Crossbows are designed for accuracy and aim for targets in the far off distance, and they are much quieter than guns, which makes them a favorite among some hunters, and fun for competitive and recreational archers. Though some crossbows can be quite costly, some ranging as high as $2,000 or more, there are many great, high-quality crossbows available under $500, which include many features comparable to some more expensive brands.
Since crossbows vary in style and features, which can be overwhelming, we have comprised the following list of the highest ranking affordable crossbows, which are arranged by rating, user’s opinion, and features, they also include recommendations for use, to help you find the best crossbow under 500 dollars for your needs.
10. Barnett Outdoors BCR Recurve Crossbow Package
Good for: Not exactly the best crossbow under 500 dollars but pretty close enough, we have the Barnett Outdoors BCR Recurve Crossbow Package. It features a large, black crossbow with a premium red dot scope and finger reminders and pass-through fore-grip for increased performance. This crossbow has a 150-pound draw weight and also includes an adjustable butt pad, quick detach limb assembly, an anti-vibration foot stirrup, and lightweight composite stock.
Pros
This bow has stunning quality for the price, and it is easy to assemble. It also features a light design and has fairly tight grouping for increased performance. This is a great bow for beginners or intermediates who are seeking a bow with a nice design with the complete package for a reasonable cost.
Cons
It may require some zeroing in on the site to get the grouping tight.
9. Carbon Express Blade X-Force Blade Crossbow Ready-to-Hunt Kit
Good for: The Carbon Express Blade X-Force Blade Crossbow Ready-to-Hunt Kit features a lightweight, X-Force Blade Crossbow that delivers a lightening-fast speed of 320 FPS. It also boasts various high-end features, including an extruded aluminum rail as well as an adjustable fore-grip and butt-stock. It also includes a rope cocker, a 3 bolt quiver, 3 crossbolts, rail lubricant, 3 practice points, and a 4×32 scope.
Pros
Overall, this is a good bow for the price. It is compact and has a light frame, which makes it easy to maneuver, and it is easy to set up. The product is also easy to sight in, and it shoots well. It also includes nice stock bolts and an aluminum rail, which is comparable to more expensive models. This is a great bow for those seeking a quality bow with high-end features and at a good cost.
Cons
You may consider investing in a quality quiver.
8. SA Sports Fever Crossbow Package 543
Good for: The SA Sports Fever Crossbow Package 543 features a full dipped Camo pattern crossbow, which includes an adjustable Weaver Style Scope Mount, a 4×32 multi-range scope, a composite track barrel, quick detach quiver, ambidextrous auto safety, and 4 aluminum arrows. It also includes a large boot style foot stirrup for increased performance.
Pros
Overall, this is easy to assemble, well balanced, and provides a smooth draw. It also includes a nice safety feature that locks the bolt into the trigger with a noticeable click. It also has a decent scope and good sight in. This is a great bow for those seeking a great starter crossbow package for the money.
Cons
It may be difficult for some to string. You might also consider replacing the arrows with more durable ones.
7. Barnett Recruit Youth 100 Crossbow Package
Good for: The Barnett Recruit Youth 100 Crossbow Package includes all the right features for beginners, including finger reminders and pass-through fore-grip and a composite flight track. It is 17″ from tip to limb, which is just perfect for smaller frames, and it also includes an adjustable butt pad.
Pros
Overall, this is a well-built compact bow that is light in weight and delivers fast speeds. It is also easy to pull and provides powerful and accurate shots within 30 miles or more. This is the best crossbow under 500 dollars for kids seeking a fun first bow without spending a ton of money. Smaller adults enjoy it, too. It is available in pink and black.
Cons
The plastic bolt holder may be unstable.
6. Barnett Recruit Terrain Crossbow, 330 FPS
Good for: The Barnett Recruit Terrain Crossbow is a 34.25 x 18.25″ all stainless steel with Trigger Tech Technology crossbow that provides speeds of 330 FPS with a smooth 140 draw weight. It also includes a Nock sensor and ADF to prevent dry fires, Anti Vibration foot Stirrup, 4×32 scope, quiver, 2 20″ Headhunter arrows, and lube wax for maintaining the bow.
Pros
This is a great, powerful bow with a solid compact design for the price. It provides accurate launches up to 40 yards or more, and it is lightweight and quiet. It is also easy to, cock, carry, and assemble. This the best crossbow under 500 dollars for smaller adults and kids seeking an affordable crossbow with great quality and function.
Cons
It may require a few launches to sight in the scope.
