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10 Best Telescopes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
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
9.7
Chosen by1,479
Magnification
Mount
Portability
Most important from
21607 reviews
#2
Celestron – Origin Intelligent Home Observatory – All-in-one Astroimaging and Stargazing Smart Telescope – 6-inch RASA Telescope – Fully-Automated GoTo Mount – User-Friendly – iOS/Android Compatible
The Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory is an advanced telescope designed for both stargazing and astrophotography. With a 6-inch aperture and a fast f/2.2 focal ratio, it offers bright and clear images with minimal exposure time, thanks to its patented RASA optical design. One of its standout features is the AI-powered astrophotography, which automatically processes and stacks images in real-time, making it user-friendly for beginners and convenient for experienced astronomers. The automated setup with StarSense technology further enhances its ease of use by quickly aligning and focusing the telescope with minimal user intervention.
#3
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 130mm Newtonian Reflector with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is a user-friendly telescope ideal for beginners and casual stargazers. One of its standout features is the integration with the StarSense app, which utilizes your smartphone to guide you through the night sky, making it accessible for those with little to no prior telescope experience. The patented StarSense technology allows the telescope to determine its position by analyzing star patterns, ensuring you can quickly locate celestial objects.
Rating
9.2
Aperture
Eyepieces
Most important from
1300 reviews
Top 10 Best Telescopes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.
Aperture: 70mm
Focal Length: 400mm
Magnification: 3x Barlow lens, two eyepieces
Mount: Altazimuth Mount
Portability: aluminum tripod, carry bag
Eyepieces: two eyepieces
Chosen by 1479 this week
Celestron – Origin Intelligent Home Observatory – All-in-one Astroimaging and Stargazing Smart Telescope – 6-inch RASA Telescope – Fully-Automated GoTo Mount – User-Friendly – iOS/Android Compatible
Celestron – Origin Intelligent Home Observatory – All-in-one Astroimaging and Stargazing Smart Telescope – 6-inch RASA Telescope – Fully-Automated GoTo Mount – User-Friendly – iOS/Android Compatible
Aperture: 6 inches
Focal Length: f/2.2
Mount: GoTo Mount
Portability: 41.6 pounds
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 130mm Newtonian Reflector with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 130mm Newtonian Reflector with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
Aperture: 130mm
Mount: Altazimuth
Portability: 18 pounds
Eyepieces: 25mm, 10mm
Celestron StarSense Explorer 10-inch App-Enabled Telescope – 254mm Dobsonian with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
Celestron StarSense Explorer 10-inch App-Enabled Telescope – 254mm Dobsonian with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
Aperture: 305 mm
Mount: Altazimuth Dobsonian
Portability: 51 x 21 x 21 in, 54.8 lbs
Eyepieces: 25mm eyepiece
Telescope,Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture 900mm Professional Refractor Telescopes for Kids & Beginners, Magnification 450X,for Planet Observation with Stainless Tripod & Phone Adapter
Telescope,Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture 900mm Professional Refractor Telescopes for Kids & Beginners, Magnification 450X,for Planet Observation with Stainless Tripod & Phone Adapter
Aperture: 90mm
Focal Length: 900mm
Magnification: 36X to 450X
Mount: Altazimuth Mount
Eyepieces: Three eyepieces, 3x Barlow lens
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Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Quick-Release Fork-arm Mount, Accessory Tray and 'Starry Night' Special Edition Software, Grey
Celestron 31145 NexStar 130SLT Portable Computerised Newtonian Reflector Telescope with Quick-Release Fork-arm Mount, Accessory Tray and 'Starry Night' Special Edition Software, Grey
Aperture: 130mm
Mount: Altazimuth Mount
Portability: compact for easy transport
Eyepieces: 20mm and 9mm
Telescope 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescopes for Adults,Professional Manual Equatorial Telescope for Beginners.Comes with 2X Barlow Lens Phone Adapter,Stainless Tripod and Moon Filter
Telescope 150EQ Astronomical Reflector Telescopes for Adults,Professional Manual Equatorial Telescope for Beginners.Comes with 2X Barlow Lens Phone Adapter,Stainless Tripod and Moon Filter
Aperture: 150mm
Focal Length: 650mm
Magnification: 2x Barlow lens
Mount: German Equatorial
Portability: 33 pounds
Eyepieces: two quality eyepieces
HUGERSTAR Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture 800mm Professional Refractor Telescopes for Adults Astronomy Beginners with AZ Mount Stainless Tripod, Carry Bag and Moon Filter
HUGERSTAR Telescope, Telescope for Adults High Powered, 90mm Aperture 800mm Professional Refractor Telescopes for Adults Astronomy Beginners with AZ Mount Stainless Tripod, Carry Bag and Moon Filter
Aperture: 90mm
Focal Length: 800mm
Magnification: 32x to 240x with accessories
Mount: Altazimuth
Portability: 10.98 pounds with carry bag
Eyepieces: 10mm, 25mm, plus 3X Barlow
Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch App-Enabled Telescope – 203mm Dobsonian with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
Celestron StarSense Explorer 8-inch App-Enabled Telescope – 203mm Dobsonian with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
Aperture: 8-inch
Mount: Altazimuth Dobsonian
Portability: Not portable
Eyepieces: 25mm eyepiece
#10
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 102mm Refractor with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 102AZ App-Enabled Telescope – 102mm Refractor with Smartphone Dock & StarSense App – iPhone & Android Compatible – Easy-to-Use for Beginners
Aperture: 102mm
Focal Length: 812.8mm
Magnification: decent magnification
Mount: Altazimuth Mount
Portability: 14 pounds, 31 inches tall
Eyepieces: 25mm and 10mm
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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.