Our Top Picks
Best Overall Holographic Sight
EOTECH EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
This holographic sight is perfect for serious shooters.
Check PriceBest Holographic Sight for the Money
Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
This sight is reliable and cost-effective.
Best Holographic Sight for Tactical Use
Vortex Optics AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight
This holographic sight offers lightning-speed target acquisition.
Check PriceUnlike red dot sights, a holographic sight works by projecting a hologram that gets created when the laser diode’s beam gets reflected several times on a series of mirrors. Holographic sights have the advantage of projecting the reticle at the distance of the target for quick target acquisition. So if you prefer rugged optics, you came to the right place! Here’s our list of the best holographic sights this year.
Comparison of the Best Holographic Sights
How We Choose + Our Must-Have Features
We’re sure you’ve chosen to buy a holographic sight because it’s what’s best for your firearm. Great job in making that decision! Now it’s time for you to take the consider the following features so you can buy the holographic sight that’s best for you.
Budget
Holographic sights are more expensive than red dots, and their price ranges from $500-$1,000, so be prepared to break the bank. We’ve listed options below $300 below, so check them out if you’re budget-minded.
Durability
Most holographic sights are constructed from high-quality materials. And we’ve picked only the toughest and most reliable optics in this article.
Reticle
Holographic weapon sights (HWS) are known for their user-friendly reticles. That’s one reason why many shooters prefer them over red dots. Even if all holographic sight reticles are easy to use, it’s important that you get the reticle you’re most comfortable with.
Battery Life
A holographic sight’s battery lasts only up to 500-1,000 hours. So choose a holographic optic that can accommodate your needs when it comes to power. They aren’t going to last as long as red dot sights!
Night Vision
Not all holographic sights are compatible with night vision. So if you hunt or practice shooting at night, we’ve got night vision-compatible options from EOTech and Vortex below.
Size
Most holographic sights are mounted on but not limited to most shotguns, AR-10, AR-15, AK-47, SCAR 17, and 300 Blackout. Since holographic sights are bulky, they’re not handgun-compatible. If size matters to you because you want space for iron sights or other accessories like a magnifier, the EOTech XPS2 might work for you.
8 Best Holographic Sights
Best Overall: EOTECH EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
As a pioneer in the holographic sights industry, EOTech guarantees another superior optic in the EXPS2 Holographic Sight.
This optic is proven to function even after its glass is obscured with mud or snow. The EXPS2 Holographic Sight features 20 manually adjustable brightness settings for all types of lighting. It features a quick-detach lever which is great for when you want to switch this sight back & forth between rifles.
It’s also equipped with an auto-shutdown feature that’s user-programmable for up to 8 hours. This allows you to save your battery for when it’s time for action!
Our best overall pick is expensive for a reason, so consider it as a lifetime investment.
Pros
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- Unlimited eye relief
- Side button operation
Cons
- Expensive
- Not compatible with night vision
What Customers Say
“I love this sight! My AR-15 is so fun to shoot with this Eotech. It was easy to sight in and it is really accurate! I love the quick detach mount. you can take it on or off in a second and it won’t lose its Zero! I got this model with the adjustments on the side rather than in the back because I plan to get the Eotech magnifier to go behind this sight. If you get the model with the adjustments on the back you can’t get to them very easily. This model is a little more money with the side adjustment but is a lot easier to access the adjustment buttons. Also wanted to get this model with the 1 battery, CR123, rather than the model with the 2, AA batteries because it is longer and takes up more space on your rail! It is a lot of money to pay for sight but worth every penny! You want the best you got to dig a little deeper into your pocketbook! I give it a FIVE STAR!”
“I am cross-eye-dominant. That means that while my left eye is dominant, I am right-handed. That causes all kinds of aiming problems that I find difficult to overcome (I find it difficult to close my left eye while keeping my right eye fully open). With the EOTech sights, I can keep both eyes open and I have no cross-eye-related sight picture shift.”
Best Holographic Sight for the Money: Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
The Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight is a decent option if you have a limited budget. It only has 6 brightness settings, but it will get the job done if you pick the right time to hunt or practice shooting.
For an affordable optic, the Sightmark Ultra Shot is surprisingly water-submersible up to 40 feet. It also allows parallax correction beyond 10 yards. You can also shoot with both eyes open, like our best overall pick.
The Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight also has longer battery life than most holographic sights, as it can last up to 2,000 hours on a single CR123 battery.
Pros
- Shockproof, dustproof, waterproof
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Movable sun shield
Cons
- Has minor parallax issues
What Customers Say
“Brought my old Winchester model 94 30-30 into the modern age. mounted sight mark m-spec on Pearson no drill tac rail. started put at 25 yards. 2 rounds zeroed. Took it to 100 yards and after 3 rounds I was 1 1/2 high right where I wanted. Sightmark’s m- spec has the quality of a high-end red dot at a very welcome price. great optics guys”
“Went to the range yesterday. Dropped my brand new M4 but this sight took 99 percent of the impact and damage!!! The laser took the last 1 percent of impact and damage. Scratched the paint obviously on the left corner and I had to tighten the LQD screw but everything worked perfectly even after the fall! No damage or bent metal resulted!”
