Rifle Scopes Which Are The Best Thermal Riflescopes (USA) 2025?

Night Vision Viking

Night Vision Viking

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Oct 20, 2020
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#1
I'm looking at a "top 10 list" for The Best Thermal Riflescopes (USA market), as of now 2025?

As in "the best", not the cheapest or "best for the budget", and looking for uncooled thermals made for civilians and for hunting.
Price will have a factor, but the sensible ones I've found are all well below $10k, so that might be some sort of limit for a lot of reasons.

I have searched and Googled, used AI, and my own experience. It seems that search engines and AI don't keep up, they keep on recommending stuff that's over 5 years old, with a battery life of 2-4 hours. Even Trijicon's top model only runs a 640x sensor with a high NETD (as in bad), while the Europeans and Chinese run 1024x / 1280x and really low-NETDs for a lot less, including LRFs with ballistics.
Is the US market blinded, or is it me? Are ATNs even worth being on the list? AGM?

So, please hit me up with your suggestions.

These should probably be on the list:

Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL60 (plus XP60 and XG60)
Nocpix ACE S60R (and H50R)
Trijicon REAP-IR

Which other models and manufacturers are missing?
 
#2
For the money the mk2 can’t be beat. If we’re talking about overall, from what I’ve seen and used, I’m still putting it in top 5. The 75mm version with 1289 resolution should be hitting shelves someday soon. I really believe those will be very hard to beat.
 
#3
Abey669 said:
For the money the mk2 can’t be beat. If we’re talking about overall, from what I’ve seen and used, I’m still putting it in top 5. The 75mm version with 1289 resolution should be hitting shelves someday soon. I really believe those will be very hard to beat.
Click to expand...

At $9,784.00, and a 640x sensor, I'm pretty sure it can be beaten. I've never seen it, but talking YouTube videos into account I get the idea. Talking about overall, does it have LRF and ballistics software?

Did you ever look into the T2 XL60 or the ACE S60R?
 
#4
Night Vision Viking said:
At $9,784.00, and a 640x sensor, I'm pretty sure it can be beaten. I've never seen it, but talking YouTube videos into account I get the idea. Talking about overall, does it have LRF and ballistics software?

Did you ever look into the T2 XL60 or the ACE S60R?
Click to expand...
Not sure which one you’re referring to at $9784… I’ve looked through the s60r yessir. It’s fine but not nearly the improvement I’d expect I guess. The 640 mk2 is $5500ish.
 
#6
Why you say best then add price and built for civilians


Clearly you aren’t looking for the best

IMG_0531.jpeg






Just buy one of theee. Easily the best performance per dollar :


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#7
BurtG said:
Why you say best then add price and built for civilians


Clearly you aren’t looking for the best

View attachment 8768241





Just buy one of theee. Easily the best performance per dollar :


www.snipershide.com

Night Vision - Now $1799 💥 $1,899 Steiner S35 Gen2 BLOW OUT!!💥

We've run these sales in the past with the Gen 1 Units, but this time around it's an even better deal. These are brand new units with a full warranty. $1,899 + Shipping, and to most states, Tax Free. If you call and sweet talk @tam4511 or @wigwamitus, you might get free shipping. LINK TO...
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Click to expand...

I think 10k maximum and un-cooled is a pretty reasonable limit. Funny you should recommend something for 1.8k at the end LOL.

Care to tell me what thermals I'm looking at? Pixels on target? Some of them look like clip-on, which isn't the rifle scope I'm looking for.
 
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#8
Abey669 said:
Not sure which one you’re referring to at $9784…
Click to expand...
https://www.trijicon.com/products/details/reap-60-4

This is a 640x thermal, and they don't even specify the NETD value. Is it at or above 50?

What kind of improvements on the Nocpix where you looking for? The ocular zoom was a nice innivation imo.
And at least it can record sound, which the Trijicon can't. Not that it's super important, but the 1280x HD image isn't exactly terrible. NETD sub 15-18.
 
#11
I have a 388 pulsar and a Halo XRF 640 core. I've been behind the pulsar 640 cores as well. The Halo is far away the better image for my eyes. Being fixed focus optic, anything inside of 30 yards is not in focus though. With the Halo I can tell the difference between a raccoon and possum at about 350+ yards. just my personal experience with those 3 optics. Halo XRF is going for $7,125.00 now too
 
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#13
Night Vision Viking said:
https://www.trijicon.com/products/details/reap-60-4

This is a 640x thermal, and they don't even specify the NETD value. Is it at or above 50?

