10 Best Red Dot for AR 15 for the Money: Budget Buying Guide

Want to level up your shooting ability? Maximize the capabilities of your AR 15 with a red dot sight!

There are so many options in the market. So how will you know which one is the best AR 15 red dot sight for you?

To make things easy for you, I made this review of the best red dot sights that stand out in the market.

If you read on further, I included a buyer’s guide as well, so you’ll know what to look out for when choosing an AR 15 red dot.

Best Overall

Aimpoint Comp M4 2 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight

• Magnification: 1 x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 23 mm
• Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
• Adjustment Click Value: 1.6 cm at 100 m
• Optical Coating: Multi-Coated
• Battery Life: 80000 Hours
• Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
• Magnification Type: Fixed
• Lens Finish: Multi-Layer Anti-Reflex

Best Price on OpticsPlanetCheck on Amazon

Best Value

Trijicon MRO Patrol Riflescope

• Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
• Adjustment Type: MOA
• Battery Life: 5 years of continuous use at Day-Setting 3
• Weather Resistance: Yes
• Fogproof: Yes
• Lens Type: Angled Glass

Best Price on OpticsPlanetCheck on BrownellsCheck on Amazon

Best Budget Red Dot Sight

Leapers UTG ITA Micro Red Dot Sight

• Magnification: 1 x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
• Reticle: Dot
• Illumination Color: Green, Red
• Brightness Settings: 5
• Eye Relief: Unlimited
• Field of View, Linear: 95 ft at 100 yds
• Magnification Type: Fixed
• Tube Diameter: 38 mm
• Attachment/Mount Type: QD Mount, Picatinny

Best Price on OpticsPlanetCheck on Amazon

Best Red Dot for AR 15: Top 10 Picks

1. Aimpoint Comp M4 2 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight

BEST OVERALL

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Amazon «

The Aimpoint Comp M4 2 MOA is my best overall pick for an AR15 red dot sight. 

It’s used by the United States Army, so it immediately has my trust!

While it is on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth the investment if you’re going to take enhancing your AR 15 seriously.

This best red dot sight uses a standard AA battery that can provide you with 80,000 hours of battery life.

Being the best out of all AR 15 red dot sights on this list, this Aimpoint sight has seven different night-vision options and nine daylight settings.

One of which is an EXTRA bright setting. You can use six different brightness settings for 24-hour performance.

I have, and was able to perform at the same consistency throughout!

This red dot scope is made out of clear glass with multi-coated lenses, giving you the best light transmission.

This best red dot sight is durable and usable when submerged 150 feet deep underwater.

2. Trijicon MRO Patrol Riflescope

BEST VALUE

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

Just like the Aimpoint, the Trijicon MRO is a bit pricey, but WORTH IT! Trijicon is the real deal when it comes to bombproof optics.

It’s made to be used with the AR 15, giving you a variety of mount choices.  This red dot scope has a 25 mm objective lens with a 2 MOA dot reticle.

The 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum makes it one of the MOST DURABLE sights for an AR 15. To me, it’s as tough as diamonds!

Its fully multi-coated glass gives me extremely clear and crisp images that a red dot could ever give!

This red dot optic gives you a vast viewing area and easy-to-find light adjusters. It can run on a SINGLE lithium battery.

It’s incredibly bombproof and durable, so you use them in extreme conditions. I’ve dropped it a bunch of times but could still use it!

You can still use it even if it’s 100 feet deep submerged in water. I’ve even crossed a river with this thing, and it was still fully functional!

This red dot sight offers eight different brightness settings, two of which are night-vision compatible. It has five daylight settings and one ultra-bright setting.

It’s very light and portable, measuring 2.6 inches long and weighing 4.1 ounces. It also comes with a 2 MOA dot reticle.

3. Leapers UTG ITA Micro Red Dot Sight

BEST BUDGET RED DOT SIGHT

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Amazon «

If you’re looking for a budget red dot sight, this is the red dot optic pick for you!

