Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Holosun 507C-X2
Boasts unlimited sight relief and has 12 illumination settings for clear visibility in all light conditions.
- Build Quality: 8/10
- Optics: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
Best Value
Sig Romeo5
Its rugged design assures durability for a long time.
- Build Quality: 7/10
- Optics: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Best Red Dot for Pistols
Burris Fastfire 3
High-quality mini red dot sight that is easy to use and is perfect for all types of shooters.
- Build Quality: 7/10
- Optics: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Originally used by military professionals, the red dot sight has been recently introduced to the civil field, this tactical instrument being used by amateur sports shooters, hunters or simply as a navigational aid
UPDATE: Some of the most requested in-depth reviews are finally here:
- Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 – Check the full review here!
- Vortex Venom – Check the full review here!
- Vortex Venom vs Viper – Check the full comparison here!
- Sig Romeo5 Red Dot – Get all the details here!
- Best Red Dot for Marlin 45-70
- Trijicon ACOG Red Dot Review
- ACOG vs. Red Dot
- ADE Red Dots
- Low Profile Red Dot Sights
- EOTech 512 vs. 552
- Shield 9mm Red Dot Sight
Unlike the spotting or rifle scopes, the red dot doesn’t have a magnifying effect nor a classic notch pattern; still, it is considered one of the most useful tactical instruments.
There are different types of red dot systems that vary in shape, sight characteristics and features, and if you’re not a military professional, choosing the best red dot sight can be difficult.
We saved you hours of scouring the internet and shooting gear shops and made a thorough selection for you.
Table of Contents
- Our Top Picks
- A Quick Comparison of the Best Red Dot Sights
- How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sights
- Best Red Dot Sights: Our Top Picks
- What is a Red Dot Sight?
- How to Shoot with a Red Dot Sight?
- Red Dot Sight vs. Holographic Sight
- The Difference between a Red Dot and Reflex Sight
- Are Red Dot Sights Accurate?
- Final Thoughts: Red Dot Sights
- You Might Also Like
A Quick Comparison of the Best Red Dot Sights
How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sights
Is there really a recipe for finding the best red dot sight? You can find plenty online. But ours is the only one you will ever need.
Some red dots are more accurate and appropriate than others – or they may simply be more up your style. This is why you may want to consider the following factors before purchasing a red dot sight.
| Feature | Holosun 507-C | Vortex Venom | Bushnell TRS-25 Hirise | Sig Romeo5 | Tasco .22 Rimfire | Burris Fastfire 3 | Aimpoint Micro T2 | Category Average |
| Overall Score | 4.42 | 3.15 | 3.93 | 4.12 | 3.2 | 3.97 | 4.28 | 3.86 |
| Ergonomics | 4.5 | 4.7 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 2.5 | 4.7 | 4 | 3.91 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.2 | 3.3 | 4.5 | 3.57 |
| Optics | 4.3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 3.2 | 4 | 3.5 |
| Battery | 4.5 | 1.5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4.5 | 5 | 3.93 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.8 | 5 | 5 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 3.6 | 4.06 |
| Illumination | 5 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 3.8 | 4 | 4.6 | 4.34 |
Red Dot Type
Do you want to go for reflex sight, or is a holographic sight more up your alley. Before purchasing a red dot sight, you might want to learn about which one suits your preferences the most. Some of them may be fairly expensive, depending on their type – but the best red dot sight under $200 will certainly be worth every penny. One of our favorite affordable red dots comes with the Burris Forever Warranty. Check out our Burris Fastfire 3 review to know more!
Housing
Depending on the model that you wish to purchase, a red dot can have an open or a tube style. The tube model is the closest to the traditional model, and it also permits a variety of filters and protective covers for the lens. Open sights, on the other hand, are bare and only have the basic system. These types are generally more affordable – but, at the same time, they have less space for filters. The absence of these filters can reduce the viewing experience of the shooter.
Mounting Type
Not every sight can be installed on any kind of gun – so, ensure that the mounting type is compatible with your gun.
Some sights are universal, whereas others work better with a particular kind of gun.
