7 Best Telescopes Under $100 (November 2026)
The best telescopes under 100 dollars include the Gskyer Telescope (best overall starter scope), the CELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered for a larger aperture, and the Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages for young Moon watchers.
On this page (4 sections)
The best telescope under 100 dollars for most beginners is the Gskyer Telescope, with a 70mm aperture, 400mm focal length, adjustable tripod and phone adapter. It suits first time buyers who want a complete starter kit.
Choose CELTICBIRD for its larger 80mm aperture, or Blue Marble if the telescope is mainly for a child learning the Moon.
The right choice depends on what you want to observe. Lunar viewing rewards a steady mount and easy focusing, while a wider mix of targets rewards light gathering.
For value across a wider range of budgets, compare telescopes for the money.
Aperture affects how much light the scope gathers, while focal length and eyepieces affect the viewing range. A larger aperture generally gives a brighter view of the Moon and bright planets.
In daily use, a 70mm refractor is a sensible middle ground. It shows lunar detail and bright planetary features, yet stays compact for a backyard, a campsite or a trip to a darker site.
If you want to compare this entry-level group with larger instruments, start with our guide to the best budget-friendly telescope. For a higher budget, see the best telescope under 500 and the best telescopes under 1000 dollars.
Check tripod height, mount type, included eyepieces and whether a carry bag or backpack is included. Those parts shape how often you will use the scope.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for a larger apertureCELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for young Moon watchersBlue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for a complete travel kitCheck it - 5
Check itCelestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Grab-and-Go Beginner Refractor Telescope
Best for simple grab-and-go use - 6
Best for Moon viewing with a filterCheck it - 7
Best for a low-power first lookCheck it
Which telescope under 100 dollars is best for beginners?
The Gskyer is the best telescope under 100 dollars for most first-time users because its 70mm aperture, 400mm focal length and portable accessories cover common beginner needs. It gives you enough light gathering for the Moon and bright planets without the bulk of a much longer tube.
The other picks make more sense when a specific use matters more than overall balance. A larger aperture, a Moon filter, a child focused design or a lighter grab and go tube can each be the smarter buy for the right household.
Think about where you will observe most often before you decide. A compact carry bag helps if you travel to dark skies, while a taller tripod helps if adults and children will share the same eyepiece.
Think also about patience and learning time. Manual focus, a finder scope and a simple altazimuth mount are all part of the beginner routine, and they become easier with practice under the sky.
Gskyer Telescope: Best overall starter scope
- 70mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- Adjustable aluminum tripod
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
- Carry bag
The Gskyer combines a useful 70mm aperture with a compact 400mm refractor tube, adjustable tripod, phone adapter and carry bag.
Pros
- 70mm aperture
- 3x Barlow lens
- Portable carry bag
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
Cons
- Manual focus
- Altazimuth mount needs hand aiming
The Gskyer Telescope is the strongest all-around starter choice in this group. Its 70mm aperture gathers more light than the 50mm Celestron, while the 400mm focal length keeps the tube relatively compact for travel and backyard use.
That size balance suits a beginner who wants to learn the Moon first and then try bright planets. The shorter tube moves easily between patio, garden and car, and fits into the included carry bag.
Two replaceable eyepieces provide 16x and 40x magnification, and the included 3x Barlow lens triples the magnifying power of each eyepiece. The 5x24 finder scope helps you locate targets before switching to a higher-power view.
In practice, use the lower power eyepiece for finding and centering, and save higher power until the image is steady. Using the Barlow too early can make aiming feel fiddly.
The adjustable aluminum alloy tripod offers different viewing positions, and the carry bag fits the telescope and tripod. The phone adapter and wireless remote support smartphone viewing and basic celestial images.
Manual focus means you turn the focus control yourself. Start at lower power, center the Moon or another bright target, then move to more magnification once the image is steady.
