8 Best Telescopes Under $300 (November 2026)
The best telescopes under 300 dollars include the Celestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope for travel and daytime views, the Gskyer Telescope for phone-assisted snapshots, and the Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon for straightforward backyard viewing.
On this page (5 sections)
The best telescope under 300 dollars for most beginners is the Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ, thanks to its smartphone-guided target finding and 114mm reflector. For a lighter setup, compare the portable refractors; for a larger refractor aperture, consider the 90mm MEEZAA.
The best choice depends on what you want to see and how much setup you want to manage. A manual refractor can be easy to carry and use for daytime scenery, while the StarSense reflector adds app guidance for finding objects in the night sky.
If you are still comparing budgets, start with our best budget friendly telescope guide. You can also compare the best telescope under 200 dollars and the best telescope under 100 dollars to see what changes at lower budgets.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for travel and daytime viewsCelestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for straightforward backyard viewingCelestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for a larger refractor apertureCheck it - 5
Check itCelestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone
Best for guided sky tours - 6
Check itKoolpte Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers
Best for an 80mm travel refractor - 7
Check itToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids
Best for a lightweight family starter - 8
Best for a broad accessory setCheck it
How we chose the best telescope under 300 dollars
The best telescopes under 300 dollars balance aperture, useful accessories, portability and ease of aiming. We compared the listed optical designs, included eyepieces, mounts and target-finding tools against the needs of an adult beginner.
Aperture gives a useful first comparison, but it does not tell the whole story. A larger telescope may collect more light, while its length, mount and setup can make it less convenient to take outside.
This group includes refractors and one Newtonian reflector. Refractors are commonly chosen for simple day and night viewing, while the reflector here adds a larger aperture and a smartphone guidance system.
We gave extra weight to features that reduce beginner friction: included finderscopes, simple manual mounts, portable bags and phone guidance. A phone adapter for taking pictures is different from an app that helps locate objects, so we treat those as separate features.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you’re shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Optical type | Aperture | Mount | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope | travel and daytime views | Refractor | 70mm | Altazimuth | 9.7 |
| Gskyer Telescope | phone-assisted snapshots | Refractor | 70mm | 9.7 | |
| Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon | straightforward backyard viewing | Refractor | 70mm | Altazimuth | 9.7 |
| MEEZAA Telescope | a larger refractor aperture | Refractor | 90mm | 9.6 | |
| Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone | guided sky tours | Newtonian reflector | 114mm | Altazimuth | 9.5 |
| Koolpte Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers | an 80mm travel refractor | Refractor | 80mm | 9.3 | |
| ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids | a lightweight family starter | Refractor | 70mm | 9.1 | |
| UncleHu 80mm Aperture | a broad accessory set | Refractor | 80mm | 7.9 |
Which telescope under 300 dollars is best for your observing style?
The right telescope under 300 dollars depends on whether you value easy transport, daytime use, larger aperture or guided target finding. Start with the feature that matters most for your regular observing spot.
Celestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope: Best for travel and daytime views
- 70mm refractor
- 20mm and 10mm eyepieces
- Backpack included
- No-tool setup
This compact refractor includes a backpack, full-height tripod, two eyepieces and a finderscope. It is designed for lunar and daytime viewing.
Pros
- Backpack for the telescope and accessories
- No-tool setup
- Day and night use
Cons
- Smaller aperture than the 80mm and 90mm refractors here
- No smartphone sky-guidance system
The Celestron Travel Scope 70 is the most travel-focused pick in this group. Its 70mm refractor comes with a backpack, a full-height tripod, a 20mm eyepiece and a 10mm eyepiece.
That combination makes it a practical choice if you expect to move the telescope between a backyard, campsite or storage shelf. Celestron describes it for observing the Moon, planets and daytime scenery, so it can serve more than one role.
The included finderscope helps you aim, while the 45-degree erect-image diagonal gives a comfortable viewing angle. Its no-tool setup is useful when you want to get outside quickly.
