8 Best Crossbow Scopes For The Money – Buyer’s Guide

Are you shopping for the best crossbow scope on the market? Different crossbow scopes give a shooter a heightened level of accuracy and precision when taking shots. You can make your choice of scopes based on what you think best works for your skill and crossbow.

No matter your choice, there is a crossbow that would give you the range and quality you need as an archer. In this post, we have a few scopes that you could choose from.

Review Of The Best Crossbow Scopes

1. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56

Editor’s pick

Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12x56
Score: (5/5)
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56

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Long eye relief design lets archers shoot for a longer time.
Pros

Has a waterproof and fog proof design.

Has an Ultra-eye forgiving box.

Offers fully coated multi-lenses

Cons

Can be a bit too bulky.

If you want a top-rated crossbow scope on the market, look out for the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56. It is a 3-12×56 Adjustable Objective Hog Hunter Crossfire II riflescope that indeed comes in handy.

It serves as one of the best crossbow scopes for low light situations. The crossbow scope has a V-Brite reticle that complements an oversized objective.

The duo comes in useful when an archer needs to take shots from heavy cover. It gives the archer enough confidence to pull the shot as it lights the aim and defeats even the most terrible lighting defect.

With the adjustable objective, parallax-influenced errors don’t exist as they provide the ultimate image focus. The Vortex Optics also has fully multi-coated lenses and an anti-reflective feature that aids in getting more detailed and brighter views.

Also, the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 has an ultra-forgiving eye box and long eye relief design. This is a swift action feature that allows an archer to acquire a sight picture and quickly hit its target. 

Furthermore, the capped reset turrets adjust from the fingertip. An archer can reset the MOA (Minute of Angle) clicks to point zero after sighting. It is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged as well, making it both fog proof and waterproof.

This good crossbow scope comes with a single piece tube with the most rigid aluminum in the market. Also known as aircraft-grade aluminum, it ensures the scope is both shockproof and strong enough for shooting force.

2. NIKW9 Prostaff P3 Crossbow Scope

Best for mobility

NIKW9 Prostaff P3 Crossbow Scope
Score: (5/5)
NIKW9 Prostaff P3 Crossbow Scope

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1-MOA click stop move works with a range of crossbow bolts.
Pros

Weighs barely 10.9 oz.

The lenses are fully coated.

Made of aircraft-grade aluminum.

Cons

Doesn’t have any mounting rings.

Doesn’t offer enough versatility.

The NIKW9 Prostaff P3 Crossbow Scope is a fantastic upgrade for archers looking to get a workable optic for their crossbow. 

It is a fully multi-coated optical scope that comes with 60 BDC (Bolt Drop Compensation) crossbow reticles. This crossbow scope does a great job of maximizing the range and efficiency of any crossbuow it complements. 

The NIKW9 Prostaff P3 has several layers of anti-reflective compounds that do the job of creating clear pictures. It provides vivid and bright sight pictures on all glass surfaces by optimizing the level of light transmission, thereby ensuring shooters maximum brightness both day and night.

This scope’s reticle works with a wide range of crossbow bolts, velocities, and even point weights. It has a 20 yard zero level feature that corresponds with the aiming points for 60 yards. This could even extend to as much as 80 yards, but it relies on the bolts velocity, length, weight, etc.

For the reticle adjustments, it comes in a crisp and positive 1-MOA (Minute of Angle)  click stop move. This allows the shooter both feel and hear as it gets into position.

Still, about adjustments, the elevation and windage turrets also have clear markings for a swift adjustment. This becomes important when the targets are on the move, and you need to get your aim right in a rush.

The windage and elevation can reset to zero at any time. This is for just after sighting-in, and you need easy referencing when making adjustments on the field functions.

In all, all the turret caps that come with the adjustments have an aluminum build.

3. UTG 4×32 1” Crossbow Scope

Best for the money

UTG 4×32 1” Crossbow Scope
Score: (4.5/5)
UTG 4×32 1” Crossbow Scope

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Smart Spherical Structure for precision and accuracy.
Pros

Functions in several light conditions.

Comes with a flip-open lens cap.

Has a windage adjustment feature.

Cons

Difficulty in tightening the rings.

Finds it hard to hold at zero.

The UTG 4×32 1” is a remarkable crossbow scope with a robust build complemented by a True Strength Platform. 

