This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links.
Is timing or tight budget the driving push for a budget scope?
Buying in the sub-$100 market can be a roll-of-the-dice experience, but neither should you gamble your hard-earned cash away on some random scope buy.
Believe it or not, you can have buyer's remorse even when you spend only a few bucks. No dollar should go wasted.
This is where we come in to help steer you towards the best AR-15 (ArmaLite 15) and MSR (Modern Sporting Rifle) style scopes that are affordable, high-performing, and dependable.
Here's our scope lineup with some time-honored favorites for under $100 and what we consider priority features on a low-priced scope!
Our 7 Top Cheap Scopes for AR-15 (Under $100)
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | UTG BugBuster 3-9X32 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red dot |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Tacticon Armament Predator V1 red dot |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | XOPin Scope & Laser Combo |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Monstrum Tactical 2-7x32 AO |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | CenterPoint 1-4x20 |
| CHECK PRICE |
Why Trust Us?
After hundreds of hours of hand-testing scopes in the field and at the range, and thousands more hours researching and writing about them, we feel we earn the title of experts when it comes to optics!
We purchase as many of the optics for our tests as possible, and run them through their paces to make sure they will perform at the range and in the field.
Our combined decades of experience from aiming and target acquisition, to big game hunting and competitions has been integral in putting together this round-up of the best scope for AR 15 under $100.
Get the inside scoop on how we test optics here.
Money doesn’t grow on trees, so buying a budget scope for under 100 bucks is the reality a lot of the time for most buyers. Just look at the ever-rising number of reviews and verified purchases on cheap scopes. The market for them will forever be in high demand.
So, how do you filter out the junk from the good ones? Know what you're after. Trying to stretch too much out of your scope by compromising quality for all the seemingly 'tacticool' features may be your undoing. Instead, put your hard-earned bucks in the best features that'll do you right - build quality, accurate reticle, and clear glass.
We'd be lying if we said a $100 scope could do it all - it simply won't. But, it may just provide enough for what you need to get it done. The saying "you get what you pay for" is often proven very true in the optics industry. However, we'd say staying well-informed about the best scopes can often lead you towards the ones with the best value.
Some appropriate applications for your new, well-priced scope may include some types of hunting, target shooting, security, home defense, and plinking. With these shooting applications, with reasonable expectations in mind, a cheapo rifle scope under $100 is bound to please both the eager beginner and wise marksman.
Let's get onto what scopes are highly praised in the current market to fit your AR-style platform best!
The Best Scope for AR 15 Under $100:
1. UTG 3-9X32 BugBuster AO Scope
The Leapers UTG BugBuster didn't happen to be one of the best AR scopes for 100 by chance, it was made to be. At least that's what the several hundred of buyers say. What else do they have to say about one of the highest selling scopes rated in the Top 5 Rifle Scopes List? Here's what…
Pros:
- Price
- Range mil-dot reticle
- Reticle illumination
- Adjustable objective
- Lockable/resettable turrets
Cons:
- Quality control issues
You read that right! The UTG BugBuster has lockable and resettable turrets. In this price range, this is unheard of. Being able to lock down your turrets gives you confidence when sighting in. Don't accidentally nudge and knock your adjustments out of place ever again
The range mil-dot reticle tracks accurately with adjustments, and there are hashmarks along the entire elevation and windage crosshairs for multiple aiming points and ranging your target. As many of the best scopes in this lineup do, it has dual illumination in red and green, but it's highly visible without it as well. Control brightness with the side dial which is a much cleaner look and more convenient location than on the eyepiece.
Whether or not you think you need a parallax correction feature, UTG takes the thinking away for you. They've installed an AO on the objective bell to focus for an extremely close distance of 3 yards to infinity. Parallax issues? Not anymore.
When you get your BugBuster, you'll be well pleased to know you're set to get mounted and out to the range today. It comes with a 2" sunshade, flip open caps, and medium height, heavy-duty, QD rings.
While there's a lot to rave about, it doesn't come without some quality control issues. Is the scope covered under warranty? You bet it is. The UTG series of scopes is covered by the Leapers Lifetime Warranty.
2. CVLIFE 2.5-10X40E Red & Green Illuminated Mil-Dot Tactical Rifle Scope
- Magnification: 2.5-10X with 40mm objective ; Field of View:100 yards of 32.5' @ 2.5x - 8.9' @10x; Laser: 2mW, Class IIIA, reaching 100 yards.
- Clearer Image: Multi-coated green lens boast much higher light transmittance compared with blue lens
- Illumination Modes: red & green (5 intensity)
You'd be hard-pressed to find a scope for your AR-15 cheaper than this for as popular as it is with real optics. There's good reason why this scope is well-known across the board, and why it's still a number 1 best-selling optic among those looking for a bargain.
