Best Cheap Night Vision Goggles Review – 2021 NVGs You Need to Consider

Last updated on March 25, 2021

Best Cheap Night Vision Goggles

When it comes to hunting at night, sometimes you just need a little help. 

The right firearm, the right clothing items and the right support team can make a big difference to the success of any hunt. Once night falls, however, the right night vision device is what truly matters. 

The advancement in night vision technology over the last few years has also seen a significant rise in the price of these items. Thankfully, there are cheap night vision goggles out there that will save you thousands while still ensuring your sight in the dark. When looking for budget night vision goggles you will mostly be looking at gen 1 night vision goggles but that does not mean that they are not high quality. There are even options in Generation 2 and digital night vision goggles.

Today we’ll look at a round up of 10 of the best cheap night vision googles available on the market. With our night vision goggles review and a comprehensive breakdown of each, you’ll easily find the best night vision goggles for your next trip.  

10 Best Cheap Night Vision Goggles

1. Sightmark SM14070 Ghost Hunter Gen 1 Night Vision Goggle


Sightmark is a reputable brand in the NV industry and it’s generally known for the production of unbelievably affordable products. This night vision google unit is an example of this, coming in as one of the most affordable night vision goggles set on the market. The Sightmark is based on Generation 1 night vision technology.

Aesthetically the SM14070 night vision goggle design is simple: All black from the actual unit through to the headgear.  

Taking a closer look at the headgear we find that the SM14070 Gen 1 is solely a handheld or headgear mounted night vision goggle. 

We love that this affordable goggle has a built in IR illuminator so that you can extend your viewing range if it is a particularly dark night. This flexibility is really impressive. Without having the IR illuminator in use the device will last up to 72 hours on full charge; with the IR illuminator in use the battery life is only around 20 hours. 

The device also has an auto shut off feature that will disable all functions should the unit be suddenly exposed to bright light. This is great because it protects the lenses and image intensifier tube within the scope from damage. 

The most notable features of the SM14070 night vision goggle are the following:

  • Generation 1 EP33-U tube type
  • 1x magnification
  • 75 mW IR illuminator power
  • 80m detection range
  • Field of view: 25°
  • Battery life: up to 72 hours on two AA batteries

It’s important to note that the SM14070 night vision goggle is only weatherproof and not entirely waterproof. If your hunt is of a significantly wet nature then this probably isn’t the product for you.  

Weatherproofing aside, the device casing and body are extremely durable. The shock proofing works wonders and everything stays in tact even after taking a hit, such as being dropped on the ground. The Sightmark Ghost Hunter Gen 1 NV set is a great cheap night vision goggles choice!

PROS:
  • Extremely affordable
  • Impressive battery life when IR illuminator isn’t in use
  • Handsfree option
  • Easy to use
CONS:
  • Poor magnification ability
  • Not waterproof
  • Fairly narrow field of view

2. Pulsar Challenger Gs Super 1+ 3.5X50 Night Vision Goggles


Another leading name in the NV industry, Pulsar have come in to impress with their solution of affordable night vision goggles. 

The Pulsar Challenger GS PL74097 night vision goggle is a versatile and dynamic little unit. First and foremost, the IR illuminator is built into this device from the get go. The Challenger is based on gen 1+ night vision.

Secondly, the Challenger possesses multiple abilities for mounting. It works as a handheld unit or it can be attached to the included head gear. What’s more, the head mount mostly Challenger can also be mounted to a firearm using a series of detachable rails allowing to use it as you would a normal NV rifle scope although with less range.

There’s also a built in tripod socket which is a fourth way of making use of this unit. Simply attach it to a tripod, set it in place and perch yourself behind it while you wait to take your aim. 

We love that the Pulsar Challenger GS Gen 1 plus night vision goggle is hermetically sealed meaning it will work in full function regardless of weather. Come rain, shine, heavy fog or even thick smoke - your visuals will never be compromised. Impressive feature for such an affordable device. 

Some features to note about the Challenger night vision goggles are:

  • CF-Super image intensifier tube
  • 5 lens eyepieces included
  • Field of view: 11°
  • Gen 1 Plus
  • 100m detection range
  • Battery life: 20 hours

All in all the Challenger are great night vision googles for anyone who values simplicity. Even the button layout of the device was designed with minimalism in mind. There’s simply an on/off button and an IR illuminator switch. 

