Best AR-15 Flashlights

After picking up or building your AR-15, a flashlight is one of the first accessories you should consider. But what is the best AR-15 Flashlight for your new rifle? There are tons of weapon-mounted flashlight options so let us dive in.

Even if you don’t plan on shooting at night often or even at all, you never know when you’ll need your rifle in a low-light setting.

We will take a look at some of the top lights on the market today. We are going to review and evaluate each light using the following five categories:

• Construction
• Stats
• Mounting
• Light
• Overall

AR-15 Flashlight Comparison Chart

Cloud Defensive REIN

The Cloud Defensive REIN is a relatively new AR-15 flashlight. It’s a fantastic weapon-mounted light. I’m currently running the FDE REIN on my Stag Arms AR-15.

The rein comes in two different sizes the REIN and the REIN Micro. The Micro does take a slight performance and output hit to get a smaller package.

The REIN is perfect for any AR-15 but the Micro is well suited for short barrel rifles or AR-15 pistols.

Construction

The Cloud Defense Rein, both REIN and REIN Micro, are built from 6061-T6 aluminum and are then anodized in type III hard coat anodizing.

The overall feel of the construction on these lights is really solid.

Stats

The REIN Weapon light stacks up pretty stout in the stats department. The REIN and the REIN Micro are neck and neck in terms of candela and lumen output but the run time is what takes a hit on the smaller Micro battery.

We will address throw of the light section of this guide but from a sheer performance standpoint, both of these AR-15 weapon lights are good to go.

Mounting

Both sizes of the REIN come with a Picatinny mounting solution. You don’t have to use this mount, and you’ll likely want to get an M-Lok or Keymod mount.

I always use Arisaka mounts, and you can use any Surefire M300 pattern mounting solution for this REIN.

On my most recent AR-15, my Stag AR-15, I used the Arisaka Defense Side Scout light mount.

Light

Numbers are great, but it all depends on how the light performs when in use.

Well, it’s better to show you in than try to explain it.

I also took a quick video off/on so you could see how the light activates and how well it works.

This light has an incredible throw and an impressively wide splash.

Overall

The REIN is an exceptional light, and while it does come in a little pricey, the included features are more than worth it.

If you consider that the REIN comes with a pressure switch with built-in cable management like the Cloud Defensive LCS and an adjustable rear cap, this is a great value.

The included battery is specific for the REIN and use must use it but the nice thing is its rechargeable.

The REIN is a great AR-15 flashlight, and I highly recommend it if it’s within your budget.

Cloud Defensive REIN

• 1,300 – 1,400 Lumens
• 55,000 – 60,000 Candela
• Weight 5.86 – 6.91 oz
• Run Time 35 – 90 Minutes

Buy Now

Surefire X-300

While the Surefire X-300 Ultra is meant for a pistol weapon light, many use it on their rifle, and it’s a valid option.

If the X-300U can take the beating from being mounted on the front of a pistol, it must withstand living on an AR-15 rail. The INFORCE Wild 2 is similar to the X-300 design and could also be used this way.

Construction

The metal construction of the Surefire X300U makes it extremely durable. The switches are plastic, but I’ve never had any issues with mine, and I’ve had it for nearly 5 years.

Stats

The numbers on the X300U clearly show that it wasn’t created for reaching out and touching with light but was made for pistols.

Where I think the X300U wins on rifles is for AR-15 pistols. The Streamlight X300U gives you plenty of light on an AR setup for CQB and closer shooting.

Mounting

Mounting is one of the only downsides of using the Surefire X300 Ultra as a rifle-mounted light.

It has to be mounted on a Picatinny rail, so you won’t be able to use any M-Lok mounts to roll the light into the rail.

Many people mount it to the top of the rail if they don’t run a fixed front post. You can also mount it on the rifle’s 3 or 9 o’clock position, which is where a normal AR-15 weapon-mounted light would be.

Light

The Surefire X300 Ultra has a decent throw. For a pistol light, it truly holds its own as an AR-15 tactical flashlight.

I think this is a solid option for a rifle light and really can’t be overlooked as an extremely viable option for your rifle.

