Best Telescopes US 2026: Top 10 Models Tested and Reviewed

As astronomy enthusiasts living in urban environments, we understand the challenge of finding quality equipment that delivers stunning views despite light pollution. After spending over 200 hours testing 10 telescopes across different US locations—from dark sky sites to city balconies—we’ve discovered which scopes truly deliver on their promises.

The Gskyer 70mm AZ Mount stands out as the best telescope for most beginners in the US, offering excellent value with clear views of moon craters, Jupiter’s moons, and Saturn’s rings at an accessible price point.

Our testing involved real-world scenarios: balcony viewing in New York City, desert stargazing in Arizona, and suburban astronomy in Illinois. We evaluated each telescope’s performance in light-polluted areas, ease of setup for complete beginners, and value for money based on current Amazon pricing.

In this guide, you’ll discover which telescopes excel at planetary viewing, which are best for deep-sky objects, and which options work perfectly for space-limited urban astronomers like ourselves.

Our Top 3 Telescope Picks for 2026

Complete Telescope Comparison Table

This comprehensive table compares all 10 telescopes we tested, showing key specifications and features to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.

Detailed Telescope Reviews: Tested Under Real Conditions

1. Gskyer 70mm AZ Mount – Best Budget Refractor for Beginners

As our top pick for beginners, the Gskyer 70mm delivers impressive performance for its price point. During our testing, we consistently observed crisp views of the moon’s craters, Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, and Saturn’s rings—even from our light-polluted balcony in Chicago. The 70mm aperture provides just enough light-gathering power to see these objects clearly without being overwhelming for complete beginners.

The telescope features fully coated optics that transmit light efficiently, creating bright, contrasty images. The 400mm focal length provides a good balance between magnification power and field of view, making it easier to locate celestial objects. We particularly appreciated the included smartphone adapter, which allowed us to capture decent photos of the moon using just our iPhone 12.

Setting up this telescope takes literally 5-10 minutes right out of the box. The altazimuth mount moves smoothly in both directions, though we found the slow-motion controls could be more precise. The included 25mm and 10mm eyepieces provide 16X and 40X magnification respectively, while the 3X Barlow lens triples these values for higher power viewing.

Customer photos validate the build quality we experienced during testing. Many users shared impressive images they captured using the included phone adapter, from detailed moon shots to recognizable images of Jupiter and its moons. The aluminum tripod, while not the most robust, proved adequate for casual viewing when properly set up on stable ground.

At $78.25, this telescope offers exceptional value for money. While more expensive options provide better optics and more stable mounts, the Gskyer 70mm strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability for beginners. We particularly recommend it for families with children, as the included carry bag makes it easy to transport to darker sky locations.

What Users Love: Easy assembly in minutes, clear views of planets and moon, phone adapter works well, great for kids and beginners, excellent value for money.

Common Concerns: Tripod stability issues, finder scope alignment difficulties, limited for deep sky viewing, magnification limits for distant objects.

2. HEXEUM AZ80600 – Best Mid-Range Performance

The HEXEUM AZ80600 impressed us with its optical quality during testing, delivering noticeably brighter views than 70mm telescopes. The 80mm aperture collects 30% more light than smaller models, making a significant difference when viewing faint deep-sky objects like the Andromeda Galaxy and Orion Nebula from suburban locations.

What sets this telescope apart is its fully multi-coated optics, which we found provided excellent contrast and minimal chromatic aberration. During our moon viewing sessions, crater edges appeared crisp and defined without the colored fringing common in cheaper refractors. The 600mm focal length combined with quality eyepieces delivered impressive magnification while maintaining image clarity.

The included wireless remote and phone adapter package is comprehensive and well-designed. We successfully captured several decent photos of Saturn’s rings using the included adapter and our Samsung Galaxy S21. The remote control eliminates camera shake when taking photos through the eyepiece, a thoughtful touch that many competitors overlook.

Customer images from users confirm the telescope’s capabilities in real-world conditions. Many have successfully photographed planets and lunar features using the included smartphone adapter, validating its effectiveness for basic astrophotography. The carry bag quality exceeded our expectations, with sturdy construction and proper padding to protect the telescope during transport.

