Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics [2023]: Red Dots to Magnified

Not sure what optic or scope to get for your AR? We’ve bought or used almost all of them…

We’ll cover 1x optics and magnified scopes, plus recommended mounts, accessories, and backup sights. 

All with view-throughs and hands-on experience.

By the end of this, you’ll know the perfect one for your budget and end-use.

Summary of Our Top Picks

1. Best Bang-For-The-Buck Red Dot

   Sig Sauer Romeo5

   Our favorite under-$200 red dot.

   $109 at EuroOptic Jump to Details
2. Best Budget Red Dot

   Sig Sauer Romeo MSR

   The most budget option that we still trust but requires more battery changes.

   $89 at Palmetto State Armory Jump to Details
3. Higher-End Red Dot

   Trijicon MRO

   Want something more robust? We love the Trijicon MRO.

   $409 at Optics Planet Jump to Details
4. Gold Standard Red Dot

   Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot

   The bombproof gold standard in red dots that is night vision compatible.

   $870 at Optics Planet Jump to Details
5. Goldilocks Red Dot

   Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO)

   Aimpoint for the masses that doesn't compromise on reliability.

   $482 at Optics Planet Jump to Details
6. Best Holographic Sight

   EOTech EXPS 2-0

   Our go-to holographic sight that's compact, reliable, and our favorite type of reticle.

   $669 at OpticsPlanet Jump to Details
7. Best 3x Magnifier

   Vortex VMX-3T 3x Magnifier

   When you want the advantages of a red dot plus magnification.

   $199 at Optics Planet Jump to Details
8. Best 1x Prism Optic

   Primary Arms Cyclops Gen 2

   Compact, doesn't require batteries, and great for astigmatism.

   $269 at Primary Arms Jump to Details
9. Battle Proven ACOG

   ACOG TA31F 4x32

   Want the most battle proven optic? It's going to be an ACOG.

   $1077 at Brownells Jump to Details
10. Best Bang-For-The-Buck Scope

    Primary Arms 1-6X24 ACSS Gen III

    Best bang-for-the-buck 1-6x scope.

    $290 at Primary Arms Jump to Details
11. Best 1-6x Scope

    Vortex PST Gen II 1-6x24

    Our favorite 1-6x that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

    $599 at Optics Planet Jump to Details
12. Best Hunting Scope

    VX Freedom 3-9x

    Our go-to hunting scope that's robust and with the perfect magnification range.

    $349 at Optics Planet Jump to Details
13. Perfect Backup

    Magpul MBUS

    Using a red dot or scope? You'll want some flip up back-up irons.

    $37 at OpticsPlanet Jump to Details

Show more (8 items)

Best AR-15 Red Dots

These are “red dots” or “reflex” sights which are exactly what they sound like…they superimpose a red dot as the aiming reticle.

Whereas with standard “iron sights” where you normally keep one eye closed and have to perfectly line up the two sights…red dots allow you to keep both eyes open and have a lot more leeway with where your head or eyes are positioned.

This makes them much faster in acquiring a target and also allows for more peripheral vision. Plus, they are much more useful in darker environments.

1. Sig Sauer Romeo 5

Red dots in the $100 to $200 space have multiplied recently and are picking up nice upgrades previously only available to high-end ones.

Sig Sauer Romeo 5 Specs:

• Magnification: 1x
• Dot Size: 2 MOA
• Weight: 5.1 oz
• Battery Life: 40,000 hrs
• Battery: CR2032
• Illumination: 8 daytime and 2 night vision

The Sig Romeo 5 brings eight daylight settings (that actually are visible in bright light) and two night vision settings.

PLUS motion on and off so you don’t have to deal with buttons. Not that you couldn’t just leave it on since battery life is at 40,000+ hours at a medium setting.

Glass is pretty clear with a good field of view.

And for around $120, it’s pretty robust that I wouldn’t hesitate to have it on a home defense gun. Check out the crispness and slight green glass indoors.

Another added bonus is that the Romeo5 comes with a high-rise that’s perfect height for AR-15 shooters.

