Looking for the best red dot for your AR? You have come to the right place. A red dot sight is an important sighting tool to add to your AR-15 accessory gear.
Since the AR-15 performs better at close and mid-range shooting, adding a red dot will help improve your accuracy.
They are lighter than scopes, easier to use, and much better for rapid target acquisition. Also, they allow you to shoot with both eyes open.
In today’s post, we will be looking at the best AR-15 red dots and hopefully help you find a good red dot sight that fits your needs.
Why Choose a Red Dot?
Red dot sights excel in shooting close-range targets. This is something you would struggle with especially with high-powered scopes.
You can also extend your range and shoot distant targets as well depending on the type of red dot sight that you are using.
Red dot sights are easier to use, simpler to install, and lighter than the traditional scopes. They provide quick speed and greater target acquisition.
On top of that, red dot sights provide unlimited eye relief and a wide field of view. When hunting, this helps you take out fast-moving targets with ease.
Best AR-15 Red Dots-Our Top Picks
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Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 Red Dot Sight |
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Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight |
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Vortex Optics SPARC Gen II Red Dot Sight |
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Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight |
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EOTech EXPS2 Holographic Red Dot Sight |
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10 Best Red Dot Sights for AR-15
What is the best sight for an AR-15? Given the wide range of red dot sights available on the market, finding the best unit for your AR-15 can be overwhelming for first-time buyers.
To make the search easy for you, we have a detailed review of the best AR-15 red dots available on the market. These red dots are versatile, durable, and dependable.
Without further ado, let’s take a look
1) Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 Red Dot Sight
We found the holy grail of AR-15 red dot sights. The Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 is a top-notch red dot sight suitable for multiple shooting activities. Its versatility makes it one of the best AR-15 red dots.
This game-changing optic can be used by the military, hunters, competitive shooters and law enforcement. It is easy to use and suitable for all shooters, beginners and professionals alike.
Weighing just 0.15kgs, the red dot sight is lightweight and easy to carry. Thanks to the compact design, you can take it wherever you want. Other than that, the red dot sight provides great visibility in almost all light conditions.
It has a 2 MOA red-dot which provides up to 10 different illumination settings, 8 daylight settings and 2 night-vision settings. For a reliable and practical shooting solution with your AR-15, look no further than Romeo 5 red dot sight.
The red dot sight can be easily mounted on a wide range of firearms. It has an integrated M1913 Picatinny interface which provides industry-standard mounting options. It also features an M1913 Picatinny low-mount riser as well as a co-witness 1.41-inch riser mount.
The Motion Activated Illumination comes in handy in ensuring long battery life. It powers up immediately it senses motion and powers down whenever there is no motion. This provides for maximum operational safety and longer battery life up to 40,000+ hours.
When it comes to construction, the red dot sight is well-made to provide long-lasting durability. It is also fully waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather reliability.
Features
- Dependable waterproof and fog-proof performance
- Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface
- Motion Activated Illumination system
- 2 MOA Red-Dot
- 10 illumination settings
- Two different riser mounts
Pros
- User-friendly
- Light, compact and easy to carry
- 40,000+ hours of battery life
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
2) Burris Optics Fast Fire II Red Dot Sights
When it comes to versatility and dependability, you can hardly beat the Burris Optics Fast Fire II Red Dot Sight. This sight mounts on almost all firearms. You can easily mount in on your pistol, rifles, shotguns and other sights. The 4-MOA bright red dot provides greater accuracy and fast target acquisition regardless of the lighting conditions.
The red dot sight is parallax-free. This enhances your accuracy in every shooting range. Thanks to the 1x magnification, you’ll be able to shoot with both eyes open and increase your situational awareness. Furthermore, the red dot sight features adjustable windage and elevation for greater accuracy and reliability.
This USA-made red dot sight is made to last. It is constructed of heavy-duty metal for greater strength and durability. The waterproof roof keeps the glass clean and prevents water entry.
Besides, the high-quality lenses are seamlessly made to provide bright, clear and sharp image views. Also provided is an automatic brightness sensor to adjust to different lighting conditions.
