- The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Crossbow is my top pick: a 2–7× scope with an illuminated crossbow reticle and a speed ring.
- The CVLIFE 1.5-5x32 is the budget pick, with a 20–100 yard ballistic reticle and red/green illumination.
- The ATN ThOR 4 is a thermal scope, and thermal optics are banned for deer hunting in many states.
- Match the scope’s speed (fps) setting to your crossbow, then sight in at the zero distance your manual gives (often 20 yards) before you trust the lower aiming points.
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The three picks
A scope that doesn’t match your crossbow’s speed can put you high or low at 40 yards, even when every hold feels perfect. 😬
For most hunters the answer is a 2–7× crossbow scope with a speed ring, like the Vortex Crossfire II. Check how fast your bolts really fly, sight in once, and every aiming point means a real distance.
How a crossbow scope works: aiming points for every distance
A crossbow bolt drops a lot more than a bullet. A crossbow scope has several aiming points (crosshairs, dots or lines), one for each distance, usually from 20 yards out to 50–100 yards.
The speed ring (or fps ring) lets you tell the scope how fast your bolts fly, so those aiming points line up with your bolts at each range. It works on a recurve, compound or reverse draw crossbow alike.
A crossbow scope takes most of the guesswork out of aiming, which is a big reason crossbows are easier to learn than a bow with no sights.
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Best crossbow scopes compared: specs at a glance
Here are my three picks. Each one checked against the maker’s and retailers’ spec sheets. Prices change daily, so click through to see the current one.
| Scope | Type | Magnification | Reticle | Illumination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Crossbow | Variable crossbow scope | 2–7×, 32 mm objective | XBR-2 MOA, holdovers 20–100 yd | Red or green |
| CVLIFE 1.5-5x32 | Variable crossbow scope | 1.5–5×, 32 mm objective | Ballistic, 20–100 yd | Red or green, 5 levels |
| ATN ThOR 4 | Thermal smart scope | Depends on model | Digital, with ballistic calculator | Screen-based (works in the dark) |
Affiliate links: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I haven’t shot any of these scopes myself, so there are no scores here, only what the spec sheets say and what to check before you buy.
1. Best overall: Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7x32 Crossbow Scope
Vortex Crossfire II
Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Second Focal Plane Crossbow Scope Kit | Red/Green Illumination, Fast-Focus Eyepiece, Includes Rings, Flip Caps, Neoprene Cover - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty
by Vortex
Affiliate link: I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Key features
- 2–7× crossbow scope with holdover points from 20 to 100 yards
- Zoom ring doubles as the speed ring: set it to your bow’s real fps
- Its XBR-2 reticle zeroes at 40 yards, not the usual 20
- Red or green lit reticle; rings and battery in the box
Specs
- Brand
- Vortex
- Model
- CF2-CB1
- Size
- 30mm
- Color
- Black
- Length
- 14.09 inches
- Weight
- 0.875 Pounds
The Crossfire II crossbow version is a 2–7× scope on a 30 mm tube with Vortex’s XBR-2 reticle, which gives holdover points from 20 to 100 yards once it’s zeroed at 40 yards. The magnification ring doubles as the fps ring, so you set your bows speed and the reticle matches it.
- Speed calibration: the combined power/fps ring matches the reticle to your crossbow.
- Low light: red or green illumination for dawn and dusk.
- Adjustments: 1/2 MOA clicks with capped turrets.
- In the box: 30 mm rings and a CR2032 battery; the scope weighs about 14 oz.
Pros
- Versatile 2–7× magnification for close and longer shots
- Reticle and speed ring built for crossbows
- Rings included, so it’s ready to mount
Cons
- Small numbers on the reticle and ring can be hard to read
- Owners report the speed setting can take some trial and error
- Heavier than a red dot sight
Who it’s for: hunters who shoot from a stand or blind at dawn and dusk and want one scope that covers 20 to 60 yards and beyond. It’s the safe choice if you just want a scope that matches your bow.
2. Best budget: CVLIFE 1.5-5x32 Crossbow Scope
CVLIFE 1.5-5x32
CVLIFE 1.5-5x32 Crossbow Scope, 20-100 Yards Ballistic Reticle, 300-450 FPS Red Green Illuminated Optic Crossbow Scope for Hunting
by CVLIFE
Affiliate link: I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Key features
- 1.5–5× crossbow scope with a wide view at 1.5× for close shots
- Reticle marked for 20 to 100 yards
- Red and green lit reticle with 5 brightness levels
- Speed ring covers about 300–450 fps: check your crossbow fits
Specs
- Brand
- CVLIFE
- Color
- Black
- Length
- 9.842519675 inches
- Weight
- 1.36907064702 Pounds
The CVLIFE is a 1.5–5× scope with a 20–100 yard ballistic reticle and red and green illumination. Most listings give a speed ring of roughly 300–450 fps (a few say 250–450 or 300–460), which covers most modern hunting bows.
- Low magnification: 1.5× gives a wide view for close shots in thick cover.
- Illumination: 5 brightness levels in both red and green.
- Weather sealing: listed as waterproof, fogproof and shock-resistant.
- Field of view: listed at about 81 ft at 100 yards on 1.5× and 24 ft on 5×.
