Table of Contents
Best Budget Crossbows
Are you looking for a bow that will do some damage out in the field, but not to your wallet? Welcome to our best cheap crossbows review page.
Here, you’ll find quality crossbows at bargain prices.
Comparison Table: Best Cheap Crossbows in 2021
Award | Crossbow | Specs |
|---|---|---|
|  | FPS = 285Weight = 7.48 lbsLength = 36.5" Draw weight = 175 lbs |
|  |
|
|  |
Weight = 4.4 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 7.7 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 8 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 7.2 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 4.8 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 4.8 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 7.7 lbs |
|  | FPS = 300Weight = 7.9 lbsLength = 33.25" Draw Weight = 130 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 6.6 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 6 lbs |
|  |
Weight = 6.4 lbs |
How much does price matter?
When you are in the market for buying a new crossbow, you want to spend the amount that you can. The crossbow is a weapon, and you don’t want to skimp on it.
I wrote this article for those who are looking for a cheap crossbow that is only reliable, but functional as well.
Price range
The crossbows in the review are all priced below the $700 mark, yet most of these bows range between the $300-$400 tag.
How these crossbows were picked
A significant amount of hours were spent researching these crossbows. From visiting the company websites to reading recent customer reviews and then comparing the bow’s specs next to their price tag.
Throughout this process I paid attention to the following areas to help find the best cheap crossbows.
- Brand name
- Recent customer reviews
- Crossbow specs
- Feet per second
- Weight
- Length
- Draw weight
- Width when cocked and uncocked
- Power stroke
- Safety features
- Accessories included with package
Quick Links: Best Cheap Crossbows
- Best for girls: XGear Girls
- Best handheld: KingsArchery Pistol Crossbow
- Best junior hunter: Daisy Youth Crossbow
- Best for beginning hunters: CenterPoint Sniper 370
- Best for bigger-framed hunters: BearX Intense Ready to Shoot
- Best budget compound: Killer Instinct Lethal 405
- Best budget recurve: Barnett Wildcat
- Best cheap recurve for archery: SA Sports Empire Fever Pro
- Best first compound for hunting: Barnett Jackal
- Best for beginners: CenterPoint Volt 300 Compound
- Best for deer hunting: BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR
- Best for hunters with shoulder issues: Barnett Explorer XP Crossbow
- Best for experienced hunters: Barnett Whitetail Hunter II
1. Best Youth Crossbow For Girls
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
XGear Crossbow |
285 |
7.48 lbs |
36.5" |
Undisclosed |
27.5" |
11.5" |
175 lbs |
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Powerful shot
- Anti-dry fire safety mechanism
Cons
- Can be difficult to cock at first until it’s broken in
Package includes:
- 3-red-dot sight scope
- Quiver
- Padded sling
- 4pcs of 20" aluminum arrow
- Rail lube wax
- Cocking rope
The XGear crossbow is the best youth crossbow for girls.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
This crossbow has an excellent price to power ratio! What a great cheap bow for getting 285 feet per second out of it.
This crossbow is no joke though. It is best for the girl or junior who will have supervision while shooting.
This crossbow is so powerful it can be used for hunting. The dimensions are tight, the weight is light, and the shot is powerful. This is an excellent all around crossbow.
What you’ll really like about this crossbow is that it has a built-in dry-fire mechanism for safety. Not all crossbows on the cheaper side have this function, and it’s really great that with this crossbow, you can feel safe with your child shooting it. Safety is important when purchasing a crossbow for your child, so this might be the best choice for you.
How Is This Crossbow Best For?
This crossbow can be a great selection for a number of different youngsters. Of course, it doesn’t have to be a girl, but a girl who can handle such a powerful crossbow would really enjoy it. This crossbow is best for the junior hunter who wants a light crossbow, with safety features that has the power to hunt deer.
2. Best Handheld
| Model | Draw Weight | Self-Cocking |
|---|---|---|
|
KingsArchery |
80 |
Yes |
Pros
- Self-cocking design
- Adjustable sight
- Aluminum arrow bolts
- Safety feature
- Easy to use
Cons
- 80-pound draw weight can be difficult to draw
- Package doesn't include lube wax
- Adjustable sight isn't great
Package includes:
- 15 aluminum arrow bolts
- 15 plastic arrow bolts
KingsArchery is the ultimate handheld pistol crossbow on the market. At the time this review was written, this handheld crossbows runs for less than $75!
