It’s time to find the best budget red dot sights, but more specifically, the best red dots sights for the money.
There are always lots of options, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top budget red dot scopes on the market today that will give you the best bang for your buck some people are on a strict budget, but still want the advantage of having a red dot sight equipped on their favorite firearm.
Top 5 Budget Red Dot Sights For The Money
- Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 – Best Entry Level Dot Sight
- Dagger Defense DDHB – Best AR Red Dot Sight For the Money Under $50
- UTG 3.8″ ITA Red/Green – Best Budget Red Dot Sight Under $30
- Field Sport Red and Green Reflex Sight – Best Budget Red Dot Sight For The Money For a Rimfire
- Ohuhu Red and Green Reflex Sight – Best Budget Red Dot Sight Under $20
We tested and reviewed several different budget red dot sights specifically for our AR rifles and we found these to be the best red dot sights for the money.
They maintained some quality and were all under $100. Read our reviews of each budget red dot sight below!
List of Top Red Dot Sights For The Money
In no way are these red dots the best red dot sights out there, but what they provide are some of the best value. These are budget AR red dot sights and are some of the best red dot sights that money can by.
About Red Dot Sights Red dot sights are non-magnifying reflector (reflex) sights for firearms and any other devices which require aiming. They offer extremely fast target acquisition and are very practical for hunting and target shooting as they allow the user to maintain a field of view.
Note that you won’t be able to shoot as accurately as you would be able to with a high magnification rifle scope however you will be able to shoot much faster. Everyone has seen red dots on military applications such as the M16 however they are becoming very popular with hunters and target shooters alike as they are affordable!
One of my greatest pastimes is using my rimfire AR with my nephew cleaning up gophers in the back 40.
Benefits of Using a Red Dot
- No magnification – so you don’t have to worry about parallax or eye relief
- Fast target acquisition – shooter is able to focus on field of view
- Affordable – you can pick up a great quality red dot under $200, and can even find some good budget red dot sights for under $100
- Tactical – these optics were built for the military and look great on ARs
- Wide range of applications – red dots can be used on anything from pistols, shotguns, and rifles (ARs)
Drawbacks of Using a Red Dot
- Battery-powered – however, some offer a very long life
- Distance – you won’t be able to shoot 500 yards due to lack of magnification power.
Why Pick a Budget Red Dot Sight?
Red dot sights are great, but sometimes our budgets restrict our options. And let’s be honest, a strict budget usually means that you aren’t able to get high-quality products, especially when it comes to finding the best red dot scopes. But nowadays it’s really common to find quality scopes for under $100.
Even under $50 at times, depending on the scope. Now, if you can afford more, I would recommend spending at least $200 on a red dot sight. The reason why is because it will last longer.
A red dot scope up to $200 is made better and will last longer, especially with constant use on a rifle like an AR. But if you truly can’t afford more than $100, there are some great deals out there and hopefully, our list of the best low-budget red dot sights will help make your decision.
Best Budget Red Dot Sights Reviews
1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 – Best Budget Red Dot Sight For The Money
This guy is tough. It is 100 percent waterproof/shockproof / fog proof and the CR2032 battery is included and offers a long life if you remember to turn it off after use! My first experience with the TRS 25 was when I was turkey hunting with my 12-year-old son.
I bought him a 20 gauge shotgun and added the red dot to create a better experience. It worked – the little guy is hooked! Remember that this isn’t a $500 Aimpoint but this Bushnell TRS-25 is definitely worth the money.
It’s high quality and is very durable. What’s nice is that it’s so tiny, I could put it on any of my firearms, including a pistol. In my opinion, it is the best budget red dot sight that you can find for the money. For under $100, it’s a great buy.
2. Dagger Defense DDHB – Best AR Red Dot Sight For the Money Under $50
The Dagger Defense is another great budget red dot scope. For under $50, it’s a great deal to add to your AR, or any rifle for that matter. It’s also one of Amazon’s best sellers when it comes to budget red dot sights.
It’s advertised as a great red dot for an AR-15, AK47 or an M4, but honestly can be used for any rifle you need it for. If you are on a strict budget, but still want an inexpensive red dot sight, the DDHB is a good red dot for the money. I tested the Dagger out on my AR-10. Out of the box, it looked great.
The sight looked like it was made of high quality, and felt durable. It felt much more expensive than its price tag. The reticle was very bright with a great range and the brightness responded immediately when I would adjust the settings, a great sign in a budget red dot sight.
Once I sighted in the scope, the red dot stayed center at 25 yards throughout the entire review. Holding zero is ALWAYS important and something you have to test when buying a budget red dot sight. Also to note, I spent around 5 hours testing other sights, and accidentally left the Dagger on the whole time! To my surprise, the scope stayed bright and never faded that entire time on its battery.
Also, something to mention, the customer support is great. I had a small issue with the crosshair-shaped reticle after about 10 days or so 9of course, for all I know it could have been an issue the entire time as I hadn’t used the crosshair reticle yet). I was really happy because they sent me a new one and didn’t require me to send the other one back! Overall, the Dagger is a great budget red dot sight, and for the money, it’s worth every penny.
