Want the quickest target acquisition in low light?
You need an AR-15-mounted laser.
We tested the most popular green and red lasers for brightness, zero hold, overall build, worth-it-ness, and more.
By the end of this post, you’ll know the best laser for your budget and purpose…from range plinking to professional nighttime activities.
Summary of Our Top Picks
-
-
-
-
-
High End Laser OptionHolosun LS117 Laser Sight with QD Mount
Standalone IR option. Pricier but durable.
Table of Contents
Loading...
Why You Should Trust Us
Input into this article came from the PPT editorial team and our writers.
Together we have a combined shooting experience of 30+ years, including instruction, competition, and multiple shooting disciplines.
We’ve spent countless hours researching and analyzing guns and gear to determine which is the best when it comes to features, reliability, ergonomics, and bang for your buck.
We had to make some tough calls. If you don’t see your favorite model, it doesn’t mean we hate it, just that we couldn’t include it this time.
Best Budget AR-15 Lasers
1. Ade Advanced Red Laser
Let’s start off with something affordable like the Ade Advanced that can double for use on both pistols and AR-15s.
It’s tiny and doesn’t add much weight to a rifle.
Plus makes its home on a custom Glock.
The side button takes some thought to activate…so you’re not going to inadvertently activate it.
Not that you can really go on and off quickly with this model. The first click turns on a constant laser, while a second click makes it strobe.
Something I wish it didn’t do since it takes another click to turn it off…and a strobing laser is pretty useless to me.
How’s it hold up under shooting?
I attached five of the lasers to my 7-inch piston AR pistol, zeroed it to my holographic sight at 15 yards, and brought it to the range.
I chose my super short piston upper for its increased recoil that will test the zero holds of the lasers. I shot 100 full power rounds.
Then brought it back to see the deviation from the center dot..
It’s hard to see…but the Ade Advanced red laser is very slightly lower than the center reticle.
Great zero hold in my book.
Brightness is decent too in this picture before all the lasers were zeroed to one dot at 15 yards.
I thought this little optic would suck…but besides the button strobe “feature”…it’s pretty good for a start rifle or pistol laser.
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
There’s also the green laser version ($45) too for a little more.
2. Pinty Green Laser
Now, what’s this fascination with green lasers?
The color green is supposedly 6x easier to pick up for the human eye. And for lasers, they are easier to see both day and night.
I chose the Pinty Green Laser since it was the most affordable one with great reviews…even though I’ve never heard of the name.
The size and mounting style leave something to be desired…but I’m going to let the results speak for themselves.
It’s large, has knobs for windage and elevation adjustment, and has either a button endcap or pressure pad.
The adjustment knobs are marked and actually have a nice audible click with a “correct” amount of resistance I’d expected in something more expensive.
Still…everything made me think that it would unzero after some shots.
However, I was pleasantly surprised that it was only slightly more of a shift (upwards this time) compared to the Ade.
Plus…it was the brightest of all and more visible than its more well-known competitor…the Ozark Armament.
A decent pick at around $25 if you want something that actually seems more expensive and holds zero.
I reached out to Pinty after testing and secured you guys a 15% off coupon “PEWPEW” to use at their site.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
3. Ozark Armament Green Laser
I had high hopes for the Ozark Armament ($40) since I liked their budget option in my Best AR-15 Lights.
You can see that it’s quite a bit chunkier than the Pinty…but along the same lines in design.
It also comes with the same accessories as the Pinty that seem to be made from the same place.
However…the windage and elevation adjustments were not marked and felt really spongy. If they were on the Pinty at a $20 price point, I wouldn’t complain.
Brightness we’ve already seen is slightly less bright than the Pinty…but overall, much more visible than the red lasers.
How about zero?
Not that great…you can see it shifted to the 10 o’clock position a good deal away from the center dot.
If you’re ok with this form factor of laser…avoid the Ozark and go with the Pinty.