It also has a Smart Spherical Structure (SSS) that helps an archer make better shots. This feature provides the archer with both accurate and precise.

This design can aid your shots even at extreme windy nights. It has both a windage and elevation adjustment feature.

With this crossbow scope, an archer also has access to one of the most formidable recoil resistance on the market. It takes off the pressure that each shot leaves behind after being let out.

The UTG 4×32 1” crossbow scope is regarded as one of the best because it also offers an archer a considerate field of view. This feature works with the help of a superior precision broadband lens coating that does a great job of providing the brightest of images.

Weighing barely two pounds, the UTG 4×32 1” doesn’t distort the main crossbow. The reticle illuminates itself for crossbows that require a variable velocity compensation. This can be tweaked to function in any light condition that you intend to shoot.

The crossbow scope has five distinct horizontal lines that optimize for 300fps Crossbows. This proves useful when you need to aim at different ranges without stress. It works on yards ranging from 10 until 50 yards distance.

It has a flip-open lens cap, and an easy detach ring mouth. The UTG 4×32 1”  comes at an affordable price for all it offers and can be classified as the best bow scope for the money.

4. MA3TY 1.5-5×32 Crossbow Scope

Best adjustable

MA3TY 1.5-5x32 Crossbow Scope
Score: (4.5/5)
MA3TY 1.5-5×32 Crossbow Scope

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Multi-coated lens optimizes up to 93% of the light accommodated.
Pros

Designed to be durable.

Has an impact resistance feature.

Comes with a speed selector dial.

Cons

Not as illuminated as it should.

The MA3TY 1.5-5×32 Crossbow Scope provides archers with a scope that has an adjustable speed selector. This feature helps you get the impact of each shot in sync with the point of aim. It has an adjustable dial that can tweak the FPS (Feet per second)  to a functional speed force.

The crossbow scope has a multi-layered coated lens as well, and this lens can transmit light up to an impressive 93 percent. In action, this allows the archer to make as many precise shots as they can make. Combined with a few shooting lessons, you can become a pro.

It has a magnification power that can zoom in and out at any point. The range of this feature stretches from 1.5 up to 5x. To complement the zoom range, it has an aim point that reaches up to 100 yards.  

When it comes to speed, the MA3TY 1.5-5×32 Crossbow Scope can work with really fast crossbows. Its speed adjustment starts at 300 FPS and goes up to  425 FPS.

Considering the force that is left behind after an arrow goes out, it has an impact-resistant feature. 

Designed to be fully waterproof, you can use it out in the storm. The body is made up of aluminum and is anti-rust. In the package, it has a cleaning cloth that you could use in wiping out any fog or dirt that it may accumulate during use.

In all, when you place all the features and functions that this crossbow scope offers, it is an unquestionable design for archers. With its manual, even entry lever archers can get acquainted with the scope in no time.

5. Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope

Best durable

Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope
Score: (4.5/5)
Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope

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Aluminum construct offers durability and resistance to water.
Pros

Comes with a red and green rheostat light.

Works with almost all crossbows.

Improves the field of view.

Cons

Doesn’t come with mounting rings.

Doesn’t come illuminated.

The Excalibur Tact-Zone Illuminated Scope is a good crossbow scope that does excellent with almost all crossbows. Though this scope is initially compact, it has a few innovative features that make for its relevance.

It has 30 mm tubes as well as a source of secondary illumination. As an illuminated crossbow scope, in it are a red and green rheostat controlled light. This comes together with an upgraded sighting reticle.

With this crossbow scope, an archer can get in line either in early mornings, late nights, or even dark areas.

Its lenses are also multi-coated to provide an archer or shooter with the right amount of clarity. With this, they can be easily adjusted to various speed levels. The crossbows speed levels that this scope can carry range from 275 FPS up to a 410 FPS.

Furthermore, for your sighting benefits, it comes with a half-inch adjustment at 20 yards. This feature’s importance is to improve your field of view and ensure your shots are on target.

The Excalibur Tact-Zone illuminated provides a shooter with a durable and robust crossbow scope that is good for low light situations.

As a plus, the crossbow scope reticle construction comes originally etched. It is also shockproof, thereby reducing the impact of a shot on the shooter. 