3. UTG 3.8″ ITA Red/Green Red Dot Sight – Best Budget Red Dot Sight Under $30
The UTG ITA is a great entry-level red dot scope and a great choice for your first optic on an AR. It detaches quickly to any Picatinny or Weaver-style rail and comes with a riser adapter and a CR1620 battery.
I tested this UTG on one of my AR-15s and it has stood up to the test, surprisingly. For under $30 this sight has done all that I can ask and continues to perform every time. One main issue with some of the entry-level red dots is battery life – remember to turn it off!
With that being said, the UTG has a great battery life and will last you a while. I put around 300 rounds through the AR throughout the test and it held zero. Even after I removed it and remounted it several times and even dropped it on the ground, it still held zero perfectly. This is a very durable scope for its price. I always expect cheap products and low quality with something under $30, but this passed all of my tests! Truly one of the best budget red dot sights you can find.
4. Field Sport Red and Green Reflex Sight – Best Budget Red Dot Sight For The Money For a Rimfire
Out of the box, it seemed heavy-duty and throughout the test, it stayed that way. A very well-made budget red dot sight. The glass is high quality and the sight itself has really good eye relief. I was very satisfied with how well it withstood my abuse. I also have to mention how well it held zero.
After a few hundred rounds, it still performed great and that’s all I can ask for. The battery life is amazing. After all, it doesn’t take much juice to keep the dot glowing, but always make sure you have a spare battery, just in case. I tested the Field Sports Reflex Sight on my .22LR. If you are looking for an inexpensive red dot with value, the Field Sport is a great option.
5. Ohuhu Red and Green Reflex Sight – Best Budget Red Dot Sight Under $20
Any scope under $100 raises red flags, but when we get into the $20 dollar range, it should usually be avoided. To my surprise, this isn’t the case for the Ohuhu red dot scope. I’ve used a lot of different inexpensive red dot sights, and this is one of the best budget red dots under $50.
What’s crazy is it’s under $20, which makes this a great buy. Right out of the box it felt like it was made with good quality for the price. The first thing I noticed was how bright it is. Even at mid-range, the red dot illuminated nicely. There are four different red dot shapes and it is easy to switch from one shape to another.
What I like is that you aren’t forced to use the ‘red’ dot. There is a green color dot as well, which can be easier on the eyes depending on the situation. The adjustments were surprisingly responsive and easy to use as well. Target acquisition is of course easy (as is the case with most red dot sights). My 12 yr old even did great.
The glass is clean and clear and the reticle (all 4) were sharp didn’t distract from the target. The Ohuhu Reflex Sight is a great scope if you are on a tight budget. Seriously, any scope under $20 is a steal, especially if it’s a good one, which this one is.
Final Thoughts – Best Budget Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights are becoming more and more popular. Technology has come so far that it has allowed even amateur hunters and shooters to purchase an AR Red Dot. They were originally built for the army and other tactical uses but are now available to everyday hunters!
If you have the budget (or are willing to save up for it), then buy the Aimpoint PRO Patrol Optic. This is one of the best AR 15 optics on the market. With insane battery life and built-to-last construction, this red dot may actually outlast the shooter. This scope is still a fantastic purchase for the money. However, not all of us have the budget for the Aimpoint.
In that case, any of the budget red dot scopes above are great choices for you and your AR. But if I had to choose one, the Bushnell TRS-25 is probably the best budget red dot scope for the money. Make sure to check out my post on how to sight in your rifle scope here. Stay safe and happy shooting.
- [The RXS-100] is the new market leader in price and performance. Class leading value starts with multi-platform versatility with its DeltaPoint Pro...
- [REFLEX SIGHT] RXS-100 has a clear 4 MOA dot with 8 brightness settings
- [ADDITIONAL FEATURES] Detented windage/elevation, top loading battery for easy replacement, mounts on an array of pistols, MSRs, and shotguns.
- [PURPOSE BUILT QUALITY] Rugged aircraft grade durable aluminum construction, long lasting 5,000 hour (on mid-setting) battery
- [IDEAL FOR] Training/target shooting, home defense, Hunting
- ✅【FULLY MULTI-COATED LENS】 Red dot sight for pistol, with multi-coated scratch-resistant lens provides bright and clear views and increases...
- ✅【SHAKE WAKE TECHNOLOGY】 Providing genuine CR2032 battery stands up to 20,000 hours at the lowest brightness setting. Feature motion-sensing...
- ✅【MULTI BRIGHTNESS LEVELS】 12 Red dot brightness settings provide optimal visibility in any light conditions, allowing you to achieve fast...
- ✅【MORE ACCURATE】 Reflex Sight Offers 2 height 21mm rail mount options to meet your need. Features adjustable elevation and windage adjustments...
- ✅【MORE DURABILITY 】 Kalkal Red dot scope adopts rugged aviation-grade aluminum alloy housing. Matte black anodized finish resists scratches....
- Reticle allows for 4 different styles. Dot, Circle/Dot, Crosshair/Dot, Crosshair/Circle/Dot combinations. All in one sight!
