EOTech EXPS vs XPS: Similarities & Differences [Full Guide]

Fellow gun owners, are you looking for a holographic weapon sight (HWS) for your rifle?

Everybody knows that the industry leader for that is EOTech.

But wait — EXPS vs XPS?

What are the differences besides the letter E? How are they different from older models?

They’re quite similar, but they’ve got their key differences too.

I understand the confusion, which is why I’ve created this review of the new EOTechs just for you.

Overview of the EOTech EXPS Optics

First up: EOTech’s EXPS2 vs EXPS3. Honestly, they’re almost identical.

I would go as far as to say they are like identical twins; they look and feel similar, but ultimately have their differences.

EOTech EXPS2

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Features:

• Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.3 x 2.9 inches
• Weight: 11.2oz
• Power: 1 CR123
• Battery Life: Approximately 1,000 hours
• Brightness Settings: 20
• Submersible: 10 feet

Convenience

The EXPS2’s push-button controls are on its side.

I like this feature because it made mobility and manipulation easier while I worked with other accessories on my rifle.

Easy to Use

It’s not just the buttons that make the E model user-friendly.

Another feature — the quick detach lever — makes it easier to use as you won’t be scrambling with an Allen key during use.

Variant Advantage

This EOTech sight is available in an EXPS2-2 version.

This holographic hybrid model promotes a ballistic dual dot reticle, meaning you get the holographic sight with a fixed G33 3x magnifier.

If you’re considering getting a magnifier, I think this would be ideal for you since it’s already bundled in this unit.

You won’t need to purchase a separate magnifier.

Clear and Unobstructed View

The EXPS2 sight comes with a 7mm riser, which increases the mounting height giving you a 1/3 co-witness setup with better sight picture and front sight.

EOTech EXPS3

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Features:

• Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.3 x 2.9 inches
• Weight: 11.2oz
• Battery Life: Approximately 1,000 hours
• Power: 1 CR123
• Brightness Settings: 20 (daytime)
• Night Vision: Compatible
• Submersible: 33 feet

Clear and Unobstructed View

Like the previous scope, this sight comes with a 7mm riser which increases the mounting height to provide a 1/3 co-witness setup.

With this, you get a better view through your holographic weapon sight.

Convenience

Just like the EXPS2, the EXPS3’s control buttons are on the side.

This way, you have mobility and manipulation if you have other accessories alongside your holographic weapon sight.

Reticle Options

The EXPS3 model comes with the EOTech One Dot or Two Dot patterns.

• Single Dot reticle: 1 MOA in the center of the sight
• Two Dot reticle: Additional aiming point useful at 50 yards

What Is the Difference Between EXPS2 and EXPS3?

One of the main differences I’ve found between the E model series is that the latter has night vision capabilities.

EXPS3 is also submersible to 33 feet, while the EXPS2 is only at 10 feet.

As for control buttons, the EXPS3 has them on the side, which can easily accept a magnifier.

Overview of the EOTech XPS Optics

Next up are EOTech’s XPS holographic weapon sights series. Like the EXPSs, they are pretty similar with a few differences.

EOTech XPS2

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Features:

• Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.1 x 2.5 inches
• Weight: 9oz
• Battery Life: Approximately 1,000 hours
• Power: 1 CR123
• Brightness Settings: 20 (daytime)
• Submersible: 10 feet

Lightweight

The XPS2 model is currently the lightest and shortest HWS on the market. It may be small, but it’s definitely MIGHTY.

You can read more about it in my XPS2 Review Guide.

Green Reticle Option

Even though red is the standard color that most people (including myself) use, having the less eye-straining green is a big plus.

This makes it easier to use during the day when the sun is out since it is illuminated.

FUN FACT: Green is a color that offers better visibility.

EOTech XPS3

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Features:

• Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.1 x 2.5 inches
• Weight: 9oz
• Battery Life: Approximately 1,000 hours
• Power: 1 CR123
• Brightness Settings: 20 (daytime)
• Night Vision: Compatible
• Submersible: 33 feet

Automatic Switch

A cool feature of the XPS3 sight that I appreciate is its ability to switch off automatically (8 hours maximum or 4 hours minimum) to save on power.

Given the number of times I’ve forgotten to turn my sights off, this switch is a huge lifesaver.

Highly Durable

The XPS3 can withstand water pressure AND extreme temperatures while still working well.

I’ve taken this sight on hot days, cold days, and through rivers, yet it still holds up like it’s brand new.

What Is the Difference Between XPS2 and XPS3?

Again, the main difference between the XPS2 and XPS3 sights is that the latter has night vision device compatibility.

You will be able to see more clearly with the XPS3 as the dot is still visible.

Additionally, the XPS3 is submersible up to 33 feet in depth, while the XPS2 can only be underwater up to 10 feet.

