Best Holographic Sights of 2025: EOTech vs Vortex

To this day, holographic sights have stood the test of time. EOTech has evolved as a company, offering more than just holographic sights, and new manufacturers like Vortex have joined the competition.

In this article, we've compared almost every available holographic sight on the market to bring you the best holographic sight in 2025.

Keep in mind, EOTech and Vortex are the only holographic sight manufacturers currently.

There are a handful of red dot manufacturers that are creating optics that look similar to holographic sights, but these sights don't use the same holographic technology to project the reticle.

Holographic sights offer a crisp sight picture, outstanding durability, and a large window that can make them more appealing than red dots.

Holographic sights are special because they focus the reticle at a distance. This helps our eyes stay on target, rather than focusing on the reticle itself.

As a result, holographic sights can help your eyes acquire targets faster than traditional red dot sights.

Holographic sights are an investment, though, typically costing a few hundred dollars more than most red dot sights. We wanted to share our thoughts after testing tons of holographic sights, and put together a definitive list of the best holographic sights for 2025.

Best Holographic Sights of 2025

1. Best Overall

EOTech EXPS2

Best balance of price, performance, and durability.

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2. Best Reticle

Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II

Super crisp reticle with cutouts for better visibility.

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3. Best Budget

EOTech 512

EOTech performance at the best price possible.

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4. Best for Night Vision

EOTech EXPS3

World-class night vision performance & all of the best features from EOTech.

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Best Holographic Sight Comparison Chart

Best Holographic Sight Comparison Chart
Model	Photo	Battery	Quick Detach Mount	Co-witness	Brightness Adjustment	Night Vision	Waterproof	Weight (oz)
UH-1 Gen II		CR123	Yes	1/3	Back	Yes	IPX8	11.6
512		AA	No	Absolute	Back	No	10 ft	11.5
552		AA	No	Absolute	Back	Yes	33 ft	11.5
518		AA	Yes	1/3	Side	No	10 ft	13.8
558		AA	Yes	1/3	Side	Yes	33 ft	13.8
XPS2		CR123	No	Absolute	Back	No	10 ft	9
XPS3		CR123	No	Absolute	Back	Yes	33 ft	9
EXPS2		CR123	Yes	1/3	Side	No	10 ft	11.2
EXPS3		CR123	Yes	1/3	Side	Yes	33 ft	11.2

1. Best Overall: EOTech EXPS2

The EOTech EXPS2 stands out as EOTech’s best holographic sight. Assuming you don’t need settings for night vision, the EOTech EXPS2 provides the performance, durability, and great sight picture that EOTech is known for while saving a few bucks from the added night vision on the EOTech EXPS3.

We really like the integrated quick detach mount that comes with the EXPS series. Similar to the Vortex AMG UH-1, the EXPS series features a quick detach (QD) mount from the factory, providing a lower 1/3 co-witness with your iron sights.

The lower ⅓ co-witness is much better for keeping iron sights out of the way while shooting and the QD mount feels great. The lever to release the optic has a safety button to prevent the optic from ever falling off accidentally, and the construction feels really solid.

The EXPS series also features brightness adjustment buttons on the side of the optic (instead of on the front like the XPS series). 

If you plan on running a magnifier, the side buttons make for easier adjustment instead of needing to reach between the optic and the magnifier. This wasn’t a problem for us either way; it's just a small improvement over the front buttons on the EOTech XPS series. 

EXPS2: Reticle and Sight Picture

EOTech offers a few different reticle options for the EXPS2. Unlike red dot sights that can support multiple reticles, all holographic sights support a single reticle choice that is preprogrammed from the factory. EOTech is most famous for its traditional 68 MOA ring + 1 MOA dot, but they also offer variations of this reticle with additional dots for bullet drop compensation at longer ranges.

Note: If you’re looking for an excellent close-range optic, any of these reticles will do. The multi-dot reticles really start to come in handy for longer-range shooting with a magnifier.

EXPS2: Durability

EOTech has had a long relationship with military and law enforcement since 2001, prioritizing durability. When you purchase an EOTech, you pay for that peace of mind and proven track record.

One nice feature of all EOTechs is the replaceable metal hood surrounding the optic. This hood protects the holographic sight from damaging impacts. Plenty of videos online of people dropping, smashing, and even shooting EOTechs and still using them without problems afterward.

