This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.
Thinking about buying a holographic sight? You are in the right place. And for one simple reason, it is a way better decision than going for a red dot sight.
That is,
Quicker aiming. Yup, that’s because you not only get a bigger viewing window but you also don’t have to constantly shift between focussing on the dot and target.
Oh, and did I tell you that if your lens broke your holographic sight would still motor on, unlike the red dot sight?
Value for money, isn’t it?
And to make the process of finding the best holographic sight from hundreds of different brands and models is easy and quick, I put 10 of them under the scanner and picked the 5 holographic sights you DO NOT want to miss out on in 2022.
Don’t like to read a ton of details? No problem. Here’s a list of my 5 favorite scopes for quick and easy purchase.
- EOTech EXPS2-0 ( Editor’s Pick)
- Vortex AMG UH-1
- EOTech Model 512
- Holosun HS510C (Budget Pick)
- EOTECH XPS3 Holographic Weapon Sight
You can also get a brief about them in the comparison below.
Table of Contents
Best Holographic Sight for 2022 Reviewed
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | EOTech EXPS2-0 | • Comes with a 10-year warranty • 20 brightness settings for any lighting condition • You can shoot with both eyes open | View Price |
| Vortex AMG UH-1 | • Gives better runtime than the EOTECH at 1500-hrs • The battery can be charged via USB • Equipped with an easy to activate night vision | View Price |
| EOTech Model 512 | • A more affordable EOTech holographic scope • Works with both AA Alkaline and AA Lithium batteries • Gives better runtime than the EOTECH at | View Price |
| Holosun HS510C | • Great holographic sight for budget buyers • You can choose between different reticles • Give you 50,000 hrs of runtime with solar-powered batteries | View Price |
| EOTECH XPS3 | • Capable of remaining submerged in 33-feet of water • The lightest and most compact EOTech holographic sight • Good battery runtime of 1000-hrs on nominal settings | View Price |
But if you have an eye for details, read below
#1: EOTech EXPS2-0
Specs
- 11.3 Oz
- 10 ft waterproof
- CR123A Battery
- 600 hours of battery life
- Not NVG Compatible
Simply put, EOTech EXPS2-0 is the Ferrari of holographic sights.
Wait a minute. Isn’t this the brand that had a major problem with thermal drift where the reticle didn’t reset to zero when exposed to extreme weather?
Yes, but EOTech is back with a bang, and this time, here to stay.
And what I like most about the EXPS2-0 is that it comes with a large, crystal clear window which in combination with the popular 68 MOA circle means you can even take shots with both eyes open.
Oh, and in case you find yourself stuck in a situation with dimming lights, don’t worry, 20 brightness settings ensure your view remains unhindered.
I also love its quick detach system which means you can have it on and off within a matter of seconds.
Plus, there are buttons on the side which means all adjustments can be done quickly and precisely. This is especially helpful if you plan to use it in combination with magnifiers (and if you must ask, the EXPS3-0 is my winner).
The 1 MOA Dot is great for both long-range and close-range shots. Plus, you don’t have to worry about accidentally changing the zero and neither is parallax going to be an issue as it is pretty much non-existent.
Durability is another strong suit of this holographic sight. I have submerged into water up to 10 feet and have also used it in extreme heat and cold and it continued to perform just as well (this bad boy will last you for years).
And in case you do have any problems, here’s the icing on the cake. The EXPS2-0 comes with a special Prestige Warranty which means you can get free replacements and repairs for a whopping 10 years.
Even with that strong build, it weighs a mere 11 oz so neither does it add to the weight of the weapon nor your backpack.
Also, say goodbye to the hassle of having to carry additional battery packs. This one gives anything between 12 to 1000 hrs depending on the settings you use with just a few hours of charging.
The only drawback here is its premium cost but considering its durability and ease of use, it is well worth every penny.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Comes with 10 years of warranty
- Waterproof with a strong, durable build
- Weighs just 11 oz
- Detaches in seconds with the quick detach system
- Holds zero really well
- Side buttons make adjustments a breeze
- It has 20 brightness settings
- Gives you the freedom to shoot with both eyes open
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Does not support night vision
#2: Vortex AMG UH-1
Specs
- 11.8 Oz
- Waterproof up to 10ft
- CR123A Battery
- 1500 hours of runtime
Whether you are talking about red dot sights or holographic sights, you will always come across a Vortex and the Vortex AMG UH-1 shows exactly why.
