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13 Best Night Vision Monoculars in 2023

Article By: Ava Olivia Published On: December 7, 2022 , Last updated on : November 25, 2023 | Reviewed by : Editorial Board
best night vision monocular

The best night vision monocular will let you view objects at a distance clearly, even at night time. By definition, a monocular is a compact lens that lets you magnify your view in one eye. Basically, it is binocular for one eye. Some monocular devices are very expensive. As a result, you do not want to buy a monocular without knowing if the device is worth the price. That is why we have taken it upon ourselves to bring you the best night vision monocular on the market.

Buying guide for the best night vision monocular

Since every person has different requirements, there cannot be one best night vision monocular that everyone will universally like. This means that the best night vision monocular for you will depend on you and your specific needs. Here are the things you need to check when selecting the best monocular with night vision

Night vision

First and foremost, since you are looking for a monocular with night vision. Any monocular without this feature is automatically ruled out. There are various types of night vision as well that differ in quality.

Magnification

Magnification distance and type play a huge role in determining which monocular will be the best for you. There are two types of magnifications often combined within one monocular. They are digital and optical zoom. Out of these, optical zoom provides a much clearer image.

Durability

Last but not least, durability plays a huge role when selecting a monocular. This is because monocular devices are mostly used during outdoor activities. There are various affordable monocular devices on the market. However, most of the affordable ones sacrifice durability for night vision and magnification.


CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Monocular

CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Monocular

The CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Monocular gives you the best value for your money. It is an all-rounder among the rest of the best night vision monocular on the market. Additionally, it comes with an SD card and SD card reader.
AGM Asp-Micro TM160

AGM Asp-Micro TM160

The AGM Asp-Micro TM160 has a superior infrared detector even though it costs under $1000. As a result, it is among the best night vision monocular devices under $1000 that you can use for a long time.
Bushnell Equinox X650

Bushnell Equinox X650

If you want something with a large night vision range, the Bushnell Equinox X650 fits the bill with its 650 feet range. It provides a clear image even at maximum zoom magnification so that you can easily track your target.
SiOnyx Aurora Pro Uncharted Kit

SiOnyx Aurora Pro Uncharted Kit

If you are looking for an all-in-one package, the SiOnyx Aurora Pro Uncharted Kit got you covered. The monocular itself has built-in GPS, Compass, and Accelerometer. Additionally, the infrared night vision displays in full color.
AGM Taipan TM19-384

AGM Taipan TM19-384

The AGM Taipan TM19-384 is a durable monocular made from military-grade material. Additionally, it has a big battery life that will support you continuously for 7.5 hours. However, it has a big price tag as well.
Taotuo Night Vision Monocular

Taotuo Night Vision Monocular

If you want a monocular that can also record and stream videos in 1080p quality, the Taotuo Night Vision Monocular is a good option for you. Additionally, it has three modes of fill light digital night vision.
Pulsar Axion XM30F

Pulsar Axion XM30F

You can use the Pulsar Axion XM30F with your iPhone device as it is compatible with iOS. Additionally, it has a built-in frost-resistant AMOLED display that you can use even in the harshest conditions.
AGM Taipan TM15-384

AGM Taipan TM15-384

The AGM Taipan TM15-384 has a military-grade build and features. It has a built-in integral mounting feature if you do not want to use it in your hand. Additionally, it supports Wi-Fi hotspots, so you can use them with your phone.
SiOnyx Aurora Black

SiOnyx Aurora Black

If you are looking for something with night vision that you can also use on your AR, the SiOnyx Aurora Black has you covered. It is IP67 water-resistant, so you can take it with you in the harshest of weather.
Pard NV008SLRF Monocular

Pard NV008SLRF Monocular

The Pard NV008SLRF Monocular has a 13x zoom magnification feature, which is more than most of its competitors. Additionally, it provides clear images over a large distance so you can spot and take down your target with accuracy.
AGM Taipan TM25-384

AGM Taipan TM25-384

The AGM Taipan TM25-384 has the biggest focal length and best resolution among the other AGM monocular devices on this list. However, it is also the most expensive device among the AGM monocular devices.
Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XQ35

Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XQ35

The Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XQ35 has the biggest range among all of the monocular devices on this list, with a range of 1400+ meters. Additionally, it has a wide range of color pellets for the night vision mode.
Luna Optics CMOS Monocular

Luna Optics CMOS Monocular

If zoom magnification is your main requirement, the Luna Optics CMOS Monocular brings you a 36x maximum zoom limit. Additionally, it can display the footage clearly in full color, B&W, and night vision.

Best night vision monocular | Top 13 picks

We understand that testing expensive monocular devices is not feasible for everyone. However, that does not mean that you need to spend a lot to find the right one for you. This is because we have done the testing for you. Here are our picks for the best night vision monocular devices on the market.

