Best Concealed Carry Holsters [Hands-On Tested]

What's the best holster for the money?

After buying your gun...deciding on which holster you're going to buy is one of the most important decisions you can make.

There are a lot of different kinds and styles of holsters on the market right now. Sadly, many of them are not ideal for concealed carry. 

But no worries...we'll clear up what makes a good holster, the types of carrying (inside the waistband, ankle, etc), and personal recommendations for each type.

Complete with tons of hands-on pics, videos, and even standalone reviews.

CCW Holsters Comparison Chart

How We Chose the Best Concealed Carry Holsters

The entire Pew Pew Tactical team contributed to this article with their top recommendations for concealed carry holsters.

Concealed carry holsters were chosen based on the following criteria:

• Retention - keeps the firearm in place despite movement from the user
• Safety - trigger is adequately covered, and the holster's design prevents anything from getting into the trigger area or pressing the trigger
• Ergonomics - promotes a positive grip on the gun
• Comfort - the holster is comfortable enough to be worn all day with minimal irritations to the user
• Features - lights/laser compatibility, comes with additional mounting options, etc.
• Value - good marriage of price and features

All concealed carry holsters listed below underwent a minimum of one month of hands-on testing alongside various firearms and carry styles. The writing and editorial staff come from a variety of experience levels and body types and these holsters represent the best ones that worked for the majority of our team.

Holsters with reviews will have links so you can read more. Not every holster is right for everyone, but we've included some of the most popular styles, brands, and models that work for us and the vast majority of concealed carriers.

There are tons of different options, but here are some of our team's favorites that we use every day to personally concealed carry.

Best Concealed Carry Holsters

1. Hidden Hybrid Holsters - Editor's Overall CCW Holster Pick

Editor's Overall Pick

Hidden Hybrid Holsters

$89

at Hidden Hybrid Holsters

Prices accurate at time of writing

$89 at Hidden Hybrid Holsters

I'm a fan of "hybrid" holsters for IWB, where the gun shell is Kydex, and the backer is either something synthetic or leather.

My current favorite hybrid IWB (and overall holster) is from Hidden Hybrid Holsters.

They are a small company from OH that uses Amish leather down the road from their shop. Not a very creative name but they work...and are comfy!

The leather they choose and the suede backer make all the difference in comfort.

The thickness/rigidity is Goldilocks, right...and the suede feels better than raw leather against your skin.

I've tried out a couple of their options and love their single clip, Appendix Carry.

Here it is in action during our review of the Springfield EMP.

It keeps things hidden...

And I'd definitely recommend getting the "claw" attachment, which pushes the holster more into your body. You can always take it off if you don't think you need it.

Have something bigger...or a light/laser/RMR?

They got you covered with an option that lets you go both IWB and OWB (with belt holes).

If you're down with pistol optics for carry...their version completely covers the optic.

However, here's a regular G19 in the 4/5 o'clock position since I don't like it too chunky.

IT'S HIDDEN, IT'S HYBRID.

Ok, one more perk...all the holsters I tried give you a full grip.

They also have mag carriers.

I'm not huge, so the double double-stack mag carrier was just way too big for me. However, the single was perfect and really comfy.

And something for the lols...or if you really need to walk tall and carry a big stick...

Newest update...I've been wearing an HHH with my Sig P365XL for over 2 years, and I wouldn't change my loadout.

Here's a quick draw from my full review of the P365XL.

Full review here...but so far, Hidden Hybrid has my vote for the comfiest hybrid holster I've tested so far.

What's your take on HHH? Rate them below!

2. Crossbreed Holsters - Runner-Up IWB Holster

Crossbreed IWB Holsters

$54

at Crossbreed

Prices accurate at time of writing

$54 at Crossbreed

Amazon (see price)

The Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe was previously our founder Eric's favorite since it's comfy with the leather backing (don't worry, it comes in black, too) and allows for a full grip.

Since it's pretty large, it's used best for a 4-5 o'clock location.