- A 33mm lens provides quick target acquisition. Wide field of view to maintain situational awareness.
- Very sturdy and secure rail mounting system. Will not come loose, made to last.
- Parallax corrected & unlimited eye-relief, where the dot goes, so does the bullet!
- Ultralight, waterproof and shockproof - Powered one 3V lithium battery (included).
- Tubeless design with 33mm reflex lens aperture provides a wide field of view, suitable for rapid-firing or shooting of moving targets besides normal...
- Dual illuminated ( red and green);4 reticle shapes in one reflex sight, provide various choices in different occasions, like sunshine, cloudy day.
- Parallax corrected & unlimited eye-relief, improving the accuracy of holographic sights. Allen head screw type windage and elevation click...
- The red dot sight is precision machined from high grade aluminum alloy with a matte black anodized, includes standard profile Picatinny mounting base....
- Screen Size: 22mmx33mm;Weight: 130g; Item Dimensions：3.15in*1.37in*2.08in(8cm*3.5cm*5.3cm)
- The Bushnell TRS-26 Red Dot goes beyond its historic predecessor with improvements in several key areas including longer battery life, bigger...
- The TRS-26 red dot now has a user-selectable auto-off timer that can also be turned off for defensive applications. The onboard logic allows you to...
- The TRS-26's namesake is its big 26mm objective lens. It gathers tons of light but also provides a wider field of view than many other enclosed reflex...
- The TRS-26's heart is the point-source RCLED system for projecting the 3 MOA dot onto the glass. Older systems use a mask over an LED that acts like a...
- The TRS-26's robust construction is IPX7 waterproof rated so it won’t fog up on you when it matters most. The TRS-26’s is nitrogen purged and...
- 【33mm Lens Wide View】Reflex sight with 33mm fully multi-coated lens provides wide field of view for rapid target.
- 【Dual Illuminated Red & Green】Red dot sight with 4 reticle shapes and 5 brightness settings, provide various choices in different occasions, like...
- 【Reflex Sight with Laser】Built with the red sight laser(Power of the sight laser: less than 5mW; Class of the laser: Class IIIA) and dual...
- 【Elevation/Windage Adjustment】Precision elevation and windage adjustments are easily and fully adjustable so you can easily zero the sights.
- 【Easy Installation】This red dot sight comes with standard profile 20mm mounting base, very sturdy and easy to install.
- Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings; Mounts easily on most picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns,...
- Waterproof construction: O ring sealed optics stay dry inside, even when totally immersed in water. Parallax - 50
- Shockproof construction: Built to withstand bumps, bangs, drops and the rough and tumble environment of the field
- Nitrogen purged fog proofing: Nitrogen inside the scope ensures interior optical surfaces won’t fog due to humidity or rapid temperature change
- [ MOTION AWAKE] The Cyelee T3 Red Dot Sight automatically turns on when it is moved and will auto shut off if not moved for 1-3mins.(You need to press...
- [ 50,000 HOUR BATTERY LIFE ] 1 CR2032 battery will last up to 50,000 hours of use with a crisp 2 MOA Red Dot with 10 brightness settings for...
- [ IMPROVE YOUR ACCURACY & SPEED UP TARGET ACQUICITION ] Adjustments Windage and Elevation at 1 MOA Click. HD Glass Lens is pretty clear with...
- [ RUGGED DESIGN ] The T3 is a one-piece Aluminum construction that is Fog Proof, Shock proof, Water proof up to 3 meters.
- We made it more durable to withstand various recoil and improved the ability to hold zero. 3 YEARS WARRANTY! Come with Low Profile and Absolute...
- 【Fully Multi-coated Lens】Multi-coated, scratch-resistant lens for enhanced image clarity，Anti-reflective lens coatings increase light...
- 【Shake Awake】: The red dot will turn off the light automatically after 2-5 minutes you are not using it. And can be awaken by sense motion. Over...
- 【12 Brightness Levels】: The red dot scope with 12 brightness setting allows you to achieve fast target acquisition. Different patterns meet...
- 【More Accurate】: Red dot scope with 20mm/22mm standard Weaver/Picatinny rail mount, very sturdy and secure rail mounting system. There is no need...
- 【Durable Construction】: Red dot sight is made of aircraft grade aluminium construction, hard coated in matte black, resists scratches with...
- ACCURATE - This Beileshi 3-4 MOA red dot sight allows for accurate, both eyes open shooting. Multi-coated scratch resistant lens provides enhanced...
- 2 HEIGHT MOUNT OPTIONS - Offers two height options (Low and Lower 1/3 Co-Witness), lending its functionality on any platform.
- DURABLE - A shockproof aluminum body displays extreme durability. Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed. Fully waterproof with sealed housing. Matte black...
- MULTI LEVELS OF BRIGHTNESS - 11 red dot brightness settings provide optimal visibility in any light conditions, let shooters cater the dot intensity...
- COMPACT - The small but adaptable optics are perfect for a wide range of daytime applications including hunting, tactical scenarios and precision...