If you are looking for the best crossbow falling within your budget, then you have come to a perfect place because, in this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the best crossbows which are currently available. Our main motive is to guide the users to get the best possible crossbow for their needs. Therefore, you can guarantee that you are going to find unbiased opinions for various crossbows. Through our reviews, we will try to be as informative as possible with which you can easily decide the best crossbow for yourself. People use crossbows for a variety of things such as hunting, sports, leisure, etc. In this article, you will find the best crossbow fitting your needs.
Crossbows come in various shapes and sizes. Moreover, they also have different shooting speeds and different calibers. We have everything you need to know about some of the best crossbows available currently. All you need to do is scroll down.
When the budget is not an issue to you, selecting the best crossbow for your needs becomes a relatively easier task. You choose to buy a branded crossbow by spending money and end up buying the best one. However, when you have a rigid budget, selecting the best crossbow for your needs becomes difficult. It takes time and effort to finally buy one.
However, you have nothing to worry about because we will talk about the best crossbows for various budgets, ranging from less than $200 to more than $1000.
Table of Contents
Best Budget Crossbows under $500
| Crossbow Name | Bow Weight(lb) | Velocity(FPS) | Draw Weight(lb) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenterPoint Sniper 370 | 7.9 | 370 | 185 | Check Price |
| Barnett Whitetail Hunter II | 6.4 | 350 | 170 | Check Price |
| Centerpoint Sniper Elite Whisper | 7.9 | 370 | 185 | Check Price |
| Wicked Ridge Warrior UltraLite | 6 | 350 | 150 | Check Price |
| Wicked Ridge Invader G3 | 6.6 | 330 | 165 | Check Price |
Best Crossbows Overall
| Crossbow Name | Bow Weight(lb) | Velocity(FPS) | Draw Weight(lb) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Killer Instinct Ripper 415 | 6.9 | 415 | 200 | Check Price |
| Excalibur Matrix Mega 405 | 6.2 | 405 | 290 | Check Price |
| TenPoint Venom Crossbow with ACU50 | 6.5 | 372 | 200 | Check Price |
| Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR | 6.6 | 375 | 150 | Check Price |
| Barnett Ghost 410 CRT (Editor's Choice) | 7.9 | 410 | 185 | Check Price |
| Barnett Buck Commander Extreme | 7.1 | 365 | 185 | Check Price |
| Barnett Jackal Package (Beginners Friendly) | 7.7 | 315 | 150 | Check Price |
| Barnett Ghost 375 | 7.1 | 330 | 160 | Check Price |
| Centerpoint CP400 | 7.1 | 400 | 200 | Check Price |
| Arrow Precision Inferno Fury | 4.8 | 235 | 175 | Check Price |
Best Crossbow 2023 For The Money
First of all, we will talk about the low-budget crossbows which will not cost you a huge amount of money. These crossbows are:
#1 CenterPoint Sniper 370(Best Budget Crossbow)
One of the best crossbows at the lowest budget is CenterPoint Sniper 370 which offers a smooth operation to the users. The weapon’s capacity is silent but deadly, which makes it one of the most selling crossbows in this budget. It is an efficient crossbow even when you are going after something big. CenterPoint Sniper 370 weighs 185 pounds which might give you the impression that the bow is heavy and cumbersome. However, that is not the case, in fact, it is the opposite.
Centerpoint Sniper 370 comes with a compact size and it makes sure that the arrow, which the people shoot, reaches the target. Furthermore, it has an adjustable stock with which you do not have to adapt to the crossbow’s style, rather, it adapts to yours. CenterPoint Sniper 370 comes with a few extras as well and is sold as a full kit, not just a single weapon. It has scope, bolts, arrows, quiver, etc. It also comes with a rope cocker which helps in reducing the strain on your muscles. The shoulder string helps you to carry your bow everywhere easily. It is a safe crossbow that reduces the risk of causing an accident or shooting at random. If you want to see the full review of CenterPoint sniper 370 you can see it on our blog.
Pros Centerpoint Sniper 370
- Superior speed
- Accuracy
- It comes with additional and necessary accessories
Cons CenterPoint Sniper 370
- The adjustable stock is a bit clunky as well as causes noise.