EXPS2: Battery Life

The EXPS2 takes a CR123 battery, lasting 1000 hours. This is the same as the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II and the EOTech XPS series. Lower battery life is common with holographic sights as the technology inside of them requires more power. Unlike holographic sights, red dots will usually last 25,000+ hours.

EXPS2 Specs at a Glance:

• Weight: 11.2 oz
• Battery Life: Up to 1000 hours at medium setting
• Battery Type: CR123 battery
• Brightness Settings: 20 daylight settings
• Water Resistance: 33 ft (10 m) submersible
• Mount: Quick Detach, Lower 1/3 co-witness

EXPS2 Pros and Cons:

2. Best Reticle: Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II

The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II and EOTech EXPS series are similar–weight, size, and durability are all in the same ballpark. Some might claim that Eotech is more durable, but there are tons of examples online of the Vortex AMG UH-1 surviving a beating.

EOTech is the original holographic sight manufacturer and has been around for ages with a proven track record while Vortex came out with the AMG UH-1 back in 2020 and was EOTech's first holographic sight competitor. 

I’ve owned and used EOTechs for years now, but after shooting extensively with the Vortex UH-1, I’ve grown to really like the reticle:

AMG UH-1: Reticle and Sight Picture

All holographic sights (EOTech or Vortex) have some fuzziness because of how they project the reticle. Holographic reticles comprise thousands of small pixels rather than a singular red dot.

The reticle on the AMG UH-1 definitely feels a bit crisper than EOTech reticles. Looking at the 1 MOA center dot, I feel like I can have some surgical precision when taking shots at longer range with the Vortex AMG UH-1, even without a magnifier.

On my EOTech (EXPS3), the center 1 MOA dot feels slightly “blown out,” almost like a 2 MOA dot.

On top of this, Vortex did a fantastic job with the “EBR-CQB” reticle. The cutouts they added to the outer ring allow you to see more of your target where the EOTech outer ring eats up more of your vision.

The Vortex AMG UH-1 reticle also has a triangle at the bottom for shots within 10 yards. Because of the optic’s height over bore, shots within 10 yards will print on this triangle which makes it easier to shoot under pressure.

The window on the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is also larger than EOTech's–not a huge deal when shooting with both eyes open, but it is noticeable.

The only area where the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is lacking is with night vision. Light transmission through the optic is not as good as EOTech, making it harder to see through the optic under night vision when ambient light is low.

If you’re looking for a holographic sight to use with night vision, the EOTech EXPS3 is the best option. If night vision is out of the question, the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II offers a fantastic reticle that we think is better than EOTech's.

AMG UH-1: Durability

The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II’s durability is definitely on par with EOTech. Classic Firearms did a torture test with both of these optics where they dropped, smashed, and threw an XPS3 and the Vortex AMG UH-1.

The Vortex AMG UH-1 actually seemed to hold up better than the XPS3 in this test–I would not be concerned with durability on the AMG UH-1.

AMG UH-1: Battery Life

The battery life on the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is similar to all EOTech models at around 1000 hours, and also uses a CR123 battery. Some people have reported some battery drain while keeping the optic turned off in storage, but I haven’t noticed this on mine. Your mileage may vary here.

AMG UH-1: Size, Weight, & Mount

The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II weighs in at 11.6 oz, while the comparable EOTech EXPS series weighs in at 11.2 oz. The additional half-ounce wasn’t noticeable after mounting on a rifle, so I wouldn’t worry here. With all holographic sights, you’re going to be looking at a lot more weight than most red dots.

Holographic vs Red Dot Sights Compared - Which is better?

We looked at the most popular holographic sights and red dots to share what sets them apart, discuss features, and learn how they work.

The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II comes from the factory with an integrated quick detach (QD) mount that will give you ⅓ co-witness with your iron sights.

The mount feels sturdy and has a safety lever that prevents the optic from coming off accidentally.