In all, even as an entry-level shooter or a professional, you wouldn’t stress when using this scope. It comes already assembled, and all you need is to follow a few instructions, and they are good to go.

6. Barnett 4X32mm Cross Scope

Best illuminated

Barnett 4X32mm Cross Scope
Score: (4/5)
Barnett 4X32mm Cross Scope

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Multi-reticle system allows archers to shoot at wider ranges.
Pros

Remarkable clarity even at long range.

Provides an extensive field of view.

Has a 5-reticle aiming point.

Cons

Could get foggy under extreme conditions.

The Barnett 4X32mm Cross Scope is a shockproof scope that provides archers with unmatchable precision. 

It has a five-point calibration, complemented by multiple reticle crosshair systems. This ensures both accuracy and quicker target acquisition.

With the multi-reticle system, archers can shoot at several ranges. It can shoot at 25, 35, 40, 45, and 50 yards depending on the crossbow’s velocity. But, in general, it can work alongside most full-sized crossbows. 

When it comes to magnification, the Barnett crossbow scope allows up to a 4x magnification limit. The Barnett 4X32mm Cross Scope is also easy to mount and doesn’t require any special skills. Once you have sighted your target, it can hold at zero for a long time without resetting your aim.

This crossbow scope has several dovetail mounting rings attached to it. The mounting rings sizes at 0.87s inches that make the design quite shockproof. As a shockproof scope, it saves you from the impact of recoil.

The scope also does a great job of gathering light. It is not originally an illuminated crossbow scope with a secondary light, but the reticles can maximize the light available. This makes it quite useful in low light situations, producing full contrast, crisp, and precise target images.

7. TruGlo 4×32 Camo Crossbow Scope

Best Camouflage

TruGlo 4×32 Camo Crossbow Scope
Score: (4/5)
TruGlo 4×32 Camo Crossbow Scope

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Non-reflective, Scratch free design that keeps it looking fresh for a long time.
Pros

Has a non-reflective camouflage.

Comes with a scratch-free design.

Great scope for deer hunting.

Cons

Rings may not work with all crossbows.

Doesn’t come illuminated.

The TruGlo 4×32 Camo Crossbow Scope is another commendable crossbow scope. It comes with a distinctive 4 inches eye relief that makes it a convenient crossbow scope for range finders. The reticle of this scope also comes with a compensating trajectory.

For a unified field of sight, the lenses come fully coated. This provides an archer with enough clarity and contrast that, in return, optimizes the scope’s brightness. Note, this sight doesn’t have any form of secondary lighting, but the brightness covers the lack of illumination.

The TruGlo scope also has a scratch-free exterior. A matte non-reflective finish enables it. This means that the design still keeps fresh even after extended use and ensures that the scope lasts a long time.

The TruGlo scope still gives the archer stability and a clear sightline for shooting even at extra windy situations. It has a windage and elevation adjustment system that has screws under the caps or you could simply learn how to shoot at high winds.

Also, for durability, the crossbow scope is made up of aircraft-grade aluminum. This gives it enough strength and durability to withstand corrosion and the invasion of rusts. The aluminum used in making this scope is also one that resists water super quickly.

In all, the TruGlo 4×32 Camo Crossbow Scope is a great hunting scope as it measures at just 32mm. Even with this, it has a 24 inches wide field of view that can shoot up to a hundred yards.

It also has mount rings that look like the camo exterior when mounted. This provides the best cover for your crossbow when you need a disguise.

8. Hawke 1.5-5X32 Crossbow Scope

Best for Precision

Hawke 1.5-5X32 Crossbow Scope
Score: (0/5)
Hawke 1.5-5X32 Crossbow Scope

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High-torque zoom mechanism, monotube chassis that handles the bow’s recoil.
Pros

Made of lightweight aluminum.

Comes with a crossbow recoil control.

Provides super clear pictures.

Cons

Allows one adjustment per time.

Doesn’t have mounting rings.

The Hawke 1.5-5X32 Crossbow Scope gives shooters the ability to make more precise and well-sighted shots.  

It offers different aim points at precisely 10 yards apart to give you an uncommon level of precision. This goes from twenty yards and reaches up to a hundred yards.

It is regarded as a 1” fully multi-coated design because it offers shooters a high light transmission level. This is characterized by a dual-colored rheostat light that lights up the scope even when used in low light situations. The lights are either red or green. 

