Best Red Dot Sights for the Money of 2024 (AR-15s, Pistols, & More)
Looking for the best red dot sight?
We've got you covered with options for your AR-15, pistol, shotgun, or any other gun that you own. Explore below to see our picks for all budgets. If you already have an idea of what you're looking for, you can use the links in the navigation box to jump ahead.
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Find the Best Red Dot Site:
Trijicon MRO - Best Red Dot Sight For the Money
Holosun HS403C - Best Budget Red Dot Sight
Trijicon RMR - Best Pistol Red Dot Sight
After reviewing countless choices, we've determined these to be the best red dot sights:
- Trijicon MRO
- Aimpoint PRO
- Aimpoint CompM5
- Aimpoint Micro T-2
- Trijicon RMR
- Holosun HS403C
- Holosun HS403B
- Vortex Crossfire
- Vortex Venom
- Ozark Armament Rhino
- Bushnell TRS-25
Continue reading to learn more about each choice, why we chose them, and find which is best for you.
When it comes to getting the best bang for your buck, without sacrificing durability and reliability, two options stand out for an AR-15 and other long guns. The Trijicon MRO and Aimpoint PRO are my clear frontrunners for best red dot sight for the money.
Trijicon MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic)
Though the Trijicon MRO isn’t the MOST budget friendly option on our list, let me explain why it’s my choice for the best red dot sight for the money on a value per dollar basis.
Trijicon MRO Key Information:
- 7075 (T6) Aluminum Housing
- 2 MOA Dot Size w/ 8 Brightness Settings (4 NV)
- Night Vision Compatible
- 50,000 Hours of Battery Life at Setting 5 of 8 (1 CR2032 Lithium Battery)
- Waterproof to 100 Feet
- Operating Temperature Range of -60°F to +160°F
- 25mm Objective Lens
- 5.8 oz w/ Battery & Lower 1/3 Mount
- 2.6" x 1.7" x 2.73" (L x W x H) w/ Lower 1/3 Mount
- 0.5 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustments
$480.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Trijicon is best known for their fixed magnification scope the ACOG. Various ACOG models have been successfully used by the United States military since 1987, making it the most battle-proven modern combat optic
In 2015, the company launched the MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) with the same focus on durability and reliability.
The sight’s housing is made from 7075 (T6) aluminum, unlike most competitors which use weaker 6061 (T6). To make sense of this, 7075 (T6) is the same material used for Mil-spec AR-15 lower and upper receivers. 6061 (T6) is usually reserved for parts like free-float handguards that do not regularly take as much of a beating.
Not just is the material stronger, but the MRO has also been tested and proven to the same durability standards required from the ACOG (MIL-STD-810G) and it’s waterproof to 100 feet.
Note: In order for the dots to show up on camera, I had to turn the brightness very high. This made it really difficult to take a correctly focused picture without the red dot "spreading". In many of the pictures, like the one below, the dot size may appear larger than in real life. Otherwise, these images should still give you a good idea of the sight picture for each optic.
In addition to its durability, the MRO’s battery life is 5 years on setting 5 of 8, which is plenty bright for most environments. Combined, this makes it an insanely reliable option for home-defense, “SHTF”, and even serious tactical applications.
In terms of actually using the MRO, its size and objective lens size make it stand out from its competitors.
The 25mm objective lens is the largest of all red dot sights on our list. While this doesn't technically increase your field of view because the optic is not magnified, it feels like it does to many shooters. It allows you to see more through the sight, rather than around it.
The large objective lens, combined with the MRO's short length, also makes "tubing" nearly non existent. Tubing is where you see the sides of the sight, making it feel like you're looking through a tube. Compared to the MRO's closest rival, the Aimpoint PRO, the MRO drastically outscores it this category. (See my comparison of the Trijicon MRO vs Aimpoint PRO.)
It's also lighter and much easier to fit on a rifle along with a magnifier behind the red dot sight.