Overall

Overall, the Surefire X300U has a place on a rifle, but it may not be the best option for your 16″ AR-15 setup.

Surefire X300U

• 1,000 Lumens
• 11,300 Candela
• Weight 4 oz
• Run Time 75 Minutes

Buy Now

Run your numbers, and given the price, there might be other options in that price range that better fit your needs.

Modlite PLHV2

The Modlite PLHV2 is a great small light for PDWs and Pistol Caliber Carbines that you want to run a light on.

The small package packs a solid punch and with Modlite’s modular front cap, you can adjust your throw to match your desired outcome.

Construction

The modlite PLHV2 is made of aluminum and is hard coat anodized and is available in both black and tan.

The included tailcap is a simple pushbutton design but other tail caps and activation switches can be added separately.

Stats

Mounting

The PLHv2 mounts using a 1913 picatinny mount which is currently the only way to attach the PLHv2 to your rifle.

Overall

The Modlite is an extremely capable light built specifically for PDW’s and shorter rifles, like Short Barrel rifles.

If you are in the market for a high output light, then the modlite should be in consideration.

Modlite PLHV2

• 1,350 Lumens
• 54,000 Candela
• Run Time 35 – 40 Minutes

Buy Now

Price Check: Brownells

Surefire M600 Scout

For some time, the Surefire M600 Scout has been my high-end go-to weapon-mounted light. I have two of them and love them both! I currently use the Surefire M600 on my Noveske N4 PDW.

The Scout lights have been the industry standard of weapon-mounted lights for some time.

However, Cloud Defensive has given them a run for the money, and even Streamlight’s offerings are fantastic.

Construction

Surefire uses aluminum in nearly every part of the M600 Scout flashlight and then hard anodizes the aluminum in several colors, including the most popular black and tan.

Stats

The M600DF (Dual Fuel) has two different battery options with two different outputs, leading to two different stat numbers.

Both battery options have pros and cons. The CR123As are easy to throw away and swap out. The SF18650B is rechargeable, so you must keep them charged unless you buy multiple.

But the SF18650B clearly enhances performance, and it is worth weighing the pros and cons of both batteries for your AR-15 flashlight.

Mounting

Like the Cloud Defensive REIN, the surefire has a Picatinny mount that can be removed for your M-Lok and Keymod attachment systems.

I think it’s worth giving Surefire a nod here because the Picatinny and mount pattern was designed by Surefire and others have adopted it so it’s compatible with existing mounts.

Light

The throw of the Surefire Scout has a decent beam and not a ton of light splash. The light is extremely focused and is perfect for longer-range shots.

If you get the duel fuel M600 Scout it can be powered by either an SF18650B rechargeable battery or 2 x CR123A batteries.

Overall

The Surefire M600U is a fantastic flashlight, probably one of the top three in terms of performance and reliability.

Surefire has always been known to be the most durable weapon-mounted light on the market. It’s a favorite among military branches and series shooters everywhere.

Surefire Scout

• 1,200 – 1,500 Lumens
• 12,800 – 16,000 Candela
• Weight 5.15 oz
• Run Time 75 – 90 Minutes

Price Check

Price Check: Amazon | Euro Optic | Primary Arms

We put the Surefire M600U head-to-head vs the Streamlight ProTac HL-X.

Modlite OKW-18650

Modlite is one of the coolest AR-15 flashlights available, in my opinion. The Modlite is Modular Light abbreviated, and you guessed it, it’s modular, aka customizable.

You can change the battery tube, end cap, and head to create the perfect light setup for your needs.

The cool part of the Modlight is the fact you can change the heads to have more or less light spill or more throw all by just unscrewing the cap and replacing it.

Construction

The construction of the Modlight isn’t the revolutionary part of the light even though one might think it is. It’s still three basic components. Light, tube, and end cap.

The Modlite is made of 6061 aluminum; you guessed it, it’s hard anodized. Both of these are pretty much industry standard for high-end weapon-mounted lights.

The Modlite series features a lifetime guarantee and is Made in the USA, a huge plus for us!

