . The Skilhunt M150 V3 can be powered by a single AA battery or AA NiMH, but for optimal performance, you will want to use the included 14500 lithium 3.7V battery. 750 lumens can only be achieved with the 14500 lithium battery. The Skilhunt M150 V3 offers 4 brightness levels, plus strobe mode. A final thing to point out that really helps with convenience is that this light will internally recharge a 14500 battery and can use a AA for power in a pinch. This can not charge a Ni-MH battery.
Pros:
- Multiple battery options
- Different modes
- Thermal protection
Cons:
- Could have better pocket clip
Specs:
- Weight: 1.2 oz. without battery
- Dimensions: 3.3 inches long and 0.82-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 1.5 for 100 hours
- Highest Setting: 750 lumens for 1 minute before stepping down
Best 1xAA Flashlight (Throw):
Lumintop GTA
The Lumintop GTA features a OSRAM KW.CSLNM1.TG LED and has the ability to emit a maximum of 550 lumens. One of the most popular tests done by individual owners of the Lumintop GTA is beam distance. The manufacturer claims the maximum beam distance for this light is 585m, but tests showed a beam distance around 430m which still makes it the farthest thrower for AA size batteries. The Lumintop GTA has the ability to be powered by a single disposable AA battery or a single 14500 battery. Output will vary based on battery being used. For the size this is a great long range flashlight.
The Lumintop GTA is made from an aerospace grade solid aluminum bar that features a HA III MIL-standard hard-anodized finish. The Lumintop GTA offers an IPX-8 rating and can withstand impacts up to 2m. Controlled by a tail switch the Lumintop GTA offers 4 brightness levels and strobe. The UI is pretty easy with 1 click giving on and off. ONce it is on pressing but not clicking moves through brightness levels. Last 6 quick presses puts you in strobe. The Lumintop GTA also has the ability to tail stand.
Pros:
- Great Throw
- Two battery options
- Compact
Cons:
- Pulse Width Modulation
Specs:
- Weight: 2.11 oz. without battery
- Dimensions: 4.45 inches long and 1.42-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 10 lumens for 48 hours
- Highest Setting: 550 lumens for 45 minutes
Best 1xAA Flashlight (Brightest):
Sofrin SP10 V3
The Sofrin SP10 V3 features a Samsung LH351d LED with a CRI of 90. Powered by a single 14500 battery, the Sofrin SP10 V3 can emit a maximum of 1000 lumens. One of the great things about these newer AA size lights is that they can use 14500, Alkaline, and Ni-MH which to me makes it the best option to carry since even though it is not as bright as some of the other lights with bigger batteries it will be really easy to find batteries in a pinch.
The Sofrin SP10 V3 offers five main brightness levels, plus a beacon, strobe, and SOS mode. The UI on the SP10 is pretty good. A click get the light on and a hold from off gets you straight to moonlight. Once you are on holding will cycle through Low, Medium, High. A triple click will get you into strobe and in strobe if you hold you will cycle through the other blink functions. Last but not least is the all important Lockout at 4 clicks. All of this in a very low budget light. Not as good of build quality as others but a good performing brand.
Pros:
- Very bright for size
- Li-ion, Alkaline, Ni-MH
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Pocket clip could be better
Specs:
- Weight: 1.41 oz. without battery
- Dimensions: 3.36 inches long and 0.8-inch diameter
- Lowest Output: 1 lumens for 90 hours
- Highest Output: 1000 lumens then steps down
Best 1xAA Flashlight (Bling):
Acebeam Rider RX
The Acebeam Rider RX feature a 5000K Nichia 219F LED allowing it to have a high CRI of above 90. The Acebeam Rider RX has a couple different models but for the bling section we chose the titanium and the Rainbow PVD models. This light is very durable with an IP68 rating but you do not want to messing around with your bling too much.
