Coyote hunting after dark is a whole different world—coyotes become bolder, more vocal, and far more active once the sun goes down. If you want to stack up fur at night, a quality thermal or night vision scope isn’t just a luxury—it’s a game changer. Whether you’re scanning wide open fields or working tight brush, today’s digital optics can show you every movement, heat signature, or eye shine at distances where traditional glass just can’t compete. In this guide, you’ll find the best thermal and night vision scopes for coyote hunting, how to choose between the two, and which models serious nighttime predator hunters trust year after year.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall Thermal: Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 PRO — Stunning detection, crisp image, and dial-to-hunt performance.
- Best Value Thermal: AGM Rattler TS25-384 — True thermal performance at a price most hunters can justify.
- Best Digital Night Vision: Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 — Proven night coyote killer with color, black/white, and video recording.
- Best for Beginners: ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x — Packed with features, easy to zero, and excellent for learning digital NV.
- Best Clip-On Thermal: AGM Rattler TC35-384 — Turn your favorite daytime scope into a night predator rig in seconds.
Buyer’s Guide: Thermal vs Night Vision for Coyote Hunting
- Thermal Scopes: Detect heat—see coyotes, hogs, or any animal in total darkness, through fog, brush, or light cover. You get glowing signatures, no matter what the weather or moon phase.
- Digital Night Vision: Amplifies ambient light—see clear, sharp images with IR illumination. Great on moonlit nights or with an IR torch, and many record HD video.
- Detection Range: Thermal wins for pure detection (1,000+ yards possible). Night vision is best for positive ID and classic sight pictures out to 200–300 yards.
- Price: Digital NV is budget-friendly ($500–$900), while quality thermal starts around $1,800 and goes up fast. Both are legal for night hunting in most states, but always check your local laws.
- Battery Life: Digital NV usually runs longer. Thermal can use more power—carry spare batteries or a power bank for all-night hunts.
- Mounting: Both mount to ARs or bolt actions with standard rails. Clip-ons let you keep your favorite day scope and add thermal or NV at night.
- Recording & Features: Modern digital scopes often include video, Wi-Fi, ballistics calculators, and more. Pick features you’ll use, but don’t sacrifice clarity and reliability for gimmicks.
Detailed Product Reviews
Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 PRO
Who It’s For: The dedicated predator hunter who wants the absolute best in thermal imaging, reliability, and range.
- Key Benefits:
- 640×480 high-res thermal sensor—insane clarity even at long distances
- 2-16x zoom—covers close shots and open fields
- Up to 2,000-yard detection on coyotes and hogs
- Picture-in-picture mode for pinpoint aiming
- Durable, weatherproof, and looks like a classic scope
- Long battery life with rechargeable packs
- Pros:
- Best detection and ID in the field
- Intuitive controls—easy to use with gloves
- Records video for bragging rights or reviewing shots
- Cons:
- High price, but unmatched performance
- Larger and heavier than some digital NV
Final Verdict: The gold standard for serious coyote hunters who want the best gear for any night. See latest price
AGM Rattler TS25-384
Who It’s For: Night hunters looking for true thermal imaging on a working-man’s budget—reliable, proven, and easy to use.
- Key Benefits:
- 384×288 thermal sensor—detection out to 800+ yards
- 2.5-20x digital zoom—flexible for all setups
- Multiple color palettes for different backgrounds
- Rechargeable batteries and video recording
- IP67 waterproof, compact, and mounts on any standard rail
- Pros:
- Affordable for true thermal performance
- Great field of view for scanning or shooting
- Simple menu and easy zeroing
- Cons:
- Lower res than high-end thermal, but excellent for the price
- Battery life can be short on max brightness (carry spares)
Final Verdict: The best value in thermal scopes for coyote hunters—gets you into the night game with real heat-seeking performance. See latest price
Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50
Who It’s For: Hunters wanting proven digital night vision with clear HD image, versatile magnification, and simple controls.
- Key Benefits:
- 4-32x digital zoom—scan fields and zoom for long shots
- Color day mode, black & white or green NV for night
- Includes IR illuminator for up to 200 yards
- Record HD video, multiple reticle options
- Mounts to any AR, bolt action, or rimfire
- Pros:
- Best-selling digital NV for night coyote hunting
- Easy zero and simple menu system
- Runs on common AA batteries or external packs
- Cons:
- Heavier than traditional scopes
- IR light is visible to animals at very close range
Final Verdict: The most popular and field-proven night vision scope for coyote hunting on a budget. See latest price
ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x
Who It’s For: New hunters, or anyone wanting a feature-packed digital NV scope with ballistic calculator, Wi-Fi, and great image quality for the price.