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Best Mid-Tier AR-15 Lasers
4. Streamlight TLR-8
My go-to brand for handgun lights…we tested the TLR-8 light/laser combo out in Best Handgun Lights.
It’s small enough for handguns (even compacts)…
And hides away on an AR-15.
It’s easier to use than the larger TLR-2 where you can switch between laser only, light only, or combo…since you can only combo here.
The 500-lumen light is very usable but a little yellow.
While the red laser is very visible.
Its’ zero hold was the best out of everything.
You can’t even see a difference since the dot still matches up exactly with the reticle.
My recommendation if you don’t want to run an additional light and want something that stays zeroed.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
And if you want something with a little more brightness at a size increase…check out Streamlight’s TLR-2 which comes in 800 lumens and with a red laser or green laser variety.
What do you think of the TLR? Rate it below!
5. Crimson Trace CMR-206
My favorite pick out of the more affordable batch of pure lasers is the CMR-206 from Crimson Trace, which is known for its laser products.
It’s tiny and well-built…and lives on my night competition PCC (pistol caliber carbine).
Otherwise, it works great on a handgun…
Or an AR-15 on the bottom rail.
Check it out in action during one of my recent night matches:
Brightness isn’t as bright as the Pinty, and it has a slightly more cyan tinge to it. But can reach out to 30+ yards for metal target hits fine.
Plus, zero is good at moving a smidge upwards.
For its size…it’s my favorite and will continue to live on my competition PCC gun.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
6. Holosun LS117
One higher-end standalone laser sight is the Holosun LS117 series which bridges the gap between consumer and professional use products.
I’ve always liked Holosun products…they won our Best Red Dots Under $200.
Their laser sight comes in IR (infrared for night vision, red, or green) and has a nice small profile to fit on the front of your rifle.
We got the green for more power.
It also has a QD (quick-disconnect) attachment and can take a standard pressure pad…so you can control your lights and lasers without shifting your grip.
We moved it between our MPX and APC9, and zero held for each gun. What we recommend is if you want a more serious laser sight without going to the DBAL or others with IR.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
7. Viridian HS1
Viridian has a cool product that combines a long gun hand stop with a laser — the HS1. A button to activate the laser is built into the housing so that a little bit of pressure activates it.
The HS1 mounts directly to M-LOK rails, so you can add it to your setup right at the place where you normally grip the gun. This improves your ergonomics while allowing you to place back pressure on the gun, securing it in your shoulder pocket.
The laser is surprisingly bright for such a compact package, plus it can be adjusted for windage and elevation.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Best High-End AR-15 Lasers
8. Steiner DBAL
Ok…here we go pro with a Steiner.
This bad boy combines a green laser with an IR laser and IR illuminator. Essential when combined with night vision.
The essential windage adjustments (IR and laser are slaved together) plus fire and different power modes.
But check out the power on their green laser…
Plus, it never shifted zero over the hundreds of rounds we put through it in the desert.
The front end of business…
It’s not for everyone…but it’s my pick if you go the night vision route but still want a (very) visible laser.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Learn more about it in our Best Night Vision Goggles overview.
Final Thoughts
If you want to have quick target acquisition in the dark…go with a laser sight (maybe not 5 at a time).
To get into the game for either a handgun or rifle, I recommend Ade to start.
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
If you want a super bright green laser for your rifle, get the randomly named but surprisingly decent Pinty.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
And if you want a great light and laser combo that stays dead nuts zero…get the Streamlight.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Or if a pure green laser in a small format is more your thing…my favorite competition laser is the Crimson Trace.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Lastly…if you’re balling out with night vision goggles…you can’t go wrong with Steiner.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
ow did we do? Are you getting your first laser for your AR-15 or handgun? Once you do…check out our Best Pistol Lights and Best AR-15 Lights to complete your nighttime dominance.
40 Leave a Reply
I use and swear by the Olight Baldar mini, unsure why it was not on the list.
Good article. Haven't tried a laser on my ARs yet. Though I've a couple mounted on my pistols.
