Top Choices for Every Shooter
Choosing the right pistol light can make all the difference in low-light or no light shooting situations. Whether you’re using a firearm for home defense, law enforcement, or tactical operations, a reliable weapon light ensures visibility and target identification.
With the latest advancements in LED technology and battery efficiency, 2025 has introduced some exceptional choices, and our team at Guerrilla Tactical has broken down our favorite choices.
Let’s dive into the best pistol lights of the year.
Why a Pistol Light is Essential
A pistol light is not just an accessory to throw on your everyday carry weapon; it’s a crucial component for effective low-light shooting. In self-defense scenarios, identifying threats is paramount. A weapon light illuminates dark areas, helping you distinguish between potential threats and non-threats. Additionally, a bright light can disorient attackers, giving you a tactical advantage.
For law enforcement and military personnel, weapon lights provide critical situational awareness during nighttime operations. Civilian users also benefit from having a clear view in home defense situations. With hands-free lighting, maintaining a proper grip and stance remains possible, ensuring accuracy and control.
Best Pistol Lights Quick List
- Best Overall: Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X
- Best Compact Pistol Light: Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X
- Best Glock Pistol Light: TLR7 Sub – Glock
- Strongest Pistol Light: Surefire X300 Turbo
Best Overall: Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X
The best overall pistol light is strong, reliable, and easy to use. That being said, we chose the Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X as our favorite.
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X remains a dominant contender in the pistol light market, rivaling high-end models like the Surefire X300U. Known for its excellent balance of affordability, durability, and performance, this light is ideal for law enforcement officers, home defenders, and tactical shooters.
- Output: 1,500 lumens and 20,000 candela
- Battery: Compatible with both Streamlight SL-B9 rechargeable batteries and CR123 batteries.
- Switching: Ambidextrous momentary and constant-on options.
- Build: Made from durable anodized machined aluminum.
- Waterproof: Rated IPX7 for water resistance up to 1 meter.
With a front-loading battery compartment, replacing batteries is quick and simple. The included “High” and “Extended High” rear paddle switches allow users to customize their preferred activation method. This light’s multi-fuel capability ensures you’ll never be left in the dark.
Price: $210.00
Best Compact Pistol Light: Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X
Not everyone carries a full size handgun, and for that reason subcompacts have become increasingly popular. Finding a good compact pistol light can be hard, but the Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X is perfect for this category.
Compact yet powerful, the Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X is perfect for concealed carry or compact pistols. Upgraded with a larger HPL light head, it now delivers exceptional brightness compared to its predecessors.
- Output: 1,000 lumens and 22,000 candela with the SL-B9 rechargeable battery.
- Battery: Supports both the SL-B9 rechargeable battery and CR123A lithium batteries.
- Switching: Includes both High and Low Paddle Switches.
- Beam Distance: 297 meters (SL-B9) or 210 meters (CR123A).
- Run Time: 30 minutes at full output or 1 hour at 500 lumens.
Its small size doesn’t compromise functionality. The light offers both momentary and constant-on options and fits most compact pistols using the included rail keys.
Price: $165.00
Best Glock Pistol Light: TLR7 Sub – Glock
It’s no secret that Glocks are one of the most popular handguns on the market for professionals and recreational shooters alike, so having a good pistol light is ideal. The TLR7 Sub-Glock fits perfectly in this category (though it is a great pistol light for a variety of smaller pistol models we like it for micro-compact Glocks).
Designed specifically for Glock subcompact models like the Glock 43X, the TLR7 Sub offers an exceptional blend of size, power, and durability. It is perfect for concealed carriers or those who prefer smaller, micro-compact firearms.
- Output: 500 lumens and a 140-meter beam distance.
- Battery: Powered by a single CR123A lithium battery.
- Features: Ambidextrous rear paddle switches and a user-enabled strobe mode.
- Safe-Off Feature: Prevents accidental activation to conserve battery life.
- Waterproof: IPX7-rated to withstand submersion up to 1 meter.
The TLR7 Sub is a great addition for anyone seeking a reliable and powerful light for their Glock without adding unnecessary bulk.
Price: $145.00
Strongest Pistol Light: Surefire X300 Turbo
Having a strong pistol light can be crucial, and this is where the SureFire X300 Turbo comes into play.
For those who need maximum brightness and beam throw, the Surefire X300 Turbo is unparalleled. This light is often favored by military personnel and law enforcement officers due to its unmatched output and durability.
- Output: 650 lumens with a staggering 66,000 candela.
- Battery: Powered by two CR123A lithium batteries.
- Beam Distance: Reaches up to 514 meters.
- Switching: Ambidextrous push/toggle activation.
- Mounting: Securely attaches to Universal and Picatinny accessory rails.
The X300 Turbo’s highly concentrated beam pierces through darkness, providing superior visibility even in extreme low-light conditions. Despite its higher price point, it’s a solid investment for tactical shooters who demand the best.
Price: $330.00
Conclusion
Each of these pistol lights offers distinct advantages depending on your specific needs. For overall reliability and performance, the Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X takes the crown. If you’re looking for a compact, everyday-carry option, the TLR-7 HL-X is a fantastic choice. Glock owners will appreciate the tailored fit of the TLR7 Sub, and for those requiring ultimate brightness and beam distance, the Surefire X300 Turbo is unbeatable.
When selecting a pistol light, consider your use case, preferred brightness, battery life, and ease of use. With any of these top contenders, you’ll have confidence in your low-light shooting abilities.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and light up the night with the best pistol lights of 2025.
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