Best Crossbow Scope – Top 10 Best Scope for Crossbow Reviews

The quality of your optic can make or break a hunt, especially when you’re hunting with a crossbow. As crossbows have become increasingly popular, the optics industry has answered demand with a plethora of scopes designed specifically for archery. With plenty of models to choose from, finding the best crossbow scope for your individual needs can be a confusing task. We’re here to share our experience and help you sort through the options so you can find the right scope for your individual needs.

Finding the Right Crossbow Scopes for You

If you’re looking for a new crossbow scope, here are a few key things to keep in mind. 

Magnification

Most crossbow scopes offer some magnification. However, since you’ll be shooting relatively short archery distances, your optic won’t need the powerful magnification common on high-powered rifle scopes. When shooting a crossbow, too much magnification can be more detrimental than too little. 2-6x should be plenty of magnification power for most crossbow scenarios. 

Optical Quality

Since you can’t hit what you can’t see, a scope with quality optical components is a must. Look for a scope that features fully multi-coated lenses. These optics have glass covered with multiple layers of special coatings. These coatings allow plenty of light to enter the optic so you can see bright, crisp images.  

Light transmission is particularly important if you plan to hunt with your crossbow scope. Since most shot opportunities occur near dawn and dusk, fully multi-coated optics will help you see more clearly when you make those crucial, low light shots.  

BDC Reticles

Compared to rifle bullets, crossbow bolts drop drastically over distance. A scope with BDC marks calibrated for your arrow speeds will help you make more accurate shots. 

Before you head out to hunt, be sure to memorize the hash marks on your scope’s reticle and know the distances they are set for. The best way to do this is to put in plenty of practice with your rig before you hit the field. 

You can certainly use a reticle with a simple crosshair design. However, you should be aware that the crosshair will only work for your zero distance. You will still need to compensate for arrow drop at varying distances. This can be incredibly difficult without a BDC reticle. 

Should You Upgrade Your Crossbow Optic?

Many modern crossbows come as ready-to-shoot packages that include a scope. While these all-inclusive packages are great for the beginner, the quality of the accessories can leave a lot to be desired. Upgrading to a higher quality optic can make a world of difference in accuracy, especially when shooting in twilight or dark conditions. In fact, the scope is the first accessory most crossbow shooters choose to upgrade. Any of the scopes on our list should be a step up from the basic optics included in most crossbow packages.  

Best Crossbow Scope on the Market Reviews

 1   Nikon Prostaff P3 Crossbow 3x32

Nikon is well-known for the premium optical quality of their riflescopes. They definitely didn’t skimp on the optics of this crossbow scope, either. The Nikon Prostaff P3 Crossbow Scope features fully multi-coated optics for maximum light transmission, even in near-dark conditions. Shooters will enjoy brighter, crisper images than those produced by most other crossbow optics, especially near dawn and dusk when game are typically active. 

The Prostaff P3 Crossbow Scope comes with Nikon’s exclusive BDC 60 Crossbow Reticle. This highly effective reticle is maximized for crossbow shooting. It features open circle aiming points for accurate shots out to 60 yards.  

The Prostaff P3 Crossbow also provides plenty of eye relief to help you get on target quickly. Hunters will also appreciate the spring-loaded, instant zero reset turrets, crisp MOA adjustments, and the optic’s durable aluminum construction.

 2   Vortex Optics Crossfire II Crossbow Scope 2-7x32

The Vortex Crossfire line-up includes some awesome and affordable riflescopes. This particular model includes the XBR-2 reticle, which is specifically designed for crossbow shooting. You simply set your zero at 40 yards. The reticle has hash marks for fast and accurate holdovers from 20 to 100 yards. The reticle is also equipped with illumination for easier low light shooting.

The Crossfire II Crossbow Scope comes with everything you need to mount it straight out of the box. It comes with mounting rings, flip caps, and a soft, neoprene cover. 

Vortex uses special proprietary lens coatings to maximize light transmission. Multiple layers are added to all air-to-glass surfaces on the Crossfire II so you can enjoy crisp, clear images, even in low light. 

Perfect for tough hunting scenarios, the Crossfire II is built to last. It features a rugged, nitrogen-purged aluminum housing. The durable housing is then o-ring sealed to prevent internal fogging and provide reliable waterproof performance. 

 3   TenPoint EVO-X Marksman Crossbow 1.5-6x36

TenPoint is a major player in the archery industry, so it should come as no surprise that they would design and produce one of the best crossbow scopes on the market today. The Tenpoint EVO-X Marksman is compact, lightweight, insanely durable, and about as perfect as a crossbow scope can get.

The top-notch optics on the EVO-X Marksman provide image quality that rivals some high end riflescopes. With fully multi-coated glass and an ample 36mm objective, this scope is designed for maximum light transmission. The scope produces crisp, bright images, even in low light. The scope also features an illuminated reticle for easy and effective low light shooting. 

Shooters can choose from the scope’s five duplex reticle designs. Each reticle includes crosshairs calibrated for arrow drop in 10-yard increments out to 60 yards. In addition to the illuminated crosshairs, competition shooters can use two non-illuminated crosshairs for targets out to an astonishing 100 yards. 

The EVO-X Marksman also features a 2-7x magnification range and a generous field of view. The scope works best for arrow speeds between 330 fps and 450 fps.