Like I said in the beginning, cheaper optics exist, but I think the MRO is the clear winner in value per dollar spent. Not only would I say it's the best red dot sight for the money, but it's certainly in the conversation for the best option at any price range.
$480.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic)
Whereas Trijicon is best known for the ACOG, Aimpoint has the longest history of making top tier rifle red dot sights.
Historically, their products' prices have been out of range for many shooters, but in 2011 that changed with the Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO).
Aimpoint PRO Key Information:
- 6061 (T6) Aluminum Housing
- 2 MOA Dot Size w/ 10 Brightness Settings (4 NV)
- Night Vision Compatible
- 30,000 Hours of Battery Life at Setting 7 of 10 (1 2L76 or DL1/3N Battery)
- Waterproof to 150 Feet
- Operating Temperature Range of -49°F to +160°F
- 23mm Objective Lens
- 11.6 oz w/ Battery and Lower 1/3 Mount
- 5.1" x 2.2" x 2.6" (L x W x H) w/ Lower 1/3 Mount
- 0.5 MOA Adjustments
$441.00 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Aimpoint is the biggest name in rifle red dot sights thanks to years of proven reliability. In 2000, Aimpoint's CompM2 was announced as the U.S. Military's M68 Close Combat Optic. Their products have continued to be used by military and police forces around the world ever since.
Throughout all of this use, they've consistently proven to be durable and reliable, thanks to their rock solid design and incredible battery life.
The Patrol Rifle Optic is the most affordable red dot sight the company offers by a fairly significant margin. I feel that it's just as durable as most of their products, but it does have a few drawbacks compared to their more expensive optics.
First off is its battery life, which is 30,000 (setting 7 of 10) hours compared to many other Aimpoints at 50,000+. Still this is almost 3.5 years of continued use.
My more serious complaint of the Aimpoint PRO is its size. It's 2" (or more) longer than most of the competitors on our list and nearly double the length of the Trijicon MRO. It can feel a bit like you're looking through a black toilet paper role (tubing effect) some times.
The short video clip below (NO sound) demonstrates how this could be an issue for people who shoot from weird angles.
The length of the PRO also makes it difficult to fit a magnifier behind it. The picture below shows the Aimpoint Pro and a Vortex 3X Magnifier just barely fitting on the rail of my upper receiver.
Though I prefer the Trijicon MRO at around the same price, the PRO lets you sleep easy knowing that it's made by Aimpoint.
I've used the PRO on various rifles for a couple of years and have never experienced any problems with it. It's another great option for home-defense, "SHTF", or anything else you'd need a rifle red dot for.
$441.00 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Now let's take a look at the best red dot sights under $200.
In the past, those with only a $200 budget were quite limited in their options when buying optics. While they're not perfect, budget-friendly manufacturers have come a long way in the quality they offer.
The biggest differences between a sub $200 red dot sight and the more expensive ones covered above are quality control, reliability, and durability.
When buying from budget manufacturers, you're slightly more likely to get a "lemon". I've also seen and heard of more instances of budget optics dying for no obvious reason or losing some of their functionality over time.
Budget red dot sights are also usually rated to take less abuse than their more expensive competitors.
Lastly battery life can sometimes be pretty terrible in budget options, but I've factored this into which sights I chose. My top budget pick have battery life rivaling or surpassing higher end choices.
With all of that said, I'm not trying to dissuade you from getting what you can afford. When it comes to home-defense, competitive shooting, or even just casual plinking, the following optics are far superior to none at all. I've personally used these picks without any issues.
Holosun HS403C
For red dot sights in the $100-$300 range, Holosun is my favorite manufacturer. I've chosen the HS403C as the best red dot sight under $200 (though just barely under).
