Best Thermal Scope Under 1000

When it comes to finding a thermal scope for your rifle, it can be a challenge to find one that is both high quality and budget-friendly. Many of the best thermal scopes on the market can cost thousands of dollars, making them out of reach for many of us. However, there are a few exceptional thermal scopes that are priced under $1000, and these are the models that we will be reviewing in this article. 

When selecting the best thermal scopes for this article, we considered a number of key factors. These include image quality, durability, ease of use, and overall value for the price. We also looked at the overall performance of the scope in various lighting conditions, as well as the features and capabilities of the scope. By considering these factors, we have been able to identify a few exceptional thermal scopes that are both high quality and affordable.

The OpticGuru Thor LT Thermal Scope is a great option for those looking for a high-quality thermal scope that is affordable. One of the standout features of this scope is its advanced heat detection sensors, which allow you to see in total darkness, through dense fog, smoke, and heavy vegetation. Additionally, the scope has a traditional design with a 30mm tube made of hardened aluminum alloy, making it recoil resistant to higher caliber weapons. The internal Li-Ion battery life is also impressive, lasting for over 10 hours which is rare for scopes at this price range. It is also lightweight, making it easy to handle and keeping your rifle balanced.

The only downside to this scope is that it only has a 6x and 8x magnification, which may not be suitable for some shooters. However, considering the price range of this scope, this is a minimal downside. Overall, the OpticGuru Thor LT Thermal Scope is a great choice for those looking for an affordable thermal scope that doesn’t compromise on quality and performance.

The AGM Rattler TS19-256 Thermal Imaging RifleScope is an excellent option for those looking for a compact and reliable thermal scope within a budget of $1000. With its high resolution 256×192 thermal detector and advanced image processing technology, it provides clear images even in harsh conditions. The built-in OLED display has a resolution of 1024×768 and provides 8x digital zoom.

The scope is also equipped with advanced features such as video recording, snapshot capabilities, and built-in EMMC storage of 16GB. Additionally, it supports distance measurement and has adjustable color palettes. The device is waterproof and shockproof and can run for up to 4.5 hours on two CR123 batteries. An external power supply can also be connected via a USB connector for an increased operating time.

One downside of this model is its battery life, which is lower compared to the previous model but the option to use an external power supply helps that aspect. But overall, the AGM Rattler TS19-256 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality thermal scope at an affordable price with advanced features such as recording capabilities.

The ATN MossyOak Thor LT Ultra Light Thermal Hunting Camouflage Scope is a great option for hunters looking for a lightweight, reliable thermal scope. With its 60Hz thermal sensor, it is able to quickly detect animal heat signatures, making it a great tool for fast target acquisition. The White Hot/Black Hot mode allows for display of moving objects in your preferred color palette, and the One Shot Zero feature allows for easy and fast sight-in of the scope.

This scope also boasts a classic ergonomic design, user-friendly interface, and a wide field of view, making it easy to use and mount on virtually any platform with 30 mm standard mount rings. Additionally, at just 1.4 lbs in total weight, it is comfortable to use and easy to mount on a variety of platforms.

The ATN MossyOak Thor LT Thermal Hunting Camouflage Scope is rugged, durable, and dependable, constructed of a hardened aluminum alloy and recoil resistant to higher caliber weapons. It offers a comfortable 3″ eye relief and various reticle options to choose from.

One downside to this model is that it does not have as many features as some other models such as video recording or wifi streaming. However, considering its price point and its lightweight and easy-to-use design, it is a great choice for hunters looking for a reliable thermal scope on a budget.

The AGM Rattler TS25-256 Thermal Imaging RifleScope is a compact and high-quality thermal imaging scope that is designed for 24-hour operation under any weather and environmental conditions. With its two objective lens options, the customer can choose the perfect unit for short or medium-range missions.

The thermal image riflescope has 256×192, 12μm thermal detector and 1024×768 OLED monitor, which provides clear image under harsh environment conditions like darkness, fog, smoke, dust, rain, snow, wood, camouflage, etc. The device can be used as a thermal rifle scope or handheld monocular and is mainly applied to scenarios such as patrolling and hunting.

Powered with two CR123 batteries, the AGM Rattler TS-256 gives up to 4.5 hours of continuous operation time. An external 5V power bank can be easily connected via a USB connector for a significant increase in operating time. Onboard Wi-Fi module for live video streaming and video/images recording via application is also available.

It is worth noting that the AGM Rattler TS25-256 Thermal Imaging RifleScope tends to go slightly over the 1000$ budget, at the time of this review it goes for 1100$ and 1200$ with lithium batteries. While in our opinion it’s the best on this list, it would feel a bit unfair to add it as the first on the  list. It does have a limited battery life of 4.5, However, the scope can be connected to a power bank which extends the battery life.