Build Quality
Rain, sand, wind, snow – the AK-47 can withstand all these, so your optic should too! Get an optic that’s been impact-tested so it’s sure to survive daily use and abuse for a long time. Be sure to review any ingress protection (IP) ratings too. At least an IP-67 rating will make sure your optic is protected against dust ingress and submersion in water up to 3 feet.
A reliable optic holds zero even after a thousand rounds. Make sure it’s constructed from durable aluminum but, at the same time, weighs just right (not too light and not too heavy). You’ll want an optic that can handle the 7.62×39mm’s recoil (is built well) but won’t slow you down.
Also, your optic’s windage and elevation knobs should have crisp clicks for easier calibration.
How do we rate it?
We assess the durability, material quality, and weather resistance. A higher score indicates a solid optic, is made from high-grade materials, and can confidently withstand harsh conditions and rough handling.
Optics
Every reticle is supposed to light your way and make it easier for you to lock onto your target. However, each light can look different in its own way. The red dot, for instance, can actually be green – and instead of a single dot, it can be crosshair or bullseye. Deciding on the style may not be a matter of functionality, but more a matter of personal preference. If you’ll most likely be shooting at close range, a red dot’s 1x magnification should do the trick.
If you’re buying a low-priced riflescope, be sure not to trade off its glass quality. You don’t want to compromise here.
How do we rate it?
We rate the clarity, brightness, dot crispness, and field of view on a scale from 1 to 5. A higher score means the optics provide crystal-clear images under various lighting conditions, have minimal distortion, and offer a wide field of view.
Value
Price plays an important role for any of us. Like what we always tell our readers, if you’ve got money set aside for your shooting gear, splurging on premium brands is best since you’ll likely keep and use it for a lifetime. But if your budget is limited, there are also a lot of affordable but reliable optics to choose from – from riflescopes to red dot sights.
How do we rate it?
We assess the overall worth, taking into account the price compared to the features and performance offered. We give better ratings to optics that offer an excellent balance of quality features at a price that represents good value for money.
Battery
You must choose a red dot sight with battery life that is sufficient for your intended use. Granted, units with a smaller battery life tend to be less expensive – but if you plan to go on the shooting range for an extended time, it can be quite inconvenient for the dot to disappear when you need it the most.
Reflex sight options generally use less battery than a holographic sight one – and a good model can last for thousands of hours before the batteries have to be changed. To preserve the battery life, you might want to turn the unit off whenever it’s not in use. Furthermore, cold-weather shooting can also affect the efficiency of the battery – so, if the weather is particularly cold outside, you might want to carry some spares with you.
How do we rate it?
We consider how long the battery lasts under typical use. A score of 5 means that the optic offers an exceptionally long battery life. We also consider if the compartment offers convenient battery changes and if the battery is easily available on the market.
Ergonomics
A well-designed optic should allow for quick, intuitive adjustments and a comfortable, secure grip. This allows you to maintain concentration and accuracy.
How do we rate it?
This involves the design’s comfort, ease of use, and adjustability. In this aspect, we give higher scores to models that are comfortable to use for extended periods, controls are intuitively placed, and adjustments can be made easily and accurately.
Illumination
The amount of illumination needed depends on the environment: lower settings for dim conditions to avoid overpowering glare and higher settings for bright daylight to ensure the reticle is visible against the light. Ideally, an optic should offer a range of settings to accommodate everything from the darkest nights to the brightest days.
How do we rate it?
We evaluate the brightness levels, daylight visibility, and reticle clarity. A score of 5 means excellent visibility in both bright sunlight and low light conditions and a reticle that remains sharp and defined.
Best Red Dot Sights: Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Holosun HS507C-X2
| Factor | HOLOSUN HS507C-X2 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 4.5 | 3.91 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 3.57 |
| Optics | 4.3 | 3.5 |
| Battery | 4.5 | 3.93 |
| Value | 3.7 | 4.06 |
| Illumination | 5 | 4.34 |
Score: 4.42/5
The Holosun HS507C gives an outstanding performance for almost half the price compared to its competitors. The HS507C provides a vibrant, crystal clear, and unlimited field of view. It is also parallax-free and can maintain the same point of aim and point of impact. It also boasts unlimited sight relief and has 12 illumination settings for clear visibility in all light conditions. It is also compatible with night vision equipment. Another optical wonder that the HS507C has is its Solar Failsafe feature. This feat automatically adjusts the brightness level depending on the environment.
