Why limit your hunting skills to just the daylight? Add some thrill by doing it at night. Furthermore, even the rules are lenient for nighttime hunting.
But you can only shoot what you can see, right? Well, that’s where a night vision scope comes in handy but with hundreds of brands and models on the market, picking the best night vision scope can be hectic, especially if you know little about them.
But don’t worry, we got you covered. Below we reviewed night scopes for every budget and experience level ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
Let’s dig right into it.
If you do not want to wait around reading the details and want to jump straight to the top picks, here’s all you need.
Table of Contents
Best Night Vision Scopes for 2023 Reviewed
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | ATN ThOR 4 | • Magnification: 4.5-18x • Sensor: Gen 4 384×288 • Battery Life: 18+ hrs | View Price |
 | ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | • Magnification: 5-20x • Refresh Rate: 120 Hz • Battery Life: 18+ hrs | View Price |
 | BestSight Night Vision Scope | • Screen Size: 5.0 Inches • Easy to use • 360 degrees adjustable camera | View Price |
 | ATN X-Sight II | • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 • Magnification: 5-20x • Battery Life: 22 hrs | View Price |
 | Sniper Store Digital Night Vision Scope | • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 • Magnification: 4.5x • Easy to mount and adjust | View Price |
 | Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Riflescope | • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 • Magnification: Upto 32x • 8x digital zoom | View Price |
#1: ATN ThOR 4
Are you a professional hunter who’d settle only for the very best even if it means spending the big bucks? The ATN ThOr is worthy of its superhero name and here’s why.
Don’t you just hate when you miss your aim after waiting all this while? Not to forget all that ammo that gets wasted, agghh, the horror
But not anymore. The improved ballistic calculator in tandem with the rangefinder gives you accurate details regarding wind speed, direction, temperature, altitude, shooting angle, etc. so you never miss a shot again.
And you won’t need the target to be right in front of you either. Thanks to the 18x zoom and improved targeting, targets can be locked from up to 130 yards away. It is also equipped with the 384×288 Thermal Sensor that further makes aiming easy.
There is also the much-improved Ultra Sensitive Gen 4 Sensor that delivers crisp and clear images of the furthest of targets (even is absolute darkness) as it has a better resolution, sensitivity, and smoother gradations than ever before.
And you can have those HD images not just recorded to an SD card for viewing later but also streamed to your mobile directly.
Oh, and the Recoil Activated Video system means the recording starts without having to press a button giving you the freedom to focus on what matters, the prey.
Packed with all these features, the ATN ThOr still weighs less than 2lbs making it one of the lightest night vision scopes for any professional, in turn, ensuring your gear never weighs you down as you run or hike in the forest area.
Specs:
- Resolution: 1280×720
- Magnification: 4.5-18x
- Sensor: Gen 4 384×288
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Battery Life: 18+ hrs
- Material: Aluminum
Pros
- Improved ballistic calculator for better aiming
- Ideal for both day and night shooting
- Records and streams videos in HD
- Recording starts automatically
- Targets can be spotted as far as 130 yards with 18x zoom
- 18+ hrs of battery life
- NextGen Sensor for more stable and clear images/videos
- Obsidian IV Dual-core processor ensures better cooling and power efficiency
- Lightweight as it weighs less than 2lbs
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Does not support Full-HD recording
#2: ATN X-Sight 4K Pro
If you aren’t happy with the sensor quality of the ATN ThOr and want clearer crisper visuals then the ATN X-Sight is just what the doctor ordered.
That’s because it comes with a whopping Ultra-HD 4k Sensor. This in tandem with the Obsidian 4 Dual-Core Processor also means faster optics and millions of vivid colors giving you life-like images.
Further helping with that is the better refresh rate. Yes, the X-Sight, as compared to the 60 Hz of ThOr 4, boasts of a 120 Hz refresh rate.
And the images remain just as clear from miles away as well since it is equipped with a non-pixelating digital zoom.
But It doesn’t just give excellent visuals of targets afar, it also makes shooting them a breeze.
Like the ThOr, it is also equipped with the much-improved ballistic calculator and rangefinder that accurately calculates factors like Wind speed, direction, altitude, etc. for the perfect shot, each time (you’ll be the deadliest predator in town).
But what if I do miss my target?
Well, the One-Shot Zero feature means all you have to do is adjust your reticle, and bam, you will be ready to go again in seconds.