For added convenience, the red dot sight is compact, lightweight and easy to carry. It offers every feature you need to make your shooting better. It is also easy to handle and easy to mount. Without a doubt, Fast Fire II is a front-runner for the best AR-15 red dots.
Features
- Adjustable windage and elevation
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- 4 MOA red aiming dot
- Bright red dot for rapid target acquisition
- Waterproof roof
- 1x magnification
- Sturdy and durable construction
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Parallax free
- Both eyes-open shooting
- Easy to use and install
- Multiple firearms compatibility
3) Vortex Optics SPARC Gen II Red Dot Sight
The Vortex SPARC Red Dot Sight is an excellent option for the AR-15 rifle. The red dot sight offers a wide range of high-quality features at a decent price tag making it one of the best AR-15 red dots. It is compact, lightweight and user-friendly.
The red dot sight is built to handle any environment. The rugged construction makes the scope durable, shockproof and recoil-resistant. The whole unit is also O-ring sealed to lock out moisture, dirt and debris for dependable weatherproof performance in all environments.
The 2 MOA dot is very easy to use. It helps you to acquire the targets in close quarters quickly. You can also use it to identify distant targets with ease. Apart from that, the red dot sight incorporates adjustable elevation and windage for greater accuracy.
The multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces increase light transmission for bright and clear images. The unlimited eye relief provides fast target acquisition and comfortable views when shooting for long hours. On top of that, the sight has 12 different illumination settings for use in extreme lighting conditions.
Another impressive feature that makes the sight one of the best AR-15 red dots is the long battery life. The battery can last up to 700 hours on the highest setting and 50,000 hours on the lowest. Besides, it has a night vision compatibility at the two lowest settings, so you can continue to use it even when at night.
The sight is easy to mount and compatible with multiple firearms. Thanks to the integrated base with several heigh mount systems, the sight allows for either absolute co-witness or lower 1/3 co-witness mounting
Features
- Rugged construction
- Multi-height mount system
- Durable hard-coat anodization
- 12 illumination settings
- 2 MOA red aiming dot
- Fixed 1x magnification
- Weatherproof
- Windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Recoil and impact-resistant
- Easy to install
- Long battery life
- Night-vision compatibility
Cons
- Doesn’t combine with a magnifier
4) DG DAGGER DEFENSE DDHT Series Red Dot Scope
If you are on a budget, the DDHT Series Red Dot Scope Optic-Reflex Sight is your ideal option. The sight is designed to fit most standard systems for mil-spec 1913. It features locking screws for easy installation and sighting adjustments.
What makes this reflex sight stand out among similar products is the green and red reticles. This helps you optimize your choice of color and reticle shape depending on your preference and shooting environment.
The red dot sight runs on 1 CR2031 battery. There are 2 batteries included, one for the red dot sight and the other one as a spare. Also included is a lens cloth and 2x Hex Wrenches, so you don’t have to buy the tools or batteries separately.
In terms of construction, the reflex sight is built to last. It features an aircraft-grade aluminum shell for long-lasting durability. The aluminum construction also keeps weight at a minimum, so you can have an easy time carrying it in the field.
Features
- Locking screws for sighting adjustments
- Aircraft-grade aluminum shell
- Red and green reticles
- Compatible with most standard systems
- Non-magnified scope style
Pros
- 2 batteries included
- Best budget options
- Compact and lightweight
- Multiple accessories included
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Short battery life
5) UTG Reflex Micro Dot, Green 4 MOA Single Dot
The UTG Reflex Micro Dot is another high-quality sight compatible with the AR-15 rifle. The sight is crafted on a true-strength platform. It is made from 6061-T6 aluminum for maximum strength and durability while keeping weight at a minimum. Besides, the sight is fully waterproof, fogproof and shockproof for reliable performance in all weather conditions.
The sight has a 4 MOA red aiming dot and 6 different power intensity settings. You can easily switch from one setting to the other depending on the light/weather conditions. To save on battery, the sight has an auto shut-off feature that shuts it off after 60 minutes of inactivity.
The whole unit weighs just 0.12 pounds. The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry for long hours in the field. It also makes it easy to install. Besides, it has an adaptive mounting base that is compatible with Glock MOS and S&W M&P.