JEETER was born in the city and suburban streets of South Florida. The name “Jeeter” was a catchy slang within the local culture that was the alternative name for a joint. The slogan was quickly coined, “Pass the Jeeter” and became the common language to our crew. Fast forward to a decade later and we have brought Jeeter to life in the California cannabis markets. Built on nostalgic memories, Baby Jeeters Pre rolls is now one of the leading pre-roll brands in California.
Stoners have no business handling firearms skeeter jeeter stoner boy
I pray the atf knocks on your door
Baby jeeter
Instead of law abiding America Loving God Fearing Patriots who’d give their lives or limbs
To Protect douche bags like you.
If you want to post garbage like that,
go to high times magazine, not here
2022 Update, short version: Steiner DBAL for the pros, Phantom Hill CTF-2 for the average joes.
I think you should update this for the new Holosun RML laser, comes in green or red, 5 mw and not <5mw like a lot of others. That is if you can get one to review.
As always, I enjoy the reviews. Also the comments, intelligent and otherwise. One of the things that I appreciate about this site is the focus on products across the cost spectrum. While one can certainly question whether-or-not a visible laser makes sense when someone is potentially shooting back, that is not really the focus of the review. If I was opting to put a laser on my weapon, this review provides useful information.
Thanks for reading!
Immediately stopped reading after you tried to recommend me a pistol laser for an AR. A cheap pistol laser will NOT hold any kind of a zero under a rifles recoil, you will constantly be recalibrating it because it wasn’t designed to withstand a rifle round’s recoil force…
Thanks for reading. We definitely understand what you're saying and we agree it may not be the best option for everyone. If you read further down you'll notice more traditional recommendations for rifle lasers. That said, we recognize that not everyone can spend a ton of money on accessories so we try to offer a few budget-friendly options for those that need it. But thanks for the feedback!
A +P 9mm, .45 ACP or .44 Magnum has less recoil than an AR. Would enjoy reading your data.
They absolutely do not. Direct blowback is a fickle beast.
You are incorrect. Not only do modern AR and AK rifles have less recoil, the laser would be attached to the rail wich further dampens recoil. Just like red dot sights, the pistol versions need to be stronger to handle increased recoil.
Maybe a single action/ bolt action rifle with no BCG and recoil spring or charging system has more recoil.. but the modern AR and AK platforms these are usually intended for have far less recoil than any handgun over 22lr. It's not even close.
Totally agree gravy. The people who write for this site are clearly not professionals. Not that there's anything wrong with the guy that just goes to the range to put holes in paper but the problem with that guy recommending stuff is that he's not, well, a professional. SOF does not use visible lasers on their rifles for a reason. Nor does anyone who actually depends on their rifle in the real world. They are used in airsoft and by civilians who poke holes in paper. What type of firearms review site is going to recommend an ozark laser? I mean seriously.....
Sorry to see you were disappointed in the products recommended. We do our best to bring a wide range of items to readers so they can figure out what works best for their lifestyle. As for our staff, we have current and retired law enforcement, firearms instructors, and military personnel with a breadth of experience under their belt who write for us.
I see devgru and gbrs guys rocking visable lasers very very often especially in door breeches so ??? Don't believe me olt timer go to gbrs on youtube dj Shipley knows wtf he's talking Abt visable laser training will transition to nvg ir laser training n all in all better ur performance
Good morning,
I thoroughly enjoyed your reviews on light/laser combos. They're useful, engaging and give me real-life-in-the-trenches information I can use to decide what to buy.
I have an old "Nebo" Picatinny mounted horizontal foregrip shotgun light/red laser combo which no longer works. I kept it because I like the mount. I was wondering if you could suggest which light/laser flashlight with a pressure switch would possibly fit inside the mount. There's no way for me to upload a photo of the combo but I will if you tell me how to upload one.
Thanks in advance,
Robert
Anyone else high AF RN?
Olight Baldr Pro. 'Nuff said.
