10 Best Night Vision Monocular Reviews 2021

Can night vision monocular save you from being clumsy in the dark? Of course, even a not so qualified one can make your vision better so that you can move more agilely at night. Best night vision monoculars are ideal for nighttime activities such as outdoor traveling, hiking, night fishing, hunting, bird watching, guarding, and watching concerts, etc.

But, do you know how to choose the right one? To help you, here I list the 10 best night vision monocular. Don’t get one before you check this night vision monoculars review.

Best Night Vision Monocular Reviews

Briefly check the top rated night vision monoculars.
Top Pick: Xgen 2.1x Digital Night Vision Viewer
Xgen Night Vision ViewerCheck Price
Rating: 4.8
· Finest one with low magnification and light weight
· Great sensor resolution
· affordable price
Runner Up: Solomark Night Vision Monocular
Solomark Night Vision MonocularCheck Price
Rating: 4.6
· perfect to take pics & videos in the dark
· support SD card
· battery last up to 5 hours
Best Budget: 12X50 High Power HD Monocular
High Power HD MonocularCheck Price
Rating: 4.5
· Great choice for tight budget
· high magnification
· pocket sizes

Top Pick: Xgen 2.1x Digital Night Vision Viewer

Xgen 2.1 Night Vision Viewercheck price
Gen 1; Field View: 12 degrees; Magnification: 2.1x; 4.93 ounces

Xgen 2.1x Digital Night Vision Viewer has a low magnification, thus, it’s more suitable for night events such as backpacking or climbing. Because if the magnification is high, though you move a little, the target you are observing will jump out of sight. Moreover, Sensor Resolution: 640 X 480 pixels (VGA) and Micro-Display Resolution: 320 X 240 pixels (QVGA) give you a clear vision in the dark.

More importantly, this digital night vision monocular/google is light and small, so it’d never be a burden on your journey. You know, when you are physically and mentally exhausted, you will treat each ounce as a hot potato. However, there is a disadvantage: the battery capacity is not large. It’s the best night vision monocular under $200. But if you want to stay outdoors for a long time, please look at other options.

Xgen 2.1x Digital Night Vision Viewer Features:
1. It says an affordable price which can view out to 70 yards( 40ft.)
2. Programmed settings work great in the dark
3. 20mm Lens & 2.1x Magnificaiton
4. Weight 4.93 oz (with battery out), which is light and compact


Runner Up: Solomark Night Vision Monocular

Solomark Night Vision Monocularcheck price
Gen 1; Field View: 14 degrees; Adjustable Magnification: 1x – 3x; 12 ounces

There are not many thoughtful products like Solomark Night Vision Monocular, which can observe the surroundings as well as take pictures/videos in the dark. It will not be a problem to watch recordings on TV or share it to others. But, unfortunately, there is a downside, you only get a video without sound, because there is no inbuilt microphone.

Overall, it is a top rated night vision monocular, suitable for watching wildlife, guarding, and other sporty activities. And it supports a SD card up to 32GB. Since the battery can last for 5 hours, there’s no way to expect a light weight.

Solomark Night Vision Monocular Features:
1. Not only able to observe in the dark, but also to take photos and videos
2. Magnification can be adjusted from 1x to 3x
3. Can be seen far away, viewing up to 328 feet
4. The outer is covered with rubber, making it not easy to slip


Best Budget: 12X50 High Power HD Monocular

High Power HD Monocularcheck price
Gen 1; Field View: /; Magnification: 12x; 8 ounces

12X50 High Power HD Monocular is perfect if you have a tight budget. It has the best price and high definition. In addition, it is ideal for outdoor activities, because it is not only waterproof, but also small enough to fit easily into your pocket. The weight is only 8 ounces. And the manufacturer is also equipped with a mobile phone holder and a tripod.

Although it’s the best night vision monocular for the money, you should know that because of the high magnification ratio, this cheap night vision monocular is more suitable for viewing more static objects such as birds, butterflies, and flowers. And the most deadly flaw is that it can’t be used in very dark environments.

12X50 High Power HD Monocular Features:
1. High magnification ratio for bright and clear viewing
2. One-hand focus, easy to use
3. Compatible with all popular smartphones, including Android and iPhone
4. The device is covered with non-slip rubber


#4 Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular

iGEN Night Vision Monocularcheck price
iGen; Field View: 12 degrees; Magnification: 2.6x; 19.1 ounces

Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular is different from the 1st generation on the market. It uses its own proprietary technology to provide clear views, even surpassing GEN 2, but at a much lower price than the second generation. If you’re looking for a high-quality but affordable night vision monocular, this is the best one for you.