The tradeoff is aperture. At 70mm, it has a smaller objective than the 80mm and 90mm refractors here and the 114mm reflector.
Choose it for portability and daytime use, especially if you want the telescope and accessories packed together. If you want app guidance to find objects, the StarSense Explorer is a better fit.
Gskyer Telescope: Best for phone-assisted snapshots
- 70mm refractor
- Two eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
- Carry bag
The Gskyer combines a compact 70mm refractor with a phone adapter, wireless camera remote and carry bag. Its included eyepieces and Barlow lens give beginners a few viewing options.
Pros
- Phone adapter and wireless remote included
- Carry bag for travel
- Two eyepieces and a Barlow lens
Cons
- 70mm aperture is smaller than several picks here
- No app-guided target system
The Gskyer pairs a 70mm refractor with a carry bag, phone adapter and wireless camera remote. It offers a straightforward way to try phone snapshots without adding those accessories separately.
Two replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens give you multiple combinations for viewing. The included 5x24 finderscope has crosshair lines to help locate targets.
This is a portable option for someone who wants a refractor for lunar, planetary and terrestrial viewing. Its adjustable aluminum tripod supports different viewing positions, and the telescope and tripod fit in the carry bag.
A phone adapter helps hold a phone at the eyepiece, but it does not provide the same target-finding help as a guided astronomy app. Choose the Celestron StarSense model if locating objects is your main concern.
Choose the Gskyer for a travel kit with phone-photo accessories. Its 70mm aperture is modest beside the larger scopes here, so keep expectations focused on bright, easy targets.
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon: Best for straightforward backyard viewing
- 70mm achromatic refractor
- 20mm and 10mm eyepieces
- Manual altazimuth mount
- StarPointer finderscope
This 70mm refractor has a manual altazimuth mount, two eyepieces and a red-dot finderscope. It is built for night-sky and terrestrial viewing.
Pros
- Simple manual mount with panhandle
- Two eyepieces included
- Day and night use
Cons
- Heavier than the travel refractors here
- No smartphone target guidance
The AstroMaster 70AZ is a manual refractor for beginners who want a simple mount and a finderscope. Its 70mm achromatic optics are paired with a panhandle altazimuth mount that moves up, down and side to side.
Celestron includes 20mm and 10mm eyepieces, an erect-image diagonal and a StarPointer red-dot finderscope. Those basics give you a way to aim and view without relying on a phone app.
The stated uses include the Moon, planets, bright star clusters and daytime landmarks. That range can suit an adult who wants one telescope for backyard observing and occasional terrestrial viewing.
The AstroMaster is heavier than the compact Travel Scope 70 and Gskyer, so it is less convenient if you often pack up and travel. It is a better match for a regular backyard setup.
Choose it for direct manual control and familiar refractor use. If you want a larger aperture, compare the MEEZAA refractor or StarSense reflector.
MEEZAA Telescope: Best for a larger refractor aperture
- 90mm refractor
- 800mm focal length
- 10mm and 25mm eyepieces
- 3x Barlow lens
The MEEZAA pairs a 90mm aperture with an 800mm focal length. It includes two eyepieces, a Barlow lens, phone adapter and carry bag.
Pros
- Largest refractor aperture in this group
- Phone adapter and carry bag included
- Two eyepieces and a Barlow lens
Cons
- Longer tube than the compact travel refractors
- No smartphone sky-guidance system
The MEEZAA stands out among the refractors with its 90mm aperture and 800mm focal length. It includes 10mm and 25mm eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a phone adapter and a carry bag.
The larger aperture is a reason to consider it if you want a refractor and plan to view from a mostly fixed spot. Its adjustable stainless steel tripod can be set from 28 to 46 inches, and the included accessories store in the bag.
The phone adapter supports taking photos and video through the telescope. It does not identify sky objects or point the telescope for you, so you will still need to learn the sky or use a separate sky map.
The longer focal length and larger aperture also mean this is less compact than the 70mm travel scopes. Before choosing, consider where you will store it and how often you will carry it.
