Best Cheap Night Vision Goggles [Review and Buying Guide]

So you want to buy cheap night vision goggles? 

You are in the right spot.

In this article, we will review the best cheap night vision goggles that you can pick. Also, we’ll add the right tips and tricks to help you choose the right one.

Think about it this way.

When you are heading out for an adventure that needs you to move around at night, one thing’s for sure.

You need to beat the darkness. 

And one of the best ways to make that happen is by embracing night vision technology.

The most accessible and affordable option is to pick one of the best night vision goggles. If you think that night vision goggles are just for superheroes, think again.

The fact is, night vision devices are pretty standard beyond tactical and military use.

Be it hunting, wildlife-spotting, or security, they will allow you to engage in all types of nocturnal adventures without breaking the bank.

Let me guess? You’re wondering about choosing the right one.

Not to worry. This article will answer all your questions and list out the best night vision goggles for cheap.

Let’s get started.

The Top Ten Night Vision Goggles Reviewed

[table responsive=stack id=63 responsive=stack /]

Best Cheap Night Vision Goggles Reviewed

Here are the top night vision goggles reviews based on their overall performance and user feedback.

Take a look.

1. X-Vision XANB50 Digital Night Vision Binoculars

Those looking for a lightweight night vision device will like this compact device. 

First impressions count. And the device looks and feels good.

It fits nicely to the head and you can keep it on for hours without discomfort. Besides, the rubber exterior feels durable and rugged enough for outdoor use.

What’s more, the operation is pretty straightforward. There are 4 buttons and a focus wheel for controlling the major functions.

In addition to that, there are 3 levels of screen brightness. Also, the IR brightness has 4 levels.

The X-Vision XANB50 has three zoom levels- 3X, 4.5X, and 6X. But that wouldn’t be of much use when you’re using the device as googles

The display is good enough to view objects at 150 yards during the night. While the range is 200 yards, clarity isn’t the best at that range.

The battery life is good but not great. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers close to five hours of battery life during the night.

Check this out: The unit can also record videos and capture images in VGA format. The internal memory capacity is 32 GB.

There is also a whole range of accessories packed with it. You get a head mount, a padded neck strap, rechargeable battery, and a charger.

Now, this isn’t a device that shines with its optical performance. But at this price range, it offers the right bang for your buck.

On the whole, a good choice for beginners.

2. Nightfox Swift Night Vision Goggles

These goggles from Nightfox are one of the cheapest devices that offer digital night vision.

But does it offer the right value?

After testing it out we feel that it does.

Obviously, the overall range is limited. And the battery life isn’t the best.

You also don’t get a wraparound screen like other high-end devices.

But when you look beyond that, this lightweight device is comfortable to wear and super easy to use. Moreover, it’s compact enough to fit in your backpack.

It also fits smoothly over prescription glasses.

The dual IR illuminators function well. However, it uses 850 nanometers of light Which means the light is visible to the naked eye. On the other hand, you can adjust the IR brightness as you require.

The image clarity is good enough for close-range use. Even in total darkness, the image quality is impressive between 60 to 70 yards.

Some users felt that the viewing angle was narrow. But at the price point, we felt the field of view was on par with the competitors.

Then again, the head harness is well designed and can be easily adjusted. You can also mount it on a helmet if needed.

There is an integrated lithium battery that is rechargeable via USB. Keep in mind that battery life is limited between 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the use.

The operation is simple and even the overall ergonomics is good.

To sum up, the Nightfox Swift comes without fancy features or advanced optics. But if you’re looking for an easy to use and reliable device, we would surely recommend it.

3. NightStar Head Mounted Night Vision Binoculars NS42120C

If you’re a newcomer in the world of night vision, this is a device that will tick the right boxes. 

What stands out is the performance of the IR Illuminator. It makes the device deliver clear images between 120 to 130 yards. But don’t expect it to light up an entire room.

Add to that the extra-wide field of view that keeps you well aware of the surroundings.

Basically, this is a goggle that comes with a head mount that fits comfortably. The other thing is the flip-up arrangement that allows you to remove the device from the line of vision as needed.

Keep in mind that it’s not the lightest device you can pick. So using it for long hours might be uncomfortable for some users.

However, the quality of the head mount isn’t the best. This is one area where signs of cost-cutting are evident.

That said, the device itself is well built for withstanding rough outdoor use.

What else?

You can also focus the device on close up areas. The nearest focusing distance is 40 inches.

Handling the controls is very simple. The interface isn’t intuitive, but it gets the job done.

The other thing is the excellent life that the CR123A (Lithium) battery delivers. You can get close to 30 hours without using the IR. 

To sum up, for users who need night vision goggles for cheap, the NightStar is a good pick. Just don’t expect the best performance levels.

4. Bestguarder NV-900 Night Vision Binocular

Looking for superior image quality? This night vision binocular is one of the best options at an affordable price.

