10 Best AAA Flashlights of 2021

Flashlights are very important illumination tools. However, where they used to fail us were their big size that did not make them very portable. Many years ago, flashlight manufacturers got together to solve this problem by making smaller and more portable flashlights.

The logical solution was to go with AAA batteries. They are readily available, not expensive and carry a decent electrical charge. Today, AAA flashlights are some of the smallest and most portable flashlights money can buy.

If you are looking for such a small tool at an attractive price, we have exactly what you need! We hand-picked some of the best AAA flashlights for the money and give you our impressions. Keep reading!

• Lumen: 90 lumens
• Battery Quantity: 2 AAA
• Product Weight: 1.64 ounces
• Beam Distance: 58 meters
• Run Time: 6.5 hours

The Streamlight 66118 is a stylus type AAA flashlight that is excellent for any type of casual or general purpose usage. It has average features, but important features that are industry standard in an AAA flashlight nonetheless.

The C4 LED driver can output 90 lumens of light, which is not earth shattering but decent for a flashlight in this price range. The build construction is of an anodized aluminum alloy which is lightweight and has good durability.

It has also been tested for impact and this unit is guaranteed to resist an impact of at least 1 meters, which is a hip height without any damage.

Best, it is coated with a rubberized finish to ensure that it is not slippery to the touch and comfortable when handled.

Furthermore, there is a lot of diversity and buying options when purchasing this unit. The tail button is clicky and of good quality, easy to switch on and off, and the unit is IPX4 water resistant.

Lastly, one of the good things about this model is that it also accepts NiCd batteries, as well as AAA lithium.

• Lumen: 100 lumens
• Battery Quantity: 2 AAA
• Product Weight: 1.73 ounces
• Beam Distance: 80 meters

Maglite makes one of the best flashlights in the world. This Maglite mini led employs the latest flashlight technologies while still being affordable. The LED driver used in this unit is the same one used in much more expensive flashlights.

Furthermore, this unit has a zoom function that is unique in the way it works. Simply twist the head and it will automatically adjust the flood of the light. Very practical way to shine more light on a spot quickly and easily.

As for the beam distance of this AAA LED flashlight, it is one of the best in this review with a very decent 80 meters beam distance. Despite being such a small flashlight, it can shine a long distance with no problem.

The only caveat is that the long form-factor is not exactly portable and it does not have a dedicated clip. But it will easily fit a holster if you have one. All in all, despite not being the most portable unit, the Maglite Mini remains one of the best value in this review.

• Lumen: 80 lumens
• Battery Quantity: 2 AAA
• Product Weight: 2.08 ounces
• Beam Distance: 28 meters
• Run Time: 30 hours

With its 80 lumens, the Streamlight 8803 is pretty average for an AAA flashlight. However, it has a few good things going for it like an excellent build construction and an attention to detail when it comes to engineering.

The head has been designed in a way to prevent it from ruling on a flat surface like a table which made it very suitable for a table light. Very practical when camping indeed. Furthermore, it has a decent aluminum alloy build construction that makes it durable and long-lasting.

This model may not be the brightest AAA flashlight available on the market, but it does its best to provide you with a quality light even if it is an 80-lumen brightness. Indeed, the peripheral light around the center beam is clear and does not hurt the eye. It still has a short 28 meters beam distance. However, this is is more than enough for general purpose lighting applications.

Moreover, it has a rail grip system that allows you to quickly turn the device on and off without complex maneuvers.

• Battery Quantity: 1 AAA
• Product Weight: 0.9 ounce

The Maratac is a small military grade AAA flashlight. It doesn't look like much but this is a very bright and highly popular model that is used by tactical teams and military personnel worldwide.

It is powered by only one AAA battery and weighs only 0.9 ounce. Which is extremely lightweight.

Certainly, not the most lightweight AAA flashlight in this review, but still sufficient lightweight that you can easily forget that you are carrying something in your pocket.

