Best Holographic Sight Review And Guides 2023

If you do not have time for the details, here are our top picks for holographic sights:

1. EOTech Model XPS2 
2. EOTech Model 512 
3. EOTech Model 558 
4. EOTech Model EXPS3 
5. Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight 
6. Holosun HE510C-GR Elite 

The best holographic sight will help you get on target fast like a red dot , but has a more advanced reticle for more precision shooting. Check out our in-depth reviews to find the best options on the market.

If you want to get on target fast, there are few options on the market more efficient and accurate than a holographic sight. One of these high-tech optics may be just the thing you need if your main goal is to improve your shooting skills. In this article, we will walk you through the advantages of a holographic sight, why you need one, and even offer some in-depth reviews of our favorite models. On a quest to find the best holographic sight? Keep reading. You’ve definitely come to the right place.

What is a Holographic Sight?

Holographic sights (also called holographic diffraction sights or holo sights) are some of the fastest and most intuitive sighting systems available to the modern shooter. First introduced by EOTech at the 1996 SHOT show, these sights use a series of mirrors and lasers to produce a holographic image of a reticle superimposed on the field of view.

Why Choose a Holo Sight Over a Red Dot Sight?

Although they often get thrown into the same category, red dot sights and holo sights use very different technology.

Red dots use an LED (light emitting diode) to project a red dot onto a specially coated lens. The lens then reflects the dot back toward the shooter’s eye. The shooter then uses the dot as an aiming point.

As we already mentioned, a holo sight uses a complicated configuration of lasers and mirrors to produce a reticle that is more complex than a basic red dot.

The reticle is the main advantage of a holo sight. While red dots offer a simple aiming point, the technology used in a holo sight allows for reticles with much more detail. Some holo reticles can help the shooter range targets or adjust point of aim when shooting longer distances.

The reticle produced by a holographic sight also appears to float in front of the optic. This enables the shooter to focus on both the target and the reticle at the same time, making these sights more intuitive and easy to use, especially for inexperienced shooters.

With other optics, the shooter has to shift focus from the target to the reticle or vice versa because the eye is unable to simultaneously focus on two objects at different distances.

Although we are huge fans of holographic optics, red dots have their own set of advantages. First, the LED light on the red dot optic uses considerably less battery power than a holo sight. If you are in a shooting situation where battery longevity is necessary, a red dot definitely wins out over a holo sight.

Another advantage of a red dot sight is the price tag. Because the technology used to produce that red dot reticle is less complicated than holographic technology, red dots generally come with more affordable price tags than their holo sight competition.

Comparison Table 

Top 6 Best Holographic Sights with Detailed Reviews 

If you aren’t sure where to start in your search for a holo sight, here are a few of our favorites to get you started. 

1. EOTech Model XPS2 

EOTech sight is the undisputed leader in holographic technology. This company introduced the first holographic weapon sight at the 1996 SHOT Show, where it won Optic of the Year from the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence. The company continues to flex its holographic muscle by producing the ultimate in holo tech gun sight.

The EOTech Model XPS2 is definitely one of our favorites. This model is the shortest, smallest, and lightest holo sight in the EOTech line-up. It runs on a single lithium battery, so it leaves plenty of rail space for a magnifier or rear iron sight. Despite its single battery configuration, you can still enjoy 1,000 continuous hours of use at the lowest brightness setting.

Although EOTech holographic sight offers some variation in reticle design, all of their reticles feature a 68 MOA ring surrounding a 1 MOA dot. This means that when you’re aiming at 100-yard targets, the ring will cover 68 inches of the target while the center dot provides a precision 1-inch aiming point. This configuration allows you to quickly lock on to your target at a variety of ranges.

EOTech holo sights are virtually indestructible. They even function if the window is shattered or partially obscured. This level of reliability makes EOTech holo sights perfect for your AR-15 or other tactical rifles.

Pros

• It has side adjustment buttons.
• It has a side AA battery holder.
• Its lever can easily be detached. 
• It comes together with rear iron sights.
• It is water-resistant and fog-resistant.

Cons

• There’s no way to set the adjustable brightness level you want

2. EOTech Model 512 

The Model 512 is EOTech’s most popular and affordable holo sight. This one has some pretty hefty recoil resistance and holds zero like a pro, making it a great option for your tactical or turkey hunting shotgun. However, it feels just as at home on any firearm in your arsenal.