Choose the MEEZAA for a larger refractor aperture and a broad starter accessory set. If you want your phone to guide you to targets, the StarSense Explorer has a different advantage.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ Newtonian Smartphone: Best for guided sky tours
- 114mm Newtonian reflector
- StarSense smartphone app
- 25mm and 10mm eyepieces
- Manual altazimuth mount
The StarSense app uses sky recognition to guide you toward selected targets. Its 114mm reflector is suited to lunar, planetary and some deep-sky observing.
Pros
- App-guided target finding
- Largest aperture among these picks
- Slow-motion altitude adjustment
Cons
- Requires a compatible smartphone for app guidance
- Reflector design is less suited to upright daytime views
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is the strongest choice for beginners who want help finding objects. Dock your compatible phone, open the StarSense Explorer app and follow its on-screen arrows toward a selected target.
Its 114mm Newtonian reflector has the largest aperture in this group. Celestron describes it for lunar and planetary viewing as well as brighter deep-sky targets such as the Orion Nebula and Andromeda Galaxy.
The manual altazimuth mount includes a slow-motion altitude adjustment. That helps you make small movements while following an object, and the app signals when the telescope is aimed at the target.
This is a night-sky-focused reflector rather than a travel refractor for upright daytime views. It also depends on a compatible smartphone for the guidance feature, so check phone compatibility before choosing it.
Choose it if you want app-assisted target finding and more aperture for night-sky viewing. For a simple refractor without app setup, the AstroMaster or Travel Scope is easier to match to daytime use.
Koolpte Telescope for Adults & Beginner Astronomers: Best for an 80mm travel refractor
- 80mm refractor
- 600mm focal length
- Two eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
The Koolpte provides an 80mm refractor with two eyepieces, a Barlow lens, phone adapter and wireless remote. Its adjustable aluminum tripod and carry bag support portable use.
Pros
- 80mm aperture
- Phone adapter, wireless remote and bag included
- No-tool setup
Cons
- No guided target-finding app
- Brand support terms should be checked before purchase
The Koolpte offers an 80mm refractor with a 600mm focal length, two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens. It also includes a phone adapter, wireless remote, adjustable aluminum tripod and carrying bag.
That kit is aimed at beginners who want a middle-size refractor with accessories for travel and phone snapshots. The no-tool setup may appeal if you want to assemble it without dealing with complicated parts.
Its phone accessories help capture images through the eyepiece, but they do not guide you toward stars or planets. You will need to find targets with the included finder and your own sky map.
The 80mm aperture is larger than the 70mm refractors in this roundup, though smaller than the MEEZAA's 90mm and the StarSense reflector's 114mm. Choose based on how much portability and included gear matter to you.
Choose the Koolpte for an 80mm refractor kit with a carry bag and phone accessories. If you want to skip manual target finding, step up to the StarSense Explorer.
ToyerBee Telescope for Adults & Kids: Best for a lightweight family starter
- 70mm refractor
- 20mm and 6mm eyepieces
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
- Star chart included
This lightweight 70mm refractor includes a star chart, phone adapter, wireless remote and tripod. It is designed for day and night use by beginners and families.
Pros
- Star chart included
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
- No-tool setup
Cons
- Short 300mm focal length
- No smartphone sky-guidance app
The ToyerBee is a lightweight 70mm refractor intended for beginners and family use. It includes a star chart, phone adapter, wireless camera remote and tripod, with no-tool setup.
Its 300mm focal length makes it a short, compact option in this group. The 20mm and 6mm eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens offer different viewing combinations, while the 5x24 finderscope helps with aiming.
This telescope is described for daytime scenery and bright night targets such as the Moon. The supplied phone adapter and remote can help with taking pictures, but there is no guided sky-finding app.
A star chart can help a new observer learn basic constellations and plan where to point. For a larger aperture or app guidance, consider one of the higher-ranked options.