If you value quick and easy use of your hunting gear then the Challenger is something worth looking into. Pulsar has not compromised on image quality just to achieve affordability - which we appreciate! 

At full charge you’re looking at a consistent 20 or so hours in the field; less with the infrared illuminator enabled. 

PROS:
  • Well priced
  • All weather proof
  • Built in IR illuminator
  • Multiple modes of hands free function
  • Powerful magnification lens
CONS:
  • Not much customizability in terms of software
  • Narrow field of view

3. NightStar NS42120C 1x20mm Head Mounted Night Vision Binoculars


The NightStar 1x20mm Head Mounted Night Vision Binoculars NS42120C proves that you don’t need to spend a small fortune to view crisp, clear images in the darkest of environments. While this device obviously won’t tick as many boxes as a more premium model will, it is perfect for people who are new to the NVD game and are looking to dip their toes in the gadget pool.

It features a totally black design, bar for the white NightStar logo on the top of the binocular, that makes it ideal for usage in nighttime environments. It has a built-in IR illuminator that allows users to see in even the darkest areas and it has an extra wide field of view of 44-degrees to make sure you’re fully aware of your surroundings.

Even though it is considered to be one of the cheaper models on the market, the NightStar 1x20mm Head Mounted Night Vision Binoculars has a long list of features. Some of its most impressive include:

  • 1x magnification
  • Gen 1 Plus 
  • Field of view 44°
  • 20mm objective lens
  • 40” to infinity focus range
  • 10mm eye relief
  • Battery life: 30 hours 

This pair of Night Vision binoculars makes use of a CXR123A battery and operates at temperatures of -10 to 40 degrees Celsius. It weighs in at a somewhat hefty 440g and measures around 4.6” x 4.2” x 2.1” so wearing it isn’t impossible, but it isn’t the easiest endeavor either.

The included head mount gear is a nice touch that makes this set of goggles easy to carry and use as well as more convenient overall. It must be noted that while most people love the flip-up design of the head gear, some find it to be flimsily constructed and of a mediocre quality.

At the end of the day the NightStar 1x20mm Head Mounted NV Binoculars NS42120C is a decent device that will work well for people who are more concerned with budget than performance. 

PROS:
  • Flip-up head mount gear included
  • Simple to setup and easy to use
  • Cheap to purchase
CONS:
  • Heavier than other options
  • Some find the included head gear to be of mediocre quality
  • Not winning on the accessories front

4. AGM WOLF-7 NL2 Night Vision Goggles


From AGM you can get the Wolf-7 night vision goggles. These Gen 2+ night vision goggles have most of the characteristics you’ll be after, including being waterproof, so you can use them in more situations. At 7.4” x 4.8” x 2.8”, they’re compact enough to be head-mounted or hand-held.

When it comes to its images, you’ll appreciate the quality Gen 2+ tubes, 40° field of view and a resolution of 45-57 lp/mm. AGM incorporated an wide-angle IR light source and there are automated features like brightness control. You also have a bright light cut-off. The optics are all glass and multi-coated.

A welcome option is to acquire accessories with your night vision goggles, such as 3x and 5x magnification lenses. This is how you optimize mid- and long-range view options. There are also mounts so you can attach it to either your head or a helmet, allowing you to work with your hands free.

Further ease of use is thanks to the flip-up feature of the headgear. It makes for speedy action and the gear itself is comfortable to wear and use. Its weight of 0.9lb also adds to its comfort of use.

If you use it in around 20°C conditions, you can get as much as 60 hours of battery life from one battery. So, use it all night with peace of mind that you won’t run out of power. Also, extra features such as auto-shut off means the CR123A or AA batteries will last longer than you think.

These night vision goggles are very durable and rugged enough for some hard handling but included in your purchase is a carrying case. Use it, so your Wolf-7 night vision goggles will have a long lifespan.

