9 Best Telescopes Under $500 (November 2026)
The best telescopes under 500 dollars include the Gskyer Telescope for portable family viewing, the Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian 5-inch for bright visual astronomy, and the DWARFLAB Dwarf Mini Smart Telescope for simple smart imaging.
On this page (3 sections)
The best telescope under 500 dollars for most beginners is the Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm, thanks to its 5-inch aperture, compact tabletop design and simple manual operation. Choose the Gskyer for a portable refractor kit, the Celestron for an equatorial mount, or DWARFLAB for app-controlled imaging.
This group covers two different kinds of astronomy. Traditional refractors and reflectors show the sky through an eyepiece, while the DWARFLAB models use app-controlled digital imaging.
Your preferred way to observe matters as much as the aperture.
If your budget is lower, compare these picks with our best telescopes under 300 dollars. For a wider range of options, see the best telescopes under 1000 dollars and our guide to the best telescopes under 5000 dollars.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for bright visual astronomySky-Watcher Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian 5-inch
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
- 4
Best for a beginner giftCheck it - 5
Check itCelestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope for Deep-Sky Beginners
Best for manual deep-sky learning - 6
Check itDWARFLAB Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope
Best for portable 4K imaging - 7
Check itMEEZAA Telescope for Adults & Kids
Best for family day-to-night use - 8
Best for long-focus lunar viewsCheck it - 9
Check itHawkko Portable Telescope for Kids & Beginners
Best for manual family learning
The best telescopes under 500 dollars for different buyers
The Sky-Watcher is the strongest visual pick for most beginners, while the Gskyer is easier to carry and the DWARFLAB models make digital imaging simpler. The remaining refractors focus on family use, portability or longer focal lengths.
Our score weighs aperture, mount design, included accessories, portability and the way each telescope fits the best telescope under 500 search.
| Product | Best for | Aperture | Focal length | Mount | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gskyer Telescope | portable family viewing | 70mm | 400mm | Altazimuth | 9.7 |
| Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian 5-inch | bright visual astronomy | 130mm | 650mm | Tabletop Dobsonian | 9.7 |
| DWARFLAB Dwarf Mini Smart Telescope | simple smart imaging | 150mm | Altazimuth and equatorial modes | 9.5 | |
| Koolpte Telescope for Kids | a beginner gift | 70mm | 500mm | Altazimuth | 9.3 |
| Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope for Deep-Sky Beginners | manual deep-sky learning | 130mm | 650mm | Equatorial | 9.3 |
| DWARFLAB Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope | portable 4K imaging | Altazimuth | 9.1 | ||
| MEEZAA Telescope for Adults & Kids | family day-to-night use | 80mm | 500mm | Altazimuth | 8.8 |
| HETEKAN 90mm Aperture 1000mm | long-focus lunar views | 90mm | 1000mm | Altazimuth | 8.7 |
| Hawkko Portable Telescope for Kids & Beginners | manual family learning | 80mm | 500mm | Altazimuth | 8.6 |
Gskyer Telescope: Best for portable family viewing
- 70mm aperture
- 400mm focal length
- Altazimuth mount
- Phone adapter and wireless remote
A compact refractor with a 70mm aperture, adjustable aluminum tripod, carry bag, phone adapter and wireless camera remote.
Pros
- Portable carry-bag setup
- Phone adapter and remote
- Two eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens
Cons
- Smaller aperture than the 130mm reflector picks
- Manual focus
The Gskyer Telescope is a strong fit for family viewing and trips where portability matters. Its 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length make it a compact refractor for lunar, planetary and daytime targets.
The altazimuth mount is a straightforward choice for beginners because you move the telescope horizontally and vertically. The adjustable aluminum tripod gives you different viewing positions, while the carry bag helps keep the telescope and tripod together for storage or travel.
Two replaceable eyepieces work with the included 3x Barlow lens. The 5x24 finder scope helps you locate a target before viewing it through the main telescope.
