Best Crossbows
Whether you're a seasoned hunter passing down traditions to your children, a target shooting enthusiast, or someone looking to explore a new outdoor hobby, finding the right crossbow can be an exciting yet challenging task. With rapid advancements in technology, today's crossbows offer impressive speed, accuracy, and versatility for a wide range of users and purposes.
As crossbow technology evolves, manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of speed, with some models approaching 500 fps, while others focus on innovative features like improved follow-up shot capabilities. This rapid progress has created a market filled with options to suit every need and budget.
Crossbows are perfect for:
- Family bonding through outdoor activities
- Introducing kids to hunting and marksmanship
- Recreational target shooting at the range
- Hunting various game, from small animals to big game
- Accommodating individuals with physical limitations
- Providing an alternative for those who can't draw traditional bows
Whatever your crossbow wants, Pyramyd AIR has you covered with a wide selection of the best archery equipment on the market.
How We Picked These Products
When picking products to feature, we rely on the deep expertise and hands-on experience of our expert Insyders, who continuously test and use the products out in the field. Our recommendations are a combination of carefully curated top sellers, best reviewed and hand-picked products that our experts want to highlight. Drawing on more than 20 years of expertise, we understand the features that matter - from performance metrics to crucial model-specific nuances. When we recommend a product, you can trust that these picks come from experts who have extensive product knowledge and understand the equipment inside and out.
Best Crossbows of 2025
Here are some standout options that offer excellent value and performance:
- Wicked Ridge Fury 410 De-Cock RangeMaster - an ultra-compact reverse draw design that delivers high-speed accuracy. It comes equipped with ACU-draw cocking and de-cocking system and the RangeMaster Pro i9lluminated scope.
- TenPoint Stealth 450R - an ultra-silent crossbow with an impressive 450 FPS. The ACUslide cocking and de-cocking provide safe and silent operation while the Camo Rangemaster 100 Scope provides precise accuracy.
- TenPoint TRX 515 Xero is an industry-leading crossbow that combines power and precision. The Garmin Xero X1i auto-ranging scope gives real-time ballistic data for effortless long-range shooting.
- Ravin R5X - merging tactical performance with compact design, this narrow crossbow sits just 5.5" wide when cocked. Its integrated cocking system and Helicoil tecnology provide consistent accuracy and easy handling.
- Excalibur Assassin 400 TD - offering rugged reliability and tool-free takedown for quick transport and storage. The pro-shot trigger, silent charger crank, and 400 FPS velocity are built for hassle-free performance.
Best Hunting Crossbow
The Wicked Ridge Fury 410 is a compact powerhouse that brings safety features and reverse draw to life in a user-friendly package. Designed for hunters who value precision and convenience, this crossbow hits speeds up to 410 FPS and delivers up to 142 ft-lbs of energy, making it ideal for large game. The gamechanging ACU-draw de-cocking system allows sage cocking and de-cocking with only 5 lbs of force. This is a huge advantage over other models that require more strength or don't offer de-cocking.
Why We Like It
- Get effortless cocking and de-cocking with the ACU-draw de-cocking system.
- It has a compact frame without sacrificing performance in a reverse draw design.
- It includes the RangeMaster Pro 1.5-5x scope with red/green illumination.
- It's lightweight and maneuverable at 7.5 lbs and just 29 inches long.
Things to Consider
- The ACU-draw system is compact but still adds some weight compared to manual models.
- It is best suited to adults because it is not adjustable to youth dimensions.
- While it isn't overly loud, you may want some aftermarket dampeners if you prefer stealth.
Best Crossbow for the Money
The Killer Instinct Temper-X is a high-performance, budget-friendly crossbow that delivers 400 fps of power and precision, making it an ideal choice for hunters who demand reliability and stopping power without the high price tag. Its Precision X Cam system ensures smooth, consistent shots, while the X-Lok adjustable stock and fully adjustable foregrip provide a custom fit for enhanced comfort and accuracy. Weighing in with a lightweight frame and featuring an integrated Dead Silent Kit to minimize noise and vibration, the Temper-X is built for stealthy, all-terrain hunting---whether you're in a blind, treestand, or on the move.
Why We Like It
- The 400 fps velocity gives you plenty of speed for hunting big game.
- The Dead Silent Kit reduces noise and vibration for a stealthy shot.
- The X-Lok adjustable stock provides a custom fit for better comfort and control.
Things to Consider
- It lacks a built-in cocking system like higher-end models.
- The included optics work, but aftermarket upgrades may improve accuracy.
- It weighs more than ultra-light crossbows but remains manageable.
