9 Best AR-15 Flashlights (Complete List)

There are many choices when adding a flashlight to your rifle, and this post will cover which ones are the best AR-15 flashlights with various price points.

We are lucky to have so many good options today, and new AR-15 lights are better than ever.

So if you want to dress up your rifle and increase its effectiveness, keep reading.

This post will list the best AR-15 lights.

Most Popular AR-15 Flashlight

The Streamlight ProTac HL-X is one of the most popular weapon lights due to its reliability, and price to performance.

Best Budget AR-15 Flashlight

The best budget weapon light option is the Olight Odin Tactical Light. It comes with a mount, tape switch, and charger for an affordable price.

Best Premium AR-15 Flashlight

The best premium option for an AR-15 flashlight is the Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0. It is modular and feature-packed while staying durable and bright.

Why Use A Flashlight On Your AR-15?

Simply put, you can’t shoot what you can’t see. Weapon mounted lights should be used on any serious battle rifle.

Most crimes happen at night; properly identifying your target before pulling the trigger is crucial.

Adding a good flashlight to your AR-15 should be one of the first things to start thinking about, even before a red dot or scope, in my opinion.

Target identification can not be underestimated. You do not want to shoot a friendly by mistake.

Best AR-15 Flashlight Criteria

Below are the common factors you must consider when choosing one of the best AR 15 lights.

• Light output
• Durability
• Price
• Battery Life

Have a plan in mind for your finished setup, and know exactly all the parts and components you want before buying anything.

An example would be doing you want an all-in-one combo with the light and mount built-in one. Or do you want a specific flashlight with a pressure switch and separate mounts to give you the best setup?

Some of this is personal preference, and to have the best flashlight setup, you will need 4 different parts.

• Flashlight
• Pressure switch with cable
• Flashlight mount
• Pressure switch mount

Light & Laser Combo

Many options exist; one setup people like is a light and laser combo. These will have a flashlight and a laser built in.

These are great for a compact, all-in-one system and prevent you from having too many bells and whistles on the rail of your AR-15. Too much stuff can add weight and make your rifle bulky.

I recommend having a good weapon light first before adding a laser, so getting a two-in-one combo is a good option.

The downside of a combo is that the light and laser are not as bright as a standalone system. Also, the battery life is reduced.

Brightness

Brightness is also a factor when choosing a flashlight. You want it bright enough to see in all lighting conditions, including complete darkness. You also want the throw of the light to project some distance.

Most weapon-mounted flashlights will be bright enough and work as intended. Again getting a premium light will do this the best.

Battery Life

Battery life is another important factor when choosing a flashlight for your AR-15. You want it to last long enough for real-world use or practical situations.

Having it last at least one hour on the full power setting is what you should look for. Many of the flashlights will have a high and low setting. The brightest setting will drain the battery much faster.

Low setting on most flashlights will last longer than three hours.

The final thing to consider is what type of flashlight batteries the light runs on. CR123 batteries are the most common for a high-quality flashlight with high-lumen outputs. These are harder to find and more expensive than normal AA batteries.

Some lights now will run on both and are also rechargeable.

Durability

The final factor is durability. I suggest staying away from cheap plastic models that are made for airsoft and instead getting something that has a good quality light body.

The light body will hold all of the circuitry and sensitive internal parts. So the light body should be made of good quality aluminum.

Heat and recoil will add stress to weapon lights, and you will want one that is built tough and can handle these types of abuses.

Weapon lights can also be bagged off of shooting barriers and different objects.

Aircraft-grade aluminum housing and a good solid mount are what you want in a weapon light.

Best AR-15 Flashlights

Below is a list of all the best AR-15 flashlights that I recommend. All of them are good, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

1. Surefire M640DF Scout

The first weapon light on this list is the SureFire M640DF Scout. This light is an updated version of the M600 that has been around for some time. The newer M640DF is the best-selling light in its category because it is reliable and proven.

It is brighter, and the DF stands for dual fuel, meaning the light will run on rechargeable or standard CR123 lithium batteries.

It has Intellibeam technology with a sensor that automatically adjusts the brightest depending on the current lighting conditions.

This prevents users from momentarily blinding themselves if the light is too bright indoors.

These feature a tail cap click switch that lets you toggle between a momentary on or a constant light.

With thumbscrew mounting, the SureFire Auto-Adjusting Variable-Output LED WeaponLight attaches seamlessly to your firearms rail.

The SureFire IntelliBeam 600 Lumens Light will outmatch the naked eye for optimal situational awareness.