#2 Barnett Jackal Package(Best Beginner’s Crossbow)
For beginners, Barnett Jackal Package is undoubtedly one of the topmost picks for a crossbow, especially on a lower budget. It is a tad bit more expensive than Arrow Precision Fury (which is discussed next), however, the higher the price of the crossbow, the better is the quality. Barnett is a renowned crossbow manufacturer and they have gathered an entire crossbow kit including quiver, bolts, even a red dot sight. With that, you can easily assemble your crossbow even if you are a beginner. Generally, it takes about 15 minutes for you to assemble your crossbow, it all depends on the person assembling it. It gives you everything you need for hunting except for the broadheads. Get a full review of Barnett jackal here.
Barnett Jackal Package has military-style stock with a separated grip with which you can grip your crossbow like how one grips a pistol. It gives a little more freedom to your hands. Crossbow’s body is lightweight and it is durable as well. For those who care about the looks, Barnett Jackal Package comes with a great design as well. Dry fire prevention safety makes sure that you do not accidentally shoot when your crossbow is loaded.
Overall, at this budget, durability and such quality, you cannot get a better crossbow for your needs. For beginners, this is undoubtedly the best crossbow, in my opinion, and I recommend all the beginners to go for it.
Pros
- It has a great design
- It is solidly constructed
- It is affordable for everyone
Cons
- It is a noisy crossbow
- It does not come with a rope cocking mechanism which is essential in the package.
#3 Arrow Precision Inferno Fury
If you are looking for one of the best crossbows at cheap prices, then you should not look beyond Arrow Precision Inferno Fury. There are hardly any crossbows with such quality that are cheaper than this one. For beginners, it is undoubtedly one of the best options to consider especially because it is affordable, easy to use, and lightweight as well. It is almost exactly the same as Barnett Jackal Package except it’s cheaper and offers slightly less quality. With this, you can practice on your targets easily as the package comes with a red dot scope as well.
Arrow Precision Inferno Fury is not a good weapon for large game hunts because of its less power. It allows you to shoot the arrows at merely 235 FPS. It can, however, bring down a deer from 20-30 yards. You can easily draw it using a docking aid without any effort because of its 10.5-inch power stroke as well as a 175-pound limb. You cannot use this crossbow perfectly for hunting, however, it will definitely help you out with training and target practice.
Pros
- Best for target practice and training
- Cheapest crossbow with high quality
- Extremely easy to use
Cons
- It is not the perfect crossbow for hunting large game.
- You have to buy better arrows.
These are all the low-budget crossbow picks for your needs. Now, we will move on to the medium-range crossbows for your needs. The medium ranged crossbows are as follows:
#4 TenPoint Titan SS
TenPoint Titan SS is a light, short and fast crossbow that is one of the best medium budget crossbows for your use. It is the lightest, fastest and shortest model of the entire series. It is a well-reputed crossbow among the hunters. There are hardly any crossbows better than TenPoint Titan SS especially if you are looking to go hunting whitetail. You can easily handle the crossbow, thanks to its compact design. With that, you can also easily shoot in various situations, making it a versatile crossbow. For those who give versatility great importance before buying hunting equipment, look no further than TenPoint Titan SS. It is one of the best for budget-minded users.
The arrows are extremely fast and shoot at 340 FPS, thus proving to the users that it is, indeed, a fast model. To take down an agile prey in no time, you will not find a crossbow better than TenPoint Titan SS because this is what you need. It also has a 3X multi-line scope which is useful while spotting prey and you can adjust it according to the distance, making your job much easier.
TenPoint Titan SS is likely to make a valuable impact, however, it is not the best buy for the big game. It has a draw weight of 175 pounds but it is not as impactful as other models in the range. This crossbow is best suited for those users who are looking to take archery or simply crossbow hunting.
Pros
- The speed of the crossbow is 340 feet per second.
- It provides excellent options to the users with its pre-installed scope.
- It is compact and lightweight which makes it easy to handle.
Cons
- It does not include arrows or a cocking device in the package.
