Open Emitter vs Closed Emitter Red Dot Sights: Which is better?

There has been a lot of hype around closed emitter red dot sights lately. Today, we'll look at the differences between open vs closed emitter red dot sights so you can make the best choice for your setup. 

What is the difference between open emitter and closed emitter red dot sights?

Open emitter red dot sights have a single lens in the front of the optic where the reticle is projected using an LED. Closed emitter red dot sights have an additional lens in the back of the optic that encloses the LED between the front and back lens.

With closed emitters, it is impossible for anything to get inside the two lenses and block the reticle from appearing (unless the lenses or the sight break, although at that point, you probably have bigger problems).

Open Emitter Red Dot Sights: Benefits, Pros and Cons

Open emitter red dot sights are the simpler of the two designs. This single-lens design is typically more lightweight and compact, making it a popular choice where size and weight are factors.

The biggest drawback with open emitter red dot sights is that the LED that projects the reticle onto the lens can be blocked or partially covered with debris. I recently talked about this with the optic I carry on my Sig Sauer P365: the Holosun 507K X2 (open emitter red dot sight) on the gun was partially blocked by debris after drawing from my holster at the range. The reticle still appeared but had almost completely disappeared from view.

Regularly cleaning your open emitter red dot should help prevent this, but it is worth considering when choosing between open and closed emitters.

Even with this caveat, I still keep the open emitter red dot on my CCW pistol. I’ve carried the Holosun 507K X2 for over a year now and its small size makes it a great choice for everyday carry.

Pros of Open Emitter Sights

1. Lightweight and Compact: Open emitters allow for a smaller form factor, making it ideal for shooters who want less size and weight.
2. Affordable: Open emitter sights are generally more affordable due to their simpler design.

Cons of Open Emitter Sights

1. Exposure to Elements: Because the emitter is open to the environment, it can be covered or partially blocked by dust, dirt, water, or snow, rendering the optic useless until the debris is cleared.
2. Reduced Durability: Open emitters are more vulnerable to environmental factors and physical damage, making them less ideal for extreme conditions.

Best Uses for Open Emitter Sights

Open emitter red dot sights are ideal for controlled, dry environments. They’re also great for self-defense handguns, especially in low-profile applications where minimal size and weight matter.

If you don’t plan on repeat exposure to the elements, open emitter red dots are a great option that usually come at lower price points.

Closed Emitter Red Dot Sights: Benefits, Pros and Cons

Closed emitter red dot sights have an enclosed design, with the emitter fully housed within a protective casing. This type of sight is often bulkier and slightly heavier but offers greater protection, making it more suitable for rugged and adverse conditions.

With a closed emitter red dot, you can submerge the sight in mud, snow, dust, and debris–as long as you can see through the optic, you’ll be good to go. With an open emitter red dot sight, you would need to clean any debris blocking the emitter before being able to use it.

Pros of Closed Emitter Sights

1. Enhanced Durability: With the emitter fully enclosed, closed emitter sights are better protected from damage.
2. Reliability in All Weather: Closed emitter sights perform better in rain, snow, or dusty environments, making them ideal for outdoor use and rough conditions.

Cons of Closed Emitter Sights

1. Heavier and Bulkier: Due to their enclosed design, closed emitter sights are usually larger and heavier, which can be a drawback for compact setups.
2. Higher Cost: Closed emitter sights are generally more expensive.

Best Uses for Closed Emitter Sights

Closed emitter red dot sights excel in challenging environments where dirt, moisture, or debris are concerns. They are ideal for tactical, law enforcement, and military applications where ruggedness and reliability are critical.

If you plan on shooting outdoors in rougher conditions, closed emitter red dot sights are probably the better choice.

Best Closed Emitter Pistol Sights

If you’re looking for a closed emitter sight for a pistol/handgun, here is a short list of some of our favorites (ordered from least expensive to most expensive).

• Swampfox Kraken ($298)

• Holosun EPS Carry ($329, Multiple Reticles for $399)
• Holosun HE509T X2 ($429)
• Steiner MPS ($529)
• Aimpoint Acro P-2 ($599)
• Trijicon RCR ($774)

Final Thoughts: Should I buy a closed emitter or open emitter red dot?

Both open emitter and closed emitter red dot sights have benefits: if you are looking for a smaller optic for a compact setup or concealed carry in more favorable conditions, open emitter red dot sights are a great choice.

If you don’t mind a little extra bulk and the higher price tag, a closed emitter red dot will be able to withstand more of a beating without interrupting your sight picture. If you plan on using your red dot sight anywhere rain, snow, mud, or dust is a factor, a closed emitter is probably the better choice.