Do you have a big passion for bowhunting or enjoy some target practice on the weekends? But don’t plan on spending too much on that? Well, then your best solution is to get the best hunting crossbow under 500. Fortunately, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of some of the greatest alternatives to the best hunting crossbow for the money.
But make no mistake, even though they’re classified as affordable, these crossbows offer a pulling mechanism, shooting range, and speed that’s more than just decent. They’ll work great for novice hunters, especially those who need the best crossbow for beginners. So, without much further ado, let’s get started!
How to Choose The Best Hunting Crossbow Under 500
Choosing the best hunting crossbow under 500, especially for new hunters, can be quite a complicated task. This is because there are so many models and variants to choose from. Each one of them is designed according to specific needs and styles.
To get optimal results from the best hunting crossbow for the money, you must know what to expect. But don’t worry though, because that’s why we’re here to help. Here are three factors that you should consider when planning to buy the best hunting crossbow for beginners.
Draw Weight
The draw weight is basically the standard measurement for how much energy you need to load the arrow into the crossbow, pull the string, and release it towards the target. In most cases, a high number of draw weights will equal more energy. So, whenever you decide to look for the best hunting crossbow under 500, look for one that has a draw weight between 150-200 pounds. This should be more than enough to give you a decent hunting session.
Velocity
When you’re planning to hunt down some of the bigger games, velocity will be one of the most important factors to consider. In principle, a shorter crossbow will be able to produce faster shots. Also, remember that the greater the velocity, the farther the arrow can travel. As a side note, most deer hunters usually set the standard at around 300 fps. So again, take this into consideration when you’re looking for the best hunting crossbows for the money.
Extra features
The best hunting crossbow for beginners generally comes with a few extras. Some don’t really matter, but the rest can make a pretty big difference. These additional features are generally included to ensure increased accuracy, reliability, and security. Some of the things you will often find include scopes, noise absorbers, and straps.
What is a Good Inexpensive Crossbow?
Well, you can find most of them here! But if we had to narrow it down to a few brands, we’d recommend Barnett, Killer Instinct, and PSE products. They’re known to have a good reputation for producing crossbows that are affordable yet capable of providing excellent performance.
How Far Can a Crossbow Shoot Accurately?
Most crossbows will work effectively up to 40 yards. Any further than that, the arrows you shoot won’t have enough kinetic energy to knock down the target. So, make sure your game is in the right range before you decide to open fire.
How Long Can You Leave a Crossbow Loaded?
A crossbow can be left loaded for up to 24 hours. Any longer than that, there’s a high risk of your strings and cables becoming prematurely loose. This condition, of course, will result in a significant drop in overall performance.
Barnett Jackal
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The Barnett Jackal is everything you’d expect from the best hunting crossbow under 500. It’s inexpensive, comes with decent basic features, and is completely beginner-friendly. Apart from that, hunting gear also packed with all the required safety standards. As for the assembly process, it’ll take less than 10 minutes before everything is ready to use. We can imagine this product would work really well for those who love doing target practice on weekends.
Barnett claims this crossbow can provide consistent accuracy up to 40 yards. But if you’re an experienced archer and get the right arrows, you might be able to extend that range to 50-60 yards. Apart from that, there are quad split-style limbs that give you better stability. This way, you’ll get good support when aiming, resulting in a more precise shot.
What We Love
A decent crossbow for beginners
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Guarantee of up to five years
- Decent accuracy
- Easy to operate
Cons:
- Some say it’s a little noisy
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
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Barnett Whitetail Hunter II is the best hunting crossbow under 500 which is quite popular, both among beginners and seasoned hunters. One of the main reasons is that this affordable gear has a draw weight that’s easy to handle. This is possible thanks to TriggerTech, an innovation that allows you to get significant improvements in power and precision. Apart from that, the overall body is also light, making this crossbow easy to carry around while hunting.
As for the main construction, Barnett uses aluminum solid to produce the right balance between force and draw weight. With such comprehensive features, the Whitetail Hunter II will be ideal for anyone who needs mid-range gear or plans to improve their game. Make sure to check out this one when you can.
What We Love
The draw weight is easy to handle
Pros:
- Includes some handy accessories
- Great balance
- Easy to assemble
- Decent quality
Cons:
- The arrow speed could be better
CenterPoint Sniper 370
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If you’re looking for great speed and precision, there won’t be a better option than the CenterPoint Sniper 370. Any hunter, especially one that’s a little tight on a budget, will appreciate this lightweight and portable crossbow. As we mentioned earlier, this gear is all about speed. It has a CNC machined system that lets you get arrow speeds of up to 370 fps.
