Crossbow technology has improved by leaps and bounds in just the past few decades. As a result, the performance of the modern crossbow far surpasses the capabilities of the ancient weapons our ancestors possessed. However, even the fanciest, cutting-edge crossbow is severely limited without the addition of a quality optic.
What shooters consider the “best crossbow scope” is largely a matter of opinion, particularly in regards to “extras” like reticle style, magnification range, and adjustability. However, every crossbow shooter needs an optic that is consistent, reliable, durable, and easy to use.
If you’re in the market for a new scope for your crossbow, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve spent hours in the field and on the target range to compile this list of the cream of the crop in crossbow optics.
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for the details, here are our best picks for crossbow scope:
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32
- TRUGLO Crossbow 4×32 Compact Scope
- Ravin R170 Crossbow Scope
- Garmin Xero X1i Digital Crossbow Sight
- ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition
Table of Contents
Best Crossbow Scopes on the Market Reviews
1 Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32
The more experience we have with Vortex Optics the more we love what this company has to offer. Vortex makes optics for a variety of disciplines and their products span the price spectrum from budget to high end. However, every single optic in their line-up is covered by the same lifetime warranty.
The Vortex Crossfire II is an affordable, lightweight optic designed specifically for crossbow shooting.
The Stats:
| Magnification | Objective | Length | Weight | Tube size | Eye relief |
| 2-7x | 32mm | 9.5 inches | 14 ounces | 30mm | 2.7 inches |
The Crossfire II is one well-built optic. It easily stands up to rough use and harsh environments and is crafted from durable, aircraft-grade aluminum. It also has machine-locked lenses and sturdy o-ring seals. The optic is reliably waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Not only is this optic durable, but the optical quality is out of this world. Vortex uses HD glass and fully multi-coated lenses to provide a bright, crisp, high-contrast sight picture, even in low light.
Other notable features include precision, finger-adjustable turrets, a handy illumination control dial, a fast-focus eyepiece, and an XBR reticle designed specifically for crossbows. When zeroed at 40 yards, the reticle provides fast, accurate holdovers on targets out to 100 yards.
Is It Worth It?
Although the Vortex Crossfire II has a price tag of just under $200, it is jam-packed with premium features. This optic provides plenty of value for the money. Here’s just a sampling of what this outstanding crossbow scope has to offer.
- Lightweight.
- Durable construction.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Finger adjustable turrets.
- Fast-focus eyepiece.
- Illuminated XBR reticle.
- Covered by a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty.
Mounts and Accessories
The Vortex Crossfire II comes with lens covers. You will need a mount like the Vortex Viper Extended Cantilever mount.
Crossbow shooters will also benefit from the Vortex Optics Riflescope Bubble Level.
2 TRUGLO Crossbow 4×32 Compact Scope
TRUGLO made a name for itself in the archery industry with its quality fiber optic bow sights. This fixed power crossbow scope delivers the same level of quality that traditional archers have to expect from TRUGLO.
The Specs:
| Magnification | Objective | Length | Weight | Tube size | Eye relief |
| 4x | 32mm | 8 inches | 11.4 ounces | one inch | 4 inches |
One of our favorite features is this optic’s ranging trajectory compensating reticle. This easy-to-use reticle allows you to quickly range the distance to your target and then provides precise holdover marks to make sure your crossbow bolt hits its mark. The reticle can be used with or without illumination, making this scope suitable for a variety of lighting conditions.
Made using a one-piece tube of aircraft-quality aluminum, TRUGLO’s crossbow scope is built to last. The optic is waterproof, fogproof, and shock-resistant. The housing also features a scratch-resistant, non-reflective matte finish for increased durability.
The scope’s fully coated lenses are designed to provide a bright, clear sight picture, although you shouldn’t expect the crisp clarity of a high-end optic. Hunters will also appreciate the scope’s fingertip adjustable turrets, rubber eye guard, and generous four inches of eye relief.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re a crossbow hunter on a shoestring budget, it doesn’t get much better than the TRUGLO Crossbow Scope. This is one of the best-rated models out there and for good reason.
- Affordable price tag.
- Rangefinding trajectory-compensating reticle.
- Durable construction.
- Scratch-resistant finish.
- Fully coated lenses.
- Fingertip adjustable turrets.
- Rubber eye guard.
Mounting and Accessories
The TRUGLO Crossbow Scope comes with Weaver-style rings for easy mounting.
3 Ravin R170 Crossbow Scope
Ravin makes some of the best crossbows on the market today, so it should come as no surprise that they also make some incredible scopes to go with those crossbows. The R170 is a high-performance scope that pairs well with any crossbow, even if you aren’t shooting a Ravin.
The Specs:
| Magnification | Length | Tube size | Eye relief |
| 1.5-5x | 8.75 inches | one inch | 2-3 inches |
The Ravin R170 features excellent optical clarity, a generous magnification range, and a sturdy design that holds up well to both the elements and rough use.
