Night hunting is a game changer, opening up opportunities for coyotes, hogs, raccoons, and varmints that you’d never see in daylight. But hunting after dark requires gear you can rely on—especially your scope. The best night vision hunting scopes combine clarity, range, ruggedness, and user-friendly features so you can spot, identify, and ethically take game no matter how dark it gets. Here’s your expert guide to the best night vision scopes for hunting in 2025, including top picks for every budget, how to choose, and what really matters in the field.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Pulsar Digex C50 Digital Night Vision Scope
- Best Value: Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Scope
- Best Premium: ATN X-Sight 5 5-25x Day/Night Smart Scope
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Night Vision Scope for Hunting
With dozens of night vision and digital scopes on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s what actually matters for hunters:
- Type (Digital vs. Tube): Digital night vision is more affordable and versatile (works day or night). Tube (Gen 2/Gen 3) offers better image quality but comes with a premium price.
- Detection & Recognition Range: Look for at least 200–400 yards detection range. More is better for open fields and coyote hunting; 100–200 yards is plenty for hogs in the brush.
- Image Quality: HD sensors and high-resolution displays make spotting and identifying targets much easier. Digital models offer full-color day mode and crisp B&W or green night mode.
- IR Illuminator: Most night vision scopes include a built-in infrared light, but some allow you to upgrade for more range and brightness.
- Magnification: 4-16x or 4-32x is ideal for most night hunting. Digital zoom is handy, but optical zoom always provides the clearest images.
- Reticle Options & Recording: Multiple reticle styles and video/photo recording are handy for sharing hunts or reviewing shots.
- Battery Life: Choose a model that runs all night on a charge—at least 6–8 hours is ideal.
- Durability: Waterproof, shockproof, and reliable construction is key for real field use.
- Mounting & Weight: Most night vision scopes are heavier than daytime glass. Make sure your rifle can balance and handle the weight.
- Warranty & Support: Go with brands known for real customer service and long-term support.
Top Night Vision Scopes for Hunting
Pulsar Digex C50 Digital Night Vision Scope
Why it’s best overall: The Pulsar Digex C50 brings true digital night vision to the field, with outstanding clarity, long-range capability, and intuitive controls. It delivers a full-color image by day, transitions to high-contrast night vision at dusk, and offers built-in video/audio recording. With a detection range over 500 yards (with IR), it’s perfect for open fields or big properties. Rugged all-metal construction, a smart battery system, and smartphone integration make this a scope you can count on for any night hunt.
- 4-16x variable magnification (optical & digital)
- Full-color daytime mode, true night vision at night
- HD sensor & AMOLED display for sharp images
- Onboard video/audio recording + Wi-Fi streaming
- Long-range IR illuminator (over 500 yards detection)
- All-metal housing, waterproof, recoil-rated
- Runs 10+ hours on a charge, USB-C backup power
Pros:
- Excellent image quality day and night
- Huge detection range—spot hogs or coyotes at extreme distances
- Best-in-class durability and easy controls
Cons:
- Heavier than a traditional optic
- Premium price (but you get pro-level performance)
Final Verdict: The Digex C50 is a top choice for any serious night hunter needing range, reliability, and crystal-clear vision in any light.
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Digital Scope
Why it’s best value: The Sightmark Wraith HD has become the “go-to” digital night vision scope for hunters on a budget. It offers impressive clarity, full-color day mode, and black/white or green night mode for after dark. Its integrated IR illuminator is solid out to 200+ yards, and it’s simple to mount and sight in. Multiple reticle and color options, built-in video recording, and tough construction make it perfect for coyotes, hogs, raccoons, or backyard predators.
- 4-32x magnification (4x optical, 8x digital)
- Full-color day mode + night vision (B&W or green)
- HD sensor & display for sharp, clear images
- Built-in 850nm IR illuminator (removable/upgradable)
- Multiple reticle and color options
- Video/photo recording on microSD card
- Rugged and weatherproof
- Runs 4–8 hours on 4 AA batteries (external USB power supported)
Pros:
- Outstanding value for real night hunting
- Easy to use, reliable, and versatile
- Very popular with coyote and hog hunters
Cons:
- AA battery life is limited—use with a power bank for long nights
- Heavier than traditional glass scopes
Final Verdict: The Wraith HD is the best night vision scope for most hunters, delivering all the key features for success after dark at a price almost anyone can reach.