For care, keep the lens cap on in storage and let the optics adjust to outdoor temperature before observing. Avoid touching coated glass and keep the tube dry, since moisture and fingerprints can spoil the view.
CELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered: Best for a larger aperture
- 80mm aperture
- 600mm focal length
- 30x and 66x eyepieces
- Moon filter
- Backpack
The CELTICBIRD offers the largest aperture here, along with a 600mm focal length, backpack, adjustable tripod and Moon filter.
Pros
- Largest aperture here
- Moon filter
- Adjustable tripod
- Backpack
Cons
- Longer optical tube
- Manual focus
The CELTICBIRD is the best choice here when a larger aperture matters most. Its 80mm aperture gathers more light than the 70mm models, and the 600mm focal length gives it a longer optical design for Moon and planet viewing.
That extra light gathering is the main reason to pick it over a 70mm rival. On a clear night it should give a brighter lunar view and a more rewarding look at bright planets.
The two eyepieces provide 30x and 66x magnification. A 5x24 finder scope helps with aiming, while the included Moon filter transmits 13 percent of incoming light to improve contrast during lunar viewing.
The filter is a thoughtful inclusion because the full Moon can be painfully bright through a refractor. Reducing that glare makes craters and surface contrast easier to study without squinting.
Its adjustable aluminum tripod ranges from 17.7 to 52 inches, so it can suit both adults and children. The backpack holds the telescope and accessories for travel and storage.
The trade-off is a longer optical tube and a less compact setup than the shorter 400mm models. Choose it when light gathering and a taller tripod matter more than smallest travel size.
Set up on firm ground and tighten the legs before you attach the eyepiece, since a taller tripod can wobble if it is not locked down. Keep the optics clean and capped, and let the tube acclimatize when you bring it from a warm room into cold night air.
Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages: Best for young Moon watchers
- Ages 8 and up
- Low- and high-power eyepieces
- Tabletop tripod
- Finder scope
- Learning guide
The Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope focuses on simple Moon viewing for children ages 8 and up, with a tabletop tripod and learning guide.
Pros
- Child-focused design
- Tabletop tripod
- Two eyepieces
- Learning guide
Cons
- Smaller objective lens
- Best suited to lunar viewing
The Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope is the best pick for a young Moon watcher. It is intended for ages 8 and up and centers on finding lunar features with a simple tabletop setup.
That focused design helps families start with one clear routine. A child can learn with a parent rather than facing a full size tripod and many accessories on the first night.
The telescope includes a finder scope, low-power eyepiece, high-power eyepiece, tabletop tripod, lens dust cap and learning guide. Steady the scope, locate the Moon, focus manually and then try the higher-power eyepiece.
The learning guide adds context to what you see. Names for craters and dark plains turn a bright disk into a place to explore, which helps keep younger observers engaged.
Its 90x magnification and 25 objective lens are aimed at lunar observing rather than broad all-purpose use. Choose one of the 70mm or 80mm refractors if you want more light gathering or a wider range of targets.
A tabletop tripod suits a sturdy patio or garden table, but check that the surface is level and does not shake. Store the eyepieces and dust cap together, keep the lens covered, and never point the telescope toward the Sun.
Koolpte Telescope for Kids: Best for a complete travel kit
- 70mm aperture
- 500mm focal length
- Two eyepieces
- 3x Barlow lens
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
The Koolpte gives beginners a 70mm aperture, 500mm focal length, phone adapter, wireless remote and adjustable aluminum tripod.
Pros
- 70mm aperture
- 500mm focal length
- 3x Barlow lens
- Phone adapter
Cons
- Manual focus
- Narrower stated field of view
The Koolpte Telescope for Kids is a good fit when you want a travel-ready kit. Its 500mm focal length and 70mm aperture give it more focal length than the Gskyer.
The longer focal length gives a slightly more magnified starting point for lunar and planetary viewing. That suits a beginner who wants to spend more time on detailed surface features.