Choose the ToyerBee for a lightweight family starter with a chart and phone accessories. Its short focal length and 70mm aperture make it a more basic choice than the larger telescopes here.
UncleHu 80mm Aperture: Best for a broad accessory set
- 80mm refractor
- 600mm focal length
- Three eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens
- Carry bag and phone adapter
The UncleHu includes three eyepieces, a Barlow lens, a phone adapter, a finder scope and a carry bag. Its adjustable tripod supports both daytime and nighttime observing.
Pros
- Three eyepieces included
- Carry bag and accessory tray
- 80mm aperture
Cons
- No app-guided target finding
- Brand support terms should be checked before purchase
The UncleHu is an 80mm refractor with a 600mm focal length and a broad accessory set. It includes 23mm, 10mm and 4mm eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a finder scope, a phone adapter and a carry bag.
The adjustable aluminum tripod ranges from 22 to 49 inches, and an accessory tray keeps small items close at hand. The 45-degree diagonal provides an upright image for daytime observing as well as nighttime use.
Three eyepieces offer more choices than most of the refractors in this group. As with any high-magnification setup, the useful view depends on conditions and steady aiming, so start with a lower-power eyepiece when learning.
This pick has no app-guided target finding. The included finder scope helps aim, but you will need to identify targets yourself.
Choose it for the 80mm aperture and accessory variety. If you prefer app guidance, spend your attention on the StarSense Explorer instead.
What should adults compare in a telescope under 300 dollars?
Adults should compare aperture, optical type, mount, portability and target-finding tools before choosing a telescope under 300 dollars. The right balance depends on whether you will observe from home, travel with the scope or use it during the day.
How much aperture is useful for a beginner?
Aperture is the diameter of the telescope’s main lens or mirror, and it affects how much light the scope can collect. In this roundup, apertures range from 70mm to 114mm.
A larger aperture can be useful for observing fainter targets, but it does not make setup or aiming easier by itself. The 114mm StarSense reflector pairs its aperture with app guidance, while the MEEZAA provides the largest refractor aperture here.
Should you choose a refractor or reflector?
A refractor uses lenses at the front of the tube, while a Newtonian reflector uses mirrors. Most picks here are refractors, which suit day and night viewing; the StarSense Explorer is the only reflector.
If you want an upright image for daytime scenery, choose one of the refractors with an erect-image diagonal. If night-sky aperture and app-guided finding matter more, consider the StarSense Explorer.
Do you need a phone adapter or a guided app?
A phone adapter holds a smartphone at the eyepiece for photos or video. A guided app helps point the telescope at objects, which is a separate feature.
The Gskyer, MEEZAA, Koolpte, ToyerBee and UncleHu include phone adapters. The StarSense Explorer uses a compatible smartphone for sky recognition and target guidance.
How can you choose between the nearby budget ranges?
Move to another budget guide if your needs fall below this group’s aperture and accessory mix or if you are considering a larger instrument. A higher budget can expand the choices, but it does not guarantee an easier telescope to use.
For a broader set of lower-cost choices, see our best budget-friendly telescope picks. Compare the best telescope under 400 dollars if you are willing to consider a slightly higher budget.
If you want to compare more capable options, use our guides to the best telescope under 500 dollars, best telescope under 1000 dollars and best telescope under 2000 dollars. For a premium instrument, see the best telescope under 5000 dollars.
Which telescope under 300 dollars should you choose?
Choose the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ if app-guided target finding and night-sky aperture are your priorities. Pick the Travel Scope 70 for easier transport, the AstroMaster 70AZ for simple manual control or the MEEZAA for a larger-aperture refractor.
If phone snapshots matter more than guidance, compare the Gskyer, Koolpte, ToyerBee and UncleHu accessory sets. For other budgets, use the best telescopes under 1000 dollars guide to compare the next step up.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for travel and daytime views
Celestron Travel Scope 70mm Beginner Portable Telescope
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for straightforward backyard viewing
Celestron AstroMaster 70AZ Refractor Telescope for Moon
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon
