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 Telescopes Html 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

UNISTELLAR Odyssey - Smart Digital Telescope (Odyssey PRO)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,241
Portability
Optical Design

Most important from
14 reviews

Portability
Setup is impressively fast, allowing users to start observing the universe in about 10 minutes with minimal effort.
Optical Design
The digital eyepiece combined with computerized control offers an immersive viewing experience that stands out despite the premium price.

The UNISTELLAR Odyssey Pro is a smart, computerized telescope designed to make stargazing easy and enjoyable, especially for beginners and casual astronomers. It has an 85 mm aperture, which is suitable for viewing planets and some deep-sky objects, though it is not as large as apertures offered by more advanced telescopes. Its autofocus feature and automated alignment allow users to start observing quickly—usually in under two minutes—providing convenience and straightforward setup.

This telescope incorporates digital eyepiece technology, combining traditional viewing with digital imaging to deliver sharper and more immersive views. The built-in camera and 64GB storage enable image capture and saving without additional equipment. The altazimuth mount is easy to use and well-suited for casual viewing, although it may not offer the stability required for very precise tracking or astrophotography.

Portability is another advantage; the device is compact and weighs about 6.5 kilograms (around 14 pounds), making it manageable for transport. Powered by a rechargeable battery, it does not require a constant power supply. Additionally, the companion app allows remote control of the telescope, selection of celestial targets, and provides educational content about astronomical objects. While the 85 mm aperture limits the visibility of some faint details compared to larger telescopes, the UNISTELLAR Odyssey Pro is well-suited for users seeking a tech-forward, easy-to-use, and portable telescope with digital enhancements for interactive stargazing and citizen science participation.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,241
Portability
Optical Design

Most important from
14 reviews

Portability
Setup is impressively fast, allowing users to start observing the universe in about 10 minutes with minimal effort.
Optical Design
The digital eyepiece combined with computerized control offers an immersive viewing experience that stands out despite the premium price.
#2

Sky-Watcher Heritage 150 Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope - Perfect for Beginners, Easy Setup, Portable, and Fun (S11710)

Rating
9.8
Portability

Most important from
43 reviews

Portability
This telescope is a great value for its price, providing quality views and good portability.

The Sky Watcher Heritage 150 Tabletop Dobsonian Telescope is designed with beginners in mind, offering an easy setup and excellent portability. Its 150mm aperture is quite large for its class, providing clear and detailed views of celestial objects like the Moon and planets. This makes it a great option for anyone starting out in stargazing who wants to see more than just the brightest objects in the sky. The fast f/5 focal ratio and 750mm focal length mean you get bright and wide views, which is ideal for observing larger areas of the sky.

The telescope features a high-quality borosilicate parabolic primary mirror with Sky-Watcher's proprietary Radiant Aluminum Quartz (RAQ) coating, ensuring sharp and contrast-rich images. The collapsible tube design is another plus, as it retains collimation while making the telescope more portable and easier to store. The 1.25-inch helical focuser is manual, which may require a bit of practice for precise focusing but typically offers good control. Its tabletop design with rubber feet ensures stability and minimizes vibrations, which is crucial for clear viewing.

The manual operation and focus might not be ideal for those looking for more automated features. Also, the Altazimuth mount is simple and user-friendly but lacks the advanced tracking capabilities of more sophisticated mounts. The Sky Watcher Heritage 150 is a solid, user-friendly telescope particularly suited for beginners who need a balance of quality optics and portability.

Rating
9.8
Portability

Most important from
43 reviews

Portability
This telescope is a great value for its price, providing quality views and good portability.
#3

Telescope 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescopes for Adults,Professional Manual Equatorial Telescope for Beginners.Comes with 2X Barlow Lens Phone Adapter,Stainless Tripod and Moon Filter

Rating
9.7
Mount Type

Most important from
203 reviews

Mount Type
The tripod is robust and sturdy, though at full extension it may become less stable, but it's massively overbuilt, which is a good thing.

The Dianfan 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescope is well-suited for both beginners and seasoned astronomers. With a large 150 mm aperture and 650 mm focal length, it offers excellent light-gathering ability and sharp image quality. This makes it great for viewing celestial objects as well as landscapes.

The new German Equatorial mount with slow motion cables is already pre-assembled, which saves users the hassle of setup and ensures smoother tracking of objects in the sky. The inclusion of a 2X Barlow lens, two quality eyepieces, a red dot finderscope, and a moon filter adds to its versatility and ease of use.

Additionally, the stainless steel tripod offers good stability and durability, which is essential for steady observations. However, at 33 pounds, it may not be the easiest to transport for those looking to take it on the go. The telescope's manual focus and the need for a battery for the finderscope could be a bit cumbersome for users who prefer more automated options. Despite these minor drawbacks, it provides good value for its features and performance.

Rating
9.7
Mount Type

Most important from
203 reviews

Mount Type
The tripod is robust and sturdy, though at full extension it may become less stable, but it's massively overbuilt, which is a good thing.

Buying Guide for the Best Telescopes Html

Choosing the right telescope can be a thrilling yet daunting task, especially if you're new to stargazing. The key to finding the best telescope for you is to understand the different specifications and how they align with your needs and interests. Whether you're interested in observing planets, deep-sky objects, or just want a general-purpose telescope, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision.
ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main optical component (the lens or mirror). This is one of the most important specs because it determines how much light the telescope can gather. A larger aperture allows you to see fainter objects and finer details. Apertures can range from small (around 60mm) to large (over 200mm). For beginners, an aperture of 70-100mm is usually sufficient for viewing the moon and planets. If you're interested in deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, consider a larger aperture of 150mm or more.
Focal LengthThe focal length is the distance between the telescope's main optical component and 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. Shorter focal lengths offer a wider field of view, making them better for observing star clusters and galaxies. For general use, a focal length between 700mm and 1000mm is a good starting point.
MagnificationMagnification is how much larger the telescope can make objects appear. It's determined by dividing the focal length of the telescope by the focal length of the eyepiece. While high magnification might seem appealing, it's not always better. Too much magnification can make images blurry and hard to focus. A good rule of thumb is to use 50x magnification per inch of aperture. For example, a 4-inch telescope should be used at no more than 200x magnification. Start with lower magnifications and increase as needed.
Mount TypeThe mount is what holds the telescope and allows you to point it at different parts of the sky. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts move up-down and left-right, making them simpler and more intuitive for beginners. Equatorial mounts are aligned with the Earth's axis and are better for tracking objects as they move across the sky, which is useful for astrophotography. Choose a mount based on your interest in ease of use versus advanced tracking capabilities.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to transport and set up the telescope. If you plan to observe from different locations or travel with your telescope, consider a more portable model. Smaller telescopes and those with simpler mounts are generally easier to move around. However, if you have a permanent observing spot, you might opt for a larger, more stable setup. Think about where and how often you'll be using the telescope to determine the right balance between size and portability.
Optical DesignTelescopes come in different optical designs, including refractors, reflectors, and compound (catadioptric) telescopes. Refractors use lenses and are known for their sharp images and low maintenance. Reflectors use mirrors and offer larger apertures at a lower cost but require regular alignment. Compound telescopes combine lenses and mirrors, providing a compact design with good all-around performance. Your choice depends on your observing goals and willingness to perform maintenance. Refractors are great for beginners, while reflectors and compound telescopes offer more advanced capabilities.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now