A 5x24 finder scope helps locate targets, while the adjustable aluminum tripod supports different viewing positions. The phone adapter and wireless remote make it easier to position a smartphone over the eyepiece for basic images.
The kit includes a telescope tube, tripod, two eyepieces, phone adapter and wireless remote. Its altazimuth mount allows simple horizontal and vertical aiming.
Manual focus remains part of the learning process. Begin at lower magnification and use the finder scope before trying the 3x Barlow lens, since higher magnification makes movement and focus more noticeable.
For setup, extend the tripod legs evenly and lock them before you lift the tube into place. Keep eyepieces in a case or pouch and let condensation dry naturally before packing the kit away.
Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ Grab-and-Go Beginner Refractor Telescope: Best for simple grab-and-go use
- 50mm refractor
- 600mm focal length
- Manual yoke mount
- Four eyepieces
- 3x Barlow lens
The Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ is a compact 50mm refractor with a 600mm focal length, manual yoke mount and several eyepieces.
Pros
- Light 3.6 lb design
- Four eyepieces
- 3x Barlow lens
- Slow-motion altitude rod
Cons
- Smallest aperture among the main refractors
- Manual aiming
The Celestron PowerSeeker 50AZ is the best grab-and-go option for buyers who value a lighter beginner scope. Its 50mm refractor and 3.6 lb weight make it easier to carry than several larger-aperture options here.
That light weight is a real advantage for short sessions. You can carry the scope to a backyard, a balcony or a nearby field without planning the trip around a heavy case.
The 600mm focal length gives the scope a longer optical design, while the manual yoke mount includes a slow-motion altitude rod for smoother up-and-down pointing. The package includes 20mm, 12mm, 4mm and 1.5x image erecting eyepieces, plus a 3x Barlow lens.
The range of eyepieces lets you experiment with different views of the same target. The erect image eyepiece also helps for daytime landscape viewing, which can make the scope useful beyond astronomy.
A finder scope, mount, optical tube and star diagonal are also included. The scope is compact enough for backyard use, camping trips and other short observing sessions.
The 50mm aperture gathers less light than the 70mm and 80mm models. Choose it for portability and a broad accessory set, not for the brightest possible view.
To get the best from it, spend time aligning the finder scope in daylight first by aiming at a distant object. Then start each night session at low power, focus slowly and only move to the smaller eyepieces when the target stays centered.
Aomekie Telescope for Adults: Best for Moon viewing with a filter
- 70mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- Moon filter
- Phone adapter
- 15 to 51 in adjustable tripod
The Aomekie pairs a 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length with a Moon filter, phone adapter and adjustable tripod.
Pros
- 70mm aperture
- Moon filter
- Phone adapter
- Wide tripod height range
Cons
- Manual focus
- No carry bag stated in the product name
The Aomekie Telescope for Adults is the best match for Moon viewing with a dedicated filter. Its 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length give it the same basic size balance as several popular beginner refractors.
That balance makes it a sensible first scope for an adult newcomer. The tube is long enough for useful lunar detail, yet short enough to carry to a dark site or set up quickly after work.
The K25mm eyepiece provides 16x magnification for finding a target, while the K6mm reaches about 67x for a closer view. The 5x24 finder scope helps with aiming, and the Moon filter reduces brightness during lunar observation.
Starting wide and then moving closer is the habit to build here. Find the Moon at low power, focus carefully, and only then swap eyepieces for a closer look at craters and maria.
A phone adapter supports smartphone positioning over the eyepiece. The 45-degree erect-image diagonal also supports upright daytime landscape viewing, giving the scope a second use beyond astronomy.
The aluminum tripod adjusts from 15 to 51 inches. Set it on firm, level ground, secure the adjustments and begin with the lower-power eyepiece before moving closer.
For care, keep the Moon filter and diagonal clean and stored in a pouch, and avoid handling the lens surfaces with bare fingers. Let the telescope reach outdoor temperature before observing, and never point it at the Sun.
