EOTech is a reputed manufacturer of electro-optics sight for the military and civilian market. The quality of their sights had always been immaculate. But as their reach grew, users began demanding a more compact alternative to their bulky sights. The result was the development of the XPS series.
Here we’ll compare the two most popular holo sights from this series. The XPS2 and XPS3.
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EOTech XPS2 vs EOTech XPS3 Similarities and Differences
This section will elaborate on the most differentiating characteristics between the XPS2 and XPS3 holographic sights. Long story short, the XPS3 is basically the advanced version of the XPS2 sight. Hence, the similarities are very common and the differences will be absolutely segregating.
Let’s check these out.
EOTech XPS2 and EOTech XPS3 Similarities
First, let’s breakdown the similarities between the XPS2 and XPS3 models to get an overview of their design and factors you aren’t going to miss out on when buying either one of these.
Same Basic Design
The XPS3 is an upgraded version of the XPS2 shares the same dimensions and most design elements. The size of the lens aperture window, the appearance, battery type, and even the weight of these two sights are exactly the same. The mounting mechanism is similar and these sights can be easily mounted on any one-inch Picatinny or weaver platform.
The top hood is solid aluminum in both sights, which makes them extremely durable against drops or even inflicted force. These sights have been designed to suit military-grade quality and are waterproof by nature. However, the level of water resistance is different.
Both sights also occupy the same amount of rail space and have the same profile. So it is almost impossible to tell the difference between these two sights. Unless you look up close.
Reticle, Brightness Settings, and Battery Life
EOTech uses its 0 or 2 reticles for most of its holographic sights. The 0 reticle features an illuminated 68 MOA ring with a single 1 MOA red dot. The 2 reticle on the other hand features the same 68 MOA ring and two 1 MOA red dots. With the extra dot to compensate for bullet drop at 200 yards. Generally calibrated for .223 62 grain bullets.
Both XPS2 and XPS3 have rear-mounted controls for brightness adjustments and 20 settings for the basic illumination. The sight turns off after four or eight hours of inoperation. Which is also programmable.
These sights use a single CR123 battery positioned on the front and separated from the base. The battery compartment is capped and also tethered with the sight housing using a thin wire - so you do not lose the cover.
The battery life of these sights has been significantly improved after a recent upgrade. So both the XPS2 and XPS3 now deliver up to 1,000 hours of operation on brightness setting 12.
Compatible With Iron Sights and Magnifiers
The XPS2 and XPS3 are compatible with iron sights and offer adjustments in cowitness if you have to make them. You can also use the G33 or any other appropriate EOTech magnifier.
EOTech XPS2 and EOTech XPS3 Differences
Now comes the important part which will help you decide exactly which sight to choose. Let’s check out the differences between these two sights and what the upgraded XPS3 has to offer.
Eotech XPS2 Transverse
Night Vision Compatibility
As already mentioned, the XPS3 is an upgraded version of the XPS2. So the biggest extra it offers is compatibility with night vision devices. You are offered 10 NV compatible reticle settings to use your XPS3 for tactical applications in the dark.
There’s a button on the rear, right beneath the lens housing and in between the brightness adjustment buttons. Pushing the button once activates the night vision mode where the reticle can only be seen through an NV device and not through your naked eyes.
The great part is that adding NV compatibility doesn’t affect the weight, size, or external design of the sight in comparison to the XPS2.
Different Water Resistance Levels
The XPS3 can be submerged underwater up to a depth of 10 meters or 33 feet. Whereas the XPS2 can only be submerged underwater up to a depth of 3 meters or 10 feet. Hence, the XPS3 offers thrice as much water resistance as compared to the XPS2. This difference clearly states the level of durability and the scope of applications the XPS3 is good for.
Green Reticle Option
The XPS2 is available in a green reticle option for easy usage under broad daylight. Since the reticle is illuminated and it is a known fact that green color offers better visibility under daylight shooting conditions. The XPS3 is not offered in a green reticle option.
Mounting Options
This isn’t exactly a difference but let’s include it anyway. The XPS2 and XPS3 come with an in-built mount and can be attached to any one-inch weaver or Picatinny rail using thumb screws, QD lever base, or a removable bolt screw. Depending upon which model you choose.
Either way, all of these setups are absolutely easy to use and very stable on the weapon.
Eotech XPS3 Transverse
Top Pick Between EOTech XPS2 and EOTech XPS3
This question has a very subjective answer which depends upon what use you’re going to put it up to. As is evident after reading the similarities and differences section that the XPS2 is more of a civilian holographic sight. Whereas the XPS3 is more suited for law enforcement and military applications.
