When the sun goes down, predators and hogs become more active—and your need for the right optic becomes even more important. Night hunting brings its own set of challenges: darkness, unpredictable targets, and fast decision-making. The right night hunting scope can make the difference between spotting game and missing your shot entirely. Whether you’re after hogs, coyotes, varmints, or even nocturnal deer where legal, here’s your complete guide to the best scopes for night hunting this season.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall Digital: ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
- Best Value Night Vision: Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50
- Best Thermal: Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Night Hunting Scope?
Night hunting demands more from your gear than daytime outings. Here’s what to look for when picking your next night hunting scope:
- True Night Vision or Thermal: Standard glass scopes—even with illuminated reticles—aren’t enough for real night hunts. Look for digital night vision or true thermal imaging for after-dark visibility.
- Range & Clarity: Night vision and thermal scopes differ in clarity, range, and price. Decide whether you need to spot game at 75 yards or 500 yards before you buy.
- IR Illuminator (Night Vision): Many digital night vision scopes include a built-in IR (infrared) illuminator—essential for seeing in total darkness.
- Recording Features: Many digital/thermal scopes now offer photo and HD video recording—great for reviewing hunts or sharing with friends.
- Battery Life: Night scopes use more power. Look for scopes with long-lasting internal batteries or easy-to-change external packs.
- Recoil Rating & Durability: The best night hunting scopes are waterproof, shockproof, and able to handle everything from .223 up to .308 or .300 Win Mag.
- Ease of Use: Menus should be simple and reticles easy to adjust—even in total darkness.
- Weight: Digital and thermal scopes are heavier than daytime glass, so balance them with your rifle for comfortable all-night hunts.
Be sure to check your local laws—night hunting, night vision, and thermal scopes are not legal in all states or for all species.
Top Night Hunting Scopes
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x Day/Night Scope
Why it’s the best overall digital: The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro offers full day and night vision capability, HD video recording, built-in ballistic calculator, rangefinder, and Wi-Fi streaming. The included IR illuminator lets you see targets out to 200+ yards in pitch-black conditions. Great for ARs, bolt guns, or crossbows—truly an all-in-one optic for any nighttime hunter.
- True night vision with full HD color by day
- 5-20x magnification—covers close and long range
- Integrated video/photo recording (with audio)
- Ballistic calculator and rangefinder for fast adjustments
- 18-hour battery life per charge
Pros:
- Extremely versatile: day, dusk, and total darkness
- Clear picture and easy menu system
- Loads of features for the price
Cons:
- Heavier than a standard scope (over 2 lbs)
- More setup/learning curve for traditional hunters
Final Verdict: The ultimate night hunting scope for shooters who want a “do everything” optic at a competitive price.
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Night Vision
Why it’s the best value night vision: The Sightmark Wraith HD gives you true night vision (black and white or green) and a crisp full-color image by day. With 4-32x digital zoom, it’s perfect for hunting hogs, coyotes, and varmints at any range. The detachable IR illuminator lights up targets well past 200 yards, and it offers easy menu operation and multiple reticle options.
- 4-32x digital zoom for flexible range
- HD photo/video recording
- Easy-to-use control buttons
- Powered by 4 AA batteries or external USB power
- 10 reticle options with 9 color choices
Pros:
- Excellent night performance for the price
- Lightweight compared to most digital night vision
- Mounts easily on rails—AR and bolt actions
Cons:
- Digital zoom reduces image clarity at high powers
- Battery life is shorter on high IR settings
Final Verdict: For hunters who want true night vision on a budget, this is a proven, practical choice with all the basics.
Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro Thermal Riflescope
Why it’s the best thermal: For hunters who want to spot animals through brush, fog, or total darkness, thermal is the ultimate tool. The Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro delivers outstanding thermal clarity out to 2,000+ yards, multiple color palettes, video/photo recording, and a durable build for all hunting conditions. The classic scope profile mounts easily on most rifles.
- Thermal detection range up to 2,000+ yards
- 1024×768 HD AMOLED display
- 8 color palettes, 10 reticle styles
- Onboard video/photo recording and Wi-Fi streaming
- Runs 10+ hours on a single charge
Pros:
- See heat signatures through brush, fog, or total darkness
- Superb image clarity at any range
- One of the best thermal optics on the market
Cons:
- Much more expensive than digital night vision
- Not for tight budgets—thermal is an investment
Final Verdict: The best choice for hunters who need to spot, identify, and shoot game in the toughest conditions—day or night.
Other Notable Night Hunting Scopes
- AGM Rattler TS25-384: Compact thermal, affordable as thermal gets, solid clarity for hogs and coyotes inside 250 yards.
- ATN Thor LT 3-6x Thermal: Entry-level thermal, simple controls, and proven for night hog and predator hunting.
- Trijicon IR-Hunter Mk3: Ultra-premium thermal with legendary durability and clarity, used by professionals.
- Night Owl Optics NightShot: Budget-friendly entry digital night vision for beginners and occasional use.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Type | Magnification | Night Vision/Thermal | Recording | Battery Life | Best Use | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | Digital NV | 5-20x | Yes/No | Yes (HD) | Up to 18 hrs | All-in-one, hogs/predators | $700-$800 |
| Sightmark Wraith HD | Digital NV | 4-32x | Yes/No | Yes (HD) | 4-8 hrs (AA/USB) | Budget night hunts | $400-$500 |
| Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro | Thermal | 2-16x | No/Yes | Yes (HD) | 10+ hrs | Serious night hunting, pros | $4,000-$5,000 |
| AGM Rattler TS25-384 | Thermal | 1.5-12x | No/Yes | Yes | 4.5 hrs | Entry thermal, hogs/coyotes | $1,100-$1,500 |
| ATN Thor LT 3-6x | Thermal | 3-6x | No/Yes | No | Up to 10 hrs | Affordable thermal | $900-$1,200 |
| Night Owl NightShot | Digital NV | 3x | Yes/No | No | 4-6 hrs (AA) | Beginners, budget | $300-$350 |
FAQ: Night Hunting Scopes
What’s better for night hunting: night vision or thermal?
Thermal is best for spotting hidden or camouflaged animals—see heat through brush and total darkness. Night vision gives a more detailed, “real” image (black and white or green), is better for target identification, and is more affordable.
Are these scopes legal everywhere?
No—always check your local laws. Some states prohibit night hunting, night vision, or thermal scopes for game animals. Know your regulations before buying.
Can I use these scopes in the daytime?
Digital night vision (like ATN X-Sight or Sightmark Wraith) works perfectly well by day—just switch modes. Most thermal scopes also function in daylight, but you won’t get a normal glass “view.”
Do I need an IR illuminator?
Yes, for digital night vision. Most scopes include a detachable IR torch. Thermal scopes do not need IR—their sensors see heat, not light.
Will these scopes handle rifle recoil?
All models listed are rated for use on centerfire hunting rifles. Always double-check manufacturer specs for your caliber before mounting.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best scope for night hunting is the one that helps you see—and hit—your target, no matter the darkness. The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is a top digital all-rounder. The Sightmark Wraith HD offers true night vision for less. For those ready to invest, the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro gives thermal performance that’s simply unbeatable. Whichever you choose, practice before your hunt, pack backup batteries, and be sure your setup is legal in your area. The night is full of opportunity—get out there and make your next hunt a success!