ATN X-Sight 5 5-25x Day/Night Smart Scope
Why it’s best premium: ATN’s X-Sight 5 series sets the bar for digital hunting optics with advanced ballistics, laser rangefinder integration, smart streaming, and a huge zoom range. The 5-25x magnification, ultra-HD sensor, and high-end night vision give you incredible reach and clarity day or night. You also get onboard video/audio recording, recoil-activated video, Wi-Fi streaming, ballistic calculators, and more. It’s a little heavier than others, but the features are unmatched.
- 5-25x magnification, 4K+ sensor, ultra-sharp display
- Day and night modes with advanced IR
- Laser rangefinder compatible (sold separately)
- Onboard video, recoil-activated recording, Wi-Fi streaming
- Ballistics calculator, one-shot zero, smart controls
- Long battery life (over 10 hours with external battery option)
- Rugged build, weatherproof
Pros:
- Elite image quality and detection range
- Advanced features for serious night hunters
- Excellent for coyotes, hogs, and open field hunting
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than basic models
- Premium price, but loaded with features
Final Verdict: For hunters who want the most advanced, feature-packed night vision scope for any situation, the X-Sight 5 is the clear winner.
Other Notable Night Vision Scopes
- AGM Rattler TS25-384: Thermal vision, compact, and field-proven for hunting in absolute darkness or fog (for those who want thermal instead of digital NV).
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 Pro: High-end thermal, crisp image, and classic scope design for maximum stealth and detection in any weather.
- ATN X-Sight LTV 3-9x: Budget-friendly, lighter, and easy to use—perfect for hunters who want a reliable, simple night scope.
- Bering Optics Hogster Stimulus 2.3-9.2x: Affordable, rugged, and reliable entry into the thermal world for dedicated night varmint or hog hunters.
Comparison Table
| Scope | Magnification | Detection Range | Recording | Weight | Battery Life | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulsar Digex C50 | 4-16x | 500+ yds | Video/Audio | 33.5 oz | 10+ hrs | $1,200-$1,400 |
| Sightmark Wraith HD | 4-32x | 200+ yds | Video/Photo | 36 oz | 4–8 hrs | $400-$600 |
| ATN X-Sight 5 | 5-25x | 500+ yds | Video/Audio | 34.4 oz | 10+ hrs | $1,200-$1,600 |
| AGM Rattler TS25-384 | 1.5-6x (thermal) | 600+ yds | Video | 17.6 oz | 4.5 hrs | $1,500-$2,000 |
| Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 | 3.5-14x (thermal) | 1,800+ yds | Video/Audio | 31.7 oz | 8+ hrs | $3,500-$4,000 |
| ATN X-Sight LTV | 3-9x | 200+ yds | Video | 22.4 oz | 10+ hrs | $600-$800 |
| Bering Hogster Stimulus | 2.3-9.2x (thermal) | 700+ yds | No | 16 oz | 5 hrs | $1,300-$1,700 |
FAQ: Night Vision Hunting Scopes
Is night vision legal for hunting?
Laws vary by state and game animal. Always check your local regulations for night hunting and use of night vision or thermal optics before going afield.
What’s the difference between night vision and thermal?
Night vision amplifies available light (stars, moon, IR) for a detailed image. Thermal detects heat, so it works in total darkness, fog, or heavy cover—but usually has less fine detail than night vision.
Do I need a dedicated night rifle for these scopes?
Most night vision scopes mount on standard rails and can be swapped easily. Just confirm your rifle’s weight balance and check zero before every hunt.
How far can I see with a night vision scope?
Detection range varies by model—most digital scopes see game at 200–500 yards with the right IR illuminator. Actual positive ID range (for a safe, ethical shot) is usually 100–300 yards depending on conditions.
How long will the batteries last?
Modern night vision scopes run 4–10+ hours per charge. Carry spare batteries or an external power pack for long nights.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best night vision scope for hunting lets you spot, identify, and ethically take game after dark with confidence. The Pulsar Digex C50 is the top pick for all-around performance and reliability, the Sightmark Wraith HD offers unbeatable value for most hunters, and the ATN X-Sight 5 leads the pack with premium features and technology. Choose the scope that fits your hunting style, get it sighted in, and discover what you’ve been missing after sunset!