Specs:

Manufacturer:	SureFire
Light Output:	1200 – 1500 lumens
Bulb Type:	LED
Battery Type:	18650
Beam Color:	White
Length:	5.56 in
Weight:	5.5 oz
Bezel Diameter:	1.125 in
Battery Life:	1.25 – 1.5 hours
Finish:	Mil-spec Hard Anodized
Battery Quantity:	1
Condition:	New
Attachment/Mount Type:	M-LOK, Picatinny
Fabric/Material:	Aluminum

Features:

• Dual fuel light can be powered by an SF18650B lithium-ion rechargeable battery or two 123A lithium batteries
• Generates up to 1,500 lumens of TIR-focused light with included SF18650B or 1,200 lumens with 123A batteries
• Versatile Low-Profile Mount (LPM) allows the user to optimize the lights position relative to the rail
• Virtually indestructible ultra-high-output LED
• TIR lens shapes versatile beam with enough reach and surround light for close-to-longer-range operations
• Mil-Spec hard-anodized aluminum body and tempered window make it light rugged, durable and combat ready
• O-ring seals keep out moisture
• Activation via Z68 momentary/constant-on pushbutton switching with protective shroud

2. SureFire M340C Mini Scout

Another great AR-15 flashlight is the SureFire M340C Mini Scout. This is essentially a more compact version of the M640.

If you have a shorter barrel rifle or an AR pistol, this is the flashlight I recommend because it works better on limited rail space.

It will easily attach to your favorite firearm with a Picatinny rail.

The SureFire M340C Mini Scout Light Pro 500 Lumen Compact LED Weapon Light gives you powerful illumination for predator hunts or tactical operations.

These include a Z68 push-button tail-cap switch that offers reliable and instant activation with momentary-on and constant-on functions.

Specs:

Manufacturer:	SureFire
Light Output:	500 lumens
Bulb Type:	LED
Battery Type:	CR123A
Beam Color:	White
Gun Model:	Universal
Length:	4.1 in
Weight:	4.1 oz
Bezel Diameter:	1.125 in
Gun Make:	Universal
Battery Life:	1 hours
Finish:	Mil-spec Hard Anodized
Battery Quantity:	1
Included Accessories:	Standard
Condition:	New
Attachment/Mount Type:	M-LOK, Picatinny
Application:	Tactical
Fabric/Material:	Aluminum

Features:

• Virtually indestructible ultra-high-output LED generates 500 lumens of blinding light; produces tactical-level light for 1 hour on a single 123A lithium battery
• TIR lens shapes versatile beams with enough reach and surround light for close-to-longer-range operations
• Versatile Low-Profile Mount (LPM) allows the user to optimize the position of the light relative to the rail
• Activation via Z68 momentary/constant-on pushbutton switching with protective shroud
• O-ring seals keep out moisture; the Mini Scout Light Pro is IPX7 rated

3. Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0

One of the newest flashlights that is very impressive is the Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0. This is the most powerful and most configurable weapon light ever made.

With an upgraded electrical system, it brings you more capability.

Nothing comes close. Delivering the power you need in a small package. Everything you want it to be.

REIN 3.0 is, by far, the most powerful and most configurable weapon light ever made.

It has a 100,000 Candela peak beam intensity and a 1250 Lumens output with a 65 minutes run-time.

Dual-Fuel capability. REIN 3.0 runs on 18650 and can now run on two CR123 batteries. 18650 rechargeable battery provides the best output by far. However, you can now use 2 CR123 batteries if needed. You will see a reduced output with CR123 batteries.

The 1.3” Bezel diameter – is smaller than the original REIN in diameter. It is 6.17” Long – a very compact full-size light.

The same reduced mounting lug height as the REIN 2.0. Shorter than the original REIN 1.0, allowing for tighter mounting.

Specs:

Manufacturer:	Cloud Defensive
Light Output:	1250 lumens
Battery Type:	18650, CR123
Length:	6.17 in
Weight:	6.91 oz
Bezel Diameter:	1.3 in
Battery Life:	95 Minutes

Features:

• Modular 3-piece design. With a superior electrical system and remote switch, REIN has always been upgradeable as subsequent generations are released. As such, all parts of the 1st generation REIN are fully compatible with the 2nd and now 3rd generation REIN
• IPX-8 waterproof rating. Fully submersible to 100 feet for 24 hours
• Fully-potted remote switch included
• Strongest-in-class lens. The glass on the REIN is 3mm thick. It can take multiple hits from 5.56mm Simunition rounds at contact-distance
• Patented Battery Jack feature. This allows you to properly tension the battery inside the system to avoid battery bounce
• The patented tail-cap cartridge is easily replaceable and allows for clocking so you can minimize cable exposure without removing the tail of the light
• The attached remote switch utilizes a cable exit from the tail cap that is perpendicular to the bore axis. This allows your cable to be protected from potential snags and impact
• Shockproof. Dustproof. The most durable weapon light made. Period

4. Modlite OKW-18650

The Modlite OKW-18650 has approximately 680 out of the front lumens, and the candela is approximately 69,000. It is an excellent overall light head good for indoor or outdoor use. Runtime is about 75 minutes with the supplied 18650 cells.