The phone adapter and wireless camera remote add a simple way to operate a compatible smartphone without touching the phone screen during each shot. This is a practical feature for families who want to try basic lunar photography.
Choose the Gskyer if you want an approachable refractor with a travel setup. If you want more light-gathering ability for visual deep-sky viewing, the 130mm reflector picks are stronger choices.
Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian 5-inch: Best for bright visual astronomy
- 130mm aperture
- 650mm focal length
- Collapsible tabletop design
- Two 1.25-inch eyepieces
The 5-inch tabletop Dobsonian combines a large aperture with a compact collapsible tube and includes 10mm and 25mm eyepieces.
Pros
- Largest visual aperture here
- Fully assembled design
- Compact tabletop format
Cons
- Needs a steady table
- Heavier than the portable refractors
The Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm is the best all-around visual telescope in this group. Its 130mm aperture gathers more light than the smaller refractors, which helps when you want to explore the Moon, planets and brighter deep-sky targets.
The 650mm focal length gives the telescope a useful balance between wider views and higher-power observing. The collapsible tube and tabletop Dobsonian base keep the design compact, but you need a stable table or platform at a comfortable height.
The telescope arrives fully assembled and includes 10mm and 25mm 1.25-inch eyepieces plus a red dot finder. That reduces the number of setup decisions for a first-time user.
This telescope is a good match for someone who wants direct eyepiece viewing without app controls. Its 19.2 lb weight is higher than the portable refractors, so plan where it will sit before an evening session.
Choose the Heritage 130 when aperture and simple visual use matter most. For a full-height tripod and slow-motion controls, consider the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ.
DWARFLAB Dwarf Mini Smart Telescope: Best for simple smart imaging
- 1.85 lb body
- App control
- Auto GOTO
- Up to 90-second exposures
A pocket-sized smart telescope with app control, automated tracking, filters and cloud processing for digital astronomy.
Pros
- Very light
- App-controlled target selection
- Built-in processing
Cons
- Digital imaging instead of eyepiece viewing
- Small 30mm objective lens
The DWARFLAB Dwarf Mini is the best choice here for lightweight, app-guided astronomy. It weighs 1.85 lb and combines a 30mm objective lens, app control, Auto GOTO, 360-degree pivoting and altazimuth or equatorial modes.
Instead of looking through an eyepiece, you select targets through the DWARFLAB app. Its built-in sky atlas and automated movement reduce the manual work involved in finding objects.
The Dwarf Mini supports single-frame exposures up to 90 seconds and includes light-pollution filters and cloud processing. That makes it suited to users who want digital images of celestial targets, including faint objects that are difficult to see through a small visual telescope.
The box includes the telescope, a filter, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable and a cleaning cloth. Its small size makes it a practical option for camping, travel or dark-sky trips.
Choose the Dwarf Mini if your goal is sharing images from a phone or app. Choose the Heritage or Celestron if you want the traditional experience of observing through an eyepiece.
Koolpte Telescope for Kids: Best for a beginner gift
- 70mm aperture
- 500mm focal length
- Phone adapter
- Adjustable aluminum tripod
A 70mm refractor for children and beginners with two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, phone adapter, wireless remote and carrying case.
Pros
- Beginner-focused kit
- Phone adapter and remote
- Portable case
Cons
- Smaller aperture than the reflector picks
- Manual focus
The Koolpte Telescope for Kids is a beginner-oriented 70mm refractor with a 500mm focal length. That combination gives families a straightforward way to begin with lunar viewing, planets and daytime landscapes.
Its altazimuth mount keeps movement simple. The package includes two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, a 5x24 finder scope, an adjustable aluminum tripod, phone adapter, wireless remote and carrying case.
The longer focal length than the Gskyer can suit buyers who want a little more reach from a compact refractor. The 70mm aperture remains smaller than the 130mm reflectors, so it is better viewed as a family starter than a deep-sky light-gathering specialist.
