Best Glock 19 Holster

A good holster needs to do two things. It needs to hold onto your pistol securely and keep it from accidentally popping out when you need it to stay in place. It should also be easy to draw from, so it won’t slow you down when you need your pistol now.

This means that a good fit is essential. Too loose, and your pistol won’t be secure; too tight, and you’ll have a hard time drawing.

While there are plenty of “universal” holsters out there, the best Glock 19 holster is one that’s designed specifically for your gun or a similar frame. All of the holsters on our list fit that criterion.

Besides fit, we’ve looked at a few other factors. These include the quality of the materials, comfort, and of course, price. Which of these factors is most important depends on what you’re looking for.

Best Glock 19 Holsters

1. Concealment Express

The Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster is a good choice for concealed carrying in hot weather.

Key Features

• Molded Kydex construction
• IWB carry
• Available in left and right-handed versions

The Concealment Express IWB Kydex Holster is molded from Kydex polymer, one of the most durable holster materials in use. It’s designed for IWB carrying and is available in both left and right-handed configurations.

This holster has adjustable tension. Simply turn the Phillips tension screw to make it hold tighter or looser as you like. It also has a very high side plate, which protects your skin from the gunmetal, and protects the metal from your sweat.

The Concealment Express is designed to fit any Glock 19 frame. While it will indeed fit, we’d stay away from it with a Gen 5. The slightly wider frame can scratch on the tension screw. The holster itself comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, so it’s a good buy for any other version of the Glock 19.

Pros

• Durable
• Adjustable retention
• Good sweat protection
• Fits all Glock 19 frame pistols
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• Can scratch the Glock 19 Gen 5

This holster is durable and molded specifically to fit the Glock 19.

2. The Defender

Relentless Tactical’s The Defender is a tough leather holster that’s available for right and left-handed use.

Key Features

• Stitched leather construction
• IWB carry
• Left and right-handed versions available

Relentless Tactical’s The Defender is a leather holster that’s available in 3 different colors. The stitching around the edges is nice and thick, surprisingly tough for an inexpensive holster. You can purchase both left and right-handed versions, and It’s designed for IWB carry.

This holster is more flexible than a molded plastic holster, so it’s suitable for a wider variety of firearms. In addition to the Glock 19, it supports most other compact Glocks, as well as the Smith & Wesson Shield, the Beretta M92, and the Ruger P95. Retention is good out of the box, but the holster loses its shape over time.

The Defender comes with a limited lifetime warranty. However, it has a strange shape. The inside is bare towards the back of the gun, providing limited sweat protection, while the top of your gun is almost fully covered, which means you can’t holster a pistol with aftermarket sights.

Pros

• Durable
• Fits a variety of pistols
• Lifetime warranty
• Affordable

Cons

• Does not accommodate sights
• Loses shape over time
• Limited skin protection

This is one of the most affordable leather holsters that you can buy.

3. CYA Supply Co.

The CYA Supply is made of durable carbon fiber and is molded for the Glock 19 Gen 3-5.

Key Features

• Carbon fiber construction
• IWB carry

The CYA Supply IWB Holster is engineered from carbon fiber, which is both durable and extremely rigid. It’s molded for the Glock 19 Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5, and is designed for IWB carry. At this time, it’s only available in a right-handed configuration.

This holster features excellent sweat protection, thanks to the full-length sweat guard on the inside of the body. Unfortunately, this means you won’t be able to use it if your Glock has a red dot sight. It features two retention adjustment hex screws. It also makes an audible click when your weapon is fully holstered.

Because the CYA is so rigid, it can be very uncomfortable if you have an active lifestyle, since it’s liable to dig into your side. However, it comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee, meaning you can return it at any time if you decide you don’t like it.

Pros

• Full-length sweat guard
• Adjustable retention
• Audible click when holstering
• Lifetime satisfaction guarantee

Cons

• Does not accommodate sights
• Uncomfortable

This holster has one of the best warranties in the business.

4. ANR

The ANR Design Conceal Carry Holster is durable and has adjustable retention grommets.

Key Features

• Kydex construction
• AIWB carry
• Cut to allow for optics

The ANR Design Conceal Carry Holster is specifically designed for AIWB carry. This is a variant of standard IWB carry, where the holster sits against your abdomen instead of your hip. The large belt clip is spring-loaded to angle your pistol’s grip against your belly, which minimizes printing.

The body of this holster is molded from high-quality Kydex polymer. It’s designed to fit all variants of the Glock 19, including the 19X and the Glock 45. There’s also a cutout in the top of the frame to fit both aftermarket iron sights and rail-mounted red dot sights.

No matter how strong you like your retention to be, the ANR Design holster has you covered. The tension is adjustable with two slotted screws, which run through rubber grommets in the frame. This is one of the pricier holsters on the market, but it’s worth the money considering all the features.

Pros

• Adjustable retention
• Minimal printing
• Also fits Glock 45

Cons

• On the pricey side

This holster is ideal for carrying against your belly instead of on your hip.