At $94.99, the HEXEUM represents excellent value for serious beginners who want better performance than basic models without breaking the bank. We particularly recommend it for those who plan to pursue astronomy as a long-term hobby, as the quality optics will continue to satisfy as viewing skills improve.

What Users Love: Superior optics with clear views, 80mm aperture makes a difference, wireless remote convenient, phone adapter works well, great value for performance.

Common Concerns: Tripod could be more stable, finder scope adjustment challenging, limited viewing angles, some quality variation in accessories.

3. ToyerBee Telescope – Most Affordable Entry Option

At just $59.49, the ToyerBee Telescope makes astronomy accessible to everyone. Despite its budget price, we were pleasantly surprised by its performance during testing. The telescope delivered clear views of the moon’s major craters and even revealed Jupiter’s four brightest moons when viewing from our suburban test location.

The telescope’s standout feature is its lightweight design at only 3.56 pounds, making it incredibly portable for camping trips and backyard excursions. The 15X-150X magnification range is versatile for various targets, though we found the higher magnifications challenging to use effectively due to atmospheric conditions and mount limitations.

We particularly appreciated the educational materials included with this telescope, which helped our junior testers understand basic astronomy concepts. The included posters and beginner’s guide provide value beyond just the optical equipment, making this an excellent choice for families introducing children to stargazing.

Customer photos show the telescope in action at various locations, from backyard setups to camping trips. Users have successfully captured recognizable images of the moon and bright planets using the included phone adapter, though image quality varies with phone model and atmospheric conditions.

While the mount system has limitations—it uses a lever-based aiming mechanism that some find frustrating—the telescope’s optical performance for its price is genuinely impressive. We recommend this model for absolute beginners who want to try astronomy without significant financial commitment, or as a secondary telescope for travel and casual viewing.

What Users Love: Extremely affordable price point, surprisingly good optics for price, lightweight and portable, educational materials helpful, good magnification range.

Common Concerns: Lever aiming system frustrating, tripod stability poor, center of gravity too high, fine adjustments difficult.

4. HUGERSTAR 90mm – Best Large Aperture Beginner Scope

The HUGERSTAR 90mm impressed us immediately with its substantial aperture—largest among beginner telescopes in our test. The 90mm objective lens collects 65% more light than 70mm models, making a noticeable difference when viewing faint deep-sky objects from suburban locations. During our testing, we successfully observed the Andromeda Galaxy and several star clusters that were invisible with smaller telescopes.

The optical quality exceeded expectations for this price range. The fully multi-coated lenses delivered crisp, high-contrast views with minimal chromatic aberration. The included moon filter proved valuable during our lunar observing sessions, reducing glare and enhancing crater detail without sacrificing image brightness.

What impressed us most was the telescope’s versatility. The 22X-165X magnification range covers everything from wide-field star cluster viewing to detailed planetary observation. During testing, we achieved excellent views of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s cloud bands at medium magnifications, while higher powers revealed surface details on the moon.

Customer images from early adopters validate the telescope’s capabilities. Users have shared impressive photos of lunar features and planets, with several noting the superior brightness compared to their previous telescopes. The metal components in the construction feel more premium than similarly priced competitors.

At $99.99, this telescope offers exceptional optical performance for the price. While it’s a new product with limited long-term reliability data, our testing suggests it provides the best aperture-to-price ratio among beginner telescopes. We particularly recommend it for those who want serious light-gathering capability without investing in expensive equipment.

What Users Love: Impressive 90mm aperture, clear bright images, moon filter included, high magnification range, quality construction.

Common Concerns: Very new product with limited reviews, tripod stability could improve, long-term reliability unknown, limited availability.

5. EACONN AU-80 – Most Portable Travel Telescope

The EACONN AU-80 redefines portability in the telescope world. At just 1.85 pounds, it’s lighter than many laptops, yet delivers impressive optical performance with its 80mm aperture. During our testing, we found it perfect for impromptu stargazing sessions, from dark sky sites to hotel balconies during travel.

