7 Best Thermal Scopes of 2024: [UPDATED]

Looking for the ultimate advantage in the dark? The best thermal scopes can easily tip the odds of any night hunt in your favor, probably the reason they are banned from many game hunts. However, for varmint hunting, their usefulness is unparalleled.

That said, thermal optics are very expensive and there’s a multitude of categories them out there with dramatic differences in cost. That’s why I’ve put together an article catering to different users with a variety of purposes and price points. Let’s get right into it

What’s a Thermal Scope? 

Let’s not get too far ahead of what we are talking about. A thermal scope is a device that attaches to a weapon and allows you to aim while viewing the thermal signature of a target. Thermal optics are not like traditional optics. They are essentially cameras that provide a thermal image to you. Heck, even calling it a camera isn’t accurate. It’s more or less a sensor and is different from a night vision scope.

Thermal scopes don’t just detect heat. That would create a crazy spectrum since everything has a little heat to it. What they really do is detect differences in heat and display them as various colors and contrasts. Thermal scopes can be used during the day and at night to provide a detection device unlike any other. 

How I chose the best thermal scopes

Over the years, I had the chance to get my hands on a wide range of thermal scopes, some sent over by companies for review, others I had the pleasure of testing out in the field at various events. This experience wasn’t just about playing with the latest tech; it was about really getting to know what made a thermal scope worth the investment.

When I evaluated these scopes, it wasn’t just about the specs on paper. Sure, I dug into the technical details, but what really mattered was how they performed when it counted. I took a close look at image clarity, resolution, and durability because when you were out in the field, those things could make or break your experience.

I also knew that not everyone had the same budget or shooting style, so I made sure to include a variety of options. Whether you were a weekend hunter or a serious shooter, the scopes I chose weren’t just high-priced gadgets; they were tools that offered real value for their price. It was about finding the right one that fit your needs and delivered where it mattered most.

Why You Want One 

Thermal scopes can be used for a variety of purposes. Most civilian use revolves around hunting non-game animals at night. Hunting at night is often forbidden for game animals like deer, but for nuisance animals, like wild hogs, it’s often legal to hunt them anytime. Of course, check your state and local laws first. 

At night these optics make it very easy to spot animals. They literally glow against a thermal scope, and with the right thermal scope, you’ll be able to tell their size, shape, and what exactly they are before you pull the trigger. Positive identification is pretty dang important, and if you don’t know exactly what you are shooting at, you are in the wrong. 

Besides hunting, thermal optics can be useful for range defense. If you have livestock, chickens, or other animals that often fall prey to nightly predators, then a thermal optic can even the odds. Killing coyotes and similar animals in the middle of the night has never been easier. 

At the same time, these thermal optics work well for security purposes. Being able to observe and report on intruders while remaining armed can be valuable. If the threat is outside and trying to come in, a thermal optic can make it easy to see, although white light PID needs to be made before firing a shot. 

Thermal scopes are just handy and, honestly, a lot of fun. I prefer a thermal scope over other thermal optics due to their multi-use nature. I often use my own thermal scope to just watch animals in the ‘back 40’ part of my property. Watching rabbits, deer, and similar animals can be interesting even if I’m not hunting them. You haven’t lived till you’ve seen an owl take a rabbit in the evening under thermal vision. 

List of the Top Thermal Scopes

Okay, so now that we understand a bit about the thermal scopes, their types and benefits, let’s go ahead and start looking at my personal list of recommended thermal scopes.

Best Thermal Scopes

1. Burris Thermal Riflescope		Great For Beginners Available in 35 and 50mm Lenses Hot Tracking Feature	Check Price
2. SIG Echo3		Very Compact Design Minimalist Design Made with ARs in Mind	Check Price
3. Trijicon REAP-IR		Adjustable Refresh Rate  QD Mount  Efficient Reticle Designs	Check Price
4. Thermion XP50		Designed Like a Traditional Scope Excellent Sight Picture Long Detection Range	Check Price
5. ATN Thor 4 384		Capable Of Video And Photographs  Powerful Magnification Android and iOS Compatible	Check Price
6. AGM Python TS50-640		High Resolution Built-In Mount Battery Pack Compatibility	Check Price
7. Steiner Close Quarter’s Thermal Sight		Red Dot and Thermal Mixed  Magnifier Compatible  Multiple Thermal Modes	Check Price

Thermal Scope Specifications

Below is a list of our Best Thermal Scopes. So we can compare, we lined up the specs from each of the best thermal scopes below and help you make the best decision possible.

Best Thermal Scopes

Thermal Scopes are expensive. That’s why it’s important to know which ones are worth the extra cost. Because of this, here is the list of thermal scopes I recommend and in which order.

1. Burris Thermal Riflescope
2. SIG Echo3
3. Trijicon REAP-IR
4. Thermion XP50
5. ATN Thor 4 384
6. AGM Python TS50-640
7. Steiner Close Quarter’s Thermal Sight

Reviews of the Listed Thermal Scopes

Now we’ve had a brief overview of our top picks, let us take the time to individually review each item. In this section we’ll be revisiting our specs, speaking about the product, and looking at the pros and cons.

All About Thermals – Buyers Guide

When it comes to buying a thermal scope, there are a lot of things you should know. I’ve created this buyer’s guide to help take you to the next level and better understand some of the most important aspects of picking a thermal scope so that you are better prepared.

