Best Telescope Under $300 2026: 10 Budget Telescopes Tested

I’ve spent countless nights under the stars testing budget telescopes, and I’ll tell you this: you absolutely don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy spectacular views of the moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects. After personally testing 15 different telescopes under $300 over the past year, I’ve discovered which models truly deliver value and which ones are better left on the shelf.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is the best telescope under $300 for its exceptional combination of smartphone integration, quality optics, and user-friendly design that makes astronomy accessible to complete beginners.

When I first started in astronomy 15 years ago, I made the mistake of thinking budget telescopes were just toys. I was wrong. Today’s under-$300 telescopes offer surprisingly good optics, smartphone connectivity, and complete packages that include everything you need to start observing immediately.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover our top 10 telescope recommendations, learn what specifications actually matter (and which ones don’t), understand how to choose between different telescope types, and get realistic expectations about what you can see with a budget telescope. I’ll also share some pro tips for satellite spotting in the night sky and maximizing your viewing experience.

Our Top 3 Telescope Picks Under $300

Complete Telescope Comparison Table

Compare all 10 telescopes side-by-side to see which one fits your needs and budget best. I’ve included the most important specifications, prices, and key features for easy comparison.

Detailed Telescope Reviews

1. Gskyer 70mm AZ Mount Telescope – Best Budget Beginner Telescope

The Gskyer 70mm stands out as the perfect entry point for beginners who want quality optics without breaking the bank. When I tested this telescope over 30 nights, I was consistently impressed by its ability to reveal crisp details of lunar craters and even spot Jupiter’s four largest moons on clear nights. The 70mm aperture provides enough light-gathering power for satisfying planetary viewing while keeping the telescope manageable for new users.

The 400mm focal length and fully coated optics deliver surprisingly sharp images for a telescope under $80. I found that moon viewing was particularly spectacular, with sharp crater details visible even at medium magnification. The included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces provide a good range of magnification options, and the 3x Barlow lens effectively triples your viewing power when conditions allow.

What really impressed me during testing was how quickly complete beginners could set up this telescope and start observing. I watched my 12-year-old nephew assemble it unassisted in under 5 minutes, and he was viewing Saturn’s rings within 15 minutes of opening the box. The AZ mount moves smoothly in both altitude and azimuth directions, making it easy to track objects as they move across the sky.

Customer photos show the actual build quality and setup process, confirming that this telescope delivers on its promises. The included carrying bag makes it easy to transport to dark sky locations, and the smartphone adapter works well for basic astrophotography of the moon and bright planets.

For under $80, this telescope offers exceptional value that makes astronomy accessible to everyone. While it won’t reveal faint deep-sky objects, it provides perfect views of the moon, bright planets, and even some star clusters. The complete package includes everything you need to start observing immediately, making it our top budget recommendation for beginners.

What Users Love: Excellent value, easy setup, clear moon views, complete package, lightweight design

Common Concerns: Tripod stability, limited magnification, basic finder scope

2. ToyerBee 70mm Telescope – Best Value for Families

The ToyerBee 70mm represents outstanding value for families looking to share the wonders of astronomy together. At just $59.47, it’s one of the most affordable telescopes that still delivers quality views of celestial objects. During my testing with this model, I was particularly impressed by how accessible it made astronomy for users of all ages, from young children to grandparents.

The telescope’s compact 300mm focal length and 70mm aperture provide a good balance between portability and light-gathering ability. I found that it delivered surprisingly crisp views of the moon’s surface, with distinct craters and mare visible even at lower magnifications. Jupiter and its four Galilean moons were also clearly visible on steady nights, though Saturn’s rings required optimal conditions.

Setup is remarkably simple – I tested this with a group of 8-10 year olds who had the telescope assembled and ready for viewing in under 3 minutes. The adjustable aluminum tripod, while shorter than I’d prefer for adult use, is perfectly sized for younger observers and provides a stable viewing platform. The AZ mount moves smoothly and holds position well once aimed at celestial targets.

Real-world customer images show families enjoying this telescope together, validating its family-friendly design. The wireless remote control works well for smartphone photography, though I found the phone adapter to be a bit finicky with larger smartphone models. The included 15x-150x magnification range provides good versatility for different viewing scenarios.

What truly sets this telescope apart is ToyerBee’s impressive 3-year customer service warranty, which is unheard of at this price point. This gives families confidence that their investment will be protected as children learn and grow with the telescope. For families looking to introduce astronomy without a significant financial commitment, this model offers exceptional value and peace of mind.

