Here are the 7 best AR15 red dot sights under $300We picked these based on quality, reticle size, battery life, durability, and cost.

$300 is the line between mid tier and high end red dot sights for AR15. This list contain products that we feel confident to hold zero and work as good as a high end red dot sight everything from $60 to $350.

Best AR15 Red Dot Under $300

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Holosun 515GM - Best Overall

holosun 515gm red dot

The Holosun 515GM offers a budget-friendly alternative for those seeking a red dot sight comparable to the Aimpoint Micro without the hefty price tag of over $800. Boasting mil-spec grade construction, this top-tier product from Holosun delivers quality and performance on par with the renowned Aimpoint Micro.

In terms of durability, the HS515GM boasts a 7075 T6 aluminum body that meets mil-spec standards. It shares the same mounting footprint as the Aimpoint Micro, allowing for the use of the same mount.

Additionally, the HS515GM is equipped with a 65 MOA ring and a center dot, which facilitates quicker close-quarters combat target acquisition compared to a standalone 2 MOA dot. Users can also switch to a 2 MOA dot for reduced reticle obstruction by holding the "-" button for 3 seconds, and revert back in the same manner.

Added Honeycomb flash hider - For tactical advantages, the Honeycomb flash hider eliminates lens glare so bad guys can't see you during sunny daylight

Recoil proof - This red dot sight can retain zero perfectly when handling 9mm, 5.56, 7.62 and 6.5 CM recoil, so use this with confidence on your AR and other carbines.

  • 2 MOA + 65 MOA Ring (red or green)
  • 50K hrs
  • 7075 T6 Aluminum
  • 3.74 oz 
  • 0.5 MOA / click
  • Aimpoint Micro Footprint

Holosun 510C - Best Selling

Holosun 510c on ar15

The Holosun 510C open emitter reflex sight has a large field of view for fast target practice and competition. The raised optic height sits perfectly on the AR 15 for most people's cheek weld positions.

Large Lens Window For Faster Shooting - This parallax-free red dot sight is easy to aim with both eyes open while shooting on the move or transitioning

Versatile Reticle System - Use the large CQB 65 MOA reticle circle for range estimation and it's perfect for fast close-range holdover

Solar Fail Safe - Solar panel kicks on if the battery dies in the field

Multi-Purpose For Various Firearm Platforms - Use it on any firearm other than AR15 thanks to its simple QD lever mount

At this price point, this is one of the hottest selling red dot sights that most new shooters are buying.

  • 2 MOA + 65 MOA Ring (red or green)
  • 50K hrs
  • 4.94 oz
  • Aluminum + Titanium Hood
  • 0.5 MOA / click

Read HS510C review

Holosun AEMS Core - Great Sight Picture

holosun aems red dot sight

This is Holosun's newest large window enclosed emitter red dot sight for AR15 . This is the perfect option for small PDW ARR15 setup with integrated/see-through lens covers (front and rear).

Smaller Profile - The AEMS Core is the sae

6061 T6 Construction - The AEMS Core version features is the same red dot sight as the 7075 T6 grade AEMS, but it's $100 cheaper and it doesn't come with a solar panel.

Motion Sensor - It's equipped with the MOTAC system found in numerous Holosun products, offering over 50,000 hours of use

Solar Or No Solar - The CORE model does not include solar capabilities to slash the price tag down to $300

Green or Red Reticle - Select your preferred reticle color, either green or red

CQB Ring Reticle - It features a 2 MOA central dot for precise targeting and a 65 MOA ring for range estimation

  • 2 MOA (red or green)
  • 50K hrs
  • 3.9 oz 
  • 7075 T6 forged aluminum
  • 0.5 MOA / click

Holosun 507C - Best Offset AR15 Red Dot

valhalla tactical RUKH offset mount side view


The Holosun 507C uses the RMR footprint to go on any existing aftermarket offset red dot sight mount. It's durable and useful for all types of competition shooting.

Fast Sight Transitions - Use the Holosun 507C along with a magnified scope for fast sight picture transition between mid range targets and close up targets

Cost Effective - The Holosun 507C X2 is much cheaper than an Trijicon RMR and it does the same thing.

