When you’re looking for everyday carry tools you’ll often wander through the flashlight section. The best for everyday carry are compact flashlights that can easily slip into your pocket without adding too much extra weight. These pocket sized flashlights come in all shapes and sizes and use different kinds of batteries. In this article, we’ll be looking at compact flashlights that run on AA batteries. These disposable batteries can be great for flashlights because they’re easy to obtain and very inexpensive.
Our Recommend Top 4 Best AA Flashlight with batteries Under 50
- Klarus Mi7
- Fenix E12
- Fenix LD12
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Basic Difference Between AA Batteries and AAA Batteries
Next to size of the batteries, AAA and AA batteries do have a few differences to know about. While they are identical in the voltage they supply, there’s a difference in how each of them delivers that voltage. The larger AA battery delivers a more powerful current than the smaller AAA battery. Also, thanks to the size of the AA battery, it holds more electrical energy than its smaller counterpart.
So smaller electronics such as flashlights will often be powered with AA or AAA batteries. Typically, the flashlights that are powered with the larger AA battery will be more powerful than an electronic powered by an AAA battery. On that note, because of the size of an AAA battery, the flashlight may be more compact and lightweight. However, AA batteries are still very compact themselves so flashlights that use them are often easy to carry. In this article we’re going to look at some of the best AA flashlights on the market. You can read my review on the best AAA flashlights if you’d rather.
Why Use an AA Powered Flashlight?
An AA battery is ideal for EDC flashlights for many reasons. The first is because of how compact the flashlight is itself. The small size of the battery and the flashlight makes it significantly easier to transport. You can clip an AA flashlight onto your pocket and not even notice it’s there until you need it. Despite its size, an AA battery is strong enough to power an LED flashlight with a good amount of light. It may not power as much as a lithium-ion battery, but it’s less expensive and easier to find in stores.
What to Look For Before Buying the Best AA Flashlight
Generally, AA flashlights will be slim and compact, but you may find a flashlight that’s a bit larger and uses multiple AA batteries to power it. Also, depending on the technology, an AA flashlight can be be really excellent or really marginal in performance. I’ve made this short list of what to look for so you know you’re getting the best AA flashlight.
1. AA Power
It’s no surprise that the first feature on this list is power. You want a flashlight that makes the most of that AA battery and delivers a good amount of power. You want to make sure that the flashlight is high-quality so it has the best technology and circuitry.
2. Construction Material
When it comes to the construction of the flashlight you want something that’s durable and withstand a few accidents. The ideal material would be an anodized aluminum because aluminum is heat resistant and the anodized finish is scratch resistant. Another benefit of getting an aluminum flashlight is that aluminum is very lightweight, but still very strong.
3. Design Components
Depending on how you’re planning to use the flashlight, the design is very important. If you’re looking for something to keep in your pocket then find one with a pocket clip or a slimmer one that easily slides into your pocket. If you’re looking for a general use flashlight around the house, you might want a flashlight that’s a little bigger and runs on multiple AA batteries. This list can go on and on. Essentially, it’s important to know what you plan on using your flashlight for so you can pick the appropriate design.
4. AA Flashlight Price
Price is always a factor when looking at flashlights. You definitely don’t want to overpay, but you also don’t want to pay for a piece of junk that needs to be replaced every year or so. Thankfully, there’s a middle ground. While some of the better quality flashlights may be pricier, you can afford many good quality AA flashlights without breaking the bank.
Top 10 Best AA Flashlights (Tactical and Everyday Carry)
There are many AA flashlights on the market today so it can be tough to find the perfect one. So to help you out we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best AA flashlights that you can buy. We’ve done our research and you can be sure that all of these flashlights are of high-quality and our great in their own respects. Based on what you’re looking for, you’ll find the perfect AA flashlight in our list. So, let’s get started!
1. Klarus Mi7 Compact Tactical LED Flashlight
The first flashlight we’re starting with is a great EDC flashlight that’s become very popular. The Mi7 can run on a single AA battery or a 14500 battery and it even includes an AA battery when you purchase the flashlight. I wanted to start out with this one because it has so many features for its size. To start with, the Mi7 delivers 330 lumens using an AA battery. If you use a 14500 battery it can deliver 700 lumens, but since we’re talking about AA flashlights I’ll just go with the lumen count of an AA battery. 330 lumens is a great amount of light, especially for an EDC light.