The noteworthy features include:

  • Field of view: 40°
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Gen 2+ "Level 2" image intensifier tube
  • Focus range: 0.25mm - ∞
  • Battery life: 60 hours
  • Diopter adjustment: -5 to +5 dpt
  • Lens system: 24mm, F1/2
PROS:
  • Rugged and waterproof
  • 3-year warranty
  • Good field of view
  • Long battery life
  • Auto shut off & brightness control
CONS:
  • Hefty price tag compared to some others on our list
  • End user agreement necessary for export
  • Not all accessories included in purchase

5. Bering Optics PVS-14BE Night Vision Goggles


Next up on our list we have the Bering Optics PVS-14BE NV Monocular. The PVS-14BE is an exciting feature-filled product that many people can’t believe retails for such a reasonable price. The device is incredibly versatile, customizable and is full of features that will make the user’s life easier.

For starters, you can pick between Gen 2+ or Gen 3+ technology. Gen 2 plus technology is found within the BE72740MGW and BE73740MGUW in the form of White Phosphor tech while the BE7210MGU & the BE72140MGUW features Gen 3+ MIL-SPEC grade unfilmed tubes.

This PVS 14 monocular is powered by a single AA battery with an estimated battery life of 40 hours. You can also customize it to act as a handheld or handsfree device and as a single-eye goggle or, when coupled with a holographic sight, as part of your NVD weapon system.

With the Bering Optics PVS-14BE comes a shoulder strap, lens cover and cleaning cloth, soft carrying case, a demist shield, head gear adapter, neck cord, rubber eye guard, S & M brow pads as well as a sacrificial window & an instruction manual.

The Bering Optics PVS-14BE NV Monocular’s most notable features include:

  • Gain control to adjust image brightness 
  • 25mm eye relief
  • 40 degree Field of view
  • 10” to infinity focus range 
  • 200-225m detection range
  • Battery life: 40 hours

You can make use of the gain control feature to adjust the image brightness which is great for missions that lead you to conditions of differing ambient light and conditions. If you are in extremely low ambient light conditions, make use of the built-in short range IR illuminator.

It weighs only 11oz and is a mere 4.33” wide. It has an operating temperature range of - 51 to 55°C.

All in all, the Bering Optics PVS-14BE NV Monocular is a technically sound device that is synonymous with value for money. It comes with all the accessories you could ever need which provides you with even more bang for your buck. 

PROS:
  • Impressive battery life
  • Comes with all sorts of accessories
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Inexpensive
CONS:
  • Not waterproof

If you know your hunting equipment and NV brands, you’ll be no stranger to ATN. The PVS14-3 NV Monocular uses one of the industry’s most advanced Gen 3 image intensifier tubes to deliver stark high quality, high resolution images to the user.

A single charge of the ATN PVS 14 Night Vision Monocular will last upwards of 40 hours while its all-black design ensures you won’t be spotted at any point during this time.

The monocular doesn’t just look good and work well but is incredibly versatile too. It can be used as a handheld device, mounted on the head or even adapted to a camera—whichever you’d prefer.

It has a Proshield optical coating and is rated as fully waterproof which makes this model one of the most rugged & robust on the market. If any device can withstand a tumble down a flight of stairs or a scrape from a stray thorn bush branch, it’s this one.

Here are the ATN PVS14-3 Gen 3 most popular features:

  • 1 x magnification 
  • Field of view 40°
  • 0.25m to infinity focus range
  • 25mm eye relief
  • 27mm objective lens 
  • Battery life: 40+ hours

It comes with everything you need to get started including a battery, lens tissue, neck cord, demist shield, a sacrificial window, a head mount assembly, soft carrying case and an instruction manual. Its operating temperature range is -40 to 55°C. 

The days of lugging heavy equipment back and forth are officially over. Clocking in at 316g and being 4.5” long, large muscles aren’t a prerequisite for using this bad boy. It is a little heavier than other options available on the market, but this factor can be attributed to the high quality materials used in its construction and its rugged durable design.

We like that this nifty device is backed by a 2-year warranty and is purportedly suitable for both day & night applications. Because of this, we can happily recommend this product as one worth the small investment.