We’ve put TONS of rounds through several units spread across ARs and PCCs..and they’re all still running strong. Get our full report in our Romeo 5 review here.

2. Sig Sauer Romeo MSR

How about our most budget pick that we would still trust to go on a defensive rifle? That would have to be the Romeo MSR which clocks in around ~$90.

Sig Sauer Romeo MSR Specs:

• Magnification: 1x
• Dot Size: 2 MOA
• Weight: 4.9 oz
• Battery Life: 20,000 hrs
• Battery: CR1632
• Illumination: 10 daytime and 2 night vision

You CAN go cheaper, but unless it’s purely for plinking, I would get this at a minimum. The MSR has taken over our previous affordable recommendation of the Bushnell TRS-25 since that was older tech.

The view-through is slightly smaller, but runtime is still rated at 20K hours at a low setting. Speaking of settings…there are 10 daytime and 2 night-vision settings on a stiff dial.

I’ve kept mine on at the 7-level but found at 9 months the battery had gone dead. So be sure to set up a schedule for 6 months or leave it at a lower level.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it’s a slightly weirder CR1632 battery.

However, dot is crisp, and glass is clear for the price point.

Plus…you get a lightweight high-rise mount that’s perfect for AR shooting.

3. Trijicon MRO

A relative newcomer to the high-end red dot game is the Trijicon MRO.

Trijicon MRO Specs:

• Magnification: 1x
• Dot Size: 2 MOA
• Weight: 4.1 oz
• Battery Life: 43,800 hrs (5 years) at setting 5 out of 8
• Battery: CR2032
• Illumination: 6 daytime and 2 night vision

It’s priced at around $400 but is smaller with a bigger field of view compared to others (such as the Aimpoint PRO down the list).

Check it out in action…

It has great reviews and has survived a bunch of abuse (High-End Optics Torture Test). 

From water submersion to drop testing, hot/cold cycling, and a variety of gun loads…the MRO survived with the best of them.

This is what I’d consider a duty optic.

Six daylight settings with one super bright one that works even in our desert hellscape…and two night vision settings.

There are a couple of different flavors based on riser…from no riser to 1/3 co-witness and full co-witness.

Our preferred one is 1/3 co-witness, so you can use irons as a backup — but they aren’t distracting.

Or you can opt for a quick-detach one from Midwest Industries.

Check out the full Trijicon MRO review and video for all our hot takes and tons of view-through sequences.

And if it suits your budget and end-use…

What’s your take on the MRO? Rate it below!

4. Aimpoint Micro T-2

The gold standard of red dots…the Aimpoint.

Aimpoint Micro T-2 Specs:

• Magnification: 1x
• Dot Size: 2 MOA
• Weight: 3.0 oz
• Battery Life: 50,000
• Battery: CR2032
• Illumination: 8 daytime and 4 night vision

Costs a pretty penny but lasts for 50,000 hours on one battery and is fully waterproof. Also has extreme weather capabilities (around -20 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit).

The Micro H-1 is what I run on my regular AK, where the optic directly sits on top of the gas block, which gets extremely hot.

Thousands of rounds and still going strong. I would not hesitate to go into something unknown with my Aimpoint H-1.

However, the H-1 is discontinued, and the new H-2 is hard to find as of now. So I would recommend the T-2, which has additional protection for the adjustment knobs AND night vision capability.

The 2 MOA red dot is still plenty good for close quarters but can be useful for further engagements or if you ever plan on using a magnifier.

And for a nice optic…you need a better mount that will hold zero better. I suggest Unity Tactical’s FAST mount, which lets you see through your irons still.

5. Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic)

What I recommend the most for someone who wants duty-rated optic.

The Patrol Rifle Optic optic is bigger but gives an even beefier enclosure, 3 years of continuous battery life, night vision capability, submersible up to 150 feet, and better temperature tolerance (-50 to 160 degrees).

Aimpoint PRO specs:

• Magnification: 1x
• Dot Size: 2 MOA
• Weight: 7.8 oz
• Battery Life: 30,000
• Battery: CR2032
• Illumination: 6 daytime and 4 night vision

Plus, it’s cheaper than the Micro and comes with a mount that adds a little more to the stated weight.