This is a versatile model that can be used on different types of firearms. From handguns to rifles to shotguns, it’s the perfect pick! Definitely a great fit for an AR 15.

These mini red dot sights come with a quick detach mounting deck making them easy to remove if you need to switch them out.

It has a standard 4 MOA red and green dot and a 65 MOA circle reticle making it usable in bright light and low light conditions.

The brightness levels can be adjustable to five different settings so that you can get that perfect light transmission at any moment. It’s also best used as an absolute co-witness for backup iron sights.

This miniature rifle optic is affordable and cheaper than most sights but is still made out of high-quality materials. It’s made out of a high-tech emerald coating, making it very durable.

It’s a prevalent choice among amateur and even experienced shooters. I found it most useful!

You’re also guaranteed a two-year warranty when you purchase this red dot sight. This UTG sight is the best budget red dot sight for AR 15s!

4. Sig Sauer ROMEO 5 1x20mm Compact Red Dot Sight

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Amazon «

The Sig Sauer brand is known for its handgun-only accessories. But with the Romeo 5, they’ve entered the military and sporting market.

The Sig Sauer Romeo 5 is one of their products that excelled in the red dot sight market.

It has a 2 MOA red dot reticle with a 1 x 220 mm optic. Built with 10 total elimination settings, it’s perfect for beginner shooters.

This was one of my first ever red dots!

The main selling point of this sight is that it’s equipped with a MOTA Motion Activated illumination system.

The red dot automatically powers down when not in use, allowing me to save battery life, which can last a whopping 40,000+ hours.

This red dot offers an industry-standard mounting system with its M1913 Picatinny rail interface.

You get low parallax and unlimited eye relief for easy and fast target acquisition.

Its rugged structure and waterproof abilities are more than enough to give the Romeo 5 a spot on the best AR 15 red dot sight list.

The packaging of this dot sight comes with a secondary weaver style full rail and a 1.41 rise mount.

It truly is one of the best dot sights for AR-15 shooters. I highly recommend it.

5. Trijicon RMRcc Sight Adjustable LED Red Dot

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

If you can afford to spend a little more, this Trijicon RMR is a high-quality pick.

It’s quite pricier and more high-end than other red dot sights in the market, but the quality does not disappoint!

It’s one of the smaller dot sights for AR 15. Small enough to be used on a handgun!

The Trijicon RMR is the lightest but still durable among the different brands of red dot optics. Built with aircraft aluminum, it’s waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.

It comes with a 3.25 MOA red dot that uses an LED dot system.

There’s also an adjustable brightness setting with an automatic brightness model that you can modify with just the push of a button.

This red dot sight can be used with two eyes open shooting, giving you a wide field of view with a very crisp red dot.

It can be utilized as a main optic or a backup to a gun equipped with a magnified optic.

The brightness settings of the Trijicon RMR include a 2-night vision and one super bright level.

You can adjust it however you want, but consider the weather and background light your target is placed in.

The Trijicon RMR red dot sight has a well-built electrical design that includes and operates on special heavy-duty batteries.

This makes it perfect for use in the field where conditions are harsh.

6. Vortex Optics Sparc Red Dot Sight Gen II

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Amazon «

The Vortex Optics Sparc is made from aircraft aluminum, making it one of the STURDIEST red dot optics on the market.

Throw it, smash it, it’ll stay intact. Perfect for extreme field conditions!

The sight magnification is 1x, but most red dot reflex sights don’t have magnifying capabilities anyway. It’s not a problem at all in my experience!

Its capabilities are enhanced when coupled with a two-setting MOA dot sight. 

The Vortex Optics Sparc is very easy to use with its rotating dial for switching MOA settings.

You can modify the brightness settings of this sight, giving you the ability to adjust to daylight and low light.

This Vortex Optics model is a versatile sight with multiple height mounts that make a great fit for any firearm, especially an AR15.

7. Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

This Aimpoint sight can easily be a competitor for the best overall pick. The Aimpoint brand is very well-known for the best red dot scopes in the market.

The Aimpoint PRO may seem more expensive than the others in this list, but it offers many high-quality features.

It has a 2 MOA circle dot reticle that’s visible in both high and low-light situations.

Its bulky and heavy structure can protect the inner sight parts for up to 150 feet underwater.

You can use this sight in extreme temperatures because it works in environments as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

You won’t have to worry about battery life because the Aimpoint PRO is powered by a 3V lithium battery that can last up to 30,000 hours.

Check out my comparison guide of Aimpoint and Vortex to learn more.

8. EOTech EXPS3 Holographic Weapon Sight

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

The EOTech brand is known to make some of the best holographic sights on the market. I’m a HUGE fan!

It’s also a great competitor of Aimpoint, with the only difference being that Aimpoint red dot sights have a more versatile design. 

However, it comes at the cost of battery life.

This EOTech EXPS3 holographic sight is compact, with every part reduced in size except for its viewing window.

It offers a holographic reticle that can work intuitively with magnifiers.

The EXPS3 holographic sight uses the EOTech reticle with its 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA red dot.

This gives you FAST target acquisition and a wide field of view in short-and mid-range activities.

With these holographic sights, you can use 20 different daylight settings and 10-night settings.

This is your best bet if you’re looking for a top-tier holographic weapon sight!

9. Burris Fastfire III

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

The Burris Fastfire III is a great investment if you plan to use it on a range of firearms.

It comes with a 3 MOA reticle that’s built for quick target acquisition. This sight costs slightly higher than the price range of budget red dot sights.

You can easily remove the mount without a hassle! I also found its recoil tolerance pretty impressive!

It’s able to withstand the recoil of my semi-automatic 0.45 handgun and even a 460 XVR pistol.

Its elevation adjustments are also possible without any extra tools. It has a magnification level of 1x and a diameter of 0.8×0.6 for its objective lens.

The Burris Fastfire III red dot sight will last you a lifetime with its lithium-ion battery.

You can also choose to adjust its brightness settings manually or rely on its auto-brightness feature.

You can also see how the Burris Fastfire 3 compares to the Trijicon RMR if you’re interested.

10. Bushnell TRS 25

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Brownells «
» Check Price on Amazon «

The Bushnell TRS 25 is a good quality pick if affordability is your priority. It comes with rapid fire resistance and greater recoil control.

Plus, it holds its zero steadily!

This affordable sight has a 3 MOA giving you the best accuracy. Its body is 100% shockproof and waterproof, helping it last in extreme environments

It has multiple brightness settings making it usable both in the day, low light, and nighttime conditions.

It may not be as fancy as the other red dots in this list, but you can get the basic features and high-quality performance at a more affordable price.

BONUS Budget Option: Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight

BUYING OPTIONS:
» Best Price on OpticsPlanet «
» Check Price on Cabelas «
» Check Price on Amazon «

The Sightmark Ultra Shot sight has a dual-pane lens system that gives you no parallax and a built-in laser.

This model’s main feature that makes it stand out is its four reticle patterns. It’s an affordable option with all the basics.

These include:

• Sight adjustment
• Optional pressure switch
• Necessary batteries for both sight & laser

The Ultra Shot sight comes with a Scope Coat and Lens Cleaning Cloth. The red dot is designed with a transparent red dot reticle.

To use it with night vision, it needs to be paired with another device with that function, such as night vision goggles or external scopes.

What Is a Red Dot Sight?

A red dot sight is an optic that you attach to a firearm to achieve a MORE PRECISE shot.

It helps you set your target for moderate to long-range shooting.

They are called red dot sights since they have the traditional red reticle. But you will see some red dots having a green dot reticle option for low light conditions.

Red dot sights do not utilize internal magnification because they’re fixed at 1x magnification.