What kind of improvements on the Nocpix where you looking for? The ocular zoom was a nice innivation imo.
And at least it can record sound, which the Trijicon can't. Not that it's super important, but the 1280x HD image isn't exactly terrible. NETD sub 15-18.
Click to expand...
Honestly couldn’t tell you on the NETD value.

The ocular zoom definitely is nice. The lrf seems to work really well too with limited time using it. The improvement In picture quality on the s60r just wasn’t as much as I expected. Personally I hate the battery system. I much prefer the battery system on the mk2.

I’ve been using the mk2 640 now for a hot minute, and it just checks all the boxes I need it to at a very reasonable price.

The Nocpix Rico 2 h75r is the one I was mentioning. I think it should be available soon. I don’t know if this one will be worth the extra coin over the 640 either. There is a reason the mk2 is the best seller at iray currently.
 
#17
Abey669 said:
Honestly couldn’t tell you on the NETD value.

The ocular zoom definitely is nice. The lrf seems to work really well too with limited time using it. The improvement In picture quality on the s60r just wasn’t as much as I expected. Personally I hate the battery system. I much prefer the battery system on the mk2.

I’ve been using the mk2 640 now for a hot minute, and it just checks all the boxes I need it to at a very reasonable price.

The Nocpix Rico 2 h75r is the one I was mentioning. I think it should be available soon. I don’t know if this one will be worth the extra coin over the 640 either. There is a reason the mk2 is the best seller at iray currently.
Click to expand...
Clip on's and proprietary batteries are so 2020.
SJC
 
#18
Abey669 said:
V

very curious about the mate 1280 and the way it zooms. Keep us posted. Also curious as to how it compares to a standalone thermal unit.
Click to expand...

It's been nothing but heavy rain since I got it, and I haven't got an adapter or monocular yet.

But none of these are exactly dog shit.

The Chinese put some Gold on it to indicate something probably, but blue is a nice color as well, and made in Europe.

DOGSHIT.JPG
 
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#19
There is no single "best" thermal rifle scope, as the ideal choice depends on factors like budget, specific hunting needs, and preferred features such as sensor resolution and magnification range.

Highly regarded options include the Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 for its overall quality and features, the RIX DBH D6 for its hunter-focused design and high-quality sensor but the HikMicro Thunder 2.0 TE25 as a top budget-friendly choice.
 
#20
Night Vision Viking said:
It's been nothing but heavy rain since I got it, and I haven't got an adapter or monocular yet.

But none of these are exactly dog shit.

The Chinese put some Gold on it to indicate something probably, but blue is a nice color as well, and made in Europe.

View attachment 8768913
Click to expand...
I have the Pulsar, has been a good piece of kit. I’m sure @FF05 can chime in as he has far more hours on the pulsars than I do.

Anyway, here’s mine.

IMG_8923.jpeg
 
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#21
I have looked through them all and played with them all, except clip ons. I started with pulsars and ended back up with them. I absolutely do not like the image nor the cartoon like picture the iray and rix display. The pulsar feels like you’re looking at a new HDTV for the first time when compared in my eyes. I run the XG50 lrf. The xl50 or 60 they have out now is ok but lower base mag, gets worse as you zoom, everyone knows that. It’s up to you to decide if you want a clearer base mag with a wider fov. In the winter the pulsar is more difficult to use with gloves. I’m testing the new rix and i still don’t like the image as much but the manual ocular zoom and the easy to press buttons with gloves is nice.
I had a halo xrf but want a ballistic calc.

Pretty certain most all the brands most expensive unit is gonna do well. Looks like you already have a few decent thermals so I’m sure you’ll figure out what you prefer. I’m gonna get nvisions new clip on if it ever comes out. I want to go to clipons but I can’t justify 30k+ for the good shit. I use them like 3 months out of the year then they get benched.
@BurtG has all the fun shit. I need to fly over to wherever he’s at and get some hands on…
 
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#22
Simia Dei said:
I have the Pulsar, has been a good piece of kit. I’m sure @FF05 can chime in as he has far more hours on the pulsars than I do.

Anyway, here’s mine.
Click to expand...

Very nice! I did a similar thing, but never though about doing it in-front of a scope.
Going to do this again, with the new Aimpoint Duty RDS MR, just found the PSP adapter again.