The Model 512 has all of EOTech’s key features, including the signature dot/circle reticle and nearly indestructible construction. However, the Model 512 comes without some of the fancier bells and whistles of EOTech’s other models. If you’re looking for the best value for the money in a true holo sight, the EOTech 512 definitely fits the bill.

Pros

• It is affordable.
• Its battery lasts a long time.
• It has a dot of one Minute Of Angle and a magnification power of 1x.
• It has unlimited eye relief suitable for everyone.

Cons

• It’s not portable.

3. EOTech Model 558 

The Model 558 is similar to the EOTech Model 512, only this one has the added advantage of night vision compatibility. Because this model works in conjunction with any Gen 1, Gen II through Gen3+ NVD (night vision device), it makes the perfect optic for home defense and tactical weapons.

Although the Model 558 is designed to work with night vision, it also features twenty different brightness settings for reliable dawn to dusk use. Plus, it has a respectable battery life of up to 1000 hours on the dimmest setting.

Pros

• It has no field of view limits. 
• It is water-resistant. 
• It is easy to set up and very cheap.
• It works with HWS concepts.
• The switch can be used with either hand.
• It comes with a built-in custom rail. 

Cons

• The leverage is a little hard to adjust to fit rare sight views.

4. EOTech Model EXPS3 

Designed for tactical operators, the EOTech Model EXPS3 is ideal for CQB engagements. It delivers easy both-eyes-open shooting, which helps preserve peripheral vision and increase situational awareness. It also has a 7mm raised base for lower iron sight access.

The Model EXPS3 is night vision compatible and has a quick-detach lever for fast and easy installation and removal. Plus, it has all the signature qualities that have made EOTech holo sights so popular.

Pros

• It works best at close range.
• It has knobs on the sides.
• It works with NV.
• It has an adjustable magnification power.
• Convert to a side mount

Cons

• It is expensive.

5. Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight 

The Aimpoint PRO (which stands for Patrol Rifle Optic) isn’t a true holographic sight. This optic is what is often referred to as an EOTech “clone.” While this full mil-spec scope uses an LED rather than holographic technology, it still has many of the benefits of a holo sight, particularly enhanced speed on target.

The Aimpoint micro does have one major benefit over a true holo sight – the battery life is crazy long. You can turn it on, leave it on, and still get up to 3 years of use before you’ll need to swap out the 3V lithium battery. And because it is always on, your optic is always ready. You won’t be caught fumbling with a power switch at crucial moments.

This thing is really built for battle, too. Incredibly rugged, the Aimpoint PRO has a hard anodized aluminum alloy housing and is submersible 150 feet. It has 4 night vision compatible settings and 6 daylight settings for maximum visibility. It’s also virtually parallax free for more consistent accuracy.

Pros

• It is uniquely dependable and last long
• It has clear glasses, a large viewing area, and a 2 MOA dot reticle. 
• Its lens cover comes with the Aimpoint Pro Mount.

Cons

• It has a big red circle dot on its screen.
• It costs a lot.

6. Holosun HE510C-GR Elite 

Although the Holosun HE510C-GR Elite isn’t a holo sight, it is definitely the next best thing.

This pseudo-holographic sight is technically a reflex sight. Although it uses an LED to produce the holographic reticle, the reticle options are more detailed than a simple red dot. This provides you with the same accurate performance you would expect from a holo sight.

It’s also cheaper than anything that uses holographic technology, which is another major bonus.

The holosun hs510c is virtually parallax-free, has unlimited eye relief, and a wide sight picture. Perfect for tactical carbines and rifles, the Holosun 510C has a Solar failsafe and a Shake Awake feature that ensures your optic is always ready to go when you need it.

And since the holosun hs510c reticle is produced by an LED instead of a laser, the battery life is incredible. Expect to get somewhere near 50,000 hours of use. Chances are good, these batteries will outplast your weapon.

Pros

• It has two sources of power.
• The most extended battery life ever recorded.
• It can be easily detached from that mount.

Cons

• It doesn’t support reflex sight.

Factors to Examine When Purchasing a Holographic Sight

This section discusses the best holographic weapon sight and what you should understand before purchasing one.