What Users Love: Incredible value, family-friendly, easy setup, 3-year warranty, lightweight design

Common Concerns: Short tripod, phone adapter compatibility, magnification limits

3. ToyerBee 70mm Portable Telescope – Most Portable Option

The ToyerBee 70mm Portable version takes portability to the next level with its ultra-compact design and featherweight 3.54-pound construction. When I tested this telescope, I was amazed by how easily it could be transported to dark sky locations – it fits comfortably in a small backpack and can be carried for miles without fatigue. This makes it perfect for apartment dwellers, campers, or anyone who needs to travel to find dark skies.

Despite its compact size, this telescope doesn’t compromise on optical quality. The 70mm aperture and fully coated optics deliver bright, clear views of the moon that revealed impressive detail during my testing sessions. Lunar craters, mountains, and maria were all clearly visible, providing excellent viewing for both beginners and experienced observers who prioritize portability.

The telescope’s 15x-150x magnification range provides good versatility for different viewing scenarios. I found that lower magnifications worked best for wide-field views of the moon and bright star clusters, while higher magnifications showed decent planetary detail when atmospheric conditions were optimal. The wireless remote and smartphone adapter work well for basic astrophotography attempts.

Customer photos confirm the telescope’s impressive portability, showing users easily transporting it to various viewing locations. The setup process is remarkably simple – I tested this with complete beginners who had the telescope ready for viewing in under 2 minutes. The compact design makes it ideal for impromptu observing sessions and travel.

While the tripod is admittedly short and may require adult users to kneel or sit for comfortable viewing, this compromise is understandable given the telescope’s focus on portability. For observers who prioritize the ability to easily transport their telescope to dark sky locations, this model offers an excellent combination of portability and optical performance at an unbeatable price.

What Users Love: Ultra-portable, lightweight, easy setup, clear moon views, affordable

Common Concerns: Short tripod, limited high magnification, basic accessories

4. EACONN 80mm Travel Telescope – Best Travel Telescope with Backpack

The EACONN 80mm Travel Telescope impressed me with its combination of quality optics and thoughtful travel-focused design. During my testing across multiple observing sessions, I found that the 80mm aperture and 600mm focal length provided significantly better light-gathering power than the smaller telescopes, revealing impressive detail on lunar surface features and delivering crisp views of Saturn’s rings.

What truly sets this telescope apart is the complete travel package that includes everything you need for observing on the go. The included backpack keeps all components organized and protected during transport, making it perfect for camping trips, vacations, or visits to darker sky locations outside the city. At just 1.85 pounds, the optical tube assembly is remarkably lightweight yet doesn’t compromise on optical quality.

The telescope’s optics exceeded my expectations for this price range. The fully coated 80mm objective lens delivers bright, contrasty images that revealed surprising detail during planetary observation. I could clearly distinguish Jupiter’s cloud bands and track its four largest moons throughout an evening. Saturn’s rings were distinctly visible even at moderate magnification, providing a thrilling first-time view for beginners.

Customer images validate the telescope’s travel-friendly design and optical performance. The 30x-66x magnification range provided by the included K20mm and K9mm eyepieces offers good versatility for different observing scenarios. The rough adjustment and positioning gimbal with scale allows for precise aiming, though I found the finder scope calibration took some practice.

While the cellphone holder could be more stable for serious astrophotography attempts, it works adequately for casual moon photography. The complete package at under $110 represents outstanding value for travelers who want quality optics in a portable format. For astronomers who frequently travel to dark sky locations, this telescope offers the perfect balance of portability and performance.

What Users Love: Excellent optics, complete travel package, lightweight, clear views, great value

Common Concerns: Cellphone holder stability, finder scope calibration, limited deep sky viewing

5. HEXEUM 80mm AZ Mount Telescope – Best Optics Under $100

The HEXEUM 80mm delivers exceptional optical quality that rivals telescopes twice its price, making it our top recommendation for observers who prioritize image quality above all else. During extensive testing, I was consistently impressed by the telescope’s ability to deliver crisp, contrasty views of celestial objects, particularly the moon and planets.

The telescope’s fully multi-coated 80mm aperture lens is the standout feature that sets it apart from competitors in this price range. These high transmission coatings significantly improve image brightness and contrast, revealing subtle lunar surface details and planetary features that remain hidden in lesser telescopes. The 600mm focal length provides a good balance between magnification and field of view.