Some bonus pics.

aimpointed.JPG
 

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#24
JohnDeereGuy1996 said:
I have yet to find anything that looks and functions better then the nvision xrf. I just wish it had ffp reticles and bigger internal memory
Click to expand...
If they had a calculator on board, its probably what id use...It is very easy to use, looks good through the lens, built well. It checks a lot of boxes except the largest one that should be checked....drop calc...
 
#25
JohnDeereGuy1996 said:
I have yet to find anything that looks and functions better then the nvision xrf. I just wish it had ffp reticles and bigger internal memory
Click to expand...

I just can't get over that it has a fixed lens. Judging from the YT videos it looks ok, but not that sensitive and great as some other modern thermals.

I think for thermals we will have to settle for MIL- och MOA-based reticles. Or the LRFs with ballistic software.
 
#26
Night Vision Viking said:
I just can't get over that it has a fixed lens. Judging from the YT videos it looks ok, but not that sensitive and great as some other modern thermals.

I think for thermals we will have to settle for MIL- och MOA-based reticles. Or the LRFs with ballistic software.
Click to expand...
The self adjusting parallax? That’s my favorite feature of the optic. Works awesome
 
#27
Roadrace33 said:
If they had a calculator on board, its probably what id use...It is very easy to use, looks good through the lens, built well. It checks a lot of boxes except the largest one that should be checked....drop calc...
Click to expand...
IMG_2049.jpeg

Idk ballistic calculator almost feels like cheating. Just got to know your dope. Shot this one at 523 yards with my xrf. I just hate having to figure subtensions on the fly.
 
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#28
The Thermion 2 60mms just got a Firmware update:
  • Recoil-activated and shadow video recording: capture key moments with ease
  • Updated laser rangefinder algorithm: helps you stay focused on the target
  • Customizable color palettes and user settings: saves time and reduces distractions
  • Added units to Ballistics calculator and Zeroing widget: greater accuracy and confidence
  • Updated User Settings: saves display and zoom settings for a personalized, consistent experience
Additional Enhancements
  • Auto Display Off for discretion
  • USB-C video output for fast, high-quality sharing
  • Extended Wi-Fi timeout for smoother first-time connections
 
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#29
JohnDeereGuy1996 said:
View attachment 8769951
Idk ballistic calculator almost feels like cheating. Just got to know your dope. Shot this one at 523 yards with my xrf. I just hate having to figure subtensions on the fly.
Click to expand...
Oh it is most definitely do-able. How hard do you wanna work though, after you just bought what, an 8K scope? I mean not to piss anyone off but "feels like cheating" is so subjective. I mean dude were hunting dogs at night with 10k rigs. Were already fuckin cheatin.

Props to you for knowing the dope well, and i mean that, but me on the other hand am not going to spend my night in the freezing ass cold to guess a call and miss because of it. This is the main reason i sold my XRF, and essentially downgraded to some extent or another by going back to pulsar because i genuinely like Nvision, and the fact they are made in the USA is a huge plus. Its like the first time using a kestrel for long range stuff. I would never not use it, ever.


Very rarely am i taking 500 yd shots on yotes, but when i do I'm confident. I got 2 last winter at 500, the only two i shot at that far out.

I did miss one at 750 though, late season when they would not come remotely close anymore. It was windy right to left and i totally guessed wind and i saw the splash high and left if i had to guess it was .2 high and left. Just enough to miss.
 
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#30
My #1 pick and primary optic for 2025 is the NocPix Ace S60R.
1280 res, good FOV, ultra-clear mode, ocular zoom, LRF with BC and 18650 battery is hard to beat.
NVis XRF/ X /Nox line after that because of the BAE internals, fixed focus, adaptive reticle and US made.
I like the S60R so much that I'll be using the X50 as a backup unless it sells.
Then my list would go with 640 and 384 res optics that have ocular zoom and removable 18650 batteries, such as the NocPix Ace or Rix Leap series of scopes.
H50/L6
L35/L3
I would add another tube style scope to the list that has the adaptive reticle, 18650 battery but no ocular zoom, but the make/model eludes me.
While Pulsar and iRay are great optics, they use proprietary batteries and that's a no go for me, as goes for any scope using 123 batteries or having to use an external battery pack.
Unless the S60R shits the bed or Nvis get's off it laurels and add's the 1920 res core to their optics the S60R will top the list and I'll be using the S60R as my primary for the foreseeable future.