1. Dimension

Holographic hybrid sights come in various shapes and dimensions. When you choose an optic, think about the gun you’ll be putting it on. Depending on the purpose you have in mind, you may pick either the revolvers (handguns) or Rifles (Long guns). 

• Revolver: Holographic sights tend to be greater than red dot sights, but users may still buy tiny models with comparable footprints.
• Rifles: Guns like AR-15s or defensive rifles have a smaller optic. Users don’t want it bulky. Proper holographic sights have more possibilities than micro ones.

2. Model

The type or model of holographic optic a user wants will depend significantly on how it is coupled. In this section, there are many things to consider. Here are three essential tips:

• Mounting Alternatives: One of the most popular techniques to install a holographic scope is to use a rail, which is either built into the gun or can be attached. This is often seen on rifles. Most revolver (handgun) cases require a trim to accommodate the optic. Some are chopped by the manufacturer, while others require an optional modification. When selecting the trimming, keep the optic’s attachment dimension in consideration.
• Accessory Interface: To get the appropriate field of view, the user may need to lift the optic off the fastening spot. This implies that the user will have to check for a suitable alternative. They might also use the optic to fit with a GG3 magnifier. Once more, consider which vision combinations perform effectively around each other.
• Source of Energy: Holographic sights now have batteries that last much longer, but they would still need to be replaced. Some models let the user get to the battery holder without taking off the rear sight, while some will force the user to take off their focus on the target to detach the scope from the gun. Still, newly made models are powered by the sun and have battery packs, so that’s another alternative.

3. Affordability

There are holographic scope models for every income level. Different models have their own unique pros and cons. Some may have more features and capabilities than others such as prism sight. Anyone that needs it should first consider their budget. Nonetheless, some may need a high-end holographic sight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

With what types of firearms can I use a holographic sight?

You can use true holo sights (like the models from EOTech) with most shoulder-mounted small arms weapon systems. This includes modern sporting rifles, shotguns, bolt and lever action rifles. They can even be used to enhance accuracy on sub-machine guns, shoulder-mounted rocket launchers, and grenade launchers.

For EOTech clones and other pseudo-holographic sights, check the manufacturer’s guide. While most of these sights can handle the recoil most rifles dish out, they may not be up to the task of heavier hitting weapons.

Can I use a holographic sight for long-range shooting?

While you shouldn’t expect sniper-like precision from a holo sight, they can enhance accuracy on targets out to 300 yards. These are non-magnified optics, and their real advantage can be seen in close-quarter battle (CQB) situations where speed is essential.

Do holographic sights have parallax?

Yes. Parallax is an optical phenomenon that makes the reticle appear to shift when the shooter changes position.

Although some manufacturers tout their products as “parallax free,” all optics experience parallax to varying degrees. However, both red dots and holo sights are virtually parallax free.

Shooters will experience only minimal parallax when the reticle is in the center of the viewing window. Parallax increases as the shooter’s view nears the outer edges of the window. For best results, keep the reticle centered in the viewing window.

Does a holographic sight project a light beam onto the target?

No. A true holographic sight does not project any sort of visible light toward the target. The reticle is only visible to the shooter, eliminating the concern of your optic revealing your position.

Can I use my holographic sight with my iron sights?

Holographic sights (and most red dots) are designed to co-witness with your iron sights, especially on modern sporting rifle scope like the AR-15. You can zero your red dot or your holo sight reticle to coordinate, with your iron sights, allowing you to have a BUIS (or back up iron sights) if your technology fails.

The Final Verdict

Sometimes shooters spend tons of money on optics hoping for a quick-fix magic wand to instantly and miraculously improve their shooting. A holographic sight is a technological marvel that is certainly fast, accurate, and easy to use. However, it is only going to take you so far.

If you really want to improve your shooting skills, you need to practice. This is particularly true when you’ve added a new gadget to your tactical or hunting rig. Ultimately, the best weapon you have at your disposal isn’t your weapon at all, it’s your proficiency with that weapon. The only way to achieve proficiency is through practice.

Although this is an article about finding the best holographic sight, we understand that technology is expensive. We’ve included some optics that aren’t holographic sights (at least not by the strictest definitions). We did this intentionally to provide as many options as possible. While every optic on our list may not be a true holo sight, every optic that made the list will enhance target acquisition and your shooting accuracy.

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