Best Crossbow for Firearm Enthusiasts
If you're a firearm fan ready to dip your toes in the crossbow waters, check out the Ravin R29X Sniper Package. While some crossbows lack the narrow footprint and balance of a rifle, the Ravin R29X is a compact 6 inches cocked and easy to maneuver at just 6.75 pounds. The ergonomic grip makes this crossbow comfortable to handle, while the integrated Silent Cocking System eliminates the loud, difficult draw. Firearm enthusiasts will also appreciate the tactical crossbow scope mounted on the lightning-fast Ravin R29X in the Sniper Package.
Why We Like It
- Ultra-compact design at 6 inches with tactical scope
- Impressive 450 fps speed and silent cocking system for quiet operation
- Ergonomic grip design and lightweight construction
Things to Consider
- It has limited adjustability features
- There is no trigger upgrade option
- The stock design is fixed
Family Crossbow Characteristics
- Adjustability: Look for crossbows with adjustable stocks and grips to accommodate different family members' sizes and strengths.
- Safety features: Prioritize models with dry fire inhibitors and safety wings to protect less experienced shooters.
- Ease of use: Consider crossbows with built-in cocking mechanisms for easier drawing, especially for younger family members or those with less upper body strength.
- Versatility: Choose a crossbow that can handle both target practice and hunting to maximize your investment.
- Maintenance: Factor in the time and cost of upkeep, especially for compound crossbows with more moving parts.
Common Questions
What is a good cheap crossbow?
Current crossbow offerings run the gamut from baseline models under $200 to top-of-the-line rigs outfitted with high-tech accessories topping $4,000.
If you're in the market for an affordable, entry-level crossbow that's ready to hunt right out of the box, check out the Killer Instinct Lethal 405HD. At under $300, this crossbow still generates speeds topping 400 fps at 14.75 inches wide when fully cocked.
The Barnett Hyper Raptor, priced under $600, is one of the most compact and lightweight crossbows in its class. Measuring just 7.25 inches wide when cocked, it launches bolts at an impressive 410 feet per second (fps). The TriggerTech trigger ensures a crisp, consistent shot, and the integrated Halo System reduces noise and vibration for better accuracy in the field.
For those looking for an even more budget-friendly option, the Wicked Ridge Rampage XS comes in under $500, making it one of the best-value crossbows on the market. It shoots at 390 fps and features built-in ACUdraw cocking technology, making it easy to cock without extra effort. At just 6.5 pounds, it's a lightweight and maneuverable option for hunters needing reliability without a high price tag.
Both of these crossbows offer top-tier performance at a fraction of the cost of high-end models, making them great choices for hunters looking to maximize their budget.
Do you need a license for a crossbow?
While you don't need a license to own a crossbow, be sure to check your state's current regulations if you plan to hunt with one. Some states allow anyone to hunt with a crossbow in archery seasons, while others limit them to firearms seasons or hunters over a certain age or with physical challenges. Crossbows are currently not legal hunting equipment in the state of Oregon.
Even in states where crossbows are permitted in archery season, you may need to obtain a crossbow stamp or permit. Additional regulations may apply to crossbow scopes, draw weights, triggers, and more. Contact your state agency for the most up-to-date information.
Recurve vs. Compound Crossbows?
If you're in the market for a new crossbow, sifting through all the specs and features can be a bit overwhelming and confusing. To help you narrow down your options, determine what type of crossbow will best suit your needs.
While recurve and compound crossbows operate similarly, each has key differentiators and advantages.
Recurve Crossbows
With fewer moving parts and a simple design, recurve crossbows are easier to restring, consistently ultra-accurate, more affordable, and the overall lower-maintenance option. They're more lightweight than compounds and make less noise drawing and shooting. Their larger footprints, however, can make them tough to maneuver in tight spaces. Without the complex cocking systems of compounds, recurves are also more difficult to draw and produce less power and speed.
Compound Crossbows
Powerful and compact, compound crossbows can generate lightning-fast speeds approaching 500 fps while remaining simple to operate in close quarters. They're easier to draw than recurves, and cocking aids can make the process butter-smooth. But all the added moving parts mean more weight to wield, more time-intensive maintenance, and the potential for problems that could affect accuracy. They're also louder than recurves at the shot. Because of the complex designs constantly pushing the envelope, compound crossbows are usually more of an investment.
Both recurve and compound crossbows are a blast to shoot in the woods or on the range and have plenty of buck-stopping power. Browse our full lineup of crossbows at Pyramyd AIR to find the right fit for you.