If you’re looking for a high-quality holo sight that can withstand significant amounts of abuse and shall be perfect for daylight use. The XPS2 is for. This sight can be coupled with magnifiers, BUIS and offers a water resistance level of 10 feet which is great for most applications you can think of for a holo sight.
The XPS3 on the other hand is for tactical operators who have to tackle day and night or indoor and outdoor situations. Creating an absolute requirement for night vision devices. The XPS3 is water submersible up to a depth of 10 meters, making it suitable for marine tactical applications. Since a common civilian shooter is never going to submerge his rifle that deep.
However, if you want to be better prepared for SHTF, home defense during the night, and some tactical practice. The XPS3 is a great value-for-money choice. Considering that it costs only $100 more than the non-NV compatible XPS2 sight.
Our Review - EOTech XPS2 vs EOTech XPS3
After learning about the differences and similarities between these two optics. Let’s review them in brief and understand how they perform and what recent buyers have to say.
EOTech XPS2
Pros
Cons
The EOTech XPS2 is a compact holographic sight that offers 40 MOA of azimuth adjustments and is available in three different reticle options.
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Adjustment Options (Parallax, windage, elevation): W/E - 40 MOA. Parallax Free
Type of Reticle: 0 / 2 / SAGE reticle options
Image of Reticle:
Magnification: 1x
Objective Lens: 30 x 23 mm
Field of View: Unlimited
What Recent Buyers Report
The XPS2 performs as expected and has improved the shooting of many buyers. The mounting and handling is super easy. Some users reported a blurry dot but that happens when you focus on the dot rather than the target. Or if you have astigmatism. The build quality is amazing and so is the clarity.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The XPS2 is an amazing sight to aid with accuracy. Especially in SHTF situations where speed matters more than accuracy. The large 68 MOA ring over the dot helps with that and the 20 brightness settings are an amazing add-on for adjustment with ambient lighting. The window size is big enough for easy and fast acquisition.
The controls are mounted on the rear which makes brightness adjustments ambidextrous. The auto-shutoff is a minor but useful feature. The much improved 1,000 hour battery life is also a welcome bonus. The single battery design keeps the weight to a respectable limit as well.
Bottom Line
The XPS2 is a true civilian holographic sight that can be used for hunting, competitions, and defense applications under daylight. It is not an inexpensive sight, but the trust and reliability of being an EOTech covers that.
EOTech XPS3
Pros
Cons
The EOTech XPS3 is a night vision compatible compact holographic sight that offers 40 MOA of azimuth adjustments and 1 or 2 one MOA dot reticle options.
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Adjustment Options (Parallax, windage, elevation): W/E - 40 MOA. Parallax Free
Type of Reticle: 0 or 2 reticle
Image of Reticle:
Magnification: 1 x
Objective Lens: 30 x 23 mm
Field of View: Unlimited
What Recent Buyers Report
A great optic for buyers with absolutely no complaints. Some people do mention the short battery life when compared to Aimpoint. But that comparison is not equivalent. The sight is very well made and withstands extreme abuse. The accuracy and performance are as great as expected. The rest is just personal preference.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The XPS3 is a compact and considerable lightweight holographic optic that is compatible with night vision devices, magnifiers, and also iron sights. Adding the fact that it is submersible underwater up to a depth of 10 meters makes it practically invincible in its class. The NV mode offers 10 brightness settings which is a great feature to satisfy personal preferences.
The battery life has been upgraded to 1,000 hours which is enough for a sight with such complex innards. The housing is very solid and the sight stays usable even if the lens is partially damaged. Which makes these holo sights a reliable optic.
Bottom Line
The XPS3 is a great product for your money if you plan to use it for tactical applications or just to be prepared. The sight is NV compatible with the astounding military-grade build quality. It is the kind of optic you can rely upon in a life or death situation.
People Also Ask!
Here's the answer to a few commonly asked questions about the Eotech XPS2 vs XPS3 comparison:
Should I Get the Eotech XPS2 or XPS3?
If you're looking for a more tactical and advanced option, go with the Eotech XPS3 since it works with night vision devices and has a slightly better battery life. If you want a comparatively less-pricey option, the XPS2 works just fine with the basic features.
Is the XPS3 Night Vision Compatible?
Yes the Eotech XPS3 red dot sight is compatible with night vision devices.
Conclusion
The XPS3 is an upgraded version of the XPS2 which was designed to induce night vision compatibility and better durability into the design. Or in simpler words, to suit LE or military use.
The XPS3 seems to be a better deal with NV compatibility and 10-meter water submersibility. Especially when you consider that the XPS2 costs only $100 less. However, the XPS2 is available in a green reticle and is great for use during the day.
