When most people start looking into IR devices and night vision, everything feels confusing fast. Lasers, illuminators, visible vs IR, and different models all start to sound the same. So in this guide, we’re going to simplify it. We’re breaking down the full Holosun IRIS lineup, including IRIS 1, 2, 3, and 4, and then we’ll finish with the IRIS ARC, which plays a slightly different role. The goal here isn’t to throw a bunch of specs at you. It’s to help you actually understand what each one does and which one makes sense for your setup. By the end of this, you should be able to confidently pick the right option without second guessing it.
Before we jump into each model, here’s the simple way to think about the IRIS series. As you move from IRIS 1 up to IRIS 4, you’re basically stacking capability. The series goes from just a simple laser to an all-in-one solution for both night vision and normal use. Across the board, you’re getting modern features like VCSEL technology for cleaner beams, compact 7075 aluminum housings, and improved ergonomics. The real difference comes down to how much capability you actually need. And that’s exactly what we’re going to break down next.
Holosun IRIS Series Comparison
| Model | Visible Laser | IR Laser | IR Illuminator | White Light | Best For | Battery | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRIS 1 | ✔ (Red / Green) | ✔ (IR Version Only) | ✖ | ✖ | Entry Level / Training | AA | 4.6 oz |
| IRIS 2 | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | Day + Night Use | CR123A | 5.2 oz |
| IRIS 3 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (60mW VCSEL) | ✖ | Best Overall / Most Popular | CR123A | 6.4 oz |
| IRIS 4 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (60mW VCSEL) | ✔ (1,000 lm / 25,000 cd) | All-In-One Setup | CR123A / 18650 | 8.5 oz |
| IRIS ARC | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ (Up to 260mW VCSEL) | ✖ | Advanced NV Setups | CR123A | 4.1 oz |
IRIS 1 – Entry Level Laser Only Option
The IRIS 1 is the most straightforward option in the entire IRIS lineup. This is a laser-only device, meaning you’re getting either a red, green, or infrared laser depending on the version you choose, with no illuminator. That’s what makes it the most budget-friendly and easiest entry point into the IRIS series. If you’re just getting started or you don’t need a full IR setup, this keeps things simple and gets the job done.
What makes the IRIS 1 stand out, even as the entry model, is that it still uses VCSEL laser technology, which is a big deal. In simple terms, VCSEL produces a cleaner, more consistent beam compared to older laser types, especially in IR. That means better clarity under night vision and less “bloom” or distortion when you’re aiming. So even though this is the most affordable option, you’re still getting performance where it actually matters.
From a design standpoint, the housing is 7075 T6 aluminum, which is both lighter and stronger than previous generations of Holosun lasers. You also get an onboard fire button for momentary or constant-on use, plus a rear selector switch to control modes and intensity. It’s simple, but it’s well thought out and easy to use.
Bottom line: The IRIS 1 is the best choice if you want a no-frills laser solution at the lowest price point. It’s ideal for beginners, training setups, or anyone who doesn’t need an illuminator and just wants a reliable laser while still benefiting from newer tech like VCSEL.
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Starts at $299.99 
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Starts at $299.99 
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Starts at $299.99 
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IRIS 2 – Visible + IR Laser Combo
Instead of just a single laser like the IRIS 1, the IRIS 2 gives you both a visible laser (red or green) and an IR laser in one unit. That means you can use the visible laser during the day or for training, and switch over to IR when you’re running night vision. It’s a big step up in versatility without getting overly complicated.
One of the key upgrades here is the coaxial laser system, which basically means both lasers are aligned together. In simple terms, when you zero one, the other lines up with it. So you’re not dealing with two different points of impact or constantly re-zeroing between visible and IR. That’s a huge value, especially if you’re switching back and forth between day and night use.
Just like the IRIS 1, you’re still getting VCSEL technology for the IR laser, which gives you a cleaner, more controlled beam under night vision. As for controls, there is a center-mounted fire button for easy ambidextrous use, a rear selector switch for modes and intensity, and a compact remote switch included.
Bottom line: The IRIS 2 is the best do-it-all starting point in the lineup. If you want something that works both day and night, keeps your lasers aligned, and adds real capability without jumping to a full high-end setup, this is where most people should start.
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Starts at $499.99 
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Starts at $499.99 
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IRIS 3 – Full Setup (Laser + IR Laser + Illuminator)
The IRIS 3 is where the lineup really comes together, and it’s the reason this is the most popular model. At this point, you’re getting the full package: a visible laser (red or green), an IR laser, and an IR illuminator all built into one unit. This is the setup most people are actually looking for when they get into night vision, because it gives you both aiming and the ability to actually see what’s in front of you in the dark.
The big addition here is the IR illuminator, and this is what changes everything. Think of it like an invisible flashlight that only night vision can see. Without an illuminator, you’re relying on ambient light such as moonlight or starlight, which isn’t always enough. The IRIS 3 solves that with a powerful 60mW VCSEL illuminator that gives you a clean, usable image in low or no-light conditions. It also has an adjustable beam pattern, so you can go from a tight, focused beam for distance to a wider flood for close-up work.
Just like the IRIS 2, everything is still coaxial and aligned, so your visible and IR lasers match up. You’re also getting VCSEL across the board, which means a cleaner beam and better performance under night vision compared to older tech. The housing is still 7075 T6 aluminum, and despite adding more capability, it’s been refined to be 43% lighter and 20% lower profile than previous Holosun LS models. Controls are dialed in too, with a center-mounted fire button, rear selector switches, and an upgraded two-button remote with a VIS override, which is actually very useful in real-world use.