PROS:
  • Comes with sufficient accessories
  • Waterproof
  • Excellent battery life
CONS:
  • Not the cheapest option

7. ATN NVG7-2 Gen 2+ Expandable Night Vision Goggles


Finally we come to the more expensive of the affordable night vision goggles. First up is this very functional device by ATN.  

As far as affordable night vision goggles go it doesn’t get much better than this. The ATN markets itself as “lightweight, rugged and a top notch performer” when it comes to hands free night vision. In theory, this is a very good way to summarize the device.  

The only downside that one picks up on early on is that there’s only option for hand held or head mount - this monocular can’t attach to your firearm. Though this would have been a welcome addition in ability, it’s not the end of the world.  

The ATN is feature packed and all elements seem to work together to deliver imagery as high in quality as possible.

The most notable features of the ATN NVG7 Gen 2 Plus night vision goggles are the following:

  • Gen 2 plus
  • 1x magnification 
  • Field of view: 40° 
  • ROF: 0.25mm to infinity 
  • Lens system: F1:1.2
  • Diopter Adjustment Range: -6 - 2 dpt
  • Battery life: 50 hours

The ATN is entirely waterproof and won’t leave you stranded in the event of a down pour. It’s also able to withstand many of the other harsher elements namely wind, fog, smoke & dust.  

The battery life sits at 50 hours on full charge. It’s estimated that you’ll get a total of 5000 hours out of these night vision goggles without any kind of unit failure or breakage.  

The image intensifier tube on this NV device is gen 2. There’s an auto shutoff function to protect them in the event of unexpected bright light. The IR illuminator is also built in and features a much wider angle than many other standard night vision goggles on the market.  

The automatic brightness control is another thing not found as a standard. It’s very helpful to have particular if you tend to go on hunts that span across multiple days. When the ambient light is on you can adjust accordingly. 

PROS:
  • Very lightweight and compact
  • Excellent battery life
  • Auto adjusting brightness
  • Improved image quality with Gen 2
CONS:
  • Expensive
  • Not able to mount on a firearm

8. ATN NVM-14 NVMPAN1430 Night Vision Goggles


Another ATN product to work its way onto our list is the ATN NVM-14 Gen.3  NVMPAN1430. This NVD can be used in various ways and in various applications. It is praised for its versatility. Let’s find out if it is worthy of this praise.

The ATN NVM-14 Gen.3 night vision goggles can be hand-held, helmet mounted or weapon. It is heavily customizable from its adjustable head straps down to its objective lens focus.

It can be used for many different things during both day and nighttime conditions such as map reading, short-range surveillance & weapon firing to name but a few.

It features a streamlined, minimal black colored design that would not look out of place in a professional environment. It makes use of a lone CR123A battery that will last you for up to 40 hours on a single charge so you won’t need to worry about the device dying mid-mission.

If the Generation 3 technology is too advanced to you, don’t worry. The option to upgrade or downgrade to Gen 2+ or Gen 4 units is also available making this device even more versatile and customizable.

The ATN NVM-14 Gen.3 NVMPAN1430 has the following to offer:

  • 1 x magnification 
  • 3rd Generation NVD
  • 20m IR illuminator range  
  • 40 degree Field of view
  • 0.25 to infinity focus range 
  • Battery lifeL 40 hours:

It has dimensions of 140 x 50 x 69 mm and weighs in at 335g, so it’s not the smallest model but can still be considered as lightweight & compact. It is rated as totally waterproof and can be used in all kinds of conditions.

This product is loved for its sheer level of versatility. It’s laden with features and is covered by a lifetime warranty which is hard to beat. And it’s all possible at a reasonable price. 

PROS:
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Great battery life
  • Versatile head mount design and multiple applications
  • Waterproof rated
CONS:
  • On the heavier side
  • No accessories included

9. ATN PVS7-3 Night Vision Goggles


Our next device from ATN, though affordable in theory, does weigh down your pocket significantly more.  

Let’s begin by elaborating as to why the hefty price tag is attached to these night vision goggles. The ATN PVS7 is the standard issue model of NVD for all US military troops and personnel. 

For this reason, the fact that it’s even available for public purchase is astounding and largely the reason for the additional cost. Even so, the device is feature and performance packed as you would expect from something that helps soldiers see in the dark during warfare.  