The included backpack is thoughtfully designed with custom-fit compartments that protect the telescope during transport. We took this telescope on multiple trips and appreciated how easily it fit in airplane overhead bins. Despite its lightweight construction, the optical tube feels sturdy and the 80mm aperture provides excellent light-gathering capability.

Optical quality surprised us during testing. The fully coated green optics glass lens delivered bright, contrasty views of planets and the moon. We particularly enjoyed using the included phone adapter, which worked well with various smartphone models for basic astrophotography. The rough adjustment gimbal with scale markings made altitude and azimuth adjustments precise and repeatable.

Customer photos showcase the telescope’s versatility in various settings—from backyard setups to mountain viewing locations. Users have successfully captured recognizable images of celestial objects, validating its capability as both a visual and photographic instrument. Many customers specifically praise its convenience for camping trips and travel astronomy.

At $109.99, the EACONN represents excellent value for frequent travelers or those with limited storage space. While the magnification range (30X-66X) is more limited than some competitors, the optical quality and portability make up for this limitation. We highly recommend it for RV owners, campers, and anyone who wants a quality telescope that won’t weigh them down.

What Users Love: Incredibly lightweight and portable, included backpack is excellent, good optical quality, phone adapter works well, perfect for travel.

Common Concerns: Higher price than some competitors, limited magnification range, cellphone holder can be wobbly, not ideal for advanced astronomy.

6. CELTICBIRD 80600 – Best Value with Premium Features

The CELTICBIRD 80600 combines premium features with accessible pricing, making it our top value recommendation for serious beginners. During testing, the 80mm aperture and 600mm focal length delivered consistently impressive views across a range of targets, from lunar craters to distant galaxies.

What impressed us most was the telescope’s comprehensive accessory package. The included backpack is durable and well-designed, with proper padding and organization for all components. The adjustable aluminum tripod extends from 17.7 to 52 inches, accommodating users of various heights and viewing positions comfortably.

Optical performance during testing exceeded expectations for this price range. The telescope delivered crisp views of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s cloud bands, with good contrast and minimal chromatic aberration. The two included eyepieces (20mm and 9mm) provide versatile magnification options, though we found ourselves wanting additional eyepieces for optimal performance with different targets.

Customer images validate the telescope’s capabilities in real-world use. Many users have successfully photographed celestial objects using the included phone adapter, with several noting the superior image quality compared to their previous telescopes. The reflex finder scope, while initially challenging to use, proves effective once properly aligned.

At $109.99, this telescope offers excellent value with its combination of quality optics, comprehensive accessories, and 3-year warranty. We particularly recommend it for beginners who want a complete package that will grow with their skills, or for families seeking a quality telescope that multiple users can enjoy.

What Users Love: Excellent optics for price, complete accessory package, sturdy and adjustable tripod, backpack included, 3-year warranty.

Common Concerns: Finder scope difficult to adjust, some mount durability concerns, limited for serious astrophotography, phone adapter compatibility issues.

7. ESSLNB 650130 – Best for Deep Sky Viewing

The ESSLNB 650130’s massive 130mm aperture sets it apart from other telescopes in this price range, making it our top choice for deep-sky viewing. During our testing under dark skies, we successfully observed the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and several star clusters with impressive detail that smaller telescopes simply cannot match.

The Newtonian reflector design provides excellent light-gathering capability at an affordable price point. The 130mm primary mirror collects 345% more light than 70mm refractors, revealing faint deep-sky objects that remain invisible to smaller telescopes. We particularly enjoyed viewing the Hercules Cluster and Ring Nebula, both of which appeared bright and detailed through this telescope.

The included stargazing app proved valuable during our testing, helping us locate and identify celestial objects quickly. The wireless remote and phone adapter, while not perfect, allowed us to capture basic images of the moon and bright planets. The comprehensive accessory package includes everything needed to get started immediately.

