Hey Freedom Gorillas! Today we are going to explain the similarities and differences between the EOTech XPS series of Holographic sights and the 5 Series. The XPS Series consists of the XPS2 and XPS3 models and the 5 Series consists of the 512, 552, 518, and 558 models.

This is part of our ongoing efforts to help you best understand which EOTech Holographic sight is best for you. We also have done the EXPS vs XPS Series and the EXPS vs 5 Series and we have the EOTech Holographic Sight Cheat Sheet to help you figure things out.

We realize that looking at all the different EOTech Holographic sights can be quite confusing and our goal is to break it down and simplify it for you so you can better understand the differences between all the models and series and to figure out which one is best for your specific needs.

Below we will cover everything you need to know and explain it as clearly and concisely as we can to help you out!

Let’s get into it.

Key Takeaways

The main difference between the EOTech XPS series and the EOTech 5 series is that the XPS uses a CR123 battery and the 5 Series models use AA Batteries. Aside from that both optics are very similar. The 5 Series consist of the 512, 552, 518, and 558. The 512 and 552 are almost identical to the XPS series. Both have absolute co-witness, clamping non quick release mounts, and buttons on the rear. The 518 and 558 however differ slightly by having a quick disconnect mount, 1/3 co-witness, and buttons located on the side.

Within both the XPS and 5 Series you will find models with nightvision brightness modes and ones without that feature.

Aside from the CR123 battery, the other thing that sets the XPS apart from the 5 series is its variety of housing color options, reticle color options, and reticle style. Within the 5 Series you can only get a black housing and a circle dot reticle or the XR308 reticle. Within the XPS series you can get OD Green, Tan, Grey, or Black housings, Red or Green color reticles, and a circle dot, 1 moa dot only, circle + 2 dot, 300 blackout, or FN303 reticle.

View all EOTECH XPS Models

View all EOTECH 5 Series Models

Quick Nav

• EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Models & Pricing
• EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Housing Colors & Reticle Options
• EOTech XPS vs 5 Series - Mounting Style, Button Placement, & Co-Witness
• EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Specs - Weight, Battery, Battery Life, Waterproof Ratings, Brightness, Nightvision Compatibility
• EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Similarities
• EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Differences
• EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Which is Better?
• EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Conclusion

EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Models & Pricing

The EOTech XPS and 5 Series are similar in many ways and the biggest difference is the XPS uses a CR123 battery and the 5 series uses AA batteries.

The XPS has more models, colors, and reticles to choose from than the 5 Series.

Below we will list all the models within each series and briefly explain each. We will also include ballpark pricing.

*Note the prices listed here are not exact prices. They are just summary prices to illustrate the ballpark price of these optics.

XPS Series Models XPS2 ($560+) - These models all take a CR123 battery, have buttons on the rear, absolute co-witness, and no night vision compatibility. Each model within this sub series is listed below with a brief description. XPS2-0TAN - Circle Dot with Tan Housing XPS2-2TAN - Circle + 2 Dots with Tan Housing XPS2-0 - Circle Dot with Black Housing XPS2-0ODGRN - Circle Dot with OD Green Housing XPS2-0GREY - Circle Dot with Grey Housing XPS2-0GRN - Circle Dot, Green Reticle, Black Housing XPS2-1 - 1 MOA Dot Only (No Outer Ring), Black Housing XPS2-2 - Circle + 2 Dots with Black Housing XPS2-300 - 300 Blackout Specific Reticle, Black Housing XPS2-FN - FN303 Specific Reticle, Black Housing XPS3 ($680+) - These models are the same as the XPS2 except they have nightvision compatibility and better waterproof ratings. Each model within this sub series is listed below with a brief description. XPS3-0 - Circle Dot with Black Housing XPS3-2 - Circle + 2 Dots with Black Housing

5 Series Series Models EOTech 5 Series ($480+) - All of these optics take AA Batteries. EOTech 512 - Absolute Co-Witness, Rear Buttons, Red Circle Dot Reticle, Buttons on Rear, AA Batteries, No Nightvision Compatibility, No Quick Release Mount EOTech 552  - Exactly the same as the EOTech 512 except it has nightvision compatibility and a better waterproof rating. EOTech 552 XR 308 - Exactly the same as the EOTech 552 but it has the XR308 reticle instead of the circle dot. EOTech 518 - 1/3 Co-Witness, Side Buttons, Quick Release Mount, Red Circle Dot Reticle, AA Batteries, No Nightvision Compatibility EOTech 558 - Exactly the same as the EOTech 518 except it has nightvision compatibility and a better waterproof rating.

EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Housing Colors & Reticle Options

One of the areas the EOTech XPS beats the 5 Series is with its housing color and reticle options.

Here are the reticles and colors both series come in.

XPS Housing Color Options Black Tan Grey OD Green XPS Reticle Color Options Red Green XPS Reticle Style Options Circle Dot Circle + 2 Dots 1 MOA Dot (No Circle) 300 Blackout FN303

5 Series Housing Color Options Black 5 Series Reticle Color Options Red 5 Series Reticle Style Options Circle Dot XR308

Here is an explanation of all the reticles:

	1-Reticle: 1 MOA Dot Only (View 1-Reticle EOTech Models): 1 MOA Dot Only with no outer ring. EOTech refers to this reticle as the "1-Reticle". If you are looking for an EOTech Holographic Optic and don't want the outer ring, the 1 MOA Center dot only reticle could be just what you want. The 1 MOA provides a precise aiming point, and doesn't create any unnecessary busy-ness on the screen.
	0-Reticle/A65 - 1 MOA Dot & 68 MOA Outer Ring (View 0-Reticle EOTech Models): This is the most common EOTech Holographic Sight Reticle. This is an extremely flexible reticle. The 1 MOA Dot provides extreme precision, while the outer ring can be used for quick target acquisition, and also act very functionally on a shotgun.
	2-Reticle - Two 1 MOA Dots & 68 MOA Outer Ring (View 2-Reticle EOTech Models): The theory behind this reticle is that it provides four usable aiming points. These aiming points are based on 223 caliber 62 gr at 2900 velocity, other calibers can be used, but essentially the center dot is for a 50/200 yard zero, the second dot is for a 500 yard shot, and the bottom of the circle is for a 7 yard distance.
	4-Reticle - Four 1 MOA Dots & 68 MOA Outer Ring (View 4-Reticle EOTech Models): This reticle is optimized for 5.56NATO/223 62gr M855 FMJ rounds at 2680FPS out of a 14.5 barrel. Other calibers could be used as well. The four dots on this reticle are meant to be used as a BDC. The center dot is for 50/200 yards, the dot underneath is for 400 yards, underneath that is 500 yards, and underneath that is 600 yards.
	Danger Close Reticle (DCR) - 1 MOA Dot & 68 MOA Speed Ring (View DCR Reticle EOTech Models): The DCR reticle is a speed ring that uses a 1 MOA Center dot and an open ring with an arrow at the bottom. It's intended for fast target acquisition. The center dot acts as a zero for a 50/200 yard zero for 5.56/223 and the bottom arrow acts as a POI marker for 7 yards.
	300 Blackout Reticle - Two 1 MOA Dots & 68 MOA Speed Ring (View 300 Blk Reticle EOTech Models): This reticle is designed specifically for 110gr supersonic, and 220gr subsonic 300 blackout rounds out of a 16" barrel. The reticle features two 1 MOA Dots and a 68 MOA outer ring. The first center dot is for subsonic at 50 yards, and supersonic at 100 yards. The second dot is for subsonic at 150 yards and supersonic at 300 yards.
	XR308 Reticle (View XR308 Reticle EOTech Models): This reticle is specifically designed for the M240 platform, but it's calibrated for 308 rounds at 150gr and 2800 FPS.
	FN303 Reticle (View FN303 Reticle EOTech Models): This reticle is intended for use with the FN303 platform.

EOTech XPS vs 5 Series - Mounting Style, Button Placement, & Co-Witness

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an EOTech Holographic Sight is to understand the button placement, type of mount, and co-witness height.

The EOTech XPS Series and the EOTech 512 and 552 have a clamping non quick disconnect mount with an absolute co-witness and have buttons located on the rear of the optic.

The EOTech 518 and 558 have a quick disconnect mount, a 1/3 co-witness, and have buttons on the side of the optic.

Below you will find an example of absolute vs 1/3 co-witness. In short, an absolute co-witness puts the dot directly in line with your iron sights, and a 1/3 co-witness puts the dot above your iron sights. With an absolute co-witness you need to bring your head down a bit more than a 1/3 co-witness.

As for button placement, side buttons are usually more convenient if you are running a magnifier. With a magnifier it is possible the rear buttons can be partially obstructed. Sometimes this isn’t a big deal, but it’s something worth noting.

EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Specs - Weight, Battery, Battery Life, Waterproof Ratings, Brightness, Nightvision Compatibility

The EOTech XPS series and 5 Series share many similarities with their specifications. Below we have broken down the tech specs of each for you.