Get out and get shooting, quickly and easily with this KingsArchery. Don’t be mistaken by the price, however, read the recent customer reviews – people are raving about this little, yet powerful crossbow.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
- Constructed from durable fiberglass
- Extremely powerful for the size
- Easy to use right out of the box
- This model can fit any sized person
Who’s This Crossbow Best For?
The KingsArchery pistol crossbow is perfect for the hobbyist shooter looking to hunt small game or have a good time practice shooting in the backyard for UNDER $100!
3. Best Junior Hunter
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Daisy Crossbow |
Undisclosed |
4.4 lbs |
38.38" |
Undisclosed |
Undisclosed" |
Undisclosed |
29 lbs |
Pros
- Great trainer for juniors
- Adjustable rear sight
- Includes 2 bolts
- Safety-first crossbow
Cons
- Latch release has been known to be installed backward
Package includes:
- Crossbow
- 2 bolts
Fun and easy to shoot, with a draw weight of only 29 pounds, nearly anyone can shoot it!
The Daisy is a great little crossbow for the youngster in your household!
I don’t recommend trying to hunt anything with it, but this little bow can make a great practice crossbow for your kid’s first time shooting.
The crossbow comes with two bolts, and can be easily assembled right out of the package.
Targeted around the $60 mark, this might be your child’s favorite gift- maybe yours too!
4. Best for Beginning Hunters
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CenterPoint Sniper 370 |
370 |
7.7 lbs |
36" |
18" |
21.5" |
13.5" |
185 lbs |
Pros
- High performance 370 FPS
- Fully adjustable stock and foregrip
- Quad limbs and precision cam system
- Integrated string suppressor
- Durable, lightweight design
- Anti-dry fire trigger
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable stock
Cons
- No silencing system included
Package includes:
- Three 20-inch carbon arrows
- Parallel quiver
- 4x32 mm scope
- Rope cocker
Waiting to be picked up for less than $300, the Sniper 370 is everything you need for a real, quality hunting crossbow.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
The Sniper 370 is the best cheap crossbow for beginning hunters. It’s hard to believe that a bow with these dimensions actually shoots at 370 FPS, but it truly does. Once you handle this bow, you’ll quickly notice that there was a lot of effort and pure good engineering that went into designing the bow.
I really like that it includes a sling, rope cocker, 4 arrow quiver, arrows, and a scope. This is literally the cheapest crossbow that will allow you to take down big game in North America. The package you receive with the Sniper 370 checks all the boxes you’ll want in a beginning hunter’s crossbow.
About the specs, the sight rail is adjustable, and you’ll have no problems finding zero on the scope to shoot. This bow’s design allows a hunter great mobility and comfort while in the field. Plus, because it comes equipped with a rope cocker, the 185 pound draw weight isn’t a problem at all.
Who This Bow is Best For
This crossbow will impress any hunter on a budget looking to get the most bang for their buck. Now that there is so much competition in the crossbow market, we can see CenterPoint took the lead here to create a fair-priced machine that will serve the bow hunter well into the future.
5. Best for Bigger-Framed Hunters
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BearX Intense |
405 |
7.5 lbs |
33" |
14" |
18" |
12.7" |
210 lbs |
Pros
- Over 400 FPS
- Anti-dry fire inhibitor
- Adjustable foregrip
- Ambidextrous safety
- Rear adjustable stock
- Dual string suppressor system
- Picatinny style scope mount rail
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Difficult to cock, but use rope and it works great
Package includes:
- 4x32 multi cross-hair reticle scope
- Sling
- Three carbon bolts with field points
- Cocking rope, rail lube and 4-bolt quiver
Get ready for speed! Being the first crossbow on this list carrying arrows at the 400 feet per second mark, is this amazing Bear X crossbow.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
The crossbow absolutely gets a spot on the best cheap crossbows list, because it’s not only now available for under $300, but pack a hard hit. Fans of Bear X keep coming back for more, and that loyalty is what this brand is known for. The Bear X Intense is an awesome crossbow that’s well worth the money.