Manual focus gives the observer direct control over sharpness. Take time to focus after the telescope has been placed outdoors, and keep the tripod steady while adjusting the view.
Choose Koolpte when the gift-friendly kit and included phone accessories are central to your decision. For a larger refractor aperture, compare it with the MEEZAA or Hawkko.
Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope for Deep-Sky Beginners: Best for manual deep-sky learning
- 130mm Newtonian reflector
- 650mm focal length
- German equatorial mount
- Slow-motion controls
A 130mm reflector with an equatorial mount, slow-motion controls, adjustable tripod, 20mm and 10mm eyepieces and a red-dot finder.
Pros
- Large light-gathering mirror
- Slow-motion controls
- Full-height adjustable tripod
Cons
- More setup than a tabletop Dobsonian
- Heavier 17 lb assembled weight
The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ is the best match for beginners who want to learn manual tracking with a larger reflector. Its 130mm Newtonian mirror and 650mm focal length provide the same aperture and focal length class as the Sky-Watcher.
Its German equatorial mount uses slow-motion control knobs for right ascension and declination. Once the telescope is pointed at a target, those controls help you make small manual adjustments as the target moves across the sky.
The setup includes a 20mm eyepiece with a built-in erect image corrector, a 10mm eyepiece, a StarPointer red dot finder and an adjustable tripod and mount. The tripod supports standing or seated viewing, which gives it a different use pattern from the tabletop Heritage.
The AstroMaster weighs 17 lb fully assembled. It takes more planning than a small refractor or smart telescope, but it offers a useful introduction to an equatorial mount and manual sky tracking.
Choose the Celestron if you want full-height support and slow-motion controls. Choose the Sky-Watcher if a compact tabletop layout and simpler setup are more important.
DWARFLAB Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope: Best for portable 4K imaging
- 3 lb design
- Dual imaging system
- 4K auto-tracking
- App processing
A portable smart telescope with telephoto and wide-angle imaging, auto-tracking, app processing, filters and a carrying bag.
Pros
- Portable dual-camera design
- 4K auto-tracking
- Works with phones and computers
Cons
- Digital imaging format
- Not an eyepiece-based telescope
The DWARFLAB Dwarf 3 is the better smart telescope for users who want digital imaging beyond basic star snapshots. Its 3 lb body, dual imaging system and 4K auto-tracking support astronomy, wildlife and landscape imaging.
The telephoto lens is intended for distant subjects and deep-space objects, while the wide-angle lens handles Milky Way scenes and star trails. This gives the Dwarf 3 a broader imaging role than a traditional telescope built mainly for eyepiece viewing.
App-based processing reduces the need for separate computer software. The package includes a carrying bag, magnetic filters, filter pouch, wipe cloth and USB-C cable.
The Dwarf 3 works with smartphones, laptops and personal computers. Its altazimuth mount and automatic features suit a beginner who wants to select a target and receive an image rather than learn manual pointing first.
Choose it for portable 4K imaging and dual-camera use. The Dwarf Mini is lighter and supports 90-second exposures, while the Celestron and Sky-Watcher offer a direct visual experience.
MEEZAA Telescope for Adults & Kids: Best for family day-to-night use
- 80mm aperture
- 500mm focal length
- 20x to 150x range
- Waterproof backpack
An 80mm refractor with a 20x to 150x range, phone adapter, adjustable tripod, 45-degree mirror and waterproof backpack.
Pros
- Larger refractor aperture
- Family-friendly carrying setup
- Phone adapter included
Cons
- Manual target finding
- Smaller aperture than the 130mm reflectors
The MEEZAA Telescope for Adults & Kids is a family-friendly refractor with an 80mm aperture and 500mm focal length. It gathers more light than the 70mm refractors while keeping a portable altazimuth setup.
Its two eyepieces and 3x Barlow lens cover a stated 20x to 150x range. The 5x24 finder scope helps with target location, and the 45-degree zenith mirror makes the viewing angle useful for both night-sky and daytime subjects.