The HS507C is equipped with Holosun’s Shake Awake Technology. This feature shuts the LED off whenever it detects periods of motionlessness. What an amazing way to save your battery! What we love most about the HS507C is its Super LED that has 50,000 hours of battery life. Imagine how you can spend countless hours hunting without worrying about your battery getting drained!
If you’re looking for a more affordable Holosun optic with the same reliability and durability, check out our Holosun 403b review!
Pros
- Lightweight (1.5 oz)
- Longest battery life among picks (50,000 hrs)
- Compact design
- Multi-reticle system
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake Technology
Cons
- Costs more than our other picks
What Customers Say
Purchased for a Glock 41 MOS, perfect fit, great reflex sight. This is the Green dot, much easier to pick up quickly IMO. This is my 2nd 507C, finally had to replace the battery on my first one after 5 years.
Ryan
Vortex Venom
| Factor | Vortex Venom | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 4.7 | 3.91 |
| Build Quality | 3 | 3.57 |
| Optics | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Battery | 1.5 | 3.93 |
| Value | 2.8 | 4.06 |
| Illumination | 4.2 | 4.34 |
Score: 3.15/5
Our top pick is compact and lightweight so it’s ideal for turkey hunters who need to stay mobile and agile. From the myriad of tactical sight systems available out there, the Venom Red Dot Sight-3 MOA is by far the number one among the best and most affordable red dot sights.
Its 3 MOA dot reticle is perfect for rapid target acquisition, and the sight’s robust construction ensures it can handle the recoil from shotgun rounds.
Lighting conditions can change rapidly during a turkey hunt, from dawn’s dim light to the brightness of midday. The Vortex Venom‘s adjustable brightness settings cater to these changes, allowing you to maintain a clear and visible red dot regardless of the lighting conditions.
You can also add a red dot magnifier so can easily switch between close and intermediate range.
Our straightforward review will tell you more:
Pros
- Unlimited eye relief
- Lightweight (1.05 oz)
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Comes with a Vortex warranty
Cons
- Short battery life (3,000 hours on lowest setting)
What Customers Say
Takes a beating and keeps on ticking. Never had an issue with vortex that I couldn’t solve myself. Looks great, awesome value, field of view is great and the flexibility for what you need it for is great.
Shawn Sakaguchi
If you want a more cost-efficient option from Vortex, our Vortex SPARC AR red dot review should help.
Bushnell Optics TRS-25 Hirise
| Factor | Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Hirise | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 3.4 | 3.91 |
| Build Quality | 3 | 3.57 |
| Optics | 3 | 3.5 |
| Battery | 5 | 3.93 |
| Value | 5 | 4.06 |
| Illumination | 4.2 | 4.34 |
Score: 3.93/5
A popular red dot sight, Bushnell Optics’ TRS-25 Hirise impresses with its 3 MOA reticle and with the amazing clarity of the view. TRS-25 has a multicoated 25mm lens that provides crystal-clear images in almost all light conditions. The lens is engineered with the Amber-Bright technology that provides high contrast between the various elements and helps you distinguish with ease between similarly colored objects.
This optical instrument has a compact and lightweight construction designed for easy transportation and use. The sight can be used with both eyes open thanks to the unlimited eye relief, and it also is parallax free. This red dot system is really easy to mount on all Weaver or Picatinny rail systems. Except for the CR2032 battery, the instrument doesn’t come with other add-ons or accessories.
Pros
- Lightweight (6 oz)
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Comes with a Vortex warranty
Cons
- Short battery life (5,000 hrs)
What Customers Say
Great optic for the price. I own many of these and have found them to be reliable and accurate. I would probably not go to war with one but for the average shooting enthusiast they are a great option.