This light package contains an OKW light head, 18650 body, and tail cap.

It also includes a single Modlite 3500mAh 18650 battery and an XTAR MC2 charger. While the lumen output is only 680 lumen, the throw is about 400% greater than the M600DF.

This light head is best suited for situations where extreme throw is needed.

These lights require a mount that is sold separately. This allows the user to select which mount best fits their needs.

Specs:

Color	Multi
Material	Aluminum
Warranty	Lifetime
Battery Type	KeepPower 3500mAh 18650 Rechargeable Battery
Batteries Included	Yes
Attachment Method	Picatinny Rail
Rechargeable	Yes
Light Output High	1500 Lumens
Bulb Color	White
Run Time High	75 Minutes
Switch Type	Multi
Country of Origin	United States of America

Features:

• Made in the USA
• Lifetime guarantee
• Approximately 680 out of the front lumens and candela is approximately 69,000. It is an excellent overall light head good for indoor or outdoor use
• Drivers are fully potted and tested to withstand select fire SCAR 17 recoil
• 6061 Series Alum bezel with Mil-Spec Hard Anodizing
• Ultra clear BOROFLOAT lens allows 98-99% light transmittance

5. Streamlight ProTac HL-X

One of my favorite flashlights is the Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X flashlight that features an integrated fixed mount for Picatinny rails.

The Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X is one of the best out-of-the-box rifle lights you can get if you are on a budget.

This light has an excellent output of 1,000 Lumens and 27,600 Candela, allowing you to illuminate up close and at intermediate distances.

This Rail Mount HL-X includes everything you need to mount it on a rifle, including a pressure pad and a Protac rail mount.

If you want something simple and easy to use, this rifle mounted light is easy to setup.

So, if you are looking for a budget rifle light with everything you need, the Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X might be one to consider.

Specs:

Manufacturer:	Streamlight
Color:	Black
Beam Color:	White
Light Output:	60 – 1000 lumens
Bulb Type:	LED
Additional Features:	Strobe
Fabric/Material:	6000 Series Machined Aircraft Aluminum
Condition:	New
Attachment/Mount Type:	MIL-STD 1913
Length:	5.43 in, 5.43 in
Package Type:	Box
Beam Distance:	80 – 332 m
Weather Resistance:	Yes
Finish:	Anodized
Diameter:	1 in
Included Accessories:	Remote Retaining Clips, Tail Switch, Remote Switch, Mounting Hardware
Width:	1.45 in
Operating Temperature:	-40 – 120 Fahrenheit
Height:	1.72 in

Features:

• Dual fuel – uses two CR123A lithium batteries (included); also accepts one Streamlight SL-B26 protected Li-Ion USB rechargeable battery pack
• Easy to use pressure switch comes with a button for on/off and a pressure switch for momentary activation.
• Integrated rail clamp attaches to MIL-STD-1913 rails
• Easy to attach, secure mounting
• Durable, anodized aluminum construction with impact-resistant tempered glass lens
• IPX7 rated with the Standard button switch installed; waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• IPX4 rated with the Remote Pressure Switch installed
• Anti-roll head
• Includes two CR123A lithium batteries, remote pressure switch, push-button tail switch, remote retaining clips, double-sided tape, and zip ties
• Solid State power regulation provides maximum light output throughout battery life
• RoHS compliant
• Limited lifetime warranty

6. InForce WMLX Gen 2

Another one of the best AR-15 flashlights is the InForce WMLx Gen 2 weapon-mounted light that produces 800 lumens of penetrating light.

It has a tight beam for close to mid-range applications and balanced peripheral light to discern the surrounding area.

These feature field-programmable white light – from high-to-low or low-to-high – plus a strobe that is easily disabled.

The Inforce WMLx Multi-Function Tactical Flashlight has an angled tail activation button that is comfortable to operate with your support-side thumb while helping to avoid accidental activation.

The integrated patent pending rail clamping system allows low profile, secure, and easy installation of the InForce WMLx Weapon Mounted White LED Tactical Light w/ 800 Lumens.