What you’ll really like about this bow is that Bear X provides a rope cocking device right with this package. This device allows shooters at any age to maintain the ability to ready their own bow.
More on what’s included with the package, it’s great that when you purchase the Bear X Intense, you’ll also receive an illuminated scope and TrueX bolts, and a quiver. The trigger on the Intense model includes an anti-dry fire mechanism that prevents accidental shots.
Who This Bow is Best For
This is an all around great bow for the money, and it’s one that the budget hunter will appreciate.
6. Best Budget compound
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Killer Instinct Lethal 405 |
405 |
7.2 lbs |
34.5" |
14.75" |
18.75" |
14.5" |
210 lbs |
Pros
- Excellent value-to-price ratio
- Over 400 FPS
- Pro package offers all needed accessories
- Lightweight frame
- Hyperlite Killer Instinct bolts included
- Silent cranking device
- Rubber sound dampeners
Cons
- Scope not illuminated
Package includes:
- 4 x 32 Scope
- Rope Cocker
- String Suppressors
- 3-Bolt Quiver
- 3 HYPR Lite Bolts and Field Tips
- Stick of Rail Lube
The Killer Instinct Lethal crossbow is the best cheap budget crossbow.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
The value-to-price ratio is amazing with this crossbow, and it is the perfect bow for a beginner or for the hunter on a budget.
The Lethal clocks in at an impressive 400+ FPS speed. Although this model’s frame is lightweight, it shoots with power and accuracy.
The lightweight frame makes for a great crossbow for the hobbyist shooter with shoulder issues.
When you purchase the Lethal crossbow, it comes with the pro package. This package comes with the necessary accessories to shoot, which include Hyprlite cross bolts, a scope, 3-bolt quiver, and a stick of rail lube.
Rubber dampeners are built into the body of the bow, and these help reduce the sound and vibration caused by shooting the bow. Also, the Lethal has an adjustable grip to help fit for a variety of people, as well as caters to different carrying preferences.
A silent crank is included with the package, so as not to allow the prey any chance at hearing that you’re around.
Although the price is extremely low, don’t get it wrong, this is a hunting machine. With the shoot over 400 FPS, a silent crank, and Hyprlite bolts, this has everything needed to take down the next buck you see.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
Calling all budget buyers! The Lethal 405 by Killer Instinct that will shoot at over 400 feet per second, include everything you need to get out shooting fast, but won’t break the bank. This is an all around great deal.
7. Best Budget Recurve
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve |
260 |
4.8 lbs |
32" |
22" |
28" |
12" |
195 lbs |
Pros
- Little assembly needed to start shooting
- Good quality for the price
- Soft-lok floating bristle arrow retainer
- Metal injection molded trigger
- Anti-dry fire trigger system
Cons
- Difficult to cock- hightly recommend purchasing the rope cocking device with this package
- Speed is under 300 FPS
Package includes:
- 4x32 millimeters multi-reticle scope
- Two 20" Aluminum Arrows
- Lightweight side mount quiver
- Lube Wax
Easy to assemble and great to shoot, the Barnett Wildcat is the best recurve crossbow for beginners.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Safety is key, especially for first-time bow owners. The Wildcat includes Barnett’s Soft Lok floating bristle arrow retainer to keep from dry-firing, which they call their Anti-Dry Fire Trigger System. It works well, and we’re happy there’s a safety mechanism.
Who This Crossbow Is Best For
The Barnett Wildcat will unleash the hunter within and captivate any noobie into a genuine hunter. If you’re looking for a gift to get someone (maybe yourself) into bow hunting, start with the Barnett Wildcat.