HoldFast
Best Value: Sig Sauer Romeo5
| Factor | Sig Sauer Romeo5 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 3.6 | 3.91 |
| Build Quality | 3.5 | 3.57 |
| Optics | 3 | 3.5 |
| Battery | 5 | 3.93 |
| Value | 5 | 4.06 |
| Illumination | 4.6 | 4.34 |
Score: 4.12/5
Sig Sauer has been a well-known hunting brand for civilians and professionals alike. This is because their red dots are easy to use, and are designed for fast target acquisition. One of their best models is the ROMEO 5. It’s also our pick for the best red dot sight under $200.
The Romeo 5 has ultra-low parallax and unlimited eye relief, giving you higher accuracy. It has 10 brightness settings that provide optimal visibility in almost all light conditions. The Romeo 5 also has windage and elevation adjustment knobs for a smoother sight in. Its rugged design assures durability for a long period of time. It’s also dependably waterproof and fog-proof. This model also boasts an integrated Picatinny interface that allows standard mounting on most firearms.
Another notable feat is the Motion Activated Illumination which turns the device on when it detects motion and turns it off whenever there’s no movement. The Romeo 5 comes with a CR2032 battery that can last up to 40,000 hours. Here’s a detailed Sig Sauer Romeo5 review if you want to learn more.
If you want a more affordable option from the Sig brand, here’s our Sig Romeo MSR review.
Pros
- Night-vision compatible illumination settings
- Affordable!
- Longest battery life among picks (40,000+ hours)
- Comes with motion-activated illumination
- Comes with a transferable, lifetime warranty
- Lightweight (5.1 oz)
Cons
- There’s a bit of distortion at the edge of the optic
- Finish gets scraped off easily
- Comes with a bulky mount
What Customers Say
“Absolutely love this thing! Mounted on my Marlin 1895gs chambered in 45-70 govt with an American Defense T1 quick-release mount. Holds up to the recoil and honestly, I couldn’t have picked a better optic and mount. The setup was zeroed in 4 rounds and after that, I felt like I couldn’t miss! I keyholed rounds between 50 and 100 yards all day. This sight didn’t miss a beat and I will be buying more. I love Sig optics and they have yet to let me down and this one is worth every penny!!!”
Ryan
Tasco .22 Rimfire 1x30mm
| Factor | Tasco .22 Rimfire | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 2.5 | 3.91 |
| Build Quality | 3.2 | 3.57 |
| Optics | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Battery | 2 | 3.93 |
| Value | 4.2 | 4.06 |
| Illumination | 3.8 | 4.34 |
Score: 3.2/5
If you are looking for a high-quality yet inexpensive red dot sight for sale, the Tasco .22 Rimfire could be the red dot you are looking for. Tasco Rimfire’s optical performances are certainly incredible, with its 30mm optical lens designed to provide stunning HD clarity. The reticle has 5 MOA, 11 illumination settings, and unlimited eye relief.
The Rimfire .22 is compatible with .22 rails and it also fits standard centerfire Weaver rails. The unit is compact and lightweight and it comes equipped with a CR2032 battery. However, it would have been better if it had longer battery life. The manufacturer doesn’t mention the presence of accessories other than the battery in the purchase package.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Easy to mount
- Adjustable brightness
Cons
- Short battery life (1,000 hrs)
- Heavier than most of our picks (6.7 oz)
What Customers Say
Guns Are Not Evil
This is great for quick target acquisition. I have used it up to 100 yards. Of course, this is not an Aimpoint, but I didn’t want to pay $300+ to outfit a cheap plinker. Calibration was quick using my gun sights (it took about 5 fired rounds). The brightness setting knob is a bit hard to turn at first but seems to loosen up after repeated use. So far, it has no problem holding a zero. The glass is also pretty clear. However, you will have to set the scope on its highest brightness setting in order to view the dot on sunny days. If you just want something to play with at the range, this is a great choice.
Best Red Dot Sight for Pistols: Burris Fastfire 3
| Factor | Burris Fastfire 3 | Category Average |
| Ergonomics | 4.7 | 3.91 |
| Build Quality | 3.3 | 3.57 |
| Optics | 3.2 | 3.5 |
| Battery | 4.5 | 3.93 |
| Value | 4.1 | 4.06 |
| Illumination | 4 | 4.34 |
Score: 3.97/5
If you are looking for the best red dot sight for a pistol, then this Burris model is certainly one that you should not ignore.
