Close Quarters Battle (CQB) demands speed, precision, and absolute reliability from your equipment. In the confined, high-stakes environment of a room or building, your optic is your primary tool for rapid target acquisition and engagement. The right sight can mean the difference between success and failure, making your choice of CQB optic one of the most critical decisions for your defensive or tactical setup.
This guide reviews ten of the best CQB optics available in 2025, from battle-proven holographic sights to innovative red dots packed with modern features. We have selected optics that excel in fast-paced scenarios, offering wide fields of view, durable construction, and intuitive controls to give you the edge when every millisecond counts. Whether you are building a home defense carbine or a competition pistol, our selection has an optic to meet your specific needs and budget.
Our Top Picks for CQB Optics
- HOLOSUN HS510C Multi-Reticle Green Open Reflex Sight
- EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sight EXPS3-0 black
- Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight No Mount
- SIG SAUER Romeo5 1X20mm Tactical Red Dot Sight
- Vortex Optics AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight
- Trijicon MRO Patrol Riflescope with 2.0 MOA Red Dot
- TRIJICON SRO 2.5 MOA ADJ LED RED DOT
- Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight 3.5 MOA
- Vortex Optics Sparc II Red Dot Sight – 2 MOA Dot
- Holosun HE509T-RD X2 Pistol Red Dot Sight
HOLOSUN HS510C Multi-Reticle Green Open Reflex Sight
The HOLOSUN HS510C is a feature-packed open reflex sight built for versatility and resilience on carbines, PCCs, and shotguns. Its aluminum housing is protected by a titanium hood, providing excellent shock resistance for demanding use. The included QD mount offers absolute co-witness, making it simple to get on target quickly.
This sight stands out with its Multi-Reticle System (MRS), allowing you to choose between a 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, or both for rapid target acquisition at close ranges. Combined with Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technology, the HS510C ensures your sight is always powered and ready while maximizing an already impressive 50,000-hour battery life. It is an outstanding value for a modern CQB optic.
EOTECH Holographic Weapon Sight EXPS3-0
The EOTECH EXPS3-0 is a legendary holographic sight trusted by military and law enforcement professionals worldwide. Its reputation is built on unparalleled ruggedness and a unique holographic reticle that remains accurate even if the sight window is partially broken or obscured by mud or debris. This level of reliability is crucial for a sight meant for extreme CQB environments.
Featuring a quick-detach mount for lower one-third co-witness and night-vision compatibility, the EXPS3-0 is designed for seamless integration into a professional kit. The large, clear window and distinctive 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dot provide an exceptionally fast and precise sight picture, making it a top-tier choice for those who demand proven performance.
Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight
The Aimpoint Micro T-2 represents the pinnacle of miniature red dot sight reliability and optical clarity. Known for its nearly indestructible build quality, this sight is a favorite among users who operate in the most demanding conditions. Its advanced lens system provides exceptional light transmission and a crisp, clear view of your target.
With a precise 2 MOA dot and an incredible battery life that can run for years on a single CR2032 battery, the T-2 is a true set-it-and-forget-it optic. It comes with protective flip caps and features reinforced turrets for secure windage and elevation adjustments. Its compact size and light weight make it perfect for maintaining a streamlined and agile weapon profile.
SIG SAUER Romeo5 1X20mm Tactical Red Dot Sight
The SIG SAUER Romeo5 is widely regarded as the best value in the red dot market, offering professional-grade features at an accessible price point. Its solid, lightweight aluminum housing is both waterproof and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in all weather conditions. The included mount offers both low and absolute co-witness heights for flexibility.
This sight features a clear 2 MOA red dot with ten brightness settings, including two for night vision. The standout feature is SIG’s MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) technology, which conserves battery by powering the sight down when stationary and instantly activating upon movement. For a budget-friendly optic that doesn’t compromise on critical features, the Romeo5 is an excellent choice.
