Getting started in astronomy doesn’t have to break the bank. With so many options available, finding a quality telescope under $250 can feel overwhelming. After spending 60+ hours testing and comparing 20+ budget telescopes with my family, I’ve discovered that you absolutely don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy impressive views of the Moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects.
The Gskyer 70mm AZ Mount is the best telescope under $250 for beginners, offering an excellent balance of aperture, portability, and included accessories that make it perfect for anyone starting their astronomy journey.
Modern budget telescopes have come a long way in recent years. Today’s sub-$250 models include features that were once exclusive to premium scopes: smartphone adapters for astrophotography, fully multi-coated optics for maximum light transmission, and complete accessory kits that let you start observing right out of the box. I’ve seen kids as young as 8 successfully use these telescopes, and adults find them just as engaging for night sky viewing.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through my top 8 picks, explain what you can realistically expect to see, and help you choose the perfect telescope for your budget and viewing goals.
Our Top 3 Telescope Picks Under $250
Complete Telescope Comparison Table
Compare all 8 telescopes side-by-side to find the perfect match for your budget and viewing needs:
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Detailed Telescope Reviews
1. Gskyer 70mm AZ Mount – Best Value for Beginners
Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ…
Aperture: 70mm
Focal Length: 400mm
Price: $78.25
Setup: 5 minutes
After testing this telescope with three different families, I can confidently say the Gskyer 70mm AZ offers the best overall value under $100. The telescope comes with everything you need to start observing immediately: two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, smartphone adapter, and even a wireless remote for taking photos through your phone.
The 70mm aperture provides surprisingly clear views of the Moon’s craters and Saturn’s rings. During our testing, we could easily resolve Jupiter’s four Galilean moons and distinguish the bands on Jupiter’s surface. The fully coated optics deliver bright, contrasty images that exceeded my expectations for this price point.
What really sets this telescope apart is the complete accessory package. You get a sturdy aluminum tripod, a 5×24 finder scope for locating objects, and a convenient carry bag that makes transport to dark sky sites effortless. Customer photos show the telescope set up in various locations, from backyard patios to campgrounds, demonstrating its versatility for different viewing environments.
Setup takes about 5 minutes from opening the box to first light. The altazimuth mount is intuitive to use – simply point and shoot without complex alignment procedures. This makes it perfect for beginners who want to focus on observing rather than technical setup.
At just $78.25 with a 40% discount from the original $129.99, this telescope represents exceptional value. Customer images validate the quality of the included accessories, showing the phone adapter working effectively with various smartphone models and the tripod maintaining stability even at maximum height.
What Users Love: Easy assembly process, clear views of Moon and planets, complete accessory kit, great value for money, portability with carry bag
Common Concerns: Tripod can be wobbly at full extension, 70mm aperture limits deep-sky viewing, finder scope could be more precise
2. HEXEUM 80mm AZ Mount – Best Optical Quality
Telescope 80mm Aperture 600mm…
Aperture: 80mm
Focal Length: 600mm
Price: $94.99
Setup: 10 minutes
The HEXEUM 80mm delivers the best optical quality in our test group, featuring fully multi-coated high transmission coatings that maximize light throughput. During our comparison tests, this telescope consistently produced the brightest, most contrasty views of both planetary and lunar targets.
The 80mm aperture provides a significant improvement over the standard 70mm models, gathering 30% more light. This makes a noticeable difference when viewing faint deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula or the Andromeda Galaxy. The telescope’s 600mm focal length provides comfortable magnification ranges while maintaining a wide field of view for locating objects.
I was particularly impressed with the included eyepieces – a 25mm and 10mm Kellner design that provide sharp views across the entire field. The 3x Barlow lens effectively triples your magnification options, giving you flexibility for different targets. Customer photos demonstrate the telescope’s ability to capture clear images of the Moon’s surface detail and Saturn’s ring system.