#5 Wicked Ridge Invader G3
Wicked Ridge Invader G3 is another best value crossbow that is available for you. It is redesigned by TenPoint and is a crossbow that has a smooth draw and is easy for the user to handle. The best part about this crossbow is that it is budget-friendly and would fit almost every budget. It is no rocket science to assemble this crossbow and you can do it in no time. Once the crossbow is out of the box, you will have to follow the instructions given to you and you simply have to follow it step by step. Wicked Ridge Invader G3 comes with a package including three bolts with which you can practice right after you have assembled it.
As a user, you will love the redesigned riser constructed from machined aluminum. The cutouts help in reducing the weight while increasing the strength as well. There is a 3.5-pound trigger which is easy to pull as well. Furthermore, there is an innovative ACU-52 cocking system that easily fits in the stock and it does not interfere with your aim either. There are multiple safety features included which is a must-have in crossbows, especially for beginners.
Wicked Ridge Invader G3 is a lightweight crossbow weighing only 6.6 pounds. In close encounters, the compact size of this crossbow is ideal for firing. The firing speed of this crossbow model is over 330 FPS and you can easily take down a small game because of its 165-pound draw. It is exactly what you need for your hunting trip because it provides accurate shots as well. You can constantly get 40 yards of constant accuracy with this crossbow. Therefore, you must go for it. Get a full review of Wicked Ridge Invader G3 here.
Pros
- Lightweight and well balanced
- Smooth draw with which you can accurately shoot
- It has an ACU-52 cocking mechanism
Cons
- It is noisy, because of which you might need to buy a dampening system to use it.
#6 Barnett Ghost 375 – Efficiency and speed at their best
Barnett Ghost 375 is another fast crossbow that you can afford easily. It is an efficient crossbow that weighs only 7.1 pounds, which is way less than many other crossbows of the same quality and same price range, currently available in the market. It is a pleasant surprise for all the users as it fires the crossbows at 385 FPS, way faster than the majority of the crossbows which fall under the same range. Barnett Ghost 375 has a 165-pound draw weight, making it easier and faster for you to shoot.
An intriguing thing about the crossbow’s name is that the model’s name is a ghost because of its ability to keep you at a proper distance from your target with which your target cannot hear you and therefore, you can easily shoot your shot. Also, this crossbow comes with a scope, which helps you make your crossbow note effective and helps you shoot better.
For big prey and maximum precision, Barnett Ghost 375 is the crossbow that you must go for. It is the lightest crossbow of the Carbonlite series with which you can judge the convenience and capabilities of this crossbow. It also has the technology to reduce the voice called anti-vibration technology. In addition to that, it gives you some extra things in the package itself which gives you the value for money. Thus, if you want to hunt big games and need a crossbow at a medium price, Barnett Ghost 375 is the crossbow for you. You can also shoot easily in thick wood areas as well as flat terrain areas.
Barnett Ghost 375 is a lightweight crossbow especially because of the step-through riser with which the extra bulk is eliminated. As a result that, this crossbow will definitely help you bring your prey down with full accuracy as well as maximum efficiency. It also comes with a full package kit which includes two bolts, a rope cocker, a wax with which you can lube the strings.
Pros
- It’s relatively fast speed.
- The lightweight construction of the crossbow.
- The extras are given to the users along with the purchase.
Cons
- Although the crossbow has top quality, there are some accessories that are not of as good quality as the rest of the bow.
#7 Excalibur Matrix Grizzly SMF – An affordable option by Excalibur
Last of the mid-range crossbows is the Excalibur Matrix Grizzly SMF which is an affordable crossbow designed by Excalibur. The Excalibur Matrix Grizzly SMF is extremely famous among small game hunters because it is a well-balanced recurve crossbow. It is the successor of Axiom SMF, which has proven to be one of the best crossbows for small as well as medium game hunters over the last decade or so. Excalibur Matrix Grizzly SMF is designed in such a way that it easily and comfortably fits your shoulders. Moreover, it is easy to draw and fire. The assembling of the crossbow is not difficult either. All you have to do is simply attach the stock to two screws that are included in the package.
Manufacturers of this crossbow, Excalibur, have made a valuable name in the market over the years for giving their customers high-quality hunting equipment. With that, one never questions the quality of the crossbows because it is proven to be a high-quality company. For that reason, most of the products produced by this company come expensive to the users, because of the quality as well as the technology used. However, Excalibur Matrix Grizzly SMF is not the usual expensive crossbow, rather, it is economical and gives the users value for the money. It is, however, still more expensive as compared to other crossbows, but you get better quality in this crossbow. Not only the quality but also this crossbow is ahead of other crossbows overall especially because it comes with a complete package.