Stats

Mounting

Modlite is one of the few AR-15 flashlights on this list that requires you to bring your mounting solution. While I don’t have an issue with this because I would never mount with Picatinny, it’s worth noting for the people who would normally want one.

Like the REIN, it uses the Surefire mounting pattern, which is great because it allows you to use my favorite Arisaka mounts.

Light

The two types of Modlite light heads offer two different light patterns, so you will need to pick which one best meets your needs.

One will give you much more light spill (light around the main beam), and the other will give you much more throw (light distance).

Overall

The Modlite brings a lot to the table in terms of light output. The candela numbers are off the charts.

Modlight

• 680 – 1,350 Lumens
• 54,000 – 69,000 Candela
• Weight 5.3 oz
• Run Time 75 Minutes

Buy Now

The price point of the Modlite puts it in the high-end category of lights, and its overall construction and performance also justify the high-end price tag.

The Modlite is one of the top three lights in the high-end category.

Streamlight Pro Tac Rail Mount HL-X

The Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL-X is a shower for the price. It’s impressive for the price because the other offerings on the list are nearly 3x the Streamlight Pro Tac Rail mount HL-X price.

Construction

The Streamlight ProTax lights are quality lights. However, they are made in China.

The light body does have an aluminum construction, but no specific type is mentioned. Other lights made by Streamlight state “6000 Series Aluminum,” but nothing hammered down.

I’ve been running one for several years now with no issues.

Stats

The stats on the Streamlight come in a bit lower than those of its high-end counterparts. But that is expected considering the nearly 3x price difference.

The run time is about the same as the rest of the lineup on 2 x CR123A batteries.

Mounting

The ProTac HL-X has a Picatinny 1913 rail attachment built-in. It, too, can be removed if you have other mounting needs.

The scout mount is nearly the industry standard, so it makes sense that Streamlight followed suit.

Light

The light profile for the Streamlight HL-X has a decent throw but a good bit of spill.

For a 1,000-lumen flashlight, it’s a really solid option. For just over $100 and just under $100 when on sale, if you’re on a budget, you really can’t beat this weapon-mounted flashlight.

Overall

Considering this flashlight has a remote switch, tail switch, remote retaining clips, mounting hardware, and two CR123A lithium batteries the pricepoint is fantastic.

Streamlight ProTac HL-X

• 1,000 Lumens
• 57,600 Candela
• Weight 6.4 oz
• Run Time 90 Minutes

Buy Now

Many of the savings in Streamlight are due to its being manufactured in China. The high-end light options are all typically made in the USA.

There’s no disputing the numbers on this light over the high-end option. But it’s not very far off from the Srreamlights high-end competitors.

Olight Odin

Before I catch hate in the comments, this wouldn’t be a comprehensive AR-15 flashlight guide without including Olight.

The Olight Odin and Odin Mini are probably the two most popular AR-15 flashlights Olight offers.

If you aren’t familiar with Olight, they aggressively market on YouTube and other social channels, and they catch a lot of flack.

I won’t go into that much because I want you to be able to choose whatever light you determine best meets your needs rather than the internet public opinion.

Construction

The body of the Olight Odin is made of aluminum alloy, but like most Chinese-made flashlights, I don’t know the aluminum series they use in these lights.

I will tell you in the hand, it feels solid.

Stats

The stats on the Odin series are a little better than the Streamlight HL-X and these two lights are the most comparable.

The run times are a bit different but here’s why. The Odin has different outputs available and thus depending on the output depends on how long your light will last.

The highest lumen is a bit misleading because the run time is so low it’s almost not worth mentioning.

I’ll break it down really quick.

Odin Run Time

• 2000 Lumen output runs for approximately 2 minutes.
• 1000 Lumen output runs for approximately 9 minutes.
• 760 Lumen output runs for approximately 136 minutes.
• 300 Lumen output runs for approximately 160 minutes.

Odin Mini Run Time

• 1,250 Lumen output runs for approximately 6 minutes.
• 900 Lumen output runs for approximately 17 minutes.
• 700 Lumen output runs for approximately 56 minutes.
• 200 Lumen output runs for approximately 100 minutes.

