AllOutdoor Review – The BEST Pistol Lights for the Money $$$ in 2023
Travis Olander 10.13.23
A quality pistol light affords a crucial advantage in low-light situations, especially when paired with your home-defense or EDC pistol. With so many lights on the market today, picking the right under-barrel light ain’t easy. Let’s clear things up a bit – here are our picks for the BEST pistol lights in 2023 that your hard-earned money can buy you to complete your competition or carry handgun.
Light Coverage on AllOutdoor
- USB-C Capability for Unity Tactical Weapon Mounted-Lights & Switches
- Light Your Way Forward with the NEXTORCH Saint Torch 31
- Bushnell & I2D Bring You New Portable Lighting Products for Your Hunt
- Nightstick Releases Lights to Fit Narrow-Rail Guns in TCM-365 & TCM-5B
BEST Pistol Lights – Streamlight TLR-1 HL
Key Features:
- Maximum Output: 1000 lumens
- Runtime: Up to 1.5 hours
- Beam Distance: 283 meters
- Weight: 4.18 ounces
- Waterproof Rating: IPX7
- Fits GLOCK and Pic rails
Pros:
- Exceptional brightness and beam distance
- All-metal construction + anodized aluminum body
- Ambidextrous switch for left-handed shooters
- Strobe mode for disorienting attackers
Cons:
- Slightly bulky for concealed carry
- Limited battery life on high output
Streamlights have long been the favored choice for law enforcement and military personnel when it comes to weapon lights, and the TLR-1 HL is no exception. It’s arguably the most popular pistol light on our list, and it’s our #1 pick because of its brightness and beam distance, and its overall reliability. It’s tough as nails and fully waterproof, and the large, ambidextrous switch allows for quick and easy activation. While it may be too large for concealed carry in some holsters, it excels when fitted to any home defense or duty pistol.
BEST Pistol Lights – Streamlight TLR-7A
Key Features:
- Maximum Output: 500 lumens
- Runtime: Up to 1.5 hours
- Beam Distance: 131 meters
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
- Waterproof Rating: IPX7
Pros:
- Small and lightweight
- Ideal for concealed carry
- Easy-to-use rear switch
- Aluminum housing
Cons:
- Lower brightness compared to larger models
- Also suffers limited battery life on high output
If the TLR-1 HL is too big, consider the Streamlight TLR-7A: It strikes a balance between compactness and performance, without sacrificing durability. It’s perfect for concealed carry, offering sufficient brightness in a small package that fits neatly on most compacts and subcompacts. The TLR-7A’s a great choice if you’re looking to enhance your EDC setup without adding bulk or limiting your holster options.
BEST Pistol Lights – Streamlight TLR-2 HL
Key Features:
- Maximum Output: 1,000 lumens (+ visible laser)
- Runtime: Up to 2.5 hours (light only)
- Beam Distance: 215 meters
- Weight: 4.72 ounces
- Waterproof Rating: IPX4
- Integrated red laser
Pros:
- Combined light and laser combo
- 6000 series aluminum + shockproof glass
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
The Streamlight TLR-2 has it all: High brightness at 1,000 lumens, an adjustable laser, the same rugged housing and tough glass you’d expect on a larger Streamlight, long battery life – and a high price to match. Expect to drop at least $300 on this little light-and-laser combo. But in exchange, you’re getting the performance of the TLR-1 in a package that’s sized like the -7A. Plus, lasers are just cool.
BEST Pistol Lights – OLIGHT PL-mini 2 Valkyrie
Key Features:
- Maximum Output: 600 lumens
- Runtime: Up to 70 minutes
- Beam Distance: 100 meters
- Weight: 2.57 ounces
Pros:
- Quick-release mount for easy installation
- Magnetically rechargeable battery + cable
- Good balance of brightness and runtime
Cons:
- May not fit all handguns due to its unique rail mount
- Limited beam distance compared to competitors
OLIGHT’s a relatively new name in the pistol light game, but their PL-mini 2 Valkyrie has earned favor among shooters for its reliability, good brightness, and unique power solution. Its quick-release mount makes installation simple, and the rechargeable battery uses a magnetic charger that seats externally to the bottom of the light, eliminating the need to even open up the unit. Just set the light on the mag charger overnight, and you’re set for the next day. While it may not fit all handguns due to its unique rail mount, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact EDC pistol light under $100.
BEST Pistol Lights – OLIGHT Baldr Mini
Key Features:
- Maximum Output: 600 lumens (light) / 130 lumens (green laser)
- Runtime: Up to 40 minutes (light only)
- Beam Distance: 130 meters
- Weight: 3.07 ounces
- Integrated green laser
Pros:
- Integrated green laser light
- Quick and tool-free installation
- Rechargeable battery via USB cable
- Ambidextrous controls for light and laser
Cons:
- Shorter runtime compared to PL-Mini 2
The OLIGHT Baldr Mini is basically a PL-Mini 2 with an integrated green laser for extra targeting and cool points. It’s about a feather heavier and it sacrifices some runtime on the LED light, even when the laser’s not on. But it’s priced affordably for any laser-light combo, and it provides the same recharging feature as its light-only sibling.
BEST Pistol Lights – SureFire X300 Ultra
Key Features:
- Maximum Output: 1,000 lumens
- Runtime: Up to 1.25 hours
- Beam Distance: 254 meters
- Weight: 4.0 ounces
Pros:
- “TIR” lens produces optimized light color
- One of the toughest pistol lights available
- Ambidextrous switch for easy activation
- Also works well as a rifle handguard light
Cons:
- Slightly larger and heavier than some competitors
- More expensive than most other pistol lights
The SureFire’s yet another name trusted by law enforcement and military units. This writer ran a SureFire on his service rifle for eight years, and it took all the abuse and rain I threw at it without blinking. The X300 Ultra fits the bill as a bombproof pistol light with exceptional brightness, long runtime, and far beam distance. Its TIR lens produces a light temperature that’s optimized for human vision, improving clarity. While it may be larger and heavier than other entrants on our list, it offers second-to-none reliability for “SHTF” insurance.
BEST Pistol Lights – Crimson Trace CMR-209
Key Features:
- Maximum Output: 200 lumens
- Runtime: Up to 1.5 hours
- Weight: 1.98 ounces
Pros:
- One of the smallest and lightest pistol lights
- One of the most affordable lights
- Quick and tool-free installation
- Ambidextrous controls
Cons:
- One of the lowest light outputs
The Crimson Trace CMR-209 offers a budget-friendly option in a super small package. While the light output may not be as high as most competitors, the CMR-209 adds the least weight and bulk to your pistol, making it perfect the smallest subcompact guns on the market. It’s optimized for concealed carry and its Picatinny mount ensures it’s compatible with most pistols on the market. Not too sure about any of our top picks? We couldn’t cover every pistol light! See our review of SureFire’s new XR2 Ultra-Compact Pistol Light, seen first at SHOT Show 2023.