The adjustable aluminum tripod ranges from 16.92 to 44.48 inches. The waterproof backpack gives the kit a travel-focused layout, while the phone adapter lets you try basic smartphone photos.
This is a good middle ground for family use. It offers more aperture than the 70mm options without the larger footprint and table requirement of a 130mm Dobsonian.
Choose MEEZAA if you want a portable family refractor with a larger objective. For a similar 80mm aperture and a backpack, compare the Hawkko's family-focused accessories.
HETEKAN 90mm Aperture 1000mm: Best for long-focus lunar views
- 90mm aperture
- 1000mm focal length
- Three eyepieces
- Adjustable stainless steel tripod
A long-focus refractor with a 90mm aperture, three eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, two phone-mount options and a carrying bag.
Pros
- Longest focal length here
- 90mm refractor aperture
- Wide tripod adjustment range
Cons
- Long 1000mm optical tube
- Manual focus
The HETEKAN 90mm Aperture 1000mm is the long-focus option in this roundup. Its 90mm aperture and 1000mm focal length suit buyers who want a refractor with a longer optical tube for lunar and planetary viewing.
The package includes 25mm, 10mm and 6mm eyepieces plus a 3x Barlow lens. HETEKAN states a 40x to 500x magnification range, but high power is useful only when the air is steady and the mount remains stable.
Its stainless steel altazimuth tripod adjusts from 28.74 to 46.45 inches. The mount moves 360 degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically, giving you broad manual movement when locating targets.
Two phone-mount options support smartphone use, and the carrying bag helps with transport. The 1000mm optical tube is longer than the other refractors here, so measure your storage space before choosing it.
Choose HETEKAN for a long-focus refractor and a wide tripod range. Choose MEEZAA or Hawkko if a shorter 500mm focal length and family portability matter more.
Hawkko Portable Telescope for Kids & Beginners: Best for manual family learning
- 80mm aperture
- 500mm focal length
- 20x to 150x range
- Backpack and stickers
An 80mm beginner refractor with two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, phone adapter, adjustable aluminum tripod and storage backpack.
Pros
- Family-focused accessories
- Portable backpack
- Phone adapter included
Cons
- Manual target finding
- Smaller aperture than the 130mm reflectors
The Hawkko Portable Telescope is a good family-learning choice for buyers who want an 80mm refractor with simple accessories. Its 80mm aperture and 500mm focal length support Moon viewing, landscape observation and beginner astronomy.
The 20x to 150x range comes from the 25mm and 10mm eyepieces used with the 3x Barlow lens.
The adjustable aluminum tripod uses 4 stages, and the storage backpack keeps the telescope and accessories together for outdoor use. The altazimuth mount keeps pointing simple for a first telescope.
Hawkko is close to the MEEZAA in aperture and focal length. The practical difference is the accessory emphasis: Hawkko focuses on stickers, a backpack and family setup, while MEEZAA adds a 45-degree mirror and waterproof backpack.
Choose Hawkko when family participation and portability are the main goals. Choose the Sky-Watcher or Celestron when your priority is the largest visual aperture under 500 dollars.
How to choose a telescope under 500 dollars
The best telescope under 500 depends first on whether you want visual observing or digital imaging. Choose a reflector or refractor for eyepiece viewing, and choose a smart telescope if you want app control and saved images.
How much aperture do you need?
Aperture is the diameter of the telescope's objective lens or primary mirror. Larger apertures can gather more light, which is why the 130mm Sky-Watcher and Celestron have an advantage for visual deep-sky targets over the 70mm, 80mm and 90mm refractors.
A larger telescope also needs more room and a steadier support. The Heritage 130 uses a tabletop base, while the Celestron uses a full-height tripod and weighs 17 lb assembled.
Is focal length more important than magnification?