List of the best night vision monocular

  1. CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Monocular
  2. AGM Asp-Micro TM160
  3. Bushnell Equinox X650
  4. SiOnyx Aurora Pro Uncharted Kit
  5. AGM Taipan TM19-384
  6. Taotuo Night Vision Monocular
  7. Pulsar Axion XM30F
  8. AGM Taipan TM15-384
  9. SiOnyx Aurora Black
  10. Pard NV008SLRF Monocular
  11. AGM Taipan TM25-384
  12. Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XQ35
  13. Luna Optics CMOS Monocular

CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Monocular

CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital MonocularObjective Lens Diameter: 35 mm

Magnifications: 5x (Optical), 8x (Digital)

The CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Monocular provides the best value for your money. It lets you see objects at a distance in 100% darkness. Besides its outstanding features, the CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Monocular also comes with a 32 GB SD card, SD card reader, and USB cable. As a result, if you want the best value, then this is the best night vision monocular for you.

Pros

  • Long-lasting battery life
  • Has a 1.54-inch TFT viewing screen
  • Comes with an SD card and an SD card reader

Cons

  • Zoom quality could be better

The CREATIVE XP 2021 Digital Monocular has a 5x optical zoom which works just fine. However, you can go to 8x with the digital zoom, which hampers the image quality. Other than this, it is an outstanding infrared night vision monocular.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Design: 10/10
Uniqueness: 9/10

AGM Asp-Micro TM160

AGM Asp-Micro TM160Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm

Magnifications: 4x

The AGM Asp-Micro TM160 is among the best night vision monocular devices for under $1000. It is very lightweight and durable at the same time. Additionally, it comes equipped with a tactical gear infrared heat vision that lets you spot objects in the dark.

Pros

  • Superior 160×120 infrared detector
  • Has a built-in storage system
  • Has a long infrared recognition range

Cons

  • Only three levels of zoom

The AGM Asp-Micro TM160 has three levels of zoom, excluding the 1x, which are 2x, 4x, and 8x. In comparison, most of its competitors have a freely adjustable zoom feature. Other than this, the AGM Asp-Micro TM160 is among the best night vision monocular devices for hunting, thanks to its infrared recognition feature.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10

Bushnell Equinox X650

Bushnell Equinox X650Objective Lens Diameter: 32 mm

Magnifications: 5x

The Bushnell Equinox X650 is another great affordable infrared night vision monocular. Its night vision range exceeds 650 feet thanks to the built-in IR illuminator. Additionally, it provides clear quality even at the max zoom level, which is 5x.

Pros

  • Comes with a built-in IR illuminator
  • Captures high-quality video in both day and night
  • Comes with a tripod-mounting adapter

Cons

  • Heavier than some of its competitors

Bushnell has been producing optics for wildlife enthusiasts for over 70 years. The Bushnell Equinox X650 is a great product that you can use while hiking to spot wildlife, even in the dark, thanks to its superior infrared camera.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10

SiOnyx Aurora Pro Uncharted Kit

SiOnyx Aurora Pro Uncharted KitObjective Lens Diameter: 16 mm

Magnifications: Up to 3x

The SiOnyx Aurora Pro Uncharted Kit is a bit expensive when compared to the previous competitors in this list. However, it provides value as both features in the monocular and extra accessories in the package. It comes with RAM camera mounts, a Tablet Mount system, an IR illustrator, a hard-shell waterproof case, and much more.

Pros

  • It is IP67 water resistant
  • Comes with a GPS, Compass, and Accelerometer
  • Has infrared night vision in full color

Cons

  • Could be more user-friendly

The SiOnyx Aurora Pro Uncharted Kit supports wireless video streaming. You can connect it to any smart device with the SiONYX app. Additionally, it can display the night vision image in full color. As a result, it is among the best night vision monocular devices.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 10/10

AGM Taipan TM19-384

AGM Taipan TM19-384Objective Lens Diameter: 19 mm

Magnifications: Up to 8x

If budget is not an issue for you, then the AGM Taipan TM19-384 is the best infrared night vision monocular that you can get. It is made from military-grade material that will get you through the toughest situations. The thermal monocular also measures the distance and height of the object you are tracking.

Pros

  • Long 7.5 hours of continuous battery life
  • The thermal vision is better than regular night vision
  • Supports distance and height measurement

Cons

  • Very expensive compared to its competitors

The AGM Taipan TM19-384 is designed with cutting-edge technology that makes it the best hunting night vision monocular that you can take with you. It detects thermal bodies precisely, even in absolute darkness. So, if you can afford it, you should get the AGM Taipan TM19-384.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 10/10
Material: 10/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 9/10

Taotuo Night Vision Monocular

Taotuo Night Vision MonocularObjective Lens Diameter: 17.5 mm

Magnifications: 5x

The Taotuo Night Vision Monocular supports 1080p night vision. Additionally, it can connect to your phone and display HD footage on your screen. You can also record the video to save and see the wonderful moments later.

Pros

  • Three modes of fill light digital night vision
  • Impact and high-strength seismic resistance
  • Streams and records 1080p HD video

Cons

  • Could be more portable

You can mount your smartphone on top of the Taotuo Night Vision Monocular. At the same time, you can display clear night vision images on your smartphone in real-time. You can use it to easily track your target even in the dark.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 8/10

Pulsar Axion XM30F

Pulsar Axion XM30FObjective Lens Diameter: 30 mm

Magnifications: 4x

The Pulsar Axion XM30F is an outstanding monocular telescope for iPhone that you can use with your iOS devices. It comes with a strap that you can wrap around your hand to ensure it stays in place during usage.