8. Best for Archery
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SA Sports 647 Empire Fever Pro |
235 |
5.1 lbs |
32" |
Undisclosed" |
26.5" |
12" |
175 lbs |
Pros
- Great weight and simple design
- Hand saver palm grip
- Ambidextrous auto safety
- Integrated broadhead wrench molded into stock
- Flip-open storage compartment
- Adjustable weaver scope mount
- Sturdy cast aluminum traack
Cons
- Trigger quality is mediocre
- Bolts are mediocre
Package includes:
- 4x32 scope
- 4 aluminum arrows
- Quick detach quiver
- Padded shoulder sling for easy transport
The Empire Fever Pro is a versatile, easy-to-use bow suitable for both experienced shooters and beginners, and for this reason, this is the best recurve crossbow for archery.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
This lightweight and shooter-friendly bow is ripe for a smaller-bodied person, who is looking for a crossbow that doesn’t have a heavy weight.
The length is perfect for fast and mobile shots when first spot your game and need to set up with speed. What I like so much about the Empire Fever Pro is that it includes the features demanded by crossbow enthusiasts with an extremely affordable price tag.
SA Sports also created some innovative designs that I’ve noticed to be extremely useful. For example, the flip-cap dry storage works great if you’ve need to pack something light or keep something dry, you can put it right into the bow. Also, the optional saver-palm grip allows shooters to choose whether or not they want the crossbow to be handheld or not. Options are nice, and for the price, this bow gives them all.
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
The Empire Fever Pro crossbow is an excellent pair for girls, junior hunters, or small-built hunters who are looking for an easy-to-handle crossbow that will give you excellent target practice!
9. Best First-Time Buyer Bow
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barnett Jackal |
315 |
7.7 lbs |
32.5" |
26.5" |
Undisclosed" |
12" |
150 lbs |
Pros
- Excellent price-for-quality ratio
- Sleek, military-style stock
- high energy wheels
- Synthetic string and cable system
Cons
- Does not come with a rope cocking device
Package includes:
- Red dot scope
- Quick-detach quiver
- 3 arrows
Looking to take advantage of the entire deer season and searching for your first crossbow? The Jackal Crossbow offers the features that come equipped on high-priced crossbows for under $299. This bow includes what you need to assemble it right out of the package and start shooting the same day it arrives.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Made in the USA, the Jackal has a sleek military-style design and the Quad Limb High Energy Wheels and cable system produce shots up to 315 feet per second. What’s new for the bow is Barnett’s new ADF MIM trigger, which gives a smooth 3.5 lbs trigger pull. Barnett knows how to treat their customers right, and offers a 5-year limited warranty.
The draw weight of the Jackal is 150 pounds. For a big person with strong hands, you’ll be able to cock this crossbow with no problems. However, if you feel you’ll need or appreciate the assistance, grab the rope-cocking device below that was made for this model.
Who This Bow is Best For
The Jackal is best for the lightweight individual looking for an accurate crossbow at a great deal. Just make sure to include the rope cocker and you’ll be all set!
10. Best For Beginners
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CenterPoint Volt 300 |
300 |
7.9 lbs |
33.25" |
14" |
Undisclosed" |
14" |
Undisclosed lbs |
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to draw
- Adjustable composite stock
- Auto-safety cock mechanism included
- Kit includes parallel quiver, rope cocker and three arrows
Cons
- Less-than-average speed
Package includes:
- 4x32 multi cross-hair reticle scope
- 4-bolt quiver
- Sling
- Three carbon bolts with field points
- Cocking rope
- Rail lube
The CenterPoint Volt is an excellent first-time buyer’s crossbow. It would also make for the perfect bow for young adults, women, and seniors who are looking to tackle the hunting fields or the archery targets.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Who Is This Crossbow Best For?
11. Best for Deer Hunting
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Whitetail Hunter STR |
375 |
6.6 lbs |
34.875" |
Not given |
18 1/8” |
15 7/16" |
187 lbs |
Pros
- Mossy oak bottomland paint
- Fiberglass composite step thru riser
- Single bolt assembly
- Anti-dry fire trigger-tech trigger
Cons
- Fiberglass limbs means it's easy to get scratched up
Package includes:
- 4x32 millimeters multi-reticle scope
- Two 22 inches headhunter arrows
- Lightweight quiver
- Lube wax
- Rope cocking device
Think of the Whitetail Hunter STR as the little brother to the pro model. This compact design creates a super manageable shooting profile for hunters of all sizes.