Specs:

Manufacturer:	INFORCE
Beam Color:	White
Light Output:	800 lumens
Bulb Type:	LED
Fabric/Material:	Reinforced Nylon
Weight:	4 oz
Condition:	New
Attachment/Mount Type:	Clamp
Length:	5.3 in
Beam Distance:	656 ft
Battery Life:	2 hours
Weather Resistance:	Yes
Lens Material:	Glass
Diameter:	1.13 in
Bezel Diameter:	1.3 in
Battery Quantity:	2
Battery Type:	123A Lithium

Features:

• The non-slip switch controls constant, momentary, and strobe functions.
• Safety lever minimizes accidental activation.
• Seamlessly transition between full function and momentary mode.
• Integrated clamp interfaces with MIL-STD-1913 rails. No tools are required.
• A quarter turn of the head engages lockout mode.

7. Olight Odin Tactical Light

The Olight Odin Tactical Light is a budget-friendly complete system for any platform with Picatinny rails.

The Odin is a powerful 2000-lumen max flashlight that sports a 328-yard max beam throw at its core. The light has a built-in locking plate that can quickly attach and detach to the included Picatinny rail mount.

Additionally, the Odin comes with a locking magnetic pressure switch to precisely control the light at your fingertip.

The Odin comes with a 5000mAh 21700 battery which yields up to 8 hours of total runtime. Moreover, you can fast charge ( >2A ) the light by snapping the included magnetic USB cable to the rear of the light.

The Odin further preserves silent operation by providing a noiseless vibration alert as a low battery warning instead of a traditional LED indicator.

All these are encompassed in a sturdy aluminum alloy, impact-resistant, and IPX8 waterproof frame making the Odin a robust tactical light you can count on under the most precarious situation.

Specs:

Manufacturer:	Olight
Flashlight Application:	Outdoor
Color:	Black
Light Output:	2000 lumens
Bulb Type:	LED
Beam Distance:	328 yds
Length:	5.37 in
Width:	1.14 in
Height:	1.05 in
Weight:	7.62 oz
Water Resistant Mark:	2 m
Water Resistance Level:	IPX-8
Quantity:	1

Features:

• 5000Mah 3.6V 21700 Rechargeable Lithium Battery
• Mcc3 Magnetic Charging Cable
• Magnetic Remote Switch (With Stand)
• H2.5 Allen Wrench
• Adjustable Screw
• Self-Locking Band

8. Surefire X300 Ultra

One of the most popular AR-15 lights is the Surefire X300 Ultra. The great thing about this light is how versatile it is. It will work on a rifle or a pistol, so if you want to swap it back and forth, this can be done quickly and easily.

These features a high-performance LED that generates 1,000 lumens of white light focused by a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens to produce a tight beam with extended reach and significant surround light for peripheral vision.

The virtually indestructible and highly efficient LED generates 1.5 hours of light on the highest setting.

The high-strength aerospace aluminum body on the SureFire X300 Ultra Weapon Light is Mil-Spec hard anodized for superior toughness. It is O-ring and gasket sealed to make it weatherproof.

This SureFire weapon light is also versatile and can be attached to a pistol or a long gun since its Rail-Lock system permits rapid attachment to and removal from either Universal or Picatinny rails.

Its integral ambidextrous push/toggle switch provides one-finger operation for either momentary or constant-on operation, ensuring that you have versatility in your hands with the SureFire X300U Ultra Gun Light.

There are two versions of this light. The difference is the “B” model is a thumb screw mount and the “A” model is a quick detach mount.

Specs:

Manufacturer:	SureFire
Light Output:	1000 lumens
Bulb Type:	LED
Battery Type:	CR123A
Beam Color:	White
Gun Model:	Universal
Length:	3.6 in
Weight:	4 oz
Bezel Diameter:	1.125 in
Gun Make:	Universal
Battery Life:	1.25 hours
Weather Resistance:	Yes
Finish:	Anodized
Lens Material:	Glass
Package Type:	Box
Battery Quantity:	2
Included Accessories:	Standard
Condition:	New
Attachment/Mount Type:	Picatinny
Application:	Tactical
Fabric/Material:	High Strength Aerospace Aluminum

Features:

• Recoil-proof high-performance LED produces 1,000 lumens
• Custom TIR lens creates smooth, far-reaching light with a larger center spot beam that is ideal for close- to medium-range engagements
• Integral ambidextrous momentary- and constant-on switching provides easy instant activation
• Attaches securely to both Universal and Picatinny accessory rails
• IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes
• High-strength aerospace aluminum body is Mil-Spec hard anodized for extreme durability
• Accepts optional pressure-activated DG and XT remote switches for precision control without altering the grip on the weapon

9. Streamlight TLR-1 HL

Another great option is the Streamlight TLR-1 HL. This is a very bright little light that will also work on pistols.

