Thermal scopes have changed the game for hog hunters, making night hunts more productive and exciting than ever. But if your budget is $1,000 or less, you need to be smart about features, quality, and realistic performance. Many “cheap” thermals can’t deliver a clear shot at night. This guide highlights the best thermal scopes for hog hunting under $1,000, practical selection tips, honest reviews, a comparison table, and straightforward answers to common buyer questions.
Quick Picks
- AGM Asp-Micro TM160 — Best Entry-Level Thermal Monocular for Hog Spotting
- Smartek ST-384 Thermal Scope — Best Dedicated Thermal Scope Under $1,000
- Pard NV019 Night Vision & Thermal Monocular — Best Multi-Use Thermal on a Tight Budget
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Thermal Scope for Hog Hunting Under $1,000
Most thermal scopes below $1,000 are technically “thermal monoculars,” not full weapon sights, but some models now offer rail mounting for true night hunting. Here’s what matters most:
- Sensor Resolution: 160×120 or 384×288 are typical at this price. Higher resolution gives more detail, especially for ID beyond 100 yards.
- Detection & ID Range: Expect reliable hog detection at 60–200 yards. Longer ranges require higher-end glass.
- Refresh Rate: 25Hz–50Hz is standard. Faster refresh equals smoother tracking of moving hogs.
- Display: OLED screens give better clarity and contrast than older LCD types.
- Mounting Options: Monoculars are great for scanning, but for true aiming, look for models with included weapon mounts.
- Battery Life: 4–8 hours is ideal for a full night’s hunt. Rechargeable batteries are a must for all-night hog control.
- Durability: Waterproof, fogproof, and built for field use. Cheap plastic scopes won’t last with real hunting abuse.
- Ease of Use: Simple controls, easy focus, and fast start-up save time in the dark.
Detailed Reviews — Best Thermal Scopes for Hogs Under $1,000
AGM Asp-Micro TM160
Who it’s for: Night hunters who want an affordable, proven thermal monocular for spotting hogs in thick brush or open fields. Use handheld or helmet-mounted for scouting and stalking.
- Key Benefits:
- 160×120 thermal sensor with 50Hz refresh for smooth, clear images
- Detection range up to 250 yards (best for inside 100 yards)
- WiFi hotspot for live phone viewing and recording
- Compact and lightweight (under 9 oz)
- 8+ hour battery runtime
- Simple one-hand controls and focus
- Water-resistant and tough for real hunting use
- Pros:
- Extremely affordable for real thermal
- Perfect for spotting, tracking, and recovery
- Long battery life, pocket-sized design
- Cons:
- Not a dedicated weapon sight (handheld only)
- Resolution limits ID range over 100 yards
- Final Verdict: The AGM Asp-Micro TM160 is a smart first step into thermal—amazing for scouting, stalks, and recovery, even if not a true scope. Click for today’s price:
Smartek ST-384 Thermal Scope
Who it’s for: Hog hunters wanting a budget thermal scope that can be rail-mounted for actual aiming—something rare at this price point.
- Key Benefits:
- 384×288 sensor for sharper images and longer ID range
- Mounts directly to Picatinny rails (AR or bolt guns)
- Detection up to 400 yards, positive hog ID to 120 yards
- 3–6x digital zoom for both scanning and aiming
- Multiple color palettes and reticle options
- Video/photo recording to microSD card
- Water-resistant build for field use
- Rechargeable battery for up to 6 hours
- Pros:
- True weapon-mountable thermal under $1,000
- Higher resolution than most in this bracket
- Easy to use with gloves or in the dark
- Cons:
- Digital zoom pixelates at high power
- Shorter warranty than “big name” scopes
- Final Verdict: The Smartek ST-384 is the best bang-for-buck true thermal scope under $1,000—mounts on your rifle and ready for field action. Click for price:
Pard NV019 Night Vision & Thermal Monocular
Who it’s for: Hunters who want a little bit of everything—thermal and digital night vision, with options for scanning and close-range aiming.
- Key Benefits:
- Hybrid unit: thermal overlay + digital night vision
- Detection out to 150 yards for hogs, best for under 80 yards
- Compact, easy-to-use controls
- Built-in recording and WiFi streaming
- Rechargeable battery (4+ hour runtime)
- Can be handheld or helmet-mounted
- Pros:
- Budget-friendly all-in-one device
- Thermal overlay helps spot hogs in cover
- Good for backup or beginners
- Cons:
- Not as sharp or far-reaching as dedicated thermals
- Mostly for spotting, not primary aiming
- Final Verdict: The Pard NV019 is a fun, practical choice for close-range hog hunters—best as a secondary or spotter, but it’ll get you started on a tight budget. See deals:
AGM Taipan TM10-256 Thermal Imaging Monocular
Who it’s for: Hog hunters needing a step up in image quality and detection—great for handheld scanning, tracking, and recovery.
- Key Benefits:
- 256×192 sensor for improved detail
- Detection up to 400 yards (hog ID inside 100 yards)
- Ultra-compact (7 oz), fits in any pocket or vest
- Built-in recording and WiFi streaming
- Fast start-up, easy menu
- IP67 waterproof and field-tough
- Up to 8 hours battery life
- Pros:
- Crisper image than most sub-$1,000 options
- Very light, simple, and effective
- Great for guiding or tracking after the shot
- Cons:
- Not a weapon sight—handheld only
- Small screen, but good for scanning
- Final Verdict: The AGM Taipan TM10-256 is the best “step up” handheld thermal under $1,000—clearer, brighter, and field-proven for hog control. Click to see price:
Comparison Table
| Name | Sensor | Mountable | Detection Range | Battery | Recording | Weight | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGM Asp-Micro TM160 | 160×120 | No (handheld) | 250 yds | 8 hrs | Yes | 9 oz | Check Price |
| Smartek ST-384 | 384×288 | Yes | 400 yds | 6 hrs | Yes | 22 oz | Check Price |
| Pard NV019 | 160×120 (thermal) / NV | No (handheld) | 150 yds | 4 hrs | Yes | 12 oz | Check Price |
| AGM Taipan TM10-256 | 256×192 | No (handheld) | 400 yds | 8 hrs | Yes | 7 oz | Check Price |
FAQ — Thermal Scopes for Hog Hunting Under $1,000
Can I get a real weapon-mountable thermal scope under $1,000?
It’s rare, but a few models like the Smartek ST-384 offer true rail-mounting for under $1,000. Most others are monoculars for spotting, not aiming.
What’s the max range I can expect at this price?
Spotting and basic ID out to 150–200 yards is realistic; positive hog identification is best inside 100 yards for most sub-$1,000 scopes.
How does thermal compare to digital night vision for hog hunting?
Thermal is better for spotting animals in cover and seeing heat, but image detail can be lower than night vision. Many hunters use both for best results.
Are these scopes legal for hog hunting everywhere?
Hog hunting at night is legal in most Southern and many Midwestern states, but always double-check your state’s regulations before heading out with thermal.
How long do batteries last for these scopes?
Expect 4–8 hours on a charge. Always carry a spare for all-night hunts, especially in cold weather.
Conclusion & Call to Action
You don’t have to spend thousands to start night hunting for hogs. Every option above is field-proven, rugged, and delivers real performance—without breaking the bank. Click any link to check today’s deals, read more reviews, and get ready for your best hog hunt yet!