Choosing the right sight can be tough sometimes. There are just so many models and brands! But, in this article, we’re going to break down the differences between these two models to help you pick the right one.
To make things easy, we’ve created a little table that lists the differences, but if you’d like a more in-depth overview, then keep reading.
exps3 vs xps3 – Quick Comparison
| EXPS3 | XPS3 | |
| Run Time | 600 Hours | 600 Hours |
| Sight Dimensions | 1.2 x 0.8″ / 30.5 x 20.3 mm | 1.2 x 0.8″ / 30 x 23 mm |
| Water Resistant? | 33 feet | 33 feet |
| Buttons? | Side | Rear |
| Weight | 12.2 oz | 9 oz |
| Height over rail | 45mm | 36mm |
| Reticles | 1, 2, & 4 dot | 1 & 2 dot |
| Quick Detach | YES | NO |
| Warranty | 10 years | 10 Years |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Editor’s Pick
Eotech EXPS
While the differences between these sites aren’t huge, we like having the extra reticle pattern which is only available with the EXPS3.
This is the 4-dot reticle, which we just like to have. If you don’t need it though, then the XPS is equal to the EXPS in most other areas where it counts.
The EXPS also has the QD (Quick Detach) feature, as it sits on a riser. However, keep in mind that for some setups this can cause issues, so make sure a riser won’t mess up your gear configuration. If it does, then you can go with the XPS without much loss of features.
However, for the extra few bucks difference in price, we’ll gladly pay for the quality of life features that the EXPS offers.
Looking for a more in-depth comparison? We go over the differences between these two sights a little more below. This includes comparing the main features and why you might consider one over the other.
Eotech EXPS vs XPS
Okay, so the differences between these units are a lot less about features and a lot more about personal preference. We gave you the important bits above, but it’s hard to fit everything into a table, so in this section, we’ll compare these sights on the most important differences more in-depth.
Size and Weight
The first point I want to touch on is that there is a size difference between the XPS and EXPS models. The EXPS comes in at 12.2 oz, and the XPS clocks in at 9 oz. While this is not really a huge deal, there is also a height difference which you should be aware of.
This is because the EXPS3 comes with a riser which could impact your use of the sight. While this may not matter much on farther out targets, on targets which are small, partially obscured, and within 10 meters, you may find that the XPS is a better choice.
However, you will miss out on the QD (Quick Detach) feature, but it’s not really something you can’t live without to be honest. The EXPS3’s height over rail is around 45mm, while the XPS3’s height over rail is 36mm for reference. Whether this impacts your setup you’ll have to decide yourself.
Reticle Choice
If you’re picky about your reticles, then you’ll want to go with the EXPS3. This sight has more options, and it’s a more versatile pick. The XPS comes with just two of EOTECH’s popular reticles, the EXPS3, comes with a third.
The XPS3 comes with only the one and two-dot reticles, but the EXPS3 also includes the 4-dot reticle. If you need this particular pattern, then it’s a no-brainer which site you should get, the EXPS3 is the way to go.
Buttons and other considerations
Another big difference between these two units is button placement. How big of a deal this is depends on what gear you want to use with it. For example, if you want to get a magnifier, then the XPS is likely a bad choice, because when it’s flipped it’ll be in the way of your buttons.
The EXPS also has a quick detach mount. This is a nice feature to have, but as previously stated, since it’s on a riser it could cause similar issues to what we described above depending on your particular setup. So, keep the rest of your gear in mind when choosing one of these sights.
What about the EXP/EXPS2 vs EXP/XPS3?
If you’re wondering whether you can get one of the older models, then you should know that the older ones are not night vision compatible. If this is important to you then make sure you get the updated EXPS3 or XPS3, both of those models ARE night vision friendly.
Personally, I don’t think it’s worth missing out on this feature to save a couple of bucks, but it’s up to you in the end. If you can get a really good close out deal on an older model that fits your budget, then maybe it’s worth it to you.
In closing, the EXPS and XPS are very similar in all of the areas where it really counts. Performance-wise, they should be near identical. Most of the differences relate to quality of life and personal preferences, so you can’t really go wrong choosing either one. Our preference leans toward the EXPS, because we like its extra features, but they are not deal breakers for the XPS.
PS. We’ve also done a comparison from the Eotech Exps3 vs Exps2 here!
