10 Best Night Scopes 2025 in the United States

The Armasight BNVD-51 Gen 3 Pinnacle Night Vision Goggle is a high-end device designed for serious users like military and law enforcement professionals. One of its standout features is the Ghost White Phosphor Image Intensifier Tubes, which are favored by elite special operators for their clarity. It also comes with a built-in infrared illuminator, allowing you to navigate and read in complete darkness. This makes the BNVD-51 very effective for low-light conditions and total darkness scenarios.

The goggle offers a wide 51-degree field of view, which is beneficial for maintaining situational awareness. Additionally, its tough, compact, and weather-resistant housing ensures durability in various environments. The manual gain control feature lets you adjust the brightness to your liking, while the automatic protective system prevents damage to the intensifier tubes in changing light conditions.

One of its unique perks is the ability to mount it on a helmet, and it can be adjusted for use as a monocular, preserving night vision in one eye if needed. Weighing 1.4 pounds, it is relatively lightweight but may still feel heavy during prolonged use. The goggles come with a battery pack, but only one CR123A battery is included, which could be a downside if you need extended usage. The BNVD-51 is a robust and versatile night vision goggle, but its premium features and design are likely best suited for professional rather than casual use.

The AGM Global Vision RattlerV2 19-256 Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope is designed particularly for hunting enthusiasts looking for a reliable night-scope. Featuring a 19mm Germanium lens and a thermal sensor with a resolution of 256x192, it provides clear images in low-light conditions. The scope boasts a detection range of up to 950 yards, making it suitable for long-distance hunting. With its 2.5x base magnification and a digital zoom capability of up to 20x, users can easily spot and identify targets at varying distances. The 9.3° field of view allows hunters to scan large areas effectively, which is beneficial when tracking moving game.

One of the notable strengths of this scope is its improved refresh rate of 50 Hz, doubling the previous version's performance. This ensures smoother visuals, especially when observing fast-moving subjects. The upgraded focus ring provides better control, allowing for quick adjustments in the field. Additionally, the scope is lightweight at just 6.34 ounces, making it easy to handle during extended hunts.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The base magnification of 2.5x may not be sufficient for those requiring more zoom power for very distant targets, as the maximum magnification caps at 8x. Moreover, while the thermal capabilities are impressive, this model does not offer traditional night vision features, which might not suit users who prefer or need a more versatile night vision experience. The RattlerV2 is a good option for hunters focused on low-light environments who appreciate a lightweight design, but it may fall short for those needing higher magnification or traditional night vision options.

The ATN Thor 5 LRF is a high-quality thermal night scope designed for hunters and shooters who want sharp, clear images in both day and night conditions. Its standout feature is the Ultra Sensitive Gen 5 thermal sensor paired with a high-resolution 320x240 OLED display, which delivers vivid colors and detailed visuals, making it easier to spot targets in the dark. The scope offers a magnification range of 3-12x, suitable for a variety of shooting distances. An integrated laser rangefinder (LRF) helps measure the distance to the target accurately, which is very helpful for precision shooting.

Another useful tool is the built-in ballistic calculator, which assists in adjusting shots based on distance and environmental factors, increasing the chances of hitting the target precisely. The device also lets users customize reticles and record hunts in high-definition video, adding both fun and practical features for outdoor enthusiasts.

The resolution of 320x240, while effective for thermal imaging, is not the highest available, so extremely fine details might be less clear compared to some higher-end models. The scope weighs over 2 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy during extended use. Additionally, it is an ITAR-restricted product, meaning export is limited. The scope comes with a solid 3-year warranty and features a durable aluminum body, making it a reliable choice for thermal imaging combined with smart technology.