Good call. When's your next airsoft match?
The Ade advanced laser is a piece of junk. It is not something to rely on.
100% agree. It is pure junk. I've also seen a review about one of their red dot optics breaking when it was tested on a Girsan 1911. None of that China stuff is worth a darn.
Eric, You've written better articles than this one. The Streamlight TLR-8 does cycle between light, laser, or combo. The Pinty doesn't have longevity. There are newer lights and prices have changed substantially on these. The TLR-8 can be had for under $200. Maybe it's time to do an update and add the Holosun & Olight.
Pinty is GARBAGE! I have this same laser and 2 of their red dots and all 3 are straight up trash.
The laser at max adjustment, only gets close to zero but doesn't quite make it. Then it doesn't hold it's almost zero after a few shots...
I have two Crimson Trace CMR-206's on two different rifles. I liked the size and weight which is what originally attracted me to it. But when I put two more rifles in play I was once again shopping for lasers and decided on the LaserMax Spartan green lasers this time because I could get them for less than the CMR-206 and I had gotten first hand reports from a few others of their reliability to hold zero and keep on working and they were overall comparable in weight and size (+/- some minor amount) for my purpose/desires. The LaserMax - after a few thousand rounds on each of those rifles I found the LaserMax zero still exactly where I put it the day I zeroed them and have not budged one little bit and has never quit on me.
I've tried some of the lasers in your article.
Ade Advanced Red Laser: - Ughhhh... tried one of these. In fact tried three of them because they kept failing on me and the company kept sending replacements. The first one would not hold zero no matter what was done - the second just stopped working after several rounds - the third one was DOA and this was actually a reboxed used one that was scratched and banged up a lot. I also previously had a chance to try one of their red dot reflex sights on one of my Glocks - it was not a fun time. I found them difficult to deal with for correction of defective products, they tend towards wanting to hand out "fixes" and replacements rather than just give a refund for an obviously defective product. Others have related to me things they ordered from them were not new but were used and had been re-boxed and were missing things that should have been in the box. They are sort of deceptive in their advertisement, for example, they advertise for some of their hand gun red dots "1 MOA click adjustment with audible clicks" when in reality that's not true and its juts a screw adjustment that needs an additional locking screw tightening that does not hold long at all - when this is pointed out to them all they do is admit it but do not provide a refund and will not correct their deceptive advertising. If you are looking to purchase an ADE item, don't.
Pinty: Contrary to what I had initially thought and oddly enough it was kind of OK for a while and I actually kind of liked it. Someone had given me one that he got as a door prize at a gun show, so mounted it up and out to the range. Although it pretty much held an acceptable zero for a while it is not a long term reliability laser and not one I would trust my life to. It is bigger and weights more than it needs to be, and gives me the impression that this product idea and design started life as a really good solid (if heavy and large comparatively) product design but then corners started to be cut and with that what makes a good stable and tough laser sight went away. But if one wants to try out a laser to decide if they actually like the idea or not and not spend a lot then this is the one to get.
Ozark: Along the lines of the Pinty, but found it to have difficulty holding zero as close as the Pinty did. This is also not a long term reliability laser.
Streamlight: Have not used another StreamLight product since one of their products, brand new, failed on me when I needed it most. That aside though, I think their products are overall overrated and over priced.
For visible lasers, my personal picks/favorites are the Crimson Trace CMR-206 and the LaserMax Spartan. The lesser size and weight, the surprising durability for rifle use, the operation and function, are more than suitable. Based upon longer term personal experience, if I had to choose between those two I'd go with the LaserMax Spartan because although the CMR-206 is good I've not had it hold rock steady zero as long as the LaserMax has. If I had to choose a first timers "introductory" budget laser to learn with I'd choose the Pitny.
Hi. If you go with the pressure pad on the Pinty green laser, how to you attach the pad to the firearm?
Ummh, there are some grips you can buy that are set up for you mounting a pad, check out strike industries, they have a few of those. A good portion of people, my self included use goon tape, electrical tape, or ranger bands.