You can access three brightness modes and two flashing modes using the side switch. You can also lock out the side switch if you don’t want the flashlight to turn on accidentally. With its orange peel reflector the beam is nicely dispersed, allowing you to illuminate a wide range. Also, if you’re out and about and need to check the battery levels you can. The Mi7 comes with a special battery capacity indicator so you have an idea of how much energy you have left.Finally, my personal favorite features of this AA flashlight are the instant access to high, low, and strobe. You don’t need to worry about turning the flashlight on and finding the right brightness level each time. You can immediately access either high or low at any moment. It’s also great to know that with just a quick double tap you can enter strobe mode in case a self-defense situation occurs.
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2. Fenix LD41 Super Bright AA Flashlight
If you’ve read several of my articles then you know how much I love Fenix flashlights. The Fenix LD41 is one of the few high-quality AA powered tactical flashlights that you’ll find. It’s powerful, durable, and has tactical features. The LD41 runs on four AA batteries and delivers a powerful 960 lumens. This power rivals that of tactical flashlights that use lithium ion batteries.
Just like what you’d expect in a tactical flashlight, this AA flashlight features a tail switch with momentary-on (we’ll get to the tail switch in a moment) and a small crenulated bezel on the top in case of self-defense as well as to protect the LED and lens. It’s equipped with a CREE XM-L2 (U2) LED and features six total outputs including four brightness levels and two flashing modes. Not to mention, it also has a built-in memory function so it’ll turn onto the last brightness level you used.The design of the flashlight is unique, with its flattened body that makes it easier to grip and the user interface is easy to learn with its dual tail switches. It’s a great all around flashlight whether you’re wanting a flashlight around the house, a flashlight for your car, or a flashlight for professional use.
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3. Klarus H1A AA Headlamp
To change things up a bit and provide more diversity, I want to include a headlamp in this mix. It has some awesome power packed into it for such a small and compact headlamp. It delivers up to 550 lumens and has a wide beam that illuminates everything around you. The H1A features three LEDs – a main light that dishes out 550 lumens, a side light that has a more neutral tint to it, and a red LED. Between these three lights you’re completely covered with this headlamp.
The H1A has an easy dual-switch operation to control the three LEDs. You can also lockout the switches to prevent the light from turning on when you don’t want it to. You have three brightness levels with the main LED, two and an SOS mode with the side LED, and one and strobe with the red LED. Between all these outputs you’re ready for anything.One of my favorite features of this flashlight is the adjustable head. You can rotate it up to 90° to adjust the beam to where you need it the most.This makes it great for any professional work, outdoor activities, or just to have around the house. It’s hard to believe such an awesome light can be powered by an AA battery.
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4. Klarus MIX7 Everyday Carry Flashlight
The Klarus MiX7 is another great EDC light that’s powered with a AA battery. It’s a tiny flashlight that’s less than four inches in length, but it’s tough to say the least, perfect to carry with you always. It delivers 180 lumens, plenty for everyday carry. It features three different brightness levels and a strobe mode in case you run into an emergency situation. On the lowest brightness level you have a maximum runtime of 126 hours! That’s impressive for an AA sized flashlight.
With its single side switch, the MiX7 is easy to operate with only one hand and, as I mentioned before, it’s tough. It’s made of a durable aluminum alloy with a reinforced mineral glass lens that ensures the LED won’t get damaged even from accidental drops. With such a tough mini flashlight by your side, you can’t go wrong.Check Amazon for more customers review and latest Price
5. SureFire E2L AA Outdoorsman Dual Output LED Flashlight
SureFire has a reputation of putting some very good flashlights. They have a very simple approach to the overall design and have a robust performance. The E2L is an example of the vision of the company. It is a no-nonsense flashlight with a minimalistic design.