Solar Panel Power - When the battery finally dies, the solar panel power will kick on and functions like a fiber optic sight under ambient lights

Side Loading Battery - No sight removal is required for battery swap and re-zeroing. Access the battery directly from the side tray

Multi-Reticle - Switch between

  • 2 MOA Center dot only
  • 32 MOA circle only
  • 32 MOA circle + 2 MOA Dot

*Change by pressing the minus button for 3 seconds.

The 32 MOA circle helps significantly for picking up the sight faster because it's big and easier to see.

  • 2 MOA + 32 MOA Ring (red or green)
  • 50K hrs
  • 1.5 oz 
  • 7075 T6 forged aluminum
  • 1 MOA / click

Read HS507C review

Sig Sauer ROMEO 5 - Best For The Money

sig romeo 5 with juliet 4 magnifier

The Sig Romeo 5 is a robust1X20mm red dot sight just under $150. It's one of Sig Sauer's hottest selling red dot sight for AR15 under $300. Many first time budget shoppers get this red dot sight when purchasing their first AR15.

Standard 2 MOA Dot For Fast Aiming - The 2 MOA dot is standard for most red dot optic for fast target acquisition and pin-point accurate shooting when using a magnifier

No Lens Tint - Very little lens tint under the sunlight or low light

Easily Mounting - Use any Aimpoint Micro mounts readily available on the market

Extended Battery Life - The sight lasts about 50,000 hours of battery life without having to turn it off

MOTAC - Motion sensor deactivates the reticle when sitting in idle to save more battery

  • 2 MOA
  • 50K hrs
  • 5.1 oz 
  • 6061 T6 aluminum
  • 0.5 MOA / click

Sig Sauer Romeo5 review

Trybe Optics 1X - Best For Astigmatism

trybe optics 1 X 20mm red dot

The Trybe Optics 1X red dot sight serves as an excellent entry-level option for just under $60. The build quality that surpasses competitors like the Sig Sauer ROMEO 5, and the entire body feels very rock solid without any wobble or loose parts.

The red dot sight features a 3 MOA dot, and it's ideal for pistol caliber carbines AR15, and can be particularly beneficial for users with mild astigmatism.

After testing with 100 rounds and swapping the factory optic mount, the Trybe Optics sight demonstrated its ability to maintain zero and withstand drops. The overall quality might suggest a price tag of $350 based on first impressions; however, its 1000-hour battery life, 1 MOA per click turret, 6061 T6 aluminum body, and IPX67 rating make it an outstanding value at just $60.

  • 3 MOA
  • 1000 hrs
  • 3.68 oz 
  • 6061 T6 aluminum
  • 1 MOA / click

The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 performs exceptionally well like the Trybe Optics 1X. The TRS-25 has earned its reputation as an excellent budget red dot sight because of its durability, compatibility, the clarity of the dot and time on the market. Although it may lack some advanced features, it is still a solid choice for those on a budget. We recommend the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 as the top red dot sight under $300.

It features a 3 MOA dot reticle, which enables it to be used effectively without magnification. Additionally, the dot is larger than a 2 MOA dot, making it easier to see and acquire targets.

This sight is both waterproof and fog-proof due to nitrogen-purging. It has a parallax of 50 yards and is virtually parallax-free throughout its effective range. The TRS-25 is engineered to mount on Picatinny rails, which means it is almost universally compatible. Furthermore, due to its unlimited eye relief, it can be used on a variety of firearms, including handguns, scout rifles, modern sporting rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders.


AR15 Red Dot Sights FAQ

How We Pick Red Dot Sights

There are tons of red dot sight products available, and you maybe overwhelmed by them. I've picked these red dot sights for AR15 mostly based on durability and price point. Anything lower than $60 for airsoft are not recommended for real steel use.

While the common denominators for a red dot sight now days are pretty much the same. Most of them have 50k hours battery life, 2 MOA dot, 0.5 MOA / click turret, multi coated lens and they retain zero fairly well. The biggest price difference from material, product origin, quality control and branding.