Pros
- Budget-friendly way to get a crossbow-specific reticle
- Wide field of view at 1.5× for brush and short shots
- Compact, low-power design that’s quick to aim
Cons
- 5× tops out lower than the Vortex for long shots
- Some owners say zeroing it takes patience
3. Best thermal: ATN ThOR 4 Thermal Scope
ATN ThOR 4
ATN ThOR 4 1.25-5x, 384x288, Thermal Rifle Scope w/Ultra Sensitive Next Gen Sensor, WiFi, Image Stabilization, Range Finder, Ballistic Calculator and IOS and Android Apps , Black
by ATN
Affiliate link: I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Key features
- Thermal scope: sees body heat, so it works in total darkness
- Built-in ballistic calculator and 1280×960 shot recording
- Phone app over Wi-Fi; the maker lists 16+ hours of battery
- Thermal is banned for deer in many states: check your rules first
Specs
- Brand
- ATN
- Model
- TIWST4381A
- Size
- 384 1.25-5x
- Color
- Black
- Length
- 13.1 Inches
- Weight
- 1.9 pounds
The ThOR 4 is a thermal smart scope: it sees heat, not light. So it works in total darkness. It comes with a 384×288 or a 640×480 sensor and several magnification ranges, depending on the model you pick.
- Thermal imaging: spots animals by body heat at night or in fog.
- Recording: records 1280×960 video of your shots.
- App connection: Wi-Fi streaming and controls through ATN’s phone app.
- Ballistic calculator: built in, so the aim point can adjust for distance.
Pros
- Works in complete darkness
- Records hunts and shots
- ATN lists 16+ hours of battery life (18+ on some models)
Cons
- Far more expensive than an optical scope
- Owners report firmware updates and occasional glitches
- Thermal optics are illegal for deer and most big game in many states
Types of crossbow sights: red dot, multi-reticle, speed-adjustable or thermal
Every crossbow sight solves the same problem in a different way. Choose by how far you shoot and when you hunt, not by how many features it has.
Red dot sight: no magnification, with one or more illuminated dots. It’s fast for close shots and moving targets, but harder to use past 40 yards.
Multi-reticle scope: a fixed or variable scope with several crosshairs or dots, one per distance. It’s what most new crossbows ship with.
Brody Swisher of Bowhunting.com, who set up crossbows for his own kids, says what a lot of hunters find when they open the box:
It didn’t matter if you spent five hundred dollars or two thousand dollars on the crossbow, it often came with the cheapest possible crossbow scope out there.
That’s why the box scope is the first upgrade to look at. Before you replace yours, check its speed range: if it covers your crossbow and holds zero, use it for a season. If it doesn’t, that’s the money to spend first.
Speed-adjustable scope: a multi-reticle scope with an fps ring, so you can match it to your exact bow and bolt weight. The Vortex and CVLIFE above are both this type.
Thermal or night vision scope: electronic, for low light and darkness. It’s powerful but heavily restricted for hunting in many states.
How to choose a crossbow scope: 5 things to check
- Your crossbow’s speed: make sure its fps is inside the scope’s speed ring range.
- Your shooting distance: many crossbow hunters keep shots at 20–40 yards, where 1.5–5× or 2–7× is plenty.
- Light conditions: illumination helps at dawn and dusk, when deer move most.
- Mounting: check it fits your crossbow’s rail and that rings are included.
- Your state’s laws: some states restrict electronic or thermal optics for hunting.
Use a solid target practice setup for this, because a 20-yard bolt from a modern crossbow will go straight through a cheap foam block. Once it’s dialled in, check your broadheads hit with your field points before the season.
Crossbow scope care and sighting-in tips
A scope only stays accurate if it stays put. Re-check your zero after you travel, drop the bow or change bolts.
- Check the rings: loose rings are the most common cause of a scope that “won’t hold zero.”
- Protect it in transit: a dedicated crossbow case keeps knocks off the scope.
- Keep spare batteries: illuminated reticles go dark at the worst moment.
- Maintain the rest of the bow: rail lube, string wax and a tidy quiver all affect consistency.
This video walks through crossbow scopes and sighting in, if you’d rather see it done.
This one-page version covers the scope checks and the sight-in routine, so you can keep it beside you at the range.
// FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions readers ask most.
What magnification do you need for a crossbow scope?
Many crossbow hunters keep their shots inside 40 yards, so a 1.5–5× or 2–7× variable scope is plenty. Higher magnification narrows your view and makes close shots harder.
Can you put a rifle scope on a crossbow?
Don’t. It will mount, but its reticle isn’t built for bolt drop, so your aiming points won’t match crossbow distances. Buy a crossbow scope with a speed ring.
What distance should you sight in a crossbow scope?
Many crossbow scopes zero the top aiming point at 20 yards, then you confirm each lower point at 30, 40 and beyond. Check your manual first, because some reticles, like Vortex’s XBR-2, are built around a 40-yard zero.
Are thermal scopes legal for deer hunting?
In most states, no. Thermal and night vision optics are usually banned for deer and big game, and allowed only for hogs or predators in some states, so check your state agency first.
How do I set the speed ring on a crossbow scope?
Set it to your crossbow’s real speed with your bolts, then shoot at 20 and 40 yards and fine-tune the ring until both aiming points hit. A chronograph gives you the real speed if the box figure is off.
Final thoughts
For most crossbow hunters, the Vortex Crossfire II is the scope to beat: 2–7×, a crossbow reticle and a speed ring. On a budget, the CVLIFE 1.5-5x32 gets you the same idea for less.
Only go thermal if your state allows it for what you hunt. Whatever you pick, sight it in properly and log every session in my free range log, so you know your real distances before opening day.
