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A hunting enthusiast? You are in right place! Are you looking, to begin with, hunting or shooting? If yes, you should always start with a low-cost crossbow to make your hands work on the device comfortably for your accuracy. Thus, buying a crossbow under $500 will be just perfect.

Top 10 Best Crossbow under $500

What is a Crossbow?

A Crossbow is a device which is an upgraded version of the old school bow and arrow that was used in olden time by the kings and princess. Now people have become more updated and have upgraded older stuff with new technology to improve its efficiency. The Morden days crossbows have an amazing look and the designs are just spectacular. Just by holding the crossbow, you may feel royal and sporty. Nowadays the crossbows are super classy and come with a wide range of prices, designs, and types. People buy them according to the kind of procedure that has to be carried out by them. Some people use is for hunting smaller targets while some use it to hunt the wild. While there some who love archery and buys one for practicing to shoot or maybe just as passion or interest for stuff like this. You will agree that this is an amazing device to own.

Now that we know what a crossbow is, we should jump down to see a variety of affordable crossbows available to fulfill your requirement of a budget crossbow. Thus, here we provide a list of top crossbows under $500 that are super affordable and easy to buy.

1) CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package

CenterPoint Sniper 370 Crossbow Package

the name sniper 370 itself feels like we are talking about some deadly weapon. The brand offering this very affordable cross is very trusted and known for the products it manufactures and its amazing price. This upgraded bow and arrow has an amazing history as it was first launched in 2016 and the very same year it received the award of “GREAT BUY” by the outdoor life magazine. This device has a super fabulous design that will give you the look of a worrier. The entire product is black in color and ha a few red lines running here and there but the most good-looking thing is that it has a marbling print or a camouflage print holder. With an amazing style comes a series of amazing features.

There is a lot of different features provided. Let’s start with the foregrip and stock. It comes with a fully adjustable stock and foregrip to follow your lead and make an accurate target shoot. Then we talk about the FPS, it's an important feature of the device. This crossbow provides us with an FPS 370. It is exceptionally good. The draw weight provided is also stunning. it offers the draw weight of 185 pounds that is super comfortable. The purchase comes with a package of integrated string suppressors that keep shots extremely quiet and vibration-free that keeps your hand and focus steady. The mechanism used for the same is an anti-dry fire/auto safety mechanism. Some additional attributes are a 4×32-mm scope with almost 3 20-inch of carbon arrows, a quiver, and a rope cocker. The Sniper 370 is the best starters pack.

Our Verdict
Pros:
  • Great FPS.
  • Super comfortable draw weight.
  • Silent and vibration-free.
  • 4×32-mm scope.
Cons:
  • Has to be careful with the strings.
Specification:
  • Item Weight: 185 Pounds

2) Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow

BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow

There is no description required to tell how well known and reputed this brand id when it comes to crossbows. This brand has a lot to offer to the hunter and shooters. The most trustworthy and reliable brand. Thus, this is a bomb crossbow under $5oo. One would surely go for it after reading the features and specifications. It has a lot to offer with this price. When we say features, this equipment comes loaded with features that will make you hunting a rich experience and will want to go hunt.

now we talk about the features. This beast comes with a super good FPS that is 350 feet per second. This will put your arrow on fire. The draw weight is fair enough and comfortable and easy. It comes with a draw weight of 150 pounds. Not only this but the best part of this crossbow is the kinetic energy it offers. It is worth the pay. It offers the kinetic energy of 103 feet pounds. Another feature is that is axle to axle 16.125" that is good for beginners. Also, another great injection is the power stroke of 12.5”. the technology-induced in her is the trigger tech technology that comes with a 3 pounds zero-creep release. Isn’t that amazing? The package comes with the other items that include a 4×32 scope, the rope cocking device, a lightweight quiver, and 2 201” Headhunter arrows. The entire body is made of stainless steel. An absolute steal.

Our Verdict
Pros:
  • Nock sensor.
  • Great FPS
  • Good draw weight
  • Very lightweight quiver and easy carry.
  • Trigger tech techno.
  • Stainless steel body.
Cons:
  • The scope and foregrips are not adjustable.
Specification:
  • Product Dimensions: 34.25″L x 18.25″W
  • Item Weight: 6.4 pounds

3) Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow, 400 Feet Per Second

BARNETT Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow

Again, we are talking of the same brand that comes with huge goodwill and brand name. we all most love this brand for how much it has to offer in return for a price like this. This device id stuffed with good attributes that will make you wanna hunt more and more. Not only features, but this crossbow is all about its look. One may wanna buy is not for its features but only looks. It has such an amazing design and color scheme that matches the jungle theme and the concept of camouflage. This has won the heart of a lot of hunters.