EOTech EXPS vs XPS: The Similarities

1. Performance

I can recommend both the EXPS and XPS holographic weapon sights because they’re high quality AND deliver outstanding performance.

As a newbie, these products actually helped IMPROVE my shooting!

You can pair your optic with backup iron sights for enhanced shooting precision.

2. Battery Life

The two models use one CR123 battery (lithium) for power, meaning you get battery life for about 1,000 hours straight.

3. Brightness

Both sights come with 20 settings for brightness for the red dot, giving you more versatility for various lighting environments.

4. Night Vision Compatible

Unfortunately, the XPS2 and EXPS2 sights won’t give you a night vision feature.

So if this is a must, I’d recommend going for the EXPS3 or XPS3 instead.

5. Lens

The EXPS and XPS sights both include anti-reflection coating to boost performance.

This coating was a great help whenever I went out during frustratingly sunny days.

6. Waterproof and Anti-Fog

The two units are certified waterproof and anti-fog.

However, do note that the EXPS3 and XPS3 can be submerged around three times deeper in depth than the XPS2 and EXPS2.

7. Eye Relief

Both the EXPS and XPS sights provide unlimited eye relief.

This is crucial as it is important for eye relief on sight to be high enough. This will prevent the top of the sight from contacting your eyebrow.

An eye relief’s distance is usually related to the magnification of a particular sight.

NOTE: Eye relief refers to the distance you should hold the shooting eye from the ocular lenses of sight to see the whole image it produces.

8. Warranty

Both sights are covered for 10 years from defects related to materials or workmanship.

EOTech EXPS vs XPS: The Differences

1. Adjustments

The push control buttons are located in different areas for the EXPS and XPS sights.

For the EXPS models, you will find them on the side. While for the XPS, they are on the rear.

I’m giving points to the EXPS here as the side location gives me more space for mounting accessories on the rifle, like magnifiers.

2. Mounting

A huge difference worth noting is that the E model units come with a quick detach lever, while the XPS series includes mounting screws with a traditional system.

I hope it’s obvious here how a quick detach lever can be such a game-changer and advantageous in several situations.

3. Price

The price of the two sights is under $600.

However, the EXPS is a bit more expensive than the XPS. It’s also larger and heavier.

The price difference is small, though, so if you need a lighter and more compact unit, I’d advise going for the XPS since it’s also more affordable.

If you’re looking for more affordable EOTech sights, you can consider buying the 512 or 518.

4. Size and Heaviness

The XPS is smaller than the E model units, so it’ll probably fit easier in your storage.

Consider this if you see yourself hunting on the daily for hours wherein you’ll be hauling around your rifle and other gear.

5. Reticle Patterns

The EXPS has a selection of five reticle patterns, making it more diverse and versatile than the XPS’s two.

6. Co-Witness

The XPS is an absolute co-witness setup.

An absolute co-witness means the dot is fully aligned with the iron sights when viewed through the sight’s window.

On the other hand, the EXPS includes a 7mm riser making the viewing window lower 1/3 co-witness.

For close-range shooting, I’d say the EXPS may be a better option as the iron sights won’t take up space in the window, hence a clearer field of view.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does EXPS Stand for in EOTech?

EXPS means Enhanced Cross Power Source.

Where Are EOTech Sights Made?

Genuine HWS’s sold by EOTech are made in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

This location is in the industrial heartland of the USA.

Why Are EOTech Sights So Expensive?

EOTech’s holographic sights make use of advanced technology and that other sights do not.

After all, EOTech is only one of two companies to produce these kinds of sights, so it’s no surprise they are more pricey than others.

Their products may be expensive, but they’re worth every penny if you ask me. They’re VERY high quality, making them durable, versatile, and resilient.

You can tell EOTech is credible just from the fact that the military uses them!

Additionally, EOTech has a great warranty, which also speaks about their reliability.

A quality sight from EOTech is something you can count on every time.

Conclusion

I would personally stick with the EXPS holographic sight since it comes with more features.

But if you still can’t decide on what to get, check my quick tips below to help you decide.

What will you use it for? How much are you willing to spend? Are you going for longer distances?

Choose the XPS if:

• You want your HWS to be easy-to-use
• You prefer a more compact and accessory-friendly device

Choose the EXPS if:

• You plan to shoot at night with night vision or underwater
• You prefer side buttons for more convenience
• You want a quick detach mount

The bottom line: The choice is YOURS. The device is YOURS.

But don’t worry — no matter your decision, you’ll be in good hands with an EOTech holographic weapon sight. You won’t go losing focus on your target!

FINAL TIP: If you’re interested in seeing how these products stack up against other brands, you can read my Aimpoint versus EOTech Guide.