The good thing is the device can be used handheld or hands-free. All you need to do is use an adjustable neck strap.

First off, the device packs a 1/3 CMOS vs image-intensifier tube combined with a 4.5X optical and a 5X digital zoom.

The large 400-meter viewing range makes it even more effective on the field. The ergonomic design makes it easy to use and the interface is simple.

The 850 NM Ir illuminator isn’t the best you’ll get. But at this price, we aren’t complaining.

Likewise, the build quality is impressive. Bonus feature- the device is IPX4 rated. So using it in rough outdoor conditions isn’t an issue.

The 640* 480-pixel screen offers crystal clear images. The best part is, the screen is 4-inch in size. That makes it comfortable for viewing.

Also, the unit can record images and videos with sound. There are a time-lapse feature and a multi-shot function to capture 3 images per trigger. You can also mount it on a tripod if needed.

But that’s not all.

The device is powered by eight AA batteries. That really adds to the overall weight. It delivers 10 hours of use with the IR illuminator turned on.

Or else, you can use it with a 4.5-6V power bank.

Keep in mind that the image clarity goes down at the higher end of the zoom and at very close ranges.

Make no mistake about it- the Bestguarder NV-900 has its own drawbacks. 

But it offers a practical design and few effective features that make it a great choice in this price range

5. Hike Crew Digital Night Vision Binoculars

When it comes to cheap thermal night vision goggles, this device from Hike Crew is worth considering.

It comes without the bells and whistles but the overall price to performance ratio is impressive.

What we liked about the device is it’s quite compact. That makes carrying it around super easy. 

The LCD screen isn’t large but the soft and roomy eyecups give you a comfortable viewing experience.

Even with 8 AA batteries to power it up, the device isn’t super heavy. Kudos to Hike Crew for the good design.

The interface is pretty simple. All the main buttons including power and menu options are located at the top surface.

The visual range during the day is 400 meters. But at night the range is limited to 60 meters. By any means that isn’t long. But we were satisfied by the overall image quality within that range.

What we liked was the 7 levels of IR brightness. You can adjust it depending on the ambient lighting.

The 8 AA batteries allow you to use it for around 4 hours, depending on the IR settings. With the batteries in, you can start using the device right after unpacking.

To sum up, the device is best for casual users and newbies in the world of night vision.

As far as consumer-level night vision devices go, this is a value for money option from Hike Crew.

6. JStoon Night Vision Goggles

JStoon combines a few modern features with a convenient design in these night vision goggles.

One of the best features is a high-resolution internal screen that offers a sharp and clear viewing experience. On top of that, you get fully multi-coated optics that deliver top performance in darkness.

The 300-meter viewing range is perfect for those looking for a device with a long-range. 

You also get 4x digital zoom. But that narrows the field of view by a lot.

We wouldn’t recommend using it while walking around with this device attached.

The overall build quality is impressive. It has an IP56 rating and a comfortable grip. All the buttons are within easy reach.

The device can also capture videos and photos at 1280×960 resolution. It also includes a 32 GB memory card

Let’s face it.

That’s not something you get from all products at this price range.

The device is powered by 6 AA batteries. You will get anywhere between 6 to 8 hours of use from them.

Apart from that, there are a few extra features that add more value to the device.

For example, there are 7 gears for the infrared light adjustment. Then again, you get USB connectivity for data transfer.

Also, there is a playback function to check out the captured videos.

We have to say, at this price, this is a cheap night vision goggle that punches well above its weight.

While we wouldn’t recommend it for serious users, it’s a great choice for fun.

7. GTHUNDER Digital Night Vision Goggles

Now, GTHUNDER isn’t a brand that we were familiar with. But their product offers the right combination of value and performance.

To start with, the device has a  rugged rubber housing that feels durable. Beyond that, there’s an IP56 rating that makes it well-suited for outdoor use.

The CMOS image sensor combines with an infrared auxiliary light to deliver high-quality images. 

The 3x optical zoom is an added advantage. There’s 4x optical zoom too, but it doesn’t deliver the best image quality.

You can use the 7 IR modes to adjust the intensity of the illuminator.

Even in absolute darkness, the device can deliver clear images at above 200 meters of object distance.

At this price, that’s impressive.

You can go up to 300 meters but that will stretch the optics beyond its best performance band.

Moreover, it can record 1280*960 @ 30fps videos and capture images. You can use the supplied mini-USB cable to transfer data.

The simple interface makes operating the device easy for beginners. The focusing is also smooth and precise.

Lastly, the battery life is on par with the competitors. The  6 x 1.5V AA batteries deliver close to 6 hours of use.

However, this isn’t the most compact or the lightest device in this category. So some users might find it hard to use for long hours.

GThunder has delivered a competent product that does what it says. If you want a cheap night vision goggle that works like a champ in both day and night, check these out.

