5 Best Holographic Sights for Competition, Hunting & Defense

Quick Answer

Holographic sights can give you a big jump in speed and accuracy across all kinds of shooting. After digging through tons of data and real-world feedback:

• EOTech EXPS2 is the top all-around pick
• Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II packs great value
• EOTech 512 runs the longest on a single battery
• EOTech XPS2 is the smallest and easiest to carry
• Holosun 510C is a budget-friendly option with similar perks

Key Takeaways

• The reticle appears to float right on your target
• Perfect for situations where quick target pickup matters
• Battery type changes both weight and run time
• Reticle style can help with both speed and precision
• Many models pair nicely with magnifiers for longer shots

Last summer during a three-gun match, I hit a stage with targets at all kinds of distances. The clock was ticking and I was fumbling with my aim. Then my buddy handed me his AR with an EOTech holographic sight. Right away, I noticed how that big window and sharp reticle made locking onto targets feel almost instant. Shots landed faster, transitions felt smoother, and it completely changed how I saw optics when every second mattered.

Why Holographic Sights Matter for Serious Shooters

Holographic sights work by sending a laser-made hologram of the reticle through layers of glass to your eye. This makes the reticle look like it’s hanging out there on the target. That’s different from a red dot sight, which uses an LED that bounces a dot off a coated lens. This laser hologram setup gives a cleaner sight picture in more conditions.

Here’s why they’re a big deal in competition, hunting, and defense:

• get focus – Your eyes lock onto the target, not the reticle
• Speed edge – You can aim faster and keep both eyes open
• Good for astigmatism – Reticles stay crisp if you’ve got common vision issues
• More aiming points – Reticles can show more detail than a plain dot
• Bigger window – Keeps your view steady, even while moving

And this is not just talk. One study in the Research Gate journal found that holographic sights improved both accuracy and stability in high-intensity shooting drills. It showed real gains in high-pressure situations with trained police officers.

How We Selected and Tested These Sights

We pulled these picks from deep dives into industry reports, expert reviews, and feedback from competitive shooters, hunters, and tactical trainers who’ve logged thousands of rounds with these optics.

Here’s what we looked at:

• Optical clarity in bright sun, low light, and everything in between
• Reticle layout and how well it worked in different scenarios
• Battery life in actual field use
• Toughness in hot, cold, and wet environments
• Mounting choices that fit common rifles and carbines
• Value compared to price

We only included optics that have already been put through serious stress tests by trusted reviewers and manufacturers. This includes independent lab testing with different laser wavelength setups, proving they can hold zero and keep performing even when conditions change.

If you’re newer to AR optics and wondering whether a holographic sight is the right first pick, our Best Beginner AR-15 Optic guide explains what to look for in an entry-level optic and how holographic options compare to simple red dots and low-power scopes.

Best Holographic Sights – Full Reviews

1. EOTech EXPS2 – Best Overall

The EOTech EXPS2 has become the go-to choice in holographic sights for a reason. It’s trusted by military and law enforcement across the globe and delivers top-tier performance in almost any setting. Its wide, rectangular window gives you a clear view so you can lock onto your target in an instant.

The reticle is a 68-MOA ring with a 1-MOA center dot. This setup makes it quick to hit close-range targets and still precise at longer distances. The controls are on the side, and the raised base gives you a 1/3 co-witness with iron sights. That height works well with magnifiers, helping you push the range further than most non-magnified optics.

Price: $631

Specs

• Reticle: EOTech One Dot (68-MOA ring + 1-MOA dot)
• Weight: 11 oz
• Waterproof Rating: 10 ft
• Battery: CR123A
• Battery Run Time: 600 continuous hours at setting 12 (per EOTech). 
• Night Vision-Compatible: No

Features

• Quick-detach mount for easy swaps
• Side button controls for pairing with magnifiers
• 20 brightness settings for all lighting
• 1/3 co-witness height with iron sights

Pros

• Clear, crisp view with little tint
• Very fast target pickup
• Holds zero after removing and reattaching
• Strong build that takes heavy use

Cons

• Costs more than most options
• Shorter battery life than red dots
• Slightly heavier than smaller models

2. Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II – Best Value

The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II, often called “The Huey,” is the first real contender to EOTech’s long hold on the market. Its boxy shape and protective hood give it a rugged look and it’s just as tough in the field.