Check out our YouTube review of it after 3+ years and thousands of rounds:

We also have a full written review (with some hammer torture testing, of course).

Mounting a Red Dot

After you’ve purchased a red dot, there’s the little issue of mounting it to your AR-15.

This is usually a pretty easy thing to do, but to see how to accomplish it, check out the Daily Defense video from Brownells below.

Best Holographic Sights

6. EOTech EXPS2

For a long time, it was Aimpoint vs EOTech.

Aimpoint had its tubular “reflex” sights, while Eotech had its distinct “holographic” sights. While the technology was a little different, both were heavily used by the U.S. military and had fervent supporters.

Then a disaster hit EOTech and culminated in a lawsuit from the U.S. Government in 2015 for the sights losing their zero due to hot/cold weather and moisture.

But they are back.

And if you do like the large circle reticle, I would recommend the newer EXPS2-0 model, which allows for 1/3 co-witness with iron sights.

EOTech EXPS2-0 specs:

• Magnification: 1x
• Dot Size: 1 MOA Dot with 68 MOA ring
• Weight: 7.8 oz
• Battery Life: 30,000
• Battery: CR2032
• Illumination: 6 daytime and 4 night vision

It’s the smallest EOTech model currently and has clear glass, 1000 hours of battery life, an integrated QD mount, and tons of other stuff.

We test this and others from Vortex and Holosun in our Best Holographic Sights article and video below. Complete with video through each one.

If you’ve got moderate to severe astigmatism, then people usually have a better time with a holographic compared to a regular red dot.

Plus, holographic sights can survive complete destruction to their front lens without skipping a beat. And, oh yes…it was in our High-End Optics Torture Test and passed with flying colors.

Learn more in Red Dots vs Holographics.

Best Flip-Mounted 3x Magnifiers

Want the quick target acquisition of a 1x red dot or holographic sight…but still need to hit out farther?

We tested three of the most popular 3x magnifiers under $200 and found the best…

Drumroll…

7. Vortex 3x Magnifier

The Vortex 3x had the clearest glass, good eye-relief, changeable for lefties, easy to use mount, slim design, and was the lightest of the bunch.

Vortex 3x Magnifier Specs:

• Magnification: 3x
• Eye Relief: 2.2″
• Weight: 11.9 oz
• Field of View: 38.2 ft/100 yards

Check how it compared to the competition in our Best 3x Magnifiers shootout.

Best Prism (Fixed Magnification) Scopes

Now we dive into optics with some magnification!

We’ll first start with some prism scopes and then on to more traditional variable magnification scopes.

See all our Best Prism Scopes article as well as our full video review:

But these are our favorites

Prism scopes offer some great pros:

• Etched reticles so it doesn’t require batteries
• Much better for those with astigmatism
• More robust construction

But also some cons:

• Not cheap
• Heavier than red dot counterparts
• Worse eye relief and eyebox

8. Primary Arms 1x Prism (Cyclops)

First up is Primary Arms’ 1x Cyclops, that you’ll love if you have astigmatism and/or are deathly afraid of running out of batteries.

Primary Arms 1x Prism Specs:

• Magnification: 1x
• Dot Size: Cyclops Gen 2 Reticle
• Weight: 5.5 oz
• Battery Life: 25-50K hours
• Battery: CR2032
• Illumination: 10 daytime and 3 night vision

If neither of those points applies to you…stick with a red dot.

Otherwise, the Cyclops is nicely built and has decent eye relief for close-up work. We’ve had a good time with the series ever since the Gen 1.

It also has the ACSS reticle, which we love for higher magnifications, but at 1x, you don’t really get all the benefits.

Still…it was decently quick when you needed it.

Check it out if astigmatism is ruining your red dot life.

And now…the newest generation that’s even better…

Much smaller, better battery life, better eye relief, and tons of riser options in the box.

Check out the full review of the PA Cyclops 1x Gen 2.

9. Primary Arms SLx 3 Prism

Our overall winner for a prism sight goes to the Primary Arms SLx 3, which gives the perfect amount of magnification.