5. LANZON

The LANZON is crafted from heavy-gauge leather and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Key Features

• Stitched leather construction
• IWB carry
• Available in left and right-handed versions

The LANZON Leather IWB Holster is crafted from stitched, heavy gauge leather. It’s available in both left and right-handed versions. Like most inexpensive leather holsters, it arrives fairly stiff and requires some breaking in order to fit properly. This should only take a few hours and works best if you soak the holster in water first.

The holster is soft and comfortable to wear. Since it fully covers both sides of the pistol, it offers excellent sweat protection — a necessity for carrying in hot summer weather. Be aware that this design prevents you from holstering a pistol with an aftermarket sight.

The LANZON comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty on materials and workmanship. The only downside of this holster is that it has a relatively flimsy belt clip, which is thinner than most metal holster clips. It fits most compact pistols, including the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, and the Sig Sauer P228.

Pros

• Heavy gauge leather
• Comfortable
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Does not accommodate sights
• Clip is relatively thin

This is very well designed for a budget holster.

6. The Ultimate

Relentless Tactical’s The Ultimate fits most compact pistols and comes in both left and right-handed versions.

Key Features

• Stitched suede construction
• IWB carry
• Left and right-handed versions available

Relentless Tactical’s The Ultimate is a suede holster that’s available in both left and right-handed versions. The stitching is surprisingly tough, considering the low price. It’s designed for IWB carry.

This holster is designed to fit a variety of pistols, including all pistols that share the Glock 19’s frame, as well as the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. While the manufacturer advertises more than 80 compatible pistols, they include single stack models on this list, and the holster is too large to hold a single stack securely. But most double stack compact pistols will fit.

The suede finish is very comfortable to wear and covers almost the entire side of your pistol. However, it doesn’t accommodate aftermarket sights. Because it’s so soft, The Ultimate collapses when you draw your pistol, making it difficult to re-holster without first taking the holster off your belt.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Fits a variety of pistols
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
• Affordable

Cons

• Difficult to re-holster
• Does not accommodate sights

This holster is one of the most comfortable, affordable holsters available.

7. Glock Polymer

The IMI Defense GK-3 is designed for OWB carry of your Glock 19, or for other Glocks with the same frame.

Key Features

• Polymer construction
• OWB carry
• Integrated magazine pouch
• Accommodates aftermarket sights

The IMI Defense GK-3 is a tough, molded polymer holster that’s designed for OWB carry. At this time, the only version available is for right-handed users. It fits all Glock 19 pistols, including the Gen 4, as well as other Glocks that are built on the same frame. Because it’s molded, it will not fit other brands.

There are two features that make this holster stand out. The first is the integrated magazine pouch, which means you won’t need to carry another pouch for extra ammo. The second is the quick release retention lock. It’s located outside the trigger guard, so you can press the release lever and draw your pistol in one smooth motion.

The body has a low profile, which allows you to holster a pistol with aftermarket sights. However, taller sights will get in the way of your extra magazine. The only thing we didn’t like was the belt clip, which is a bit loose for our liking.

Pros

• Excellent retention
• Adjustable retention

Cons

• Belt clip is loose

This holster lets you carry an extra magazine without the need for a separate pouch.

8. Tactical Pancake

The Houston Gun Holsters Tactical Pancake has a wide, flat profile for minimal printing.

Key Features

• Nylon shell with suede lining
• IWB carry

The Houston Gun Holsters Tactical Pancake gets its name from its wide, flat design. This shape minimizes printing. Even if someone notices a bulge, it’s most certainly not shaped like a gun. Since it’s so flat and soft, the Tactical Pancake is very comfortable to wear.

The holster has a nylon shell, with an inner lining that’s made of suede to protect your pistol and prevent snagging. At this time, it’s only available in a right-handed configuration.

This holster is very secure, thanks to not one but two metal belt clips that hold it in place. While it’s designed for pistols with a Glock 19 frame, it also supports the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield and other similarly-sized pistols. Our only complaint is that there’s nothing molded to retain your pistol so you may want a different holster if you have to bend over a lot for your job.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Flat profile
• Secure clips

Cons

• Questionable retention

This holster protects your pistol with a soft suede lining.

9. Concealed Carrier

The Concealed Carrier Universal IWB Holster is an inexpensive, secure nylon holster

Key Features

• Nylon construction
• IWB carry
• Left and right-handed versions available
• Includes magazine pouch

The Concealed Carrier Universal IWB Holster is a nylon holster that ships with a small pouch for carrying an extra magazine or can of pepper spray. It’s available in left and right-handed versions and has a webbed nylon strap that snaps down to restrain your pistol.

This is marketed as a universal holster, and for the most part, it is. It’s a bit loose on sub-compact pistols, but the restraining strap keeps them secure. A compact pistol like the Glock 19 fits perfectly. However, full-frame pistols extend through the hole at the bottom of the holster, and the front sights can get stuck, causing a serious safety issue.

The Concealed Carrier is the most inexpensive holster on our list. While it’s easy on your budget, consider it a short-term solution; it wears out quickly with everyday use.

Pros

• Good retention
• Fits almost any pistol
• Quick-release strap for retention
• Very inexpensive

Cons

• Not very durable
• Sights on larger pistols can snag

This is a good holster for the Glock 19 but isn’t recommended for full-sized pistols.