Holosun HS403C Key Information:
- 6061 (T6) Aluminum Housing
- 2 MOA Dot Size w/ 12 Brightness Settings (2 NV)
- Night Vision Compatible
- Dual Powered by Battery and Solar
- Up to 50,000 Hours of Battery Life (1 CR2032 Lithium Battery)
- Waterproof to 1 Meter
- Operating Temperature Range of -22°F to +140°F
- 20mm Objective Lens
- 4.3 oz
- 2.44" x 1.18" x 1.45" (L x W x H)
- 0.5 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustments
From $199.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Holosun is well known for making optics than can run on solar energy. The HS403C has the ability to use both solar energy and its CR2032 battery as a backup. The solar array can also sense the brightness level of your surroundings, allowing the option to have the brightness of the red dot be automatically adjusted to your environment.
It can run on solar energy is many lighting conditions, as it can be powered by both natural and artificial light.
Holosun says the battery can last up to 50,000 hours continuously by itself, though they do not specify on what brightness setting. With that said, the combination of the solar panels and battery should easily let the battery last at least a year in normal circumstances.
The HS403C is one of the smallest optics on our list, outside of the pistol reflex sights that we'll cover later. While the objective lens is smaller than the Trijicon MRO or Aimpoint PRO, its short length still prevents any noteworthy tubing effect.
I also love how slim the adjustment knobs and buttons are. This allows you to easily see all around the sight.
My one major complaint with the 403C is the mount that comes with it. I suspect it's a weak point durability wise and a quick look through some online reviews showed people have broken them. To be fair, however, that's par for the course among budget optics that come with mounts.
If I was limited to $200, the HS403C would be the optic I'd choose as a do everything red dot sight.
From $199.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Holosun HS403B
I won't spend too much time going over the HS403B, since it's nearly the same as the HS403C aside from its lack of solar panels and automatic brightness adjustment. The HS403B only runs on battery.
It does, however, have an auto shutoff feature paired with motion sensors to turn back on when moved. This helps your battery to last longer. The battery life is again listed at "up to 50,000 hours" of use.
The best part about the HS403B is that it's cheaper than the HS403C.
From $169.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Vortex Crossfire
If not going with a Holosun, the Vortex Crossfire is another great budget red dot sight.
Vortex Crossfire Key Information
- 6061 (T6) Aluminum Housing
- 2 MOA Dot Size w/ 11 Brightness Settings (2 NV)
- Night Vision Compatible
- 7,000 Hours of Battery Life at Setting 6 of 11 (1 CR2032 Battery)
- "Waterproof"
- 21mm Objective Lens
- 5.2 oz
- 2.5" Long
- 0.5 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustments
From $149.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
The biggest selling point for the Crossfire is Vortex's no questions asked lifetime warranty. It's unconditional, fully transferable, and doesn't even require having a receipt.
As for the optic itself, it offers a good sight picture and very clear glass for an optic in this price range.
Unfortunately, it lacks many features compared to optics we've covered thus far.
Its battery life is only 7,000 hours on its medium setting. Unlike the Holosun optics covered above, it does not have auto shutoff/motion sensing or anything else to aid in its battery life. I do, however, like that you can turn it off in between any of its 11 brightness settings making it easy to turn it back on to where you last had it set.
From what I can find online, Vortex also provides few specific ratings for how much punishment it can take. While mine has held up through normal use, I certainly wouldn't expect it to hold up to the level of an Aimpoint or Trijicon.
Despite some drawbacks, I still think it's a great option for certain gun owners. If you're looking for a budget red dot sight for casual shooting, it can easily do the job. Unlike most other optics, you don't have to worry if it does break. Just simply send it in and Vortex will take care of you.
It wouldn't be my first choice for home defense or anything serious though.
I wont lie to you, quality generally goes sharply downhill when you dip below $100.
Many of the optics you'll see in this price range aren't even rated to handle the recoil of real firearms. Instead they're intended to be use for Airsoft. In other words, good luck having them hold zero.
I understand, though, that not everyone has a lot of cash to spend on something like firearm optics, so I tested a bunch of budget options to find the best red dot sight under $100.
