Best Night Vision Binoculars – Top 10 Best Rated Night Vision Binocular Reviews

While there are tons of night vision devices on the market, night vision binoculars provide both magnification and night vision. If you want the best night vision binoculars, but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help with this list of our top picks.

If you don’t have time for the details, check out the list below for the best rated night vision binoculars:

1. ATN BinoX 4K Smart Binoculars 4-16x
2. Solomark Digital Night Vision Binoculars
3. Bushnell Equinox Z 4×50 Binoculars
4. Bestguarder NV-900 Digital Night Vision Binoculars
5. Night Owl Pro Nexgen Night Vision Binocular
6. Armasight Discovery 5x-3 Bravo Gen 3 Night Vision Binocular
7. Firefield Tracker 3×42 Night Vision Binoculars
8. JStoon Night Vision Binoculars
9. Rexing B1 Night Vision Binoculars
10. Night Owl Pro Nexgen 2x

Types of Night Vision Binoculars

Before we dive into our favorite night vision binos, let’s talk about the types of night vision technology they use.  

Here is a quick run-down, so you can better understand the differences in technology.

Gen 1

The original night vision technology, Gen 1 is the most affordable type. While you can depend on Gen 1 devices to help you see in the dark, they only provide decent image quality at close ranges.

Gen 2

Gen 2 technology builds off of Gen 1, adding a micro channel plate for brighter, clearer images. The image quality is significantly better than anything you’ll see in first generation night vision. However, that improvement in quality is also going to cost a bit more.

Gen 3

Generation 3 night vision is the technology currently used by the United States military. Devices using this technology have even better image quality than Gen 2 devices. They also work better in the darkest conditions and are much more durable. However, devices in the category are the most expensive.

Gen 1 through Gen 3 devices display green images. The major disadvantage to this technology is that exposure to bright light will damage the internal tubes. Therefore, these devices can only be used at night. 

Digital Night Vision

Many of the night vision binoculars on our list use digital technology to convert ambient light into a viewable image on a screen. The image quality of most digital NV binos is comparable to the quality of traditional Gen 2 technology. One difference is that digital night vision images are often in black and white rather than green. 

The biggest advantage of digital night vision is it can be used in daylight as well as at night. Many models also have other high-tech features like video capture and range-finding technology.  

Thermal Imaging

Although not technically night vision, thermal imaging technology uses heat to create a viewable image. The image shows the heat signature of animals and objects in the viewing area. 

Like digital night vision, thermal imaging can be used during the day. Thermal imaging allows you to spot living targets quickly and easily, although the images often lack significant detail.

Best Night Vision Binoculars on the Market Review

Each of these models will help you see what happens after the sun goes down. These binoculars run the gamut of cost. However, if you want the clearest images at the longest ranges, be prepared to make a major financial investment.

 1   ATN BinoX 4K Smart Binoculars 4-16x

ATN is one of the best-known night vision companies in the world. The company’s BinoX 4K smart binoculars are more than just a set of nighttime binos. This is an entire night vision system that includes a smart laser rangefinder, a 3D gyroscope for image stabilization, and an e-compass for easy navigation assistance. 

The device features 4K Ultra HD technology and a state-of-the-art Dual Core Processor. These two elements work together to maintain image clarity, regardless of ambient light. This means you can use this night vision device both day and night. 

ATN BinoX offers 4x magnification that digitally zooms to a powerful 16x, making it perfect for long distance viewing. 

You can also connect the ATN BinoX directly to a computer monitor for expanded viewing or broadcast your images using built-in Wi-Fi streaming.

ATN has incorporated innovative technology to reduce the device’s power consumption, so you get at least 16 hours of use before you need to recharge. This is a seriously handy feature when you’re miles away from the nearest electrical outlet.

 2   Solomark Digital Night Vision Binoculars

Solomark Digital Night Vision Binoculars offer a great value for the money. Priced well under $500, this affordable NV device features 7x magnification, a 2x digital zoom, and a 1300-foot viewing range, even in total darkness. 

Features include image capture and video recording, both during the day and after dark. It also comes with an AV cable so you can view your images on your TV and a USB cable so you can easily transfer files to your computer. 

Solomark NV binos feature quality fully multi-coated glass to reduce reflection and maximize light transmission. The device also has a built-in 3W Infrared LED and 850nm Infrared Illuminator with adjustable brightness levels to optimize viewing in every lighting condition.

 3   Bushnell Equinox Z 4×50 Binoculars

Bushnell is a company that focuses on manufacturing high quality optics for outdoor sports. Their Equinox Z night vision binoculars are a great example of how Bushnell balances performance and durability, while managing to keep their products affordable. This is a great entry level device for those new to NV technology.

Thanks to the device’s two onboard LCD displays, you can use these versatile NV binos in bright sunshine or pitch darkness. The Equinox Z  also functions as a digital camera, capturing still photos and video and storing them on any MicroSD card. You can even connect the device to a computer monitor to view your footage on a larger screen. 

Although the Bushnell Equinox Z may not be capable of extreme long range viewing, it does a capable job at distances out to 150 yards. However, the 4x magnification will make those images look like they are right at your fingertips.

 4   Bestguarder NV-900 Digital Night Vision Binoculars

Although these are technically “budget” NV binoculars, the Bestguarder NV-900 binos are packed with advanced features you would expect to find on a much more expensive device. These features include a built-in replay function, a multi-shoot function, and time-lapse recording. The NV-900 even has an automatic shooting mode that allows for intelligent unattended monitoring. This feature makes them ideal for wildlife and security surveillance.  