AMG UH-1 Specs at a Glance:

• Weight: 11.6 oz
• Battery Life: 1,000 hours 
• Battery Type: CR123 battery
• Brightness Settings: 15 daylight + 4 night vision settings
• Water Resistance: IPX8 waterproof rating
• Mount: Quick Detach, Lower 1/3 co-witness

AMG UH-1 Pros and Cons:

3. Best Budget: EOTech 512

Looking for a holographic sight at a lower price point? The EOTech 512 is significantly cheaper than the EXPS3, with a few small differences from its more expensive sibling. The sight picture and shooting experience feels exactly the same, but a few of the technical specs differ:

EOTech 512 vs EXPS3:

• No NV vs 10 night vision brightness settings
• Standard mount vs quick detach (QD)
• 2 AA batteries vs CR123A
• Waterproof in 3 meters vs 10 meters
• Longer size vs more compact
• Buttons on front vs buttons on side

That may look like a long list but these sights could not feel more similar. If some of these points above are non-negotiables and you’re looking to save some money, check out other sights from EOTech's 500 series.

The 500 series will still use 2 AA batteries, but mount, waterproofing, button position, and night vision settings differ by model and price.

EOTech 512: Durability

The EOTech 512 has the same durability as its more expensive siblings. One difference here is the waterproof rating, allowing submersion up to 10 ft or roughly 3 meters underwater. Any of Eoetech’s night vision compatible models (552, 558, XPS3, EXPS3) allow up to 30 ft (10 meters) of submersion.

EOTech 512: Battery Life

The 512 has slightly more battery life than other holographic sights on this list thanks to the AA batteries. The EOTech 512 will last around 2400 hours. One key difference here is it takes 2 AA batteries instead of a single CR123. This comes in exchange for more space on your rifle, but this hasn’t bothered me personally.

EOTech 512: Reticle and Sight Picture

The 512 is only offered with the 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA dot combination, while the EXPS series has a few other options. This is EOTech's most popular reticle, so most people won’t mind this (especially at the lower price tag). Beyond the single reticle option, the sight picture on the 512 looks identical to the EXPS3 or any other EOTech. If you’re looking to save some money but still get a holographic sight, the 512 is a great budget-friendly (friendlier?) option.

EOTech 512 Specs at a Glance:

• Weight: 11.5 oz
• Battery Life: Up to 2,400 hours
• Battery Type: AA batteries
• Brightness Settings: 20 daylight
• Water Resistance: 10 ft submersible
• Mount: Standard, Absolute co-witness

EOTech 512 Pros and Cons:

4. Best for Night Vision: EOTech EXPS3

The EOTech EXPS3 is identical to the EXPS2 in every way, minus the extra button on the side that drops the brightness for night vision. If you’re after the best holographic sight for night vision, the EXPS3 is hands down the best. 

Light transmission through the optic is phenomenal, allowing you to see clearly through the glass on dark nights. The granularity in the brightness control is also a huge plus–20 daylight settings from the EXPS2 carry over here, plus an additional 10 for night vision. Setting the brightness exactly where you need it depending on ambient light is a huge win for the EXPS3, where the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II only offers 4 night vision brightness settings. 

Note: the Gen II version of the Vortex AMG was the first to support night vision (Gen I did not).

Best Holographic Sight Buyer's Guide

Reticle

One of the first things people mention when they look through a holographic sight is the reticle's “grainy” appearance. The grainy look comes from the thousands of tiny pixels that make up the holographic technology inside.

Despite the grainy reticle, holographic sights are designed to focus the reticle at a distance rather than directly in front of the optic like red dots. How big of an impact this makes on target acquisition is hard to tell, but I personally like the sight picture on my EOTech and Vortex AMG over most of my red dots.

The large window and 68 MOA ring make it easier to focus on targets rather than the reticle itself, and I feel like I’m faster with a holographic sight than most red dots.

With all holographic sights, you are looking at a fixed reticle (none offer multiple reticles within a single optic). EOTech offers a bit more variety in this department while Vortex only offers the AMG UH-1 Gen II with their “EBR-CQB” reticle.

The last thing I’ll mention is that holographic sights look really good under magnification. The 1 MOA center dot on holographic sights makes it easier to take precise shots with a magnifier.

Most red dots will give you a 2 MOA dot in the middle, sometimes with or without an outer ring. EOTech has built-in some helpful ranging features with their reticles for human-sized targets that can be hard to find on red dots:

The average male height is 5'8" globally. EOTech used this to create a reticle that can approximate the distance of human-size targets between 100 - 400 yards. Aligning your target within EOTech's 68 MOA ring will tell you approximately how far away the target is, allowing you to adjust your point of aim when shooting longer distances (the same principle applies to the Vortex UH-1, since it uses a 68 MOA ring too).