Here are my favorites:
Ozark Armament Rhino Red Dot Sight
The Rhino by Ozark Armament is my choice for the best red dot sight under $100.
Ozark Armament Rhino Key Information:
- Choose Between Both Red and Green Dots In the Same Optic.
- 4 MOA Dot Size w/ 5 Green and 5 Red Brightness Settings
- Up to 3,000 Hours of Battery Life at Medium Setting (1 CR2032 Lithium Battery)
- "Waterproof"
- 28mm Objective Lens
- 9.7 oz w/ Lower 1/3 Mount
- Roughly 5" Long by My Own Measurement w/ Lower 1/3 Mount
- 0.5 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustments
Though I'm not saying this is what Ozark Armament set out to do, the Rhino red dot sight seems to me like a great attempt at making an ultra budget-friendly version of the Aimpoint PRO. Though it's of course not as nice as the PRO, which is roughly 10X the price, it's a pretty great choice for the money.
It feels quite rugged when compared to most other optics in the $150 and below price range and I haven't had any major problems with it from normal use. Ozark Armament also states that it is rated for recoil up to 50 BMG.
I also really appreciate the mount that comes with the Rhino, which allows you to attach and detach the sight by hand. Aside from the obvious similarities in look and size to the PRO, Ozark's mount choice also reminds me of it.
It's Clearly Not the Aimpoint PRO
Now for the downsides of this optic that will remind you it's a budget red dot sight, aside from the most obvious things like its limited battery life.
For starters, the mount that comes with it doesn't seem like an absolutely perfect fit. My Rhino also appeared to be unlevel out of the box. This was a quick fix though.
The 28mm objective lens sounds great, but in reality it doesn't seem like you get the benefits of such a large objective lens measurement. I've also had issues of reflections of what's in front of the sight being seen through the sight.
Of all the red dot sights I've used, the Rhino is most prone to tubing. This makes it one of the least friendly options for shooting from strange positions.
The final frustrating thing about the Rhino is that I can't get the front lens cap closed. While it's a good thought to include lens caps, a non-functional front lens cap obstructs my view without any benefit when I'm not using it.
Though I did have my fair share of complaints about the Rhino, I still think it's a fantastic option for the price it costs. I wouldn't use it for anything too serious if you can avoid it, but it's a more than serviceable option for casual range shooting or even competitive shooting if it's all you can afford.
Bushnell TRS-25
The Bushnell TRS-25 was my first experience with a red dot sight priced under $100. I bought it on a whim out of curiosity because it was a best seller on Amazon.
Bushnell TRS-25 Key Information:
- 3 MOA Dot Size w/ 11 Brightness Settings
- Does NOT Include a Rise Mount
- 3,000 at Medium Setting
- "Waterproof"
- 25mm Objective Lens
- 4.0 oz
- 2.48" Long
- 1.0 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustments
There are three things going for the Bushnell TRS-25 in my opinion, aside from how cheap it is.
- It hasn't broken in the few years I've owned it. I actually wasn't expecting it to last this long when I bought and it and I've been fairly rough with it.
- It's a lot smaller than the Ozark Armament Rhino.
- Bushnell is a well-respected brand in optics, making some of the best products in other categories such as laser rangefinder for golf.
Aside from it being smaller, I really think the Rhino outperforms it.
The sight picture is generally pretty terrible. Despite its short length and "25mm Objective Lens", you have to be right behind it. If you're a bit off to any side, it's easy to lose sight of the 3 MOA dot.
Unlike the Rhino, it doesn't come with a rise mount, though you could buy a cheap picatinny rail riser to pair with it.
A final pet peeve I have with the TRS-25 is that I'm constantly unscrewing the battery cap when trying to adjust the brightness. The battery cap sits on top of the brightness knob, but does not fit tightly enough.
If you're fortunate enough to have no budget constraints or just want to get the best of the best, here are a few options you should take a look at.