Sights are designed for target acquisition up to 300 yards away.

They can be mostly used on AR 15, enhancing its performance and ensuring a PRECISE and ACCURATE target acquisition.

Do note that red dot scopes are different from laser sights.

Laser sights are the red laser dots and lines you use for aiming external of your sight, while red dot sights refer to the reticle of red dot optics.

Basically, the best red dot sights improve shooting accuracy for both rifles and pistols.

They are mostly used in combat-related target shooting, home defense, hunting activities, and military operations.

Benefits of a Red Dot Sight

Getting red dot sight optics will enhance your aiming at a lower price compared to other optics.

You can use it for home defense, military, and law enforcement combat use.

Compared to optics like laser sights, red dot sights are SAFER to use.

Laser sights, if not used properly, can cause damage when directly exposed to the eye, leading to permanent injury.

Compared to iron sights, red dot sights are also generally LIGHTER than most optical devices. Mostly built with aircraft-grade aluminum, they weigh less but are also very durable.

A red dot sight will give you a natural sighting of your target, giving you a comfortable, safe, and fast target acquisition.

In my opinion, it’s the PERFECT optic sight for an AR 15!

How Do Red Dot Sights Work?

Red dot sights operate on a two-part unit sighting system.

The sight is first scoped in the main tube, just like standard rifle scopes, but much shorter.

After that, the tube uses the lighted dot in the center of the reticle.

This dot can come in different MOA sizes from 1 MOA up to 5 MOA. The MOA will depend on the purpose of the dot sight.

For example, most military dot sights use 1 MOA size since the target can be blocked out by having a larger MOA dot over it.

Police entry sights use larger MOA for their reticles as engagement distances are much closer.

The MOA size depends on coverage, so you should know what you will use your red dot for before choosing one.

A single MOA can cover 1 inch at 100 yards.

For example, if a target is 600 yards away, the MOA on your reticle can cover 6 inches of area.

How to Set Up Your Red Dot Sight

When the dot sight for AR-15 is mounted, it doesn’t mean it’s immediately ready for use.

You should first set the zero location to guarantee an accurate lineup of where you’re aiming.

Inaccurate firing can be a waste of a bullet, especially if you’re hunting in the wilderness. 

I know how frustrating it is when your target flees once the first gunshot is fired!

You’d want to ensure that the sight is placed properly and the zero location is consistent.

You should set it up in a way that you only have one shot to get your target. To zero your red dot, you should:

1. Set a target 25 meters away.
2. Center the dot on the target while your firearm is mounted on a solid rest.
3. Fire one round and take note of where the point of impact is.
4. Adjust the dots accordingly.
5. Fire a second round to see if the lineup is accurate and repeat until the target is consistently hitting the center.

You can also take a look at my Guide on Using a Red Dot Sight for a more thorough walkthrough.

Where to Position Your Red Dot Sight

The first thing you should do is find the middle spot on your rail. Positioning your sight at this part will give you MAXIMUM accuracy.

Putting it at the rear part of the AR rifle makes it too close, distorting your perception of the field and surroundings

It can also diminish peripherals, and can easily distract you.

The red dots will keep you in focus no matter where you put them on the rail space, so you don’t need to put them very near your eyes.

AVOID rear mounting the sight if you have a non-monolithic upper receiver.

If you want to get that maximum field of vision, put the sight on the forward portion of the upper receiver, which is also the most secure part of the gun.

Placing it here will allow you to avoid any accidents and damages from recoil. 

Your success in shooting your target will rely on WHERE your red dots are placed. Keep this in mind!

How to Choose Your Red Dot

There are many things to look out for, especially if you plan on using it in particular situations.

You should also know if the price is worth it!

Several red dots have all the necessary features needed but others might be MORE effective in specific shooting situations.

Likewise, some might have fancier features but MIGHT NOT be effective for your goal.