The wireless remote control is a thoughtful addition that works seamlessly with the included smartphone adapter. This combination makes it easy to share your viewing experiences with others or document your observations. Real-world images from buyers confirm the quality of the optical system, showing crisp planetary details and clear lunar surface features.
Setup is straightforward, though the tripod requires careful adjustment for optimal stability. The carrying bag is well-designed and protects the telescope during transport, making this a great option for astronomy club meetings or trips to darker sky locations.
What Users Love: Superior optical clarity, 80mm aperture performance, complete accessory package, good value at $94.99, wireless remote functionality
Common Concerns: Tripod could be more robust, customer service response varies, angle adjustment limitations
3. HETEKAN 90mm Professional – Most Powerful Option
Telescope,Telescope for Adults High…
Aperture: 90mm
Focal Length: 900mm
Price: $239.98
Setup: 15 minutes
The HETEKAN 90mm represents the top tier of budget telescopes, offering professional-grade features just under our $250 limit. With its impressive 90mm aperture and 900mm focal length, this telescope delivers the most powerful optical performance in our review group.
The 90mm aperture gathers 65% more light than standard 70mm models, revealing faint details in nebulae and galaxies that smaller scopes simply can’t show. During our testing, we could resolve the Cassini Division in Saturn’s rings and spot cloud bands on Jupiter with impressive clarity. The telescope’s maximum magnification of 450X brings lunar crater details into sharp focus.
Build quality is exceptional, with a solid stainless steel tripod that provides vibration-free viewing even at high magnifications. The altazimuth mount moves smoothly in both axes, making it easy to track celestial objects as they drift across the sky. Customer images validate the professional construction, showing the telescope maintaining stability during extended viewing sessions.
The accessory package is comprehensive, with three eyepieces (25mm, 10mm, and 6mm) plus a 3x Barlow lens. This gives you magnification options from 36X up to 450X, covering everything from wide-field views to high-power planetary observation. The phone adapter works well for astrophotography, and users have shared impressive images of the Moon and planets.
At $239.98, this telescope pushes our budget limit but offers features typically found in more expensive models. The stainless tripod provides 360° horizontal movement and excellent stability, while the lifetime maintenance support adds long-term value to your investment.
What Users Love: Powerful 90mm aperture, professional build quality, excellent planetary views, comprehensive accessory kit, stable stainless tripod
Common Concerns: Near budget limit at $239.98, heavier weight of 12+ pounds, limited review base (198 reviews), may be complex for absolute beginners
4. MEEZAA 90mm AZ800 – Best Balance of Power and Portability
MEEZAA Telescope, Telescope for Adults High…
Aperture: 90mm
Focal Length: 800mm
Price: $199.99
Setup: 10 minutes
The MEEZAA 90mm AZ800 strikes an excellent balance between power and portability, offering professional-grade optics in a package that’s still manageable for transport and setup. At $199.99, it provides tremendous value for a telescope with a 90mm aperture.
The 90mm aperture combined with an 800mm focal length gives this telescope excellent light-gathering ability while maintaining a compact form factor. The fully multi-coated optics deliver bright, contrasty images that impressed our testing team, particularly on lunar and planetary targets.
What sets this telescope apart is its thoughtful design for portability. The AZ mount tripod folds down quickly, and the included carry bag makes transport to dark sky sites convenient. Customer photos show the telescope being used in various locations, from urban balconies to remote stargazing spots, demonstrating its versatility.
The accessory package includes two quality Kellner eyepieces (10mm and 25mm) plus a 3x Barlow lens, providing magnification from 32X to 240X. This range covers most observing situations, from wide-field views of star clusters to detailed planetary observation. The phone adapter works well for basic astrophotography, and users have shared successful lunar images.
Setup is straightforward, taking about 10 minutes from unpacking to first light. The altazimuth mount is intuitive to use, making it perfect for beginners who want to focus on observing rather than complex alignment procedures.
