What is the difference between EOTech XPS2 and EXPS2?  The most obvious of which is that the EXPS2 has the letter E at the beginning of its name.

But seriously, folks. OTech has been producing holographic weapon optics since the 1990s. During the 2010s, EOTech released the XPS and EXPS line. This series of sights offers more reticle options, a smaller and more compact package, and the ability to add other accessories with greater ease.

EOtech holographic weapon
EOtech holographic weapon

EXPS2 and XPS2 Comparison

Model EXPS2 HWSModel XPS2 HWS
Magnification1x1x
Dimensions (LxWxH)3.8 x 2.3 x 2.9 inches3.8 x 2.1 x 2.5 inches
Weight (oz.)11.29
Eye reliefUnlimitedUnlimited
Power1 Cr1231 Cr123
Battery lifeApproximately 600 continuous hoursApproximately 600 continuous hours
Brightness settings20 (daytime)20 (daytime)
Night visionIncompatibleIncompatible
Submersible (depth)33 feet10 feet
Lens coatingAnti-fog

Anti-reflection

Anti-fog

Anti-reflection

Ideal target rangeClose to mid-rangeClose to mid-range
Price (MSRP)$579$539
EOTech XPS2
EOTech XPS2

So, these two sights are similar in many ways, but there are a few crucial differences:

– The XPS series is absolute co-witness, and the E series is raised a little (7mm riser), which provides lower 1/3 co-witness. When it comes to close-quarter battle (CQB), the 1/3 co-witness is a much better option. That way, the iron sights don’t take up the window, and you can get a clearer field of view.

– The XPS series has the control buttons on the rear of the device, and the E series has them on the side. The side-placement allows for easier manipulation when other accessories – such as a magnifier – are mounted on the rifle.

– The XPS series is mounted using mounting screws, and the E series has a quick detach lever. In a pinch, the quick detach lever is much easier to work with. If you find yourself in sudden need, you don’t want to start fiddling with an Allen key.

– The XPS2 model has 5 different reticle patterns to choose from, and the E model has 2. When you choose a model, you only choose 1 reticle pattern, so this difference may not be such a game-changer.

– Last, but not least, there is the difference in price. The difference is not huge, but hey – money is money. $40 is a lot of money to a lot of people. An optic is not something you should skimp on by any means, but on the other hand, you shouldn’t buy an optic which you are not going to use. Any accessory you have on your weapon should be one which is beneficial for your weapon and yourself. If you aren’t going to use – don’t get it.

EXPS2

EOTech XPS2 and XPS2 Sight

Both of these sights are rugged, battle-tested, and clear. They get the job done, whether you are a beginner or a pro. Of course, a good sight will only take you so far. You need to have the skills to back it up, and these EOTech sights can help you develop your skills, and eventually they can transform your shooting experience to something a lot more productive.

NOTE: don’t rely solely on your optic. Make sure to take the time to train with iron sights as well. If your rifle has no iron sights, you should get some. You never know when you are going to need them, and they can be very useful should your optic suddenly malfunction or otherwise fail.

Many people who have made the switch from regular 5XX EOTech sights to the newer XPS/EXPS sights, say they will not be returning to those older models. The new EOTechs are smaller, more reliable, and more advanced.

As stated in the tech spec, the XPS2 and EXPS2 sights do not offer night vision compatibility. If night vision is something which you are planning to use, these sights are probably not for you. The XPS3 and EXPS3, however, are night vision compatible. They may suit your needs a lot more than the two we are discussing. Again, weapons accessories are all about what you need. Looks and aesthetics are important, but ultimately you want a tool which gets results.

The EXPS2 has another advantage, but it is one which doesn’t relate completely to the “versus” situation which we have going on here. The EXPS2-2 (ballistic dual dot reticle) is available as a holographic hybrid model. The hybrid consists of an EXPS2-2 sight, with a G33.STS 3x magnifier attached to its rear. If you are thinking of getting a magnifier to use with your optic, you might as well go straight for the hybrid EXPS2-2 sight. That way, you will save some time and money, and get the optic you need in one neat setup.

Both of these sights are warrantied for a period of 2 years, for defects in materials and workmanship. These sights are made at the EOTech plant, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Buying a scope or sight is something which should not be done lightly. Some people spend many weeks or months doing their research, asking themselves the very questions which we have raised here: what am I going to use this weapon for? How much am I willing to spend on an optic? Will I need night vision capabilities or not? What is the battery life? Etc., etc.

If – after the research – you decide to go with EOTech, you will not be disappointed. They have a history of making shooters of all kinds happy. Civilians, soldiers, officers, government agents – there aren’t too many out there who would turn their noses at an EOTech sight.

So, the differences between the XPS2 and the EXPS2 are here in front of you. Take your time, and choose wisely. You can listen to friends and consult with fellow gun-owners and weapons-enthusiasts, but ultimately the decision is yours. Your weapon is a deadly device. One which you entrust with your life. Make it count, and keep on training. When the time comes for you to take that shot, you will be glad you went with a quality sight.

Rapid target acquisition is paramount. The rest is kind of debatable, as far as I am concerned. So, whether you are into it for home defense, active duty, or 3-gun competitions – EOTech’s sights are worth every penny.

Sam M

Sam is an avid firearms enthusiast who loves sharing his knowledge and experience with fellow gunivores.

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2 Comments

  1. Thanks a bunch for a very clear and concise evaluation of these two EOtech models. I’ve read other comparisons and yours gave me the most useful overview.
    I bought my first AR/MSR about a month ago and have not yet had a chance to shoot it. Work, winter weather, holiday obligations, etc. It will serve as a target gun,home defense, recreational outlet, and something my wife and I can do together.
    I’ve always been a target shooter but wanted something that would let me get out to 300 or more yards. I’ve already purchased a scope for longer distances, but was looking for a “holo” site for use between 25 and 100 yards. I’ve pretty well settled on the EOtech EXPS2 with single dot, but I’m still working on the co-witness thing. Not sure which will suit me best. I have a Springfield Armory Saint, so my front sight is fixed in place, with a filip up rear sight. Not sure what I’ll see as a sight picture thru the EXPS2, lower third or absolute co witness. I’m also not sure if it will really make a difference to me in the uses I have in mind. Can you maybe give me a little clarification on the co witness thing? Thanks

    1. Hi Conrad, thanks for sharing and we’re glad you enjoyed our review. Co-witness sights are basically the combination of iron sights and holographic/red dot optics. When using an absolute co-witness setup, your electronic sight will be zeroed-in directly in line with your iron sights and will appear in the center of your view. 1/3 co-witness is essentially the same thing but your line of sight is much clearer. This is because the electronic sight is raised (sometimes through a “riser”) which opens up your view window. Imagine a square: with absolute co-witness, your sights are front and center, whereas with a 1/3 co-witness they are resting on the bottom of your view.
      Please feel free to ask if you have any more questions or want anything else clarified.

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