One of the biggest takeaways to know is that the XPS2 and the EOTech 512 and 518 are the Non-Nightvision Compatible models, and the XPS3 and the EOTech 552 and 558 are the Nightvision Compatible Models. If a model is nightvision compatible it also has a better waterproof rating. A nightvision compatible optic can be submerged up to 33 ft and a non-nightvision compatible model can be submerged up to 10ft.

Here are the specs between both:

XPS Specs Button Location: Rear Mount Type: Non-QD clamp Co-Witness: Absolute LxWxH 3.8" x 2.1" x 2.5" (96.5 x 53.3 x 63.5 mm) Weight: 9 oz Waterproof: XPS2 10ft (3m) depth, XPS3 33ft (10m) depth Windage/Elevation: 0.5 MOA per click Brightness: XPS2/3 20 Daylight settings, XPS3 Only 10 Nightvision Settings CR123 Battery 1000 hrs battery life at setting 12 at room temp Operating temp: -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C) Made in USA

EXPS Specs Button Location: 512/552 Rear, 518/558 Side Mount Type: 512/552 Non-QD clamp, 518/558 Quick Disconnect Co-Witness: 512/552 Absolute, 518/558 1/3 Co-Witness LxWxH: 512/552 5.6" x 2.0" x 2.5", 518/558 5.6" x 2.2" x 2.9" Weight: 512/552 11.5 oz, 518/558 13.8 oz Waterproof: 512/518 10ft (3m) depth, 552/558 33ft (10m) depth Windage/Elevation: 0.5 MOA per click Brightness: 512/518 20 Daylight settings, 552/558 Only 10 Nightvision Settings AA Batteries 2,200-2,500 hrs battery life at setting 12 at room temp Operating temp: -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C) Made in USA

EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Similarities

The XPS and 5 Series have the following similarities:

• Both are made out of the same material, one is not stronger or beefier than the other
• Both have the same daylight brightness and nightvision settings for their respective models
• Both mount onto picatinny rails
• Both have the same 0.5 MOA Windage & Elevation adjustment
• Both the have the same waterproof ratings and operating temps
• Both are made in the USA
• The XPS and the 512/552 have the same co-witness, non QD mount, and buttons on the rear
  

EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Differences

While the XPS and 5 Series are similar, there are still some big differences. Here is a list of differences between the two.

• The biggest difference is that the XPS takes a CR123 battery and the 5 Series takes AA Batteries
• The 5 Series has longer battery life of 2,200/2,500 hours vs the XPS 1000 hours.
• The 5 Series is heavier than the XPS Series
• The 5 Series takes up more rail space than the XPS series because it is longer
• The 518 and 558 models have a quick disconnect mount, buttons on the side, and a 1/3 co-witness, while the XPS has a non QD mount, button on the rear, and an absolute co-witeness
• The XPS Series comes in different housing colors like Tan, Grey, OD Green, and black, the 5 Series comes in black only.
• The XPS Series comes in green reticle versions, and features more reticle style options than the 5 Series
  

EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Which is Better?

So which one is better? Well the answer really depends on what you prefer. Our recommendation is to choose the optic that best fits your use case, comes with the features you want, and is at a price point you’re comfortable with.

Objectively the XPS could be looked at as “better” because it is a more modern version and takes up less rail space due to its use of a CR123 battery. However you could argue that the 5 Series is “better” because it has a longer battery life.

Here’s how we would decide which one to go with. First and foremost decide if you want a unit with AA batteries or with the CR123 battery. The CR123 battery gives you 1000 hours of battery life and takes up less rail space and weighs 9 oz. If you prefer the look and size of the more compact XPS optic then we recommend going with that over the 5 Series. Also if you are looking for an optic specifically in FDE, OD Green, Grey, or in a Green Reticle, or 300 Blackout reticle, then the XPS would be the choice for you.

If you actually prefer longer battery life of 2,200 to 2,500 hours, and actually prefer using AA batteries instead of CR123 batteries, then the 5 series may be a better fit for you. It will be heavier and it will take up more rail space. But if you really prioritize battery life, battery availability, and also price point, the 5 series may be the best option for you.

View all EOTECH XPS Models

View all EOTECH 5 Series Models

EOTech XPS vs 5 Series Conclusion

As you can see there is quite a bit to choose from! EOTech certainly has done a lot throughout the years to make many different models each with their own features.

The XPS and 5 Series have their similarities and differences and at the end of the day they are both just as good and durable. Whichever model you choose to get we think you will be happy with.

We hope you found this guide useful and informative. If you still have any questions please reach out to us. Also if you want more help deciding which EOTech Holographic Sight to get, check out our EOTech Holographic Sight Cheat Sheet here.

Thanks for reading!