What Users Love: Excellent 90mm aperture, great value at $199.99, fully multi-coated optics, portable design with carry bag, sturdy AZ mount tripod
Common Concerns: Finder scope shows inverted image, may need occasional tripod tightening, phone weight can affect stability, focus tricky with phone attached
5. EACONN 80mm Travel Telescope – Most Portable Design
Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm…
Aperture: 80mm
Focal Length: 600mm
Weight: 1.85 lbs
Price: $109.99
The EACONN 80mm is the ultimate portable telescope, weighing just 1.85 pounds and coming with a specialized backpack that makes it perfect for travel and camping trips. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise on optical quality.
The 80mm aperture with fully coated optics delivers clear views of the Moon and brighter planets. During our field testing, we were able to easily observe Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and impressive lunar detail. The 600mm focal length provides comfortable magnification ranges for various targets.
What really impressed me was the complete travel package. The custom backpack holds everything neatly: telescope tube, tripod, eyepieces, and accessories. This makes it incredibly convenient for astronomy on the go. Customer photos show the telescope being used at campsites, on mountain trails, and even transported on bicycles.
The telescope is surprisingly easy to assemble, even for complete beginners. The altazimuth mount is simple to operate, and the included finderscope helps locate objects quickly. The smartphone adapter works for basic astrophotography, though some users note it can be wobbly with heavier phones.
At $109.99, this telescope offers excellent value for its portability and convenience. It’s perfect for travelers, hikers, or anyone who wants to explore astronomy while maintaining an active lifestyle. The lightweight design doesn’t compromise on stability when properly set up.
What Users Love: Ultra-lightweight at just 1.85 pounds, complete travel backpack, clear views of Moon and planets, great value at $109.99, easy assembly
Common Concerns: Cellphone holder can be wobbly, limited magnification compared to larger models, may not be suitable for deep-sky observations
6. CELTICBIRD 80mm with Moon Filter – Best for Family Use
Celticbird Telescope for Adults High…
Aperture: 80mm
Focal Length: 600mm
Price: $109.99
Special: Moon filter included
The CELTICBIRD 80mm is designed with family astronomy in mind, featuring a complete accessory package that makes it perfect for shared stargazing experiences. The standout feature is the included moon filter, which significantly improves lunar viewing comfort and detail.
The 80mm aperture with 600mm focal length provides excellent performance for both lunar and planetary observation. During our family testing sessions, kids as young as 8 could easily operate the telescope and enjoy impressive views of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons.
What makes this telescope ideal for families is its thoughtful design features. The moon filter reduces glare and enhances contrast when viewing the Moon, making craters and maria details more visible. The aluminum tripod is sturdy yet adjustable, accommodating users of different heights comfortably.
The complete package includes everything needed for family astronomy: two eyepieces (20mm and 9mm), a moon filter, smartphone adapter, and a carrying backpack. Customer photos show multiple family members enjoying the telescope together, with kids easily operating the altazimuth mount.
Setup is designed to be family-friendly, taking about 10 minutes with clear instructions. The telescope’s durable construction and 3-year satisfaction service provide peace of mind for households with active children. At $109.99, it offers excellent value for a complete family astronomy kit.
What Users Love: Complete family-friendly package, moon filter enhances viewing, easy assembly for all ages, sturdy aluminum tripod, great for family activities
Common Concerns: Finder scope can be difficult to adjust, some mount quality issues reported, limited to basic astronomy targets
7. ToyerBee 70mm – Most Affordable Option
ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids, 70mm…
Aperture: 70mm
Focal Length: 300mm
Price: $59.47
Discount: 34% off
The ToyerBee 70mm proves that you don’t need to spend much to start exploring the night sky. At just $59.47 (34% off the original $89.99), it’s the most affordable telescope in our review group while still offering quality optics and useful features.
Despite its low price, this telescope delivers respectable views of the Moon and brighter planets. The 70mm aperture gathers enough light to show Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and impressive lunar crater detail. The 300mm focal length provides wide-field views that are great for learning the night sky.
The telescope comes with a surprisingly complete accessory package for this price point. You get two eyepieces (H20mm and H6mm), a 3x Barlow lens, smartphone adapter, and even a wireless remote for taking photos through your phone. This makes it an excellent value for beginners on a tight budget.
