Gen 1 is now few and far between.
But there is a plethora of digital alternatives.
With that in mind, I herded the best night vision scopes under $1000 together.
I set a criteria for night vision detection of at least 150 yards, resolution of at least 720p, and device types between standalone scopes and rifle-mounted monoculars.
In the guide below, I compare them all.
Best Night Vision Scope Under $1000
Sightmark Wraith 4K Max
4K Hi-Res sensor
Dial interface
300 m detection range
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
18-hour battery life
Standalone riflescope
Smart scope features
ATN X-Sight LTV 5-15x
Ultra-lightweight design
Video recording capability
Traditional riflescope appeal
Why Trust Us?
After hundreds of hours of hand-testing scopes in the field and at the range, and thousands more hours researching and writing about them, we feel we earn the title of experts when it comes to optics!
We purchase as many of the optics for our tests as possible, and run them through their paces to make sure they will perform at the range and in the field.
Our combined decades of experience from target observation and identification, to big game hunting and competitions has been integral in putting together this round-up of the best night vision scopes under $1000.
Get the inside scoop on how we test optics here.
NVDs were saved for military and law enforcement operations and maybe for a SHTF prepper with deep pockets. However, as NV technology has improved, they are becoming less ubiquitous as they become more affordable.
The tech is now so affordable that you can buy night vision for under a grand. Most of the night vision options in this price range will be digital. Digital scopes have their advantages that includes day and night use, digital reticles, One Shot Zero, and more digital features.
There are some Gen 1 tubes in this price range, but they must be weighed against quality digital options as digital may prove to provide better imaging quality.
To see what the best options are in this price range, let’s shoot straight into it.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Sightmark Wraith 4K Max 3-24X50 |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20X |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | SiOnyx Aurora Pro |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | ATN X-Sight LTV 5-15X |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | SiOnyx Aurora Black |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | X-Vision KRAD 4-8x |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | Pard NVOO7S |
| CHECK PRICE |
 | OWLNV L3-LRF |
| CHECK PRICE |
Best Night Vision Scope Under $1000 Reviews
1. Sightmark Wraith 4K Max 3-24X50 - Best Overall
The Wraith 4K Max is new, hot, and as digital as it gets. Giving digital alternatives a run for the money, the Wraith may be the preferred scope for your next nighttime adventure.
Pros:
- 4K Hi-Res sensor
- Dial interface
- Day & Night modes
- Digital features
- Weather-resistant
Cons:
- Needs extended mount
The Wraith has an unusually high CMOS resolution sensor of 4000x3000 and high display resolution of 1280x720. Obviously, there’s only so much the eye will see once it hits the display and then the eyepiece. But still, exceptional resolution is promised.
It’s rated to provide detection out to 300 m so that automatically gives us some insight into more of the technical side of the specs and how it performs. With use of the IR, it boosts even more clarity and distance – but that’s true of all scopes.
We like that it has a dial control for navigating the digital interface, although it is rather small. It could be beefed up, but that may be a future design tweak.
As far as digital features, there’s not much you can do to tweak this thing as it has everything from recording, colored Day mode, adjustable display settings, One Shot Zero, and a stadiametric rangefinder.
You will need the rear extended mount to get it closer rearward for comfort among other things, and unfortunately, it’s not included in the package.
As a scope that has the makings to compete with the other digital bad boys, the Wraith certainly has a few, interesting perks of its own.
2. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x – Best for Hunting
The X-Sight 4K Pro is the upgraded series to the older X-Sight II. With excellent performance for hog and coyote hunting, the 4K Pro riflescope offers affordable night vision in a standalone platform. With quality like this, the X-Sight series have come a long way.
Pros:
- Smart digital scope
- Standalone riflescope
- High magnification
- Day & night modes
- Ultra-long battery life
Cons:
- Tech issues
I know there have been tech issues in the past, but ATN has and does release firmware updates to fix any bugs. I would recommend getting familiar with the scope before taking it into the field as there is a learning curve to be tackled with all the smart features.