The combat cut is slightly less comfy since the grip is more exposed, but it's what I prefer since I get a nice "high" draw where the web of my hand perfectly meets the beavertail of the pistol.

Here's the leather backing:

And for smaller guns that you plan on appendix carrying... yeah, they have those too.

A great hybrid holster from a reputable company!

3. Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 - Non-Leather IWB Pick

Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5

$64

at Alien Gear

Prices accurate at time of writing

$64 at Alien Gear

Amazon (see price)

The Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.5 is a great IWB holster for the money if you're not a fan of leather.

The lifetime warranty plus a 30-day no-questions-asked trial period can't be beaten.

Plus, they are comfortable with a neoprene-like backing ("alien skin").

Check out our full review, where the holster survived months of use and a multi-day CCW course.

And now with some video.

4. Rounded Gear - Best Kydex IWB CCW Holster

Best Kydex IWB

Rounded Gear Holsters

$42

at Rounded Gear

Prices accurate at time of writing

$42 at Rounded Gear

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Amazon (see price)

Looking for something AIWB (appendix) that's super light (less than 3 oz) yet effective and still comfortable.

We've been recommending Rounded Gear for years, and they continue to win us over with new updates. The latest is a rebrand to Rounded Gear.

Check out the holster in action with a Glock 19.

They even have tuckable holsters...

And a "claw" accessory to further lower the profile of your CCW...although, for them, it was never really a problem.

Check out our full review of them and all their styles and attachment options.

5. Tenicor - Most Comfortable Kydex Concealed Carry Holster

Most Comfy Kydex IWB

Tenicor Holsters

$125

at Tenicor

Prices accurate at time of writing

$125 at Tenicor

Want the Ferrari of kydex holsters?

Check out Tenicor, which brings a concept that's so "why didn't I think of that" to the table...

Molding the holster to what a normal human is like at the...groinal triangle (our term, lol).

They only have a few models for their Velo above, but if you're packing something popular (Glock, Sig Sauer, or M&P), they've got you covered.

So, is it comfy?

You bet...I put on the holster without the clips and wiggled it around until felt very natural. Then, I installed the clips and set the height.

Here it is in action before I go into it more:

Now, the clips...there are a couple of options, but I went with the most aggressive hold with the T1 clips.

They take a little longer to put on since they will snag your belt and pants...but wow, they feel they will never come off, even in a tussle.

Here's another angle...and you can also see the raised "camming bar" near the top left. That works like the "claw" in other designs that helps rotate the holster more inwards.

There are two other options -- snap buckles for your belt or permanent loops where you thread your belt through. Less retention but easier to get on/off, and won't scratch stuff as easily.

Got a light? They've got the Sagax Lux model...

It honestly felt the same in my pants as the regular Velo since it's not that much bigger. For now, it's only a G19-sized Glock option with TLR-7, XC1-B, XC2, and APLc lights.

Plus, it doesn't use the light for retention, so you can use it without one too.

Here's another angle...just a little more material to disappear into your "groinal triangle."

For the comfiest appendix pure Kydex option yet...check out Tenicor.

They are definitely at the high end of the price spectrum.

But if you're a serious appendix carrier who needs comfort and extreme retention...it's probably worth it.

6. Urban Carry G3 - Most Unique Holster

Most Unique

Urban Carry G3

$80

at Urban Carry

Prices accurate at time of writing

$80 at Urban Carry

This holster deserves to be in its own category since it melds IWB & OWB...the Urban Carry 3 offers some distinct advantages over other holsters.

It's the third generation of holster and has a host of upgrades compared to its previous iterations.

It allows for carrying with your shirt tucked in...plus even if it prints a little it shows up as something in your pocket.

And allows for an easy grip (although slightly higher than other traditional holsters).

Another new feature of the G3 is its "LockLeather" which clicks around the front of the trigger guard...preventing the gun from moving or flying out when pulled.

However, one negative includes having to have your belt a little looser since your gun sits underneath. And potentially some technique modifications for...bigger guys.