So again, very versatile and perfect for people that want to swap this light to multiple different platforms quickly and easily.

This flashlight kit can reach 12,000-candela peak beam intensity and up to 1000 lumens.

The Streamlight TLR-1 HL Tactical Flashlight Long Gun Kit includes TLR-1 HL with thumb screw, “safe off” door switch, remote pressure switch and mounting clips, and two 3V CR123A lithium batteries.

With the Streamlight TLR-1 HL Waterproof Flashlight Long Gun Kit w/ 1000 Lumens, you can light up large areas to identify who or what is nearby.

Specs:

Manufacturer:	Streamlight
Light Output:	1000 lumens
Bulb Type:	LED
Battery Type:	CR123A
Beam Color:	White
Beam Distance:	245 m
Length:	3.39 in
Weight:	4.18 oz
Battery Life:	1.75 hours
Finish:	Anodized
Package Type:	Box
Included Accessories:	Rail Locating Keys, Thumb Screw Door Switch, Remote Pressure Switch, 2 x CR123A, Mounting Clips
Additional Features:	Quick Detach
Condition:	New
Water Resistance Level:	IPX-7
Application:	Tactical
Fabric/Material:	Aircraft Aluminum

Features:

• C4 LED technology, impervious to shock with a 50,000 hour lifetime
• TIR optic produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination
• Powered by two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries with 10-year storage life
• Rail grip clamp system securely attaches/detaches quickly and safely with no tools and without putting your hands in front of the muzzle
• Mounts directly to handguns with Glock-style rails and to all MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rails
• Machined aluminum sealed construction with black anodized finish
• Ambidextrous momentary/steady on/off switch
• User-programmable strobe can be enabled/disabled
• It fits existing light-bearing holsters
• Length 3.39 in. (8.61 cm)
• Weight 4.18 oz. (118.6 g)
• IPX7 waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes
• Limited lifetime warranty

Best AR-15 Flashlight Overall

I personally recommend the Surefire M640DF because of how popular it is and how long Surefire has been in the game.

You will always be able to find aftermarket mounts, tail caps, heads, and other accessories for this brand of AR-15 light.

They have been around for a long time and are durable combat-proven weapon lights. Some people light the newer technology of the Modlights and the Cloud Defensive products, but if you want something that is known and reliable, Surefire is the best overall.

Best Budget AR-15 Flashlight

There are two weapon lights I recommend for budget-friendly setups. These are the Streamlight Protac HLX and the Odin Olight.

I will lean closer to the Streamlight because I believe it is a better and more durable setup, but the Olight has many cool features, and the rechargeability is nice.

If you have been happy with Olight products and haven’t had an issue, then they will work for you. If you are hesitant about their products, you will be satisfied with Streamlight.

If you are on the fence, you can always wait a little, save money, and get something mid-tier.

Best High-End AR-15 Flashlight

So this is very debatable, but Modlites and the Rein weapon lights have constantly been improving their designs, and many people consider them the absolute best AR-15 flashlights.

Long-time Surefire users might disagree, but I will tell people that whatever works great for you is all that matters.

One setup or light that some people love might not be the best for you. All I can say is that you can’t go wrong with any of the high-end lights and that they all work great.

Personally, I really believe the Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0 is the best weapons lights out there currently, but I still run Surefires on most of my rifle setups and haven’t felt the need to replace them yet.

Final Considerations

Finding the best AR-15 weapon lights can be quick and simple if you are willing to pay for it. Like anything made good and reliable, you will spend extra, which is most definitely true for a weapon-mounted flashlight.

Don’t expect to get the best AR-15 flashlight without spending the money.

People will often get a cheap light first, then once it breaks or they have problems with it, then buy something good after the fact.

Getting something good first can save time, money, and headaches.

Best AR-15 Flashlights FAQ

Complete List of Items Mentioned

(Click the links for the most up-to-date prices)

• SureFire M640DF Scout
• SureFire M340C Mini Scout
• Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0
• Modlite OKW-18650
• Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X
• InForce WMLx Gen 2
• Olight Odin Tactical Light
• Surefire X300 Ultra
• Streamlight TLR-1 HL

Have you ever used a flashlight on your rifle? Which one did you decide to go with, and have you made any other upgrades to your AR-15?

Let me know in the comments below.