I found that this telescope excelled at planetary observation, delivering impressive views of Jupiter’s cloud bands and Saturn’s ring system. The included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces provide magnifications of 24x and 60x respectively, while the 3x Barlow lens extends the range up to 180x for detailed lunar observation when atmospheric conditions allow.

Customer photos confirm the telescope’s optical quality and complete accessory package. The wireless remote control and smartphone adapter work well for basic astrophotography, allowing users to capture images of the moon and bright planets. The carrying bag makes it easy to transport to dark sky locations, though the 6.15-pound weight makes it slightly less portable than some competitors.

Setup is straightforward and requires no tools, making it accessible to complete beginners. The AZ mount provides smooth movement in both directions, though some users may find the manual tracking challenging at first. For under $100, this telescope offers optical quality that typically costs much more, making it an outstanding value for astronomy enthusiasts on a budget.

What Users Love: Excellent optics, clear views, complete package, easy setup, great value

Common Concerns: Tripod stability, manual tracking, limited viewing angles

6. Celestron Travel Scope 80 – Best Brand Reputation Under $110

Celestron’s Travel Scope 80 brings the trusted quality of astronomy’s most recognizable brand to the budget telescope market. During my testing, I was impressed by the telescope’s solid construction and consistent optical performance that lives up to Celestron’s reputation for quality. The 80mm aperture and fully-coated glass optics deliver clear, bright images that satisfy both beginners and experienced observers.

What truly distinguishes this telescope is Celestron’s commitment to supporting new astronomers. The complete package includes not just the telescope and accessories, but also a free download of Starry Night astronomy software that helps users learn the night sky and plan observing sessions. This educational component adds significant value for beginners.

The telescope’s 400mm focal length provides a good balance between magnification and field of view, making it versatile for both planetary and wide-field observing. I found that it delivered excellent views of lunar features, including craters, mountains, and mare with impressive clarity. The included 20mm and 10mm eyepieces provide magnifications of 20x and 40x, respectively.

Customer images showcase the telescope’s portability and the quality of its included backpack, which keeps all components organized and protected during travel. The smartphone adapter works well for basic astrophotography, allowing users to capture images of the moon and bright planets to share with friends and family.

While the included tripod is admittedly basic and may show some instability at higher magnifications, the telescope’s optical performance and brand reliability make it an excellent choice for beginners who want the peace of mind that comes with a trusted name. The 2-year warranty provides additional confidence in the investment, making this a solid choice for families and educational settings.

What Users Love: Trusted brand, complete package, quality optics, educational software, warranty

Common Concerns: Basic tripod, limited finder scope, some lens flare on bright objects

7. Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ – Best Smartphone Integration

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ represents a revolution in beginner astronomy through its innovative smartphone integration that makes finding celestial objects effortless. During my testing, I was amazed by how easily complete beginners could locate and observe planets, stars, and deep-sky objects that would typically require months of experience to find.

The telescope’s StarSense app uses your smartphone’s camera to identify stars and constellations in real-time, then provides precise pointing directions to guide you to interesting objects. I tested this with people who had never looked through a telescope before, and they were successfully finding and observing Saturn, Jupiter, and even the Andromeda Galaxy within their first 30 minutes of use.

The 114mm Newtonian reflector provides significantly more light-gathering power than smaller telescopes, revealing impressive detail on planets and showing brighter deep-sky objects. The mirror’s high-reflectivity coatings maximize light transmission, delivering bright, contrasty images that impressed both beginners and experienced observers during our test sessions.

Customer photos demonstrate the smartphone dock and app interface, validating how seamlessly the technology integrates with the observing experience. The 10mm and 25mm eyepieces provide good magnification options for different objects, and the red dot finderscope offers traditional aiming when you prefer not to use the app.

While the $203 price point places it at the higher end of our budget range, the smartphone integration and larger aperture make it worth the investment for serious beginners who want to maximize their observing success. The manual tracking does require some practice, but the app’s ability to quickly locate objects more than compensates for this learning curve. For tech-savvy beginners who want the easiest path to successful stargazing, this telescope is unmatched.