The pocket clip is really one of the stand out cool features in the Acebeam Rider RX, it is just fun to play with. The pocket clip has smooth action to push out the front of the light or retract it. It does not change the behavior of the light but it is beautiful and very figity. The light is controlled by a mechanical tail switch that sticks out pretty far making it hard to tail stand without patience.
With the Acebeam Rider RX users have the choice between four brightness modes. When first turned on, the light will start where you last left it. Once the light is on you can rapidly tap the tail without clicking to cycle through modes. The Acebeam Rider RX can use a 14500 battery in place of an AA. Using the 14500 battery will increase the maximum lumens to 650. Using the 14500 causes the light to get extremely hot and increases the risk of damage occurring.
Pros:
- Pocket clip fidget
- Beautiful design and build
- Can use Li-ion, Alkaline, or Ni-MH
Cons:
- Not good at tail stands
Specs:
- Weight: 2.89 oz. with battery
- Dimensions: 3.76 inches long and 1 inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 7 lumens with li-ion or 0.5 lumens with Alkaline
- Highest Setting: 650 lumens with li-ion or 200 lumens with Alkaline
Best 2xAA Flashlights on the Market
Best 2xAA Flashlight (Overall):
Thrunite Archer 2A V3 NW
The Thrunite Archer 2A V3 NW is an updated version of the Thrunite Archer 2A V2. The Archer 2A V3 uses a CREE XP-L V6 LED to emit a maximum of 430 lumens with a beam distance of 161m. The high-efficiency LED emitters used with the Thrunite Archer 2A V3 produce a neutral white light with a beam pattern that ensures good overall visibility. If you are not a fan of the neutral white light, the same Thrunite Archer 2A V3 is also available in cool white.
The Thrunite Archer 2A V3 NW utilizes a two-button interface. The tail switch provides power to the light and activates the momentary on function. The side button allows users to cycle through the four brightness levels and provides access to the hidden strobe mode. The Thrunite Archer 2A V3 NW can use either AA or 14500 batteries. Made from a aerospace grade aluminum body the Thrunite Archer 2A V3 NW offers overheat and reverse polarity protection to prevent the light from becoming damaged.
Pros:
- Two battery options
- Momentary on
- Memory mode
Cons:
- Clip position could be better
Specs:
- Weight: 1.70 oz without battery
- Dimensions: 6.10 inches long and 0.87-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 0.11 lumens for 672 hours
- Highest Setting: 430 lumens for 100 minutes
Best 2xAA Flashlight (Budget):
Zanflare F2S
The Zanflare F2S uses a high-quality CREE LED bulb to emit a maximum of 200 lumens of cool white light. An ultra transparent mineral glass lens is treated with an anti-reflective coating to improve reflector performance. The Zanflare F2S also combines Crystal Coating technology with their precision digital optics to offer high reflector performance.
The Zanflare F2S can be powered by either 2 AA disposable batteries or 14500 Li-ion batteries. An indicator light on the Zanflare F2S works as a low battery indicator. The battery indicator starts alerting users once power levels have dropped below 30%. The tail switch button provides power to the light and allows users to switch between 3 brightness settings and strobe mode. The memory function allows the Zanflare F2S to turn on in the last setting used.
Pros:
- Battery indicator
- Memory function
- Affordable
Cons:
- Gets hot to the touch
Specs:
- Weight: 2.6 oz. without battery
- Dimensions: 6.1 inches long and 1.1-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 50 lumens for 28 hours
- Highest Setting: 200 lumens for 50 minutes
Best 2xAAFlashlight (Throw):
Fenix E25UE
The Fenix E25UE is Fenix’s first ultra bright light that is powered by 2AA batteries. The Fenix E25UE uses a CREE XP-L LED to emit a maximum of 1000 lumens with a published maximum beam distance of 200m. Users can opt for two rechargeable 14500 Li-Ion batteries or two Ni-MH or Alkaline AA batteries. Output and runtimes will vary based on the batteries being used to power the light. The Fenix E25UE features an intelligent drive circuit that will detect what batteries are being used and alter the output levels accordingly.