EACONN Telescopes: Best for a low-power first look
- 70mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- 20x to 32x magnification
- 12 to 38 in adjustable tripod
- Custom phone adapter
The EACONN uses a 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length with 20x to 32x magnification, a full-size tripod and custom phone adapter.
Pros
- 70mm aperture
- Simple 20x to 32x range
- Full-size tripod
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Lower maximum stated magnification
- Manual focus
The EACONN is the best low-power starting scope for buyers who want a straightforward 20x to 32x range. Its 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length suit beginner views of the Moon and daytime landscapes.
That modest range is useful for a first session. A lower power view is easier to find, focus and keep centered while you learn how the mount moves.
The 20mm and 12.5mm eyepieces provide the stated magnification range. A 5x24 finder scope with crosshairs helps you locate a target, while the custom phone adapter lets you position a smartphone camera over the eyepiece.
The crosshair finder is especially helpful for children and first time users. It gives a simple visual guide for placing the target in the center before you look through the main eyepiece.
Its adjustable aluminum alloy tripod ranges from 12 to 38 inches. The full-size tripod gives more height than a tabletop design, while the shorter maximum height may suit children better than taller adult-focused tripods.
Choose another model if you specifically want a Barlow lens or higher stated magnification. For setup, stand the tripod on level ground and lock each leg before mounting the tube, and keep optics capped when not observing.
How do you choose the best telescope under 100 dollars?
The best telescope under 100 dollars should match your target, available space and comfort with manual setup. Compare aperture first, then check the mount, focal length, included eyepieces and portability.
Is aperture or magnification more important?
Aperture matters first because it controls how much light the telescope gathers. The CELTICBIRD has an 80mm aperture, the Gskyer, Koolpte, Aomekie and EACONN models have 70mm apertures, and the Celestron has a 50mm aperture.
That difference shapes what you can see. A larger objective lens collects more light, so the Moon looks brighter and bright planets show more detail, while a smaller lens keeps the kit lighter.
Magnification only enlarges the view. A higher-power eyepiece cannot replace a larger objective lens, and high magnification can make aiming and focusing harder.
Think of magnification as a choice you make after finding the target. Low power helps you locate and center an object, while high power is best saved for steady, clear nights.
Focal length works with the eyepiece to set that choice. Check stated magnification before you buy, since the same eyepiece gives a closer view in a longer tube.
Mount type matters just as much for a beginner. An altazimuth mount lets you move the tube up, down, left and right naturally, while a yoke mount with a slow-motion rod can make small adjustments smoother.
Portability should also enter the decision. A scope that fits in a carry bag or backpack is more likely to be used often.
Finally, look at what is in the box. A finder scope, two eyepieces and a Moon filter can be more useful than a long list of rarely used extras.
What mount should a beginner telescope use?
An altazimuth mount is usually the simplest beginner choice because you aim it horizontally and vertically. The Gskyer, CELTICBIRD, Koolpte, Aomekie and EACONN models use altazimuth mounts.
The Celestron uses a manual yoke mount with a slow-motion altitude rod. The Blue Marble uses an equatorial mount and a tabletop tripod, with the design focused on child-friendly lunar viewing.
Should you buy a telescope with a phone adapter?
A phone adapter can help you position a smartphone over the eyepiece, but it does not turn a beginner telescope into a dedicated astronomy camera. Alignment, focus and movement still affect the image.
The Gskyer, CELTICBIRD, Koolpte, Aomekie and EACONN include phone adapters or smartphone support. If phone images are not important, give more weight to aperture, mount stability and easy aiming.
What should you observe first?
The Moon is the best first target because it is bright and easy to locate. Begin with the lower-power eyepiece, focus manually, center the target and then move to a higher-power eyepiece if the view remains steady.
Never aim any telescope at the Sun. Direct sunlight through the optics can cause serious eye injury.