7. 1791 Gunleather - Most Custom Holster

Most Custom IWB

1791 Gunleather Ultra Custom Concealment Holster

$99

at 1791 Gunleather

Prices accurate at time of writing

$99 at 1791 Gunleather

OpticsPlanet (see price)

The Ultra Custom takes a unique approach in that it can be custom-fitted to whichever gun you want to carry.

We tested an IWB model and found it to be a great option.

This holster is leather but features a section of thermoplastic within. Users heat the Ultra Custom according to instructions, then mold it to the gun they want to carry.

After it cools, the result is a high-quality leather holster, with Kydex-like retention properties. The gun clicks into place when being holstered.

The Ultra Custom comes with a low-profile clip that can be adjusted for cant angle.

One of the best features of this gun is it can be re-heated and re-formed for a different gun.

There are a few holsters that can carry many different guns, but this one offers a custom fit to each!

See the full review here.

8. Safariland - Best OWB Holster

Best OWB

Safariland Holsters

$53

at OpticsPlanet

Prices accurate at time of writing

$53 at OpticsPlanet

Safariland (see price)

Amazon (see price)

Eric's favorite no-nonsense OWB holster brand if you're looking for a paddle holster that can also be added to a belt.

Great for carrying or for competition use. And a favorite of law enforcement for their duty belts.

Tons of models, so you'll be sure to find your pistol, hand, and flashlight combination.

Backing allows the use of a paddle or other belt attachment systems (Tek-Lok, QLS, ELS, etc).

Plus, the paddle is well-designed to hug your hips.

Specific models, we like since they have so many:

• Model 7378 Paddle Holster

9. Rounded Gear - Best Value OWB Holster

Best Value OWB

Rounded Gear Holsters

$42

at Rounded Gear

Prices accurate at time of writing

$42 at Rounded Gear

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Amazon (see price)

Our favorite no-frills company Rounded Gear has branched out of IWB and into the world of OWB.

First off, with their paddle holsters.

Easy to take on and off, although I would recommend thicker belts to make sure there's not too much movement.

Here it is in action!

Not digging the paddle style and want a little more security? Belt loop holsters to the rescue.

See the full review of Rounded Gear Holsters.

10. 1791 Gunleather - Best Leather OWB Holster

Best Leather OWB

1791 Leather OWB Holster

$56

at 1791 Gunleather

Prices accurate at time of writing

$56 at 1791 Gunleather

OpticsPlanet (see price)

Amazon (see price)

Looking for a simple (and beautiful) leather OWB holster? Look at 1791 Gunleather's options.

I went with the "vintage" color, and wow, is it pretty.

I may have to pick up some cowboy shooting soon!

However...I went with a little more modern P320 to try it out. It was tough to get in the first time, but after reading the instructions on how to make it fit better...it's great.

Easy draw, no fear of it falling out, and not too much effort to get it in there.

Belt attachment is great too...I like the angle of how it conforms to my hip.

One more kicker? It's reasonably priced for something made out of nice leather. My setup cost around $57.

11. Crossbreed Holsters - Best Belly Band Holster

Best Belly Band

Crossbreed Modular Belly Band 2.0

$74

at Crossbreed Holsters

Prices accurate at time of writing

$74 at Crossbreed Holsters

The Crossbreed Modular Belly Belly Band adds some extra safety with a Kydex gun-specific shell that covers the trigger. 

Way better than other options with a flimsy elastic band you're trusting to not shift.

They also have a sewn-in magazine/phone/flashlight pouch, plus the ability to add in magazine holsters.

12. Sticky Holster Anklebiter - Best Ankle Holster

Best Ankle

Sticky Holsters Anklebiter

$30

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$30 at Amazon

For that extra deep concealment. You can even fit an extra mag or knife next to your gun with this adapter.

Remember to add their holsters, which use a rubbery material to stay in place.