This model is the high magnification 5-20x scope. It delivers on its promise of high 20x power, but as a digital scope, I expect that the digital magnification gets grainy at max power.
You have an illuminated, scalable, adjustable mil-dot reticle. You can also video record and stream your adventures live, make use of the integrated rangefinder, use the app and get holdover solutions, and more.
I really like its battery life of 18 hours. For a digital scope, that’s a long runtime and much better than the short few hours of alternative NV scopes. For the money, I recommend the ATN as one of the best digital scopes for hunting.
3. SiOnyx Aurora Pro – Best Digital
The Aurora Pro is the best monocular within SiOnyx’s Aurora series. I’m impressed with its digital night vision performance and how well it does in both color and monochrome modes. Though a rail mount is bought separately, I think it’s more than worth it to have it on your AR-15.
Pros:
- Digital NV
- WiFi
- Versatile uses
- Water-resistant
- Night color mode
Cons:
- Battery life
The Aurora Pro has a lot to offer in such a compact package. I like its versatility the best. Not only is it a monocular and can be used as a handheld, tripod mounted, or helmet mounted, but it’s also recoil-resistant to put on an AR-15.
The sensor provides human-sized detection at 150 yards (approx.) and the resolution is excellent for hog and coyote hunting inside 100 yards. It has color mode, WiFi, video recording, GPS, compass, digital zoom, and more.
Though I like that it’s feature packed, it comes at the cost of poor battery life. You’re getting about two hours’ worth of runtime, and if you run a ton of the features, you’ll cut that time in half. It comes with two camera batteries, so you could potentially get four hours of runtime in one night.
Though that is a legitimate drawback, it is one of the most compact night vision scope alternatives available. The versatility, smart features, and quality performance is why the SiOnyx Aurora Pro is a top-ranking night vision monocular.
4. ATN X-Sight LTV 5-15X - Best Value for Money
The X-Sight LTV series of scopes may very well be setting the new industry standard for lightweight night vision scopes. Seriously, everything else seems heavy and bulky now.
Pros:
- HD display
- Ultra-lightweight
- Ultra-slim
- Ultra-low power consumption
- New look
Cons:
- Limited digital features
The X-Sight II of yesterday has been discontinued and to replace it is the X-Sight LTV. Both the 3-9x and 5-15x models are incredibly lightweight, have new cores and sensors, and a new body style.
The X-Sight’s Obsidian LT core and QHD+ M584 sensor brings color to life during Day mode and light to the eye in Night mode.
Its body style has moved away from the tank-like and bulky build of its predecessor and now sports a classic outfit that appears more natural on the rifle during daylight hours. It’s slim at 2.2” tall/wide and weighs a mere 1.7 lbs – told ya so!
Because ATN took the chance to redo the X-Sight, they also took the chance to provide a scaled-down scope that rids itself of the features shooters didn’t seem to care for. That would be the syncing with other ATN products, inbuilt rangefinder, and WiFi compatibility. It still retains video recording as a staple essential, so that may be about as techy as you get.
All in all, without the extra fuss, this ATN may very well holdup. It may be safe to say it won’t crash on you as much as their other products have proven to do.
5. SiOnyx Aurora Black Monocular w/Mount - Best Weapon Mounted
An imaging camera used as a rifle scope? It’s an odd contraption but it works. This is a tool you will never get rid of.
Pros:
- Action camera
- Weapon-rated
- For AR-15
- Day & Night Mode
- Clip-on design
Cons:
- Imaging camera
The SiOnyx Aurora Black is the mid-range unit of its series. It’s essentially a digital night vision camera that functions best as a monocular within the sports optics realm. However, it’s been weapon-rated to 223 (5.56) calibers for mounting to an AR-15 for shooting and hunting in the day and dark.
The camera has both color and monochrome modes, and it actually functions rather well with only ambient light. As such, it does not come with an IR illuminator – built-in or otherwise. That will be up to you to buy separately.
Because it comes with a Picatinny mount, you can mount it to a rail. Whether it goes in front or rearside of your day scope or red dot, it works. The only thing about it is, you’ll be kissed by the scope if you’re mounting it to a kicker cartridge.
