What’s the difference between EOTech EXPS2 and EXPS3?
I wanted to find out, so I bought both red dot sights and hand-tested everything:
- Reticle
- Durability
- Battery life
- Field of view
- And so much more
By the end of this EXPS2 vs EXPS3 comparison review, you’ll know which red dot is best for you.
Let’s get started!
| Features | EXPS2 | EXPS3 |
|---|---|---|
| Reticle | Holographic red dot | Holographic red dot |
| Weight | 11.2 ounces | 11.2 ounces |
| Durability | Fog & water resistant | Fog & water resistant |
| Battery type | 123 lithium battery | 123 lithium battery |
| Magnification | 1x | 1x |
| Brightness Settings | 20 | 30 |
| Night Vision Compatible | No | Yes |
EOTech EXPS2 vs EXPS3 Review
The EOTech EXPS2 and EXPS3 holographic weapon sights are a lot alike.
In fact, not only are they almost identical in their design and function, but they’re both great for medium and close range shooting, too. It can be hard to know if one is truly better than the other.
The EOTech EXPS2 is straightforward and simple to use. All I need to do is push one of the two side buttons, either up or down, to increase or lessen my daytime brightness setting.
The EXPS3 holographic weapon sight is versatile. I get the same daytime brightness settings as the EXPS2, but also with the freedom to shoot in pitch black conditions because of its night vision compatibility.
So, which is best in the battle of EOTech EXPS3 vs EXPS2?
Let’s dig in and find out.
Glass Clarity & Reticle
The clarity of these holographic sights are pretty darn good.
The glass on both the EXPS2 and EXPS3 are internally sealed.
Put simply: water, condensation, snow, sleet, you name it – whatever element Mother Nature throws my way, I can still go out shooting and not have to worry about my glass fogging up, breaking, or compromising my shot.
The glass on both are scratch resistant, too.
No matter which one I’m using, I don’t have to worry about what will happen if I accidentally snag or scuff the glass, which actually happens more than I care to admit.
Plus, they’ve both got anti-reflective coatings and a heads-up display. I get a large field of view, no blind spots, and a picture that isn’t distorted. Both are a lot better than folding iron sights.
In all honesty, I think that anyone that uses an EXPS2 or EXPS3 would agree that when it comes to bringing your target in view, these optics are fast. They’re both really good for daytime visibility, too, kind of like the Sig Romeo 5 and the Vortex SPARC AR.
The one major difference between the two sights is with the reticle.
See, the EXPS2 has two reticle shooting options. I can shoot either with one MOA dot or two. It all just depends on my preference and need at the time.
With the EOTech EXPS3, though, I get three different reticle options. I can use one, two, or four MOA aiming dots. This means my shots will always be on point, even from longer distances.
If you want to know the truth, there are some other scopes out on the market that have almost the same precision as the EOTech EXPS’ but have a little friendlier price tag. Check out this review about EXPS clones and alternatives to find out more.
Round 1 (Glass Clarity & Reticle) Winner: EXPS3.
Battery Life
Battery life is something to keep in mind when shopping for the right optic.
The EXPS2 and 3 both use the same 123 lithium battery.
Fun fact: battery is included!
It’ll run for about 600-1000 hours before it needs a new one.
I like that I can tell when I need to replace the battery too. My reticle will flicker. Plus, every time I turn it on, it does an automatic battery check.
Does the EOTech EXPS3 do this too?
You bet!
Changing the battery isn’t a pain in the butt either.
All I have to do is unscrew the battery cap, pop the old battery out and slide the new one in. The + side has to be facing up.
The threads can be tricky. When I’m putting the cap back on, I have to really make sure they line up before I tighten ‘em up all the way.
Round 2 (Battery Life) Winner: Tie
Eye Relief & Eye Box
Both the EXPS2 and EXPS3 offer unlimited eye relief.
Unlimited eye relief means I get a fantastic field of view that has an absolute co witness with my iron sights.
Plus, I don’t have to worry about tunnel vision because instead of looking through a tube, the EXPS series has a large red dot sight window on each optic.
This means I can keep both eyes open. Plus, I get a really good view of my target and really quickly, too.
Speaking of which, if you’re looking for a battle-proven prism weapon sight, read my review on the Burris 332 and 536.