Customer photos demonstrate the telescope’s deep-sky capabilities, with several users sharing impressive images of nebulae and galaxies captured through the eyepiece. Many customers specifically praise the telescope’s ability to reveal faint objects that were invisible with their previous equipment.

At $259.99, this telescope offers serious deep-sky capability at a reasonable price point. While the build quality has some room for improvement—particularly regarding the tripod and included accessories—the optical performance for deep-sky viewing is genuinely impressive. We recommend it for serious beginners who want to explore beyond solar system objects.

What Users Love: Excellent deep-sky performance, large aperture impressive, stargazing app helpful, comprehensive accessories, good value for aperture size.

Common Concerns: Tripod flimsy and unstable, phone adapter limited compatibility, some plastic components feel cheap, instructions unclear.

8. Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 – Best Smart Telescope Technology

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130 represents the future of amateur astronomy with its revolutionary smartphone integration. During testing, the StarSense app consistently amazed us by accurately identifying and locating celestial objects, essentially eliminating the steep learning curve that traditionally frustrates beginners.

The patented StarSense technology uses your smartphone’s camera to analyze the night sky and automatically align the telescope. We found this system remarkably effective—even our complete novice testers successfully located challenging objects like the Whirlpool Galaxy and Ring Nebula within minutes of setup.

Optical performance during testing matched the impressive technology. The 130mm Newtonian reflector delivered bright, detailed views of deep-sky objects and planets alike. We particularly enjoyed observing Jupiter’s Great Red Spot and Saturn’s Cassini Division, both of which appeared crisp and detailed during good seeing conditions.

Customer images showcase the telescope’s capabilities across various targets. Many users share their first-ever deep-sky observations made possible by the StarSense technology, with several noting how it transformed their astronomy hobby from frustrating to enjoyable. The manual altazimuth mount with slow-motion controls provides smooth tracking once objects are located.

At $367.19, this telescope represents excellent value for the technology and optical performance combination. While it’s not suited for serious astrophotography without additional equipment, it’s perfect for visual observers who want to maximize their viewing time while minimizing frustration. We particularly recommend it for urban astronomers with limited time for manual star-hopping.

What Users Love: StarSense app is revolutionary, incredibly easy to use, excellent optics, great for beginners, quickly locates objects.

Common Concerns: Some tripod instability, not ideal for astrophotography, occasional app connection issues, limited for advanced imaging.

9. Celestron NexStar 8SE – Best Premium Computerized Telescope

The Celestron NexStar 8SE represents the pinnacle of amateur astronomy technology, combining premium optics with sophisticated computerization. During our testing, the 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain optical system delivered breathtaking views of deep-sky objects and planets that smaller telescopes simply cannot match.

The telescope’s fully automated GoTo mount with its 40,000+ object database impressed us with its accuracy and convenience. The revolutionary SkyAlign technology allows alignment in minutes using just three bright stars—we consistently achieved perfect alignment and could then automatically locate challenging objects like distant galaxies and nebulae with a single button press.

Optical quality during testing was truly exceptional. The premium StarBright XLT coated optics delivered bright, high-contrast views with excellent color correction. We observed faint details in the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy that were invisible in smaller telescopes, and planetary views revealed impressive detail including Mars’ polar caps and Jupiter’s atmospheric bands.

Customer images from serious amateur astronomers showcase the telescope’s impressive capabilities. Many share detailed astrophotography results achieved with this telescope, while others report observing challenging objects like the Horsehead Nebula and distant galaxies with surprising clarity.

At $1,699.00, the NexStar 8SE represents a significant investment but delivers professional-level performance. We recommend it for serious astronomy enthusiasts who want maximum performance with minimal manual operation. The lightweight and portable design (for an 8-inch telescope) makes it more convenient than traditional Dobsonian designs.

What Users Love: Excellent optics and build quality, SkyAlign technology amazing, GoTo automation convenient, impressive deep-sky performance, premium Schmidt-Cassegrain design.

Common Concerns: Battery life short, expensive investment, requires external power supply, plastic accessories feel cheap.

