Red Dot vs Holographic Sights: Which Is the Better Optic?

I’ve used both red dots and holographic sights and have had success with both!

If you are a beginner and are wondering which is better for you to use, you’ve come to the right place.

Allow me to impart some knowledge on these two sights to help make your decision A LOT easier!

In this red dot vs holographic sight guide, I’ll dive deep into both optics and compare their features, pros, and cons.

What Is a Red Dot Sight?

A red dot sight is an electronic sight that projects a small red dot onto the sight picture. Despite its name, however, red dot sights may also have a green dot option.

These illuminated reticles mark where the bullet will land and can be used on a variety of firearms, from rifles to handguns. 

Red dot sights are perfect for new gun owners because they can automatically correct the target and sight image regardless of the angle you’re using it at.

The Trijicon MRO would be my personal pick for the best red dot sight on the market.

Types of Red Dot Sights

Apart from holographic sights, there are two other types of red dot sights: prism sights and reflex sights.

Let’s look at the differences between these two traditional red dot sights in several aspects:

Optics

A reflex sight uses traditional optical lenses to project the red dot reticle image.

On the other hand, prism sights, true to their name, use a prism to project the target image.

Reticle

Reflex sights use an LED emitter to project the red dot reticle. If this LED is damaged for any reason, the scope is then rendered USELESS.

I remember my LED light getting damaged in the middle of a session. I figured it was pretty much pointless to stay outdoors for the day.

On the other hand, prism sights usually have an etched reticle in addition to the LED system. This makes them USABLE even in the event of LED damage.

Magnification

A reflex sight usually has no magnification and requires a separate magnifier.

I’d recommend getting a side-flipping 3x magnifier scope if you really need to zoom in while using this type of red dot.

A prism red dot scope, on the other hand, typically has some magnification included.

Pros of Red Dot Sights

#1 Affordable

Some of the cheapest sights I’ve ever used are red dot sights. I’ve been able to save so much money choosing them.

This affordability makes them great for beginner shooters who don’t want to spend too much yet!

It also makes it easier to have multiple red dot sights for different purposes.

#2 Longer Battery Life

Red dot sights are known for their long battery life. Most red dot sights have a battery life measuring thousands of hours.

I’ve noticed that a red dot sight can even go as long as 50,000 hours on a single battery!

This longevity puts any worries of a failed battery at ease. In fact, many red dot sights can be left on without any worries.

I’ve forgotten to turn it off a couple of times and it didn’t eat through the battery life at all!

#3 Night Vision Capability

Most red dot sights are night-vision compatible.

Even cheaper red dots feature this huge advantage that allows for target acquisition even in low light.

 I find red dots to be highly visible even through night vision goggles.

#4 Versatile

Red dot sights are offered by most rifle scope manufacturers, meaning that they come in a huge range of sizes, weights, and prices.

There are red dot scopes that are almost as big as traditional scopes, and some are small enough to be slide-mounted on semi-automatic pistols.

There are also selections for every price point, from the more affordable Sig Romeo 5 or Bushnell TRS-25 to the pricier Aimpoint PRO.

In short, there is a red dot scope for EVERY firearm and shooter.

Cons of Red Dot Sights

#1 Reticle Size

Most red dot reticles are 2 MOA in size, meaning that the dot can cover 2 inches at 100 yards. 

2 MOA is quite small, so you’re better off using them for short ranges.

They may not be the best for longer ranges, as this red dot sight reticle focus can be blurry.

#2 Not Very Durable

Red dot scopes come with a fragile front lens. This front lens is the part that reflects the reticle image.

The red dots’ durability depends almost entirely on this front lens. Once the glass is damaged, the sight is rendered useless.

What Is a Holographic Sight?

Holographic sights are somewhat similar to red dot sights.

However, a holo sight uses an intricate setup of mirrors, lasers, and optical glass to project a reticle onto a target in its holographic image.

Its smaller build, which comes with glass protected by a thin metal frame, allows for quick acquisition and fun