Furthermore, the Ergonomic design means it takes under 3 minutes to set up while the controls are conveniently located for quick adjustments in crunch times.
Another benefit this ATN night vision scope has over the ThOr is the resolution. The 4K sensor also means 1080p recordings, though it streams at 720P. Even here the video recording starts automatically.
Another thing we love about this night vision scope is its lower price range. It costs almost $700 less than the ThOr, but keep in mind, it also has lower durability due to a lower-quality build.
Lastly, if you like hunting in a pack, the ATN Radar tags the location of the target and shows it on a map thus helping you track the prey easily (just what you need for those clever and fast deers).
Specs:
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Magnification: 5-20x
- Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
- Sensor: 4k
- Battery Life: 18+ hrs
Pros
- Comes with a 4K sensor for better visuals
- Aiming is easy with the excellent ballistic calculator
- Takes mere minutes to set up
- One-Shot Zero tech allows you to take multiple shots in quick-time
- Long battery life
- Records and streams videos
- Recording starts automatically
- ATN Radar is great for a team hunt
Cons
- Lower durability compared to the ThOr 4
- Slightly heavier as well
- The memory card slot is inconveniently placed
#3: BestSight Night Vision Scope (Best Night Vision Scope on a Budget)
Are you a beginner and do not want to spend thousands of dollars on a night vision scope just yet? What if you could get one for less than $150?
Say hello to the BestSight Night Vision scope, a no-frill scope that does what it is supposed to do best, be your eyes in the dark.
If you haven’t used night vision scopes before, don’t worry, you won’t have to spend hours going through different guides, manuals, and videos to set it up. Just follow the instructions and the assembly will be done in a matter of 1-2 minutes.
So you can capture images and videos of your target or the surrounding, the scope also has an adjustable camera and 5-inch display screen that allows you to view it all in real-time.
But recording videos isn’t as straightforward as with the ATN Scopes since you need a splitter cable connecting to the display while the other connects to the recording device. Also picture quality is average (yes, the lower price comes with its share of compromises).
In case you are worried about safety, this is an ideal scope for surveillance and defense as well as it is equipped with a 5W sliding infrared flashlight. Not only does it help you see in the dark but the light is strong enough to blind anyone (even animals) giving you time to take evasive action or fire.
Unlike most cheaper scopes that have short-range, this baby gives you vision up to 100 yards and if you want to see even further, you can go with additional 5W IR illuminators.
Lastly, while the batteries aren’t provided with the purchase, they will easily last you for a couple of hunting trips, much higher than some of the other scopes.
Pros
- Ideal scope for newbies
- Costs less than $150
- Comes with a 5W sliding infrared flashlight
- The camera can be adjusted 360-degrees
- Installation takes no more than 1-2 minutes
- All instructions for a quick install are provided within the package
- It has a range of 100 yards
- The range can be extended with 5W IR illuminators
Cons
- Image quality is average
- Video recording needs splitter cables etc. and quality is low-quality
- Does not have a great zoom
- Low durability
#4: ATN X-Sight II
If you haven’t already noticed, ATN is a brand hard to keep out when it comes to night vision scope and their ATN X-Sight II is just another example of why.
Firstly, it is one of the cheaper ATN night vision scopes on the market and thus, perfect for beginners. But while many might choose it for the lower price range and brand value, there’s more to this scope than just that.
For example, it has an amazing field of view of 1000 yards which means you can view and scope for prey over a much larger area than with other scopes.
And when you do spot that prey, the smart range finder in combination with the ballistic calculator gives you all the necessary information needed for 100% accurate shots.
That too from a long-range or an angled shot. Further adding to the convenience is the 3-14x zoom.
While the ballistic calculator tells you about wind, altitude, etc. the range finder determines the distance and automatically adjusts the Point of Impact.
That means you no longer would be missing targets due to miscalculated factors that come with handheld rangefinders, charts, and complicated reticles (hunting just got a whole lot easier).
We also love the fact that this scope records all video in Full-HD and supports 720p Wi-Fi streaming as well, thus, eliminating the need to carry cables.
And it does so without the press of a button as this also features the Recoil Activated Video (RAV) technology.
The battery life is a tad disappointing at 4 hrs but you can always go with the external 20000mAh battery pack that gives you uninterrupted usage for 22 hrs. Though it can be slightly bulky and difficult to carry.