If your environment calls for shooting longer distances more frequently, you may want to check out EOTech models with a 2-dot reticle (models ending in -2).

The second dot doesn’t get in the way of close-range targets but helps measure and range targets at a distance. The 2-dot reticle can also be helpful for calibers like 300 blackout where you might be switching between supersonic and subsonic rounds frequently.

EOTech also has a number of caliber-specific reticles (.308, 300 blackout, etc.) that we've left out of the chart below—these are just the most common holographic sight reticles that EOTech offers.

EOTech Holographic Sight Reticles
Reticle	Description
	68 MOA ring +1 MOA Dot
	1 MOA Dot
	68 MOA ring + 2, 1 MOA Dots
	68 MOA ring + 4, 1 MOA Dots
	68 MOA "speed ring" + 1 MOA Dot + 7-yard close-range chevron

Brand

There are only two “true” holographic sight manufacturers (EOTech and Vortex) which made the selection process for this list straightforward. EOTech has a long military and law enforcement track record dating back to 2001, while Vortex just recently released the AMG UH-1 “Huey” in July 2020 to compete with EOTech. 

Both have fantastic features and specs–if I were shopping for a holographic sight, I would consider whether or not I plan on using night vision. If night vision is not a factor, take a look through both of these optics and go with the reticle and sight picture you prefer. We preferred the reticle from the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II, and EOTech has a proven track record—you can’t go wrong with either brand.

Battery Life

The only drawbacks to owning a holographic sight are size, weight, and battery life. The optic size isn’t a big deal, but EOTechs are significantly heavier than most red dots. 

Take a Sig Sauer Romeo 4T, one of my favorite red dots in the EOTech price range with a ⅓ co-witness QD mount, and compare it to the similarly specced EOTech EXPS3. The Romeo red dot weighs 7.6 oz, while the EOTech will be 11.2 oz. There is a noticeable weight difference when shooting with both of these.

Durability, Size, and Weight

Durability and weight are almost identical across all holographic sights by EOTech and Vortex. All are going to be durable and very similar in weight (11-12 oz range–AKA–heavier than a red dot.) The AMG UH-1 Gen II is slightly heavier on paper, but this isn’t noticeable on your rifle.

EOTechs have some world-class durability and have been used by SOCOM, the Marines, and Army units for decades. One nice feature of all EOTechs is the replaceable metal shroud surrounding the optic. Dropping your gun upside down will hit the shroud before the optic. The shroud is connected directly to the base plate, which helps transfer the impact to your rifle instead of your optic. 

EOTechs also have excellent waterproofing. Night vision-compatible models (XPS3, EXPS3, 552, 558) are waterproof to 33 feet, while the rest are waterproof up to 10 feet.

How We Tested

I've spent hands-on time shooting with all of these optics for a year or longer, primarily mounted on AR15s. I tried to focus not just on performance alone but also paired with a magnifier at various distances. Many of the pictures taken in this article come from testing at 100 yards for reference. Photos of aiming down the sights and through a magnifier are edited and scaled to look as close to "real life" as possible.

Looking to for the best AR-15 to go with your optic? Check out our list of the best AR-15s in 2025:

Best AR-15s in 2025: Ultimate Guide

Here are the best AR-15 rifles in 2025: from high-end to budget-friendly, we'll cover them all in this ultimate guide. Stick around for some tips and tricks to choose the best rifle for you.

Holographic Sights: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best holographic sight?
• • The EOTech EXPS2 is the best holographic sight—it combines all of EOTech's best features (except for night vision settings) at a reasonable price point.
• What holographic sight does the military use?
• • Multiple military branches of the United States use EOTech holographic sights. The military most commonly uses EOTech holographic sights with night vision settings, such as the EOTech 552, 558, XPS3, and EXPS3.
• Is EOTech the only holographic sight?
• • EOTech was the only available holographic sight from 1996 until 2017, when Vortex released the AMG UH-1 holographic sight. Since then Vortex and EOTech have been competitors in the holographic sight market.

Best Holographic Sights: Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with any option on this list, Vortex or EOTech. Holographic sights from both companies offer solid durability and a great sight picture–just keep in mind some of the differences and considerations we mentioned above (like battery, size, reticle, and night vision compatibility) to make sure you get the best model for your scenario.