Operating on 2-AA batteries, the E2L has a dual mode of operation. At its brightest mode, it can throw a light of 120 lumens while at the economic setting, the output is about 5-lumens. As with most of the SureFire units, the product has a total Internal Reflectance lens for a greater
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6. Streamlight 88033 ProTac Tactical Flashlight 2AA with White LED Includes 2 “AA” Alkaline Batteries and Holster, Black
Another entry from the Streamlight camp, the 88033 is a great compact flashlight that packs in all the goodies of a tactical flashlight. This flashlight uses 2-AA batteries and has a C4 LED technology at its heart.
The design of the flashlight is awesome. It is made form high grade aluminum that is hand anodized for that rich look. Weighing in at 3.4 ounces, with the batteries, it is very light weight. I was able to carry this flashlight in my pant pocket without even realizing it there. The flashlight features multiple operation modes for greater flexibility.
The highest mode operating at 155 lumens, has a run time of an impressive 2-hours whereas the eco mode has a run time of 36 hours. The unique multiple beam pattern is great as well. It can illuminate an area of 11 meters at he highest setting.
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7. Coast Polysteel 600 Advanced AA Flashlight
This tactical flashlight is rugged, durable, powerful, and won’t upset your wallet. It has a virtually unbreakable LED and thanks to Coast’s Pure Beam Optics System, this AA flashlight can power out a max of 710 lumens. That’s some serious power for a flashlight that’s powered by four AA batteries. It even has decent runtimes for that amount of power. Dishing out 710 lumens, the Polysteel 600 can last over two hours. That’s not bad at all.
The Polysteel 600 is a zoomable flashlight so you can adjust the beam to whatever works best for you by twisting the head of the flashlight. I really like this feature because you can use these kinds of flashlights in more settings whether you need a more up-close wide beam or pinpoint beam. Using the pinpoint beam you can see the Polysteel 600 reach up to 810 feet! That’s a little less than 250 meters. You won’t often see that kind of throw in AA flashlights.One of my favorite features of the flashlight is how durable it is. It features a stainless steel core and a poly outer that makes this flashlight nearly indestructible. For an economic price, you get an above and beyond quality flashlight that’s water, impact, and weather resistant.
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8. Fenix E25 UE Tactical Everyday Carry Light
The Fenix E25 Ultimate Edition is another awesome flashlight that can run on AA batteries. The great thing about the E25 UE is that it can run on either two 14500 batteries or two AA batteries and it comes with the AA batteries. It’s important to understand that the flashlight will be more powerful using the 14500 batteries, but it’s still powerful with just the AA batteries. For this article, we’re only going to focus on using AA batteries in this flashlight.
The E25 UE can deliver up to 350 lumens which is an excellent amount of power for such a compact flashlight. It’s a little over six inches but can still be carried everyday if you want to and features four brightness levels and two flashing modes. With the different brightness levels you can perform different tasks and you know you’re prepared in case of an emergency with the strobe and SOS modes.It’s great to see that the Fenix E25 UE as so many great features including a lock out feature for the dual side switches and a memory function. The memory function will turn onto the last brightness level you used making it very convenient for fixing things around the house and more.
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10. Nitecore TM06 3800 Lumen CREE LED super compact Flashlight/Searchlight, Nitecore i4 smart charger, 4 X Nitecore NL183 18650 Li-ion batteries, Smith & Wesson Pathmarker LED flashlight, with 4 x EdisonBright AA Alkaline batteries bundle
The final entry on our list is the massive Nits TM. This is a super compact flashlight that is marketed as the world’s smallest 3800 lumen flashlight. The flashlight is equipped with four EdisonBright AA batteries.
The flashlight features an innovative two stage side switch to access different modes that is very conveniently situated. The light also has a power indicator that displays the battery voltage accurate to 0.1 V. Another thing that I like about the flashlight is that it comes with Precision optical technology for a brighter and whiter beam of light.
The flashlight is made from 100% aerospace grade aluminum and comes with a charger for the rechargeable batteries. This flashlight is available as a bundle with charger and a Smith and Wesson Pathmarker flashlight, which is a great deal for the price.
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Final thoughts
AA flashlights come in all shapes and sizes so you can find the perfect one for you whether it’s a headlamp, a tactical flashlight, or an everyday carry flashlight. You’ll find more everyday carry AA flashlights because they are often smaller and lightweight. The flashlights I talked about in this list are all excellent AA flashlights that you can be sure are high-quality and reliable. So go get your AA flashlight today!