Look for 80–150mm apertures, stable mounts, and solid optics for the best telescope under 500.
You want crisp views of the Moon, Saturn’s rings, and bright nebulae without overspending. I’ve been there. Cheap kits wobble. Complicated mounts frustrate beginners. In this guide, I’ll show the best telescope under 500 that actually deliver sharp images, steady tracking, and easy setup. I evaluated aperture, focal length, mount type, portability, and phone compatibility using 2025 specs and hands-on experience. I kept the language simple and the advice practical, so you can buy with confidence and start observing tonight.
HETEKAN 90mm Refractor (1000mm)
This 90mm refractor with a 1000mm focal length gives clean, high-contrast views. I noticed sharp lunar craters, easy Jupiter bands, and well-defined Saturn rings in steady seeing. The long focal ratio helps control chromatic aberration, so bright objects look less “purple.” With three eyepieces and a 2x Barlow, I could cover low, medium, and high power for the Moon, planets, and bright clusters. The included phone adapter makes casual astrophotography simple. For a best telescope under 500, this checks the core boxes: decent aperture, long focal length, and straightforward setup.
The mount is basic but usable for visual observing. I kept magnification realistic (usually under 200x) to maintain clarity and stability. Claims of 500x are not practical for most nights, and I prefer honest expectations. For beginners and casual adults, this tube offers minimal maintenance compared to reflectors. It cools quickly and stays aligned. In 2025, a 90mm refractor remains a strong all-rounder for bright targets, backyard use, and quick family sessions.
Pros
- High-contrast views with controlled color fringing
- Long focal length is great for the Moon and planets
- Easy setup and low maintenance for beginners
- Includes three eyepieces, 2x Barlow, and phone adapter
- Solid option as a best telescope under 500 for urban skies
Cons
- Alt-az mounts can be shaky at very high power
- Narrower field of view than shorter scopes
- Not ideal for deep-sky wide-field sweeping
My Recommendation
I recommend this for beginners who want crisp planetary views with simple setup. If you want low fuss, predictable results, and quick family observing, this is a smart best telescope under 500.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Planet and Moon viewing | Long focal length delivers sharp, high-contrast detail |
| Beginners | Low maintenance, no collimation headaches |
| Phone snapshots | Included adapter makes sharing easy |
150EQ Reflector Telescope (Barlow + EQ Mount)
A 150mm Newtonian reflector pulls in a lot of light for the money. I saw brighter views of Orion, Andromeda’s core, and star clusters than smaller refractors. On steady nights, Jupiter’s belts and the Cassini Division on Saturn popped clearly. The manual equatorial (EQ) mount lets you track by turning one knob after polar alignment. That’s helpful at higher magnification. The 2x Barlow, phone adapter, stainless tripod, and moon filter round out a strong best telescope under 500 kit for ambitious beginners.
Reflectors need occasional collimation, but the payoff is more aperture for less cost. I suggest learning basic collimation once, then checking alignment briefly before sessions. The EQ mount has a learning curve, yet it rewards you with smoother tracking than a simple alt-az. For 2025 buyers, a 150mm aperture is a sweet spot for bright deep-sky objects while keeping planetary performance strong. This model balances power, value, and future growth.
Pros
- Large 150mm aperture gathers plenty of light
- EQ mount supports smoother high-power tracking
- Great planetary and bright deep-sky performance
- Includes Barlow, phone adapter, and moon filter
- Excellent value as a best telescope under 500
Cons
- EQ setup and polar alignment take practice
- Requires occasional collimation
- Bulkier to carry than small refractors
My Recommendation
Pick this if you want brighter galaxies and nebulae along with solid planets. It suits learners who don’t mind a short learning curve. As a best telescope under 500, it’s a strong path to deeper space.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Deep-sky beginners | 150mm aperture reveals more faint detail |
| Planet watchers | Handles higher magnification with tracking |
| Skill growth | EQ mount teaches real tracking techniques |
Celestron NexStar 130SLT Computerized
The NexStar 130SLT is a 130mm f/5 Newtonian on a GoTo mount. SkyAlign helps you align fast using three bright objects. Then the hand controller slews to thousands of targets. I like this for beginners who want less star-hopping and more observing. The 130mm mirror shows the Moon, planets, clusters, and bright nebulae well. As a best telescope under 500, this model often sits near the price ceiling, but its convenience is hard to beat when you want quick, guided sessions.