Pros:
- Price
- Dual illumination
- Built-in laser
- BDC mil-dot reticle
- Accessories included
Cons:
- Build quality issues
For a scope under 50 bucks, it's worth the investment to buy some Loctite to keep things in place. You'll see this recommendation a lot with budget AR-15 optics under $100 as build quality can be dicey, and the CVLIFE 2.5-10X40E scope is not immune to the rule.
But, for the price, you get a heck of a lot more than what you bargained for. Dual illumination with 5 brightness levels allows you to see your reticle in green or red - whatever suits your fancy for the time of day and application, right?
The reticle itself is a mil-dot reticle with BDC holdover points calibrated for .223 55 gr cartridges out to 500 yards. You can also use it to range a target of known size if you're that skilled.
Tactical gearheads will love the built-in, side-mounted laser. Those wanting to get out to the range the instant they get the scope will love that it comes with lens caps, all the necessary batteries to power the illumination and laser, and 20 mm scope mounts.
There's nothing to it, and there's nothing to hide. If you want a scope system that doesn't cost a lot, is fun to play with, and is accurate to boot, follow suit with the rest of the crowd and be one to say, "it’s a real bargain!"
3. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
It's a welcome sight to see a big-game competitor offering optics in this price range. Bushnell is an established optics company with a long history of expertise in the business. Seeing just one of their products, the TRS-25, being sold in the thousands is proof they know what they're doing, and customers want what they have. Here's why it's one of our favorite red dots to mount to an AR-15.
Pros:
- Price
- Adjustable illumination
- 3 MOA red dot
- Weatherproof
- Great for AR 15 pistols
Cons:
- Low profile for AR 15 rifles
- Quality control issues
Complaints are rampant about poor red dot illumination, the front lens falling out, and inability to hold zero. It seems these red dots were defective and can be replaced quickly by the manufacturer or refunded by the seller. Even though the sight is one of Bushnell's cheaper line of optics, it's still covered with a 1-year warranty.
It's a #1 Best Seller in Rifle Scopes and Gun Sights. It's not hard to see why. It's exactly what it says it is: a red dot enclosed reflex sight. The red dot is 3 MOA in size, has 11 brightness settings, true 1x magnification, and a 25 mm aperture.
It can mount to any Picatinny/1913 and weaver rail, and this model is ideally suited for handguns. Those who need fast target acquisition and unlimited eye relief will find their needs satisfied with the Trophy TRS-25.
If you're running an AR 15 rifle with a flat top receiver that you want to try this red dot with, you'll need the Hi-Riser Block to raise the sight. Get that mounted and you can also co-witness your red dot with your iron sights.
It's waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. Elevation and windage are in 1 MOA clicks. Optics are multi-coated. It's a cheap red dot sight that sits on thousands of firearms around the globe. Is it going to sit on yours?
4. Tacticon Armament Predator V1 Red Dot Scope
- ✔ LIGHTNING FAST TARGET ACQUISITION: You can quickly lock onto your target and take your shot with confidence. This Tacticon red dot sight has 5 different brightness...
- ✔ UNBEATABLE DURABILITY: The green & red dot sight for AR is engineered to hold zero even after thousands of shots. The tactical rifle scope is sealed with O-rings to...
The Predator V1 isn't a LPVO (low power variable optic), which we're huge fans of by the way, but it's a true-blue red dot sight, or in this case, red and green dot sight. Due to the huge fan base this AR-15 red dot has and its unbelievably low price, we were obligated to feature it. Here's why…
Pros:
- Price
- Red/green dot interchangeable
- Adjustable brightness
- Co-witness with iron sights
- Weatherproof
Cons:
- Quality control issues
It's no secret. This AR-15 scope is made in China, and there are quality control issues from poor build quality to dot issues. However, due to the extensive amount of mass input, a couple tips and tricks can make all the difference. A little Loctite is all you need to keep mounting screws together.
Additionally, as an economical gun sight, the red/green dot may flare or halo at high brightness, and it seems the V1 is guilty of this. But, when it comes to various other red dot issues such as clusters or warped dots, it seems a lot of users are unaware of how astigmatism affects vision when looking through the gun sight. Have you had your eyes checked recently? Check out this guide for more information about red dots sights and astigmatism. Issues aside, the V1 is backed by a lifetime warranty with a 100% money back guarantee.
The Predator V1 has an interchangeable red and green dot with 5 brightness intensity settings. It also comes preinstalled with a mount for quick mounting to your rail, although, it can be removed from the included mount.