8. Coolife Night Vision Goggles 

The Coolife night vision goggles come in a black and green color combination that lends it a unique look.

The build quality is good enough to withstand a few knocks and bumps. Keep in mind, there’s no IP rating to protect it from the weather.

But then it’s compact enough to fit in your backpack easily.

When it comes to ease of use, the device does well. The menu is simple to navigate and is self-explanatory. There are 6 buttons to control the functions and the overall ergonomics is quite good.

The 850nm IR Led comes with 7 intensity levels. It does improve the performance in total darkness.

The overall image quality is sharp and the clarity levels are impressive. However, the quality came down when we used the digital zoom.

Frankly, at this price point, that was expected.

Where the product really shines is battery life. The 6 AA alkaline batteries delivered 5 to 6 hours of life even with the IR switched on. 

There are fully multi-coated optics that deliver good performance in darkness. The 2.31 inch TFT screen is bright enough for comfortable viewing.

You can also capture videos and images and the 32GB memory card is an added bonus.

Unfortunately, the accessories don’t include a head strap. But there are attachment points for using aftermarket straps.

To sum it up, the Coolife device doesn’t deliver superb images. But it offers decent quality at an affordable price that first-time buyers can’t ignore.

9. CREATIVE XP GLASSOWL PRO Digital Night Vision Goggles

Creative has branded this range of night vision devices as GlassOwl and terms this as high-tech night vision.

The first thing is, they are very well built. The ABS housing is rugged and lightweight. In addition, it also has an IPX4 rating.

You also get fully multi-coated optics that deliver a clear image. The best part is the no-glow IR illuminator that offers great performance in complete darkness.

The 4-inch TFT screen delivers good image quality.  The images are crystal clear at ranges between 200 to 230 meters. As you go high the image quality comes down.

But if you’re excited about the wide zoom range, you’re out of luck

The optical zoom is set to 3.5x by default. Or else you can set it to 7X. There is nothing in between.

However, we wouldn’t recommend using higher levels of magnification while wearing the device.

The device runs on 8 AA batteries and the battery life is excellent. We got close to 6 hours of use with the IR switched on.

Like all other devices in this category, the Glassowl Pro is easy to use. The focus ring offers smooth operation which is a big plus.

You can also capture videos and images. The accessories also include a 32 GB memory card.

Now, Creative comes with a motto of delivering top-grade optics at an affordable price. 

So does the Glassowl Pro deliver?

Well, it does deliver good image quality. However, the higher weight doesn’t make it a comfortable device to use for longer periods. 

Also, there are some compromises in terms of performance, But on the whole, anyone looking to buy cheap night vision goggles will find it as a reliable performer.

10. TKKOK D80 IR Night Vision Binoculars Goggles

The TKKOK D80 is a cheap and effective night vision goggle that packs some great features.

To start with, it has an 850nm IR Illuminator with a 5W LED. That’s more powerful than most of the competitors in this range. This really delivers great image quality in darkness.

The IR level can also be adjusted depending on your needs.

We liked the fact that TKKOK has mentioned the best viewing range of the device as 200 meters. Most manufacturers highlight only the maximum range.

The optics is fully multi-layer coated to improve the overall light transmission. Within the best range, the device captures the right amount of detail to deliver sharp images.

The video resolution is good. The wide viewfinder also makes it comfortable to use. 

What else?

It has IP56 waterproofing. That makes it usable even on a rainy night.

Like most of the other devices in this range, it runs on 8 AA batteries. The battery life is close to six hours- on par with the best performers in this segment.

But that places the device on the heavier side of the scale. Some users might find it uncomfortable after long hours of use. 

On the other hand, it’s a compact device. So carrying it around for long hours isn’t an issue.

You can also capture videos and images. It also has a playback mode.

We have to say that TKKOK has delivered a very competent product. Even though the price is slightly higher, it offers excellent value as a cheap night vision goggle.

What is Digital Night Vision?

If you don’t know this already, traditional night vision works through image intensifier tubes that amplify ambient light. Basically, it converts photons into electrons which are finally displayed on a phosphor screen.

This was also called optoelectronic image enhancement technology.

On the other hand, digital night vision uses a different method. 

Here the light entering through the lens is converted into an electrical signal by a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. 

This digital image is enhanced and magnified electronically and finally displayed on a screen. The resolution of the final image will depend on the size of the sensor.

See the difference?

And you know what? This digital technology has completely transformed the night vision industry. With advancements in CMOS sensor technology, better quality images are being produced at lower costs. 

There are high-end digital night vision devices that are generating color images. Also, CCD sensors have a longer lifespan than traditional image intensifier tubes. The overall build quality is also more robust. They also offer the additional advantage of recording photos and videos on the device itself.