Aimpoint CompM5 - Best Duty Red Dot Sight
Though the Aimpoint PRO should be durable enough for nearly any situation, Aimpoint does offer an even stronger red dot sight - the CompM5.
Compared to earlier Aimpoint CompM models, the CompM5 has an added front window to protect the front lens. It's also made from stronger 7075-T6 aluminum instead of 6061.
Battery life is also better than the PRO, at 50,000 hours at position 7.
It functions at the same temperatures as the PRO and is also equally submersible, though it comes in a smaller package. The CompM5 weighs 8.4 oz and is 3.3 inches long by 1.3 inches wide.
Aimpoint CompM5 Key Information:
- 7075 (T6) Aluminum Housing
- 2 MOA Dot Size w/ 10 Brightness Settings (4 NV)
- Night Vision Compatible
- 50,000 Hours of Battery Life at Setting 7 of 10 (1 AAA 1.5 V Alkaline LR03 or Lithium FR03)
- Waterproof to 150 Feet
- Operating Temperature Range of -49°F to +160°F
- 18mm Objective Lens
- 8.4 oz w/ Battery & Lower 1/3 Mount
- 3.3" x 1.6" x 2.8" (L x W x H)
- 0.5 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustments
$981.00 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
For those of you who need to be sure you're buying the strongest and absolute best red dot sight available, go with the Aimpoint CompM5. It'll cost you though... more than twice the price of the PRO.
Aimpoint Micro T-2
Let's take a look at one more Aimpoint offering - the Micro T-2
Whereas the Patrol Rifle Optic is on the large side, the Micro T-2 is the smallest red dot sight you can get that comes with Aimpoint reliability.
Aimpoint Micro T-2 Key Information:
- 6061 (T6) Aluminum Housing
- 2 MOA Dot Size w/ 12 Brightness Settings (4 NV)
- Night Vision Compatible
- 50,000 Hours of Battery Life at Setting 8 of 12 (1 3V CR2032 Lithium Battery)
- Waterproof to 80 Feet
- Operating Temperature Range of -49°F to +160°F
- 18mm Objective Lens
- 4.6 oz w/ Battery & Lower 1/3 Mount
- 3.0" x 1.6" x 1.9" (L x W x H)
- 0.5 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustments
$801.00 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Now for the best red dot sights for pistols, one of the best accessories you can add to your firearm to perform better (along with a handgun light).
I've narrowed these down to just two picks, first the best overall option, then one that's under $300 (almost $200).
Trijicon RMR Type 2
In addition to the ACOG, Trijicon is also really well known for their pistol reflex red dot sight - The RMR. They make a few different options, but I'll be talking specifically about the Adjustable LED RMR Type 2.
Trijicon RMR Key Information:
- 1, 3.25, or 6.5 MOA Dot Size w/ 8 Brightness Settings
- Night Vision Compatible
- 4 Years of Continuous Battery Life at Setting 4 of 8 (1 CR2032 Lithium Battery)
- Waterproof to 66 Feet
- 22mm x 16mm Window Size
- 1.2 oz w/ Battery
- 1.8" x 1.1" x 1.0" (L x W x H)
- 1.0 MOA Adjustments
From $509.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
For as long as companies have been making red dot sights specifically designed to be used on pistols, Trijicon has been the clear leader.
The major way Trijicon has separated themselves from the pack is battery life. The Adjustable LED RMR Type 2 can last 4 years of continuously being on at brightness level 4 of 8. It does this without relying on automatic shutoff or motion sensing, which always have the chance of not working when you need them most.
Despite its very small size, the RMR type 2 has also proven to be durable and is even submersible to 66 feet. Its durability, however, perhaps comes at the cost of a slightly subpar sight picture compared to other red dot sights for pistols. You'll notice the RMR Type 2 has a bulkier housing and smaller window size then the next reflex sight on our list. For what it's worth, this also makes it the ugliest pistol red dot sight in my opinion.