For such a cheap scope, it's impressive to see it's waterproof, O-ring sealed, and nitrogen-purged for weather protection out in the field. To get best use from this scope, its usable range is within 300 yards.
Extra mounting care, having good vision, and testing out your red dot as soon as you get it (so you can take advantage of a return window, if you must) is how you maximize your Tacticon buy. For an AR 15 sight under $50, it's worth the bucks and the extra effort.
5. XOPin C4-12X50EG AR15 Scope Combo
- Rifle scope advantage：High grade fully coated optical lens, Dry nitrogen filled with waterproof,shock proof,fog proof. Magnification：4x-16x suit for any W/ 22mm Rail...
- The scope is Red and green Multi-X reticles with 5 levels；Exit Pupil：3.3mm-10mm；Field of View：10' ~ 27' @ 100yards；Eye Relief：3" ~ 3.4"；Windage & Elevation...
It's a generic scope from an obscure brand, but it doesn't mean it's no good. XOPin is one of those brands that's trying their hand at optics, and they started with this AR15 rifle scope combo. It's a scope that's brand new to the market, and it's already attracted a decent number of buyers.
Pros:
- Price
- Rangefinding reticle
- Red/green reticle illumination
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Includes extra devices
Cons:
- Quality control issues
Like many economical scopes built for the MSR, there may be some quality control issues to be aware of. Using Loctite can help to support secure assembly and mounting. Sure, this means an extra step for you, but it also means you have a stable optics system mounted to your rifle.
XOPin customer service is extremely responsive and they offer a 12-month guarantee on their products. If you're expecting to use this scope for duty, combat, or heavy use, you may be disappointed. As a complete scope system, you can use it best for recreational shooting, target shooting, and in some hunting applications. Beware, this system weighs over 2 lbs when all devices are mounted. Bench shooting with a bipod may become your favorite weekend hobby.
This combo package comes with a 4-12x50 rifle scope. It packs a ton of magnification for the AR-platform. The red or green illuminated rangefinding reticle has 5 brightness levels and is still visible even if you don't use the illumination. It has a fast focus eyepiece with 1/4 MOA clicks on both the elevation and windage turrets.
It also comes with a push-button red laser sight and a red and green dot holographic sight. It's a complete tactical optics system if you're after a beginner's introduction to using the different optics included.
6. Monstrum Tactical 2-7X32 AO Rifle Scope
- Adjustable 2-7 times magnification, for targeting out to 400 yards and beyond
- Adjustable reticle illumination with 5 brightness levels in both red and green, allowing for better reticle visibility in low light environments
- An adjustable objective lens or AO - that allows for sharper focus of the target image, elimination of parallax, and range estimation
New to tactical scopes? Scratch that. New to shooting? You don't need to break the bank on your first-time scope buy for your MSR rifle. If you're popping off .223/5.56 cartridges, then a great brand to start with is Monstrum. They keep things affordable, their scopes are easy to use, and some accessories are thrown into the buy.
Pros:
- Price
- Dual illumination
- Adjustable objective
- Close-mid range
- Accessories included
Cons:
- Strict return policy
It's been said that this scope ended up being better in quality than the manufacturer may have intended. We don't think that's true. We think Monstrum knew exactly what they were doing when they made the 2-7x32 tactical AO scope.
It has a low price tag, 1" medium rings and lens caps are included, and the overall size of the scope is compact and weighs less than a pound. The simple and yet effective design has been well thought-out with its 6061 aircraft grade aluminum construction, a detachable throw lever (definitely a tacticool feature), and its nitrogen-purged and water-resistant housing.
The reticle has dual illumination (red and green) with 5 brightness levels. Being in the second/rear focal plane, the ranging and bullet drop holdover points are only applicable at max 7x magnification. It seems it's a non-caliber-specific reticle that has holdover hashmarks out to 500 yards with some 50-yard increment dots.
But, you better decide if you really want it before you mount it since Monstrum's 30-day no questions asked return policy requires the scope be returned in "unused condition with all original parts and packaging." That can be hard to qualify for after you mount it to your AR 15 and find it doesn't fit your needs or it's defective. Luckily, it is backed by 1-year warranty.
It's a great, lightweight option for a beginner shooter looking for an AR15 scope on the better end of the entry-level market.
