A comparative spectroscopic investigation of dysprosium-doped YAl 3 (BO 3 ) 4 , LiNbO 3 single crystals, fluorosilicate glass and fluorogermanate glass was performed with special attention directed to laser potential associated with the 4 F 9/2 ? 6 H 13/2 transition of Dy 3+ near 570 nm in the visible. Optical absorption spectra were acquired and analysed in the framework of the Judd-Ofelt theory. Values of radiative transition rates and luminescence branching ratios calculated using phenomenological intensity parameters X t were compared to corresponding experimental values derived from measurement of luminescence decay curves and luminescence spectra. Importance of the self-quenching of the 4 F 9/2 emission was assessed for the systems under study based on results of lifetime measurement with samples containing different Dy 3+ concentrations. Feasibility of the visible laser operation was considered taking into account availability of bands accessible for optical pumping, the 4 F 9/2 quantum efficiency and emission cross-section for the potential 4 F 9/2 ? 6 H 13/2 transition. It was concluded that among considered systems the Dy:YAl 3 (BO 3 ) 4 is the most promising material for the visible laser operation. It shows advantageously low matrix absorption in the optical pump region between 400 and 340 nm. The 4 F 9/2 quantum efficiency is close to unity for a low Dy 3+ concentration and it is weakly affected by the self-quenching effect at increased concentration. The 4 F 9/2 ? 6 H 13/2 emission consists of narrow lines with high peak emission cross-section with maximum value of 1.9 Γ 10 Γ20 cm 2 at 575.5 nm for p-polarisation.