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The Best Streamlight Light for Concealed Carry in 2025

A weapon-mounted light (WML) is a must-have for concealed carry in low-light situations, offering visibility without sacrificing your draw. Streamlight’s 2025 lineup, bolstered by new releases from SHOT Show 2025 (January 21–24), delivers compact, powerful options tailored for everyday carry (EDC). With recent additions like the TLR-7 HL-X USB and stalwarts like the TLR-7 X, choosing the best Streamlight light depends on your firearm, holster, and carry priorities. In this guide, we’ll spotlight the top contenders for concealed carry in 2025, with two standout winners leading the pack.

Why Streamlight for Concealed Carry?

Streamlight’s rugged designs and holster-friendly profiles make them a favorite among concealed carriers. Their 2025 offerings bring USB-C rechargeability, slim builds, and intuitive controls—ideal for pairing with FDO Industries’ Kydex holsters. Whether you’re carrying a Sig P365 or a Glock 19, Streamlight has a light to enhance your setup without adding bulk.

Top Streamlight Lights for Concealed Carry in 2025

Here are the best Streamlight WMLs for concealed carry as of February 2025, with two lights sharing the crown.

1. Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X USB & TLR-7 X – Best Overall for Concealed Carry (Tie)

  • TLR-7 HL-X USB Specs:
    • With SL-B9 USB-C rechargeable battery: 1,000 lumens, 22,000 candela, 30+ min runtime.
    • With CR123A battery: 500 lumens, 5,000 candela, 1.5-hour runtime.
    • 2.58 oz
  • TLR-7 X Specs: 500 lumens, 5,000 candela, 1.5-hour runtime (CR123A or SL-B26 USB), 2.4 oz
  • Why They’re Great:
    • TLR-7 HL-X USB: Launched in late 2024 and showcased at SHOT Show 2025, this light offers a dual-personality appeal. The rechargeable SL-B9 version pumps out 1,000 lumens—perfect for bright, tactical EDC—while the CR123A version matches the TLR-7 X’s 500 lumens. Its ambidextrous rear switches and slim design fit compact pistols like the Glock 19 effortlessly. 
    • TLR-7 X: A proven performer, the TLR-7 X keeps it simple with 500 lumens across both CR123A and SL-B26 USB options. At 2.58” long (slightly shorter than the HL-X) and 2.4 oz, it’s a hair lighter and shorter, giving it a concealability edge.
  • Key Differences: The HL-X shines (literally) with its 1,000-lumen option, but only if you use the rechargeable battery—otherwise, it’s identical to the TLR-7 X in output. The TLR-7 X wins on size and price, whereas the HLX packs the extra lumens.
  • Concealed Carry Fit: We have holsters available for both lights. Note: the TLR7X will fit in HL-X holsters. The HL-X’s power suits those prioritizing brightness; the TLR-7 X's slight size difference could promote more comfort.
  • Price: HL-X: ~$169; TLR-7 X: ~$125–$169.

2. Streamlight TLR-7 Sub – Best for Subcompact Pistols

  • Specs: 500 lumens, 5,000 candela, 1.5-hour runtime (CR123A), 2.4 oz.
  • Why It’s Great: Designed for subcompacts (Glock 43X, Sig P365), the TLR-7 Sub’s flush fit minimizes bulk. Its 500 lumens handle indoor threats well, and model-specific variants ensure compatibility.
  • Concealed Carry Fit: Perfect for IWB with slim holsters like FDO’s appendix rigs.
  • Drawback: Less versatile than the HL-X or TLR-7 X for larger guns. Since the lights are model specific, one light won't fit multiple guns
  • Price: ~$139–$150.

3. Streamlight TLR-6 – Best Ultra-Compact Choice

  • Specs: 100 lumens, 2,000 candela, 1-hour runtime (CR1/3N), 1.27 oz.
  • Why It’s Great: Designed for specific models only, the TLR-6 is tiny and trigger-guard mounted, ideal for micro-pistols.
  • Concealed Carry Fit: Unbeatable for deep concealment with minimalist holsters.
  • Drawback: Low output limits versatility. Fewer model options.
  • Price: ~$100–$120.

4. Streamlight TLR-1 HL-X – Best for Full-Size Carry

  • Specs: 1,500 lumens, 20,000 candela, 1.5-hour runtime (CR123A or SL-B26 USB-C), 4.32 oz, 3.87” long.
  • Why It’s Great: Just recently released, this beast offers 1,500 lumens for full-size EDC like Glock 17s. Further evolution of the very popular TLR1.
  • Caution: The CR123A version’s 1000 lumens can catch buyers off-guard—we learned this the hard way (see our blog post on avoiding this mistake). 
  • Concealed Carry Fit: Better for OWB or IWB holsters with the claw attachment.
  • Drawback: Will not fit old TLR1 holsters. Will only fit medium to full size guns. Extends past the muzzle of most guns.
  • Price: ~$200

The Winners: TLR-7 HL-X USB & TLR-7 X

The Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X USB and TLR-7 X tie as the best lights for concealed carry in 2025, each excelling in its niche:

  • Pick the HL-X USB if you want 1,000 lumens for maximum brightness—just remember if you use a CR123A battery it's only 500-lumens.
  • Pick the TLR-7 X for its slightly smaller size, lighter weight, and consistent 500-lumen output across battery options—perfect for discreet carry.

Both pair flawlessly with FDO Industries holsters, offering concealed carriers top-tier choices depending on their priorities.

How to Choose Your Streamlight Light

  • Brightness First: HL-X USB (SL-B9) for 1,000 lumens. TLR1 HL-X for 1,500 lumens
  • Size First: TLR-7 X for compactness.
  • Subcompact: TLR-7 Sub or TLR-6.
  • Full-Size: TLR-1 HL-X.

Pairing with the Right Holster

We offer holsters for the most popular Streamlight lights and firearm brands (Glock, Sig, FN, etc.). Holsters only fit the exact model they are designed for.

The TLR7, TLR7A, TLR7X will fit in a TLR7 HLX holster. The reverse is not true. 

The TLR1 HLX will not fit old TLR1 holsters.


Final Thoughts

In 2025, the TLR-7 HL-X USB and TLR-7 X lead Streamlight’s concealed carry lineup. Whether you prioritize raw power or minimal profile, these lights—paired with an FDO holster—keep you ready for anything.

 

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