Vortex Optics AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight
The Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II brings a unique and modern design to the holographic sight market. Its distinctive “horseshoe” profile houses an incredibly fast holographic display designed for rapid threat engagement. The Gen II model features an enlarged viewing window for an improved sight picture and a tool-less battery cover for easy maintenance.
You get a lightning-quick EBR-CQB reticle with 15 illumination settings, four of which are night-vision compatible. Vortex’s FHQ technology virtually eliminates stray light emissions, providing zero forward signature. Weighing just 11 ounces, it strikes a great balance between a large window and a manageable weight, all backed by Vortex’s unbeatable VIP warranty.
Trijicon MRO Patrol Riflescope with 2.0 MOA Red Dot
The Trijicon MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) is engineered for speed and durability. Its large viewing area allows for faster target acquisition with a significantly reduced “tube effect” compared to other micro dots, giving you a more open and forgiving sight picture. This is a major advantage when tracking moving targets in close quarters.
Built to Trijicon’s legendary standards, the MRO is waterproof to 100 feet and features multi-coated, superior quality glass for exceptional clarity and a crisp 2 MOA dot. With eight adjustable brightness settings and a mid-position “Off” feature, it provides intuitive control. The kit includes a robust 1/3 co-witness quick-release mount for immediate use.
TRIJICON SRO 2.5 MOA ADJ LED RED DOT
The Trijicon SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic) is designed with competition and pistol applications in mind, but its massive window also makes it fantastic for specialized CQB roles. It offers an exceptionally large and unobstructive field of view that is parallax-free, allowing for rapid, off-angle shots with impressive accuracy.
A fine-tuned, illuminated 2.5 MOA reticle appears crisp against the exceptionally clear front lens. A key user benefit is the tool-less design for windage and elevation adjustments, making zeroing a quick and simple process. Its low profile allows for co-witnessing with suppressor-height iron sights, providing a reliable backup aiming system.
Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight
The Aimpoint ACRO P-2 is a fully enclosed micro red dot that sets a new standard for enclosed emitter systems. Its compact, sealed design protects the lens and emitter from mud, snow, and moisture, ensuring reliable operation in adverse conditions where open emitters might fail. This makes it ideal for duty use and harsh environments.
It features a clear 3.5 MOA dot that is perfect for fast, close-range engagements. With a phenomenal battery life of over 50,000 hours (more than five years) on a common CR2032 battery, the ACRO P-2 is built for continuous readiness. Its low-profile footprint is optimized for applications where a compact, robust sight is required.
Vortex Optics Sparc II Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Sparc II is a highly compact and daylight-bright red dot that delivers excellent performance for its class. Its fully multi-coated lenses provide a clear, parallax-free field of view with unlimited eye relief, making target acquisition quick and intuitive. This sight is versatile enough for a wide range of platforms, from rifles to shotguns.
A key feature is its modular three-piece base, which offers four separate mounting heights. This allows for user-specific customization, including absolute co-witness, lower one-third co-witness, and a low base for handguns or shotguns. The 2 MOA dot is crisp, and the turrets offer precise and audible adjustments for windage and elevation.
Holosun HE509T-RD X2 Pistol Red Dot Sight
The Holosun HE509T-RD X2 is a rugged, fully enclosed pistol red dot that brings advanced features to a compact footprint. Its titanium housing provides maximum durability while keeping weight to a minimum. The enclosed emitter design is a significant advantage, as it completely protects the reticle projection system from obstructions like mud, lint, and precipitation.
It incorporates Holosun’s popular Multi-Reticle System, allowing you to switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both. Like other premium Holosun optics, it includes Shake Awake technology and a solar failsafe to ensure the sight is always operational. The HE509T is an excellent choice for a modern pistol-caliber carbine or a duty pistol destined for CQB.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best CQB Optics
Choosing the right optic for close quarters battle (CQB) is a critical decision that can directly impact your speed and accuracy. It’s not just about picking the shiniest tube; it’s about finding a tool that becomes an extension of your instincts. Having tested dozens of models, I’ve found that a few key factors separate the good from the great in the high-stakes world of CQB.
