In this 2023 buyer's guide, let's take a look at the best Olight flashlight in 2023 for everyday carry, outdoors and weapon mounted applications.
We receive most products from Olight for free, however, we do our best to give our recommendations based on use without bias
Disclosure: All products have affiliate links for earning commission to support the website when you purchase
Olight Warrior 3 - Best Olight For EDC
Why we picked this one - Olight Warrior 3 is our overall favorite handheld tactical light. In many ways it’s slim, lightweight and has major core features that EDC light users would appreciate.
Warrior 3 is versatile for handheld use as well as mounting on weapons via a magnetic remote pressure switch.
Pros:
It's powered by a single 5000mAh 21700 rechargeable lithium battery and delivers a 20% increase in maximum output (1800 lumens) and a 44% boost in distance (300 meters).
The light sports an aggressive strike bezel with PVD coating for emergency use, along with a protective rear tail cap to prevent accidental activation.
A programmable tail cap switch enables instant strobe activation or momentary use, while the textured design enhances grip, and the redesigned tail switch allows for versatile positioning, even when mounted upside down.
Cons:
It will be nice if the light body features a grip stop to prevent hand slipping when using tactical tail cap grip.
Warrior X Pro - Best Handheld Thrower
If you've been in search of a straightforward and efficient handheld utility light that's also versatile for use on long guns, the Olight Warrior X Pro is your top choice.
This light has received upgrades from its original model, now boasting an impressive output of 2250 lumens and 90,000 candela, providing a concentrated hot beam of illumination that reaches almost 600 meters in the dark. These features make it an excellent option for outdoor lighting needs.
Pros:
Simple 2 modes of operation - Simplicity is the key when choosing a light like this one, Switch between 2250 lumens and 300 for various low light tasks
21700 Rechargeable Battery - Tired of buying CR123A batteries? the Warrior X Pro comes with a 5000 mAh 21700 battery that is rechargeable via USB MCC3 cable that will last you a life time and save money
IPX 8 Rated - Waterproof rating tells us how strong the light is, the Warrior X Pro is made with IPX8 rated aluminum alloy that can endure 3 meter drop test without breaking
If you want to use this on a long gun, we highly recommend getting Olight’s pressure switch sold separately here.
Cons:
This light is a great alternative to the Surefire M600, however, the magnetic pressure switch attachment without secure mounting points are things that can be improved in the future, and the new Olight Odin is the one you should checkout.
Olight S1R Mini Baton 2 - Best Cap Light
Why use this one for EDC - The Olight S1R Mini Baton 2 is the most popular high lumen, small profile EDC light people love following the success of the Olight S1 Mini Baton.
5 Lumen Settings - The Baton 2 now supports up to 1000 lumens, which provides much greater brightness without increasing in size. In addition, the user can switch among 0.5, 12, 60, 600 and 1000 lumens by double tapping the button
Small and compact - It's small enough to fit in your pocket and the included metal clip can go on your baseball cap hands free when hiking in the outdoors in low light without sticking out too much or adding weight.
Magnetic Body & Strobe Mode - It's a great EDC light with built-in strobe mode for signaling, magnetic body that allows for hands free low light tasks, and it's rechargeable like other Olight products.
If you're looking for a very capable EDC light that is just as good as the M2R Warrior without the tactical features, the Olight S1R Mini Baton 2 is the one to get.
Olight Freyer - Best For Signaling
Why pick the Freyer - The new Olight Freyr is a hybrid between the Olight Warrior X Pro and the M2R Warrior Pro with added RGB feature for more versatile uses in various low light situations.
Long range illumination - Its high candela rating combined with a super tight hot spot throws the light beam far for better long range outdoor illumination.
RGB For Various Applications - Better than any other RGB flashlights you can find at the hardware store. We highly recommend it for airport operation, warehouse operation, night search, outdoor, hunting and various low light signaling activities.
Added Traffic Cone For Omni Light - The light comes with a silicon traffic cone that can go on top of the light to instantly turn the light into a omni directional light for increased low light illumination
Built In Strobe Mode - The strobe mode serves as a valuable tool for instantly grabbing attention and can be activated with a quick triple press of the thumb activation button.