Bottom line: The IRIS 3 is the sweet spot of the entire lineup. If you’re serious about night vision and want a complete, capable setup without jumping all the way to the top-tier option, this is the one most people should choose.
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Starts at $899.99 
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Starts at $899.99 
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IRIS 4 – Full Power All-in-One System
The IRIS 4 is the top of the lineup, and it’s built for people who want everything in one unit. At this level, you’re getting a visible laser, IR laser, IR illuminator, and a full-power white light all combined into a single system. This is the most capable option Holosun offers in the IRIS series, and it’s designed for users who want maximum performance without needing to piece together multiple devices.
The biggest difference here is the addition of the white light, which puts the IRIS 4 in a completely different category. You’re getting a 1,000 lumen / 25,000 candela light, which is more than enough for positive identification and general use in the dark without night vision. So instead of running a separate weapon light alongside your IR device, this combines everything into one setup. That’s a huge advantage for keeping your rifle streamlined and reducing extra mounting space.
On the night vision side, you’re still getting the full IR package from the IRIS 3, including a 60mW VCSEL IR illuminator with adjustable focus and a clean VCSEL IR laser, both aligned with your visible laser through a coaxial system. So performance under night vision is still top-tier, but now you also have the flexibility to operate in both white light and IR environments without changing anything on your setup.
Ergonomics are also improved here with independent fire buttons for lasers and white light, making it easier to control exactly what you’re using in the moment. The included three-button remote switch gives you even more control, including a VIS override function. The housing is still 7075 T6 aluminum, and despite all the added capability, it’s been redesigned to be lighter, lower, and more compact than previous generations.
Bottom line: The IRIS 4 is the all-in-one, no-compromises option. If you want a single unit that handles IR aiming, IR illumination, and white light without needing anything else on your rifle, this is it.
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Starts at $999.99 
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Starts at $999.99 
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IRIS ARC – Dedicated IR Illuminator (IRIS Adjacent)
The IRIS ARC is a little different from the rest of the lineup because it’s not a full laser system. It’s a dedicated IR illuminator only. There’s no visible laser and no IR aiming laser here. Instead, this is built specifically to give you high-performance infrared light for night vision. So think of this as something you would pair with another aiming device, not replace it.
What makes the IRIS ARC stand out is just how much control you have over the beam. It uses a VCSEL-based illuminator with up to 260mW of output, which is a big jump in power compared to what’s built into something like the IRIS 3 or IRIS 4. More importantly, it has a fully adjustable beam that can go from a tight long-range spotlight to a wide flood for close-up use. You can quickly adjust that using the top-mounted slider, so you’re not fumbling around trying to change settings in the dark.
Another big advantage is consistency. The ARC has automatic brightness adjustment built in, which means as you widen or tighten the beam, it maintains usable intensity instead of washing out or dimming too much. That’s something you’ll really notice under night vision, especially when switching between distances.
Build quality is 7075 T6 aluminum, IPX8 waterproofing, and a standard Scout mount footprint, so it works with a wide range of mounting options. You also get both a rear button and a pressure pad, so you can set it up however you prefer.
Bottom line: The IRIS ARC is for users who already have an aiming solution and want to upgrade their illumination performance. If you need more power, more control, and better beam quality than what’s built into combo units, this is where it fits.
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Starts at $499.99 |
Which Holosun IRIS Should You Buy?
If you’re feeling stuck between models, here’s the simplest way to make your decision. Don’t overthink it. Just match the product to how you’re actually going to use it.
If you’re brand new, get the IRIS 1
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Starts at $299.99
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Starts at $299.99
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Starts at $299.99
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If you just want to get into IR lasers without spending a ton, this is the move. It’s simple, lightweight, and does exactly what it’s supposed to do. You’re getting a single laser with solid performance and nothing extra to complicate things. Perfect for learning, training, or lightweight setups.
If you want something for both day and night, get the IRIS 2
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Starts at $499.99
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Starts at $499.99
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This is where things start to make more sense for most people. You get both a visible laser and an IR laser, and they’re aligned together, so you can zero once and use both. That makes it a great option if you want one setup that works in all conditions without stepping up to a full system yet.
If you want a complete night vision setup, get the IRIS 3
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Starts at $899.99
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Starts at $899.99
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This is the sweet spot. You get a visible laser, IR laser, and an IR illuminator, which means you can actually see and aim under night vision. The illuminator is what most people are missing when they buy cheaper setups, and it makes a huge difference in real-world use.
For most people, this is the one to get.
If you want everything in one unit, get the IRIS 4
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Starts at $999.99
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Starts at $999.99
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This is the all-in-one option. You get everything from the IRIS 3, plus a full-power white light. That means you can run night vision, IR, and normal white light all from a single device. It simplifies your setup and eliminates the need for a separate white light.
If you already have a laser but want better illumination, get the IRIS ARC
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Starts at $499.99 |
This is not a full system. It’s a dedicated IR illuminator designed to pair with another laser. The big advantage is power and control, with an adjustable beam that goes from tight spot to wide flood and significantly more output than what’s built into combo units.
Simple Guide to Follow
Just aiming: IRIS 1
Day and night use: IRIS 2
Complete night vision setup: IRIS 3
Want everything in one unit: IRIS 4
Already have a setup and want better illumination: IRIS ARC
If you’re still unsure, default to the IRIS 3. That’s the one that gives you the full experience without overcomplicating things, and it’s why it’s the most popular option in the lineup.
If you still have questions or you’re trying to figure out what fits your exact setup, that’s what we do, so feel free to reach out!