Best for Tactical Use: Vortex Optics AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight
The Vortex Optics AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight is perfect for close-range shooting because of its Enhanced Battle Rifle-Close Quarter Battle (EBR-CQB) reticle.
It’s also equipped with the latest Fusion Hologram with Quantum Well Light Control (FHQ) technology. This technology combines energy efficiency and reliability by eliminating stray light emissions. The result is minimal eyepiece glare, zero distortion, and a clear sight picture.
The AMG UH-1 Holographic Sight also features a quick-release mount that’s easy to install. You can also easily change batteries with this optic because its battery cover doesn’t require any tools to open. These features make the UH-1 one of the best red dots for astigmatism.
Pros
- Shockproof, fog proof, waterproof
- Lightweight
- Dedicated night vision button
Cons
- Brightness buttons are difficult to control
- Short battery life
What Customers Say
“Just got mine today, looks great. Crystal clear reticle (same style as the 1st Gen), no distortion and no fading around the edges. Another Vortex sight with one of the best warranties in the business. Trying to see when I can make it out to the range to zero in but I’m very excited. Will update once I make it out.”
“One of the best holographic sights ever made! So happy Vortex made the “Huey” with NV so it can compete with the Eotech EXPS 3-0! Absolutely my new favorite as I own the 1st gen “Huey” and a couple EXPS 3-4 and 3-2 so I can tell you this is the real deal in daylight or in NV mode!! Highly recommend!! Not affiliated with Vortex!!”
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
Another battle-proven optic from EOTech is the 512 Holographic Weapon Sight. Like the EXPS2, the 512 makes it easy to shoot with both eyes open.
The 512 is more budget-friendly compared to most EOTech sights while providing the same optical quality. Its brightness adjustment buttons are also very accessible for both left and right-handed shooters.
What makes the EOTech 512 Holographic Sight versatile is its compatibility with AA and CR123 lithium batteries. You can also mount this optic to a 1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail.
Pros
- Easy-to-access buttons
- Fog proof
- Wide field of view
Cons
- Not compatible with night vision
- It’s bigger than most holographic sights
What Customers Say
“Absolutely IN LOVE with this sight!!! Finally able to put some serious value into my AR15 with a quality sight that used by tactical professionals all over the US. This sight is highly recommended and you WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!”
“I have used the 512 for a while. I left the batteries in too long and they began to corrode, but I was able to clean it up enough that it works again. Now I remove the batteries after each use, especially since they’re so easy to install. I have two rifles set up with the G33 and 512 combination and they both were easy to sight in and they work well together. The place where I shoot only goes out to a little more than 100 yards and can hit everything on the range with this setup.”
EOTECH EXPS3 Holographic Weapon Sight
The EXPS3 is almost similar to the EXPS2 except that it’s compatible with Gen 1 to 3-night vision devices. It’s also more water-submersible up to 33 feet.
The EXPS3 comes with three reticle patterns. You can choose from its one dot reticle (EXPS3-0), its two-dot reticle (EXPS3-2), or its four-dot reticle (EXPS3-4). Its reticle has one large 68 MOA outer ring and a number of MOA red dots that depend on the reticle pattern. The EXPS3-4 is more precise and is perfect for shooting at long distances.
Like our best overall pick, the EXPS3 also features a quick-release lever so you can install and remove it quickly and easily. It’s also taller than the EXSP2 because its base is raised by 7mm, giving you room for lower iron sight co-witnessing.
Pros
- Comes with a 10-year limited warranty
- Two eyes open shooting
- Night-vision compatible
- Ideal for use with a G33 Magnifier
Cons
- It’s heavier than most EOTech HWS
- Expensive
What Customers Say
“I’ve been impressed with the sight so far. (My) only concern would be the battery compartment is plastic, but for its credit, it’s not chintzy ABS. Sight picture projection is extremely bright even on medium settings compared to the other LED red dots I own. I had to tighten up the quick release bolt to have a snug fit on m rail, but otherwise installed without issue.”
“Mounting + zeroing the EoTech was a breeze (using the directions + live-fire targets you can download from EoTech website). Using open sights, this gun is already a shooter, using the EOTech is like cheating. Fast target acquisition, great sight picture, the quick release is definitely a nice option if you plan on switching this optic back & forth between rifles. I have Aimpoint, Vortex, NightForce, Burris and Primary Arms optics on my guns; IMHO so far the EOTech quality is on par with all my other high-end optics.”
EOTECH XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
We recommend EOTech’s XSP2 if you want a reliable but lightweight holographic sight. It’s also the shortest holographic weapon sight that EOTech has manufactured.
The XSP2 ensures the same optical quality and durability as every EOTech product. Like the 512, the XSP2 also has 20 brightness settings, but it only has 1,000 hours of battery life.