 4   Excalibur Tact Zone 2.5-6x32 Scope

If you’re looking for an affordable, yet durable crossbow scope, the Excalibur Tact Zone does not disappoint. Built to withstand rough hunting conditions, the Tact Zone has a rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum housing that is nitrogen filled and o-ring sealed. This construction makes the optic completely waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. Honestly, the Tact Zone holds its zero through serious abuse.

The Tact Zone has an etched glass, rheostat-illuminated reticle and multi-coated lenses. While the image quality and light transmission will work for most hunting situations, hunters should keep in mind that this is a budget scope. Although the optic certainly provides great value for the money, it doesn’t offer the crisp, low-light detail that comes with a high end optic. 

Excalibur designed the Tact Zone scope to complement their Matrix and Micro series crossbows. However, the scope works well for any crossbow that generates arrow speeds between 275 fps and 410 fps. 

 5   UTG Crossbow 4x32

If you're a hunter on a tight, shoestring budget, this is the scope for you. Economically priced, the UTG Crossbow Scope is the best value optic you’ll find for under $100. 

One of the best-rated budget optics on the market, the UTG Crossbow Scope features an illuminated multi reticle design for the variable velocity compensation necessary when shooting a crossbow. The reticle incorporates five horizontal hash marks calibrated for 300 fps crossbows. The marks provide precise aiming points for targets at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards. 

The UTG Crossbow Scope also features high-quality, zero lockable, resettable target turrets. This feature enables shooters to make precision windage and elevation adjustments in the field. 

Optics on the UTG Crossbow Scope are covered with a Precision Broadband Lens Coating to prevent light reflection and optimize transmission, which results in brighter images in low light settings. 

 6   TRUGLO Crossbow 4x32

There is plenty to love about the TRUGLO 4x32mm crossbow scope, including its durable, shockproof design and scratch-resistant matte camo finish. However, what we really love about this optic is TRUGLO’s rangefinder/BDC reticle. Not only does this multi reticle design provide point-of-impact marks for targets at varying distances, it also has marks to help hunters estimate the distance to deer-sized targets.

The TRUGLO Crossbow Scope has fully coated lenses for enhanced brightness and clarity in low light settings. It also provides a generous, four-inch eye relief and an ample field of view. 

 7   Killer Instinct LUMIX SPEEDRING Scope 1.5-5x32

This quality scope from Killer Instinct is designed to fit most modern crossbows. It comes with an adjustable gauge that easily accommodates rigs that produce arrow speeds between 270 fps and 450 fps.

The scope offers plenty of eye relief and a massive field of view, making it ideal for tracking fast-moving targets. With a unique Killzone reticle, hunters can use this scope for both fast, close range shooting, and precision accuracy for targets out to 100 yards. 

The Killer Instinct crossbow scope has a rugged chassis made from 6061-T6 aluminum that is coated in Type-III hard anodizing for extra durability. The body of the scope is o-ring sealed, making it truly fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof. 

 8   TRUGLO Crossbow 3-Dot Sight

For crossbow shooters, a red dot sight can be a fantastic alternative to a traditional scope. These reflexive sights provide fast, easy target acquisition, making them particularly useful for hunting close-range, fast-moving game. 

This 3-dot sight from TRUGLO was designed specifically for crossbows. It features a unique reticle with three dots that descend in diameter, providing solid aiming points for various distances. 

Built for rough use in harsh conditions, the TRUGLO 3-Dot Sight is machined from a single piece of aircraft grade aluminum. Although compact and lightweight, the optic is completely waterproof and fogproof. 

Hunters will love the sight’s multi-coated lenses, which provide up to 95 percent light transmission. The optic also features a special anti-reflective interior that eliminates harsh interior reflections for a clearer sight picture. 

 9   ATN ThOR 4 Thermal Scope

If you want to peg feral pigs with your crossbow, it's hard to beat a quality thermal optic, and the ATN ThOR 4 is the perfect option for after-dark hog hunting. This optic picks up the body heat of animals in the area and translates that heat into a viewable, digital image. Not only does this thermal scope help you see game in complete darkness, it can also detect hogs, coyotes, and other predators through fog, smoke, and thick vegetation.

Far more than a simple riflescope, the ATN ThOR 4 also includes a built-in rangefinder and a ballistic calculator. It even has recoil activated video (RAV) recording so you can capture all the fast-paced thrills of your hunting adventures. 

Although the ThOR 4 has a slim, ultra-low profile, it is a fairly hefty optic. Weighing nearly two pounds, this scope can cause balance issues with your crossbow. That extra bulk can also make it difficult to hold your crossbow on target when making those difficult off-hand shots. 

 10   Sightmark Wraith HD Digital Scope

A quality night vision scope is a must-have for successful night hunting, and this digital day/night scope from Sightmark is the perfect tool for the job. Unlike traditional night vision devices, the Sightmark Wraith HD allows hunters to transition seamlessly from daytime to nighttime shooting. Hunters can switch from full-color viewing in bright sunlight to either green or black-and-white modes for easy visibility after the sun goes down. The optic comes with a removable infrared (IR) flashlight, so you can easily detect targets up to 200 yards away, even in total darkness.

The Wraith HD also includes high-tech features like high-def photo and video recording. With 10 different reticle designs to choose from, shooters can use this optic on any weapon. If you want one scope to do it all, you can swap out the Sightmark Wraith on everything from your crossbow to your AR-15.  

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to upgrade the optic that came with your crossbow or you’re assembling your own rig, finding the best crossbow scope is crucial to your archery success. If possible, test out several models firsthand before you make a final decision. While studying stats and reading online reviews is helpful, nothing beats looking through an optic with your own eyes.