We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Computerized Telescopes 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope for Beginners and Advanced Users - Fully-Automated GoTo Mount - SkyAlign Technology - 40,000+ Celestial Objects - 8-Inch Primary Mirror

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,209
GoTo System
Optical Design
Portability

Most important from
1410 reviews

GoTo System
The StarSense AutoAlign accessory is a game-changer for alignment, especially in light-polluted areas, making the setup much easier and more accurate.
Optical Design
Transitioning from a smaller scope to the NexStar 8SE was a significant upgrade, delivering breathtaking views of celestial objects like the Orion Nebula, Saturn, the Moon, and Jupiter.
Portability
Despite its weight, the telescope is manageable for one person, though having a carrying case can greatly enhance portability.
Power Supply
Investing in a portable lithium battery supply is crucial, as the telescope's internal batteries deplete quickly, affecting performance.

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a well-regarded computerized telescope that suits both beginners and advanced users. One of its standout features is the impressive 8-inch aperture, which allows for excellent light-gathering capabilities, making it easier to view celestial objects in detail. The Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design also contributes to a compact size, making it more portable than many other telescopes with similar capabilities. The fully automated GoTo mount, which can locate over 40,000 celestial objects, is an excellent feature for newcomers who may find manually locating stars and planets challenging. Additionally, the SkyAlign technology allows for quick setup, getting users aligned and ready to observe in just minutes.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The telescope's weight of around 23.9 pounds can make it a bit cumbersome to transport for some users, especially if they plan to carry it to different locations. While assembly is straightforward, the individual components may still require some effort to set up. The manual focusing may also be a hassle for those who prefer a more automated focusing experience. Battery operation means you'll need to keep an eye on power levels, as it isn't equipped with a built-in power supply.

The NexStar 8SE presents a solid mix of user-friendly features and advanced capabilities, making it a suitable choice for stargazers. It’s particularly appropriate for those serious about astronomy while also offering enough ease of use for beginners looking to explore the night sky. Just keep in mind its weight and the manual focusing when considering if it's the right telescope for you.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,209
GoTo System
Optical Design
Portability

Most important from
1410 reviews

GoTo System
The StarSense AutoAlign accessory is a game-changer for alignment, especially in light-polluted areas, making the setup much easier and more accurate.
Optical Design
Transitioning from a smaller scope to the NexStar 8SE was a significant upgrade, delivering breathtaking views of celestial objects like the Orion Nebula, Saturn, the Moon, and Jupiter.
Portability
Despite its weight, the telescope is manageable for one person, though having a carrying case can greatly enhance portability.
Power Supply
Investing in a portable lithium battery supply is crucial, as the telescope's internal batteries deplete quickly, affecting performance.
#2

Celestron – Origin Intelligent Home Observatory – All-in-one Astroimaging and Stargazing Smart Telescope – 6-inch RASA Telescope – Fully-Automated GoTo Mount – User-Friendly – iOS/Android Compatible

Rating
9.8
Focal Length

Most important from
19 reviews

Focal Length
With its f/2.2 optics, the Origin requires significantly less exposure time than traditional f/10 systems, delivering impressive results quickly.

The Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory stands out as a great option for both stargazing enthusiasts and budding astrophotographers. With a 6-inch aperture and fast f/2.2 focal ratio, it offers impressive image brightness and clarity, making celestial objects come alive in stunning detail. The patented RASA optical technology enhances its capabilities, allowing for vibrant images with shorter exposure times, which is ideal for capturing fleeting moments in the night sky.

One of the major strengths of the Origin telescope is its automated setup using StarSense technology. This feature scans the sky and aligns the telescope, allowing users to start observing within minutes, making it user-friendly even for beginners. The intuitive app interface for both iOS and Android provides easy navigation of celestial objects, enhancing the experience.

Another notable feature is its AI-powered astrophotography capability. It automatically processes and stacks frames in real-time, significantly reducing the complexity typically associated with capturing high-quality astrophotographs, which can be a huge plus for those who want stunning images without getting bogged down in technical details.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. Weighing in at 41.6 pounds, this telescope is not the most portable option available, which may limit its use for users looking to take it on the go or for casual, spontaneous stargazing sessions. Additionally, while the automated features are convenient, they might not appeal to users who prefer a more hands-on approach to astronomy.

The Celestron Origin is a strong contender in the computerized telescope category, particularly for those interested in astrophotography and easy-to-use features. Its advanced technology and user-friendly design make it accessible for beginners, though its weight could be a drawback for those seeking a more portable option.

Rating
9.8
Focal Length

Most important from
19 reviews

Focal Length
With its f/2.2 optics, the Origin requires significantly less exposure time than traditional f/10 systems, delivering impressive results quickly.
#3

Celestron - NexStar Evolution 8 WiFi Enabled Computerized Telescope - 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope SCT - Control via Smartphone App - 10-Hour Lithium Battery - iPhone and Android Compatible

Rating
9.6
Aperture
Mount Type
GoTo System

Most important from
168 reviews

Aperture
The telescope's light-gathering ability is amazing, offering sharp and detailed views of the Moon and planets.
Mount Type
The tripod is solid, and the telescope can be mounted on an equatorial mount for serious astrophotography.
GoTo System
The GoTo feature is fantastic, consistently putting celestial objects right in the center of the eyepiece.
Portability
The built-in lithium battery and well-thought-out design elements, like captive screws and handles, add to the convenience of using the telescope.
Power Supply
The built-in lithium battery and well-thought-out design elements, like captive screws and handles, add to the convenience of using the telescope.