Most red dot sights might be pricey with all the fancy high-quality features. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need all of those.

If you’re a hobbyist or a beginner, you might want to settle for a cheaper one that has all the basic features in it.

#1 Determine Which Firearm You’re Using

In this case, I’ve been talking about sights for AR 15, so you should look for sights that are specifically designed for AR 15 use.

Sights for AR-15s already come with rail mounts, so you won’t need to buy a separate one.

Most of them also come with co-witnessing abilities, allowing you to use another aiming mechanism WITHOUT removing the sight.

#2 Know the Environment and the Purpose of Your Shooting Activity

Will you be using the sight in the daytime? Or will you mostly use it in low-light conditions?

Know if the field you’ll be shooting in will be a long range or close range.

Choosing a sight will rely on these as some might not have the capabilities required.

#3 The Type of Red Dot Sight

Once you’ve determined the type of firearm to use and shooting environment, the next thing you should think about is what type of sight you will need.

There are TWO different types of red dots, namely:

• Reflex type
• Electronic type

Battery-Free or Reflex Sights

Reflex red dot sights don’t rely on a battery, making them LESS PRONE to electrical failures.

These types are powered by the tritium radiations that illuminate them.

It’s NOT RECOMMENDED for low light settings because you can’t manually increase the intensity of the scope. Brightness adjustments aren’t available with these.

If you’re opting to use a reflex sight, be sure to have your gun compensate for its downsides.

Electronic Sights

Electronic sights are starting to become the more popular type of sight in the market.

Most of these are abundant in features and can provide a variety of reticle sizes and styles.

Brightness levels are ADJUSTABLE, and there are options for night vision settings as well. The batteries in these can last for years!

Some electronic types have an auto-shutoff function that can be useful when you’re saving energy.

Depending on the model, electronic sights can last from 100 to 1000 hours.

The power can be sourced from light source power consumption and the capacity of the battery life.

#4 Features: What to Look for in a Red Dot

Most sights all have the basic features down, but how do you compare them from one another?

Red Dot Body Size

If you noticed from the product list, all of them vary in size. Some might be small and compact, while others may seem bulky.

The miniature red dots are usually my go-to choice for smaller-sized firearms.

These are not the common optics used for ARs, but they can be lightweight and best for close quarters.

The next size would be the compact red dots. These usually come with an objective lens measuring 20 mm to 25 mm.

They’re a good compromise between small size and full power.

Though compact sizes can be handy, most of them have small battery capacities and intensity problems.

The MOST POWERFUL ones are the full-sized red dots that measure around 26 mm and above.

These are designed for heavy duty use and have long battery lives. These optics also have a wide range of mounts and accessories.

While they are fully powered, they can be bulky and heavy. Though with its capabilities, it might be worth it to put up with!

Reticle Size

The reticle is the dot in red dots. These vary in size and are measured in MOAs or minutes of angle.

1 MOA is equal to 1 inch at 100 yards. Reticle sizes usually range from 1 MOA to 9 MOA.

• The SMALLER the reticle, the easier it is to lock your target in long ranges as you can see more of it with a small dot.
• A BIGGER reticle size will cover your long-range target and make your shot more accurate in short ranges.

Your MOA size and range should depend on whether you’re going to use your sight at a closer or more distant range.

Reticle Design and Color

Some companies have added ADDITIONAL FEATURES like extra dots, larger rings, crosshairs, and more.

When you’re choosing a red dot, you might want to check the reticle to see if it’s compatible with you.

Some might have too much additional stuff in them that can be distracting to the user.

These defeat the purpose of having a simple red dot reticle!

They may be called red dots, but the reticles can come in either amber or green. Green reticles use less battery power.

You might want to consider these if you’re planning on saving battery power.

Magnifier Compatibility

Most AR 15 sights are compatible with any type of magnifier. They usually run from 3x to 6x power, allowing you to see at a further distance.

Most sights just come with 1x magnifying capabilities.