With plenty of digital features to explore, it’s worth its digital cost. Do you really need it? Well, think of use beyond the barrel – it’s not a tool that is destined to collecting dust. Helmet, handheld, boating, NV imaging – the Aurora Black wears many hats and can pull them off too.
6. X-Vision KRAD 4-8x – Best with WiFi
Newly released is the X-Vision KRAD XANS550 that is a fully featured, digital night vision scope. X-Vision is a Red Wing Gear brand located in Minnesota, USA, and the KRAD comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Digital
- Mid-range distances
- Video/image
- WiFi
- 4-button control
Cons:
- Must use the X-Vision App
The KRAD scope is monocular in form and function until you’ve utilized the X-Vision Night Vision 2.0 app. It can be downloaded onto both iOS and Android devices to complete rifle scope setup for shooting applications. With the app and screen mirroring, you can take video recordings and still image capture, adjust frequency from 50 Hz to 60 Hz, set noise reduction, and choose from various reticles and reticle colors.
More importantly, you must use the app to initially zero your scope and set for trajectory compensation with custom input of ballistic data. Once completed, you won’t need to use it again except for video or further custom control. Between the app and riflescope operation, it minimizes the need for multiple buttons thus allowing for a 4-button onboard interface.
The buttons are intuitive as red icons indicate long presses to activate and adjust while black icons indicate short presses. The scope has manual optical adjustments such as the diopter for a sharp view of the display and a focusing dial for a sharp view of the target.
An IR illuminator is also included and has three intensity levels allowing for night vision detection up to 350 yards and daytime detection up to 950 yards. The scope comes with a mount that fits Picatinny rails. It has two internal, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that powers the scope for six hours.
The X-Vision KRAD offers the works in digital technology. If you’re the type that wants onboard simplicity and further custom adjustments to be done via WiFi connection to the app, the X-Vision riflescope is exactly that.
7. Pard NV007S – Best for Air Rifle
Overall, most clip-on night vision scopes are bulky, cheap, and require a separately mounted screen. The Pard NV007S is new and unlike most budget night vision scopes under $600. It’s a small, short-range, easy to mount clip-on scope that is well under $1000.
Pros:
- Price
- Digital clip-on
- 1080P sensor
- 350m detection
- Battery life
Cons:
- Short eye relief
The eye relief of 20mm is very short, especially considering that the NV007S mounts behind a daytime scope and is recoil-rated up to .308 calibers. If you have the perfect rifle in mind, the Pard clip-on is extremely compact at 4.17” in length and weighs 8.8 oz. It comes with mounting adapter bases that makes for extremely fast mounting to the eyepiece of a day scope.
Though a short-range NVD with max detection to 350 meters, it provides good seeing with its 1080P sensor through a 1024x768 OLED display with a 30 fps refresh rate. Like many digital scopes, it can take a SD card and is WiFi compatible for video recording and image capture. The Pard goes a step further with recoil activated recording.
It’s always a good indication of manufacturer attention to detail on budget optics to see that manual adjustable features are included such as a diopter and focus knob for the 16mm lens. The 850nm IR illuminator is built into the top of the clip-on and is what helps you get maximum detection range.
Though small and affordable, the Pard is IP67 rated and is said to be waterproof even when submersed – of course with limitations. For hog and coyote hunting, the NV007S gets it done with upgraded features for better performance on a budget.
8. OWLNV L3-LRF – Best with Rangefinder
OWLNV produced a digital rifle scope with a built-in laser rangefinder for under $1000. With additional digital features, it offers seemingly incredible value in a night vision scope that would typically run for 50% (approx.) more. Backed by a 2-year warranty, the L3-LRF could be a profitable buy.
Pros:
- Digital
- Built-in LRF
- Feature-packed
- Battery life
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Made in China
It’s neither here nor there for some, but the L3-LRF is made in China as are many NVDs. OWLNV is a Chinese-based company with manufacturing experience in machinery. Now, they’re getting involved in the night vision niche and have started off strong with a LRF NV rifle scope.
