TacticalScope.co.uk | Red Dot or Green Dot Sight

A regular question we are asked at Tac scope HQ is what colour dot to choose. Of course some models have both but if you are setting priority on one what do you need to consider?

Useful Reference Links

All Red and Green Dots on Tacticalscope

Vector Red and Green Dots

Vortex Red and Green dots

Holson Red and Green Dots

Hawke Red and Green Dots

Green dot sight filter (maybe not be exhustive)

When to Use a Green Dot Sight:

Bright Conditions – Green is easier to see in daylight because the human eye is more sensitive to green wavelengths. This makes it ideal for outdoor use in bright environments.
Eye Fatigue Reduction – Green is less straining on the eyes, especially during prolonged use. If you plan to use your sight for extended periods, a green dot can be more comfortable.
Better Contrast in Certain Backgrounds – In environments where red may blend in (such as wooded areas with brown or red-toned backgrounds), green can stand out more.
Astigmatism or Vision Issues – Some people with astigmatism see a red dot as blurry or distorted, while a green dot appears clearer and sharper.With this issue also look into Prismatic scopes that can solve the blurrya nd distorted problem but at the cost of having to accept regular eye relief.
Battery Efficiency at High Brightness – Green dots often require more power at high brightness settings, but some modern optics optimize for this, making them practical even with the higher energy draw.

When to Use a Red Dot Sight:

Better Battery Life – Red LEDs are generally more power-efficient, so red dot sights last longer on a single battery.
More Night Vision Compatible – Red dots work better with night vision because they can be dimmed to levels that don't overpower night vision devices.
More Common & Affordable – There is loads more choice in red dots and they are usually cheaper than green dot sights.

Apart from Night Vision the common availability is the biggest factor, there are not many green dot models about. See below for some ideas.

Conclusion:
If you're shooting in bright daylight or have trouble seeing red, a green dot sight might be a better choice. If you need longer battery life, night vision compatibility, or a more budget-friendly option, a red dot is still a solid pick.

Example: For a rifle. NB - we stock Holsun, Vortex, Vector and Hawke. Use the search funtion and write Green Dot to bring up options.

You'll want a durable and reliable red/green dot sight with good battery life and a clear reticle. Here are some top recommendations based on performance and budget:

High-End

Holosun HS510C – Best Overall
Why? Extremely durable, solar backup, long battery life, wide sight picture.
Features: Red/green reticle, shake-awake, multi-reticle system.
Best For: AR-15s, tactical carbines, hunting rifles.

EOTech 512 Holographic Sight
Why? Battle-proven, crisp reticle, large window.
Features: Red/green reticle, high-speed target acquisition.
Best For: Serious tactical shooters and hunters.

Mid-Range

Vortex Strikefire II – Best for Reliability
Why? Great battery life (80,000+ hours), waterproof/fog-proof.
Features: 4 MOA dot, 10 brightness settings, shockproof.
Best For: AR platforms, hunting, tactical shooting.

Vortex Crossfire 2 MOA Green dot
Why? Small, lightweight, great co-witness with iron sights.
Features: Adjustable brightness, auto-shutoff, durable construction.
Best For: Lightweight builds and tactical shooting.

Budget

Hawke 1x30 3 MOA Red and green dot – Best Budget Pick
Why? Affordable, easy-to-use, decent performance.suits both 11mm and weaver rails.
Features: Dual red and green for flexibility. 3 MOA dot, shock-resistant, coated optics.
Best For: Range shooting, casual use, airsoft.

Vector Z1 RDSL20 (11mm base) and RDSL15 (weaver base) Red/Green Multi Reticle
Why? Super cheap, decent for plinking or backups.
Features: 4 rteticle patterns - 5 levels red/green illumination, lightweight.
Best For: Casual range use, airsoft, or as a secondary optic.

Best Pick for You?