The infrared light automatic adjust mode is also a highlight. The view display shows not only the common green and red, but also black, white, and blue, therefore, the view is not distorted. In addition, the field of view of 70 feet is not bad. With a standard tripod, recording video is much easier. There are two formats for video, NTSC and PAL. To sum up, it’s the best night vision monocular under $500.

Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular Features:
1. iGEN technology provides night vision without distortion, which is much better than GEN 1
2. Light focus can be adjusted manually from 18x to 1345x
3. Infrared smart mode can automatically adjust the intensity
4. Full glass lens


#5 ATN Night Spirit-2 Gen 2+ Night Vision System

ATN Night Spirit-2 Gen 2+check price
Gen 2+; Field View: 18 degrees; Magnification: 3x;1.4 pounds (22.4 ounces)

ATN Night Spirit-2 Gen 2+ Night Vision System is second to none in second generation digital night vision monoculars. High resolution, bright and clear vision are also available in completely dark environments. In addition, it not only can be strapped to the head or attached to the helmet, but also it can be held in hand freely.

Battery life is about 3 times longer than the first generation, totally 30 hours. It suits best if you’re going to stay outdoors for a long time. Moreover, if you consider extreme ambient temperatures, its material is also top-of-the-line, so it can run in from -40 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Regard its superior performance, you can infer that it’s not so budget-friendly.

ATN Night Spirit-2 Gen 2+ Night Vision System Features:
1. Waterproof, versatile, and powerful
2. Gen 2, vision in the dark is clear and undistorted
3. Can be handheld or mounted on a helmet
4. Unfortunately, it is not currently available in California and the United States.


#6 ATN PVS14-3 Gen 3 Night Vision Multi Purpose Monocular

ATN PVS14-3 Gen 3 Night Vision Monocularcheck price
Here is a high-definition and high-priced device – ATN PVS14-3 Gen 3 Night Vision Multi Purpose Monocular. If you have an ample budget, you can give priority to this product. Because the resolution of the third generation are incomparable to the first two generations.

If you’d like to use it in rifle hunting in the dark, this best nightvision monocular Gen 3will greatly increase your speed and chances of shooting prey.

Tips: In hunting, you may need a tac flashlight.

ATN PVS14-3 Gen 3 Night Vision Multi Purpose Monocular Features:
1. The vision provided by GEN 3 in the dark is very clear
2. Highly configured performance for military purposes
3. Multiple purposes use
4. Temporarily unable to sell outside the US


#7 Bushnell Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular

Bushnell Digital Night Vision Monocularcheck price
Bushnell Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular features super digital NV technology that delivers ultimate illumination and vision in the dark. In addition, it is very popular with camping enthusiasts because it is not only windproof and rainproof, but also pocket-sized. This series is available in 3 sizes: 3x30mm, 4.5x40mm, 6x50mm. You can choose the right night vision monocle based on your needs. But the equipment is not the most cost-effective in its class.

Bushnell Equinox Z Digital Night Vision Monocular Features:
1. It can be used both at night and during the day.
2. Observed distances up to 500-1000 feet
3. Magnification can be adjusted from 1-3 times
4. Can record video in the dark


#8 Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular

Bestguarder Night Vision Monocularcheck price
Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular zooms 1-5 times and delivers outstanding pixel photos and video. One of the biggest features is that using it to record video in the dark is sounded, thanks to the built-in micro speakers. The downside is that it weighs 1.54 pounds and you cannot mount it on a helmet.

Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular Features:
1. High definition photo 2592 * 1944 pixels / 1600 * 1200 pixels / 640 * 480 pixels
2. High definition video 1280 * 720 pixels / 640 * 480 pixels with sound
3. 4 adjustable infrared levels for adjustable brightness
4. Can be powered by external battery power


#9 Armasight PVS-14 FLAG Multi-Purpose Night Vision

Armasight PVS-14 FLAG Night Visioncheck price
Armasight PVS-14 FLAG Multi-Purpose Night Vision is a GEN 4 device that provides high definition and comfortable vision. Secondly, the field of view can reach up to 40 degrees, which is the most extensive one in this review. But, unfortunately, it has no amplification function, the magnification is only 1x.

It can work in extreme outdoor environments, -51 to +49. Moreover, the standby time is friendly up to 50 hours. The weight is moderate 12.8 ounces.