The body of the Sniper 370 is made of aluminum stock. Apart from being sturdy, this makes it look more tactical. CenterPoint claims this crossbow can generate up to 100 ft-lb of kinetic energy, which will effectively be able to knock down several large targets. And in case you’re wondering about added protection for potential damage, there’s a Quad limb with precision machined cams.
What We Love
Decent amount of speed and great precision
Pros:
- Compact design
- Works great for beginners
- Includes string silencers
- Balanced
Cons:
- Some complained about the trigger creep
CenterPoint Tormentor Whisper 380
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Excellent triggers, quality foregrips, and premium strings are three mandatory things in the best hunting crossbow under 500. CenterPoint Tormentor Whisper 380 ticks all of these boxes. Apart from that, this hunting gear comes in a cool camo pattern. It measures 14 by 35 inches, which is ideal for a variety of scenarios while you’re deep in the woods.
As for compatibility, the Whisper 380 can pick up up to 400-grain arrows and release them with a maximum velocity of 380 fps. There are two distinct strings to ensure you get minimal noise and vibration. In addition, there’s an Anti-Dry Fire system that will prevent you from shooting arrows accidentally.
What We Love
It comes in a cool camo pattern and features a decent safety system
Pros:
- High velocity
- CNC machined cam system
- Anti-Dry Fire
- Minimal vibration and noise
Cons:
- It’s pretty heavy
SA Sports Empire Diablo Reverse Cam Compound
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Sometimes, a lightweight crossbow can do more. And that’s why we recommend SA Sports Empire Diablo here. When it comes to power, this best hunting crossbow under 500 is capable of catapulting small to medium-sized frames. The stock is made from a flexible and strong synthetic material. It looks almost like a rifle, which is always a good sign.
Coming in at 14 inches, the SA Sports Empire Diablo is the best hunting crossbow under 400 that’s ideal for hunting down some deer or elk. And you don’t need to worry about your own safety, because this gear is equipped with a trigger safety system – which is effective in preventing dry firing. If anything is missing from this product, then it’s a fact that it doesn’t come pre-assembled. You’ll need to spend a few minutes of your time assembling it first.
What We Love
Provides great power, with the support of some of the latest technologies
Pros:
- Inverted cam
- Adjustable string stoppers
- Light
- Side mount claw
Cons:
- Nothing, as far as we know
Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR
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Durability is something you generally associate with Barnett gears. And the Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow is definitely no exception. This is the best hunting crossbow under 500 that comes in a step-through riser model. The body is made of composite fiberglass, which is not only strong but also keeps the overall weight minimum.
Apart from that, we also appreciate the fact that this crossbow features a Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage pattern. It’ll definitely come in handy to help you stay out of sight, especially when stalking your prey from an intermediate distance. Apart from that, this whitetail bow is capable of providing precise shots from a distance of 50-60 yards. And if that’s not enough, there’s frictionless release technology that’ll give you a smooth trigger.
What We Love
The best hunting crossbow for the money that’ll last more than a season
Pros:
- Ultra-light quiver
- Relatively affordable
- Packed with safety features
- Slim design
Cons:
- The optic scope could be better
Bear X Intense Ready to Shoot
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Can’t find a crossbow fast enough for you? Then you might want to consider Bear X Intense Ready to Shoot. This beast is capable of shooting arrows up to an impressive 405 fps! We know the body is a little heavy, but it’s guaranteed to be sturdy and can last more than a season or two. Apart from that, the overall profile is quite sleek, so you should have no trouble managing it.
This is the best hunting crossbow under 400 which should work well for beginners as well. There’s an anti-dry fire mechanism for guaranteed safety. And even though the construction is made of plastic, this hunting gear is really tough and doesn’t look crap at all. And in case you ask, no, this crossbow doesn’t come with a premium scope. But that shouldn’t be a big deal, since this device is aimed more at young crossbow hunters.
What We Love
Shooting speed up to 405 fps
Pros:
- Easy to manage
- It doesn’t take much effort to assemble
- Decent performance
- Includes cocking rope
Cons:
- It’s a little heavy
PSE Archery Fang HD
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Here’s another great alternative to a crossbow that can shoot lightning fast. PSE Archery Fang HD is claimed to be able to fly bolts or arrows up to 450 fps. Apart from that, its overall dimensions are much smaller when compared to other similar models. This should be the best hunting crossbow under 500 that’s ideal for venturing between tight spaces. And for a significant increase in speed and power, PSE Archery embeds an excellent reverse-type cam mechanism.
PSE Archery Fang HD doesn’t come in a ready-to-use form. You have to assemble it first. But don’t worry, as this process is fairly straightforward and won’t take much time. And in case you run into some problems, there’s a user manual included. Overall, this is a great product. Great for beginners, especially with the added ADF protection and auto-engage safety systems.