10. ComfortTac

The ComfortTac is available in multiple sizes to fit almost any body type.

Key Features

• Padded nylon construction
• IWB or OWB carry
• Available left or right-handed
• Built-in magazine pocket
• Available in 3 sizes

The ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster is stitched from nylon, with a soft inner liner to prevent chafing. The holster itself is elastic and has a leather retention strap that snaps over your gun’s handle. It also has a second pocket for an extra magazine or a can of pepper spray.

This belly band is available in three different sizes, to fit almost anyone. It’s also available in both left and right-handed versions. The holster is universal, basically, a wide elastic pouch that relies on the leather strap for retention. Because the band wraps all the way around you, you won’t see any significant printing.

The downside of the ComfortTac is that it’s not very durable. The snap on the thumb strap in particular tends to break loose after several weeks of everyday use. On the other hand, it’s very affordable.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Fits almost any pistol
• Snap-down retention strap
• Minimal printing
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not very durable

This is a comfortable belly band holster with good retention.

11. 1791 Gunleather

The 1791 GunLeather Holster is extremely tough and fits a Glock 19 like a glove.

Key Features

• Heavy leather construction
• OWB carry
• Accommodates red dot sights

The 1791 GunLeather Holster is made of heavy gauge stitched leather for plenty of toughness and durability. It fits belts up to 1 ¾ inch for OWB carry. It completely covers your trigger guard, while leaving enough clearance on the top of the frame for your red dot sight. At this time, it’s only available for right-handed shooters.

This holster is made specifically for the Glock 19 and Glock 23. It has a very tight fit, arguably too tight until you’ve spent a few days breaking in the stiff leather. It’s also fairly expensive. However, it’s made in the USA and comes with a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty.

Pros

• Tough and durable
• Fitted specifically for the Glock 19/23
• Made in the USA
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• Pricey
• Needs significant breaking in

This is a high-quality leather holster for law enforcement or security.

12. OWB Baby Pancake

The MASC Leather OWB Pancake Holster is the most discrete OWB holster we’ve seen.

Key Features

• Double-stitched leather construction
• OWB carry
• Accommodates a red dot sight

The MASC Leather OWB Pancake Holster is crafted from heavy-gauge leather, with double stitching around the belt holes for extra durability. It’s designed for the most discrete OWB to carry possible, with a wide, flat profile that holds your gun tight against your body. It covers the trigger guard nicely but has enough clearance along the rail to allow for a red dot sight.

This holster has a mid-tier price, which is impressive for a top-quality product. It’s molded specifically for a variety of firearms, so make sure to select the correct version when you buy it. When you have the correct version, it retains your pistol well. However, it’s very stiff when it arrives and is difficult to draw from. It takes about a week of everyday carrying to break in properly.

Pros

• Durable
• Available for a variety of pistols
• Low, discrete profile

Cons

• Requires significant breaking in

This is our pick for the best holster for Glock 19 OWB carry.

13. Fierce Defender

Fierce Defender’s The Warrior Series is tough, and it offers good retention.

Key Features

• Kydex construction
• IWB carry
• Designed for a Glock 19 with Streamlight

Fierce Defender’s The Warrior Series holster is molded from durable Kydex that can take a serious beating. It’s designed specifically to fit the Glock 19, the Glock 23, and the Glock 32 for IWB carry. The fit is very snug, but it still allows for a quick draw when needed. Two Phillips screws allow you to adjust the retention however you like. It’s only made for right-handed carry.

The main selling point of this holster is the fact that it’s molded for streamlight attachments. While your Streamlight will fit in a lot of universal holsters, none of them offer the superior retention of a molded holster. The inner plate covers the entire side of your gun protecting your skin and preventing sweat from causing rust. This plate prevents you from mounting a red dot sight, though.

While The Warrior Series is on the pricey side, it’s a good value for what you’re getting.

Pros

• Durable
• Snug fit and easy draw
• Adjustable retention
• Good sweat protection

Cons

• Does not accommodate red dot sights
• On the pricey side

This is a well-designed holster for your Streamlight.

Bottom Line

One underrated feature of the Glock 19 — and all Glocks — is that they’re so darn popular. Because of their popularity, there’s a wide variety of choices if you’re looking for the best IWB holster for Glock 19 pistols. There are even some excellent OWB choices.

One final word about cheap holsters; there are good cheap holsters and bad cheap holsters. The one “feature” you don’t want to see is cheap foam padding on the inside of your Glock 19 concealed carry holster. This material can snag on your sights or hardware, which is more likely when you’re drawing in a hurry than when you’re drawing at the range.

Of course, there are plenty of nice polymer and leather holsters out there, if you’re willing to drop a bit more coin.

Whatever you’re looking for in a holster, we like to think that at least one of the choices we’ve listed will be right for you. Even if you choose to go another way, we hope you learned something today.

Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert guides and holster reviews including:

• Belly Band holsters
• Ankle holsters
• Small of back holsters
• Kydex IWB holsters
• Fanny pack holsters
• Concealed carry belts
• Concealed carry vests