There’s nothing quite like hunting hogs at night—until you try it with a top-tier thermal scope. Wild hogs are smart, nocturnal, and tough to spot in thick cover after dark. With a great thermal optic, you’ll see heat signatures through brush, tall grass, and darkness—giving you a serious edge for both sport and pest control. Whether you hunt Texas, Florida, or anywhere in between, investing in the right thermal scope is the fastest way to spot more hogs and make more shots. Here are the best thermal scopes for hog hunting in 2025, what to look for, and how to pick the best one for your needs and budget.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro
- Best Value: AGM Rattler TS25-384
- Best Premium: Trijicon IR-HUNTER MK3 60mm
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Thermal Scope for Hog Hunting
- Sensor Resolution: Look for at least 384×288 pixels for real-world hunting. 640×480 or higher delivers much better clarity and range, but comes with a premium price.
- Detection Range: Most hogs are spotted between 50–400 yards. A 1,000+ yard detection rating is helpful for scanning, but most shots are within 100–150 yards.
- Refresh Rate: 50 Hz or 60 Hz offers smoother, real-time images for tracking moving hogs. Avoid lower refresh rates if you want to track in real time without lag.
- Lens Size & Base Magnification: 35mm and 50mm lenses balance field of view and reach. Choose lower base mag (1.5–2.5x) for dense woods and fast shots, higher for big fields or feeder setups.
- Battery Life: The best scopes offer 6+ hours. Replaceable batteries or external packs are handy for all-night hunts.
- Reticle & Recording Features: Multiple reticle options, onboard video recording, WiFi streaming, and picture-in-picture can all help—especially for guiding, night filming, or reviewing shots.
- Build & Mounting: Hog hunting is rough. Look for rugged, waterproof bodies, solid mounts, and scopes that handle recoil up to .308 or higher.
- Warranty & Support: Brands like Pulsar, AGM, and Trijicon back their scopes with strong warranties and fast service. Stick with top-tier brands for real peace of mind.
Detailed Product Reviews
Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro
Who it’s for: Dedicated hog hunters who want top image clarity, extreme range, and proven reliability for every hunt.
- 640×480 high-res thermal sensor with 2,000+ yard detection range
- Base 2x magnification with 8x digital zoom—perfect for both woods and fields
- AMOLED display, Picture-in-Picture, onboard video/audio recording
- 10+ reticle options, color palettes, WiFi streaming, and smartphone app
- Up to 10 hours of battery life (replaceable)
- IPX7 waterproof—built for the nastiest weather and heaviest recoil
Pros:
- Incredible image clarity—see hogs, deer, and varmints through brush or at 500+ yards
- Smooth, real-time tracking with zero lag
- Best mix of features, durability, and price for serious hunters
Cons:
- High-end price point
- Overkill for “occasional” hog hunting
Final Verdict: If you want one scope that will last for years and handle any hog hunt, the Thermion 2 XP50 Pro is hard to beat. See current price.
AGM Rattler TS25-384
Who it’s for: Hunters who want a great entry-level thermal with real-world features at a reasonable price.
- 384×288 thermal sensor, crisp 1.5x base magnification
- Detection out to 880 yards, best in the 50–250 yard range
- Onboard video recording, WiFi streaming, multiple reticle and color modes
- Quick detach mount—easy swap between rifles
- 4.5-hour battery (replaceable CR123A)
- Shockproof, waterproof, and built for .308 recoil
Pros:
- Fantastic value for the quality—great image at typical hog ranges
- Compact and light enough for any AR or bolt gun
- Simple menu, fast boot-up, and easy recording
Cons:
- Battery life could be longer for all-night hunts (bring spares)
- Image sharpness falls off a bit above 200 yards
Final Verdict: The best “real world” thermal for most hunters who want results but don’t need to spend $5,000+. Check price.
Trijicon IR-HUNTER MK3 60mm
Who it’s for: Hard-core night hunters and outfitters who want the very best, regardless of cost.
- Advanced 640×480 thermal core, 60mm objective for incredible detail
- Base 4.5x mag—perfect for open fields and long-range shots
- Stadiametric rangefinder, digital recording, and user-customizable reticles
- Up to 5 hours runtime (replaceable batteries)
- Ultra rugged—battle-tested by military and law enforcement
- Backed by Trijicon’s legendary warranty and support
Pros:
- Best image quality on the market, bar none
- Holds zero under the heaviest recoil
- Excellent for identifying hogs vs deer or varmints
Cons:
- Extremely expensive (often $7,000+)
- Heavy for run-and-gun hunting or brush setups
Final Verdict: For those who want the ultimate—professional grade and ready for anything. See details.