Features
- Sturdy and durable 6061-T6 aluminum construction
- 4 4 MOA red aiming dot
- 1-click illumination memory
- Adaptive mounting base
- Auto-shutoff feature
- 1 MOA per click windage and elevation adjustments
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Low-profile Picatinny mounting base
Pros
- Lightweight design
- 6 power intensity settings
- Matte black anodized finish
- Wide field of view
- Affordable
Cons
- Large emitter housing
6) Sightmark SM26005 Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
Here is another excellent AR-15 red dot sight. The Sightmark SM26005 reflex sight offers multiple brightness for both day and night use. With the digital control switch, this reflex sight offers 8 daytime brightness level settings and up to 6-night vision modes. This yields superior versatility.
The reflex sight is designed to offer unbeatable durability. It features a cast-magnesium alloy housing with a protective shield. It is also fully waterproof and fog proof for use in extreme weather conditions.
The installation process is quick and straightforward. You can easily mount it on a Picatinny or Weaver rail system using the quick-release mount.
When it comes to optical performance, the optics feature several layers of anti-glare coatings to provide bright and clear images. The lenses also feature a layer of protection from UV light.
The illuminated reticle enhances your accuracy when shooting in low-light conditions. Besides, the sight is parallax-free from 10 yards to infinity for added accuracy.
Features
- 1x magnification
- An anti-reflective multicoated lens with protection against UV
- Circle dot crosshair reticle
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- 2 MOA dot
- 120 MOA windage and elevation adjustment range
- Cast-magnesium alloy housing
Pros
- Parallax-free from 10 yards to infinity
- Lightweight design
- Long battery life
- Wide field of view
- Variable reticle brightness with night vision modes
Cons
- Limited adjustments
7) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope combines durability, reliability, and affordability in one compact and lightweight scope. This mid-priced red dot sight is easy to use and suitable for multiple outdoor applications.
The red dot sight has 11 adjustable brightness settings for use in extreme lighting conditions. The illuminated 3 MOA dot reticle provides quick target identification for better acquisition. You can choose the lower brightness settings if you want to extend the sight’s battery life.
This red dot sight is built to last. It comes in sturdy, precision-engineered housing to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. It is also shockproof and impact-resistant to stand up to bumps, bangs, and accidental drops.
For all-weather reliability, the riflescope is nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging caused by rapid changes in humidity and temperatures. Additionally, the optics are O-ring sealed to lock out moisture, dirt, and debris. It will stay dry even when submerged in water.
Overall, this is a high-quality red dot sight worth the investment. It mounts easily on most Picatinny rails. It is also compatible with most firearms, so you can use it with your AR-15 rifle and other firearms as well.
Features
- Parallax free from 50 yards
- Fully waterproof and fogproof
- Shockproof and impact-resistant
- 3 MOA illuminated dot reticle
- 11 adjustable brightness settings
Pros
- Compatible with multiple firearms
- Easy to install
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- Long battery life
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- No auto on and off feature
8) Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight
This no-nonsense red dot is well-made and is a great option for an AR-15. Its pinpoint accuracy sets it apart from other AR-15 red dots. Its outstanding performance is supported by a premium optical system that incorporates high-quality glass. The blue tint makes seeing easier when sighting in bright light.
Another great thing about this red dot is rapid target acquisition. The 2 MOA red dot maintains accuracy even at distances of 200 yards. Although, this red dog sight shines at 50 yards or below being able to stretch your limits can be handy sometimes.
In terms of build quality, Aimpoint Pro features a tough construction to ensure durability and shockproof performance. The reliability of this red dot sight is close to none. No matter, the weather conditions, Aimpoint Pro sight will get the job done.
The unrivaled performance is further enhanced by smooth adjustments. Elevation and windage adjustments are easy to make. The installation of the red dot sight is a pretty easy undertaking. For an all-around AR-15 red dot sight, look no further than the Aimpoint Pro Red Dot reflex sight.