The L3 model is the standard version complete with identical features minus the LRF. However, a rangefinder is always a convenient and luxury feature on NVD scopes. While most may have ‘smart’ stadiametric versions, the L3-LRF emits laser wavelengths for measuring distance capabilities from 5-1000 meters.
It takes a rechargeable 18650 battery that provides 8+ hours of operation which is on the higher end for a digital device. That battery will power WiFi connectivity, GPS, HD 1080 video recording, and a frame rate of 30 fps. It has a 1024x768 resolution sensor which is standard for digital technology in this price range.
Given its built-in rangefinder, it’s lightweight at 20oz (approx.), and since it’s a fully operational rifle scope, you don’t have to pair it with a red dot sight or daytime scope. It’s a standalone NV scope with multiple reticles and a zeroing feature.
With the built-in IR illuminator, you can acquire distances up to 350 m after dark and having a recoil-resistant rating of up to 6000 joules and included Picatinny rail mount, it can easily be used for varmint and predator hunting. Hunters will love the PIP (Picture-in-Picture) mode in 26x zoom that features crosshairs in both PIP and main screens.
For the features it offers, the OWLV L3-LRF is easily one of the best bang for your buck night vision scopes available. With the LRF, it has added value and performance potential over its similarly priced competition.
What to Look for in a Night Vision Scope Under $1000
Stumped with what specific features you should look for in an affordable night vision scope?
Are you not sure what’s reasonable to demand in this price range?
Clear the haze with this quick buying guide that compares key features, detection ranges, device type, and more!
Digital VS Passive Night Vision (Gen NV)
Digital makes up the market of night vision scopes within this price range. They’re often feature-packed with multiple reticles types, stadiametric rangefinders, video recording, and more.
However, more recent models are doing away with the extra digital features for a scaled-down product that appeals to no-nonsense shooters.
This includes the like the ATN X-Sight LTV that does not include WiFi or recording. Other products like that offered by Pulsar are usually packed to the max with digital features.
Passive night vision scopes are naturally more expensive than digital scopes due to the IIT (Image Intensifier Tube). For under 1K, you will not find any IIT scopes save for limited entry-level Gen 1 scopes. Gen 2 and higher – it’s out of your price range.
When comparing digital scopes, I recommend comparing key features to determine suitability such as standalone VS clip-on, video recording, WiFi, etc.
| Product | Night Vision Type | Features |
|---|---|---|
| SiOnyx Aurora Pro | Digital | Tripod, helmet & weapon mounting, WiFi, Smart features, Rail mount purchased separately |
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | Digital | Smart features, Standalone riflescope, 5-20x digital magnification, Dual Stream Video, Adjustable mil-dot reticle, 2-year warranty |
| Sightmark Wraith 4K Max | Digital | Dial/knob interface, 4K Hi-Res sensor, Digital features, Weather-resistant, 300m detection, Rear extended mount purchased separately |
| ATN X-Sight LTV | Digital | HD display, Ultra-compact, Standalone riflescope, Mid-range magnification, Lightweight, Simple to use |
| SiOnyx Aurora Black | Digital | Tripod, helmet & weapon mounting, Combo kit includes Picatinny rail mount, Rated for AR-15 |
| X-Vision KRAD | Digital | Best for use with X-Vision app, Fully customizable, Manual adjustable eyepiece, Included 3-setting IR illuminator, rechargeable Li-ion batteries |
| Pard NV007S | Digital | Clip-on monocular, 1080P sensor, WiFi, Recoil Activated Video Recording, Manual diopter & focus, Built-in IR illuminator |
| OWLNV L3-LRF | Digital | Built-in laser rangefinder, Standalone riflescope, WiFi, Video recording, Lightweight, Picatinny rail mount included |
Detection Ranges
For the price, you can expect night vision performance anywhere from 50 yards to 500 yards. That’s a wide difference between scopes and manufacturers which is why you must do your research and keep in mind that most specs include use of an IR.