The lightweight step-thru riser reduces the length needed to cock by integrating the foot sitrrup directly into the riser. This modern technology is also a great reduction of stress on those hunters with sore backs, or the young hunters who might normally struggle to cock a crossbow.
This excellent bow weighs in at only 6.6 pounds, yet shoots at a whopping 375 feet per second. This is an almost unbeatable combination, and is definitely the best pick for youth, elderly, and first-time hunters.
What Makes This Target Great
- TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology™
- Single Bolt Assembly
- Fiberglass Composite Step-Through Riser
- Soft-Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
- Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
- Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
- Custom Composite Laminated Limbs
- One Picatinny Rail
- Crank Cocking Device Compatible
- Finger Safety Reminders
Who’s This Target Best For?
Best bow for beginners, youth, and elderly hunters, the Barnett brand really hit the nail on the head with their Whitetail Hunter STR model which combines mobility and power all in one crossbow.
12. Best for Hunters with Shoulder Issues
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barnett Explorer XP |
400 |
6 lbs |
31.25-33.75" |
16.25" |
19" |
13.75" |
165 lbs |
Pros
- TriggerTech frictionless release technology
- Complete hunting accessory package
- Adjustable butt stock and cheek rest
- Crank cocking device compatible
Cons
- Does not come with string dampener
Package includes:
- Two carbon arrows
- 4x32mm multi-reticle scope
- Rope cocking device
- Lightweight quiver
- Lubrication Wax
The Barnett Explorer XP is the most lightweight compound crossbow that shoots in the 400 feet per second range. The price tag on this bow is extremely low for what you get, just click the Check Price button to see for your self.
This lightweight design makes for an easy-to-carry and handle crossbow with a little amount of kickback. Hunters with shoulder problems really appreciate the ability to maintain time in the field with a crossbow and not have to worry about injuring their shoulder.
Light, strong, and fast- the Explorer XP by Barnett is a wicked weapon. This crossbow is best for the hunter who needs a lightweight bow, but doesn’t want to compromise the powerful shot. The design and dimensions make handling this bow easy in tight spaces, like a tree stand.
What Makes This Crossbow Great
Barnett is listed multiple times on this year’s bow review, and their brand name runs strong in the industry. We’re happy to include their Explorer XP for our best all-around crossbow for the money.
9. Best for Experienced Hunters
| Model | FPS | Weight | Length | Width while cocked | Width while uncocked | Power Stroke | Draw Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Barnett Whitetail Hunter II |
350 |
6.4 lbs |
34.25" |
16.125" |
18.25" |
12.5" |
150 lbs |
Pros
- Multi-Reticle scope
- Crank cocking device
- Heavy duty, dual stage lockable latches
- Anti-vibration foot stirrup
- TriggerTech technology
- Kinetic energy: 103 feet pounds
Cons
- Not able to uncock the bow without firing it
Package includes:
- 4x32mm Multi-Reticle Scope
- Rope Cocking Device and lubrication Wax
- Lightweight Quiver
- Two 20” Headhunter Arrows
What Makes This Target Great
- TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology™
- Single Bolt Assembly
- Magnesium Riser
- Soft-Lok™ Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer
- Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) Trigger System
- Metal Injection Molded (MIM) Trigger
- Custom Composite Laminated Limbs
- 7/8” Picatinny Rails
- Crank Cocking Device Compatible
- Finger Safety Reminders
- Pass-Through Foregrip
- Anti-Vibration Foot Stirrup
Who’s This Target Best For?
Get this Barnett Whitetail Hunter II because of the trusted Barnett name, it’s badass take-down hunting power, and the amazingly low price it’s marked at right now.
Information before you buy
What is the best cheap crossbow?
Finding the best cheap crossbow depends on your needs. For the speed, accuracy, take-down power at the best price, the Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR is your best bet.
Recap
The crossbow industry provides us with a lot of options and choices to select. Many times, new crossbows can easily break into the $1,000 plus range, but they don’t have to.
You can get a great new crossbow for a lot less. I hope this review page has helped you. If you have questions or comments, please leave them in the comment’s section at the bottom of the page.
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