Focal length affects the view produced by a given eyepiece. The 400mm Gskyer gives a compact, wider-use refractor format, while the 1000mm HETEKAN is built around a much longer optical tube.
Magnification comes from dividing the telescope's focal length by the eyepiece focal length. A 3x Barlow lens increases the effective magnification, but atmospheric steadiness and focusing still limit useful detail.
Which mount is easiest for a beginner?
An altazimuth mount is usually the simplest manual design because you move it left, right, up and down. The Gskyer, Koolpte, MEEZAA, HETEKAN and Hawkko use altazimuth mounts.
A tabletop Dobsonian is also simple, but it needs a stable table. An equatorial mount adds a different learning curve, yet the Celestron's slow-motion knobs can help you make precise manual adjustments.
Should you buy a smart telescope?
Buy a smart telescope if you want automated target selection, tracking and digital images. The Dwarf Mini and Dwarf 3 are not traditional eyepiece telescopes, so they suit a different kind of astronomy session.
Buy a traditional telescope if you want to look through an eyepiece, learn the sky manually or share direct views with a group. The Sky-Watcher is the strongest visual pick, while the Gskyer is easier to carry.
What should you pack for an observing session?
Use a level surface, tighten tripod controls, check focus and give the telescope time to adjust to outdoor conditions. Keep optical surfaces covered when the telescope is stored, and avoid touching lenses or mirrors unnecessarily.
Never aim a telescope at the Sun without a purpose-built solar filter installed correctly. NASA's solar viewing safety guidance explains why ordinary telescope viewing can cause serious eye injury.
For a smaller budget, compare the best telescopes under 100 dollars, best telescopes under 200 dollars and best telescopes under 400 dollars. If you are ready for a higher ceiling, see the best telescopes under 2000 dollars.
Which telescope under 500 dollars should you buy?
Choose the Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm if you want the strongest visual aperture in a compact beginner design. Pick the Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ if a full-height tripod and slow-motion equatorial controls matter more.
Choose the Gskyer for a portable refractor kit with a phone adapter and remote. Pick the MEEZAA, Hawkko or Koolpte for family-focused refractor use, with the HETEKAN standing out for its longer 1000mm focal length.
Choose the DWARFLAB Dwarf Mini for the lightest app-controlled imaging setup, or the Dwarf 3 for dual-camera digital imaging and 4K auto-tracking. The best telescope under 500 is the one that matches how you want to explore the sky.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for bright visual astronomy
Sky-Watcher Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm Tabletop Dobsonian 5-inch
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What is the best telescope under 500 dollars for beginners?
The Sky-Watcher Heritage 130mm is the strongest visual choice for many beginners because its 130mm aperture gathers more light than the 70mm, 80mm and 90mm refractors here. Its tabletop Dobsonian design is simple, but you need a steady table or platform for use.
Is a refractor or reflector better under 500 dollars?
A reflector usually gives you more aperture for visual astronomy, while a refractor offers a sealed optical tube and simple setup. The Sky-Watcher and Celestron provide 130mm reflector apertures.
Gskyer, Koolpte, MEEZAA, HETEKAN and Hawkko use refractor designs.
Can you see planets with a telescope under 500 dollars?
Yes. A telescope under 500 dollars can show the Moon and planets when the sky is clear and the mount is steady.
Longer focal lengths can make high-power viewing easier, but atmospheric conditions and careful focusing matter more than a large magnification number.
Are smart telescopes good for beginners?
Smart telescopes suit beginners who want app-guided digital imaging rather than traditional eyepiece viewing. The DWARFLAB Dwarf Mini offers app control, Auto GOTO and up to 90-second exposures.
The Dwarf 3 adds dual imaging and 4K auto-tracking.
What should I check before buying a telescope under 500 dollars?
Check aperture, focal length, mount type, total setup size and the included eyepieces. Also decide whether you want direct eyepiece viewing or app-based imaging.
A larger aperture helps visual targets, while smart controls reduce manual target-finding work.
