10 Best Computerized Telescopes 2025 in the United States

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.

The Celestron NexStar 6SE is a well-regarded computerized telescope suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It features a 6-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, which provides excellent light-gathering ability for viewing the Moon, planets, and deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula. The telescope's fully-automated GoTo mount is a standout feature, offering a database of over 40,000 celestial objects and SkyAlign technology for quick and easy alignment. This makes it user-friendly for those new to stargazing, while still offering advanced capabilities for seasoned astronomers.

Additionally, the compact design and portability of the NexStar 6SE make it convenient to transport and store. On the downside, the telescope is battery-powered, which might require frequent replacements or the use of an external power source for extended sessions. The manual focus might also challenge users who prefer an automated focusing system.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the NexStar 6SE's robust features, ease of use, and strong support from Celestron make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to explore the night sky.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ offers a unique experience by integrating smartphone technology with traditional stargazing. Its standout feature is the StarSense sky recognition technology, which uses your smartphone to identify and guide you to celestial objects, making it extremely user-friendly for beginners. The app provides real-time suggestions based on your location and time, which is a great help for those new to astronomy.

The 130mm aperture of the Newtonian reflector allows for clear views of the Moon's craters, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and various deep sky objects under darker skies. However, its manual altazimuth mount, while easy to set up and use, does not offer the stability or precision of motorized mounts often found in more advanced telescopes. Portability is decent due to its manageable size and weight, but it's not the most compact option available.

The power supply is manual, meaning there are no concerns about battery life but it lacks the convenience of automated tracking. This telescope is best suited for beginner to intermediate astronomers who want a simple yet effective way to explore the night sky using their smartphone.