We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Telescopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope with Tripod and Tube

The Celestron CPC 1100 is a powerful 11-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, offering excellent light-gathering ability thanks to its large 279mm aperture. This size allows for bright and detailed views of planets, the moon, and deep sky objects, making it suitable for both beginners ready to invest and experienced stargazers. With a long focal length of 2800mm, it provides high magnification potential, ideal for observing fine details in celestial objects.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,372
Aperture
Mount
Portability

Most important from
119 reviews

Aperture
The telescope delivers bright, crisp views of planets, the moon, and deep sky objects, rekindling a passion for astronomy with its impressive optical clarity.
Mount
The tripod and mount provide solid stability, though the power connector design could be improved to prevent accidental disconnections.
Portability
Setup requires effort and space due to the telescope's size and weight, making it less ideal for spontaneous or highly portable use.
Eyepieces
Manual focus and included eyepieces are serviceable but upgrading eyepieces early on significantly enhances the viewing experience.
#2
10.0 score

Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.

The Gskyer Telescope is an excellent choice for kids and beginners who are interested in exploring astronomy. With a 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length, it provides clear and bright images of the moon and stars. The fully coated optics ensure high transmission of light, enhancing image quality and protecting your eyes. The included 3x Barlow lens and two eyepieces offer versatile magnification options, making it easier to locate and observe celestial objects using the 5x24 finder scope. The Altazimuth mount allows smooth and simple movement, making it user-friendly for beginners.

Rating
10.0
Magnification
Mount
Portability

Most important from
22088 reviews

Magnification
Offers decent magnification for observing celestial objects like the moon’s craters, Jupiter's moons, and Saturn’s rings.
Mount
The AZ mount allows for smooth, intuitive movements when aiming at objects in the sky.
Portability
Lightweight and portable, making it ideal for kids and easy to set up and operate.
Eyepieces
The included eyepieces and finderscope make locating objects easier, even for beginners.
#3
9.1 score

MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered Professional, 90mm Aperture 800mm Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners Fully Multi-Coated with AZ Mount Tripod & Phone Adapter & Carry Bag

The MEEZAA Telescope is designed for adults and astronomy beginners who are eager to explore the night sky, offering a good balance between professional-grade features and user-friendly design. With a 90mm aperture and an 800mm focal length, this refractor telescope captures ample light and delivers clear, bright images of celestial objects. The fully multi-coated optical glass lenses enhance image brightness and clarity, making it suitable for observing lunar details and other celestial bodies. The telescope offers a versatile magnification range from 32X to 240X with the inclusion of two eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) and a 3X Barlow lens, which triples the magnification power of each eyepiece. This allows for detailed observations, though very high magnifications may require steady conditions to maintain image stability.

Rating
9.1
Aperture
Focal Length
Magnification

Most important from
1233 reviews

Aperture
The 90mm aperture and 800mm focal length provide stunningly clear views of celestial objects, with amazing detail visible on the moon’s surface.
Focal Length
The 90mm aperture and 800mm focal length provide stunningly clear views of celestial objects, with amazing detail visible on the moon’s surface.
Magnification
The included 3X Barlow lens is a game-changer, providing an impressive range of magnification from 32X to 240X.
Mount
The adjustable stainless steel tripod is sturdy and versatile, allowing for easy adjustments to find the perfect angle.
Portability
The telescope is very easy to assemble and relatively lightweight, making it convenient to move around and set up.

Top 10 Best Telescopes 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Celestron CPC 1100 StarBright XLT GPS Schmidt-Cassegrain 2800mm Telescope with Tripod and Tube

Aperture: 279mm
Focal Length: 2800mm
Mount: dual fork arm mount with GoTo
Portability: not very portable due to size
Eyepieces: Plossl

Chosen by 1372 this week

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Buying Guide for the Best Telescopes

Choosing the right telescope can be a thrilling yet daunting task, especially if you're new to stargazing. The key to finding the best telescope for you is to understand the different specifications and how they align with your needs and interests. Whether you're interested in observing planets, deep-sky objects, or just want a general-purpose telescope, knowing what to look for will help you make an informed decision.
ApertureAperture refers to the diameter of the telescope's main optical component (the lens or mirror). It is one of the most important specs because it determines how much light the telescope can gather. The larger the aperture, the more light it can collect, which means you'll be able to see fainter objects and more detail. Apertures can range from small (around 60mm) to very large (over 200mm). For beginners, an aperture of 70-100mm is usually sufficient for viewing the moon and planets. If you're interested in deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, you might want to consider a larger aperture, around 150mm or more.
Focal LengthThe focal length is the distance between the telescope's main optical component and the point where it forms an image. This spec affects the magnification and field of view of the telescope. A longer focal length provides higher magnification but a narrower field of view, which is great for observing planets and the moon. Shorter focal lengths offer a wider field of view, making them better for deep-sky objects. For general use, a focal length between 700mm and 1000mm is a good starting point.
MagnificationMagnification is how much larger the telescope can make objects appear. It is determined by the focal length of the telescope and the eyepiece being used. While high magnification might seem appealing, it's not always better. Too much magnification can make images blurry and hard to see. A good rule of thumb is to use a magnification of 50x per inch of aperture. For example, a 4-inch telescope should be used at no more than 200x magnification. Beginners should start with lower magnifications (20x to 50x) to get clear and stable images.
MountThe mount is what holds the telescope and allows you to point it at different parts of the sky. There are two main types: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth mounts move up-down and left-right, making them simple and intuitive to use, ideal for beginners. Equatorial mounts are more complex and are designed to follow the rotation of the Earth, which is useful for long-exposure astrophotography. If you're just starting out, an altazimuth mount is usually sufficient. If you plan to get into astrophotography, consider an equatorial mount.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to transport and set up the telescope. This is important if you plan to take your telescope to different locations or if you have limited storage space. Smaller telescopes are generally more portable and easier to set up, making them a good choice for beginners or those who need to travel with their telescope. Larger telescopes offer better viewing capabilities but can be heavy and cumbersome to move. Consider your living situation and how often you plan to move your telescope when deciding on the right size.
EyepiecesEyepieces are the lenses you look through to see the magnified image. Most telescopes come with one or two eyepieces, but you can purchase additional ones to achieve different magnifications. The focal length of the eyepiece, combined with the telescope's focal length, determines the magnification. It's good to have a range of eyepieces to cover different viewing needs. For example, a 25mm eyepiece for wide-field views and a 10mm eyepiece for higher magnification. Beginners should start with the eyepieces that come with the telescope and gradually expand their collection based on their observing preferences.

FAQ