On the downside, a digital image needs to be refreshed on the screen. So a slight lag can be present during object tracking. Other than that, digital night vision also depends on infrared illuminators. This reduces the battery life of the device.

Guide to Buying Cheap Night Vision Goggles

Like everything else, there are a few things that you need to consider while buying night vision goggles. We have listed down the most important points to make things easy for you.

Take a look.

Image Resolution and  Detection Range

The image clarity of a night vision device will depend on the image resolution. This in turn is dependent on the sensor specifications. While picking a device with a higher resolution is the best option, such devices come with a higher price tag.

At the same time, the overall detection range is also important. This will depend on the type of use. Hunters and wildlife observers need devices with a higher range. The point is, you’ll find the image quality going down as you stretch the device towards the higher end of its detection range.

Most cheap night vision goggles for sale come within the optimum band that balances image quality with visual range. So make sure to check out the specifications before picking.

IR illuminators

Infrared illuminators are part of all cheap night vision goggles that work with digital technology. The emitted light not only brightens up the image but also helps to capture more detail. 

In most cases, you’ll find the illuminators emitting light of wavelengths between 720 and 950 nanometers (nm). The standard for most cheap but good night vision goggles is 850nm. Anything higher is better. But anything less will not offer the required level of illumination.

The range of these illuminators also varies depending on the device. It’s best to pick devices that offer protection from the weather and from mechanical shocks. So a device with an IP6 rating or above is definitely the best choice.

Weight and size

Most people wear night vision goggles for long periods. So picking a heavy device will not be a good choice. When you are using a head mount, a heavy device can cause neck strain. 

Tactical night vision goggles that offer more features and high-end lenses usually come with a higher weight. In comparison, the best cheap night vision goggles are much lighter.

When it comes to size, using goggles that are too large will affect your movement and cause discomfort. Always ensure that the device offers a clear line of sight. At the same time, they shouldn’t be too large so that portability becomes an issue.

Field of View

When you are using goggles, a wider field of view (FOV) is the best option. The reason is, it allows you to walk more safely with the device mounted. The actual FOV varies from one device to the other.  

Basically, anything between 40 to 44 degrees is good enough for night vision goggles. But the FOV is also related to the design and the optics of the device. So, while picking cheaper devices, you may not get the best field of view.

Magnification

Magnification is useful when it comes to viewing distant objects. It also sounds great when a device offers higher levels of magnification.

The only problem?

That may not the case when you buy cheap night vision goggles.

The thing is when you magnify an image it reduces your field of vision. Now that’s very important while walking safely with your night vision goggles on. Our advice is, you shouldn’t opt for night vision goggles with higher magnification levels.

Even if you choose one, using magnification isn’t the best option.

Note, for most cheap night vision goggles, the image quality goes down at higher levels of magnification. 

Bottom line:

It’s best not to impair your safety by going for higher magnification levels with these devices.

Mounting night vision goggles

Mounting the goggles is another aspect that you need to think of. Moreover, most cheap infrared night vision goggles don’t offer this as a standard feature. The good news is, there are aftermarket options that allow you to go hands-free.

Basically, the device can be mounted on a helmet, or through a head or neck strap. Depending on the mounting option you prefer, make sure that the device you choose is compatible with that.

Make sure that you choose a mount that offers the right level of comfort and durability. Also, check for the ability to raise and lower the goggles quickly when needed.

Durability

We always feel that all night vision devices should be handled with care. But let’s face it. When you’re heading outdoors, that may not be always possible. So rugged build quality is going to prolong the life of your night vision device.

So make sure the housing of the googles is rugged enough to withstand bumps and other mechanical shocks. At the same time, the device needs to be weather-resistant too. If you are heading out in wet weather or camping in a marshy zone, this is a must-have feature.

 Keep in mind that even if you are buying night vision goggles for cheap, you shouldn’t compromise with the build quality. In fact, quite a few brands are offering an IP rating on their products at this price range.

Night Vision Goggles FAQs

Conclusion

There you have it. A list of the best cheap night vision goggles that work along with the buying guidelines.

So which one should you pick? 

Well, that depends on your exact needs and budget.

Here is a quick look at our three best options from the lot.

The JStoon Night Vision Goggles is the Top Pick when it comes to all-round performance. The optical performance and the durability were impressive

Next, we have the Nightfox Swift as the Best Value pick. It has a decent optical range and good image clarity. The price to performance ratio is the best in this category.

Lastly, we have the Bestguarder NV-900 as the Editor’s Choice in this segment. It has some excellent features along with good image clarity in complete darkness. Quite simply, a well-designed device.

Just in case you have some other preferences, we have marked all the best night vision goggles as per their top features.

If you want to enhance your vision in the darkness, these are the top googles to choose from.

Looking for other night vision devices? Don’t forget to check out our review of the best night vision monoculars.

Now that you have all the details, it’s down to you.