The 10 Best Night Vision Binoculars
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in October of 2018. These binoculars are all equipped with some form of night vision technology, either thermal imaging, infrared illuminators, or the kind that collects the minuscule amount of light available in near darkness and amplifies it. Conveniently, many can also be used in fully illuminated settings without their sensors being damaged, so you won't need to buy a separate pair for daytime use. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Pulsar Accolade XQ38
2. Bushnell 260500 Equinox Z
3. ATN BinoX 4T
Editor's Notes
August 20, 2020:
While updating this list, we put a high focus on quality optics and functionality. While this resulted in us having to remove many of the low-priced models we had previously recommended, this does mean that many of the night vision binoculars currently found here top-of-the-line or best-in-class options. That being said, we do realize that not everybody needs a premium model, so the affordable Solomark NV400 and Nightfox Digital 100V both retained a place. We also added the Bushnell 260500 Equinox Z, which is equally wallet friendly, but comes from a well-respected name in the industry, both for the optics and overall durability of their products.
Two new additions to this list are the Pulsar Accolade XQ38 and ATN BinoX 4T, which use thermal imaging to detect and clearly display human-sized heat signatures at a range of 2,000 yards, in the case of the former, and 1,000 yards, in the case of the latter. An additional perk of the Pulsar Accolade XQ38 is that it is fully waterproof, while the ATN BinoX 4T boasts a laser rangefinder. Both can also live stream video.
Stepping down from these two top-of-the-line models, we have the Pulsar Edge GS Super and ATN Binox 4K, which utilize traditional light-gathering night vision and feature infrared illuminators. As with its more powerful brother, the ATN Binox 4K boasts a laser rangefinder, while the Pulsar Edge GS Super, though not waterproof, does have an IP44 rating for water and dust resistance, so it should stand up to use in a variety of semi-extreme conditions.
Rounding out our list we included Eyeclops Stealth 0354, which is essentially a really cool toy for children eight years of age and older. Its 50-foot range is rather paltry, but should be more than enough for youngsters to have a bit of fun and live out their special ops fantasies.
October 24, 2018:
Researched multiple items that were suitable for low light, but not darkness, so omitted them from the list. Included the Eyeclops Stealth as a toy option for kids and teenagers. Discovered reports that some find the auto-shutoff feature on the Bestguarder WG-80 frustrating, which kept it from ranking higher in the list.
Special Honors
Night Vision Technologies Handbook Those who want to understand more about how various night vision technologies work and which are best suited to which type of application, as well as the various accessories one might want to buy to accompany their night vision gear will find this tome invaluable. It was prepared by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, which is a component of the United States Navy, and funded by the Department of Homeland Security. dhs.gov
4. Pulsar Edge GS Super
5. ATN Binox 4K
6. Night Owl Pro Nexgen NOB5X
7. Solomark NV400
8. Sightmark Ghost Hunter 4x50
9. Eyeclops Stealth 0354
10. Nightfox Digital 100V
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.