Truthfully, it is pretty much the only holographic sight on the market that can go toe to toe with the EOTech EXPS2-0, and one of the reasons for that is its amazing reticle.
While it has the dot in the middle which is great for close combat situations, it is the triangles surrounding it that take the cake as it makes acquiring targets at a range easier (20 yards or 100 yards, hitting bull’s eye will be a breeze).
Furthermore, making aiming easier is the integrated QD mount that maintains zero irrespective of the weather or your movements. It is also equipped with a quick-release feature which means mounting and detaching the Vortex is easy peasy.
The one advantage it has over the EOTech EXPS2-0 is the battery life. Not only does it run for an amazing 1500 hours at the lowest settings, charging it is a breeze as well. Yes, the battery is rechargeable via USB so you can simply plug it into your laptop or computer to charge.
The viewing window isn’t just big for quicker target acquisition but also ensures all images are sharp and clear irrespective of the surrounding light thanks to the FHQ technology which controls light transmission to almost perfection.
Furthermore, the holographic sight is rock-solid and can easily handle a few bumps along the road without even a scratch. Even the lens won’t buckle or crack thanks to the ArmorTek anti-scratch coating.
And just like with the EOTech, you do not have to worry about dropping it in water either as it can remain submerged at 10ft for 10-15 minutes thanks to the tightly sealed o-rings and metallic build. This also effectively keeps out dust, dirt, and fog build up.
Another helpful feature of the Vortex is its night vision. With the press of a button, you can easily scope and aim at your target even when it is pitch dark giving you the freedom to hunt in the day or night.
My only issue here is that the button is located at the back which is slightly inconvenient and also interferes with magnifiers. Thankfully though, windage and elevation adjustment dials are placed on the side for quick-fire changes.
I also noticed a green tint on the window which to some can be a tad distracting though in my testing it was barely noticeable.
Pros
- Integrated QD mount for quick mounting
- Gives 1500-hrs of runtime
- The battery can be charged via USB
- Perfect for both close and long-range shooting
- It is waterproof and fog-proof
- Lens has a special anti-scratch coating
- Activate night vision with the press of a button
Cons
- The window has a green tint
- Night vision button can interfere with magnifiers
#3: EOTech Model 512
Specs
- 11.5 Oz
- Waterproof up to 10ft
- 1000 hours on lithium AA batteries
- 600 hours on alkaline AA batteries
If you are looking for a more affordable EOTech holographic scope, the Model 512 is exactly what you asked for as it costs less than $500.
But it isn’t just the lower cost that makes it one of their best-selling holographic sights, there’s more to it.
Compared to the EOTech EXPS2-0, this doesn’t have an in-built battery and yet gives a pretty good runtime of about 1000-hrs with AA lithium batteries and about 600 if you use alkaline AA batteries.
These batteries aren’t just easier to carry (so you can always have a spare) but are readily available and cheaper than the CR123 battery of the EOTech EXPS2-0 in case of any problem.
Though a cheaper holographic sight, I love the fact that it has the same 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA dot that makes acquiring targets super-fast whether it is long-range combat or close-range. Plus, you can aim with both eyes open adding to the convenience of using the holographic sight.
The versatile mount means it will work like a charm on any gun with a 1″ Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rail giving you the freedom to use it across different guns instead of having to spend on multiple holographic or red dot sights.
While the viewing window is a tad smaller, you get high-definition images irrespective of whether it is cloudy, sunny, dusky, or dawn since you can choose from 20 brightness settings. And you can switch between these settings in seconds as the buttons are conveniently located on the side.
Though cheaper, even durability remains top-notch. It is also capable of being left submerged in water up to 10-feet without any damage and prevents fog and moisture build-up like any high-end holographic sight.
In fact, EOTech claims there their holographic sight continues to operate even if the window was partially shattered or covered with some mud or snow. Mine didn’t get shattered but yes, performed pretty well in both snow and dusty weather.
Plus, your investment is well protected by the 10-year warranty that most EOTech scopes and sights come with ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
On the downsides, turning the sight off requires both hands due to the inconveniently placed button. Plus, it is slightly bigger in dimensions but thankfully weighs just as much as the EOTech EXPS2-0 at 11 oz.
