Top AA flashlights in November 2024
It is amazing just how quickly things change in the flashlight world. My Top 10 AA/14500 (under $100) flashlight video, which is less than a year old, needs a complete update. So if I were to do the video again, (and I will soon) here are my current top 10 flashlights in this category.
Acebeam Pokelit AA ($16-30)
This flashlight was only just released in the last part of 2023 and has quickly climbed to the top seller on amazon for a really good reason. 3 Modes, easy to use, great clip, and even has two emitter options! The NW 90+ CRI emitter will give a maximum of 650lm, while the CW will top out at 1000lm. For the price you simply can’t go wrong.
Acebeam H16 Right Angle Flashlight ($23-50)
It is really really rare for me to review a flashlight that I LITERALLY can’t find an issue with. The H16 is one of those products. User interface? Perfection! Output? Great in both CW (1000LM) and NW (650lm High Cri 90+), Battery versatility (AA or 14500). The flashlight even has a fantastic clip, magnetic tail, and headband! It won’t be good if used for defensive tasks (tactical) but in every other way it dominates!
Acebeam Tac 2AA ($25-40)
This flashlight is amazing… nuff said. It has 2 mode sets (EDC & Tac), can reach 1400LM/23,000CD, a great clip and hardware, and insanely good pricing. With a small UI tweak it would be basically unbeatable as most 18650 flashlights have less power than this monstrosity. Note: ONLY BUY THE (SFT-25R) version or you will have regrets, trust me on this.
Weltool T1 Pro Tac ($50-60)
If you are looking for a compact tactical flashlight, this is it. Although it “only” has 540LM of maximum output it makes up for it with a truly obscene 21,000CD (the beam concentration) this allows the flashlight to reach out to a whopping 317 yards. It always comes in on Turbo, as it should, but still gives you a low mode of 65lm. The clip works great, can use AA batteries in a pinch, and can even use 2 AA batteries with the expansion tube (sold separately).
Nitecore MT1A Pro ($40-50) https://amzn.to/3C5xIjq
The MT1A Pro is a new series of flashlights from Nitecore that fill many roles. It has incredible stats with a maximum of 800LM/15,700CD while using the included 14500 battery. However it achieves a remarkable output of 400LM just using a standard off the Shelf AA. With a slightly better UI it could easily be the light to beat.
Nitecore MT2A Pro ($45-50)
The bigger brother of the MT1A Pro, it has basically everything the same but it uses a pair of batteries (or the included USB-C rechargeable one) to achieve an output of 1000LM/16,700CD. Great light choice overall if you need more runtime and do not mind the added length.
Nextorch TA15 V2 ($65-75)
I have never reviewed a flashlight that can use a WIDER variety of batteries! AA, 14500, 16340, and CR123! For this reason alone it deserves to be on the list. However it also has a rotary switch which is very easy to understand. Pressing the tail switch will give you either momentary turbo (half press 700LM max) or momentary strobe (full press). If you want an emergency flashlight that can use basically any easy to find battery, this is your flashlight.
Reylight Lan-Apple ($45-$300)
If you're looking for a flashlight that combines looks, function, and customization, Reylight has you covered. The Lan-Apple is available in so many materials and finishes you will never lack options. It also delivers on functionality: with a great emitter (Nicha 591A), UI (customizable), output, and runtime. The only drawback I’ve found is the lack of a double sided clip for attaching to a hat, and the difficulty in acquiring one.
Lumintop GTA ($35-40)
This flashlight is WILD! Designed to be a “thrower,” this thing has 550LM but a massive 85,000CD! Capable of projecting light over 1900 feet away! The GTA has the same UI as the Tool AA, and can even use standard AA batteries in a pinch. If it were not for the horrendously bad pocket clip this light would be nearly unbeatable for its intended purpose.
Sofirn SP10 Pro ($25-30)
The SP10 remains on this list from last year as it still delivers on both value and flexibility. If you want a fully programmable UI (Anduril 2.0) and a fantastic emitter (Samsung LH351D 90+ CRI) you cannot go wrong with this side switch flashlight. 900LM is nothing to scoff at either.
Cheers,
Dominic