The Fenix E25UE uses a dual side switch for all operations. The side switch allows users to cycle through up to 5 brightness modes and two special modes. A digitally regulated output ensures constant brightness in all settings. To protect the light from overheating the light will automatically downshift from Turbo to High after a limited time of operation. Made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum with a type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish the Fenix E25UE features an ultra-clear glass lens with an anti-reflective coating.
Pros:
- Lockout mode
- Overheat protection
- Portable
Cons:
- Button is flush with tube
Specs:
- Weight: 3.06 oz. without batteries
- Dimensions: 6.33 inches long and 1.0-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 5 lumens for 100 hours
- Highest Setting: 1000 lumens for 50 minutes
Best 2xAAFlashlight (Brightest):
Armytek Prime A2 V3
The Armytek Prime A2 V3 uses a CREE XP-L White LED to emit a maximum of 850 lumens. The light provides a peak beam intensity of 5080 candelas with a maximum 143m beam distance. Using an efficient TIR-optic, users will not experience any “tunnel vision” even after using the light for an extended period of time. The TIR-optic provides a beam with an 80-degree spill and a 20-degree hot spot. Powered by two AA batteries the Armytek Prime A2 V3 offers a built-in low battery indicator, a multi-color LED indication, and auto-memorization of the last mode used.
The Armytek Prime A2 V3 utilizes an electronic clicky switch located on the side close to the head. The electronic switch provides power to the light and allows users to cycle through the seven brightness levels and three strobe modes. With the Armytek Prime A2 V3 users can expect and rely on constant brightness. This is achievable due to the powerful electronics used in the Armytek Prime A2 V3 along with the active temperature control and the lack of timers. The Armytek Prime A2 V3 features a removable magnet inside the tailcap. The magnet allows the light to be attached to iron surfaces for hands-free light. The flat
Pros:
- Removable clip
- Waterproof
- Small and bright
Cons:
- No momentary on feature
Specs:
- Weight: 2.46 oz without batteries
- Dimensions: 6.10 inches long and 0.96-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 0.15 lumens for 200 days
- Highest Setting: 850 lumens for 50 minutes
Best 4xAA Flashlights on the Market
Best 4xAA Flashlight (Overall):
Nitecore EA41
In 2015, Nitecore released the newest version of the Nitecore EA41. The 2015 version of the Nitecore EA41 uses the same CREE XM-L2 U2 Led as in previous models. The LEDs allow the Nitecore EA41 to emit a maximum of 1020 lumens for 1 hour and 45 minutes. With the use of Precision Digital Optics Technology the Nitecore EA41 delivers exceptional reflector performance for a maximum beam distance of 376m. Powered by 4 AA batteries the Nitecore EA41 provides users with five different brightness levels, plus SOS, beacon, and strobe modes.
The compact light is rather simple to use as it comes with two different switches, one for powering the light on and off and the other for switching between the different modes. The mode switch provides users with direct access to both strobe and turbo modes. A power indicator light located behind the dual switches alerts users to remaining battery power and serves as a location beacon. The Nitecore EA41 offers a sturdy and durable hard-anodized HAIII military grade body with a mineral glass lens featuring anti-reflective coating.
Pros:
- Tail stand ability
- Sturdy and lightweight
- Reverse polarity protection
Cons:
- Hot to touch
Specs:
- Weight: 5.33 oz. without battery
- Dimensions: 4.61 inches long and 1.57-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 1 lumen for 400 hours
- Highest Setting: 1020 lumens for 1 hour 45 minutes
Best 4xAA Flashlight (Budget):
Coast Polysteel 600
The Coast Polysteel 600 offers a pure beam focusing optic for optimal up close or far away illumination. The Coast Polysteel uses their largest Ultra View Flood Beam combined with a Bulls-Eye Spot Beam. The Ultra View Flood Beam provides a circle of consistent light that measures 11.5 in diameter at 6 feet away. The Bulls-Eye Spot Beam features a maximum beam distance of 234m with a transition halo to increase the effective viewing area. Shaping the beam of the Coast Polysteel 600 is done simply by twisting the head of the light.