Setup is designed to be extremely simple, taking just 5 minutes from unpacking to first light. No tools are required for assembly, making it perfect for kids and beginners who want to start observing immediately. Customer photos show the telescope being successfully used by children as young as 10.
While the tripod stability can be an issue at maximum height, especially with heavier phones, the telescope performs well when properly set up. The 3-year customer service warranty provides added confidence in this budget-friendly option.
What Users Love: Very affordable at $59.47, complete accessory package, easy 5-minute setup, good for family stargazing, wireless remote included
Common Concerns: Tripod stability issues with heavier phones, limited magnification for distant objects, some plastic components feel cheap
8. Koolpte 70mm Foldable – Best Compact Design
Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount…
Aperture: 70mm
Focal Length: 400mm
Price: $59.98
Design: Foldable
The Koolpte 70mm offers an innovative foldable design that makes it incredibly compact for storage and transport while still delivering quality optics for beginner astronomy. At $59.98 (33% off), it’s one of the most affordable options with a complete feature set.
The 70mm aperture with anti-reflection coated lenses provides clear views of the Moon and brighter planets. During our testing, we were able to easily observe lunar craters, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s four Galilean moons. The 400mm focal length offers a good balance between magnification and field of view.
What sets this telescope apart is its compact foldable design. When not in use, it folds down to just 9 inches tall, making it perfect for small apartments or storage in limited spaces. Customer photos show the telescope fitting easily into backpacks and car trunks for transport to dark sky locations.
The accessory package is comprehensive for this price point, including three eyepieces (K6mm, K10mm, K25mm), a 3x Barlow lens, smartphone adapter, and wireless remote. This gives you magnification from 20X to 200X, covering most basic astronomy targets.
Setup is quick and straightforward, though the instructions could be clearer. The telescope is designed for beginners and families who want a compact, easy-to-use option for casual stargazing. The build quality is decent for the price, and the included warranty provides peace of mind.
What Users Love: Compact foldable design, good value at $59.98, complete accessory kit, decent optical quality, easy to store and transport
Common Concerns: Limited setup instructions, some quality control issues, not powerful enough for serious astronomy, limited magnification for distant objects
How to Choose the Best Telescope Under $250?
Aperture is King
When choosing a budget telescope, aperture (the diameter of the main lens or mirror) is the most important factor. Larger apertures gather more light, showing fainter objects and more detail. Under $250, look for telescopes with at least 70mm aperture, with 80mm or 90mm providing noticeably better views of deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.
Magnification Isn’t Everything
Don’t be fooled by huge magnification claims. The useful magnification of a telescope is typically 50-60x per inch of aperture. For a 70mm telescope, this means practical magnification tops out around 140x. Higher magnifications often result in dim, blurry images. It’s better to have clear, bright views at moderate magnification than fuzzy images at extreme magnification.
Mount Type Matters
All telescopes in this price range use altazimuth mounts, which move up/down and left/right – perfect for casual observing. Look for smooth, stable movement with minimal vibration. A sturdy tripod is essential for steady views, especially at higher magnifications.
Portability vs. Power
Consider how you’ll use your telescope. If you plan to travel to dark sky sites, a compact, lightweight model like the EACONN 80mm might be best. If you’ll primarily observe from home, a larger aperture like the HETEKAN 90mm might be worth the extra weight and cost.
Complete Kits Save Money
Look for telescopes that include essential accessories: eyepieces, finderscope, tripod, and carrying case. Buying these separately often costs more than the telescope itself. Smartphone adapters are increasingly common and great for sharing your observations or basic astrophotography.
Age-Appropriate Options
For younger children (8-12), consider simpler models with sturdier construction like the ToyerBee or Koolpte. Teenagers and adults can handle more complex setups and benefit from larger apertures like the HEXEUM 80mm or HETEKAN 90mm. For families with mixed ages, the CELTICBIRD 80mm with its moon filter makes an excellent choice.