The Fastfire 3 is a high-quality mini red dot sight that is easy to use and is perfect for all types of shooters. Featuring a 3 MOA dot reticle, along with tool-less elevation and windage adjustment, the optical performance is quite superior. It also allows you to reach targets from quite a distance.
Plus, the 21x15mm lens with 1 x magnification provides a clear, unobstructed view. The unlimited eye relief mode is also a great option if you have eyesight problems and need to wear glasses. Since it is made for handguns, it is incredibly lightweight. Also, its small size will not affect the performance of the handgun, nor will its stability have to suffer.
The unit in itself is shockproof – so you will not feel the recoil much when pulling the trigger. This is a great feature when you are in a competition, for example, and weight along with speed are very important factors. This is also why the Burris Fastfire III is one of our picks for the best red dot turkey scopes.
If you’re looking for more handgun sights, here are our picks for the best Glock sights.
Pros
- Comes with lifetime warranty
- Convenient battery access
- Waterproof roof
- Parallax-free
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not weatherproof
- Inaudible clicks when adjusting for windage or elevation
- Battery compartment is difficult to close
- Short battery life (5,000 hours)
What Customers Say
There’s better on the market but for the money an absolute great deal.. top load for battery and durability
Joseph Siegfried
Best Red Dot Sight for Shotguns: Aimpoint Micro T2
| Factor | Aimpoint Micro T-2 | Category Average |
| Optics | 4 | 3.91 |
| Build Quality | 4.5 | 3.57 |
| Ergonomics | 4 | 3.5 |
| Battery | 5 | 3.93 |
| Value | 3.6 | 4.06 |
| Illumination | 4.6 | 4.36 |
Score: 4.28/5
If you are on the lookout for the best red dot for a shotgun, the Aimpoint T2 will not disappoint.
Featuring cutting-edge lens coating, the clarity of this red dot sight is drastically improved. The clarity offered by the 2-MOA red dot is also noticeable through bad weather – allowing you to reach your target. The T2 is perfect for hunting on rough terrains, thanks to its rugged build. Plus, the red dot sight in itself is quite lightweight, so it will not pull you down when you are out in the field. This red dot sight features a flip-up cover that protects your lenses from any type of environmental condition. Furthermore, it comes with a rear transparent flip-up lens for the same kind of protection.
Pros
- Longest battery life among our picks
- Huge brightness knob
- Can handle recoil effectively
Cons
- Expensive
What Customers Say
Mounted on my Rifle Dynamics AK and it is such a great addition for shooting. I shot so much more accurate than my buddies at the range with their ARs after they all thought AKs were simply not accurate. Price is what you pay, value is what you get!
Burnt Toast
Couldn’t find something you like? These articles might be what you’re looking for!
- 300 Blackout Red Dots
- Sightmark Red Dot
- MCG Reflex Red Dot Sight
- AR-15 Offset Red Dot
- TRUGLO Red Dot Review
- Leupold Deltapoint Pro Review
Got a new AR15 or AR10? Find out which one suits you in our article about the best red dot for ARs.
What is a Red Dot Sight?
The red dot sight is a type of optic that has been designed to work at a close range up to a moderate range (learn how red dot sights work here). It is a fairly simple optic type that uses a simple reticle in order to conduct a standard job. As the name implies, this type of optics makes use of red dots as the reticle.
Depending on the brand, the red dot can also be a green dot. However, for simplicity’s sake, even they are referred to as red dots.
These units are fairly simple and straightforward – and they are the most useful tools for shooters who are just learning how to handle a gun.
A red dot optic generally features 1x optics – and they do not feature any type of magnification. Nothing that has been built-in, at least.
For this reason, they are simply called red dots – and not scopes.