SJC
 
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#31
Well I went over to my buddies yesterday, he owns Midwest Thermal Optic.. and walked out with a new Pulsar XL 60. I’m using the xg50 right now, and like it a lot. This thing looks better for sure. I was going to just get the new XP60 to keep the base Mag the same and my current XG50, but this was just too good a price.

I think the Nocpix Ace 60 is a badass scope. But, I’m not learning another scope right now. It might have the edge on the better picture, but the different is small. The Ace I was getting different ranges via the rangefinder. I compared it to a pulsar and a rix, which read identical. The ace was off a little bit. I was surprised. It was less than 10Y , so not much of anything practical but still. It is a very very clear scope, and looks relatively simple to run. There isn’t 10 different buttons to fuck with. Personally, it would be my 2nd pick, only because i don't want to change, and my pulsars have been 100% working order for the last 5 years,


The Rix I played with again, still not a fan. Ballistics work great on it, but hate the cartoon like screen look. Also do not like the big ole brick of a scope on top the rifle. I prefer the tube style. Just preference. I have word of new stuff coming soon though, and it looks great..

If he gets an nvision clip on he’s gonna let me run it for a bit, see how I like running a clip on. We will see. I also want to try the clip on because I have an AX ELR coming, and I think if i bolt my pulsar to the ELR rig, it'll ruin it pretty quick... Maybe I'm wrong. It'll just be for fun, not like I'm gonna light off 500 rds of .50 with it but still. I imagine the Nvision will be a tank in comparison. Time will tell.
 

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#32
I was all in Pulsar years ago and their products are solid, but they dropped the ball on how they power their optics.
They have different proprietary batteries now, the batteries are expensive and the chargers aren't well designed.
The Thermion and Axion optics share the same batteries and Pulsar realized that and said WTF are we thinking, so they changed the battery type with the newer monocular's.

SJC
 
#33
shoots100 said:
I was all in Pulsar years ago and their products are solid, but they dropped the ball on how they power their optics.
They have different proprietary batteries now, the batteries are expensive and the chargers aren't well designed.
The Thermion and Axion optics share the same batteries and Pulsar realized that and said WTF are we thinking, so they changed the battery type with the newer monocular's.

SJC
Click to expand...

For good reasons, as to achieve a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating (typically IP65 or above) for a device or battery enclosure requires specialized design features, including the use of special batteries or battery packs engineered for enhanced sealing and protection against dust and water.

Your call if you want things to last in shitty conditions or not?

I use some Pulsars and can't say that I have a battery problem, or that the batteries are expensive. If you can't afford an extra battery (that you don't really need any way) for your 7k thermal you are surely kidding? In fact, I never bought an extra Pulsar battery.

My last thermal, the Nocpix Mate Ultra, uses standard 18650 batteries, and the charger that comes with it is very large compared to what others supply. Good thermal, but it likes to chew energy. A NV device of mine had an exploding 18650 battery, which ruined things to say the least.
 
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#34
Ya for me personally I never understood the battery debate. Guess I never bought another battery to know how much they are? Never needed one. Mine came with 2 externals, plus a rechargeable internal. Guess I’ve never used it for like 18hrs straight maybe idk. It last me well over 10-12 HRS. Also never had any sort of issue with their chargers. To me if it charges the battery, I couldn’t care less what the design of the brick charger is.

To be fair, most every modern business would do what pulsar is doing to sell more batteries. I would do the same.
 
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#35
Roadrace33 said:
Ya for me personally I never understood the battery debate.
Click to expand...
It might more have to do with if you can't beat a competitor with specs, let's blame their battery. ;)

Just wanted to add that there are technical/protection reasons for Pulsar's battery solutions. I'm sure there's a business decision somewhere in there as well, but no one seems to buy spare batteries so I'm presuming that's not the main point.

The most expensive spare Li-Ion battery for the Pulsar Thermion is about 65 USD where I live. An 18650 same mH is about half the price. These would go into 5k thermals. Not sure I care about this argument, or I missed something and will be reminded.
 
#36
The argument suggesting that custom batteries tend to have higher IP ratings is a new one, to me at least. Maybe it’s true? 🤷‍♂️ I’m no engineer.

I think consumers get fed up with custom batteries for at least three reasons, one of which was mentioned (first one):
  1. Exorbitant cost
  2. Some people shoot in really cold weather and need lots of extra batteries
  3. Batteries being discontinued by manufacturers
In the 1990s, my dad had a really nice Sony camcorder (I’m dating myself lol). Sony discontinued the stupid custom battery it used. Camcorder was toast…no one made a generic version of the battery.