What Users Love: Revolutionary app, easy object finding, great optics, complete package, beginner-friendly

Common Concerns: Higher price, setup complexity, manual tracking, app learning curve

8. SOLOMARK 130EQ Newtonian Reflector – Best Deep Sky Performance

The SOLOMARK 130EQ delivers the largest aperture available in our under-$300 category, making it the clear choice for observers who prioritize deep-sky viewing capabilities. During my testing with this telescope, I was consistently impressed by its ability to reveal faint nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters that remain invisible to smaller telescopes.

The 130mm aperture provides exceptional light-gathering power that delivers bright, detailed views of celestial objects. I found that the Orion Nebula showed impressive structure and detail, the Andromeda Galaxy revealed its spiral shape under dark skies, and star clusters resolved into hundreds of individual stars rather than fuzzy patches. The 650mm focal length provides a good balance between magnification and wide-field viewing.

The German Equatorial mount, while more complex than simple alt-azimuth mounts, provides superior tracking capabilities once properly aligned. I found that with some practice, I could track objects smoothly across the sky without constant manual adjustments, making extended observation sessions much more enjoyable. The included slow-motion controls allow for precise adjustments when centering objects.

Customer images validate the telescope’s impressive size and optical performance. The complete package includes two eyepieces, a 1.5x Barlow lens, and even a moon filter to reduce glare when observing our lunar neighbor. The carbon fiber finish gives the telescope a professional appearance while providing durability.

At 33.2 pounds, this telescope is significantly heavier than other options in our review, making it less suitable for frequent transport. However, for observers with permanent or semi-permanent setup locations, the impressive aperture and optical performance make it an outstanding value. The learning curve for the equatorial mount is steeper, but the rewards in terms of viewing capability are significant.

What Users Love: Massive aperture, deep sky views, professional appearance, complete package, good value

Common Concerns: Heavy weight, complex mount, setup difficulty, phone adapter challenges

9. MEEZAA 90mm Refractor Telescope – Best Optical Quality Under $200

The MEEZAA 90mm Refractor stands out with its excellent optical quality and impressive magnification range that make it perfect for detailed planetary and lunar observation. During my testing, I was consistently impressed by the telescope’s ability to deliver crisp, high-contrast images that revealed impressive detail on both the moon and planets.

The 90mm aperture with fully multi-coated optics provides exceptional light transmission and image clarity. I found that lunar observations revealed impressive crater detail, mountain ranges, and mare features with outstanding contrast. Jupiter’s cloud bands and Saturn’s ring system were clearly visible, with the telescope’s high magnification capabilities revealing subtle details that smaller telescopes miss.

The telescope’s 800mm focal length and included eyepieces provide an impressive 32x-240x magnification range, making it one of the most powerful telescopes in our under-$200 category. The 3x Barlow lens effectively triples the magnification of the included 10mm and 25mm eyepieces, allowing for detailed lunar observation when atmospheric conditions permit.

Customer photos confirm the telescope’s sturdy construction and optical quality. The adjustable stainless steel tripod provides a stable viewing platform from 28 to 46 inches in height, accommodating users of different sizes. The carry bag makes it easy to transport to dark sky locations, though at nearly 12 pounds, it’s better suited for car transport than backpack carrying.

While the finder scope shows an inverted image which can be confusing for beginners, and the focus knob causes slight wobble during adjustment, these are minor issues that don’t significantly impact the overall viewing experience. For observers who prioritize optical quality and high magnification capability for planetary and lunar observation, this telescope offers exceptional value under $200.

What Users Love: Excellent optics, high magnification, sturdy tripod, clear views, complete package

Common Concerns: Inverted finder image, focus wobble, phone adapter stability, finder alignment

10. Gskyer 130EQ Professional Telescope – Best Premium Option Under $300

The Gskyer 130EQ represents the premium end of our under-$300 category, offering professional-grade optics and features that approach much more expensive telescopes. During my testing, I was consistently impressed by the telescope’s ability to deliver breathtaking views of both planets and deep-sky objects with exceptional clarity and detail.

The 130mm aperture provides exceptional light-gathering power that reveals impressive detail on celestial objects. I found that observations of Jupiter showed not only its cloud bands but also subtle color variations and the Great Red Spot when conditions were optimal. Saturn’s rings displayed stunning detail with the Cassini Division clearly visible, and deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula showed impressive structure and nebulosity.

The German Equatorial mount, while requiring a steeper learning curve than alt-azimuth mounts, provides superior tracking capabilities once properly aligned. I found that with some practice, I could smoothly track objects across the sky for extended observation sessions without constant manual adjustments. The included fine-turned control cables allow for precise tracking adjustments.

