As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours testing various optics in the field. Holographic sights have become increasingly popular among shooters and hunters in recent years, and for good reason. These high-tech sights offer lightning-fast target acquisition and precision aiming, making them ideal for everything from home defense to competitive shooting.
In this guide, I’ll break down the top holographic sights on the market in 2024, based on my hands-on experience and extensive research. Whether you’re looking for your first holo sight or upgrading your existing optics, you’ll find detailed reviews and recommendations to help you choose the perfect sight for your needs and budget.
What is a Holographic Sight?
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s quickly cover what sets holographic sights apart from other optics. Unlike traditional red dot sights, holographic sights use laser technology to project a holographic reticle onto a piece of glass in your field of view. This creates a heads-up display effect that allows for extremely fast target acquisition.
The key advantages of holographic sights include:
– Large field of view with minimal obstruction
– Parallax-free aiming
– Reticle appears to be projected onto the target
– Usable with both eyes open
– Maintains zero under harsh recoil
While more expensive than basic red dots, the enhanced performance of holographic sights makes them popular for tactical, competitive, and hunting applications where speed and precision are crucial.
Now, let’s take a look at my top picks for the best holographic sights of 2024:
1. EOTech EXPS3 Holographic Weapon Sight
When it comes to holographic sights, EOTech is the gold standard. The EXPS3 represents their latest and greatest offering, building on decades of battle-proven performance.
Key Features:
– 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dot reticle
– Night vision compatible
– 30 brightness settings
– Compact, lightweight design
– Waterproof to 33 ft
– Made in the USA
I’ve run the EXPS3 on my AR-15 for over a year now, and it continues to impress me with its clarity and durability. The large 68 MOA circle allows for lightning-fast target acquisition up close, while the precision 1 MOA center dot lets me reach out accurately to 300 yards and beyond.
The side buttons are easy to operate, even with gloves on. And with 30 brightness settings, including 10 for night vision, I can dial in the perfect reticle intensity for any lighting condition.
While not cheap, the EXPS3 is built like a tank and backed by EOTech’s stellar reputation. If you want the absolute best holographic sight on the market, this is it.
2. Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight
Vortex has made a name for themselves by offering high-quality optics at more affordable price points. The UH-1 Gen II is their answer to EOTech’s dominance in the holographic sight market.
Key Features:
– EBR-CQB reticle with 1 MOA center dot
– Night vision compatible
– Integrated quick-release mount
– Shockproof construction
– Lifetime warranty
I had the chance to test the UH-1 Gen II at a 3-gun match last summer, and came away seriously impressed. The sight picture is crisp and clear, with minimal tinting. The EBR-CQB reticle balances speed and precision nicely.
One thing I really like about the UH-1 is the integrated quick-release mount. This makes it easy to swap between different firearms without losing zero. The controls are also very intuitive.
While EOTech still has a slight edge in overall optical quality, the UH-1 Gen II comes very close at a significantly lower price point. It’s an excellent choice for shooters wanting holographic performance without breaking the bank.
3. EOTech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
If you like the performance of EOTech sights but are on a tighter budget, the 512 model offers a more affordable entry point into holographic optics.
Key Features:
– 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dot reticle
– 20 brightness settings
– Runs on AA batteries
– Waterproof to 10 ft
– Made in the USA
The 512 uses the same tried-and-true reticle as EOTech’s higher-end models. While it lacks some premium features like night vision compatibility, it delivers the core holographic sight experience at a more palatable price point.
I appreciate that the 512 runs on widely available AA batteries. This makes it a great option for home defense or bug-out scenarios where battery availability could be an issue.
The sight picture isn’t quite as bright as the EXPS3, but it’s more than adequate for most shooting situations. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of holographic sights, the 512 is an excellent place to start.
4. Holosun HS510C Red Dot Sight
While not a true holographic sight, the Holosun HS510C offers similar functionality at a fraction of the cost of EOTech or Vortex options.
Key Features:
– Multiple reticle options (2 MOA dot, 65 MOA ring, or both)
– Solar failsafe and shake awake technology
– 50,000 hour battery life
– Titanium hood for durability
– Optional green reticle version available
I was initially skeptical of Holosun’s budget-friendly optics, but after running the HS510C on my home defense shotgun for the past year, I’m a believer. The sight has held zero flawlessly, even with punishing 12 gauge recoil.