13. Galco Shoulder Holster - Best Shoulder Holster

Best Shoulder Holster

Galco Shoulder Holsters

$108

at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

$108 at Amazon

For those times when you're wearing a suit and tie but also feel like being prepared.

Being like James Bond ain't cheap, though...

Honorable Mentions

A couple of companies we highly respect and think you should also take a look at:

• PHLster: specifically their Enigma. It's a great option for those who can't carry in a traditional IWB/AIWB setup.
• Dark Star Gear: Our Editor-in-Chief has been using an Orion for years for her Glock 19 and swears by it.

Best Holster Accessories

Editor's Note: Use code "PEWBELT10" to get 10% off Kore belts at TriStar Trading. Check out our shirts there as well! Or, if you prefer direct...use code PEWPEWTACTICAL at Kore for the same.

Best Gun Belt

Kore Essentials Tactical Gun Belt

$69

at TriStar Trading

Prices accurate at time of writing

$69 at TriStar Trading

Amazon (see price)

With most of the holsters, you'll likely get...you'll need a great gun belt.

One that doesn't scream "look at me" but is sturdy enough to not flex under the weight of a fully loaded gun and even extra mags.

My favorite is the Kore Essentials with X7 Buckle, which meets all the requirements and has an awesome "clickable" adjustment system. See it in action:

It allows me to loosen when I'm sitting down or getting into the car and then quickly tighten when I'm back up again.

There are various colors of their nylon tactical belt (what I like) and even some leather options.

And by slightly shifting the buckle to the side, it blends in pretty seamlessly with your wardrobe.

I have a complete review of them here or also check out Best Gun Belt options for more traditional ones too.

Why Have a Good Holster?

Let's think about some of the things the holster is supposed to do:

• Protect and hold the firearm.
• Prevent discharge.
• Provide quick access.
• Prevent theft or loss.

So, maybe instead of the original question, we should ask things like, What goes into a great concealed carry holster?

First and foremost is the concept of safety. You've likely heard the safety rules by now, but in case you haven't, here they are:

• Treat every weapon like it's loaded.
• Don't point your gun at anything you're not willing to destroy.
• Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.
• Know your target and what's beyond it.

They're all particularly important, but for right now, let's concentrate solely on number three...keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.

I want to expand on it even more and say that nothing should touch the trigger, including clothing or any part of the holster itself. Your trigger could get caught, pulled, and cause a discharge.

That's a bad oopsie...

Trust me when I say the last thing you're ever going to want is for your gun to go off unintentionally. And guns have gone off when being holstered because something got caught and pulled the trigger.

The Different Types of Holsters

There are many types of holsters out there for men and women. Let's tackle each of these, along with their pros/cons.

IWB - Inside the Waistband

IWB or Inside the Waistband holsters go between your pants and your underwear by hooking onto a sturdy belt.

Another popular position with a fast draw is the AIWB or Appendix Inside the Waistband location.

OWB - Outside the Waistband

OWB, or Outside the Waistband, is when the gun/holster rests on the outside of your pants.

Belly Band Holsters

These are pretty self-explanatory. It's a band that goes around your belly, best for those times when you're not wearing a bel.

Shoulder Holster

Shoulder holsters generally wrap around the shoulder, and the part that actually holds the gun usually sits on your support side's rib cage. 

Ankle

This method of carrying a concealed gun is great for when a backup gun is needed. In this case, there is no printing unless you're wearing tight pants.

How to Choose the Best Concealed Carry Holster

As I stated earlier, there are a lot of different kinds and styles on the market.

When you pick out a holster, make sure it has the following:

• Total trigger coverage
• Sturdy material
• Good retention
• Good concealability
• Handgun protection
• Skin/body protection
• Positive grip

Let's take a closer look at these requirements...

Trigger and Material

There are a lot of holsters on the market where the trigger is not covered or is covered by a flimsy material.

So that you're as safe as possible, it's best to have a holster that is made of a sturdy material that covers the trigger. You want to do all you can to prevent the possibility of a discharge.