7. CenterPoint 1-4X20 AR Scope
- 1-4x20mm SCOPE WITH RED AND GREEN ILLUMINATION - Includes CR2032 battery
- QUICK-AIM RETICLE WITH 3 MOA CENTER DOT AND 65 MOA RING - For ulimate versatility
- MOUNTS TO PICATINNY RAILS
Don't have the savings to drop a heavy wad of dough on the best most expensive AR 15 scope? Need something right now that's good enough to get the job done? Velocity Outdoors is the parent company that owns the CenterPoint Optics brand, and we can thank them for affordable, quality scopes. Although it's in the beginner's market and budget, it's a scope that will introduce you to what's available beyond a red dot.
Pros:
- Price
- 3 MOA center dot
- Glass-etched reticle
- Dual illumination
- Accessories included
Cons:
- Build quality issues
- Short eye relief at 1x
For a cheapo scope, it's holding well with buyers looking for a low power scope for close to mid-range shooting, and by mid-range, we mean sub-250 yards. The 1-4x magnification is indeed intended for point-blank and close-range work with some flexibility to reach extended distances.
But, there is a catch. Although it has 1x power, users have said it's more around 1.25x. While long eye relief is claimed to be a very generous 4.1", it's said to be extremely short or difficult to align with the eye box at 1x.
The dual illumination has 5 brightness levels in both red and green. The 3 MOA center dot is laser-etched into the glass, and it's been designed this way for quick target acquisition and reticle integrity.
There are complaints about build quality from unusable turrets to rattling mounting screws. The turrets are tight to use, and a little Loctite will do wonders for your zero.
What accessories are included with the buy? You can expect lens covers and a mount compatible with Picatinny rails. You may want to upgrade the hardware included, but like everyone else says, "the scope is good."
What to Look for in an AR 15 Scope Under $100
You can't let your expectations get too high when the budget belt is fitting tight, but it doesn't mean you need to abandon all standards. Look for quality in the basic features that actually goes towards the integrity of the scope.
It needs to be strong, durable, and dependable - build quality. It needs to be clear, bright, and free of distortion - glass/image quality. It needs to be functional, accurate, and in alignment - reticle and turret quality.
These may be basic features to consider, but at these low price points, it's the only features that really matter. Everything else is a bonus.
Budget Range:
The pickings are far from slim when you have a hundo ready to drop on a low-priced scope for your AR-15. There is an overabundance of options, quality, features, and obscure brands in this budget range. If you can spend more, wise advice is to spend more and get the best AR-15 scope you can, even just stretching the budget to an AR-15 scope under $200 will see a big improvement in quality. If you're set on a hundred bucks, you'll be glad to know most of these scopes will come with mounts, caps, and tools - everything you need to save extra money and get shooting today.
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
| UTG BugBuster | Mil-dot reticle, Emerald lens coating, Dual illumination, Water/fogproof, QD ring mounts |
| CVLIFE | Dual illumination, Green lens coating, Aluminum, 650nm laser, Mount included |
| Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 | Compact, 3 MOA dot, Water-resistant, 5,000+ battery runtime, 3.6 oz, Adjustable brightness |
| Tacticon Predator V1 | Dual illumination, Fog/waterproof, Lifetime Warranty, Extra battery included, 3 MOA dot |
| XOPin Combo | 1200G shockproof, Pic rail included, ¼ MOA adjustments, Fog/waterproof, Laser included |
| Monstrum Tactical | Dual illumination, Adjustable Objective, Throw lever, Rangefinder reticle, Fog/waterproof |
| CenterPoint LPVO | 1-6x LPVO, 1” tube, 3 MOA center dot w/Quick-aim reticle, Pic rail included, Dual illumination |
Best Magnification Range:
Low power variable optics (LPVO) are quickly becoming all the rage, and we have to admit, we're a fan of them on AR/MSR platforms. To move from a red dot to an LPVO without too much shock, the 1-4x, 1-6x, and 1-8x offers the smoothest transition.
However, depending on your AR setup, you could very well handle more magnification and more distance. Being activity-specific will help you narrow down what power range will best suit your shooting style.
| Product | Magnification | Objective Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| UTG BugBuster | 3-9x | 32mm |
| CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e | 2.5-10x | 40mm |
| Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 | 1x | 25mm |
| Tacticon Armament Predator V1 | 1x | Undisclosed |
| XOPin Scope & Laser Combo | 4-12x | 50mm |
| Monstrum Tactical | 2-7x | 30mm |
| CenterPoint | 1-4x | 20mm |
Best Lens Glass/Image Quality:
Just because you're trying to spend as little as possible, it doesn't mean you're striking a deal with the plastic devil. Real glass and real optics require coatings and protection to ensure you have the clearest, brightest sight picture at all times.
Fully multi-coated is the best quality of anti-reflective coatings on air-to-glass surfaces, but in this price range, multi-coated is typically the highest standard.