Round 3 (Eye Relief & Eye Box) Winner: Tie
Durability & Weight
The EOTech models series are anything but flimsy.
In fact, the EXPS2 and 3 are pretty much the same in terms of weight and durability.
They weigh 11.2 ounces and can take blips, bumps, and really strong recoil.
Plus, they are both water resistant and can handle being submerged in water up to 33 feet.
Both the EXPS give me peace of mind thanks to the auto-shut off feature. The battery shuts off after 8 hours and I can program it to meet my needs.
There are two differences I’ve found between the two optics.
For one, the range of brightness settings is a little different.
See, the EOTech EXPS3 has 30 levels of brightness.
The EXPS2 has 20, which, don’t get me wrong, is still very likeable and useful.
The second difference may be a deal breaker for some depending on their needs and purpose.
What I mean is that the EXPS3 is compatible with night vision equipment. The EXPS2 isn’t.
Personally, I like the option of hooking up my night vision devices with my EXPS3. I feel like I’m able to shoot at any range, in any amount of light, and still get pinpoint accuracy.
Plus, I like that there are 10 additional brightness settings for my night vision use. I know that some optics, like the StrikeFire II and the Vortex SPARC 2 only have 2 night vision adjustment settings.
Round 4(Durability & Weight) Winner: EXPS3
Windage, Elevation & Brightness Knob
I love that there aren’t any protruding knobs coming out of my sights.
Having the brightness level setting buttons on the side of the optic is pretty clutch. It’s easy to move the up or down buttons to adjust, for one thing.
Plus, having the buttons on the side means that I can hook up an EOTech magnifier if I want and not have to deal with the headache of trying to adjust the settings if they were located on the back.
Since the EXPS3 is night vision compatible, there is an added side button for turning NV on and off. It also gives me ten more brightness levels to choose from. Easy, breezy, beautiful.
The EXPS2 and EXPS3 windage and elevation settings are both on the right side of each optic. I use a coin to adjust and turn the knobs.
I like that they click when I turn them. It helps me know I’ve changed my point of aim.
Pro tip: don’t adjust the elevation and windage until your red dot sight is mounted.
Round 5(Windage, Elevation & Brightness) Winner: EXPS3
Mounting
I’ll start by saying that the quick detach feature with a fixed front sight is really convenient.
It makes mounting and removing my red dot sights on my picatinny a cinch and takes up less rail space than other optics.
Both optics come with everything I needed to get these set up and mounted.
Pretty straightforward. No major differences here either.
Round 6(Mounting) Winner: Tie
Price
The price difference of the EOTech EXPS3 vs EXPS2 is pretty significant.
In fact, the EXPS2 is about $100 bucks less than the EXPS3, which costs about $675 dollars.
- EOTECH EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
- Side Button Operation - Compact design and side button operation consumes minimal rail space and is ideal for use with a G33 Magnifier
- Mount - Quick Detach lever fits 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails
That said, both of these optics are incredible quality and worth every penny, in my honest opinion.
What it comes down to is your use of the optic.
If you’re just looking for something durable, easy to use, and high performing in daytime, the EXPS2 is the way to go.
On the other hand, if you want all the awesomeness of the EXPS2, but with the added night vision feature, then spending that extra hundred bucks or so on the EXPS3 makes sense.
Looking for a red dot sight that won’t break the bank? Read about the Vortex SPARC series here.
Round 7 (Price) Winner: EXPS 2
EXPS2 vs EXPS3: Which Holographic Weapon Sights is Better?
Whether you’re new to the field or consider yourself an expert, the EOTech EXPS2 and EXPS3 are both quality optics that anyone, no matter their stage in the game, can rely on.
Although the two optics are incredibly similar in many ways, the EXPS3 EOTech holographic weapon sight does have a few more likeable features than the EXPS 2.
Afterall, it’s versatile and has:
- 3 Reticle Options
- Easy adjustments
- 10 night vision compatible settings
- 20 daytime brightness settings
Like I said, whichever one you pick, you won’t be disappointed. Kind of like the Leupold scopes out there, there’s something for everyone.
But if you’re wanting something that’ll work with night vision and you’ve got the money to spend, the EXPS3 is the way to go.
This article was super useful and broken down easy for me to understand. Thank you for taking time to make not only an informative article, but making it easy to read.
Great article and review