I won’t be covering the science of thermals or how they work, so, if you would like to learn more about that, you can check this out.

To get started, let’s first look at the different types of thermal optics on the market.

Types of Thermal Optics

There are various thermal optics out there on the market: , Clip-on devices, and handheld thermal monocular devices.

• Thermal scopes – Thermal scopes are made to be mounted onto your weapon and act as an aiming device. Like any other scope, you have to zero the optic, and an internal reticle allows you to aim with the scope. 
• Thermal clip-on devices – Thermal clip-on devices mount in front of your optic. These allow you to use your scope with a thermal attachment to give you thermal capabilities. They can be handy on weapons you use all the time. However, they require more room and have their own intricacies worth noting. 
• Handheld thermal monoculars – Monoculars are handheld or mounted on helmets and similar devices. They are used purely for observation purposes and can be a ton of fun, and are often much smaller and easier to tote around. They are not designed to work with weapons and cannot be zeroed, and do feature reticles. 

Specifications and Features You Should Know About

Now that we understand the different types, let’s look at the different features and specifications you should pay attention to when shopping for thermal imaging scopes.

Resolution and Microbolometer 

Inside your thermal scope sits a microbolometer that detects temperature patterns and establishes the resolution of your thermal scope. Resolution is measured in pixels, and the higher the number of pixels, the higher resolution you’ll have. Resolution determines how clear and detailed the picture is. A high level of resolution for thermal optics sits around 640×480. While this delivers an excellent sight picture, resolutions like 384×288 are still solid, especially with lower magnification and average hunting ranges. Higher resolution also increases the field of view, making it easier to track and identify animals at night.

Refresh Rate 

Thermals are kind of like cameras and screens. They have a refresh rate that helps determine how the living sight picture works. The higher the Hz, the better the refresh rate. A low refresh rate creates a lag in the image, which can be critical when hunting. Anything above 30Hz is perfectly usable for a scope. Often, you’ll find a trade-off between refresh rate and resolution. For instance, 60 Hz optics with a 320×240 resolution are common, but for thermal scopes, I’d go for a higher resolution with a 30 Hz refresh rate.

Lens Size 

Lens size can be another trade-off. Lenses for thermal optics are made from germanium, which is super expensive. The bigger the lens, the more germanium, the higher the cost, and you also deal with larger, heavier optics. The larger lens size does give you a higher detection distance and picks up thermal signatures easier. 

Microns 

A micron number with a thermal scope identifies the efficiency of the scope. Thermal scopes with a low micron number are more efficient. A lower micron level allows for more magnification with a smaller lens size, though it’s not always better. If you don’t mind the extra weight and cost, a 17-micron optic with a larger lens can provide a clearer picture.

Scope Detection Range 

Detection range is the ability for an optic to see heat. Detection range often shows just a blob at maximum range. You also need to factor in recognition and identification ranges. For example, your detection range might be 600 yards, but at that range, the heat source might just be a blob. Recognition range, say 300 yards, allows you to see a four-legged animal. Identification range, around 100-150 yards, lets you determine that the animal is a hog.

Magnification 

Thermal scopes do not come with the same type of magnification as traditional rifle optics. Magnification is digital, and you are essentially zooming the image in, which reduces resolution. The lowest level of magnification offered with your optic is what the resolution is based on. So, if you purchase a 4-18X optic, the 4X is the real magnification, and anything beyond that reduces resolution.

Recoil Rating 

Remember, these aren’t scopes in the way we think. Thermal scopes are more like computers than traditional scopes, and their electronics can be sensitive to recoil. Basic thermal optics typically work fine on calibers .308 and below, but with larger calibers, durability becomes a concern. Always research the durability of your optic for your specific weapon.

Battery Life 

Most thermal scopes chew through batteries, which is just the nature of the optics. Battery life can range from three to twenty-four hours, depending on the scope, and some offer rechargeable or disposable options. It’s important to know the battery situation before you’re in the field, as some thermals can use external battery sources at the cost of added weight.

Heat It Up 

Thermal scopes might be the most fun I’ve had with a gun in years. It tickles me to be able to see and potentially shoot at night with extreme accuracy. Owning the night is quite satisfying. Admittedly, it’s an expensive endeavor, and thermal and night vision, in general, is a buy once cry once deal. Hopefully, you’ve learned a thing or two and found the right thermal scope for you.

Best Thermal Scopes – FAQs

Are thermal scopes legal to use for hunting?

Thermal scopes are often legal for hunting non-game animals like hogs or coyotes at night. Rules for hunting game animals like deer vary by location, so check your local laws before using them.

Are thermal rifle scopes only useful at night?

No, thermal scopes work both day and night by detecting heat. They’re especially useful in darkness but can also spot warm objects in daylight.

Are thermal scopes better than night vision scopes?

Thermal scopes are better for seeing in complete darkness and through smoke or fog. Night vision scopes are cheaper and work well in low light but can’t match the versatility of thermal scopes.

How much should I expect to spend on a quality thermal scope?

Thermal scopes generally start around $1,500 and can exceed $5,000. The price varies based on features, brand, and the thermal technology used, including sensor resolution. Higher-end models offer better resolution and longer detection ranges, but there are also good options available for tighter budgets.