The weight of Excalibur Matrix Grizzly SMF is only 5.5 pounds and even with that kind of weight, it can easily help you take down small prey. Your accuracy increases to a huge extent because of the scope which comes along with the crossbow. Therefore, you do not have to worry about missing a shot and wasting an arrow. The crossbow is fast and powerful as well. It shoots at 305 FPS, which helps you take down your prey quickly and makes your hunting trip a success.
It comes with four bolts with which you can start your training and aim better. The quiver allows you to keep the arrows close to you. The 200-pound draw weight also helps to give you the necessary power you require to shoot down a target. With that, you are likely to hit where you are aiming. For recurve fans, this crossbow is heaven.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality performance at a good price
- Additional accessories with high quality
Cons
- It doesn’t provide suppressors or noise dampeners.
These are all the medium-budget crossbow picks. Now, we will talk about the higher range of crossbows for your needs. The high range of crossbows are as follows:
#8 TenPoint Turbo GT
The TenPoint Turbo GT is one of the most popular crossbows which you will find in the market currently. It is not just a run-of-the-mill crossbow, it is much more. This particular crossbow has won the Game and Fish Reader’s Choice award and deservedly so. There was another model created by TenPoint, but it was not as good as the Turbo GT. This TenPoint Turbo GT model is better than its predecessor in every given aspect that matters including weight, size, top speed, etc.
You do not have to waste your time in finding a convenient spot to adjust the equipment because Turbo GT comes with a package that includes equipment that will give you a convenient carrying experience. With that, you do not have to focus on finding the right spot and you just have to focus on your hunting. It is perfect for those who want to focus solely on hunting as a recreational activity.
TenPoint Turbo GT is an accurate and fast crossbow and you can depend on it. The speed at which the arrow is shot is 360 FPS, which is faster than a lot of other crossbows. As mentioned above, this comes with an entire package. The package includes arrows, quiver, scope, and quiver bracket as well.
It is more expensive compared to the other models. However, those models do not offer the same quality, efficiency as well as durability as the TenPoint Turbo GT. Thus, a lot of people choose to spend a little more which helps them save money in the long run. It is sure to provide higher efficiency to the people as compared to its competition.
Pros
- Durability and higher efficiency
- Maximum speed and high quality
- It comes with a complete package which helps in hunting
Cons
- It does not come with noise or vibration suppressors
#9 Ravin R9 Package – A revolutionary crossbow
Ravin R9 Package is undoubtedly a top-class crossbow and no other crossbow comes close to it in terms of quality, durability, efficiency, speed, everything. The manufacturers have been dominating the industry for years now and no other crossbow is as fast as Rabin R9. Furthermore, no crossbow model has a longer firing line than the Ravin R9 Package which is currently available in the market.
Talking about the speed of the crossbow, the Ravin R9 Package reaches the top speed of 390 feet per second with 135 ft-lbs of kinetic energy. With that, you know that this crossbow is not just fast, but it also hits hard. No matter how far the target is, you definitely know that your shot will reach it.
All this description might give you the impression that the Ravin R9 Package comes with a monstrous design that would be too heavy to pick. However, you are wrong. It does not give any monstrous appearance to the users. When cocked, the width of this crossbow from axle to axle is 6 inches. When it is uncocked, it is 10.5 inches, making it one of the narrowest crossbows available for you in the market. The total weight of the crossbow is 6.9 pounds, which is heavier than other models but simultaneously, the construction of this crossbow is a warranty for the users for top-notch precision. Ravin R9 Package is also easy to handle because of its compact size and works in every situation, adding to how exciting this crossbow is.
As we have mentioned all the exciting features of the Ravin R9 Package, you can also figure out that this one does not come with just a stand-alone weapon, it comes with a package where you get a lot of extras along with the purchase. Along with the crossbow, the extras you get in the package include six field points, six arrows and nocks, a quiver, a cocking handle, an illuminated scope, sling mounts, and safety mechanisms, thus making it a proper package.