Pros

  • Has a frost-resistant AMOLED display
  • Low power consumption and high battery life
  • Wi-Fi integration with iOS devices

Cons

  • Zoom magnification could be higher

The Pulsar Axion XM30F is very lightweight at only 8.8 ounces. However, it requires an external battery, while the market is dominated by monocular devices with built-in batteries. Other than this, the Pulsar Axion XM30F is a great product.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 8/10

AGM Taipan TM15-384

AGM Taipan TM15-384Objective Lens Diameter: 15 mm

Magnifications: 8x

The AGM Taipan TM15-384 has a military-grade build with four options for color pallets. Each of these pallets provides military-grade thermal feedback. As a result, you can spot any wildlife from a large distance.

Pros

  • Built-in Lithium battery
  • The high-sensitivity night vision detector
  • Has an integral mounting feature

Cons

  • The resolution could have been higher

The AGM Taipan TM15-384 supports Wi-Fi hotspots. As a result, you can connect it to your smartphone and take it with you while hunting or hiking. It allows you to hunt in the middle of the night, thanks to the clear night vision image.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10

SiOnyx Aurora Black

SiOnyx Aurora BlackObjective Lens Diameter: 16 mm

Magnifications: Up to 3x

If you want a night vision monocular to pair with your AR when hunting, then the SiOnyx Aurora Black is the one for you. You can also attach it to your helm and stream the footage because it supports remote viewing functionality.

Pros

  • It is IP67 water resistant
  • Has long-range IR night vision in monochrome
  • Pairable with rail mount on M4 AR

Cons

  • The zoom magnification range could be better

The near-moonless starlight capability gives the SiOnyx Aurora Black a peerless night-time performance. The infrared night vision display in full color as far as the eye can see. As a result, it is among the best night-vision monocular devices for stargazing.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Design: 7/10
Uniqueness: 9/10

Pard NV008SLRF Monocular

Pard NV008SLRF MonocularObjective Lens Diameter: 70 mm

Magnifications: 13x

The Pard NV008SLRF Monocular is another great monocular for your AR. It has a clear infrared illuminator that works perfectly up to 350m. Without the IR illuminator, you can get an astounding range of 1200m.

Pros

  • Can track objects up to a range of 1200m
  • Higher zoom magnification than its competitors
  • One shot zero hunting scope feature

Cons

  • Have to refocus when changing modes

The Pard NV008SLRF Monocular has a smart recoil video feature that records a video every time a recoil is detected. It supports SD cards, where the video will be stored when recorded. Additionally, the PARD VLEA technology automatically enhanced the clarity and details of images.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10

AGM Taipan TM25-384

AGM Taipan TM25-384Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm

Magnifications: 8x

The AGM Taipan TM25-384 has a bigger focal length and resolution than other AGM monocular devices in the list. The focal length is determined by the shape of the objective lens diameter. However, we have placed the AGM Taipan TM25-384 further down on our list because of the price tag.

Pros

  • Has a bigger focal length and resolution
  • It has a built-in storage
  • Long battery life of 7.5 continuous hours

Cons

  • Very expensive compared to its competitors

If you have the budget and want an AGM monocular with a better resolution and focal length, the AGM Taipan TM25-384 is the one you should get. Additionally, you can display high-resolution images on your phone thanks to Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10

Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XQ35

Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XQ35Objective Lens Diameter: 35 mm

Magnifications: 8x

The 8x optical magnification on the Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XQ35 is like no other. Additionally, the rugged magnesium build on the monocular makes it super lightweight and durable at the same time.

Pros

  • Superior detection range of 1400+ meters
  • Has eight modes of color pellets
  • Can display photos and videos on your phone

Cons

  • Most expensive monocular on this list

The Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XQ35 supports the Stream Vision 2 App, which you can use on your phone to stream video feed from the monocular. If you can afford it, the Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XQ35 is the best night vision monocular you can buy.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 10/10
Material: 10/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10

Luna Optics CMOS Monocular

Luna Optics CMOS MonocularObjective Lens Diameter: 50 mm

Magnifications: 36x

After all the expensive products, the Luna Optics CMOS Monocular is a good performer with an affordable price tag. In fact, it has the highest zoom magnification among the rest of the monocular devices on this list.

Pros

  • Supports quick transition between full-color, B&W, and night vision
  • Can view up to 400m with the IR illustrator
  • High zoom magnification capability

Cons

  • Battery life could be better

The only drawback of the Luna Optics CMOS Monocular is its battery life. However, it is expected for brands to cut corners on their budget for monocular devices. If you are under a budget, the Luna Optics CMOS Monocular is the best value night vision monocular that you can get.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 8/10

End Note

We have created this list so that you can select and get the best night vision monocular according to your needs. We have selected a wide range of monocular devices so that people with varying budgets can find one for themselves. If you liked this list, then check out the best Bluetooth microphones and the best waterproof cases for iPhone devices.