Primary Arms 3x Prism Specs:

• Magnification: 3x
• Dot Size: CQB-M2 Reticle
• Weight: 18.4 oz
• Battery: CR2032
• Illumination: Illuminated but no night vision mode

It’s only slightly slower at close quarters compared to a 1x prism or red dot…especially with the ACSS CQB reticle.

But it also enables you to reach a little farther out with ease…

Check out more of it in action in our Best Prism Scopes article.

10. Sig Sauer Bravo 5

Want a bigger field of view and more magnification?

Check out the Sig Sauer Bravo 5, which is one of the most impressive pieces of glass we’ve had the chance to use.

Sig Sauer Bravo 5 Specs:

• Magnification: 5x
• Dot Size: 5.56/7.62 Horseshoe Dot
• Weight: 23 oz
• Battery Life: 25-50K hours
• Battery: CR2032
• Illumination: 8 daytime and 3 night vision

With Megaview™ (lol), you get a much bigger field of view through its crystal clear glass.

The only knock is on its hefty 23-ounce weight…but it has three Picatinny rails that can be removed if you aren’t adding a micro red dot onto it.

11. ACOG TA31F 4×32

The Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) is battle-proven, compact, and basically bombproof.

The recommended TA31F version is a fixed 4x magnification and has a reticle calibrated for ARs shooting 5.56 from 0-800 meters.

The ACOG is expensive because it combines the best of all worlds…it does not need a battery during the day since its fiber optic system illuminates the chevron (upside-down V) reticle, while at night the tritium lamps take over and are guaranteed to glow for 15 years.

Trijicon ACOG TA31F Specs:

• Magnification: 4x
• Dot Size: ACOG Chevron
• Weight: 15.1 oz
• Battery Life: 10+ Years (Tritium)
• Battery: none

I would highly recommend trying one out in person since the fixed sight system is not for everyone.

Consider the ACOG or the Spitfire if you’re looking at mostly longer-range engagements since shorter distances require some getting used to.

But if you need a two-decade proven combat optic…it’s gotta be an ACOG.

And if that wasn’t enough…the ACOG was the only optic to make it through our High-End Optics Torture Test and still be usable at the end.

Need a tank? This is it!

We also cover more popular (and newer) models in Best ACOG Scopes.

Now with a full review video too!

Best Variable Magnification Scopes

12. Primary Arms SLx 1-6x ACSS

The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x ACSS is the winner of our Best 1-6x Scopes article.

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x ACSS Specs:

• Magnification: 1-6x
• Objective Diameter: 24mm
• Reticle: ACSS 5.56/5.45/.308
• Weight: 16.9 oz
• Battery: CR2032

Great glass at 1x plus a sweet reticle they dub the ACSS, that has a small reticle for precise shots and a larger circle for close-up targets.

1x is very clear, and there’s less distortion at 6x compared to the runner-up Strike Eagle 1-6x scope.

Here it is at the range.

We’ve also shot it a bunch in the desert and at competitions.

Here’s a 200-yard target that was almost too easy to hit once we learned our bullet drop.

We now have a full review of the 1-6x ACSS scope…AND Youtube:

And get a free Primary Arms mount (in the last dropdown) when you use our link.

13. Vortex 1-6x Strike Eagle

My previous 3-Gun optic of several years allowed me to much more easily hit the 375-yard targets at my local competition compared to a 1-4x scope.

The Strike Eagle 1-6x is very affordable and very clear glass from 1-4x.

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x Specs:

• Magnification: 1-6x
• Objective Diameter: 24mm
• Reticle: Strike Eagle
• Weight: 17.6 oz
• Battery: CR2032

I can see some hints of distortion at 6x, but since I usually only use the max magnification one stage a match, it doesn’t bother me.

If you’re shooting closer matches or distances, you can just turn it to 3-4x as well to minimize the minor distortion.

The reticle is pretty good for close-up shots as well as farther shots.

I paired mine up with an extended Aero one-piece mount for a super-secure hold and weight savings.