My last complaint about the RMR, when comparing it to the other options, is its glass clarity. It has a very noticeable blue tint, though this is due to a reflective coating that improves battery life. Basically, the "flaws" of the RMR are what help make it so dependable.
If going this route, I'd recommend the most popular 3.25 MOA dot size, but it's also available with a 1 MOA or 6.5 MOA dot.
Vortex Venom
The Vortex Venom is my choice for the best budget pistol red dot sight.
Vortex Venom Key Information:
- 3 or 6 MOA Dot Size w/ 10 Brightness Settings
- NOT Night Vision Compatible
- 30,000 Hours on Lowest Setting, 150 Hours on Brightest (1 CR2032 Lithium Battery)
- Auto Brightness Mode
- 14 Hour Auto Shutoff Feature
- Waterproof
- 1.1" (28mm) Wide Window
- 1.1 oz w/ Battery
- 1.9" x 1.11" x 1.02" (L x W x H)
- 1.0 MOA Adjustments
From $229.99 at Brownells
Prices accurate at time of publishing
Typically priced in the neighborhood of $200, the Vortex Venom is a pistol red dot sight for the rest of us.
It has a very sleek design, which combined with its glass clarity make it more enjoyable to use than the RMR.
As I listed above, there is a pretty drastic difference in battery life between these two optics however. In auto brightness mode, the Venom will shut off after 14 hours which helps this problem to some extent. Considering it also lacks motion sensing capabilities to turn itself on, this has me limiting it to range use or as a budget pistol red dot sight for competitive shooting.
I'm very apprehensive to use it for self-defense, but if you do, be sure to very regularly swap out its batteries.
Why Buy a Red Dot Sight
A red dot sight is an optic that displays a small red dot reticle. If you've played video games, this similar to a dot crosshair you may see in a game like Valorant, Call of Duty, or Overwatch.
Compared to iron sights, you can achieve faster target acquisition with a red dot sight. In other words, a red dot's simple point of focus allows you to get on target faster. Most find that their speed and accuracy increase using a red dot sight compared to iron sights.
Being illuminated, red dot sights are also better in low light settings.
Red dot sights also offer a huge advantage compared to other illuminated sights with more complex reticles. Some red dot sights can last more than 5 years on a single battery, whereas holographic sights, for example, usually can go less than 1500 hours on a single battery.
Best Red Dot Sight Summary
We've covered all of our top picks for the best red dot sights, but which is best for you?
The Trijicon MRO and Aimpoint PRO are our top picks for the money on a value per dollar basis, though they'll usually cost you more than $400.
If your budget is near limitless, the Aimpoint CompM5 is likely the most durable option. Aimpoint's Micro T-2 is the best micro red dot sight, though also at a high price point.
Holosun's HS403C is a more affordable budget option under $200 with some cool features, though we're not as confident in its reliability and durability.
As far as pistol red dot sights go, Trijicon's RMR Type 2 is the best available option, but the Vortex Venom is a fantastic budget alternative.
Finally, for ultra-budget rifle red dot sights for range plinking, there's the Ozark Armament Rhino or even the Bushnell TRS-25.
Trijicon MRO
Product Name: Trijicon MRO
Product Description: The Miniature Rifle Optic (MRO) is a 2 MOA red dot sight made by legendary optics manufacturer Trijicon. Its housing is made from 7075-T6 aluminum and it has up to 50,000 hours of battery life.
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Summary
The Trijicon MRO is our clear front runner for best red dot sight for AR-15s and other long guns. It’s made from a stronger material than most and is incredibly durable, yet has a superior sight picture to most other options. When you factor in the MROs 50,000 hour battery life, you can be confident this sight will be ready when you need it most.
Pros
- Up to 50,000 hours of battery life
- Waterproof to 100 feet and can function from -60°F to +160°F
- Huge 25mm objective lens, offering a great sight picture
- More affordable than other top optics
Cons
