10 Best PSE Crossbows 2025 in the United States

The Sub-1 XR 410FPS Black Crossbow with Pro Package by Mission Archery is a solid choice for anyone serious about archery. One of its major strengths is its impressive speed, boasting 410 feet per second (FPS), which is ideal for both hunting and target shooting. The crossbow's weight is quite light at 3 pounds, making it easy to carry around during long hunting trips or extended practice sessions.

Additionally, it features a robust aluminum frame and metal barrel, contributing to its durability and longevity. The ambidextrous design makes it versatile for both left and right-handed users.

For those looking into a reliable and high-performing crossbow, the Sub-1 XR presents a tempting option, although prospective buyers should check the draw weight and noise levels to ensure it meets their specific needs.

The Killer Instinct BOSS 405 Camo Crossbow is a strong choice for hunters who want a powerful yet compact option. It delivers impressive speed of up to 405 feet per second, which means it can take down small to large game effectively thanks to its 134 ft-lb of kinetic energy. Weighing only 6.7 pounds and with a narrow 14.75-inch width when cocked, it’s easy to carry and maneuver in tight spaces like tree stands or blinds. The adjustable stock and foregrip make it comfortable for different shooter sizes, helping maintain control and accuracy during use.

Its Micro-Lite aluminum barrel keeps the crossbow light and well-balanced for smoother aiming. The package comes with useful extras such as a 4×32 infrared scope, a rope cocker for easier string drawing, a quiver, three bolts, and string dampeners that reduce noise for quieter shots. The draw weight is listed as 220 pounds, which is quite high and may require some strength or practice to cock comfortably. The crossbow’s build quality is solid and backed by a limited lifetime warranty on non-wear parts, adding peace of mind for long-term use.

This model suits hunters needing a powerful, lightweight, and compact crossbow with good adjustability and useful accessories. However, it might not be ideal for beginners who struggle with higher draw weights or prefer detailed noise level information upfront.

The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR is a lightweight and compact compound crossbow designed mainly for hunting, making it a solid choice for hunters of various sizes thanks to its manageable 6.9-pound weight and relatively narrow 17.625-inch axle-to-axle width. It offers a strong 187-pound draw weight and shoots bolts at a fast 400 feet per second, providing solid power and speed suitable for medium to large game. The power stroke of 16.375 inches helps deliver good kinetic energy, rated at 140 ft-lbs, which means it packs enough punch for effective, humane shots.

This model comes with handy safety features like a Nock Sensor and Anti-Dry Fire trigger system to prevent misfires, as well as finger guards for extra protection, which is great if you're new to crossbows. It includes useful accessories such as a 4x32mm illuminated scope for better aiming in low light, two 22-inch arrows, a lightweight quiver, and a rope cocking device. While it does not include the crank cocking device, this can be added separately for easier draw cocking.

The compact size makes it maneuverable in tight hunting conditions, and the camouflage coloring helps with concealment. The crossbow requires string waxing every 10 shots to maintain performance, which is a small upkeep to consider. Compound crossbows like this tend to be quieter than traditional ones, which benefits hunting stealth. For those seeking a reliable, powerful crossbow with safety and practicality in mind, and who are comfortable with manual cocking or adding a crank separately, this Barnett model provides good value and performance for hunting use.