For more on lens coatings check out this article.
| Product | Coatings |
|---|---|
| UTG BugBuster | Multi-coated green lens |
| CVLIFE | Multi-coated green lens |
| Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 | Multi-coated |
| Tacticon Predator V1 | Multi-coated* |
| XOPin Combo | Fully coated |
| Monstrum Tactical | Multi-coated* |
| CenterPoint LPVO | Multi-coated |
*Not disclosed: my judgement of what it's likely to have.
Best Build Quality:
No plastic parts, please. Metal housing and hardware will go a long way towards durability, ruggedness, and life span. A lot of the time, mounting hardware that's included with the scope isn't the best. You may want to consider putting a few bucks aside for Loctite to support mounting screws, or you may want to use your own or upgrade the rings and mount.
You'll also want to make sure your scope is O-ring sealed, gas-purged, and at least water-resistant. It's more than just making sure it lasts when it rains on your hunt, it's also about ensuring scope internal integrity is at its best when you've stored it away. It's no fun picking it up again months later to find it has fogged-up on the inside, has spreading fungi, or parts are rattling from the inside.
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Waterproof | Fogproof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTG BugBuster | 9.84 x 3.35 x 3.94” | 13.9 oz | Yes | Yes |
| CVLIFE | 8.5 x 3 x 3” | 20.5 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 | 2.5” (L) | 3.6 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Tacticon Predator V1 | 4 x 2.5 x 3” | 9.87 oz | Yes | Yes |
| XOPin Combo | 13.3” (L) | 10.2 oz | Yes | Yes |
| Monstrum Tactical | 9.5 x 2 x 3” | 12 oz | Yes | Yes |
| CenterPoint LPVO | 9.75” (L) | 15.3 oz | Yes | Yes |
Best Reticles - Mil or Duplex:
Is the reticle appropriate for your shooting style? You'll need to consider if you prefer dots, duplex crosshairs, or BDC reticles. Fast acquisition requires simple and draw-to-the-eye aiming points. If you're going to be shooting at mid to long range distances, holdover points on BDC and ranging reticles can be an asset.
Illumination is great for rapid target acquisition, low-light shooting, or shooting in dark, shaded areas. But it's not the end of the world if the scope you want doesn't have it. Again, be activity specific as illumination adds an extra mechanism, battery problems, and possible reticle issues such as flaring, bleeding, and washout.
| Product | Reticle | Color | Brightness Settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTG BugBuster 3-9X32 | Illuminated Range Estimating Mil-dot | Red/Green | Adjustable Brightness |
| CVLIFE 2.5-10X40e | Illuminated BDC Mil-Dot | Red/Green | 5 Brightness Settings |
| Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red dot | 3 MOA Dot | Red | 11 Brightness Settings |
| Tacticon Armament Predator V1 Red Dot | 3 MOA Dot | Red/Green | 5 Brightness Settings |
| XOPin Scope & Laser Combo | Illuminated Ranging | Red/Green | 5 Brightness Settings |
| Monstrum Tactical 2-7x32 AO | Illuminated Ranging | Red/Green | 5 Brightness Settings |
| CenterPoint 1-4x20 | 3 MOA Center Dot | Red/Green | 5 Brightness Settings |
Best Turrets:
Are the adjustments as accurate as you need them to be? Do you need capped turrets, or do you prefer exposed? Are they finger adjustable or do you need a tool?
Unfortunately, turret quality in this under $100 price range isn't the best if you're wanting exacting accuracy to dial it in. Many scopes in this price class are in 1 MOA or 1/2 MOA adjustments. Be sure to look at turret and adjustment quality if you want functionality beyond achieving your zero.
| Product | Adjustment Value | Tool-less Adjustments |
|---|---|---|
| UTG BugBuster | 0.25 MOA | Yes |
| CVLIFE | 0.25 MOA | Yes |
| Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 | 1 MOA | No |
| Tacticon Predator V1 | 0.5 MOA | No |
| XOPin Combo | 0.25 MOA | Yes |
| Monstrum Tactical | 0.5 MOA | Yes |
| CenterPoint LPVO | 0.5 MOA | Yes |
Top AR15 Scope Under 100 Bucks? The Choice is Yours!
While our lineup offers well-known options and some fresh takes, it's not the be-all, end-all when it comes to the best AR 15 scopes under $100. As manufacturers appeal to the demands of modern sporting rifle owners, we fully expect to see new products hit the shelves better than what is available today.
Keeping low and affordable prices in check, what's your favorite AR scope and why? If you're holding onto the best kept secret, it's time to share it with the rest of us!
Further Reading