5. Karnage Apocalypse Crossbow
Good for: The Karnage Apocalypse Crossbow is an 18″ wide not at full draw, 14″ wide at full draw compound crossbow with swift speeds up to 370 FPS. It has a draw weight of 175 pounds and includes a 4 x 32mm scope, detachable sling, a quiver, cocking rope, 3 K20 Carbon bolts, and rail lube and string wax to help maintain performance.
Pros
This is an overall powerful bow with great quality and at a nice price. It has good sight in and accuracy, and it is fast shooting and easy to assemble.
Cons
The scope may need adjusting for improved accuracy, and cocking it may be a bit hard at first.
4. Barnett 78128 Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow Left/Right
Good for: The Karnage Apocalypse Crossbow is an 18″ wide not at full draw, 14″ wide at full draw compound crossbow with swift speeds up to 370 FPS. It has a draw weight of 175 pounds and includes a 4 x 32mm scope, detachable sling, a quiver, cocking rope, 3 K20 Carbon bolts, and rail lube and string wax to help maintain performance.
The Barnett 78128 Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow Left/Right is a 34.25 x 18.25″ crossbow that provides a draw weight of 150 pounds and 350 FPS speed. It features all stainless steel components with Trigger Tech Technology with 3lb zero-creep release and a Nock sensor and ADF to eliminate dry fires. It also comes with a lightweight quiver, a 4.32mm scope, a rope cocking device, 2, 20″ Headhunter arrows, and lube wax to maintain performance.
Pros
This is a quality crossbow for the price with fast speed and accuracy. It is also easy to sight in. It is compact, light, quiet, easy to operate, and includes a pretty nice stock scope. This is the best crossbow under 500 dollars for the hunter on a budget seeking a quality bow at a great value for the price and is fun to shoot.
Cons
It may require a few tweaks to enjoy its full potential.
3. Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow
Good for: The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow is a 33 x 8 x 14″ bow that includes all the features you need to get started, including practice tips, a rope puller, and two bolts. It launches 400 feet per second with a draw weight of 165 pounds and includes a CNC Machine Aluminum Flight track and string dampeners for stealth like shooting, a side mount quiver, and a patented step-through riser.
Pros
Overall, this is a good crossbow under 500 dollars for those seeking a great looking bow with a great feel and powerful, accurate performance. It is also compact, lightweight, and includes a nice stock scope, and it is easy to assemble.
Cons
The forearm grip may be a bit hard and awkward to feel, and cocking the bow may take some practice. Users may also consider investing in a separate quiver for improved performance. It may also be a bit loud when turning the safety off.
2. Barnett 78134 Recruit Tactical Compound Crossbow Package
Good for: The Barnett 78134 Recruit Tactical Compound Crossbow Package comes mostly assembled and features a Trigger Tech Trigger and an anti-dry fire trigger system. It also enables the integration of a crank cocking device. The bow is 33 x 8 x 14′ and launches 30 feet per second with a draw weight of 130 pounds. It also includes 2, 20″ bolts, a quiver, a rope cocking device, and a 4x32mm scope.
Pros
This is, all in all, a super light, compact bow that boasts flawless shooting and an easy trigger. It also shoots quietly and is simple to assemble. This is the best crossbow under 500 dollars for adults seeking a bow that comes mostly assembled with all the right features.
Cons
It only comes with two arrows, and it does not include a scope.
1. CenterPoint Sniper 370- Crossbow Package
Good for: The CenterPoint Sniper 370- Crossbow Package offers extreme power in a compact 185 draw weight crossbow with 370 feet per second action. It features a fully adjustable lock and pass-through fore-grip to accommodate your shooting style for improved accuracy as well as a durable CNC machined rail with a shoot-through riser. It also includes 3, 20″ carbon bolts, a 4 x 32mm illuminated scope, ambidextrous safety, dry fire prevention, and integrated string suppressors that keep your shots vibration-free and quiet.
Pros
This is a quality made, accurate crossbow with quick release adjustable stock for easy transitioning, and it is available in Camo and black. It is also quiet and easy to set up. In general, this is the best crossbow under 500 dollars for entry-level users seeking a compact crossbow that includes many of the same features as higher end bows but at a fraction of the cost.
Cons
It may take several practice rounds to get the scope to sight in.
Recommended read: Since you’re here, you may also be interested in learning about some great compound bows you can purchase today.
Final Word
In general, the best crossbow under 500 dollars not only features a durable frame, but it also includes various high-end features that make it just as effective and fun as more expensive brands, such as a CNC machined rail and Trigger Tech Trigger for superior performance. And since it is low cost, it also provides a great way for beginners to become introduced to crossbows before moving onto more elaborate choices.
If you are part of the rank of crossbow users and know of a great option you consider to be the best crossbow under 500 dollars that was not mentioned, or if after trying one of the crossbows listed, you would like to share your experience, please be sure to leave a comment.
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