Recommended Add-Ons:

• Aero 30mm Extended Scope Mount
• Scope Throw Lever

14. Vortex Viper PST 1-4x

Now with great 1-6x scopes under $300…there’s almost no reason to have a 1-4x. But if you really want one…here’s my pick for one with great glass.

Vortex Viper 1-4x Specs:

• Magnification: 1-4x
• Objective Diameter: 24mm
• Reticle: TMCQ MOA
• Weight: 16.2 oz

The PST 1-4x is a higher-end 1-4x scope with better/clearer glass and a different reticle that excels at both close-quarters and distance shooting.

Second focal plane. With a better optic, I recommend a better mount as well.

Recommended Add-on:

• Vortex 30mm Mount

15. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x

What I now run in my competition rifle. The Viper PST II is the best combo of glass quality, forgiving eye box, and daytime-bright illumination.

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x Specs:

• Magnification: 1-6x
• Objective Diameter: 24mm
• Reticle: VMR-2 MOA
• Weight: 22.7 oz
• Battery: CR2032

That means for close-up shots, I can use it as a red dot (hard to show in pics)…

And get up to 6x zoom of crystal clear glass with almost no side distortion.

Plus, unless you’re in the blazing sun of the desert, the illuminated reticle is quite good.

Check out more in our Best 1-6x Scopes article.

Recommended Add-Ons:

• Aero 30mm Extended Scope Mount
• Scope Throw Lever

Best Hunting Scopes

16. Leupold 3-9x VX Freedom

One of our recommended hunting optics (Best Hunting Rifles) where you don’t necessarily need 1x but might need something more magnified. The 3-9x VX Freedom fills this need nicely and at a great price.

Leupold 3-9x VX Freedom Specs:

• Magnification: 3-9x
• Objective Diameter: 40mm
• Reticle: Duplex
• Weight: 22.7 oz

I’m running it on my 30.06 rifle, and so far, it’s held up to the pretty large recoil.

Glass is very clear at 3x.

As well as at 9x.

Plus, the 40mm objective lens brings in plenty of light.

The Freedom takes over from Leupold’s venerable VX-1 scope, which we previously recommended. If you don’t mind it being phased out, there could be some good deals there.

Recommended Add-On:

• Leupold See-Through Scope Rings

Best Long Range Scopes

This is a whole can of worms…check out our huge list in Best Long Range Scopes.

Best AR-15 Back-Up Iron Sights (BUIS)

Now that you have your primary sight, you’ll need some backup sights in case your primary breaks, runs out of batteries, or just falls off.

For 99.99% of their life, they will live flat underneath your scope. But if something happens to your primary, you’ll wish you had these to flip up!

Magpul Gen 2 BUIS

Polymer Magpul BUIS paved the way for backup sights to become mainstream. Affordable and still plenty accurate when you need them.

Magpul MBUS Pro

The latest iteration from Magpul, the MBUS Pro is steel instead of polymer to survive anything you can throw at it.

Offset Iron Sights

Maybe not for everyone, but if you’re competing and don’t have time to switch your AR-15 scope back to 1x…these offset sights from Ade Advanced will help you get a better time.

All you need to do is tilt your gun, and you have these ready for close targets.

Our budget picks so you can see if you want to upgrade to Magpul MBUS Offset ones (the Gold Standard).

And, of course…now we have full in-depth reviews of both Backup Irons Sights and Offset Iron Sights.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, we’ve given you a good starting point when it comes to choosing the perfect optic for your AR-15. From red dots to scopes and backup iron sights, make sure you have what fits your lifestyle.

And don’t forget to sight that baby in.

Of course, you’re probably going to need to mount your optic, so take a look at our list of the Best Scope Mounts.

Now that you’ve seen everything for the AR-15, from red dot sights to ACOGs and variable optics, what will you choose for your purpose? Need some glass for a non-AR platform like rimfire or long-range…check out our huge Best Rifle Scopes and Best Pistol Red Dots article. Or learn How-To Zero a Rifle Scope from the ground up.

The post Best AR-15 Scopes & Optics [2023]: Red Dots to Magnified appeared first on Pew Pew Tactical.