15 Best AAA Flashlights for EDC in 2020
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Even in a time when you can carry tiny, rechargeable keychain flashlights and powerful AA flashlights for your primary source of illumination, there’s still a case to be made for the balance of portability and function that a good AAA flashlight provides. Small enough to be part of a minimalist carry, and powerful enough these days to rival bigger lights, perhaps one of the biggest draws to this format is how easy it is to find a replacement battery, and to carry a spare. Here we’ve put together 15 of the best AAA battery LED flashlights to give you options for simple, compact and reliable lights for your EDC.
While you can't go wrong with any of the lights we've listed here, it helps to know a little of the terminology to make sense of these lights' impressive specs and features. To brush up, check out our beginner's guide to LED flashlights.
Olight I3T EOS AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Simple interface
IPX-8 rating
Two-way clip
Specifications
Max Output
180
Emitter
Philips Luxeon TX
Body
Aluminum
The small yet powerful i3T EOS is able to output an impressive 180 lumens for over 20 minutes with its Philips Luxeon TX emitter, all on a single regular AAA alkaline battery. Its rubber-coated forward-clicky tailswitch allows you to switch between its two output levels—5 and 180 lumens—while also providing momentary on for when you need a quick burst of light. An IPX-8 rated anodized aluminum body keeps the weight low at 1.45 ounces, while featuring helix-styled body cutouts that gives a distinct Olight look while still providing grip. The included two-way clip keeps this light easy to carry in a pocket, attached to a bag, or clipped onto a hat brim for hands-free operation.
ThruNite Ti3 V2 AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Neutral white tint
Firefly mode
IPX-8 rating
Specifications
Max Output
120
Emitter
Cree XP-G2 R5 NW
Body
Aluminum
The ThruNite Ti3 V2 in neutral white makes this list as a portable and rugged keyring torch capable of throwing 120 lumens out to 50 meters from its Cree XP-G2 R5 emitter. A simple twist switch lets you quickly access three modes, including a very useful 0.04 lumen firefly mode, and there’s a hidden strobe mode too should you need it. The compact 70mm long aluminum body is knurled for grip, and waterproof to an IPX-8 standard. The included keychain and clip let you carry this tiny yet powerful torch however and wherever you want.
Fenix LD02 V2.0 AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Hi-CRI main emitter
UV emitter
IP68 rating
Specifications
Max Output
70 / 200 mW
Emitter
Cree XQ-E HI / UV
Body
Aluminum, stainless steel
The Fenix LD02 V2.0 makes a strong case for a specialized EDC light with its refined design and unique LED combination. It carries both a warm white high-CRI Cree XQ-E HI emitter and a 365nM UV light. The former is for general use, and can be adjusted via tailswitch to 70 lumens for high, 25 lumens for medium, and a runtime-friendly 1 lumen for low that runs for 75 hours off a single AAA battery. The UV light is useful for checking counterfeit currency marks or medically dangerous substances. An anodized aluminum body is paired with a stainless steel bezel, clip, and push button assembly to provide IP68-level protection and create a premium feel in hand.
JETBeam Jet-U AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
TIR lens
Lightweight
IPX-8 rating
Specifications
Max Output
135
Emitter
Cree XP-G2
Body
Aluminum
Reviews
No reviews yet
Price
$
The JETBeam Jet-U packs a punch with a Cree XP-G2 LED pushing 135 lumens at max output, enhanced for a bigger spot and spill by a built-in TIR lens. Lightweight yet durable aluminum construction provides IPX-8 rated water resistance while keeping the weight down to 13 grams with the included clip but without an installed battery. A wide area of knurling on the head lets you easily operate the twist interface, giving access to three well-spaced modes in a high-mid-low loop: 135 lumens at high, 25 at mid, and 1.5 at low for a maximum of 35 hours of runtime.
Foursevens Preon P1 MkIII AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Hi-CRI LED
IPX-8 rating
Programmable interface
Specifications
Max Output
100
Emitter
Nichia 219C
Body
Electroless Nickel
The Foursevens Preon P1 MKIII is one of the most refined AAA lights you can buy. A very high CRI (92+) is achieved by using a Nichia 219C emitter, providing a sunlight-like beam with great color rendering, maxing out at 100 lumens. The IPX-8 rated aluminum chassis features machined ridges on the ends and a tapered mid barrel, that, combined with a beefed-up stainless steel clip, ensures great pocket retention and better ergonomics than previous iterations. The programmable UI lets you pick from six different configurations to access 7 different modes, including a 1 lumen moonlight mode, SOS and a 30-second burst.
Manker E02 Ti AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Versatile carry and use options
Reversible clip
Tint options
Specifications
Max Output
220 (Cree) or 180 (Nichia)
Emitter
Cree XP-G3 or Nichia 219C
Body
Titanium
The only light in this list that comes in an L-shaped, right angle format, the Manker E02 Ti is a versatile light that combines its form factor with a reversible clip and magnetic tailcap. It offers multiple carry and usage options, including acting as a small but powerful headlamp. For the LED, you have a choice of a high-output Cree XP-G3 for 220 lumens of maximum output, or a high-CRI Nichia 219C at 180 lumens. A top-mounted button allows you to cycle through its five modes, including a 0.6-lumen Moonlight mode. This version’s titanium body is rated to IPX-6 water resistance, and comes in natural or black stonewashed finish.