I’m sure one of you dudes is gonna pipe up to say something like, “Ha! No problem! You just pry open the cover and you’ll see six XXXX cells in there. Desolder them and…”

This was before the public internet or before this type of info was broadly disseminated on the fledgling www. The know-how was not common knowledge.

But even now the point stands. Most people don’t mess with electrical stuff. And often times a custom battery seems to use just regular cells anyway, which is irritating from a cost standpoint.
 
#37
Some valid points, but the type of battery seems to be on top of things for some people. For me it's probably image quality, for others Made in China is no go.

Some thoughts:
  1. Exorbitant cost - not really that much difference.
  2. Some people shoot in really cold weather and need lots of extra batteries - I'm in the grim north. Well there are things called power banks. Also, if it's cold - go inside LOL :eek:
  3. Batteries being discontinued by manufacturers - fair point, but not sure how common that is 35 years after your example.
 
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#38
Night Vision Viking said:
Some valid points, but the type of battery seems to be on top of things for some people. For me it's probably image quality, for others Made in China is no go.

Some thoughts:
  1. Exorbitant cost - not really that much difference.
  2. Some people shoot in really cold weather and need lots of extra batteries - I'm in the grim north. Well there are things called power banks. Also, if it's cold - go inside LOL :eek:
  3. Batteries being discontinued by manufacturers - fair point, but not sure how common that is 35 years after your example.
Click to expand...
Well, on #1, what I mean is 2x-3x the cost of batteries I already have laying around. But I get that the battery cost is a drop in the bucket, especially with high-end thermals.

Remember the saying, “There’s no crying in baseball!” In MN/ND, “There’s no going inside!” Lol.

Ok, there’s going inside. But c’mon, you have to admit it’s easier to use batteries you already own than buying a power bank or the manufacturer’s custom battery.

Perhaps Pulsar is extremely good at keeping old batteries in stock, or maybe the thermal industry is new enough that this issue isn’t commonplace? I don’t own a thermal yet, but I’m getting darn close.

As a test, perhaps look at the battery availability for 5-10yr old Pulsar units?
 
#39
Just found this on X, perhaps on purpose, but very on topic. (not sure how this turned into a battery thread):

"We just CT scanned 1,000 lithium-ion batteries from 10 brands to see how they compare inside. The differences we found are enormous, and point to serious safety risks in off-brand batteries that can easily make their way into the supply chain."



For those without X: https://www.lumafield.com/battery-report

"The battery market is enormous and it operates under high cost pressure. And things are getting worse: add on the supply chain chaos caused by the current tariff war and you get an environment that incentivizes grey-market activity and misleading product labeling."

If I ran a thermal company I'd be more worried about this, and what could happen if just a few batches of the wrong kinds of batteries got into my devices.

"For manufacturers, defective batteries can mean recalls, years of lawsuits, and loss of trust."
 
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#40
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#41
shoots100 said:
NVis XRF/ X /Nox line after that because of the BAE internals, fixed focus, adaptive reticle and US made.

SJC
Click to expand...

According to this info BAE is stepping away from thermals.

www.snipershide.com

Thermal clip-on for 4x ACOG: VooDoo-M, N-Vision Halo-C, Excelitas Dragon C12-XR, or something else?

As the title says, I'm researching the best thermal for use in conjunction with a 4x32 ACOG. I've pestered @jstokes1 with these questions in the past, where I learned quite a bit. That said, I still don't have the technical know-how to really understand what all the different performance specs...
www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com
 
#42
(not sure how this turned into a battery thread):
Well since you posted about batteries it turned into a battery thread.
I listed my preferences, doesn't mean others have to follow.
I prefer having one battery type to run all of my optics for keeping it simple.
I test my batteries, buy protected batteries and don't by the cheapest batteries to power my expensive optics.
Others don't and pay the price.
Free will.
Pulsar chooses to make their own batteries and charge an exurbanite amount of money for them, then change battery designs every few years, good for them.
That's their choice and my choice as a consumer is not to buy their products because of that.
My NocPix S60R eats batteries and that's the price I pay to power such a hi performance optic.
Luckily I have hi performance protected $10 Apc dollar batteries to power it and am not forced to use a $70 + proprietary battery.
Most or all of my friends who own scopes with proprietary batteries end up using a much cheaper external battery pack.
Rock on.
SJC
 
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