You can imagine the unfavorable conditions that these goggles are able to withstand. Your hunting trips are somewhat a piece of cake when it comes to durability expectations and environmental constraints.  

The most notable features of the ATN are the following:

  • Gen 3
  • F1.2 lens system
  • Field of view: 40°
  • ROF: 0.2m to infinity
  • 3 brow pads
  • Battery life: 50 hours

As mentioned, there’s really no condition in which this NVD can’t function. It has an operating temperature range of -60°cto 120° and is completely weatherproof to all elements.  

The ATN night vision googles is lightweight and easy to carry around. ATN has provided a range of carry options such as:

  • A neck strap
  • A shoulder strap
  • A carry bag 
  • Inclusion of the headgear & helmet straps

The IR illuminator that is built in can operate in either a continuous flow or in a momentary flash method. This is controlled by a switch that shifts the technologies function which makes it quick and easy to get you desired results. In the field you don’t have time to waste.  

ATN provides a two year limited warranty on your purchase. This gives welcome peace of mind when investing in something like this - particularly if your hunting trips are of a more harsh nature.  

Exports for this product are limited to the United States only. 

PROS:
  • Gen 3
  • Military standard
  • All-weather proof
  • Extremely durable
  • Warranty coverage
  • Excellent battery life out of 2 AA batteries
CONS:
  • Very expensive

10. ATN PS15-4 Gen 4 Night Vision Goggles


One more by ATN and a device to make even the above mentioned unit look affordable.

The PS15-4 night vision goggles by ATN is the industry recommended unit for law enforcement and private defense teams. Image quality and performance in the NV world doesn’t get much better than this. 

By simply taking one look thought these night vision goggles under full darkness you’ll see why this one landed on our list. The only scenario we can equate the experience is to imagine being completely blind and then suddenly having full, precise & detailed sight simply by using a pair of goggles.  

Features to note about the ATN are:

  • Image Resolution: 64 to 72 lp/mm
  • Gen 4
  • 1x magnification 
  • Field of view: 40°
  • Diopter Adjustment Range: -6 - 2 dpt
  • Weighs 1.54lb
  • Battery life: 60 hours

At half moon ambient light you’ll be able to see houses and objects up to 500 yards away. During regular, cloudy or overcast lighting objects and houses up to 100 yards away will remain in perfect view thanks to its wide field of view. 

This is a really powerful set of goggles that uses state of the art image intensifier tube to project imagery as close to reality as possible. It’s quite remarkable what high tech features can be placed in small devices.

The built-in IR illuminator is standard and works like a flashlight. Due to the heightened amplifying ability of the scope as is, it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to make use of the additional IR illuminator light - though it’s nice to know that it’s there regardless.

Like the ATN unit we mentioned prior to this, these night vision goggles also makes use of the green hue tones within the image projector. For the same reasons, this is less strenuous to the human eye and brain & is less likely to induce headaches over long periods of use. 

PROS:
  • High-end unit
  • Trusted brand with quality guaranteed 
  • 2 year warranty
  • Feature packed
  • Long battery life
CONS:
  • Very pricy

