10 Best Cheap Telescopes 2025 in the United States

The Gskyer Telescope 600x90mm AZ is an affordable option for amateur astronomers and casual stargazers. With a 90mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, it offers a clear and bright view of celestial objects, making it great for beginners. The fully coated optics enhance image quality while protecting your eyes, ensuring a good viewing experience. The included three eyepieces (24X, 60X, 120X) along with a 3x Barlow lens allow for versatile magnification options, which is a fantastic feature for exploring various objects in the night sky.

Portability is another strong point, as the adjustable aluminum tripod makes it easy to set up and use in different locations. Its height range of about 31.5 inches to 49 inches caters to users of various heights. Additionally, the telescope is designed to be user-friendly, requiring no tools for assembly and offering quick focusing, which is ideal for novices.

There are some drawbacks to consider. Weighing 18 pounds, it’s not the lightest telescope out there, which might hinder portability for some users. The manual focus can be a bit challenging for those who prefer more automatic mechanisms. Also, while it's suitable for viewing planets and the moon, its performance may not be adequate for deep-sky objects, limiting its use for more advanced astronomical pursuits.

This HEXEUM telescope offers a robust package for both adult beginners and more experienced astronomers. With an 80mm aperture and 600mm focal length, it provides clear and bright images of the night sky. You get two eyepieces for 24X and 60X magnification, and a 3x Barlow lens that can boost magnification up to 180X, making it easier to view details on the moon and other celestial objects. The 5x24 finder scope also helps in locating objects quickly.

The telescope comes with an AZ mount, which is straightforward and easy to use, especially for beginners. It’s light at 6.2 pounds and portable, with a carrying bag and phone adapter included, making it great for stargazing on the go. The setup is user-friendly, requiring no tools, so even novices can start stargazing immediately. Additionally, it includes a wireless remote control for convenience.

However, the manual focus might be a bit challenging for complete beginners, and the included eyepieces, while decent, may not provide the best quality views compared to more expensive models. This telescope is a good choice for those looking for an affordable, portable, and easy-to-use option for casual stargazing.

The HETEKAN telescope is a budget-friendly option suitable for adults, kids, and beginners who are eager to explore the night sky. A standout feature is its 90 mm aperture, which allows more light to enter the telescope, providing bright and clear images of celestial bodies. The multi-coated optical glass lenses further enhance image quality while protecting your eyes. This makes it an excellent choice for viewing the Moon and planets in detail.

The telescope offers impressive magnification options ranging from 36X to 450X, thanks to its three eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens. The 900 mm focal length adds to its capability for detailed observations. It comes with a 5x24 finder scope and a phone adapter, facilitating easier locating of celestial objects and the ability to capture images on your smartphone. The telescope is mounted on a sturdy Altazimuth mount, which allows for smooth and versatile movement in both horizontal and vertical directions. The adjustable tripod, ranging from 28.5 to 45 inches in height, caters to various users and ensures stability during observations.

One of the key strengths of this telescope is its ease of setup and use, designed to spark interest in astronomy without overwhelming beginners. Detailed setup guides and customer support are available to assist with any technical issues. However, weighing 12.12 pounds, it might be slightly heavy for younger children to handle alone. Additionally, while the Altazimuth mount is user-friendly, it may not provide the precision needed for advanced astronomical observations that equatorial mounts offer. This telescope is a solid choice for those starting their journey into astronomy, providing powerful magnification, a clear image quality, and ease of use at an affordable price.