How do you set up a budget telescope?
Set the tripod on firm, level ground and tighten the mount adjustments before attaching your eyepiece. Let the telescope adjust to outdoor conditions before observing, especially when moving it between areas with different temperatures.
Temperature changes can affect focus and image quality in the first minutes outside. Giving the tube time to settle helps you avoid chasing a blurry view.
Use the finder scope at low power to locate the target. Once the object is centered, turn the focus control slowly and make small adjustments rather than relying on magnification alone.
Align the finder scope first in daylight if you can. Aim the main tube at a distant, fixed object, then adjust the finder until both views show the same point.
Keep the lens cap on when the telescope is stored. Avoid touching optical surfaces, protect the tube from moisture and allow condensation to clear before packing it away.
Store eyepieces in a pouch or small case, with dust caps fitted where possible. Fingerprints and dust on a small eyepiece lens can make a good telescope look worse than it really is.
If you observe from indoors through a closed window, expect the view to wobble. It is better to step outside with the telescope, even for a short session.
When you finish, lock the tripod legs, remove the eyepiece and replace the cap before carrying the tube inside. A careful pack-up routine keeps optics clean and makes the next setup faster.
Which budget telescope should you buy?
Choose the Gskyer if you want the strongest overall balance of aperture, portability, accessories and beginner-friendly use. Pick CELTICBIRD if its 80mm aperture and taller adjustable tripod fit your needs.
The Gskyer suits a buyer who wants one scope for backyard Moon viewing, campsite trips and basic phone images. The CELTICBIRD suits a buyer who will observe from a fixed spot and values extra light gathering over the smallest pack size.
For children, the Blue Marble offers the clearest lunar-learning setup. Choose Koolpte for a 500mm travel scope, Celestron for a light grab-and-go design, Aomekie for a Moon filter, or EACONN for a simple low-power range.
If your budget can stretch further, compare these entry-level picks with the best telescope under 5000 before deciding. A stable mount, useful aperture and easy first target matter more than a long list of accessories.
A good first target matters more than an impressive magnification number. The Moon is bright, large and easy to find, so it teaches focusing, aiming and patience in a single session.
Also consider who will carry and store the telescope. A carry bag, a backpack or a light tube can decide whether the scope lives in a cupboard or comes out every clear night.
In the end, the best budget telescope is the one you will set up often and learn with comfortably. Start at low power, keep optics clean, never point the scope at the Sun, and enjoy finding things in the night sky.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for a larger aperture
CELTICBIRD Telescope for Adults High Powered
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for young Moon watchers
Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope for Kids Ages
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best telescope under 100 dollars?
The Gskyer Telescope is the best telescope under 100 dollars for most beginners because it combines a 70mm aperture, 400mm focal length, adjustable aluminum tripod, carry bag, phone adapter and wireless remote.
Choose CELTICBIRD instead if you prefer its larger 80mm aperture and 600mm focal length.
Can a telescope under 100 dollars show planets?
Yes, a telescope under 100 dollars can show the Moon and give you views of bright planets when conditions and setup are suitable. The Gskyer, CELTICBIRD, Koolpte, Celestron, Aomekie and EACONN models are refractors intended for beginner observing.
Small scopes won't show the same detail as larger models.
What aperture should a beginner telescope have?
A beginner telescope with a 70mm or 80mm aperture gives you a useful starting point for Moon viewing and bright targets. The 50mm Celestron is lighter and simpler, while the 80mm CELTICBIRD gathers more light than the other main refractors here.
A larger aperture also means more size to manage.
Are cheap telescopes good for kids?
Yes, inexpensive telescopes can work well for kids when the mount is simple and the first targets are easy to find. The Blue Marble NASA Lunar Telescope is designed for ages 8 and up and includes a tabletop tripod, two eyepieces and a learning guide.
Adult help can make setup and focusing easier.
