If you want to put more pork in the freezer, you need to hunt when hogs are most active: after dark. That’s when the smart ones come out, and when regular scopes just won’t cut it. Night vision scopes let you see clearly, shoot safely, and track animals in total darkness—giving you a true edge in the field. Here’s a look at the best night vision scopes for hog hunting, what to look for, and how to pick the right one for your budget and hunting style.
Quick Picks
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x — Best Overall Night Vision Scope
- Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 — Best Value Digital Night Vision
- Pulsar Digex C50 Digital Night Vision — Best for Clarity and Range
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a Night Vision Scope for Hog Hunting
Picking the right night vision scope means thinking about how, where, and how far you’ll be shooting. Here’s what matters most:
- Type: Digital night vision is best for most hog hunters—affordable, rugged, and records video. Gen 2/3 analog units are pricier and mostly for law enforcement or serious professional use.
- Detection Range: Look for at least 200–300 yards effective range with included IR illuminator. More is better for open country; less is fine for tight woods.
- IR Illuminator: Good night scopes include a powerful, adjustable infrared illuminator for true darkness. Some let you upgrade to aftermarket IRs for even more range.
- Image Quality: High-resolution sensors (HD or better) mean clearer targets, easier animal ID, and better videos/photos of your hunt.
- Zoom Range: 4-16x or 5-20x is ideal. More zoom helps for distant pigs, but too much can reduce clarity in the dark.
- Battery Life: Most digital units run 6–18 hours. Hot-swappable batteries or external packs are a bonus for long nights in the field.
- Recording and Streaming: If you want to save hunt footage, look for built-in video and WiFi options.
- Weight & Size: Digital night scopes are bigger than traditional optics, but many are surprisingly compact and light for what they deliver.
- Warranty & Brand Support: Trusted brands like ATN, Sightmark, and Pulsar stand behind their products—always a plus for expensive electronics.
Full Reviews — Best Night Vision Scopes for Hog Hunting
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x
Who it’s for: Serious hog hunters who want a do-it-all night vision scope that works day and night, with crisp HD video, one-shot zero, and smart ballistics.
- Key Benefits:
- Ultra HD sensor for clear images and long-range hog spotting
- Built-in video recording (1080p) and streaming
- One-shot zero makes sight-in simple
- Smart features: ballistic calculator, rangefinder, recoil-activated video
- Day/night use with a quick switch between modes
- Pros:
- Great image quality day or night
- Customizable reticles and profiles
- Long battery life (up to 18+ hours with optional pack)
- Good value for all the features
- Cons:
- Bigger and heavier than standard glass scopes
- Menus can take getting used to
- Final Verdict: The X-Sight 4K Pro is the top choice for hog hunters who want top-end digital vision and full-featured controls. See price and details here:
See ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x Price
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50
Who it’s for: Budget-minded hunters and those new to night vision who want a simple, reliable scope that works right out of the box for hogs, coyotes, or varmints.
- Key Benefits:
- Color mode for day, green/black & white for night
- Up to 200 yards clear identification range in full dark with included IR
- 4-32x digital zoom—more reach than most scopes in this price
- Video recording and 10 reticle options
- Pros:
- Easy to mount, zero, and use
- Removable IR for flexibility and upgrades
- Long battery life with AA or external power
- Affordable for a full-featured digital NV scope
- Cons:
- Not as crisp at high zoom as premium models
- Heavier than a daylight scope
- Final Verdict: The Sightmark Wraith HD gives you a huge step up for night hunting without a huge price tag. Perfect for first-timers and experienced hog hunters alike. See current offers:
See Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 Price
Pulsar Digex C50 Digital Night Vision
Who it’s for: Hunters who want superb clarity, long-range detection, and a classic scope look/feel, with full digital night vision.
- Key Benefits:
- Full HD digital sensor with true-color day and night modes
- Detection range out to 500+ yards (with aftermarket IR)
- Built-in video, WiFi, and powerful onboard controls
- Works and mounts just like a traditional scope
- Pros:
- Class-leading clarity and ease of use
- Long battery life—plus backup power options
- Great for scanning large fields or timber
- Cons:
- Priced at the top of the sub-$1,500 segment
- No built-in rangefinder
- Final Verdict: If you want a traditional scope design with best-in-class night vision and digital features, the Digex C50 is tough to beat for serious hog hunters. Click to shop:
AGM Rattler TS25-384 Thermal
Who it’s for: Hunters who want thermal vision—see hogs through brush, fog, or total darkness, day or night.
- Key Benefits:
- 384×288 thermal sensor for crisp target recognition
- Detects heat signatures out to 900+ yards
- Compact, lightweight design
- Multiple color palettes and video recording
- Pros:
- See hogs even when they’re hidden or camouflaged
- Works day or night, in any weather
- Very fast target acquisition
- Cons:
- Higher price than digital NV
- Not legal for hunting in all states—check regulations
- Final Verdict: If you want to find every hog—even in total cover—thermal vision like the AGM Rattler gives you a true advantage. See current prices and deals:
See AGM Rattler TS25-384 Price
Comparison Table
| Name | Type | Zoom | Detection Range | Video Recording | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro | Digital NV | 5-20x | 400+ yards | Yes | Check Price |
| Sightmark Wraith HD | Digital NV | 4-32x | 200+ yards | Yes | Check Price |
| Pulsar Digex C50 | Digital NV | Up to 16x digital | 500+ yards | Yes | Check Price |
| AGM Rattler TS25-384 | Thermal | 1.5-12x digital | 900+ yards | Yes | Check Price |
FAQ — Night Vision Scopes for Hog Hunting
Is night vision or thermal better for hog hunting?
Thermal detects heat signatures through brush and darkness—great for finding hidden hogs. Digital night vision lets you identify game, see details, and often costs less. Many hunters use both for maximum advantage.
How far can I see hogs with night vision?
Most digital NV scopes clearly identify hogs at 150–400 yards with a good IR. Thermal can spot animals even farther. Actual range depends on conditions and your IR power.
Can I use a night vision scope during the day?
Digital night vision scopes work in full daylight, dusk, and total darkness. Just switch modes. Thermal also works day or night.
What’s the battery life like?
Most digital scopes run 6–18 hours, depending on features and settings. Carry spare batteries or a power bank if you plan to hunt all night.
Are night vision scopes legal for hunting?
Regulations vary by state. Most places allow digital NV for hogs and predators, but always check your local laws, especially for thermal scopes.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Hog hunting at night is one of the most exciting ways to put your gear to the test. A quality night vision scope makes all the difference, turning darkness into daylight and helping you spot, identify, and take more hogs safely. The models above deliver proven performance, clarity, and features for every budget. Click any link to check current deals and get ready for your best night hunt yet!