5 Best Telescopes Under $500 (Reviews Updated 2024)

Telescopes are amazing tools that let you explore the night sky. They can bring distant stars, planets, and galaxies into view.

If you’re interested in stargazing or astronomy, having a good telescope can make a big difference.

When looking for telescopes under $500, you should keep a few things in mind.

Pay attention to the aperture size, which determines how much light the telescope can collect.

The mount type is also important as it affects stability and ease of use.

By focusing on these key features, you can find a telescope that fits your needs and budget.

Let’s explore some of the best options available.

Best Telescopes Under $500

Here is our list of the best telescopes under $500. Each model provides excellent features and quality for stargazing enthusiasts.

Want to learn more?

Here are our telescope under $500 reviews.

1. Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm – HEXEUM

This affordable telescope offers good quality optics and portability for stargazing enthusiasts.

Pros

• Great value for the price.
• Easy setup without tools.
• Comes with useful accessories like a phone adapter and wireless remote.

Cons

• Tripod compatibility issues.
• Limited customer reviews.
• Instructions could be clearer.

This HEXEUM telescope is ideal for both kids and adults who are new to stargazing.

Its easy, tool-free setup makes it accessible even for beginners.

The included eyepieces and Barlow lens allow for impressive magnification options.

Additionally, it features an adjustable tripod and a phone adapter, making it convenient and portable for on-the-go use.

It even comes with a carrying bag for extra portability.

While the overall setup is user-friendly, be aware of potential compatibility issues with the tripod mount.

Reading through customer reviews may provide extra insights into these minor drawbacks.

2. HEXEUM Beginner Astronomers Telescope

This telescope is a solid choice for astronomy newcomers thanks to its quality optics and easy setup.

Pros

• Quality optics for clear viewing.
• Easy assembly, no tools needed.
• Comes with a phone adapter.

Cons

• The tripod may lack stability.
• Fine-tuning the view can be tricky.
• Limited magnification options.

The HEXEUM Beginner Astronomers Telescope offers an impressive 80mm aperture and 600mm focal length, which provide bright and sharp images.

You receive two eyepieces that allow for various magnification levels, and a 3x Barlow lens to boost those further.

Setting up the telescope is easy and doesn’t require any tools, making it beginner-friendly.

It includes a phone adapter, so you can capture your nighttime discoveries and share them instantly.

The lightweight aluminum tripod and carrying bag ensure portability.

On the downside, some users find the tripod not as stable as they would like.

Fine-tuning for the perfect view might require patience, especially for beginners.

3. ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids

This telescope is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore astronomy without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Simple to set up and use
• Comes with phone adapter for easy photography
• Provides clear images with a 70mm aperture

Cons

• Limited magnification for advanced users
• Not as durable as higher-end telescopes
• Some users report issues with stability

ToyerBee’s telescope is tailored for both kids and adults starting their stargazing journey.

It features a 70mm aperture and comes with two eyepieces, providing magnification ranging from 15X to 150X. This is a good all-around scope for casual sky observation.

The included smartphone adapter and wireless remote make it easy to capture images, enhancing the learning experience.

Additionally, the telescope is easy to assemble, so even first-time users won’t face challenges.

Although it’s great for beginners, advanced users might find the magnification and stability lacking.

But for casual and educational purposes, it’s a strong contender under $500.

4. Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ Telescope

An excellent choice for novice astronomers looking for a reliable and user-friendly telescope under $500.

Pros

• Easy to use, especially for beginners
• Great value for the price
• Adjustable, full-height tripod included

Cons

• The mount might feel a bit flimsy
• Collimating the telescope can be tricky for some
• Lacks motorized tracking

The Celestron PowerSeeker 127EQ is designed to make stargazing enjoyable and accessible.

Its 127mm aperture provides clear views of planets, the Moon, and distant stars.

Beginners will appreciate the straightforward setup and easy-to-use controls.

The slow-motion control knobs allow you to smoothly track celestial objects as they move across the sky.

This telescope is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for taking on trips.

You’ll find it perfect for backyard observations or dark sky adventures.

5. SOLOMARK 70mm Professional Refractor Telescope

A solid choice for beginners, this telescope offers a blend of ease of use and decent performance at an affordable price.

Pros

• Clear image quality with fully coated glass optics
• Easy to assemble without any tools required
• Equipped with a stable, adjustable tripod and smartphone adapter

Cons

• Initial learning curve if you’re not familiar with telescopes
• Some users may find the equatorial mount challenging
• May struggle with advanced deep space observation

You get a lot of value from this telescope considering its price.

Featuring a 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length, the SOLOMARK provides clear and bright images, ideal for both terrestrial and astronomical use.

The equatorial mount comes with slow-motion control cables, which help in precise adjustments.

This can be very useful for stargazing sessions but can take a bit of practice if you’re new to it.

Also, the inclusion of a smartphone adapter is great for capturing and sharing your discoveries. This makes it a versatile tool for both adults and kids.

Telescope Under $500 Buying Guide

When choosing the best telescope under $500, several key features need attention. Let’s explore what to look for.

Aperture

The aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror. A larger aperture allows more light to enter, giving clearer and brighter images.

Aim for at least 80-100 mm for a refractor and 114-130 mm for a reflector.

Magnification

Magnification can be misleading. A telescope’s true power lies in its aperture.

High magnification can blur the image if the aperture is too small. Look for telescopes with a balance of aperture and magnification.

Mount Type

Telescopes come with different mounts: Alt-Azimuth and Equatorial.

Alt-Azimuth mounts are easier for beginners to use. Equatorial mounts are great for tracking celestial objects.

Portability

Consider how easy it is to move the telescope.

Some models are lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport. If you plan to travel with your telescope, this is a crucial feature.

Eyepieces

Quality eyepieces enhance your viewing experience. Many telescopes come with 1-2 eyepieces.

You may want to invest in additional high-quality eyepieces for better performance.

Build Quality

The materials and construction impact durability and ease of use.

Look for sturdy build quality in the telescope and its accessories. This ensures long-lasting use and a better experience.

Table of Key Features

Choosing the right features helps you get the best telescope for your needs.