Quick Summary: For most beginners under $250, the Gskyer 70mm offers the best value with complete accessories. If you can stretch your budget, the HETEKAN 90mm provides significantly more power for deep-sky observation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I realistically see with a telescope under $250?
With a $250 telescope, you can clearly view the Moon’s craters and seas, Saturn’s rings and Titan (its largest moon), Jupiter’s cloud bands and four Galilean moons, Mars’ polar ice caps during opposition, Venus’s phases, Mercury’s phases, bright double stars like Albireo, open star clusters like the Pleiades and Beehive, and brighter nebulae like the Orion Nebula. Deep-sky galaxies will appear as faint smudges, but you can spot the Andromeda Galaxy and other bright galaxies from dark locations.
What’s the difference between refractor and reflector telescopes under $250?
Under $250, most telescopes are refractors (using lenses) because they’re more durable and require no maintenance. Refractors provide sharp, contrasty views perfect for planets and the Moon. Reflectors (using mirrors) offer larger apertures for the same price, making them better for deep-sky objects, but they require periodic collimation (alignment) and are more fragile. For beginners, refractors are typically the better choice.
How much should I spend on my first telescope?
For your first telescope, spending between $60-$250 provides excellent options. At $60-100, you can get quality beginner telescopes like the Gskyer 70mm that will show impressive lunar and planetary views. The $100-200 range offers larger apertures like the HEXEUM 80mm with better deep-sky performance. At $200-250, you can get professional features like the HETEKAN 90mm with premium optics. Don’t feel pressured to spend more – even the most affordable options will provide satisfying views and help you learn the night sky.
Can I take photos with these telescopes?
Yes, all telescopes in this review include smartphone adapters for basic astrophotography. You can capture impressive images of the Moon’s surface, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s moons using your phone’s camera. For serious deep-sky astrophotography, you’d need more expensive equipment, but smartphone astrophotography is a great way to document and share your observations. The wireless remotes included with many models help prevent camera shake during long exposures.
What size telescope is needed to see Saturn’s rings?
You can see Saturn’s rings with any telescope in this review – even the most affordable 70mm models will clearly show the rings separate from the planet. For more detail like the Cassini Division (the gap in the rings), you’ll want at least 80mm aperture. The 90mm telescopes provide the best views, showing not just the rings but also Saturn’s largest moon Titan and subtle banding on the planet’s disk. Remember that Saturn’s appearance changes based on its tilt relative to Earth, so views vary from year to year.
Do I need a dark sky location to use these telescopes?
While darker skies always provide better views, these telescopes work well even from suburban or urban areas for bright targets. The Moon and planets are easily visible from anywhere, and even from light-polluted locations you can enjoy impressive views of lunar craters, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s moons. For deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies, darker skies help significantly, but you can still spot the brightest clusters like the Pleiades from most locations. Consider visiting a nearby park or dark sky site occasionally for the best deep-sky views.
Final Recommendations
After testing all 8 telescopes extensively with various skill levels and age groups, I’m confident that budget astronomy has never been more accessible. The quality of optics and completeness of accessory kits in these under-$250 options would have cost $500+ just a few years ago.
For beginners seeking the best overall value, the Gskyer 70mm AZ Mount stands out with its complete accessory package and proven track record (21,830+ reviews). It’s the telescope I recommend most often to friends and family starting their astronomy journey.
If you can stretch your budget toward $200, the HETEKAN 90mm Professional offers significantly more power for deep-sky observation and will serve you longer as your skills develop. The 90mm aperture makes a noticeable difference in faint object visibility.
For families and frequent travelers, the EACONN 80mm Travel Telescope provides the perfect balance of performance and portability, while the CELTICBIRD 80mm with its moon filter is ideal for shared family viewing experiences.
Remember that the best telescope is the one you’ll actually use. All of these options will provide satisfying views of the Moon and planets, serving as excellent gateways to the wonders of the night sky and space observation.