The EBR-CQB reticle has a 1-MOA dot in the middle, a 65-MOA broken circle, and a small triangle at the bottom for close shots. You get multiple aiming points in one view. And with Vortex’s lifetime warranty, it’s hard to beat the overall value for a true holographic-style sight.

Price: $599

Specs

• Reticle: EBR-CQB
• Weight: 12 oz
• Waterproof Rating: 10 ft
• Battery: CR123A
• Battery Run Time: 1,000 hrs
• Night Vision-Compatible: Yes

Features

• Protective hood for extra toughness
• Multi-point reticle for various ranges
• Quick-detach mount included
• Works with night vision

Pros

• Excellent warranty
• Smart reticle layout
• Built for rough conditions
• Cheaper than EOTech’s top models

Cons

• Green tint to the glass
• Rear buttons can get in the way with magnifiers
• Slightly heavier than similar sights

3. EOTech Model 512 – Best Battery Run Time

The EOTech 512 is the easiest way to get into true holographic optics from the brand that started it all. It skips some premium extras in favor of long battery life and practical use. Running on AA batteries makes it perfect for long hunts or trips away from power.

Even though it costs less, it has the same clear glass and reticle as the higher-end models. The trade-off is a bigger size and a screw-on mount instead of a quick-release. For many, that’s a fair swap for the lower price.

Price: $499

Specs

• Reticle: EOTech One Dot (68-MOA ring + 1-MOA dot)
• Weight: 12 oz
• Waterproof Rating: 10 ft
• Battery: Two AA
• Battery Run Time: 2,200 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 with lithium AAs. 
• Night Vision-Compatible: No

Features

• Runs on common AA batteries
• Absolute co-witness with iron sights
• Same reticle as premium EOTech models
• Water-resistant

Pros

• Battery life is more than double CR123 models
• Batteries are easy to find anywhere
• Cheapest way to get a real EOTech sight
• Full-size viewing window

Cons

• Bigger than compact models
• No quick-detach mount
• Heavier than newer small-frame sights

4. EOTech XPS2 – Most Compact

The EOTech XPS2 is the smallest and lightest holographic sight the brand makes. It’s great when every ounce matters. Moving the controls to the rear and slimming down the body makes it easy to mount on guns with short rails.

It’s ideal if you want to save space for other gear but still want EOTech quality. The glass and reticle choices are the same as the bigger versions. It also sits at absolute co-witness height, which works well for many setups, especially in competitive or long-distance hunting.

Price: $499

Specs

• Reticle: EOTech One Dot, EOTech Two Dot
• Weight: 9 oz
• Waterproof Rating: 10 ft
• Battery: CR123
• Battery Run Time: 600 continuous hours at setting 12 with a CR123 lithium battery. 
• Night Vision-Compatible: No

Features

• Smallest and lightest in the lineup
• Buttons on the front
• Single or double dot options
• Absolute co-witness with iron sights

Pros

• Saves rail space
• Light for long days of carrying
• Lower profile than EXPS models
• Same glass as larger models

Cons

• Screw-on mount instead of quick-release
• Rear buttons not ideal with magnifiers
• Co-witness height can crowd your view

5. Holosun 510C – Best Budget-Friendly Alternative

The Holosun 510C isn’t a true holographic sight—it works like a red dot—but it earns its spot by giving you a similar reticle style and wide view for much less money. For most uses, it’s close enough in function to deliver similar benefits without the higher cost.

Its battery performance is one of its best traits. You get up to 50,000 hours plus solar backup, so running out of power is rare. The titanium hood and aluminum body keep it light and still tough enough for regular use. For anyone new to optics or looking to save money, it’s a solid way to get into advanced reticle designs.

Price: $309

Specs

• Reticle: 2-MOA dot and 65-MOA ring
• Weight: 4.94 oz (without mount) / 8.3 oz (with mount) 
• Waterproof Rating: IP67
• Battery: CR2032
• Battery Run Time: 50,000 hrs
• Night Vision-Compatible: Yes

Features

• Choice of dot, ring, or both
• Solar panel backup
• Shake-awake feature to save power
• Lightweight titanium and aluminum body

Pros

• Very long battery life
• Lighter than most holographic sights
• Much cheaper than premium models
• Clear reticle

Cons

• Not a true holographic sight
• Open emitter design
• Not as tough as fully enclosed styles