Features
- Exceptional optical quality
- Rugged construction for durability
- High-quality glass for excellent light transmission
- 2 MOA dot with 10 brightness
- Optimum performance even under harsh conditions
9) EOTech EXPS2 Holographic Red Dot Sight
This is a top-notch holographic red dot sight built for close-quarter engagements when taking down fast-moving targets. The EXPS2 is a perfect addition to your AR-15 platform and is suitable for tactical and recreational shooting applications.
This holographic red dot sight has unique reticle patterns that facilitate quick target acquisition and deliver unbeatable accuracy at any range. With a 68 MOA ring surrounding a 1 MOA reticle, you will have the upper hand in any shooting scenario.
As one of the best AR-15 red dots, EOTech EXPS2 boasts unrivaled versatility. It has multiple brightness settings so you can adjust to any setting that corresponds with the shooting situation. Experience uncompromising targeting experience with a dependable unit.
When it comes to construction, the red dot sight features solid construction that ensures reliability and durability. Functionality is at the heart of this red dot’s design. It features easy-to-adjust side buttons for seamless operation. It also allows co-witnessing iron sights for optimal useability.
EOTech EXPS-2 is in a league of its own. The red dot sight is carefully tailored to the highest performance standards with emphasis on functionality, reliability and ergonomics. The red dot allows shooting with both eyes open ensuring full situational awareness.
Without a doubt, EOTech OPMOD EXPS-2 is a force to be reckoned with and a top contender among the best AR-15 red dots. EOTech’s line of optics is more than adequate for the AR capability and helps unlock the full power of your weapon.
Features
- 20 brightness settings for use in any lighting scenario
- Side button operation
- Runs on a single battery to reduce sight length
- Waterproof
- Solid construction for rugged use
- Quick detach lever for mounting on the rifle platform
- Support lower-third co-witnessing with iron sights
Pros
- Allows quick target acquisition
- Compatible with red dot magnifiers
- Easy installation and removal
- Made in the USA
- Comes with a 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Lacks night vision compatibility
- Expensive for budget buyers
10) Sig Sauer Romeo4T Tactical 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
When you need to acquire targets speedily and accurately, mount the Romeo4T red dot sight on your rifle. Combining superior optical quality and top-notch build quality, the Romeo4T is arguably one of the best AR-15 red dots.
The red dot sight offers unlimited eye relief for optimal comfort and allows you to shoot with both eyes open for full situational awareness. Mounting the red dot sight on your rifle will help hone your shooting skills with the precision and sighting power of a dedicated optic.
The other positive attribute that makes the Romeo4T red dot sight one of the best AR-15 red dots is the robust construction. The red dot sight is waterproof and fogproof to ensure reliable performance.
Moreover, its rugged design and impact resistance can tolerate the toughest field conditions. The housing is made of aluminum making it lightweight yet resilient to ensure relentless performance for many years.
This premium red dot sight has an impressive battery life of up to 50,000 hours. Backing up the battery is a solar charge. Transform your close-range to medium-range engagements by mounting an effective and functional red dot sight on your AR-15.
Features
- Tough construction
- Unlimited eye relief
- Efficient red LED illumination
- MOTAC feature
- 100,000 hours with solar and battery usage
- Waterproof, shockproof and fogproof
- Accurate reticle options
Pros
- Easy to install
- Rich in functional features
- Fantastic reticle for accurate shots
- Outstanding build quality
- Crisp dot and clear glass
- Unrivaled battery life
- Mount and lens cover included
- Excellent warranty
Cons
- Expensive
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Best AR-15 Red Dots Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider When Buying Best AR-15 Red Dots
Whether you are buying your first AR-15 red dot or looking for an upgrade, here are some of the key factors you should consider to make the right buying decision.
Reticle Size
The size of the red dot sight’s reticle is one of the most important factors you should pay keen attention to. Large-sized reticles enhance target acquisition time however, they can easily wipe out the whole target.
A red dot sight with a smaller reticle of about 2 MOA or less is your ideal choice if you want extra precision. It is easier to aim accurately, but difficult to acquire the target quickly.
Brightness Settings
Red dot sights with multiple brightness settings are more versatile and suitable for use in extreme light conditions. If you intend to use the red dot sight in low light conditions, make sure that it has high brightness settings. This enhances your shooting accuracy by providing more visible images.