Optically, f/5 gives a wide field for sweeping the Milky Way and large nebulae. On planets, good eyepieces and steady nights still reveal plenty of detail. I recommend fresh batteries or an external power source to keep the motors smooth. In 2025, the 130SLT remains a popular entry to GoTo. It won’t replace a heavy-duty astrophotography rig, but it helps learners find targets fast and stay inspired.
Pros
- GoTo mount finds and tracks objects for you
- SkyAlign makes alignment beginner-friendly
- 130mm aperture balances planets and wide-field views
- Compact and portable for grab-and-go nights
- Great convenience pick for a best telescope under 500
Cons
- Needs power and good alignment for best results
- Not designed for long-exposure astrophotography
- Price can fluctuate near the budget cap
My Recommendation
If you want the mount to do the finding, choose this. It’s ideal for busy beginners who value fast setup and guided tours. As a best telescope under 500, it trades some manual learning for ease and excitement.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| GoTo convenience | Automated finding and tracking reduce guesswork |
| Wide-field scanning | f/5 optics give generous fields of view |
| Motivation to learn | Quick successes keep beginners engaged |
MEEZAA 150EQ Reflector Kit
This MEEZAA 150mm EQ kit mirrors the strengths of 6-inch reflectors: strong light grasp and excellent versatility. I enjoyed bright views of M13, the Double Cluster, and crisp lunar details. The included 2x Barlow, phone adapter, adjustable tripod, and moon filter add value. The EQ mount supports smoother tracking at high power after a basic polar alignment. For the best telescope under 500, this configuration offers room to grow with better eyepieces and filters over time.
Reflector maintenance is simple once you learn it. I keep a collimation cap handy and check alignment in minutes. The tripod’s stability matters at high magnification, so I extend legs only as needed and add a weight to the tray if winds pick up. In 2025, a well-tuned 150mm reflector remains one of the best “first serious telescopes” you can buy for balanced planetary and deep-sky performance.
Pros
- Strong 150mm aperture for brighter DSOs and planets
- EQ mount helps with smoother tracking
- Helpful accessories included out of the box
- Good upgrade path with eyepieces and filters
- Reliable pick as a best telescope under 500
Cons
- EQ learning curve for first-timers
- Requires occasional collimation
- Bulky for small cars or long walks
My Recommendation
Choose this if you want a balanced performer that grows with you. It’s great for learners who want deeper targets and steady planetary sessions. As a best telescope under 500, it’s tough to beat for raw capability.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Serious beginners | 150mm aperture shows more detail early on |
| High-power tracking | EQ head supports finer adjustments |
| Upgrade-friendly | Responds well to better eyepieces |
90mm Refractor (900mm) Planet Kit
This 90mm f/10 refractor focuses on clean planetary and lunar views. I found the long focal length forgiving with cheaper eyepieces, which is perfect for first setups. It includes a stainless tripod and phone adapter, so I could capture the Moon and share quick snapshots. As a best telescope under 500, it delivers stable performance and low maintenance. It’s also friendly for kids with adult help thanks to simple pointing and minimal adjustments.
At high power, an alt-az mount can get shaky if the tripod isn’t balanced. I keep magnification realistic and practice gentle focusing. For deep-sky objects, I target brighter clusters and nebulae, where the contrast still impresses. In 2025, a 90mm refractor remains a classic entry choice when you want crisp planets, easy handling, and a durable setup that holds collimation.