The Coast Polysteel 600 features a stainless steel core inside a fiberglass-reinforced polymer body. This durable body allows the light to survive a drop from up to 3m. The Coast Polysteel 600 can be fully submerged in water up to 3 meters deep for a period of 1 hour without incurring any damage. Using a click switch located on the tail end of the light the Coast Polysteel 600 offers users the choice of three brightness levels with a maximum of 710 lumens.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Focus ability
- Durable
Cons:
- No holster
Specs:
- Weight: 12 oz. with batteries
- Dimensions: 7.87 inches long and 1.11-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 73 lumens for 40 hours
- Highest Setting: 710 lumens for 2 hours and 15 minutes
Best 4xAA Flashlight (Throw):
Thrunite TN4A
The Thrunite TN4A HI is a powerful thrower flashlight that uses a CREE XP-L HI LED to emit a maximum of 1050 lumens. Independent tests measure the maximum beam distance of the Thrunite TN4A HI at 346m. The compact thrower achieves the high-quality beam with a smooth peel reflector paired with an ultra clear tempered glass lens with an anti-reflective coating. Powered by 4xAA batteries the Thrunite TN4A uses an advanced electronic switch for silent operation.
With the Thrunite TN4A users have the choice of four brightness levels, plus strobe and firefly modes. Firefly mode can be accessed instantly when the light is off. To prevent the light from overheating Thrunite uses an intelligent temperature control technology to automatically lower the current when the temperature reaches 176 degrees Fahrenheit. A battery indicator light will change from bleu to red to alert users when the batteries need replacing. Memory function allows the light to be turned on in the last setting used with the exception of Firefly, Turbo, and Strobe.
Pros:
- Battery indicator
- Memory function
- Overheat protection
Cons:
- No lockout feature
Specs:
- Weight: 7.71 oz. without batteries
- Dimensions: 4.3 inches long and 1.79-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 0.2 lumens for 80 days
- Highest Setting: 1050 lumens for 56 minutes
Best 4xAA Flashlight (Flood):
Manker MK41
Using a CREE XHP35 HD LED the Manker MK41 offers a neutral white and cool white version. The Neutral white version has a 20% less output than the cool white version. The cool white version uses the ND LED with a maximum output of 1500 lumens. The neutral white version utilizes a HI LED with the ability to emit a maximum of 1280 lumens. The Manker MK41 Cool White has a maximum beam distance of 389m with a peak beam intensity of 38000 candelas. The NW version offers a maximum beam distance of 410m with a peak beam intensity of 43400 candelas.
The Manker MK41 can be powered by 4 AA batteries or 14500 lithium-ion batteries. The 14500 batteries allow for a higher output and a better throw, but runtimes are drastically reduced. Using a side switch the Manker MK41 offers users four brightness levels to choose from, plus SOS and strobe modes. The Manker MK41 will operate for a maximum of 5 minutes at 1500 lumens before stepping down to 750 lumens.
Pros:
- Constant current circuit
- Compatible with different batteries
- IPX-8 rating
Cons:
- No memory mode
Specs:
- Weight: 6.73 oz without batteries
- Dimensions: 4.13 inches long and 1.73-inch diameter
- Lowest Setting: 0.1 lumens for 200 hours
- Highest Setting: 1500 lumens for 5 minutes
Conclusion
There are many other AA flashlights on the market but these are the ones that I feel are the best AA flashlights. If you want a flashlight with higher Lumens or one that is bigger you should just go for a flashlight with CR123a batteries for a smaller flashlight look for one with a single AAA battery.
Thank you for reading this “Best Of” article please take a look at our other Best Flashlight articles. Please also take a look at our GIANT Flashlight Comparison Guide where you can filter flashlights down to the specifications that you want.
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