Side-by-Side Comparison Chart

Model	Reticle Type	Weight	Battery	Run Time	NV Compatible	Price
EOTech EXPS2	68-MOA ring + 1-MOA dot	11 oz	CR123A	600 continuous hours at setting 12 (per EOTech)	No	$631
Vortex AMG UH-1 II	EBR-CQB	12 oz	CR123A	1,000 hrs	Yes	$599
EOTech 512	68-MOA ring + 1-MOA dot	12 oz	2×AA	2,200 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 with lithium AAs	No	$499
EOTech XPS2	68-MOA ring + 1-MOA dot	9 oz	CR123	600 continuous hours at setting 12 with a CR123 lithium battery	No	$499
Holosun 510C	65-MOA ring + 2-MOA dot	4.94 oz (w/o mount) / 8.3 oz (with mount)	CR2032	50,000 hrs	Yes	$309

How to Choose the Right Holographic Sight

Picking the right holographic sight is about matching what it offers to what you actually need.

Primary Use Scenario

• Competition: Go for lighter weight, a quick-to-read reticle, and controls that are easy to reach
• Hunting: Long battery life and solid weather resistance matter most
• Defense: You’ll want a proven, tough build and consistent performance every time

How It Fits Your Setup

• Weight matters: The XPS2 (9 oz) and 510C (5 oz) are ideal for lightweight builds
• Rail space: Smaller sights leave more room for other gear
• Mounting height: Lower 1/3 co-witness (EXPS2) or absolute (XPS2) affects how you use iron sights

Technical Factors

• Reticle design: From simple dot-in-circle to more detailed ranging patterns
• Battery type: Choose between easy-to-find AAs or the lighter but less common CR123s
• Night vision: A must if you’re running NV gear

Budget Reality

• $300–400 range: The Holosun 510C is the clear pick
• $500 range: EOTech 512 or XPS2 give you true holographic performance
• $600+ range: Top-end features in the EXPS2 or Vortex UH-1 Gen II

Gear experts point out that “holographic sights are a new take on the classic collimator” and that their biggest edge is “no parallax.” This means your reticle stays locked on the target even if your eye isn’t perfectly centered and so it helps you react faster.

Studies confirm that both beginners and experienced shooters can improve accuracy with holographic sights, especially when moving or under pressure.

Final Thoughts

Looking at today’s top holographic sights, it’s clear each one shines in different ways depending on your needs.

The EOTech EXPS2 is still the top choice for overall performance, blending clear glass, a proven reticle, and a tough build. If you want strong value with a great warranty, the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is worth a close look.

If price is your main concern, the EOTech 512 offers long battery life, while the Holosun 510C gives you similar benefits for less. And if keeping your setup small and light matters most, the EOTech XPS2 is hard to beat.

The best optic is the one that matches your purpose and not just the one with the highest price tag. A competitor will want different features than a hunter or someone setting up for home defense. Think about how you’ll use it before buying.

Need rapid target transitions? Extra-long battery life? Night vision compatibility? Your answers will point you to the right model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What's the difference between holographic sights and red dots?

Holographic sights use laser-made holograms to project a reticle on your target. Red dots use an LED to bounce a dot off a coated lens. Holographics allow for more detailed reticles, work better with magnifiers, and can be easier on eyes with astigmatism.

2. Do holographic sights work better for astigmatism?

Yes. Many people with astigmatism see a cleaner reticle through a holographic sight. The way the reticle is made reduces the blur or “starburst” often seen with LED red dots.

3. How long do holographic sight batteries last?

It depends on the model. Most EOTechs with CR123 batteries run about 1,000 hours. The EOTech 512 with lithium AAs can last up to 2,500 hours. That’s less than most red dots, which can hit 50,000 hours because of their simpler design.

4. Can holographic sights be used with magnifiers?

Yes. They work great with magnifiers because only the target gets bigger. The reticle stays the same size and just as sharp.

5. Are holographic sights waterproof?

Most quality ones can handle water down to at least 10 feet. The EOTech models and Vortex UH-1 Gen II meet this standard, so they’re fine for wet or harsh weather.

About the Author

This review was put together by the Pro Armory writing team using current research, including studies from sources like the Journal of Military Science, Firearms News, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. We also pulled details from official defense publications and trusted firearm authorities such as the ATF, NRA, and manufacturer guides.

Disclaimer: All details here are for educational purposes only. Specs may change, so check with the manufacturer before buying. Pro Armory doesn’t take payment from any maker mentioned here. Always follow firearm safety rules and your local laws when using optics.