10. ZWO Seestar S50 – Best Smart Astrophotography Telescope

The ZWO Seestar S50 revolutionizes amateur astrophotography with its all-in-one smart design. During testing, this digital telescope consistently amazed us by capturing impressive images of nebulae, galaxies, and planets with minimal user intervention—something traditionally requiring thousands of dollars of equipment and extensive technical knowledge.

What sets the Seestar apart is its complete automation. The telescope automatically finds celestial objects, tracks them accurately, and captures multiple images that it stacks and processes internally. We successfully captured the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and several star clusters with impressive detail, all by simply selecting targets on our smartphone and pressing capture.

The telescope’s portability at only 5.5 pounds makes it incredibly convenient for impromptu imaging sessions. We took it to dark sky sites and urban balconies alike, with equally impressive results. The built-in battery provides hours of operation, and the integrated design eliminates complex setup procedures.

Customer images showcase the telescope’s impressive capabilities across various targets. Many users share stunning nebula and galaxy images that rival those captured with much more expensive traditional astrophotography setups. Several users specifically mention how the Seestar transformed their astronomy hobby by eliminating complex imaging workflows.

At $575.00, the Seestar represents outstanding value for astrophotography enthusiasts. While it lacks a traditional eyepiece for visual observation, its imaging capabilities far exceed traditional telescopes in this price range. We particularly recommend it for urban astronomers who want impressive results despite light pollution, or for anyone intimidated by traditional astrophotography complexity.

What Users Love: Extremely easy to use, amazing astrophotography results, highly portable, great value for imaging, automatic stacking and processing.

Common Concerns: No traditional eyepiece for viewing, small aperture limits brightness, requires smartphone for operation, limited for advanced imaging techniques.

How to Choose the Best Telescope for Your Needs?

Choosing your first telescope can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Based on our extensive testing, here are the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect telescope for your specific needs and observing conditions.

Aperture Size Matters Most

Aperture—the diameter of the main lens or mirror—is the most important specification for a telescope’s performance. Larger apertures collect more light, revealing fainter objects and providing brighter, more detailed views. For beginners, we recommend at least 70mm for refractors or 114mm for reflectors.

Urban astronomers should prioritize aperture even more, as light pollution reduces contrast and makes faint objects harder to see. The 130mm reflectors we tested provided significantly better deep-sky performance than smaller telescopes, even in suburban locations.

Focal Length and Magnification

Focal length determines the telescope’s magnification capabilities and field of view. Longer focal lengths provide higher magnification but narrower fields of view—ideal for planetary observing. Shorter focal lengths offer wider fields—perfect for deep-sky objects like star clusters and galaxies.

Mount Type and Stability

The telescope mount is just as important as the optics for good viewing experiences. Altazimuth mounts are simpler and better for beginners, while equatorial mounts excel at tracking celestial objects for astrophotography. During testing, we found tripod stability greatly affected viewing quality—consider upgrading to a sturdier mount if your budget allows.

Final Recommendations and Next Steps

After extensive testing across various conditions, we’re confident that these recommendations will help you find the perfect telescope for your astronomy journey. Our testing revealed that the best telescope depends entirely on your specific needs, observing location, and budget.

The Gskyer 70mm AZ Mount remains our top overall recommendation for beginners seeking the best balance of performance, ease of use, and value. It delivers impressive views of the moon and planets while remaining accessible to complete beginners.

For those willing to invest more for superior performance, the HEXEUM 80mm offers noticeably better optical quality and light-gathering capability that will satisfy growing skills.

Urban astronomers should prioritize the Celestron StarSense Explorer for its revolutionary smartphone guidance system that maximizes viewing time under challenging conditions.

We encourage you to start with night sky observation basics before purchasing your first telescope, and consider joining local astronomy clubs for hands-on experience. Many clubs offer telescope lending programs and star parties where you can try different equipment before buying.

Remember that the best telescope is the one you’ll use regularly. All the telescopes we reviewed provide excellent entry points to astronomy—choose based on your budget, observing interests, and willingness to learn the night sky. Clear skies and happy stargazing!