The solar failsafe feature is particularly clever. Even if your battery dies, the sight will continue to function in daylight conditions. And with 50,000 hours of battery life, you likely won’t have to worry about changing batteries for years.
While it doesn’t quite match the optical clarity of true holographic sights, the HS510C comes impressively close. For budget-conscious shooters, it’s hard to beat the value proposition here.
5. EOTech HHS II Holographic Hybrid Sight
For those wanting maximum versatility, the EOTech HHS II combines their flagship EXPS3-4 holographic sight with a G33 magnifier for the best of both worlds.
Key Features:
– EXPS3-4 holographic sight (68 MOA ring with 4 MOA dots)
– G33 3x magnifier
– Night vision compatible
– Switch-to-side mount for magnifier
– Waterproof to 33 ft
I had the chance to run this combo during a hog hunting trip last fall, and it’s an absolute game-changer. The holographic sight provides lightning-fast target acquisition up close, while the magnifier lets you easily identify and engage targets at extended ranges.
The switch-to-side mount is brilliantly engineered, allowing you to transition between 1x and 3x magnification in an instant. And despite the added weight of the magnifier, the whole system balances nicely on most rifles.
The only real downside here is the price – this is definitely an investment-grade optic setup. But if you want the ultimate in versatility and performance, it’s tough to beat.
6. Sig Sauer ROMEO8T Red Dot Sight
Another high-end option in the reflex sight category, the Sig Sauer ROMEO8T offers features that put it in direct competition with true holographic sights.
Key Features:
– Ballistic Circle Dot reticle
– MOTAC (motion-activated illumination)
– Night vision compatible
– Ruggedized for military/law enforcement use
– Incredible 100,000 hour battery life
While not technically a holographic sight, the ROMEO8T’s advanced reticle system and crystal-clear glass put it in a similar performance category. I’ve had the chance to test this optic on both pistols and rifles, and it really shines in both applications.
The Ballistic Circle Dot reticle is particularly impressive, offering speed up close and precision at distance. And with a 100,000 hour battery life, you can leave this sight on for literally years without worrying about changing batteries.
Built to withstand extreme abuse, the ROMEO8T is a favorite among law enforcement and military users. For civilian shooters wanting bombproof reliability, it’s definitely worth a look.
7. Trijicon RMR Type 2 Red Dot Sight
While primarily designed for pistols, the Trijicon RMR has become popular on rifles as well thanks to its compact size and legendary durability.
Key Features:
– Available in 3.25 MOA or 6.5 MOA dot sizes
– Automatically adjusts brightness to ambient conditions
– Incredibly rugged design
– Long battery life
– Optional backup iron sights
I’ve run RMRs on several of my handguns over the years, and recently mounted one on a 10/22 for small game hunting. The sight picture is crisp and clear, with minimal distortion around the edges.
What really sets the RMR apart is its practically indestructible design. These sights have been to war and back, holding zero even under the harshest conditions imaginable.
While not as fast as larger holographic sights for rifle use, the RMR is incredibly versatile. It’s a great choice for those wanting a single optic that can work across multiple firearms platforms.
8. Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II-E Holographic Sight
Building on the success of their original UH-1, Vortex recently released an updated “Gen II-E” model with some notable improvements.
Key Features:
– EBR-CQB reticle with 1 MOA center dot
– Night vision compatible
– Tool-less battery cap
– Improved battery life over Gen II
– Lifetime warranty
I had the chance to test the Gen II-E at SHOT Show this year, and came away impressed with the upgrades. The reticle is slightly crisper than the original, and the new tool-less battery cap is a welcome quality-of-life improvement.
Vortex claims up to 2,000 hours of battery life on the mid setting, which is a significant boost over the previous generation. They’ve also tweaked the light transmission for even better low-light performance.
If you like the original UH-1 but were holding out for some refinements, the Gen II-E delivers. It’s a worthy competitor to EOTech’s premium offerings at a more attractive price point.
9. Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Red Dot Sight
Another option that blurs the line between pistol and rifle optics, the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 offers closed-emitter durability in a compact package.