- Key Benefits:
- 3-14x zoom, HD color day mode, sharp NV mode at night
- One-shot zero, smart rangefinder, ballistic calculator
- Wi-Fi streaming and HD video recording
- Long battery life—up to 18 hours per charge
- Multiple reticle styles and color palettes
- Pros:
- Beginner-friendly with tons of features
- Great for sharing the hunt—stream or record instantly
- Long battery life for all-night sits
- Cons:
- Menu can feel busy at first (practice before your hunt)
- Bulkier than some dedicated NV or thermal units
Final Verdict: The smartest night vision scope for new coyote hunters and those who love tech and versatility. See latest price
AGM Rattler TC35-384 Clip-On Thermal
Who It’s For: Experienced hunters who want to add thermal capability to their favorite daytime scope—no need to re-zero or swap optics.
- Key Benefits:
- 384×288 thermal sensor with 1.1x base mag—great for scanning and ID
- Clips on in seconds to any 1-6x or 3-9x day scope
- Multiple thermal palettes and video recording
- Rechargeable batteries, tough and weatherproof
- Mounts return to zero every time
- Pros:
- Turn your best glass into a thermal rig
- Quick attach/detach for flexible hunting
- Affordable compared to stand-alone high-end thermal
- Cons:
- Requires a good daytime scope for best image
- Heavier front end (plan your mount and balance)
Final Verdict: The most flexible way to add thermal to your coyote hunting setup—perfect for serious after-dark hunters. See latest price
Comparison Table
| Scope | Type | Magnification | Detection | Recording | Battery | Best For | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 PRO | Thermal | 2-16x | 2,000 yds | Yes | 8-10 hrs | All-out performance | Pulsar 3-yr |
| AGM Rattler TS25-384 | Thermal | 2.5-20x | 800+ yds | Yes | 4-6 hrs | Value thermal | AGM 3-yr |
| Sightmark Wraith HD 4-32×50 | Digital NV | 4-32x | 200 yds | Yes | 4-6 hrs (AA) | Budget NV | Sightmark 3-yr |
| ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 3-14x | Digital NV | 3-14x | 200 yds | Yes | 18+ hrs | Features/tech | ATN 2-yr |
| AGM Rattler TC35-384 | Clip-On Thermal | 1.1x (clip-on) | 700+ yds | Yes | 4-5 hrs | Day scope users | AGM 3-yr |
How to Choose the Best Thermal or Night Vision Scope for Coyote Hunting
- Decide between thermal and night vision: Thermal for pure detection in any cover; digital NV for classic images, IDs, and budget.
- Pick your range: Most coyotes are shot inside 200 yards, but thermal opens up further options. More magnification helps in open fields.
- Consider recording and features: Video, Wi-Fi, and ballistic tools are great for learning and sharing, but clarity comes first.
- Mind battery life: Hunt with backup batteries or external packs for all-night sits.
- Check your local laws: Some states restrict thermal or night vision hunting—know before you go.
- Stick with field-proven brands: Pulsar, AGM, Sightmark, and ATN are all trusted by serious coyote hunters.
FAQ
Is thermal or night vision better for coyote hunting?
Thermal is best for detection—nothing hides from it, even in heavy grass or brush. Night vision gives a more “natural” sight picture and is great for positive ID and target shooting.
How far can I see with thermal vs night vision?
Thermal scopes can detect coyotes out to 1,000 yards or more, but most shots are 100–300 yards. Digital NV is best for shooting out to 200–300 yards with IR illumination.
Will these scopes work on my AR-15 or bolt action?
Absolutely. All scopes above mount to standard rails and handle .223, .243, .22-250, and magnum calibers commonly used for coyote hunting.
Are thermal and night vision scopes legal everywhere?
No. Always check your state’s regulations—some restrict their use for certain animals or seasons. Many states now allow night optics for predators and hogs.
Is recording video worth it?
It’s fun for reviewing shots, learning, and sharing hunts. It can also help settle any questions about shot placement or animal ID.
Conclusion & Call to Action
If you want to make the most of your night coyote hunts, investing in a quality thermal or night vision scope pays off every trip. Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 PRO leads the pack for those who want the best. AGM Rattler TS25-384 puts real thermal power in your hands for less. Sightmark Wraith HD is the budget night vision champion, and the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro is a tech lover’s dream. Want to keep your day glass? The AGM Rattler TC35-384 clip-on thermal makes any scope a night predator tool. Pick your optic, mount it right, and get ready to hunt where coyotes rule the night!
Need advice for your rifle, hunting area, or state? Just ask—I’ll customize your coyote night hunting guide for your next adventure!