Perfect for outdoor use, the NV-900 has an ergonomic, no-slip design that nighttime hunters will love. 

With fully multi-coated glass, the optical quality on these NV binoculars is superb, offering impeccable edge-to-edge resolution and crisp image clarity. 

The NV-900 binoculars offer a magnification range of 4.5x with a 5x digital zoom. It also has an infrared LED illuminator that provides an effective range of approximately 1300 feet in full darkness.

 5   Night Owl Pro Nexgen Night Vision Binocular

Night Owl Pro Nexgen NV binoculars are strictly for use in the dark. Featuring two Gen1 NV image intensifier tubes, these binoculars can be seriously damaged by bright sunlight. However, the built-in infrared illuminator offers surprisingly bright nighttime images, even in the darkest conditions. 

The 5x magnification is some of the most powerful you’ll find on a NV device. However, the magnification doesn’t degrade the image quality. The field of view is pretty narrow, which could cause problems when tracking moving targets, but it works well for pinpoint viewing.

Pro Nexgen NV binos have an impressive battery life of at least 40 hours, even with continuous use of the IR illuminator. Although relatively lightweight (about 2 ½ pounds), these NV binos are built to handle rough conditions, making them a great option for nighttime hunting or tactical applications.

 6   Armasight Discovery 5x-3 Bravo Gen 3 Night Vision Binocular

The Armasight Discovery is a professional, military grade NV optic. Utilizing cutting-edge Gen 3 night vision technology, this is a serious high-end device. Although this one comes with a hefty price tag, it is one of the best NV binoculars available for civilian use. 

Featuring high-quality glass, a massive 108mm lens, and a powerful, long-range infrared illuminator, the Armasight Discovery provides crisp, clear images, even with generous 5x magnification. The image clarity is hard to compare to other less expensive models. This one allows you to easily count hairs on the heads of anyone in the area.

The Armasight Discovery features a bi-ocular design with one larger lens connecting to two smaller viewing lenses. The design is bulky, but the optic is surprisingly lightweight for its size (weighing in at 2.8 pounds). This definitely isn’t the best compact NVB. You won’t want to lug the Armasight Discovery long distances, especially over rough terrain.

 7   Firefield Tracker 3×42 Night Vision Binoculars

Providing a high-quality Gen 1 night vision image in a compact, ergonomic design, the Firefield Tracker is ideal for any number of nighttime outdoor activities. 

Featuring a dual tube design for better depth perception, the Tracker features two independent image intensifying modules. These modules are placed in a one-piece, water-resistant plastic housing for extra durability. 

The Tracker also has a high-power, built-in infrared illuminator, which substantially increases the observation range in dark conditions.  It also features 3x magnification, which provides impressively detailed images. 

One of the things we love most about is the revolutionary Eclipse Lens Cover System. This system allows you to flip up the lens covers, rotate them out of your line of sight, and clip them against the body of the binoculars. While this may seem like a relatively insignificant detail, it makes these NV binos incredibly user friendly.

 8   JStoon Night Vision Binoculars

These digital binos from JStoon are the best rated night vision binoculars on Amazon, and it’s easy to understand why. The system utilizes an infrared sensitive CMOS sensor for high quality nighttime imaging. It also features fully multi-coated optics, which increases light transmission and decreases glare. 

The device records images as still photos or video and stores them on the internal memory card. The unit also comes with a video output port which allows you to easily connect to your computer. 

The battery life is relatively short, offering only 6 hours with continuous use of the IR illuminator. It offers 4x optical magnification and 5x digital zoom.

 9   Rexing B1 Night Vision Binoculars

It was hard for us to find decent NV binoculars for under $200, but these from Rexing squeeze in just under the wire. While you shouldn’t expect this device to perform like the expensive Gen 3 NV, it is a capable option for those casually interested in seeing what goes on after the sun goes down. 

It features an optical zoom up to 10x and a digital zoom to 4x. The Rexing B1 also comes with 7 unique 3W IR modes that allow you to easily adjust visibility in a variety of light levels. For nighttime use, the B1 features a CMOS image sensor that provides a clear viewing range up to 984 feet, even in the dead of night. 

Like most digital NV devices, the B1 has photo and video modes that allow you to record footage with any MicroSD card. It also has an internal 2.31-inch LCD screen that has surprisingly good image quality.

 10   Night Owl Pro Nexgen 2x

Night Owl has succeeded in designing budget NV binos perfect for hunting coyotes, hogs, and nocturnal predators. 

Rugged and lightweight (weighing just over 24 ounces), these Night Owl Pro Nexgen binoculars are designed with fixed focus technology, which facilitates rapid target recognition and identification. 

These night vision binoculars offer minimal magnification (2x) and have a limited detection range of under 150 yards. However, the image resolution is more than adequate, and the price is surprisingly affordable. If you’re on a budget and need something compact and reliable, the Night Owl Pro Nexgen 2x is hard to beat.  

Final Thoughts

Any of the night vision devices on our list will help you see in the dark. We tried to include top-of-the-line models, as well as entry-level, budget-priced options (although you shouldn’t expect to find anything under $100). In the world of night vision technology, you really do get what you pay for. 

If you decide to settle for an inexpensive model, don’t expect it to perform miracles. If you really want reliable performance and the best image quality, be prepared to make a significant financial investment for the best night vision binoculars.