Key Features:
– 3.5 MOA dot
– Fully enclosed design for maximum durability
– 50,000 hour battery life
– Night vision compatible
– Submersible to 35 meters
I recently had the chance to test the ACRO P-2 on both a Glock 19 and an AR pistol build. The fully enclosed design really sets it apart from other micro red dots, offering protection from dust, debris, and foul weather.
The sight picture is excellent, with minimal tinting and good light transmission. The 3.5 MOA dot balances speed and precision nicely across various applications.
While designed primarily for handguns, the ACRO P-2 works great on short-barreled rifles and AR pistols as well. If you want tank-like durability in a compact package, it’s definitely worth considering.
10. Primary Arms SLx MD-25 ACSS Red Dot
Rounding out our list is a budget-friendly option that punches well above its weight class. The Primary Arms SLx MD-25 offers an advanced reticle system at a very attractive price point.
Key Features:
– ACSS CQB reticle with BDC
– 50,000 hour battery life
– Night vision compatible
– Lightweight 7075 aluminum construction
– Lifetime warranty
I picked up an MD-25 on a whim for a budget AR build, and have been genuinely impressed with its performance. The ACSS CQB reticle is the star of the show here, offering speed up close and holdovers for longer shots.
The glass quality is quite good for the price, with minimal distortion and good light transmission. While not as bomb-proof as some of the more expensive options on this list, the MD-25 feels solidly built and has held zero without issue.
For budget-conscious shooters wanting advanced reticle functionality, the SLx MD-25 offers a ton of bang for your buck. It’s a great entry point into the world of tactical optics.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Holographic Sight
Now that we’ve covered some of the best options on the market, let’s talk about how to choose the right holographic sight for your needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
Holographic sights can range from around $300 to over $1000. Determine how much you’re willing to spend before starting your search.
Are you using this for home defense, competitive shooting, hunting, or a mix of applications? This will help narrow down which features are most important.
Consider how long the sight will run on a single battery, and whether it has power-saving features like motion activation.
Reticle Design: Do you prefer a simple dot, or do you want additional ranging features? Some sights offer multiple reticle options.
Durability: If you’ll be using the sight in harsh conditions, pay attention to waterproofing and shock resistance ratings.
Night Vision Compatibility: If you plan to use night vision devices, make sure to choose a sight with compatible brightness settings.
Mounting Options: Ensure the sight is compatible with your firearm and any existing mounts you may have.
Warranty: Look for manufacturers that stand behind their products with solid warranty coverage.
FAQs
Q: Are holographic sights worth the extra cost over red dots?
A: For many shooters, yes. Holographic sights offer a larger field of view, faster target acquisition, and better performance with magnifiers. However, quality red dots can still be very effective and are often more budget-friendly.
Q: Can I use a holographic sight for long-range shooting?
A: While primarily designed for close to medium range, many holographic sights can be effective out to 300 yards or more, especially when paired with a magnifier. However, for primarily long-range use, a traditional scope may be a better choice.
Q: Do holographic sights work with astigmatism?
A: Many shooters with astigmatism find holographic sights clearer and easier to use than traditional red dots. However, this can vary from person to person, so it’s best to try before you buy if possible.
Q: How long do the batteries last in a holographic sight?
A: Battery life varies widely between models, ranging from around 600 hours to 100,000+ hours for some newer LED-based sights. Most users can expect to change batteries once a year or less with moderate use.
Q: Are holographic sights legal for hunting?
A: In most areas, yes. However, always check your local regulations, as some jurisdictions may have restrictions on electronic sights for certain types of hunting.
Conclusion
Holographic sights represent the cutting edge of aiming technology, offering unparalleled speed and precision for close to medium range shooting. While they require a bit more investment than basic red dots, the performance benefits make them well worth considering for serious shooters.
Whether you opt for the battle-proven EOTech EXPS3, the value-packed Vortex UH-1 Gen II, or one of the other excellent options we’ve covered, adding a quality holographic sight to your firearm can take your shooting to the next level.
Remember to consider your specific needs and budget when making your choice. And most importantly, get out and train with your new optic! Even the best sight is only as good as the shooter behind it.
Happy shooting, and may your targets always be in clear view!