The low lumen RGB modes are designed to be gentle on the eyes, making them ideal for up-close tasks where intense brightness isn't necessary. This includes activities like reading in low light or conducting searches.
Olight I3UV EOS - Best Keychain UV Light
Why we like the Olight I3UV EOS - Everyone needs a keychain flashlight for minor low light tasks. And this fits the perfect use cases.
Pro:
This small light is simple to use and operates on just one AAA battery. One of its standout features is the UV LED 395nm, making it a valuable tool for HVAC technicians and automotive repair professionals in spotting leaks and cracks.
Additionally, it excels at verifying IDs, detecting counterfeit currency, and revealing germs, among other uses.
Cons:
For only about $14, the UV light can be a bit stronger and people would be willing to pay a bit extra.
Valkyrie PL 3 - Best Overall Pistol Light
This is the next newest upgrade from Olight PL Pro that features a new thumb screw mount. This means the users don't have to deal with the sharp edges of the QD lever, and it also allows holster maker to easily make holsters for pistols with Olight PL 3.
High lumen output - 1500 lumens on a max battery charge to provide the brightest illumination for indoor and outdoor use.
Rechargeable - PL 3 R is the rechargeable version that allows the user to train as much as possible without buying batteries
Ambi Control - Double press both switches simultaneously to activate the strobe
Olight PL Turbo - Best Thrower Pistol Light
This is the high candela model of the Olight PL 3 that features the newly upgraded thumb screw mount, and the light can push the beam out further to target ID.
It's great for pistols and especially long gun applications in low light.
Increased Lumen & Candela - The light can positively identify targets further up to 100 yards in the dark with a hot focused center beam, and it can also see the surrounding and target background for better situational awareness
Adjustable Mount Position - The light now includes a thumb screw mount, replacing the QD lever, to minimize the risk of snagging for full-size or mid-size PDPs.
The adjustable mount key enables users to customize the light's position, either moving it closer or further away from the Echelon's trigger guard according to their preference.
Ambi Control Ergonomics - Works for both lefties and righties to active constant on, momentary or strobe
- High ouput: 800 lumens
- Peak Candela: ~66300 candela
- Batteries: 2 CR123A
- Switch: Ambi toggle
- Length: 3.53"
- Weight: 4.48 oz
Valkyrie BALDR Mini - Compact Size
The Olight BALDR Mini 2 is a compact weapon light that pairs perfectly with both full-size and compact frame handguns. In the highly competitive concealed carry market, the BALDR Mini 2 stands out as a must-have product that you shouldn't overlook.
Train More Frequently - Easily recharge with a USB cable, allowing you to utilize the light as often as you want for training without the need for purchasing batteries.
Effortless Mode Switching - Switch effortlessly between three distinct modes (Laser only, Light only, and Laser+Light) without needing to remember any complex button sequences.
Customizable Rail Placement - Adjust the light's position on subcompact guns as necessary to bring the toggle switch closer to the trigger guard.
Olight Odin GL Mini - Rifle Laser and Light Combo
Mounted on Daniel Defense MK18
The Olight Odin stands as Olight's premier dedicated rifle Scout light, boasting a formidable 2000 lumens to compete head-to-head with the Surefire Scout. If you're already familiar with the Olight M2R Warrior Pro and are seeking a light better suited for tactical rifles, the Odin is the perfect choice.
The light comes with built-in Scout mounting points so you can use any existing Scout light mounts you have for KeyMod, Picatinny or MLOK.
If you don't have one you can shop here.
Pros:
Highest lumen and Candela - In the tactical low light world, lumens and candela are the two biggest specs professionals look at. 2000 lumens and 22500 candela are more than the Surefire M600DF for better target identification and threat control.
Lockable Magnetic Pressure Switch - The lockable magnetic pressure switch eliminates the previous problem of the old cord snagging on objects and coming loose. With the new design, users can confidently snap the retainer in place, keeping it securely attached.
If you opt not to use the pressure switch, you can easily remove it and activate the light using the tail cap switch, which is identical to the type found on the Warrior X Pro and M2R Warrior.
USB Rechargeable battery - While other Scout weapon lights still rely on CR123A technology, the Odin's 21700 3.6V 500mAh battery provides ample power, eliminating the need for users to purchase batteries.