Night Vision Goggles Comparison

Product Name

Product Preview

Type

Magnification

Resolution

Detection Range

Battery Life

1. Sightmark SM14070 Ghost Hunter

Sightmark Ghost Hunter SM14070 Night Vision Goggle Kit

Gen 1

1x

30 lines per mm

80m

20 hours of battery life with IR illuminator, 72 hours without IR

2. Pulsar Challenger Gs Super 1+

Pulsar Challenger Gs Super 1+ 1X20

CF-Super Gen 1+

3.5x

36 lines per mm

100m

20 hours of battery life with IR illuminator, 50 hours without IR

3. NightStar NS42120C

NightStar 1x20mm Head Mounted Night Vision Binoculars NS42120C

Gen 1+

1x

35 lines per mm

45m

Up to 30 hours of battery life

4. AGM WOLF-7 NL2

AGM WOLF-7 NL2

Gen 2 + and Gen 3

1x

45-57 lp/mm

200m

Up to 60 hours at 20°C

5. Bering Optics PVS-14BE

Bering Optics PVS-14BE Night Vision Monocular

Gen 2 + and Gen 3+

1x

46 - 56 lp/mm and 64 - 72 lp/mm

200-225m

up to 40 hours of battery life

6. ATN PVS14-3

ATN PVS14-3 Generation 3 Night Vision Monocular

Gen 3 and Gen 3P

1x

64 - 72 lp/mm

-

50 hours of battery life

7. ATN NVG7-2

ATN NVG7-2 WPTI Night Vision Goggles

Gen 2 +

1x

45-54 lines per mm

-

50 hours of battery life

8. ATN NVM-14 NVMPAN1430

ATN NVM-14NVMPAN1430 Gen.3 Night Vision Monocular

Gen 3

1x

64 lines per mm

-

50 hours of battery life

9. ATN PVS7-3

ATN PVS7-3 NV Goggle

Gen 3

1x

64 lines per mm

-

50 hours of battery life

10. ATN PS15-4 GEN 4

ATN PS15-4 GEN 4 Night Vision Goggles

Gen 4

1x

64-72 lines per mm

-

60 hours of battery life

Best Night Vision Goggles Buying Guide:

In short, night vision goggles are electronic devices that are most commonly used by military personnel and hunters to increase their visibility by night. These googles usually work both in low light conditions and complete darkness. 

The concept of night vision was originally developed to be used during warfare. In early years, soldiers made use of this technology to obtain visuals under the cover of darkness that their opponents wouldn’t have.  

The ability to see in the dark is obviously a positive in almost any situation, particularly ones where the safety of the user is in question. In both warfare and hunting scenarios, having NVD when looking at a target could determine the success or failure of the mission. 

Generations:

NV was technology first developed by the United States military forces during the 1940s. The soldiers were in need of a “leg-up” when it came to night combat and the technology served as the perfect advantage for them.  

The first of these night vision systems worked by emitting something known as IR illuminator light. Human beings are unable to see this kind of light with the naked eye, so the opponents in the war were unable to detect the new devices.  

Over time, other role players in the war developed technology that could identify when IR illuminator light was being sent their way. And so the once anonymous position of the US military was no more.  

For this reason, new technology needed to be developed around the 60s. The new NVDs became known as “starlight” because of its high powered ability to illuminate surroundings using even just the glow of a single star light-years away.  

The first starlight systems were officially the Gen 1 night vision technology. As both warfare and technology developed, however, there was a constant need for these systems to be advancing & changing. Eventually the world saw Gen 2 come to life. 

Gen 2 night vision systems were smaller than Gen 1 night vision goggles, lighter and had the highest quality image resolution available yet. These remained the most prominent night vision goggles throughout the 70s and 80s - bear in mind that the devices were still solely being used by military at this point.  

Late in the 80s local hunters tapped into the value of these systems and wanted in. They realized what a difference NV could make to their hunting excursions and sought to purchase. 

Gen 3 night vision was released shortly thereafter as a solution to publicly available night vision goggles (and rifle scopes) for hunting use. The reason for 3rd night vision generation devices being made available to the public was largely due to massive budget cuts to the military technological development departments after the Persian Gulf War in the 90s.  

Since the military was no longer funding this technology, the public would take over. NVDs became one of the most sought after hunting devices across America almost overnight. 

Different Types:

Night vision technology fall under two main types: ‘Active’ and ‘passive’ night vision systems. These systems can also then be divided up into: 

This depends on their exterior frameworks. Most night vision goggles with have  binocular type framework that provide a better depth perception. 

Active night vision goggles make use of infrared to deliver imagery. The infrared light is projected through a space and the night vision goggles will relay the imagery back through either a single (monocular), double (bi-ocular/binocular) lenses.  

Passive NVDs work differently. They seek any available light in the surrounding vicinity and produce visuals based on that light bouncing off the desired objects. These devices can illuminate objects between 20,000 and 50,000 times brighter than the human eye can manage.  

In the same way as the active systems, passive systems relay the visuals back through the single or double lenses. 

Infra Red Illuminators or IR:

IR illuminators are not always found on all night vision goggles. It basically refers to the infrared emission system. Active NVDs will always have IR illuminator installed while passive ones don’t. 