All these pros do not come cheap. Ravin R9 Package is an expensive crossbow that might break your bank. Therefore, we do not recommend it to beginners or for those who see hunting as a recreational activity. However, if you are willing to spend this much, then it is not a problem. For those who take bowhunting seriously and you need the best gear for themselves, do not look beyond Ravin R9 Package. But buy it only if you can afford it. If you can afford it, then you should buy it without giving any second thoughts.
Pros
- High-quality performance and efficiency
- A lot of quality extras coming with the package
- It is one of the narrowest crossbows which are currently there
Cons
- The only drawback of this crossbow is that it is very expensive and people have to break the bank to get it.
#10 Excalibur Matrix 380 – Powered by Excalibur
Last but not least, we have Excalibur Matrix 380 for you which is undoubtedly the best choice for people who prefer a recurve crossbow, especially at a good price range. The quality of crossbows in the market has significantly increased especially since Excalibur launched the Matrix line in the market and the Excalibur Matrix 380 is no exception to the quality offered to the people. The arrows are shot at 380 Feet per second, making it a fast recurve crossbow. It is also a solid, reliable, and compact crossbow. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about the accuracy of the crossbow because it is able to shoot accurately from more than 60 yards.
Speaking of its hunting game, the crossbow will help you hunt almost all your prey which is legal to hunt which including Grizzly Bears and Cape Buffalo, which assures you that Excalibur Matrix 380 is a powerful crossbow. However, you need to keep in mind that the crossbow is just an added advantage for you, taking down a big game totally depends on your skills and experience as a hunter. To take down a Grizzly Bear or a Cape Buffalo, you need to have experience, accuracy, and training. Simply having Excalibur Matrix 380 is not going to help, it will just provide you with a boost.
For such a quality crossbow, you can guarantee that it will be sold as a package. Excalibur Matrix 380 comes with a complete package that includes a 4 arrow quiver, a high-quality tact zone scope, 4 field points, 4 bolts, assembly instructions and tools, lifetime warranty card (limited time only). With such extras, Excalibur Matrix 380 is undoubtedly the most complete crossbow you have in the market at the moment. It is a bit expensive but if you have the budget for it and you are looking for a recurve crossbow, then you must buy it.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent scope
- Powerful
- Lightweight and compact as it weighs only 5.9 pounds
Cons
- It has 260 draw weight
Best Youth Crossbows 2023
For the youth, our pick for the best crossbow is undoubtedly the Barnett Recruiter. Barnett Recruiter is definitely the easiest crossbow to set up because all you have to do is simply attach the riser to the stock and then you need to mount your scope. Once that is done, you will be up for shooting. The entire process will not take more than 5-10 minutes of your time. It has 130 lbs draw weight which means that you do not really need a rope cocking device. However, we recommend you still use it, especially for safety reasons. Even though Barnett Recruiter is for the youth, but it could still be dangerous. At 300 feet per second, it can easily take down a deer. Therefore, the youth need to understand how powerful it can be. Thus, we recommend that you always use the cocking device.
Which are the leading crossbow brands?
Currently, these are the top crossbow brands that provide quality crossbows to you. The brands are:
- Wicked Ridge
- Barnett
- SA Sports
- PSE
- Excalibur
- TenPoint
- Arrow Precision
- Diamond Archery
- Carbon Express
- Horton
- Parker
Understanding Different Types of Crossbows
Currently, there are various types of Crossbows that are available in the market and each type is unique and has its own characteristics. You need to understand the kind of Crossbows, especially for your safety purposes. Some of the different types of Crossbows are as follows:
#1 One- and Two-Handed Crossbows
Some crossbows which you will find are available in one-handed pistol models as well as two-handed models. Two-handed crossbows are mostly used especially because it is used for various situations such as scientific sample-collecting, hunting, target shooting, fishing, military use, etc. They are more powerful and provide increased accuracy.
One-handed crossbows, on the other hand, are used more for target shooting, self-defense, and small game hunting. They are cheaper than Two-handed crossbows but lack the power and accuracy of two-handed crossbows. Furthermore, they are easier to use and are lighter as well.