However, detection is different to identification. You may be able to spot a moving target at 400 yards but cannot identify it at the same distance. Being able to tell the difference between a human and an animal or deer from a hog is essential and necessary for safety and legal reasons.
Effective detection depends on a lot of things, but at this price point, expect usable night vision distances up to 150-200 yards.
| Product | Detection Ranges |
|---|---|
| SiOnyx Aurora Pro | 150 meters |
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | 600 yards |
| Sightmark Wraith 4K Max | 300 meters |
| ATN X-Sight LTV | 300 yards |
| SiOnyx Aurora Black | 150 yards |
| X-Vision KRAD | 350 yards |
| Pard NV007S | 350 meters |
| OWLNV L3-LRF | 350 meters |
Resolution
For Gen 1 scopes, resolution is pretty low and bottoms out at around 25 lp/mm. This often causes the fish-eye lens effect, edge distortion, a lower signal-to-noise ratio, and overall image degradation. Look for a Gen 1 scope that has higher resolution with a large aperture.
For new digitals, high resolution sensors are the standard. In this price range, you will find multiple models with similar resolution and CMOS sensors. I recommend noting that the sensor resolution will be different to video recording resolution.
| Product | Sensor Resolution | Display Resolution | Video Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| SiOnyx Aurora Pro | Not disclosed | 1024x768 | 720p |
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | 3864x2218 | 1280x720 HD | 1080p |
| Sightmark Wraith 4K Max | 4000x3000 | 1280x720 | 4K 1080x720 |
| ATN X-Sight LTV | 2688x1944 | 1280x720 HD | 1280x720 |
| SiOnyx Aurora Black | Not disclosed | 1024x768 | 720p |
| X-Vision KRAD | Not disclosed | Customizable | 1080p |
| Pard NV007S | 2592x1944 | 1024x768 | 1920x1080 |
| OWLNV L3-LRF | Not disclosed | 1024x768 | 1920x1080 |
Size & Weight
Night vision scopes are typically large, bulky, and heavy. Fortunately, as the tech improves so does its physical dimensions. Size and weight is not determined by price point, but this is still relevant information to know as it will determine if it’s right for your rifle system.
There are lightweight models as featherlight as 1 lb but 2 lbs is also considered lightweight. Heavier models will generally have larger objective lenses like that of 70 mm to 100 mm and will likely weigh over 2 lbs.
Size tends to be similar across the board with scopes measuring in around 9-13” and averages 3” in both height and width. The most compact models will be 6-9” long and 2” tall and wide.
| Product | Dimensions | Weight |
| SiOnyx Aurora Pro | 4.67 x 2.1 inches | 9.6 oz |
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | 14.9 x 3 x 3 inches | 35.2 oz |
| Sightmark Wraith 4K Max | 12 x 1.9 x 3 inches | 34.6 oz |
| ATN X-Sight LTV | 13 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches | 27.2 oz |
| SiOnyx Aurora Black | 4.67 x 2.1 inches | 9.6 oz |
| X-Vision KRAD | 13 x 5 x 4 inches | 37.3 oz |
| Pard NV007S | 4 x 2.9 x 4.6 inches | 9.3 oz |
| OWLNV L3-LRF | 7.3 x 2.4 x 2.8 inches | 19.9 oz |
Included Accessories
At this price point, you can expect to see a carry case with the scope. It may be an on-rifle scope cover or a soft carry case. Hard carry cases are rarely seen at this price point and are usually reserved for the more expensive, high-end night vision scopes.
You may receive a mount in the box, but whether it’s a quick release/detach mount or rail is usually a manufacturer decision. Most monoculars that can double as a recoil-resistant scope do not typically come with a mount. It must be purchased separately.
Almost always, an IR illuminator is included by either being built into the scope or provided as an external device with hardware or mounts for attachment. An 850 nm IR illuminator is the standard.
Usually, the first battery supply is on the manufacturer, and if necessary, the charging hardware will be included.