Sofirn C01S AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Inexpensive
Hi-CRI LED
Body color options
Specifications
Max Output
100
Emitter
Luminus SST20
Body
Aluminum
At just 72mm long and 15 grams without a battery, the compact and lightweight Sofirn C01S features a TIR optic to enhance illumination, and a 95-CRI Luminus SST20 emitter for great color rendition. A twist-type interface turns this light on at the high 100-lumen setting first, and quick twists back off an on again gives you a 3 lumen moonlight mode. Knurling on the head and shaft makes operating the C01S easy, while a reversible clip lets you carry this bezel-down or bezel-up in your pocket, or turn it into a hat light. The notched tailcap gives you options to attach a magnet, a tritium tube, or the included split ring for keychain carry. This small yet versatile light comes in different anodized body colors as well.
Nitecore MT06MD AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Penlight form factor
Hi-CRI LED
IPX-8 rating
Specifications
Max Output
180
Emitter
Nichia 219B
Body
Aluminum
Most people, especially in the medical community, will be familiar with the classic penlight. The Nitecore MT06MD, while designed for first responders and medical professionals, makes for a great EDC light for those looking to be prepared for anything. Powered by two AAA bateries, the Nichia 219B LED hits a maximum of 180 lumens, while a smooth and optimized reflector ensures a uniform and clear bright spot. The tailcap switch cycles through three different output levels, and the default Low mode at 4 lumens, combined with a tint that eliminates the blue-light hazard, is perfect for pupil inspection. A stainless steel clip paired with an IPX-8 rated aluminum body helps keep this light handy and ready for duty.
Coast Crew A5 AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Simple interface
Lightweight
Sleek design
Specifications
Max Output
26
Emitter
N/A
Body
Stainless steel
If you’re lookiing for something simple and reliable as an EDC light, the Coast Crew A5 with its single-mode 26-lumen inspection beam might just be the one for you. The tailswitch functions as a simple on and off switch, and the reasonable output lets you get an impressive 7 hours of illumination on a single AAA battery. It comes at just 2.0 ounces (56 grams) with the included pocket clip and a battery installed. The stainless steel construction is IPX-4 level water and splash resistant, making the A5 a handy and dependable companion for normal everyday use.
Maratac AAA Copper REV 6 AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
High output
Hand-finished construction
Machined from solid copper
Specifications
Max Output
180
Emitter
XP-G3
Body
Copper
The latest iteration of Maratac’s miniature EDC light features a new cool white Cree G3 emitter that pushes out 180 lumens on a regular AAA battery. A twisty interface gives access to 3 levels of brightness, while a polished aluminum orange peel reflector, combined with a new AR-coated lens, keeps a clean and uniform beam that’s good for near to medium distances. Every specimen is hand-finished, and a factory-installed clip ensures that the finish is even and doesn’t come scratched when new. That’s because with a chassis machined from solid copper billet, the new REV 6 develops patina with use, giving you a light that builds character over time.
Streamlight MicroStream AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Simple and reliable
Proven performance
Two-way clip
Specifications
Max Output
45
Emitter
N/A
Body
Aluminum
There's a reason the Streamlight Microstream is one of the most popular flashlights on this site. It's simple, reliable, effective, and most importantly, inexpensive. Sometimes you just need something that works, and even if it's low on the lumens the Microstream makes them count. And with a lightweight, anodized aluminum body and pocket clip, it's easy to EDC in your pocket or on your bag as a backup.
L3 Illumination L08 AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Generous knurling
High-CRI LED
Moonlight mode
Specifications
Max Output
90
Emitter
Nichia 219B
Body
Aluminum
L3 Illumination are best known for their inexpensive lights that use the high-CRI Nichia 219B LED, with the L08 their AAA contender. Like their other lights the L08 features anodized aluminum construction with near-total knurling coverage to make it easy to both grip and operate its twist interface. It comes with 4 modes from 0.09 to 90 lumens, making it an ideal light for navigating the dark without ruining your night vision. You also get dual carry options with lanyard holes and an included pocket clip.
EAGTAC D25AAA AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
High-CRI LED
Plenty of modes
Body color options
Specifications
Max Output
115
Emitter
Nichia 219B
Body
Aluminum
EAGTAC make some of the most technically advanced lights on the market, and they've given their D25AAA light a fresh upgrade with more power, improved performance, and a facelift that lets you fit it into your EDC's aesthetic. The D25AAA now comes with a high-CRI Nichia 219B LED, pushing out up to 115 eye-pleasing lumens across 7 modes with its twist interface. A stainless steel clip lets you carry the light in your pocket or clipped to your bag, and a magnetic tail gives you hands-free options when needed. And with 4 colors, matching the light to your EDC is easy.
SureFire Titan Plus AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
High output
Overbuilt construction
Lots of carry options
Specifications
Max Output
300
Emitter
Cree XP-G2
Body
Nickel-plated bras
300 lumens is a specification reserved for much bigger flashlights, not one you would expect out of something that takes an AAA battery. But that's exactly what the SureFire Titan Plus is capable of. Along with that beefy output is equally-tough construction in nickel-plated brass and plenty of options for everyday carry, including a split ring, removable pocket clip, and a quick-detach tailcap that lets you deploy the light with ease. Not bad for something only 3.375” long and weighing 2 ounces!
Prometheus Beta-QR AAA Flashlight
PurchaseKey Features
Exotic materials
High-CRI LED
Quick-release system
Specifications
Max Output
90
Emitter
Nichia 219B
Body
Brass/Copper/Electroless Nickel/Aluminum
The Prometheus Beta-QR is one of our favorite EDC lights, and not just among its AAA peers. Very few lights are able to put together a collection of features that appeal and can be useful to both flashlight enthusiasts and regular EDCers alike. From its high-CRI Nichia 219B LED with plenty of lumens for everyday tasks to its availability in exotic materials, it's a collectible light by itself. But add excellent build quality, a dead-simple interface, and an innovative quick-release system and you've got yourself a perfect light for everyday carry.
Do you carry an AAA flashlight? If you have a one that you think is worthy of the title “best,” make sure to let us know in the comments below!
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