It also has an excellent build construction from a metal alloy that makes it tough and very durable. It is kind of expected since this model is rated as one of the best tactical AAA flashlight available for the money.

There is very little maintenance that you need to perform and best of all, it is also weatherproof, dustproof and waterproof which makes it extremely versatile. If you usually go camping in a very rough terrain and in wet conditions, this ultraportable AAA flashlight is an absolute must-have.

5. Maglite Solitaire LED 1-Cell AAA Flashlight

• Lumen: 47 lumens
• Battery Quantity: 1 AAA
• Product Weight: 0.8 ounce

If you require something small and highly affordable, nothing can beat the Maglite Solitaire. Despite it being extremely affordable, it still has an excellent build construction and features that are usually found in AAA flashlights that are much more expensive than this one.

There is a range of colors that you can purchase this model in for better user preference. Additionally, this unit is corrosion and waterproof which makes it even more attractive for the money.

It does not output a load of light since it is powered by only a single AAA battery. Indeed, it can only manage to produce 47 lumens of light. And while this is not much, it is enough to give good clarity in darkness.

But, where this model really shines is its size. Many people who have used this product say that it is the smallest AAA flashlight on the market. Indeed, it is extremely small and lightweight and will easily fit in a shallow pocket, no problem.

For those who require a durable and highly portable AAA LED flashlight that also happens to be extremely affordable, then we highly recommend the Maglite Solitaire. It is an excellent model especially at the price that it is offered.

• Lumen: 400 lumens
• Battery Quantity: 3 AAA
• Product Weight: 2.08 ounces
• Beam Distance: 180 meters
• Run Time: 6 hours

The Anker LC40 is in a class of its own. This model is by far the brightest AAA flashlight for the money as it can output an impressive 400 lumens of light. Even at this high brightness, it is not too excessive for the LED driver and does not heat too much.

It is powered by 3 AAA batteries to give it the proper juice and it has an extremely impressive 180 m beam distance. We have not seen anything quite like the Anker LC40 in this review as this unit is a total beast.

Despite all this power, it still has a very acceptable and decent runtime of 6 hours making it an excellent camping flashlight. The high brightness in this unit rivals much more expensive models and it is almost unbelievable that this unit uses only AAA batteries as a light output of 400 lumens is usually only found in 18650 flashlights .

• Lumen: 120 lumens
• Battery Quantity: 1 AAA
• Product Weight: 0.32 ounce
• Beam Distance: 50 meters
• Run Time: 6.3 hours

ThruNite Ti3 EDC is a pretty average looking AAA flashlight. It is a compact and highly portable model that is equipped with a clip for better accessibility.

But what this model is mostly known for is its high brightness despite its short and stubby form factor. Indeed, it can output a very decent 120 lumens light which is rare for an AAA flashlight so small and compact.

It also has 3 light modes for even more versatility as well as extremely lightweight at only 0.32 ounce. It is definitely very portable.

Despite being so small, it still manages to have a more than acceptable beam distance of 50 meters. This is amazing considering that this small flashlight is powered by only one AAA battery.

Moreover, it has a very long run time of 6.3 hours which makes it even more attractive.

• Lumen: 45 lumens
• Battery Quantity: 1 AAA
• Product Weight: 1.12 ounces
• Beam Distance: 52 meters
• Run Time: 2.25 hours

It is difficult to beat the Streamlight 66318 in terms of build quality. This model is small and well-built AAA flashlight that will give more expensive models a run for the money.

As it is powered by only 1 AAA battery for better convenience, allowing it to have a smaller form factor. Indeed, it is highly portable and even sports a clip for better accessibility.

Its beam distance of 52 m won't break any record but still more than sufficient for most people. In terms of build construction, this model is made from an aluminum alloy that makes it tough and long-lasting.