Pros
- It comes with a rangefinder
- Ballistic Calculator eliminates the need for charts and reticles
- It has a field of view of 1000 yards
- All videos and photos are recorded in Full-HD
- Recording starts automatically thanks to RAV technology
- It supports streaming through a Wi-Fi connection
- Battery packs deliver excellent battery life
- Comes with 3-14x zoom
- Zeroing is done digitally
Cons
- Built-in battery lasts just 4-hrs
- Buying a battery pack adds to the cost
- They are also bulky and thus difficult to carry
#5: Sniper Store Digital Night Vision Scope
Another great mid-range night vision scope, this bad boy looks something straight out of an action movie. But if you were the hero of the movie would this scope help? Let’s find out.
Whether you want colored visuals during the day, black and night visuals or have the feeling of being part of the Seal Team 6 on a rescue mission in the dark with green night vision, you can easily toggle between these night and day modes with the ergonomically placed controls.
Not only is the scope easy to adjust but also makes targeting easier. That’s because firstly it allows you to catch a glimpse of the prey from 300 meters away thanks to the multi-coated glass objectives and the powerful infrared LED illuminator.
Furthermore, it comes with 3x digital zoom and a 4.5x optical system magnification that allows you to take a closer look at the prey and fire without coming into harm’s way.
To top it all, it records videos and takes photos as well in Full-HD (something, not even the ATN ThOr does) though you cannot stream it.
The night scope is also great for foraging through the forage in pitch dark or for surveillance since it has an IR Flashlight attached. And if you do not need the flashlight, it can easily be removed and carried separately.
Yes, the battery life isn’t that great and it drains in 6-7 hours but don’t worry, included in the package is a charger that ensures your scope is up and running again in a matter of 1-2 hours.
But to be on the safer side, we’d recommend you take extra batteries.
Installation is also easy and even if you run into any trouble, the instruction manual is all the assistance you will need.
Pros
- Records videos and images in Full-HD
- Comes with a removable IR flashlight
- Easy to mount and adjust
- Comes with 3x digital zoom and a 4.5x optical system magnification
- It has a range of 300 meters
- There are 3 different modes for day and night usage
Cons
- Does not have a range finder
- Does not support streaming of videos
- Low battery life
#6: Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Riflescope
Last but not least on our roundup of the best night vision scopes for 2023 is the Sightmark Wraith, and here’s what we love about it.
This rifle scope also comes with 3 different modes for easy viewing whether you are in broad daylight or complete darkness. And you can toggle between these modes in seconds by hitting the left or right arrow buttons.
When you are hunting you only get seconds to hit your target, especially when facing deers, and thus, accuracy is key. This is why the scope is armed with 10 reticle options and 9 different colors.
Another feature designed to help you aim and fire accurately is the 8x digital zoom. But that’s not all. There is also a 4x optical system for up to 32x magnification.
You do not have to worry about light dispersion interfering with your aiming as well as the eye-cup can be easily removed.
There is also a powerful IR flashlight with 850 nm that further increases the detection range by 200 yards and can also be removed if not needed.
The weaver rail makes it a highly versatile unit as it supports several attachments and accessories apart from the flashlight further making hunting both fun and easy.
Like any good night vision scope, this one also records your videos and that too in Full-HD ensuring you always get high-res visuals.
Battery life is disappointing and lasts only for 3-4 hrs but you can use the Micro USB ports to keep the scope up and running even without a battery.
Pros
- It has a removable yet powerful IR flashlight
- Comes with 3 different modes for day and night usage
- Modes can be toggled quickly with arrow keys
- 10 reticle options and 9 colors help with better aiming
- Records Full-HD videos
- Weaver rail allows other accessories to be used
- Removable eye-cup to prevent light dispersion
- Allows you to save 5 weapon profiles for easy zeroing
- It has an 8x digital zoom and 4x optical system for up to 32x magnification.
Cons
- Low battery life
- Does not support video streaming
- Does not have a rangefinder
Conclusion
Having the best night vision scope can be a game-changer. That is because they don’t just allow you to see in the dark but also make the hunting process a breeze with better targeting, automatic video recording, clear imaging, sensors, etc.
And with this detailed guide, surely finding a night vision scope will be easy whether you are a newbie on a low budget or a professional looking for something high-tech (there’s something for everyone)
If you have any questions about the night vision scopes mentioned above or about scopes in general, hit us up anytime either via the contact form or the comments section below.
Till then, go get ’em all.