Other small accessories may be thrown in like a micro SD card, lens cloth, objective lens cap, rain guard, and light suppressors. There are also other rifle scope accessories that won't be included, but that you might want to consider to protect your scope and get the best use out of it!
| Product | Included Battery | Battery Life | Included IR Illuminator | Included Weapon Mount | Additional Accessories in Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SiOnyx Aurora Pro | Yes – 2x NP50 | 2 hours | No | No | Hardshell case, USB charge/data cable, 32 GB microSD card |
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | Yes – internal | 18 hours | Yes – external | Yes – 30mm ring mounts | Scope cover, IR850 illuminator, USB-C cable, Eyecup, Sunshade, Lens cloth |
| Sightmark Wraith 4K Max | Yes – internal | 5-8 hours | Yes – external | Yes – Picatinny rail mount | IR flashlight, Daytime lens filter, Objective lens cover, USB-C cable |
| ATN X-Sight LTV | Yes – internal | 10 hours | Yes - external | Yes – 30mm ring mounts | Scope cover, IR850 illuminator, USB-C cable, Eyecup, Lens cloth |
| SiOnyx Aurora Black | Yes – 2x NP50 | 2 hours | No | Yes w/Mount Kit – Picatinny mount | Hardshell case, USB charging cable, 32 GB microSD card |
| X-Vision KRAD | Yes – internal | 6 hours | Yes – built-in | Yes – Picatinny rail mount | USB-C charging cable & wall mount charger, Lens cover, Lens cloth |
| Pard NV007S | Yes – internal | 8 hours | Yes – built-in | Yes – eyepiece adapters to daytime scope | USB cable, Storage bag, Extra O-rings, Eyepiece adapters, Allen wrenches |
| OWLNV L3-LRF | Yes – internal | 8 hours | Yes – built-in | Yes – Picatinny rail mount | USB cable, Cloth bag, Mounting accessories |
Warranty
Warranty information and a user manual is always provided. If they are lacking, you may be expected to retrieve this information on the manufacturer website. Warranties will vary between manufacturers.
Most warranties will be limited to about 1-3 years as lifetime warranties are rarely offered on night vision.
| Product | Warranty |
|---|---|
| SiOnyx Aurora Pro | 1-year limited warranty |
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | 2-year limited warranty |
| Sightmark Wraith 4K Max | 3-year limited warranty |
| ATN X-Sight LTV | 2-year limited warranty |
| SiOnyx Aurora Black | 1-year limited warranty |
| X-Vision KRAD | 2-year limited warranty |
| Pard NV007S | 2-year limited warranty |
| OWLNV L3-LRF | 2-year limited warranty |
FAQs
The best night vision brands all offer scopes under $1000. This includes ATN, Pulsar, Sightmark, SiOnyx, Luna Optics, Bering Optics, N-Vision Optics, and Pard.
They have comparable warranties that are non-transferable, limited to 1-3 years, and supplied batteries may only be covered for 1-year. Some may require product registration within a specific time window, so be sure to follow through with that after purchase and with proof of purchase.
You can acquire identification ranges from 80-150 yards with a night vision scope. While there are many things that determine detection and identification distances, use of an IR illuminator will extend these ranges.
Some of the best long-range scopes provide detection past 400 yards and incorporate high-quality IITs, large objective lenses, and high-resolution sensors.
The best night vision scope for the money is the one that performs. Regardless of how much you spend, if you utilize all its features, acquire repeatable accuracy, and can see in the dark to the distances reasonable of what the scope can provide – it’s a good scope for the money.
But you must also consider what you’re using it for or what you’re looking for in an NVD if your budget doesn’t stretch past $1000. If you want the longest lasting battery runtime, the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro does it. If you want no-nonsense simplicity, it’s the ATN X-Sight LTV. If you want feature-packed for a decent price, it’s the Sightmark Wraith 4K Max.
Biased for Digital NV? It’s What $1000 Buys You
After some time spent perusing the best night vision scopes available, you’ll find vast differences between cost, quality, and type.
If you can set your budget and it falls within the $500-$1000 price range, the market naturally narrows it down to digitals and Gen 1 scopes. That is the long and short of it.
Save some money, choose the best for your needs, and get hunting the best way – in the dark!
Further Reading