AGM Varmint LRF TS50-384
Who it’s for: Night hunters who want a built-in rangefinder, strong image, and practical features at a fair price.
- 384×288 sensor, 50mm lens—detection range 1,000+ yards
- Built-in laser rangefinder (LRF) for instant distance readings
- Multiple color palettes, video recording, and WiFi streaming
- Picatinny QD mount and external power compatible
- IP67 waterproof rating
Pros:
- Excellent clarity for under $4,000
- Rangefinder is a big help for field and feeder hunting
- Solid battery life (4.5–5 hrs, external packs available)
Cons:
- Not as crisp as 640x sensors at long range
- Some menu navigation required for advanced features
Final Verdict: For the price, you get real hunting features, a great image, and a huge edge at night. Check price.
ATN Thor 4 384 2-8x
Who it’s for: Hunters who want WiFi streaming, ballistic calculator, and video on a proven mid-range thermal scope.
- 384×288 thermal sensor, 2-8x zoom (perfect for woods and fields)
- Onboard video (with audio), one-shot zeroing, ballistic calculator, and Bluetooth/WiFi streaming
- Up to 18 hours battery life—best in class
- Multiple reticles and color palettes
- Weather resistant, recoil-rated to .308
Pros:
- Long battery life—hunt all night without worry
- Feature-rich for hunters who want the latest tech
- Good value under $2,500
Cons:
- Menu system is more complex than others
- Image is good, not elite at max zoom
Final Verdict: Best all-night hunting scope for the price—especially if you want to record every shot. See reviews.
InfiRay Outdoor RICO Bravo RH25
Who it’s for: Hog hunters who want a true “helmet, handheld, or rifle” thermal and ultra compact size.
- 384×288 sensor, 25mm lens, 50 Hz refresh
- Can be used as a handheld monocular, helmet-mount, or rifle scope
- Onboard video, 5+ reticle choices, hot-swap batteries
- IP67 waterproof, rugged for all field conditions
Pros:
- Most versatile thermal—use on head, hand, or rifle
- Lightweight (under 1 lb) and packable
- Decent clarity and smooth image for the price
Cons:
- Not as crisp as full-size rifle-only scopes
- Field of view limited by 25mm lens
Final Verdict: Great for hunters who want multi-use flexibility and compact carry in any environment. See price.
Comparison Table
| Name | Sensor | Base Mag | Detection Range | Battery | Key Features | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro | 640×480 | 2x | 2,000+ yd | 10+ hr | Best image, WiFi, 8x zoom, waterproof | Check Price |
| AGM Rattler TS25-384 | 384×288 | 1.5x | 880 yd | 4.5 hr | Entry level, compact, WiFi, video | Check Price |
| Trijicon IR-HUNTER MK3 60mm | 640×480 | 4.5x | 1,950 yd | 5 hr | Ultimate clarity, military grade | Check Price |
| AGM Varmint LRF TS50-384 | 384×288 | 2.5x | 1,000+ yd | 4.5 hr | Laser rangefinder, WiFi, rugged | Check Price |
| ATN Thor 4 384 2-8x | 384×288 | 2x | 1,400 yd | 18 hr | Video, ballistic calc, WiFi | Check Price |
| InfiRay RICO Bravo RH25 | 384×288 | 1x | 750 yd | 4+ hr | Helmet/hand/rifle use, compact | Check Price |
FAQ
What sensor resolution is best for hog hunting?
384×288 is the minimum for real-world hog hunting. 640×480 or higher delivers much better clarity, especially at longer ranges and for video/filming hunts.
How far can you shoot with a thermal scope?
Most shots on hogs are within 50–150 yards. High-end scopes will let you spot and identify hogs at 400+ yards, but ethical shooting distances should match your rifle and skill.
Are thermal scopes legal for hunting?
Yes in most southern states, but always check your local laws. Many states allow night vision and thermal for hogs and varmints, but some have season or equipment restrictions.
Is battery life a big deal?
Absolutely! If you hunt all night, look for 6–10 hours runtime or scopes with replaceable/external battery options. Bring spares for longer hunts.
Should I record my hunts with a thermal scope?
Onboard recording is great for reviewing shots, sharing with friends, or even documenting landowner work. Most mid and high-end scopes now offer this as a standard feature.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Upgrading to a real thermal scope is a game changer for hog hunting—more sightings, more shots, and more success on every trip. Whether you choose the elite Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro, the practical AGM Rattler, or the ultimate Trijicon IR-HUNTER, every scope above will help you see—and shoot—more hogs at night. Ready to experience the difference? Click any link to check today’s best prices and start hunting with confidence after dark!