Here are the 8 best red dot for AR15. We picked these based on quality, reticle size, battery life, durability, and cost.
When it comes to finding the perfect AR 15 optics, there are a lot of factors to consider. That's why we've narrowed down the top 6 options based on key criteria such as quality, reticle size, battery life, durability, and cost.
By taking into account these important features, you can feel confident that you're choosing a red dot sight that will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Check them out:
Best Red Dot For AR15
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Aimpoint Micro - Best Overall
Aimpoint Micro is the most rugged AR 15 red dot sight built with high strength to weight ratio 7075 T6 aluminum housing against the hard anodized surface. Aimpoint Micro has a reputation for ultimate reliability for law enforcement and military use.
Small and Compact - The optic is super lightweight and it's dependable for any AR15 builds
Waterproof - Fully sealed optic with IPX7 rated housing unit to withstand rainy and muddy conditions
Multiple Brightness Settings - 8 daylight settings and 4 Night vision compatible settings
Shock Proof - The optic retains zero during full auto fire and lets the user shoot accurately
- 2 MOA or 4 MOA dot
- 50K hrs
- 7075 T6 Aluminum
- 4.1 oz (Optic only
- 0.5 MOA / click
- Aimpoint Micro Footprint
Holosun 515GM - Best Budget Mil Spec AR 15 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 - Large Field Of View
The Holosun 510C open emitter reflex sight is the best red dot sight for AR15 under $300. It features a large field of view for fast target practice and competition, and 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 in-depth 510C review here
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Aimpoint Pro - Best Value
Buyers can purchase the classic 30mm tube style Aimpoint Pro AR15 red dot sight for under $480. It includes a mount, making it a great value. Although newer options such as the Aimpoint Comp5 are available on the market, the Aimpoint Pro offers excellent performance at a very reasonable price. If you're looking for a reliable and affordable red dot sight, the Aimpoint Pro is a top choice.
Precise Aiming Reticle - 2 MOA dot size standard for mid range and CQB
Always Ready & Always On - The sight stays on and runs on one single 3V type 2L76 or DL1/3N battery that lasts over 3 years.
Aftermarket Mounts - Use any 30mm aftermarket mounts.
- 2 MOA
- 50K hrs
- 6.8 oz (optic only)
- Aluminum + Titanium Hood
- 0.5 MOA / click
Holosun AEMS - Great Sight Picture
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 has the feel of a 509T but with a larger viewing area
7075 T6 Construction - Fully protected with recessed buttons to survive harsh field use. It's IPX7 rated (AEMS Core version features standard non mil-spec aluminum housing that costs $100 less)
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
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
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Holosun 507C - Best Offset AR15 Red Dot
More Cost Effective Than Trijicon RMR - The Holosun 507C is a great Trijicon RMR alternative for its durability and overall performance.
Low profile optic setup - Mount it on any offset red dot mount while using the same Trijicon RMR footprint.
Cost Effective - One thing people love about the Holosun 507C is it's much cheaper than an 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 from the side tray
Multi-Reticle - Switch between
- 2 MOA Center dot
- 32 MOA circle
- 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 in-depth 507C review here
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Sig Sauer ROMEO 5 - Best For The Money
The Sig Romeo 5 is a robust and compact 1X20mm red dot sight just under $150. It's by far the hottest selling optic for most AR rifles and pistol carbines before moving onto something more fancier.
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
Uses Aimpoint Mounts - Use any Aimpoint Micro mounts readily available on the market
Extended Battery Life - Runs up to 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
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Trybe Optics 1X - Best For Astigmatism
The Trybe Optics 1X red dot sight serves as an excellent entry-level option, with an initial build quality that surpasses competitors like the Sig Sauer ROMEO 5.
Featuring a 3 MOA dot, this sight is 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
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. We picked these red dot sights for AR15 mostly based on durability and price point.
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 is material between 7075 T6 and 6061 T6 aluminum body.
Is 2 MOA or 4 MOA Better?
2 MOA dot is the most common red dot reticle size for AR 15 rifles. It's small enough for long range aim, and big enough to see for close to medium range shots.
4 MOA red dot sights are rare these days, but they are much better for users with astigmatism and they are better suited for close range applications.
How Accurate Is The Red Dot On An AR-15?
A red dot sight on an AR15 can be as accurate as sub MOA at 100 yards. The key is to zero the red dot properly as the first step, and use a rock solid red dot sight mount to retain zero.
A red dot magnifier scope is very helpful when it comes to zeroing a 1 or 2 MOA red dot if the shooter's eyesight isn't 20/20.
What Is The Best Red Dot For Coyote Hunting
Most red dot sights recommended in this guide are good for coyote hunting. However, red dot sights without lens tint are the best option because it doesn't obscure the field of view.
As the content creator of badassoptic.com, My background in the firearms industry and shooting sports gives me the experience to recommend tried and true products and keep away subpar ones.