First, let’s talk about the type of optic. Red dot sights are the undisputed kings of CQB for a reason. They offer unlimited eye relief, meaning you can get on target fast from any head position, and they keep both eyes open for superior situational awareness. Holographic sights fall into this same category but use a different technology that some users find less prone to starbursting, especially if you have an astigmatism. The choice between a red dot and a holo often comes down to personal preference and how your eye perceives the dot. For most people, a simple red dot is more than enough.
Next up is window size and housing. A larger window gives you a bigger picture, making it easier to acquire the dot when you’re moving or shooting from awkward positions. However, a larger window often means a bulkier housing. You need to find a balance. I prefer a larger window with a lower 1/3 co-witness mount, but the housing should be slim enough to avoid blocking your peripheral vision. The material matters, too. Aircraft-grade aluminum is the standard for a reason—it can take a beating and keep zero.
Battery life is a huge deal. The last thing you want to worry about in a critical moment is your optic dying. Look for models boasting tens of thousands of hours of runtime. Even better are optics with motion-activated shake-awake features. They sleep when not in use and instantly wake up the moment they’re moved, saving immense amounts of battery power. Always check the battery type as well; common cells like CR2032 are easy to find, while proprietary batteries can be a hassle.
Finally, consider brightness settings and durability. You need a bright dot for sunny days but also very low settings for use with night vision devices. A wide range of brightness adjustments is non-negotiable. As for durability, your CQB optic must be waterproof and shockproof. It’s going to get knocked around, exposed to the elements, and subjected to heavy recoil. Look for robust construction and a proven track record. Getting the right fit for your needs and your firearm is the ultimate goal of this 10 Best CQB Optics – Reviewed in 2025 | Selection & Buying Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a red dot sight for CQB?
The biggest advantage is target-focused shooting. With iron sights, you have to align the front and rear sights and then focus on the target. A red dot lets you keep both eyes open and focused solely on the threat. You simply place the dot where you want the bullet to go. This dramatically increases speed and maintains full situational awareness, which is everything in a fast-paced CQB environment.
Is a larger MOA dot better for close quarters?
Generally, yes. MOA (Minute of Angle) refers to the dot’s size. A larger dot, like a 3 MOA or especially a 6 MOA, is easier and faster to pick up at close ranges. It covers less of the target at typical CQB distances, allowing for rapid shots on man-sized targets. A smaller 2 MOA dot is more precise for longer shots but can be slightly slower to acquire when you need speed above all else. For a dedicated CQB gun, I lean towards a 3 MOA or larger dot.
How important is battery life, and what about backup sights?
Battery life is absolutely critical. You should never have to wonder if your optic will turn on. Modern optics with 50,000-hour battery lives and shake-awake technology have made this less of a daily worry, but it’s still a primary consideration. This is why co-witnessing with backup iron sights is a standard practice. If your optic fails, you can instantly transition to your iron sights through the same window without losing your position. It’s a essential redundancy.
Can I use a Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) for CQB?
You can, but it’s not ideal for pure CQB. An LPVO on its 1x setting can be very fast, but it will never be as fast as a red dot. You still have an eye box and eye relief to contend with, which can slow you down. LPVOs are fantastic all-around optics, but if your primary mission is room clearing and engagements inside 50 yards, a red dot or holographic sight is the superior tool. This is a key point we consider in our 10 Best CQB Optics – Reviewed in 2025 | Selection & Buying Guide.
What does “parallax free” mean and why does it matter?
A parallax-free optic means the dot stays on the same point of aim regardless of your eye position behind the sight. True parallax freedom is a myth, but high-quality CQB optics are engineered to be parallax-free at the distances that matter most. This is vital because in a dynamic CQB situation, you won’t always have a perfect cheek weld. You need the dot to be accurate even if your head is slightly off-center, ensuring your shot goes where the dot is, not where your eye is.