As a high performing scope, the Hawke 1.5-5X32 has a crossbow speed selector. This lets the archer choose what works for their specific bow without overshooting or under-utilizing. It allows for speed ranging from 250 FPS up to 425 FPS.

This scope eradicates any shooting error you may encounter because of parallax. No range illusion comes along with this scope. It has a high-torque zoom mechanism that retains all your settings no matter the kind of weather.

Both entry-level shooters and professional users can make use of this scope. However, if you feel the need for more information on sighting, then check out this article

Overall, this crossbow scope build gives an edge as it has a lightweight aluminum build that gives it durability. It has a 1-inch monotube chassis that takes charge of the recoil while providing the shooter a clear sightline. 

Things to Watch Out for Choosing a Crossbow Scope

There are several crossbow scopes on the market, and in this post, we have them listed for you. However, there are things you would need to consider when making your choice of scopes. Check them out below:

Range of Crossbow

The first thing when picking a crossbow scope is the range of the crossbow you have. The speed and range of the bow would determine what scope would match its capability.

There are crossbow scopes that could only shoot as much as 200 FPS, and getting them for a crossbow with a higher speed minimum would be futile. However, there are some scopes that we have highlighted for you in this post that have adjustable ranges.

You can try out the Hawke 1.5-5X32 Crossbow Scope as it has a range of 250 FPS up to 425 FPS. This allows an archer more flexibility when shooting.

You can learn more about the speed range of a crossbow by checking out the features of the best crossbow on the market. 

Size of the crossbow scope

There are crossbow scopes with varying sizes. When choosing a crossbow scope, you should check out what works on your crossbow. You wouldn’t want some scope being too big for the crossbow you have.

Note, having something as bulky as the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 can be overwhelming and weigh down on your arms. But, if you think you want something that big, then you could still stick to it and others of its size that we have for you.

What you aim to achieve with your crossbow scope should be the main thing engineering your purchase. Don’t get an overweight crossbow scope that would cause any form of inconvenience when making your shots.

Durability

Concerning durability, there are a few things that could harm your crossbow scope. It could be rust and corrosion caused by the weather or only a weak frame. Still, we would recommend that you go for scopes with aluminum construction.

Things like a bad weather condition or intense use could affect a crossbow scope’s life span. It may start with a few cracks or the lens getting blurry while you tried aiming. This could render your scope useless and is unavoidable. But, you can handle this by getting one that is durable enough.

Generally, these durable grades of scopes are more protected from rust and have the strength to function on a high-velocity crossbow. In this review, we have highlighted a handful of crossbow scopes that are of this quality.

Note, more durable design of crossbow scopes are those of aircraft-grade aluminum. Just like aircraft, they have been tested and proven to work in the toughest of conditions. 

These are a few things you should consider when choosing the right crossbow scope.

FAQs

What distance should I zero my crossbow?
Averagely, your crossbow should zero at a distance of twenty yards. This should rely on the crossbow’s full reticle. Some may suggest that it wouldn’t need any aim point at a closer yard distance if the crossbow shoots flat enough.
Are red dot scopes suitable for crossbows?
Red dot scopes are an excellent option for crossbow shooters that take their shots from a close or medium range. For some of these crossbows, they would need a scope that provides an unlimited level of eye-relief. But, if you need help checking out a few other sights, you could use your bow, then check out our list of Bow Sights
What do the lines on a crossbow scope mean?
The lines on a crossbow scope indicate the aiming range of scope. The closer the shots, the more visible the lines become when shooting. These lines represent a 20 yards range, 30 yards, or even as much as 50 yards.
What is the custom height of a crossbow scope?
There is no recommended height for a crossbow scope. It all depends solely on the user’s size and the archer experience. However, each user’s ideal height is influenced by distance, as it triggers the ocular lens in a convenient position. In all, the crossbow scope should be comfortable enough for the shooter to aim. It should be at his or her eye level and not higher or lower.

Conclusion

With the information provided in this post, you can finally select the best crossbow scope. All you need is to identify your needs and then make a well-informed purchase.

At the top of the list, we would recommend the Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-12×56 as it has everything you would need in a crossbow scope. Next on the list, you can check out the  NIKW9 Prostaff P3 Crossbow Scope as it works best on shooters on the move.

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