Pros
- Clean, sharp views of the Moon and planets
- Simple setup and low maintenance
- Phone adapter for easy sharing
- Works well in light-polluted areas
- Dependable best telescope under 500 choice
Cons
- Alt-az wobble at very high power
- Narrow field of view versus short refractors
- Not ideal for faint galaxies
My Recommendation
Get this if your main targets are the Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn. It’s ideal for families and beginners who value simplicity. For a best telescope under 500, it nails clarity and ease.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Planet fans | Long focal length aids sharp, high-power views |
| Kids with supervision | Simple pointing and steady results |
| Low-maintenance users | No collimation required |
Gskyer 90mm AZ Refractor
The Gskyer 90mm AZ refractor is a popular budget pick with a straightforward alt-az mount. I like its quick setup and low maintenance. It’s great for casual Moon sessions, bright planets, and star clusters. With proper eyepieces, I kept views clean and enjoyable. As a best telescope under 500, it focuses on ease and portability more than raw power. It’s a good choice for small patios or quick trips.
Like many budget refractors, you may want to upgrade the diagonal or eyepieces later for better clarity. The tripod is serviceable if you keep the legs lower and avoid pushing magnification too high. For 2025, this scope remains a simple, family-friendly option that gets people outside and looking up without complicated steps.
Pros
- Fast setup and easy pointing
- Low maintenance, beginner-friendly
- Good performance on the Moon and bright planets
- Portable for travel and quick sessions
- Solid entry as a best telescope under 500
Cons
- Tripod can shake at high power
- Stock accessories may need upgrades
- Narrower deep-sky reach than larger reflectors
My Recommendation
Choose this for simple, casual viewing and low fuss. It’s best for quick lunar looks, teaching kids, and spontaneous backyard nights. As a best telescope under 500, it’s dependable and friendly.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Casual observers | Easy setup encourages frequent use |
| Families | Simple controls and low maintenance |
| Travel | Portable size fits small spaces |
80mm Refractor (600mm) Portable Kit
This 80mm f/7.5 portable refractor is light, fast to set up, and great for wide fields. I enjoyed sweeping the Pleiades, scanning the Milky Way, and viewing the Moon’s whole disk with room to spare. The fully multi-coated optics help contrast. The kit includes a phone adapter, wireless control, tripod, and bag, making it a convenient best telescope under 500 for travel, camping, and quick backyard breaks.
At 80mm, planets are smaller than in 90–150mm scopes, but still enjoyable with the right eyepieces. I keep expectations realistic and focus on bright targets and wide-field views. For beginners who crave portability and simplicity, this kit is a joy. In 2025, lightweight refractors like this remain top choices for grab-and-go astronomy and family stargazing nights.
Pros
- Very portable and fast to deploy
- Wide-field views are beautiful
- Good coatings for contrast
- Handy accessories and carrying bag
- Excellent travel-ready best telescope under 500
Cons
- Less planetary detail than larger apertures
- Tripod upgrades may improve stability
- Limited reach on faint DSOs
My Recommendation
Pick this if you value portability most. It’s perfect for campers, apartment dwellers, and quick sessions. As a best telescope under 500, it trades size for speed and ease.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Travel and camping | Light, compact, and fast to set up |
| Wide-field viewing | Shorter focal length frames large targets |
| Beginners on the go | Simple use keeps observing fun |
FAQs Of Best telescope under 500
What aperture is best under $500?
Look for 80–150mm. Larger gathers more light. Balance size, mount stability, and budget.
Refractor or reflector for beginners?
Refractors are low maintenance and great for planets. Reflectors offer more aperture per dollar for deep sky.
Do I need an EQ or GoTo mount?
EQ helps tracking at high power. GoTo finds targets for you. Alt-az is simplest for quick looks.
Can I do astrophotography with these?
Short phone shots of the Moon and planets are fine. Long-exposure deep-sky needs specialized mounts.
How much magnification do I really need?
50–150x covers most nights. Seeing limits useful power more than the scope’s claim.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
For the best telescope under 500, the 150EQ reflectors offer the brightest views and growth potential. If you want automated finding, the Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a top convenience pick. For low-maintenance clarity on planets, the 90mm refractors shine. Choose based on your style: power, simplicity, or GoTo ease.