However, you must get a red dot sight with the right brightness settings. If the brightness setting is too bright, you might end up receiving blur images. This will drastically minimize the accuracy and usability. That’s why most red dot sights have adjustable brightness settings, so you can easily switch to the setting that suits your environment.
Magnifier Compatibility
Red dot sights with magnifier compatibility are the best. You can mount the magnifier behind the red-dot sight and be able to bright distant targets closer. Their main drawback is that they magnify the aiming reticles as well.
So, if your reticle aim point normally looks like a tiny star, it will turn into a big star after magnification. To solve this problem, you should isolate a small piece of the reticle for zeroing and precise aiming.
Power Source
Red dot sights are either powered by a battery or don’t have any battery. The non-magnifies red dot sights don’t run on the battery. These red dot sights are quite useful and more reliable.
However, they have some drawbacks. They use fiber-optic equipped reticles which can wash out the whole target in very bright conditions. They are also difficult to use in low-light situations.
Red dot sights that run on batteries are easier to use even in low light conditions. You can easily adjust the brightness settings depending on the lighting situation. You can also choose to use the low-light settings when you want the battery to last longer.
Reticle Type
Red dot sights reticles are available in different forms. The common types include dots, hollow circles, triangles, and crosshairs among others. The best reticle type is one that’s easy on your eye and suitable for your needs.
Durability
The other important factor to consider when buying a red dot sight is the quality of construction. Red dot sights are made to be used outdoors. Therefore, the sight that you choose should be durably made to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions.
It should be shockproof and impact-resistant to stand up to bumps, knocks, and falls. The unit should also be fully waterproof and fog proof for use in extreme weather conditions.
Night Vision Compatibility
If you intend to use the red dot sight at night, you’ll want it to be compatible with a night vision device. You can also look for a red dot sight with both day and night modes. That way you can easily switch to night mode when shooting at night.
Read: Best Scopes for Coyote Hunting
How Do the Red Dot Sights Work?
Red dot sights have two parts, a sight that is scoped in the main tube and the reticle. The size of the scope tube is shorter than that of a traditional riflescope. The reticle uses a lighted dot at the center.
The size of the dot varies from one unit to the other. It can be as large as 5 MOA or as small as 1MOA. Military red dot sights mainly use the 1MOA size because it provides more accurate target acquisition. For hunters, sights with less than 2 MOA sizes are the best.
To have a better understanding of the MOA coverage, here is what you need to know. 1 MOA will cover 1-inch at 100 yards. Therefore, if the target is 500 yards away, the dot will cover 5-inches of area.
If you are using a sight with a 5MOA size, it will cover 25-inches with a target that’s 500 yards away. This can be too big to handle for a beginner and only suitable for professionals.
But, if you are hunting deer-sized targets inside 100 yards, a sight with a 5MOA size, the dot will cover 5-inches of area. This can cover the whole heart and lung area of the target you are pursuing. So, if you place an accurate shot, you’ll be able to take out the target.
See Also
Best AR-15 Red Dots FAQs
Q: Should I Use a Scope or a Red Dot on My AR?
It depends. If you only shoot close range, that is less than 100 yards, or use your rifle for home defense, you should go for a red dot. It is easier to use, easy to mount, and lighter. However, if you shoot long-range that is 100+ yards, go for a magnified scope designed for long-range shooting.
Q: Are Red Dots Good for AR-15?
Yes. Red dots excel in close-range shooting where a high-powered scope would struggle to provide accurate target acquisition. Even better, mount the magnifier behind the red-dot sight and use it to shoot targets at a distance.
Q: Which is the Best AR-15 Red Dot?
The best AR-15 red dot is one that suits your shooting needs best. It should have the right reticle size and be easy to use. Additionally, it should be well-made to withstand harsh outdoor environments and ensure many years of field use.
Conclusion
We hope that you have found this buying guide helpful. AR-red dot sights are designed to be easy to use and easy to adjust the red dot intensity depending on the lighting condition. All the red dot sights listed above are quality, highly accurate, and reliable. Use the guide above and choose the unit that best suits your needs.