Pros
- One of the more affordable EOTech holographic sights
- It has 20 brightness settings
- It can remain submerged in 10 feet of water
- Performs well in both snow and dusty conditions
- Excellent battery life
- Works with AA lithium and alkaline batteries
- You can shoot with both eyes open
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- Ideal for both long-range and close combats
Cons
- A tad bigger in dimensions
- Requires both hands to be turned off
- No night vision
#4: Holosun HS510C (Best Holographic Sight on a Budget)
Specs
- 8.3 Oz
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Solar-powered batteries
- 50,000 hours of runtime
- 1x magnifier
Cannot afford the EOTECH or Vortex holographic sights? No problem. Then Holosun HS510C has you covered.
Now, this isn’t exactly a holographic sight but by combining the power of LED technology and a holographic sight, it makes for a pretty convenient sight that is great for starters.
And one of the reasons for that is because it gives an amazing 50,000 hours of battery life so you do not have to worry about charging or replacing/carrying battery packs (low battery? Not anymore).
Or wait, why even go through the hassle of charging it, right. The batteries support solar charging which means they charge while you are out hunting.
Furthermore, you also have the option of choosing multiple reticles. For example, you can go with just the dot which is great for close range, the ring only (great for long-range combat), or get the best of both worlds with both reticles.
There’s also an unlimited field of view so you can easily acquire your target within seconds. And ensuring you aren’t left scrambling to make adjustments in the final seconds are the smooth dials placed conveniently on the side.
Even mounting and detaching the sight is easy even if you have no experience with them thanks to the QD mount.
The 65 MOA ring is pretty big, especially keeping in mind the price point. I love the fact that it is almost parallax free and even comes with a 1x magnification.
As for durability, it isn’t as recoil-resistant or strong as the EOTECH or Vortex sights but has an IP67 water-resistance rating. So while you can submerge it, you don’t want to leave it there for long.
It also has a slight green tint like the Vortex and image quality takes a hit when it comes to long-range so only go for it if you are just starting and need something on a budget or specifically want a combination sight.
Pros
- Comes with a 1x magnification
- Easy to mount and detach
- All adjustment dials are smooth and conveniently located
- You can choose between multiple reticles
- The battery is solar powered
- It gives about 50,000 hours of runtime
- Costs less than $350
- Lightest sight on the list at 8.3 oz
Cons
- Not as durable as the Vortex or EOTECH
- The display has a greenish tint
#5: EOTECH XPS3 Holographic Weapon Sight
Specs
- 8.8 Oz
- Submersible to 33-feet in water
- 1000-hrs of battery life
- Night vision compatible
Last but not least is the EOTECH XPS3 which is hands down one of the most compact and lightweight EOTech holographic sights you will come across as it weighs just 8.7 oz.
It comes with pretty much all the benefits you would get with any other EOTECH holographic scope on the list. For example, a big viewing window so you can aim with both eyes open, a 10-year warranty, and 1000-hours of battery life.
It is also as durable as the others if not more, shock-resistant, and fits on the same rails making it a highly versatile unit.
So why should I consider paying the big bucks for the EOTech XPS3?
Simply put, it takes those benefits up a notch. We already told you it is more compact and light but there’s more.
Unlike others that can only be submerged to 10-feet, this bad boy will come out just as good (in fact, cleaner) even when submerged 33-feet in water.
Furthermore, it is also night vision compatible so you can even make your hunting trips at night when the rules are more relaxed in certain states. You also get 10 additional brightness settings designed especially for Gen I to III and night vision devices.
The only drawback here is its higher price tag but apart from that, there is little to complain about this beast.
Pros
- It can be submerged in water up to 33-feet
- Comes with 10 extra brightness settings for night vision
- Large window for shooting with both eyes
- 1000-hrs of battery life
- Excellent durability and recoil resistance
- It is night vision compatible
- Comes with a 10-year no BS warranty
Cons
- On the expensive side
Conclusion
As you can see, holographic sights are not only more durable but also have advanced features that help both professionals and starters aim more precisely (even with both eyes open).
Yes, it will cost you a few hundred dollars more compared to red dot sights and battery life is slightly lower but is well worth the money.
And with this detailed guide, we are sure you will save both cost and time while getting a holographic sight that matches both your budget and needs.
In case you have any questions about these or other holographic sights, leave them in the comments section below or write to me using the contact form.
You may also like:
- Best Scope for 308 Rifles
- Best Thermal Scope for the Money – Top 5 Reviews
- Best Shotgun Scope – Our Top 6 Choice