We absolutely love this scope’s arrow drop compensating multi-reticle. It is perfectly calibrated for crossbows that produce arrow speeds between 300 and 425 fps. The reticle features nine hash marks for precise holdovers on targets from 20 to 100 yards. The glass-etched reticle can be illuminated in either red or green to optimize visibility.
Is It Worth It?
Although the R170 is a tad on the pricey side for a crossbow scope, it definitely sits near the top of its class. If you want a top-quality optic for hunting, it doesn’t get much better than this.
- Excellent optical clarity.
- Fully multi-coated lenses.
- Versatile magnification range.
- Rugged construction.
- Arrow drop compensating multi reticle.
- Glass-etched illuminated reticle.
- Flip-up lens caps.
Mounting and Accessories
The Ravin R170 comes with flip-up protective lens caps and ⅞-inch mounting rings.
4 Garmin Xero X1i Digital Crossbow Sight
Garmin is best known for its Global Position System (GPS) technologies, so if you’re surprised to see a crossbow scope bearing this brand name, you’re not alone. The Xero X1i is the first of its kind. Not only is this a quality digital scope, but it also uses GPS technology to auto-range the distance to your target. The optic also syncs with other Garmin devices to provide Laser Locate waypoints that provide the exact positioning of your target so you can easily locate it after the shot.
The Specs:
| Magnification | Objective | Length | Weight | Eye relief |
| 3.5x | 32mm | 6.2 inches | 1.9 pounds | 2.4 inches |
The Xero X1i’s integrated rangefinder is activated by a separate button you can mount anywhere on your crossbow. This feature makes it easy to quickly and precisely find the exact range of your target without removing your hands from your weapon. The rangefinder accurately measures the distance to a target up to 250 yards, reflective targets up to 500 yards, and black targets up to 125 yards.
Once you press the rangefinder button, the optic automatically projects a red dot aiming point exactly where it needs to be for the distance to your target. That means there are no drop marks to remember or clutter up your sight picture. The aiming point is perfectly calibrated for your crossbow’s arrow speeds, taking all the guesswork out of aiming.
The illumination of the aiming point is also automatically adjusted to suit the ambient light. This feat for maximum visibility, whether you’re shooting at high noon or just before dusk. This feature means you’ll never need to fumble with illumination controls when you’re staring at the buck of a lifetime.
Is It Worth It?
This optic is perfect for tech junkies. Utilizing digital and rangefinding technologies, this optic provides plenty of features that tech-savvy hunters will particularly appreciate.
- Auto-ranging feature.
- Laser Locate waypoints let you know exactly where your target was located when you released your arrow.
- Automatic brightness adjustment.
- Projects an aiming point perfectly calibrated for arrow speed and distance to the target.
Mounting and Accessories
The Garmin Xero X1i mounts easily to a Picatinny rail.
5 ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition
ATN has perfected digital night vision optics for hunting. If you want to hunt predators with your crossbow after the sun goes down, the ATN X-Sight should definitely be on your radar.
The Specs:
| Magnification | Objective | Length | Weight | Tube size | Eye relief |
| 3-14x | 50mm | 13.8 inches | 2.1 pounds | 30mm | 3.54 inches |
The X-Sight 4K is another high-tech option that is much more than a simple scope. The X-Sight is powered by an extremely sensitive 4K ultra HD sensor with a dual-core processor. That means you’re basically toting around a computer on your crossbow.
The optic allows you to record and stream video of your hunts simultaneously. The device’s recoil-activated recording ensures you never miss any of the action.
The X-Sight 4K provides high-resolution images in bright sunlight, pitch darkness, and every lighting condition in between. Plus, the X-Sight 4k features an onboard ballistic calculator that automatically adjusts your aiming point to match the point of impact. The feature instantly factors your arrow speed, distance to the target, and environmental data for the most precise shot placement possible.
Is It Worth It?
The ATN X-Sight 4K is a pretty beefy optic. Tipping the scales at over two pounds and measuring 13.8 inches, this optic will add some major heft to your crossbow. The size and weight will sacrifice some maneuverability. However, if you need to shoot targets in the dark, this sight will definitely help you do it.
- Records and streams video at the same time.
- Recoil-activated recording.
- Daytime/nighttime use.
- 18-hour battery life.
- Integrated ballistic calculator that factors arrow speed, target range, and environmental conditions to provide a precise aiming point every time.
Mounting and Accessories
The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro Edition comes with everything you need to start shooting, including standard mounting rings, a sunshade, eyecup, USB-C cable, and a scope cover.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best crossbow scope is one you can shoot accurately and consistently. fancy scope features are nothing more than the icing on the cake. If your arrow doesn’t land where you need it to land, it won’t matter how much money you invested in your optic or how many bells and whistles it comes with.
If you use your crossbow for target shooting, inconsistent performance is frustrating. However, for crossbow hunters, consistent accuracy is the key to ethical hunting. Find a crossbow/optic combination you can shoot well, and then practice until you can drive tacks with it.
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