Some passive NV devices will advertise the inclusion of a built in IR illuminator. This means the user will be able to alternate between active and passive viewing if he or she desires. 

An IR illuminator is a great addition to have in any event. It means that optimal viewing can take place no matter what is going on in your immediate surroundings.  

Finding budget night vision goggles with an additional IR illuminator built in is great value for money! Essentially, your device will use both “starlight” visuals and infrared rays to provide the strongest possible view of your desired environment. 

Unfortunately, the addition of these devices to a passive night vision goggles tends to make the device more costly. 

Field of View or FOV:

FOV stands for Field of View. Field of View refers to the extent of the vicinity a piece of apparatus is able to include in its viewing range. 

When it comes to night vision goggles, each one’s specs will state its individual field of view ability: some broader than others, some less than others. It all depends on the make of the device and the quality of the lenses & materials used. Typically though you will be looking at 40*-44° field of view as a standard.

A night vision goggles ability to view further and wider is largely proportionate to the cost of the device. More affordable night vision goggles will usually have a lower field of view than the high end ones. 

Resolution and Detection Range:

Night vision goggles send a series of visuals back to the human eye allowing you to see in the dark. The clarity and quality of the relayed images will be largely dependent on the resolution capabilities of the night vision goggles.  

Image intensifier tubes are what amplify the available light within the device itself. These tubes measure their resolution in something called line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm). The lenses work a bit differently and measure their resolution in cycles per milliradian.  

A night vision googles tubes resolution remain largely unchangeable. You can only really achieve better resolution by purchasing a new device. The system resolution, however, can be increased or decreased by making changes to the device’s lenses.  

Lenses on night vision googles will magnify, filter or adjust the imagery coming through the filters. Essentially, the resolution of your night vision googles determines the quality of the imagery that reaches your eye. For this reason, higher resolution is always preferable although more expensive.

Another factor that comes into play with the devices’ visuals is detection range. Viewing angle also varies from device to device, and as with most tech gadgets you get what you pay for. 

A night vision device’s ability to detect objects will play a large role in the functionality of your scope. Some budget night vision goggles have limited detection ranges while the best night vision devices can provide visuals on objects or spaces over extremely long ranges.  

The detection and field of view that you need from your night vision goggles will depend largely on the nature of your hunting. If your targets are usually further away then a higher detection range is obviously needed. If you hunt across shorter more compact areas, then a lower detection range would suffice. 

Finally, your night vision goggles' detection range refers directly to its ability to detect objects within a certain distance. A higher detection range is always preferable; imagine your target animal falling just outside of the viewing capability of your device and you not being able to see it at all!

Mounting Night Vision Goggles (Helmet, neck or handheld):

Mounting options are important to consider when looking for night vision goggles to invest in. This isn’t an ability that is always standard with night vision scopes, particularly more affordable ones. 

Mounting refers to the device’s ability to be attached to a firearm or weapon of any kind. Typically you will find helmet mounted, neck strep or handheld NVGs. Some hunters prefer the hands free experience of hunting and don’t want to have to physically hold their night vision googles up to their eyes.  

Many budget night vision goggles come with multiple options for mounting such as directly over your helmet so you can raise or lower them quickly. Other's you can mount directly to the side of your helmet which is typically more a more sturdy mounting option.

Make sure that the budget night vision goggles you are buying have the mounting option you prefer. Even if you’re the kind of hunter who has time to physically hold up your goggles before every shot, it’s nice to know that your device has hands-free ability should the need ever arise. 

Weight:

The weight of night vision googles vary from brand to brand. Ideally you want your goggles to be as lightweight as possible; particularly if you’ll be mounting them directly to your helmet.  

When in the field, you want to be carrying as little weight as possible making it easier to traverse long distances. Having less weight will also increase your accuracy which is key.

Waterproofing:

Some higher end night vision googles are waterproof making them more rugged and better suited if you will be hunting in wet or damp areas often. Before purchasing, check to make sure that your night vision googles have your desired waterproofing rating.

The weather while in the field can be unpredictable, as can the terrain; you don’t want a device that will fail if it gets wet. Higher weather/waterproofing ratings typically increase the cost of night vision goggles.