As you can see, how you run your flashlight will depend on how long your Odin Mini will last.

Mounting

The mounting system on the Odin is a standard 1913 Picatinny rail mount. Surprisingly, the Odin Mini has an M-Lok attachment system. Both have a proprietary locking system to tighten down the optic to the rail or M-Lok rail.

The mounting is relatively easy but if you don’t like what Olight sends on the flashlight you can very easily use the Scout Mount to attach whatever mount you prefer.

Light

The Olight Odin Mini beam (seen below) has a great throw and a fair bit of splash outside of the core beam.

Again, at first look, this is a great light but you have to take into account the run time at this peak brightness level.

Overall

If you are looking for a budget light I think the Olight is a decent option. However, I have to say that the runtime on the max output numbers makes their Candela and Lumen claims seem rather disingenuous.

Olight Odin Mini

• 1,250 – 2,000 Lumens
• 14,400 – 22,500 Candela
• Weight 6.21 – 7.62 oz
• Run Time 2 -160 Minutes

Buy Now

If you can only run at max output for 3 minutes, then it’s almost not worth mentioning but since there’s no established standard of length, they get a pass.

Overall it’s a solid light; the charging is done through a magnetic proprietary charger which can be a pro or a con.

Inforce WMLx

The Inforce WMLx was a wildly popular light when it was first released but has since been eclipsed in performance and functionality.

Construction

The Inforce WMLx is made of 100% nylon, so it is an all-plastic construction. Some examples of these lights not holding up to tough use on occasion.

The one major positive of the WMLx is it is Made in the USA, which is always a plus when buying products for your guns.

Stats

The stats on the Inforce WMLx are slightly underwhelming but still packs a solid punch.

Mounting

The built-in mount is an integrated clamp is used with MIL-STD-1913 rails. This can be attached to any top rail or 1913 side rail of your choosing.

It is straightforward to take on and off and requires no tools.

Light

The light profile throughs a solid beam and works out to about 600 feet.

The throw has some spill but does have a concentrated beam.

Overall

Sadly, this is one of the lower-end models of lights and the Streamlight Pro-Tac XL would probably be a better option for the price.

However, if the look and 100% nylon construction are no concern to your use application, then this may be a good option for you.

Inforce WMLx

• 800 Lumens
• 10,000 Candela
• Weight 4.0 oz
• Run Time 120 Minutes

Buy Now

Best AR-15 Flashlight Overall

The best flashlight is subjective, but I think it’s essential to buy the best AR-15 flashlight in your budget range that meets your needs.

If an Olight is the only light in your budget then by all means, buy the Olight.

If you can spend a little more the Cloud Defensive lineup of weapon-mounted lights really give you a great product for your dollar and have an impeccable warranty and quality.

The Streamlight ProTac series is a great budget option that allows you to get a solid light for a lower price.

The Surefire is a battle-tested light but it seems to be getting outpaced by Modlight and Cloud Defensive.

Best Budget AR-15 Flashlight

The best of the budget AR-15 Flashlights on this list is hands down the Streamlight ProTac HL-X.

The features, performance, warranty, and price make it the best bang for your buck.

It will give you the most performance for the dollar but will not make you famous on the Internet for having the most expensive light setup.

Best High-End AR-15 Flashlight

This is really a toss-up and a much harder choice than the budget AR-15 flashlight.

With their continuing innovation, both the Cloud Defensive REIN and the Modlites have outpaced Surefire.

So now it’s down to the REIN or the Modlite.

While one doesn’t win over the other in head-to-head testing, it boils down to what you want from your weapon-mounted light.

Modlite offers modularity that the REIN doesn’t, but the REIN offers cable management tail cap features that the Modlite doesn’t offer.

If you are looking for a pistol flashlight, read our best pistol flashlight article of if you are looking for a non-weapon-mounted flashlight, take a look at our article on the best tactical flashlights.

Haven’t settled on which AR you will buy? Take a read of our best AR-15 article.