A good example of a sturdy material could be Kydex or leather. Both do an excellent job of protecting the trigger.

Kydex is basically nothing more than a polymer composite material formed to the shape of your gun with a bunch of properties that help it do its job.

Some holsters will have both materials in the form of a Kydex shell on top of a leather backing. 

There are countless companies making good-quality holsters out of this material. You can't go wrong here.

Good Retention

Another way of saying retention is that your gun needs to “stay put.”

A good test...if you stick your gun in your holster and turn it upside down, will it fall out?

If it comes out, the retention of it needs to be adjusted (usually via a screw), or you need a different method of carrying.

It needs to be strong enough that it keeps your firearm in place until you tug it out on purpose.

Concealability

Unless you're carrying openly, you'll want your firearm in a discreet position where it cannot be seen.

IWB, or Inside the WaistBand, holsters offer a better level of concealment than does OWB, otherwise known as Outside the WaistBand (more on this in a minute).

(Read more about the differences between IWB and OWB!)

And, as far as IWB holsters are concerned, generally speaking, appendix IWB offers the most concealment.

Think of appendix carry as starting directly in front of your belly button and ending on your pelvic bone.

Keep in mind it depends on body type, and my body is different than yours. What conceals better for me may not be a good option for you.

The best thing to do is to play around with it a bit, to find a balance between comfort and concealment.

Protection

Your holster needs to protect you and your gun.

Some of the harder materials can cause rub marks on finish over time, so keep that in mind too.

At the same time, some of the stiffer holsters may rub your skin the wrong way. While not generally that big of a deal...if it isn't comfortable, would you carry it every day?

As a bonus while on this topic, holsters can also damage clothing and furniture if you choose the wrong type.

I've used metal clips on holsters before that eventually wore holes into my shirts. Plastic clips, while not as strong, do their job quite well and are gentler on clothing than their metal counterparts.

Grip

This is very important.

If your holster doesn't afford you the ability to have a FULL combat grip on your gun when it is drawn, you need a different holster. Meaning you've got a high grip, can deactivate safeties, and can shoot one-handed.

You should be able to draw and fire from any position, including directly off-body, if an attacker is on top of you. I'd even suggest a holster/position where you can reach with your weak hand as well.

Again, because it bears repeating...if your holster doesn't allow a full combat grip, get a new one.

Meet the Experts

PPT Founder and CEO Eric Hung took the lead in writing this article after extensive hands-on testing with most of the holsters listed. Eric is an NRA-certified pistol instructor and a USPSA/3-Gun/NRL22 competitor. He has also researched and written over 250 articles on firearms and gear. He brings this expertise to this article, offering his perspective on what works best for carry and what doesn't.

Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical. Jacki is a current NRA pistol instructor and former concealed instructor with over a decade of experience carrying guns in a variety of holsters.

Final Thoughts

No matter which method of concealed carry you choose, you need to practice your draw and re-holster often to make sure you master it.

As for holsters? Sometimes it takes trying out a couple to see which one fits and feels the best.

And how that you've gotten the perfect holster and gun...what happens if you have to use it in a defensive shooting?

Check out our round-up of the Best Concealed Carry Insurance, which has tons of information!

Also, check out even more holster recommendations:

• Best OWB (Outside Waistband) Holsters [Concealed & Open Carry]
• Best IWB (Inside Waistband) Holsters [Hands-On Tested]
• Best AIWB Holsters for Appendix Carry [Guide]
• Best Belly Band Holsters for Concealed Carry & Working Out
• Best Hiking Holsters & Handguns
• Best Light Bearing Holsters

So...what holster did you end up getting? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you're a lady and need tips for concealed carry, check out our Definitive Guide to Concealed Carry for Women.

Latest Updates

• July 2025: Removed Alien Gear Rapid Force.
• December 2024: Added PHLster and Dark Star Gear to honorable mentions.
• December 2023: Added new info after two years of testing some holster models.