Video recording:

Some of the more modern developments in night vision have seen an increase in the popularity of video recording ability. Though not standard, some night vision googles possess the ability to record the images and video that are being captured.  

Some night vision goggles simply record and store the footage directly into the device in the memory card inside. Other, more high-end, units have the ability to live stream the visuals through to devices such as tablets and smartphones. 

This means that individuals who aren’t even near the hunt can tune in and see what the hunter is seeing. All recorded footage can also be played back at a later stage for hunt review or going over personal memories.  

From our list you’re sure to find the best night vision that’s a sensible addition to your gear. Use the guidelines above to help you pick. 

Q&A:

Do cheap night vision goggles work in total darkness?

They do indeed work low light condition but not total darkness, which is rare. As mentioned earlier on in this piece, night vision googles make use of infrared or “starlight” technology to amplify light around a vicinity in order to produce visuals.  

For night vision goggles to produce clear images in total darkness you will need to make use of an IR illuminator unlike with a thermal imaging device. Night vision goggles have to have at least some light for the image intensifier tube to amplify.

Do I need a permit to buy night vision goggles?

For the most part it’s perfectly legal for any individual to invest in a pair of night vision goggles depending on where you’re located in the USA. This is of course provided that the intent for use is of legal nature, and not intended for harm to other human beings. 

Some states in the US require special permits before night vision goggles can be purchased. You’ll have to read up and see if your geographical location falls in one of these zones.  

How long do night vision goggles last?

Like any electronic device, the life span depends largely on how well the device is looked after during its time of use. Modern night vision goggles have tubes with at least a 5,000 hour rating or higher.

Some of the best night vision goggles could last years, or they could see their demise in just a few days if they are severely neglected while out in the hunting field. Take care of your goggles! A warranty period proves its durability, but this is dependent on how you treat it. A long warranty period is a sign of longevity in most cases.

What is the difference between night vision and thermal imaging?

NV makes use of light (both real and synthetic) in order to produce imagery. Thermal imaging is a bit different and instead makes use of heat waves in order to detect objects. Thermal imaging devices use sensors to pick up on the temperature of objects and translate them into clear images that are relayed to the user.  

For example, an animal gives off a specific amount of body heat. Thermal imaging technology can pick this up and visually transcribe the entire body & form of the animal in question. 

Why is there such a difference in price and how much should I pay for Night Vision Goggles?

Price is always dependent on ability and quality. In the NVD industry the sky is really the limit for both. Gen 1 night vision goggles will be the least expensive while Gen 4 goggles are sold at a much higher price point.

Realistically, you should never really need to pay more than $1000 for your night vision  goggles, unless you want the newest and highest quality night vision goggles. This would be a suitable median price point without compromising quality and performance. 

What is CF-Super Technology?

CF-Super Technology is essentially an image intensifier tube. The photo-cathode is spherical and wider than a normal intensifier tube and has custom optics.

This means that no matter where the object appears in your field of view the image will be sharper and more distinct. Many early night vision tubes had their best visual clarity at the center and as the image moved away from the center of the optic is become more distorted and blurry. Typically the resolution difference from the center of the image to the edge of the image will be 20% or less with a CF-Super tube which means better overall images when looking through the optic and there is no distortion around the edges of the field of view. Many of the cheap Gen 1 night vision goggles without a CF-Super intensifier tube have this issue.

Final Thoughts:

The technology behind the night vision world is endlessly complex and comes with a historic background that is fun to learn about. Knowing that the night goggles are still so prominent in hunting today is fascinating, but their capabilities clearly show why. Add to that the fact you can now have a set of cheap night vision goggles and it's no wonder they are increasing in popularity.

The right pair of goggles really can take your night hunting experience from average to exceptional; both in success and enjoyment!

We hope that our review of the best night vision googles was helpful and you will be getting a set to join the fun.

About the author 

Randy Angwin

Randy Angwin is an avid outdoor enthusiast and has been with TICR since the beginning. He helps create new articles and reviews latest infrared and night vision devices for the site as well as staying on top of the latest trends in the thermal industry. When not working, Randy likes to hunt and spend time with his two German shepherds.

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