Do any produce a visible Lazer at 100 yards?
Man, all this time I've had a Tlr-8 in the safe going unused because I had to switch over to a tlr-7 for holster purposes. It never once occurred to me that I could put it on my rifle. Thanks for all the testing you guys do. This might be my first post on here but you guys were my introduction to guns and continue to provide useful info even after a lot of exposure.
Hey just fyi, the stream light tlr-8 does switch between light only, laser only and combo. Press both left and right switches at once to cycle through.
Thanks for a great intro article for AR lasers. Just got the Crimson Trace CMR-206 based on your recommendation. However, now I got the Steiner CQBL-1 cause I knew I would go the "Pro" route sooner or later. FYI, the Steiner DBAL link you provided is for the DBAL-I2. This was a tad confusing to me since I only found out later there are two versions, visible laser/IR and IR/IR illuminator. The former is not slaved. However, the version you recommended seems like the DBAL-A3, which has all 3, IR laser, IR illuminator, and visible laser, but at a substantially higher price point. I still got a Steiner based on your rec though!
Not understanding how the Olight Baldr series isn't at least considered. I have no affiliation, just have the Baldr red laser and PL-mini and am impressed with their performance. For the price and quality they are hard to beat
HEY IM BUYING ONE OF THESE THINGS AS WE SPEAK NO JOKE CREDIT CARD IN HAND MY QUESTION HOW BRIGHT IS THE HOLOSUN GREEN LASER COMPAIRED TO THE STEINER CAN U SEE THAT GREEN BEAM IF SOMEONE COULD GET BACK WITH ME ASAP THAT BE GREAT .
The Stiener products are military grade and some of the best. Especially when you are looking at the IR lasers and illuminstors. I have been using one for several years now on my nuisance animal set up with an old AtN night optic.
I have had no issues with the illuminator or laser with the night optic. In fact I got the Stiener unit because the IR illuminator that came with the ATN optic was good but could be better. The optic is a 2012 I think and works great for my needs. But the Illuminator is not so good past maybe 50 yards . So I figured in 2016 that I would get an additional IR Illuminator and a IR laser but from a cost point I would be better off going with an all in one unit that I was familiar with and picked up a Stiener that was a day and night compatible unit. Now the laser and illuminator is more powerful than my night optic but thats not a big deal since I am just shooting at a max range of 100 to 200 yards and its just fine for taking some pigs , coyotes, and any other trouble makers causing problems at night around the cabin . Also the night optic is only a first generation optic that cost around $400 when new. I didnt want to spend a pile of money on a better generation for an optic that is only used a few times a year when I am at the cabin. When I see some pig damage or coyote tracks and or I hear them yipping to their friends. But I would definitely say that if you can afford the Stiener go for it and it will probably be strong enough for anything that you are doing as a civilian or even in a law enforcement application.
I feel like this needed some more substance. I would need to know how these hold up after repeated use. Ya know in and out of the trunk in a bag, and several shooting sessions. I am not surprised the Streamlight held a solid zero. I love all of my Streamlight stuff. I have a number of SureFire and I feel they sometimes get lost in complexity: lots of small parts that can potentially fail. Streamlight keeps it simple, and my original Streamlight weaponlight is going strong after all these years.
Great review. Really helps in deciding which one to use.
Thanks
Oh thanks! That was a good report.
Geez I wonder how much Uncle Sam pays for the military grade type.
Actually I just stop wondering.....
Thanks Jason! You probably don't want to know...
$450-$650 for an M4 depending on type. Like $250 for a SIG P320 includes maintenance followup. So they pay less for large contracts than us civvies. I would guess a big contract buy for a infrared laser is around $400-700 depending on the model. Unit purchase is usually retail maybe 10-20% discount if it's from manufacturer. But like $50G for a .50cal infrared FEMA toilet seat.. JK :P
Thanks for the info on the laser equipment .