Having their origin somewhere in the mid-1970s, these dots have come a fairly long way in the last 50 years. Not only have they seen advancements in clarity, but their battery life and quality has also improved over time. Plus, like most technological pieces, these units vary in their size. You can find one big enough to be attached to a rifle – or small enough to be attached to a handgun.
How to Shoot with a Red Dot Sight?
In order to shoot with a red dot sight, you might want to turn on the unit first and ensure that it is working. Depending on the environmental conditions, you might want to adjust the reticle brightness using the knob.
For instance, if you are shooting in conditions with low light, the reticle will look fuzzy. Similarly, if it’s too bright, the reticle will have a halo effect.
This is why you need to adjust the brightness properly, to ensure that the reticle is actually visible. If the red dot has not already been mounted, you may proceed to place it anywhere on the gun that is most comfortable for you – particularly if you need some eye relief.
Now that everything has been set, you are ready to shoot – and here are the steps that you have to follow:
- Set on your target.
- While being focused on your target, bring your gun to the shooting point.
- Ensure that both your eyes are open for better clarity.
- As you are bringing up the gun to shoot your target, you will notice that your reticle moves as you are aiming.
- When the red dot reaches the point that you want to shoot, just fire.
Shooting with a red dot sight is fast and simple. The reticle is usually self-correcting – and they are also generally parallax-free (they can easily self-focus).
Red Dot Sight vs. Holographic Sight
Technologically speaking, both red sights and holographic sights might look the same – but in fact, they are quite different.
Red dots feature an LED emitter that will shoot the beam towards the front glass – one that has been coated so that the light does not go straight into your eyes.
A holographic sight, on the other hand, will use lasers and mirrors to send holograms back to you – all this without using the front glass.
The image appears to be in the front, even though what you see is just a hologram.
With complications comes a fairly heightened price.
For example, the best red dot sight under $100 can also be found at around $50, whereas the standard holographic sight is found at around $200.
Also, because of the less complex technology, red dots are smaller in size than holographic sights. They are the more appropriate options if you wish to install them on a handgun.
The Difference between a Red Dot and Reflex Sight
If you do not have the proper knowledge, it is quite difficult to detect the difference.
Red dots, reflex sights, and holographic sights all result in a red dot that allows you to lock into your target – but it’s the process that makes things different.
Reflex sight projects a low-power LED beam into the lens ahead. This dot will thereon hit the lens – and then be reflected back into your eyes.
Providing unlimited eye relief, they are a great option for shooters who wear glasses.
Plus, they tend to have fairly long battery life, making them a perfect choice for long hunting trips.
If you want to find out more about reflex sights, we have made a whole in-depth reflex sight buying guide.
For shooters with eye problems, red dots for astigmatism ensure maximum shooting efficiency.
Are Red Dot Sights Accurate?
A red dot sight functions like any other type of optic. It zeroes in on a target found at a specific distance – and for other distances, the shooter will have to compensate.
Generally speaking, red dots are made to have quick target acquisition while at a close range, with your eyes open. They are not laser beams – so they will not function for precision or long-range optics.
However, they are not perfect. A red dot has a fairly simple mechanism – one that does not magnify the target. As a result, a red dot has a higher chance of a circular error compared to a scope.
If you want to shoot farther downrange with your red dot, you’ll need the best red dot magnifier. Or you can mount an ACOG instead. If you’re not yet familiar, find out which is better between ACOG vs red dot.
Our favorite red dot comparisons should help you decide:
Final Thoughts: Red Dot Sights
It is certainly not easy to pick a good red dot sight, considering the multitude of options out there.
However, if you are a beginner when it comes to shooting, this might be a good option for you to get used to your target.
Each model comes at a different price, with different features – so make sure to choose something that suits your own preferences and budget. Make sure you also know the difference between 3 MOA vs 6 MOA red dot, so you can pick what suits your shooting needs best.
Interested in rifle scopes? We have a complete Buyer’s Guide with the top 5 scopes.
See more red dot sights on Amazon
You Might Also Like
Best Ways to Store Ammo Long-term at Home
Teardown: How red dot sights work
How to Sight in a Red Dot More Quickly, Don’t Miss Step #3!
Last update on 2024-05-03 / Images from Amazon Product API