What We Love
Great for maneuvering in tight spaces
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Simple assembly
- Ergonomic design
- String silencer
Cons:
- It has a large draw weight
Killer Instinct Boss
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Whenever you plan to level up your game, look for high-power gear like Killer Instinct Boss. This 400 fps crossbow presents an impressive combination of firepower and agility. Thanks to the 6-position buttstock and X-Lok foregrip system, get complete freedom in adjusting the frame size to suit your profile. Say goodbye to sore arms, having to chase targets while carrying heavy units.
For more stable shots, Killer Instinct includes a Killer Tech trigger for some added weight. And to keep things in balance, there’s a micro-lite aluminum barrel. In short, this is a very recommended best hunting crossbow under 500. Make sure you don’t miss this one.
What We Love
A powerful alternative, suitable for larger targets
Pros:
- Compact frame
- Easy adjustment
- Well-balanced
- Precision and consistent
Cons:
- You may have to buy some extra bolts
Killer Instinct Burner 415
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Cheap gear doesn’t necessarily mean cheap performance. Killer Instinct Burner 415 is a valid proof of this. Although dubbed by many as an affordable crossbow, this beast is capable of shooting arrows at impressive speeds. Apart from that, you’ll get tons of handy features to improve your overall hunting experience.
Just like other Killer Instinct products, Burner 415 comes with an AR-style 6-position buttstock and an adjustable X-Lok. The combination of the two allows you to find the perfect fitting for your height and hand. Apart from that, there’s a Dead Silent Kit which guarantees each arrow flies straight without any noise or vibration. Overall, we highly recommend this best hunting crossbow under 500. Especially considering the fact that it comes in a ready-to-use form and includes tons of accessories.
What We Love
Affordable crossbow with satisfying performance
Pros:
- Easy to handle
- Fairly light
- Adjustable
- Dead silent Kit
Cons:
- You may need to purchase a shoulder sling
Killer Instincts Brawler 400
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It’s no surprise that many people call the Killer Instinct Brawler the best hunting crossbow under 400. This is a well-balanced hunting gear, with an overall lightweight and sleek body. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to bowhunting, this item will make a nice addition to your arsenal. It’s capable of flying arrows of up to 400 fps. Not too bad for the best hunting crossbow for the money.
However, that doesn’t mean that this gear is all about perfection. First, it has a draw weight of 200 pounds, making it a little less suitable for a newcomer. Apart from that, the overall speed will decrease when you use 400-450 grain arrows. But with that being said, this is still the best hunting crossbow for beginners. Make sure to check out this one if you can.
Need other hunting gear recommendations? Check out our article on 13 hunting vests for dogs if you are planning to take your four-legged buddy into the woods. For those who need extra protection, check out our review of the 13 best hunting jackets.
What We Love
A decent crossbow that’s just right for beginners
Pros:
- 400 fps
- Revcam technology
- Max stirrup footpad
- Adjustable foregrip
Cons:
- It’s quite noisy
Wicked Ridge Warrior Ultra-Lite
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It’s difficult to talk about the best hunting crossbow under 400 without mentioning the Wicked Ridge Warrior Ultra-Lite. This is one of the most satisfying budget crossbows available around. Most praise its durability and accuracy, which is well above its affordable price tag.
Wicked Ridge Warrior Ultra-Lite doesn’t come pre-assembled, so you’ll need to take your time putting all the pieces together. But there’s no need to worry. Wicked Ridge includes a manual that’s quite easy to follow. Within 10 to 15 minutes, you should be able to have this crossbow ready to go.
What We Love
Offers above average durability and accuracy
Pros:
- Compact design
- Multi-line scope
- 350 fps
- 15-inch wide
Cons:
- There’s no cock mechanism
PSE Thrive 400
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The PSE Thrive 400 isn’t your regular crossbow. It sets the bar for performance standards. All thanks to reverse cam technology, which allows you to have a better overall experience. Apart from that, the combination of a CNC precision-machined barrel and illuminated reticle scope delivers unmatched accuracy.
As for the range, the PSE Thrive 400 is capable of performing well up to 60-80 yards. However, it really depends on your abilities. For security systems, PSE embeds Anti-Dry-Fire technology to prevent dry firing. And if that’s not enough, there are some bonus accessories included, such as a multi reticle scope, 5-bolt quiver, 1 discharge bolt, and rail wax lube.
Planning to spend a few days in the woods in the near future? Make sure you get enough quality rest by bringing a comfortable temporary shelter. Check out our list for the 13 best hunting tents!
What We Love
Reverse cam technology for better overall performance
Pros:
- 400 fps
- CNC precision
- Reverse cam system
- Anti-dry fire
Cons:
- Short cocking string