The Celestron NexStar Evolution 8 is a fantastic choice for stargazers looking for a user-friendly computerized telescope. With an 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, it offers excellent light-gathering capabilities, allowing you to see celestial objects in stunning detail. The built-in WiFi feature lets you control the telescope through the free SkyPortal app on your smartphone, making it easy to locate and track objects in the sky seamlessly. This is particularly appealing for beginners or casual astronomers who might feel overwhelmed by manual controls.

The GoTo mount is another strong point, providing superior tracking accuracy. This is essential for those who want to enjoy star parties or engage in astroimaging, as it keeps your view steady as objects move across the sky. The built-in 10-hour lithium battery adds to the convenience, as it eliminates the need for external power sources, ensuring you can enjoy extended viewing sessions without hassle.

This telescope does come with a few drawbacks. Weighing in at 38.5 pounds, it may be less portable compared to lighter models, which could be a concern for users who want to easily transport it to different viewing locations. Additionally, while the manual focus is straightforward, it might require some practice to achieve sharp images. The price point may also be higher compared to basic models, making it a significant investment, especially for beginners still deciding how deep they want to dive into astronomy.

If you’re a budding astronomer looking for a powerful and smart telescope that offers a blend of advanced features and ease of use, the NexStar Evolution 8 is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind its weight and price as factors that may influence your decision.

Rating
9.6
Aperture
Mount Type
GoTo System

Most important from
168 reviews

Aperture
The telescope's light-gathering ability is amazing, offering sharp and detailed views of the Moon and planets.
Mount Type
The tripod is solid, and the telescope can be mounted on an equatorial mount for serious astrophotography.
GoTo System
The GoTo feature is fantastic, consistently putting celestial objects right in the center of the eyepiece.
Portability
The built-in lithium battery and well-thought-out design elements, like captive screws and handles, add to the convenience of using the telescope.
Power Supply
The built-in lithium battery and well-thought-out design elements, like captive screws and handles, add to the convenience of using the telescope.

Buying Guide for the Best Computerized Telescopes

Choosing the right computerized telescope can be a thrilling yet daunting task, especially if you're new to stargazing. A computerized telescope, also known as a GoTo telescope, is equipped with a computer system that can automatically locate and track celestial objects for you. This makes it easier for beginners and experienced astronomers alike to explore the night sky. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs and preferences.
ApertureThe aperture of a telescope is the diameter of its main optical component, which can be a lens or a mirror. This spec is crucial because it determines how much light the telescope can gather, directly affecting the clarity and brightness of the images you see. Apertures are typically measured in millimeters or inches. Smaller apertures (up to 70mm) are suitable for casual stargazing and viewing the moon and planets. Medium apertures (70mm to 150mm) offer better views of faint objects like star clusters and nebulae. Larger apertures (over 150mm) are ideal for deep-sky observations and astrophotography. Choose an aperture based on what you want to observe and how portable you need the telescope to be.
Focal LengthThe focal length of a telescope is the distance from the main optical component to the point where it forms an image. This spec affects the magnification and field of view. A longer focal length provides higher magnification, which is great for viewing planets and the moon in detail. However, it also narrows the field of view, making it harder to locate objects. Shorter focal lengths offer a wider field of view, which is better for observing larger areas of the sky and deep-sky objects. Consider what you want to observe and whether you prefer high magnification or a wider field of view when choosing the focal length.
Mount TypeThe mount is the part of the telescope that supports it and allows it to move. For computerized telescopes, the mount is especially important because it houses the motors and computer system that automate the tracking and locating of celestial objects. There are two main types of mounts: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts move in up-down and left-right motions, making them simpler to use and set up, ideal for beginners. Equatorial mounts are aligned with the Earth's axis, allowing for more precise tracking of objects as they move across the sky, which is beneficial for astrophotography. Choose a mount type based on your experience level and whether you plan to do astrophotography.
Database SizeThe database size of a computerized telescope refers to the number of celestial objects it can automatically locate and track. This spec is important because a larger database offers more objects to explore, enhancing your stargazing experience. Databases can range from a few thousand to over 40,000 objects. If you're a beginner, a smaller database might be sufficient and less overwhelming. For more advanced users or those who want to explore a wide variety of objects, a larger database is preferable. Consider your level of interest and how much you want to explore when choosing the database size.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to transport and set up the telescope. This spec is important if you plan to take your telescope to different locations or if you have limited storage space. Smaller telescopes with compact designs are easier to carry and set up, making them ideal for casual stargazing and travel. Larger telescopes, while offering better performance, can be bulky and heavy, requiring more effort to transport and set up. Consider how and where you plan to use your telescope when evaluating its portability.
Power SourceComputerized telescopes require a power source to operate the motors and computer system. This spec is important because it affects the convenience and duration of your stargazing sessions. Some telescopes use batteries, which are portable but may need frequent replacement or recharging. Others use AC adapters, which provide a constant power supply but require access to an electrical outlet. Some models offer both options. Consider where you plan to use your telescope and how long you want your sessions to last when choosing a power source.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now