QD Scout Mount Included - IThe mount is very solid and offers two mounting points to orient the Odin the way you want on your Picatinny handguard.
Adjustable Lumen Intensity - Another cool feature the Odin has its the ability to switch from 300 to 2000 lumens for adjusting to your lighting situations.
Cons:
The Odin is an exceptionally powerful light, boasting the same level of durability as the Surefire Scout. The only potential improvement for this light in the future would be to narrow and intensify the light beam slightly to enhance its suitability for long-range rifle applications.
Olight Javelot Tac - Best Scout Light
The brand new Olight Javelot Tac is the next generation scout light offers tighter focus beam like a Surefire X300 Turbo
It features an one-piece aluminum body design with an integrated scout mount. The beam pattern is close to a MODLITE PLHv2 for throw and flood.
It kept all the great features we love about the Odin, and now it's much better for mid range target identification in the dark.
Olight Valkyrie Turbo - Best Throw Performance
This is Olight's first LEP (Laser Excited Phosphor) pistol light. The beam pattern of this thing is like mounting a rifle throw light on a pistol to positive identify targets up to 540 meters away in the dark.
It features the same activation controls as Olight BALDR with constant on/off or strobe.
However, the light uses CR123A instead of being USB rechargeable.
The hot spot beam pattern shoots straight like a laser with very little flood, so the light can punch further into the distance with up to 70K candela output.
The user can mount this on pistols or rifles for hunting and long range shooting.
So rugged! Sent to Space
Why this is the ultimate outdoor lighting system - The olight X9R Marauder has a powerful 25000 lumens & 99200 candela outputs, powered with 6 Cree XHP70.2 LED. When you need some serious illumination the X9R is here for you.
Whether you need a room scale "day light alike" illumination for a construction site or a outdoor camping site, this light will provide you with enough lighting up to 700 meters in a pitch black environment.
This light is great for search & rescue, self-defense, vehicle, outdoor camping, fishing, household, general use, cave exploration, construction sites and many more.
Pros:
Highest lumen & candela output on the market - 25000 lumens & 99200 candela with 8 adjustable lumen settings from 200 to 25000 lumens. You can use it for indoor low light tasks or large scale outdoor illumination.
Please check Olight's technical page for battery life for each lumen setting here.
Strobe Mode Included - The built-in flashing strobe light quickly captures people's attention, serving various purposes such as survival signaling, airport and warehouse operations, law enforcement, and home defense.
Battery Level Display - Given the X9R's substantial power, capable of draining the battery in just about 3 minutes when set to 25,000 lumens, the power indicator becomes invaluable. It allows users to easily monitor when it's time to recharge the battery.
Ample Battery Capacity - The light is equipped with a generous 6000mAh 14.4V battery pack, roughly the size of a beer can and composed of 8x18650 batteries. At 200 lumens, this light can last for up to 27 hours on a single charge, providing extended usage before a recharge is needed.
Cons:
Considering its immense power, it's essential to acknowledge the X9R's weight, which is approximately 4 pounds. Furthermore, with only 3 minutes of battery life at the 25,000 lumens setting, it's advisable to use it judiciously for shorter bursts.
The X9R is a substantial light, necessitating either a backpack or a dedicated case for transport. If you prefer a high-lumen outdoor light without the bulky form factor, we strongly recommend the Olight Warrior X Pro as a more practical alternative.
The Olight Perun Mini boasts exceptional right-angled ergonomics, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to attach the light to their backpack straps.
This versatile tool can serve as a handheld light thanks to the included pocket clip, offering various attachment options, or as a headlamp when used with the optional magnetic head strap. It's a dependable, high-powered essential for a range of up-close activities in low-light conditions.
With a 60-degree rotation feature for customized angles and exceptional convenience, the Perun Mini delivers a high lumen output despite its compact size. It's fueled by a 550mAh 3.7V IMR16340 Rechargeable Lithium Battery, offering a maximum output of 1,000 lumens and 2,500 candela. This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures.
As the content creator of badassoptic.com, My background in the firearms industry and shooting sports gives me the experience to recommend tried and true products and keep away subpar ones.