This compact optic is powered by a single CR123 lithium battery, leaving plenty of room for a magnifier or an iron sight. It also features an integral mount that can be attached to a 1” Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Wide field of view
Cons
- Not compatible with night vision
- Short battery life
What Customers Say
“I like it. Co-witness with the iron sights on an AR-15 and X95 perfectly. Rugged, reliable, and a great field of view. I would dare to say the sight picture and target acquisition is better than an Aimpoint. The battery life however is not. I know these are not the “cool guy” sights anymore but they are worth the money.”
“Really nice and durable sight, made in the USA. Excellent for what it was designed for and would have gotten 5 stars if a 3x magnifier wasn’t so expensive and required for longer ranges … overall a great piece. Great target acquisition and better than the red dot on my wife’s piece ….”
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
If you were impressed with the 512’s qualities but were disappointed that it didn’t have night vision, the EOTech 552 Holographic Weapon Sight is the solution to your dilemma!
The 552 has 20 daylight settings plus 10-night vision settings that work with Gen 1 to 3-night vision devices. It also features a 68 MOA ring & 1 MOA dot reticle. Like all EOTech optics, the 552 offers a generous field of view and reliable toughness that’s battle-tested.
One downside is that it only has 1,000 hours of power from 2 AA batteries.
Pros
- Night-vision compatible
- Comes with a 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Short battery life
What Customers Say
“This device takes practice to use but after that it is great. Very accurate. Durable. No real cons to this sight other than it does take some time to get used to. This sight is mounted on an ar15 with a front sight post. The problem was two fold shooting with both eyes open and not focusing on the front sight. The sight is acurate and allow for very quick target acquisition.”
“The product is the best Holographic sight on the market. The additional cost over the lower model is due to the fact this model is set up for night vision as an option.”
HOLOSUN HS510C
The Holosun 510C Holographic Sight is another durable option under $400. It’s a reflex sight with a user-friendly reticle that’s common in holographic sights.
We love the 510C’s Advanced Super Solar Technology. This feature serves as a backup for when its battery runs out of power, not that 50,000 hours of battery life isn’t enough, though.
The Holosun 510C allows the user to switch between three reticle patterns with a quick push of a button. You can choose between a 65 MOA circle with 2 MOA dots, a 2 MOA dot, or a 65 MOA ring.
The Holosun 510C features multi-coated optics that are specially designed for rifles. It’s also equipped with a shock-resistant hood for protection against debris or any external impacts.
Pros
- Unlimited field of view
- Long battery life
- Affordable
Cons
- Mounting lock lever springs are a little flimsy
What Customers Say
“Came with an extra battery holder, tools and three batteries. Put it on in two seconds flat. Super simple controls and adjustments. I flipped up my iron sites and with a few clicks with the included tool I set the co-witness recticle to the front site before even going out. Dead on first shot. 800 rounds later and still on target. Very impressed with the shake-awake feature and the auto brightness function. Only downfall with the auto brightness function is if you are in the shade and the target is in bright sun, the recticle dims to where you are. (under a roof at the open range.) Just switch to manual and you will be fine. Overall I give it 9.5 out of 10. I am going to get a HOLOSUN for my 45 pistol next.”
“The most important feature is that they are ready to go once you pick up the weapon. No need to ever press any of the buttons. The circle plus dot makes target acquisition much easier and once accustomed you can even hit stuff like flying clay pigeons by simply putting the ring around it rather than aiming the dot. The auto-brightness feature works in 90% of all situations – if you are in the shade and your target is in bright sunlight you might have to manually increase the brightness but other than that these things are awesome..”
FAQs
Which is better, red dot or holographic sight?
Both optics are great, depending on your preferences. If you want optics that are tough as nails, or if you have astigmatism and you don’t want a red dot’s fuzziness, go with a holographic sight. Holographic sights also offer faster target acquisition than red dot sights. But if you want cheaper and lighter optics with long battery life, then go with a red dot sight.
Here’s a detailed video for you.
Which is better, reflex or holographic sight?
If you prefer more flexible reticles in terms of color, crosshair, or circular shapes, get a reflex sight. Although we’ve reviewed holographic sights above with versatile reticles, they’re not as adaptable.
Reflex sights also have longer battery life than HWS. But when it comes to target acquisition speed, holographic sights are king.
What’s the best holographic sight for an AR-15?
We recommend the EOTech 552 for the best holographic sight for an AR-15. Aside from being compatible with night vision devices, the 552 also offers maximum peripheral vision and superior accuracy at close distances.
Conclusion
Holographic sights are usually over-engineered so they can handle huge amounts of force and more extreme temperatures compared to red dots. They also offer faster target acquisition and provide a superior sighting experience than most red dots. That’s why most military and law enforcement personnel prefer them. Now that you’ve chosen your holographic sight, start practicing and experience how awesome it is to sight with it!
Last update on 2023-09-27 / Images from Amazon Product API