Armasight PVS-14 FLAG Multi-Purpose Night Vision Features:
1. Waterproof body design
2. Small and lightweight
3. Can be used with one hand and is easy to operate
4. Can be worn on head or mounted on a helmet


#10 ATN PVS14/6015 Monocular, WPT

ATN PVS14 6015 Monocular WPTcheck price
ATN PVS14/6015 Monocular, WPT applies its proprietary technology – WPT, which is more upgraded and powerful than the third generation. Originally designed for the US military, so it is conceivable that its vision is unparalleled beyond the tracking range of other devices. In addition to waterproofing, the operating temperature range is also wide: -40 Degree to +122 Degree.

ATN PVS14/6015 Monocular, WPT Features:
1. Dedicated to military purposes
2. Waterproof equipment
3. Magnification 1x


Should You Buy a Night Vision Monocular?

Firstly, I would like to ask you a question: Will you go out on a dark night or a heavily rainy night? In cases with low light and visibility, a night vision monocular for sure can make things better.

Convenience: Firstly, it’s small and light, making it the best choice for backpackers and hikers like you, even though night vision monocular is not able to provide the same Depth Perception as binoculars do. Its size is usually small, and the smallest you can even put it in your pocket, lightweight. Moreover, it can be mounted on a helmet, belt, rifle or other weapon, which is very convenient.

Safe: Secondly, it is best to use a night vision monocular for dangerous outdoor activities, for example, observing wildlife. Because it allows you to leave an eye to observe the surrounding environment and a hand free to deal with unexpected situations.

Price: Finally, the cost of a single-tube night vision monocular is cheaper and more affordable than a night vision binocular.

However, long-term use of a single eye will make you mentally exhausted, because at the same time one of your eyes have been looking at the magnified view while the other eye is watching normal views. It is a torment that your brain has to deal with the diverse views of both eyes.


What You Should Know about Night Vision Monocular?

When you’re sure that the night vision monocular is what you’ve been looking for, the next step is to know what to consider when selecting items.

Purpose: for one purpose or multiple purposes; for what cases you would need it: night trekking, wildlife observation, night fishing, hunting, family guarding, and military etc.

Night Vision: There are currently 1st generation, 2nd generation, 3rd generation, 4th generation and white phosphor technology WPT. In fact, the first generation is enough for you to travel at night, although the night vision is so-so, but the price is not expensive. Even the worst ones will give you better vision in the dark. In other cases, if your budget is not tight, it is recommended to choose the GEN 3 devices.

Brightness: Remember – “the higher the gain, the brighter the image”. But are brighter images always the most appropriate ones? You need to choose wisely according to your needs.

Magnification & Movement: Please note that it’s not true – “the higher the magnification, the better”. And the magnification of 10 times or more would be very difficult to handle. If you need to walk around often, a device with a lower magnification is better for you because high magnification is easy to throw the target out of the field during the movement. Conversely, If you are in a static state when using a night vision monocular, it is more appropriate to choose a high magnification device.

Environment: waterproof, anti-fog, and working temperature etc.

Battery: Different types of batteries have different capacities. If you need to use it for a long time outside, you must look for products with long battery life


Which Generation Should You Choose?

The application of new technology can bring you higher definition, and of course the price is more expensive. Here’s a contrasting picture for you to compare.
night vision generation comparison

GEN 1: Although the resolution is low, it is enough for you to get some vision to move at night by turning on the built-in infrared illuminator. In addition, the maximum range is about 75 yards, and it’s easily distorted at one third of the view field. The expected life expectancy is approximately 1500 hours. All in all, this is the best option (night vision monoculars for sale) to keep the budget within, although it has some minor drawbacks, for example, more static in the image.

GEN 2: It has better resolution, sharper vision, and longer battery life than the previous generation. Even, the maximum field of view area extends to 200 yards. The life expectancy is approximately 5,000 hours. But at the same time, your budget is 10 times more than the first generation. Note: For military purposes, please choose generations 2 and later.

GEN 3: This is the generation with the best performance, clear image, low light performance. Although unbelievable, it adapts to the rifle scope and can be used in the military and on the battlefield. It has a maximum range of about 300 yards and an expected life of about 10,000 hours.

GEN 4: This generation equipment is reliable, but the price is high. Compared with the third generation, it does not seem to be cost-effective.

White Phosphor Technology (WPT): This provides a black and white vision with better contrast than green and black. This makes the image look more natural.

Resource: nightvision4less


The Bottom Line

The best 10 night vision monocular reviews end here. This article lists the top rated 10 items for you to refer. Through detailed introduction and information learning, I believe you have learned how to choose the right one for you.
If you have other ideas to share, please leave a message below.

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