If you’re shooting in long-range distances, you might want to attach a separate magnifier to it.

Durability

When investing in a sight, you will surely want something that can last LONG, especially if you’re using it outdoors.

As mentioned earlier, you should familiarize yourself with the environment of your shooting range or hunting ground.

It’s important to know the weather as you might need one that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Will you use it in a relatively dry place? Or will your shooting require you to go underwater?

Take note that there is a MASSIVE difference between waterproof and water-resistant!

Water-resistant sights can endure rain droplets and splashes, but that DOESN’T mean you can fully submerge your sight in the water.

You’d also want your red dot to be able to withstand heavy recoil. And if you’re using it for duty, you might want to make sure that your optic is proofed.

Battery Life

Last but not least, you should check at a red dot’s battery life or capacity.

To determine how much you need, as mentioned earlier, you should know your optic’s PURPOSE.

An optic for self-defense and uniformed duty use might need more battery power than hobby use.

Duty use might even require the use of more features hence, needing MORE battery power.

On the other hand, competition shooters and hunters might not need night vision features or adjustable brightness settings.

Features that can affect battery power:

• Night Vision and Brightness Levels
• Auto Shutoff

Determine what you will use the optic for and what kind of features you will need to know how much battery power you’ll be using.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is MOA Dot?

MOA or Minute of angle is a measurement of a circle used to determine the size of the dot and how much of a target the dot can cover.

Red dots measure about 2-6 MOA; the smaller the dot, the less of the target it covers. The larger, the more it covers.

What Is the Best Brand of Red Dot Sight?

Some of the best red dot sight brands that I recommend are Aimpoint, UTG, and Trijicon. These are reputable brands known for their quality and durability.

Should I Put a Scope or Red Dot on My AR?

It depends.

Scopes are more pricey and better for long rangers. Meanwhile, red dots are cheaper and ideal for short rangers.

Consider what distance you would like to shoot from to help you answer this question.

A Recap of the Best Red Dot Sights

Best Budget Pick – Leapers UTG ITA Red Dot Sight

My BEST BUDGET PICK is the Leapers UTG ITA Micro Red Dot Sight!

It’s not as fancy as the Aimpoint and EOTech ones, but its features (bright reticle, unlimited eye relief, etc.) are HIGH-END for its price.

Good enough to be the best dot sight for AR 15!

It’s affordable and worth it compared to the other AR 15 red dot sights.

The overall quality is good enough to be considered a high-end optic. If you’re a hunter, hobbyist, or beginner, this is a good sight to start with.

However, if you’re looking for more budget options, you can take a look at my review of the best red dot sights under 100 dollars.

Best Value – Trijicon MRO

The Trijicon MRO is a professional military-grade optic with a mid-tier price point, providing you EXCELLENT value for your money.

Adjustable brightness levels and top-tier, heavy-duty, fully multi-coated lenses allow you to enjoy your shooting experience 24/7.

The chances of breakages are minimal or non-existent! It’s PERFECT for duty use, hunting, and shooting competitions.

Best Overall – Aimpoint Comp M4

If you can afford to spend a few more bucks, the BEST OVERALL sight is still the Aimpoint Comp M4. It’s definitely worth the money!

It’s a military-grade sight that’s PERFECT for duty use.

It’s the most VERSATILE one and can be used in ANY light condition. You can also use it with a multitude of mounting solutions.

This professional-grade AR15 red dot can give you the CLEAREST and MOST VISIBLE red dots.

Now that’s what I call a WINNER!

Conclusion

The best red dot sight will still be the one that will suit your purpose for it.

It’s imperative to determine first what the optic is for and what environment you’re going to be using it in.

There are many options for the best red dot sights, so take your pick and have fun on the field!

I hope this guide provided enough information for you to choose the best red dot sight for your AR 15!

FINAL TIP: If budget is a major concern, you might be interested in checking out my Review of the Tacticon Predator V1.