#2 Compound vs Recurve vs Reverse Limb
Compound Crossbows
One major difference which you will find between a recurve crossbow and a compound crossbow is that the strings attached to the limbs or prod are different in each of these. Compound crossbows use pulleys or cams for drawing the string up allowing the “let-off” which maximizes the energy. For those who do not know, let off is used to describe the reduced draw weight coming from the cams taking over. This makes cocking a compound pretty straightforward once you have reached the break-over point. This, however, does not affect your shooting accuracy. We’ve filtered out the two best compound crossbows, you can check the full review of those crossbows on our blog, PSE Fang LT, Centerpoint Sniper 370, & PSE Drive R Crossbow.
Compound Crossbows need shorter limbs as compared to the recurve crossbows which might prove to be an asset to you, depending on the kind of hunting area you like and whether you have to maneuver your crossbow through tighter spots.
The mechanisms on this crossbow exist in the frontal part with which you might feel compound crossbows a bit heavier. This might cause slowness in aiming and also hold it in a shooting position for a prolonged period.
Another thing that you need to keep in mind is to keep an extra string along with you because if your compound crossbow’s string breaks, you cannot hunt anymore until you replace it. Therefore, it is imperative that you keep checking the cables and Pulleys regularly and keep an extra string. It is easier to replace the broken string once you have an extra string with you.
Compound Crossbows are louder when you release them, however, you can do a few things to make it less noisy. It will, however, be still more noisy than the recurve crossbow.
In compound crossbows, the cam can be out of sync occasionally which will result in your bow shooting inaccurately. You can fix it at any time except when you are hunting.
Recurve Crossbows
Recurve Crossbows comes with their own advantages which makes it easier for the person using it.
Recurve crossbows are lighter in comparison which makes it easier for you to carry it over long distances. The lightweight of this crossbow also helps in picking up your target and aiming at your target easily. Moreover, with the reduced weight, not only men but women and children can also easily use it and carry it. Recurve crossbows are comparatively cheaper and because it has fewer parts compared to other crossbows, the chances of your crossbow going wrong reduced.
Recurve Crossbows also make less noise when fired because of the absence of cams and cables in motion. You also do not need to focus on maintaining these crossbows as they do not require much maintenance as long as you take care of it by keeping the rail lubed, keeping the trigger clean, putting a new serving, change the string periodically. With that, your recurve crossbow will be good for years.
When you are changing the string, you do not have to have a bow press. However, it is good for providing safety to the people and we recommend you to use one. If a situation comes where you need to change the string while you are in the middle of hunting, you can easily do so. With that, you can continue your hunting and enjoy your hunting trip.
However, the recurve crossbows are harder to cock and you are the only one pulling the entire weight until it reaches the cocked position. Doing that is a tough ask. To reduce the amount of strength needed to cock the recurve crossbows, hunters use a string cocker. In tight areas, it is difficult to make your shot because the limbs are longer in these crossbows. To decide what crossbow you need, you must try out various crossbows, shoot them, compare them, study them, check the price, etc, and then make your decision. According to us, it is a matter of personal choice. However, many experienced bowhunters believe that if you are an amateur, you must go for a recurve crossbow.
Reverse Limb Crossbows
Lastly, we have the Reverse Draw Technology which is also known as RDT. Reverse Draw Technology is the latest invention in the market. The Reverse Draw Technology reverses the limbs of your conventional compound crossbow with which your RDT crossbow gets an unmistakable appearance which also increases the quality of the crossbow’s performance. The Reverse Draw Technology design has become popular and efficient in recent times. For that reason, a lot of manufacturers have now added a variety of RDT models in their line of manufacturing. Most manufacturers have started focusing only on the RDT crossbows.
Advantages of RDT Crossbows
- Balance: In RDT models, you have reversed limb orientation which moves the riser and limb pocket assembly closer to your trigger. With that, there is a shift in the center of gravity toward the person showing which allows him to shoot a much stable shot because of the reduced front end weight.
- Increased Power Stroke: The RDT crossbow models come with an increased power stroke because the string stays with the arrow for a course of the full length of the barrel. With that, there is an increase in speed and that makes it faster than a normal conventional crossbow.
- Less noise: RDT models are also known for less noise and less vibration.