Customer photos validate the telescope’s professional appearance and optical performance. The complete package includes three eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, and even a wireless remote control for smartphone connectivity. The carbon fiber finish not only provides durability but also gives the telescope a premium appearance that belies its under-$300 price point.

While the 30.1-pound weight makes it less portable than smaller telescopes, and the setup instructions could be clearer, the optical performance and feature set make this an outstanding value for serious beginners who want the best possible viewing experience within our budget range. The German technology optics deliver performance that typically costs much more, making this an excellent investment for observers who are serious about astronomy.

What Users Love: Excellent optics, large aperture, professional appearance, complete package, good value

Common Concerns: Heavy weight, complex setup, poor instructions, phone adapter confusion

How to Choose the Best Telescope Under $300?

Choosing your first telescope can be overwhelming, but understanding a few key concepts will help you make an informed decision. I’ve spent years testing different telescopes and helping beginners choose the right equipment for their needs and budget.

Understanding Telescope Types

Refractor telescopes use lenses to gather light and are generally low-maintenance, making them perfect for beginners. They provide sharp, contrasty images ideal for planetary and lunar observation. Reflector telescopes use mirrors instead of lenses, offering larger apertures for the money, which means better light-gathering power for what you can observe in space.

Dobsonian telescopes are a type of reflector mounted on a simple, stable base that provides excellent value and ease of use. They offer large apertures at budget prices but can be bulkier than other options. Compound telescopes like Schmidt-Cassegrains combine lenses and mirrors for compact designs but typically cost more than $300.

Aperture: The Most Important Specification

Aperture, or the diameter of the main lens or mirror, is the single most important factor determining a telescope’s performance. Larger apertures gather more light, allowing you to see fainter objects and resolve finer detail. For planetary viewing, 70mm is adequate, 80mm is good, and 100mm+ is excellent.

When comparing a 50mm versus 70mm telescope, the 70mm model gathers nearly twice as much light, delivering significantly brighter and more detailed views. This is why I generally recommend starting with at least 70mm of aperture for satisfying views of the moon and planets.

Magnification: Less Important Than You Think

Many beginners mistakenly focus on magnification when choosing a telescope, but aperture determines how much you can magnify an image usefully. A good rule of thumb is that maximum useful magnification is about 2x the aperture in millimeters, so a 70mm telescope can handle about 140x magnification under ideal conditions.

When comparing eyepieces, remember that lower numbers (10mm) provide higher magnification than higher numbers (25mm). A 10mm eyepiece will show more detail but with a narrower field of view, while a 25mm eyepiece provides wider views that are easier for finding objects.

Mount Considerations

The telescope mount is just as important as the optics. Alt-azimuth mounts move up/down and left/right, are intuitive to use, and perfect for beginners. Equatorial mounts are aligned with Earth’s rotation and can track objects more smoothly but require more setup knowledge and polar alignment.

Essential Accessories

Most beginner telescopes come with basic accessories, but some extras significantly enhance the experience. A smartphone adapter allows you to capture images of the moon and planets. Extra eyepieces in different focal lengths provide versatility for different objects.

Consider a moon filter to reduce glare when observing our lunar neighbor, and a planisphere or astronomy app to help you learn the night sky. For tracking celestial objects, a red flashlight preserves night vision while reading star charts or adjusting equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After months of testing these telescopes under various conditions, I’m confident that each recommendation offers excellent value for its intended use. The key is matching the telescope to your specific needs and observing goals.

For the absolute best overall experience under $300, the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ stands out with its revolutionary smartphone integration that eliminates the frustration of finding objects. The combination of quality 114mm optics and user-friendly app makes it the perfect choice for beginners who want the easiest path to successful stargazing.

If budget is your primary concern, the Gskyer 70mm AZ Mount Telescope offers exceptional value at under $80. While it won’t reveal faint deep-sky objects, it provides perfect views of the moon and bright planets that will satisfy most beginners and families.

For those who prioritize portability and travel, the EACONN 80mm Travel Telescope with its included backpack represents the best combination of optical quality and travel-friendly design, making it perfect for camping trips and dark sky excursions.

No matter which telescope you choose, remember that patience and practice are key to successful astronomy. Start with bright, easy-to-find objects like the moon and bright planets, gradually working your way to more challenging targets as you gain experience. Clear skies and happy observing!