The only caveat with this unit is its relatively short run time of 2.25 hours, but that's okay as it is still an acceptable value.  More demanding and heavy-duty users will need to pass on this model, though.

• Lumen: 110 lumens
• Battery Quantity: 1 AAA
• Product Weight: 1.76 ounces
• Beam Distance: 47 meters
• Run Time: 4 hours

The Lumintop Mini Worm is mostly a keychain AAA LED flashlight and meant as a novelty item. We don't think it's meant for quite serious applications. Despite this, we were amazed how bright this small flashlight is as it can output a decent 110 lumens of light.

It is also powered by only 1 AAA battery and has a respectable beam distance of 47 meters for the price. Best, the run time of 4 hours is still better than the more expensive Streamlight 66318 which is a better AAA flashlight in terms of construction quality.

However, where this model beats the competition is its price. It is by far the best single AAA flashlight for those in a strict budget. It gets the job done quite well for a keychain flashlight.

• Lumen: 54 lumens
• Battery Quantity: 1 AAA
• Product weight: 2.12 ounces
• Beam distance: 20 meters

The Coast G19 is one of our personal favorites. It is not the best AAA flashlight on the market, far from it, but it gets many things right.

For one, it has an exceptional build quality and its small and compact form factor gives it a nice handling. 54 lumens of light is not too bright to fatigue the eye but still manages to illuminate objects up to a distance of 20 meters quite nicely.

The only small caveat is the low run time of 2.5 hours. But if you need a small and compact AAA flashlight for casual use, we think that it is adequate.

Before spending money on AAA flashlight, here are some important aspects to take into consideration. Even if AAA flashlights are not very expensive items, this guide will still help you find an even better model for the money.

1. Brightness

The brightness of an AAA flashlight is measured in lumens and this lumen depends on many things. The number of batteries in the tool, the LED driver and the efficiency of the flashlight. In general, the higher the lumen the better since after all, this is an illumination tool.

Therefore, if you require a very bright AAA flashlight, keep an eye out for the number of batteries and the lumen value.

2. Environmental Features

Since those AAA flashlights are usually designed as tactical illumination tools, they will usually be used out in the open environment by its users. Therefore, it needs to be weather-resistant, and if possible, offer waterproof capabilities. Especially important it this tactical AAA flashlight will be used in wet conditions.

3. Build Quality

To have a durable and long-lasting flashlight, it needs to have a good build quality. Look for a metal shell made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy if you want your flashlight to be long-lasting and lightweight.

4. Length

The longer the AAA flashlight, the less portable it becomes regardless of its weight. If you choose a longer flashlight, you may also want to check if it comes with a belt clip or holster for better accessibility.

5. Battery Quantity

The battery quantity affects both the weight and size of the flashlight. Having more batteries in the flashlight almost guarantees that it will be a more powerful device, but it will also weight more.

Moreover, since batteries stack up in an AAA flashlight, it will mean that the device will also gain in height and not be as portable as it could be.

Eventually, you will need to find the right balance between power, battery quantity and the size you wish to have.

6. Weight

The less weight the AAA flashlight, the more portable it will be. Weight is an important consideration if you plan to use the tool for a long time. Not only must it have a lightweight, but it should also have a good handling. What we mean, is that the shape of the AAA flashlight should be ergonomic and promote handling.

7. Run Time

This factor is especially important for those who plan to use the AAA flashlight for an extended period. The runtime in a flashlight is simply the time the device can run in consecutive before the batteries die and need a recharge. On average, anything that can run for at least 4 hours is good and anything above 10 hours is excellent.

As we've seen in this AAA flashlight review, there are many models that come at different sizes and prices. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses, but they are all relatively affordable flashlights that will not break the bank. Moreover, most of them are built like a tank and will last you a while.

But above all, they are highly portable devices and make excellent general purpose illumination tools. Additionally, rechargeable AAA batteries are dirt cheap these days which makes maintaining those AAA flashlights in the long term not very expensive.