Let us have a peek through its absolute stunning features. This product has a lot to offer. One of which is FPS, it offers us the FPS of 400. This number is jaw-dropping. The draw weight is 187 lbs and its super good. It offers the Kinetic Energy of 140 Ft-lbs, which is far more sufficient to kill a deer and animals like that. An amazing Power Stroke of 16.375". isn’t that just a pretty deal to grab without thinking? But it does not end here. This crossbow provides Axle to Axle 17.625". it gives us the super smooth and super quiet shots for accuracy. The whole buy will come with other stuff as well that includes a premium 4×32 illuminated scope for your convenience, the Rope Cocking Device, with the Side Mount Quiver, and 2 22" Headhunter Arrows, The beast deal anyone can offer.

Our Verdict
Pros:
  • Super duper FPS.
  • A good draw weight.
  • The amazing power stroke of 16.375”.
Cons:
  • Not adjustable.
Specification:
  • Product Dimensions: 36.5″L x 20″W
  • Weight Capacity: 16.9 pounds.

4) PSE Thrive 400 Crossbow Kryptek Highlander 175lbs 4×32 Illuminated Scope Package

PSE Thrive 400 Hunting Compound Crossbow

This crossbow right here is known to be a beast in the category. As the brand is enough to describe the product’s abilities. Thus, we will talk about its build and design. The first look is very fascinating. It looks professional and heavy usage product. The product designer must have put a lot of effort and brain to create such a sophisticated and compact outlook. The design and color scheme is awesome. The concept of camouflage is induced as we see that sone bars are printed in camouflage nad look super attractive. The design is attractive. Now let’s jump to the features.

The features that are induced in here are a lot. Let us start with the FPS. It has a high power FPS that is 400 FPS which also includes the 22" carbon bolts and 1 discharge bolt to make you hunt worth the time. This little baby work on the mechanism of CNC that helps it to increase power, speed, and accuracy. Of your hunt or shot. It comes with the system of REVERSE CAM which aids to creates a longe power stroke, that ultimately boosts the kinetic energy of the crossbow.it comes with pre- installed scoops, which is a 4 X 32 Illuminated scope, and string stops sound & vibration so one can take a shot without disturbance. The package comes with a quiver, cocking rope, and rail lube as the accessories. This is a total catch.

Our Verdict
Pros:
  • 400 FPS
  • good design
  • CNC mechanism
  • Has reverse cam
Cons:
  • It is a little fragile compared to others.
Specification:
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 0.96 Ounces
  • Item Weight: 0.96 Ounces

5) Killer Instinct Speed 425 Crossbow Elite Package

Killer Instinct MSCKI-1107 Speed 425 Crossbow

Killer instinct. The product is very descriptive of its name. the performance is a killer and one has to be very careful while using this crossbow as it is said to be an aggressive one with super high FPS and kinetic energy. Thus, while thinking of purchasing this monster, always make sure if you can handle this or not. Coming to its outlook. This monster is very compact and short in size. It gives the visual of a soft calm crossbow but it is totally the opposite. It has a common design and nothing fancy to show and see. But that's not it. Lets us jump to the attributes.

Packed with several features the first one is the unbelievable speed offered in this price range. We are talking about the FPS. It gives us a stunning 425 FPS. The kinetic energy offered is even more amazing as it can puncture the target with 156 Foot- Pounds of Kinetic Energy. Another very precise and exceptional feature is that the sniper has a low light clarity and a 20-100 Yard reticle that will immediately match the speed of the crossbow for max performance 5-position AR buttstock, and an Interchangeable pistol grip. Unlike the other crossbow, this comes with an adjustable forearm grip to give you a good adjust accordingly to your self. when purchased the entire set, the package comes with different accessories that are, Lumix speed ring of 1.5 – 5 x 32 IR-E Scope, the Rope Cocker, and String & Limb Suppressors, and the last is a 5-Bolt Quiver.

Our Verdict
Pros:
  • Lifetime warranty
  • FPS Of 425
  • The kinetic energy of 156 foot-pound
Cons:
  • Handel with a lot of care.
Specification:
  • Product Dimensions:  32 – 34.5″ inches
  • Item Weight:   7.2 pounds

6) BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow in Mossy Oak Bottomland

Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow

Again we see this brand for the 3 rd time in this list. What does that mean? It means that the brand is highly rated and offers good crossbows and maintenance its prestige by giving us wonder options in the same range. We know the brand and its promising products. Let us talk about the design and the outlook. This product is a simple-looking nice piece of crossbows. It has a very generic look that does not contain many fancies. It has a little bit camouflage strips running through its body which gives a little jungle vibe. Now, let's jump to features.

This again has pretty features that include a good fps to go out hunting in the beginning days and at the beginners level. The FPS provided is 375 feet per second. That is a good count. The kinetic energy is 118.6 feet pounds. Another very important feature includes the axle to the axle width of 18.125 inches. It uses the trigger-tech trigger techno to avoid dry fires in the forest. As when bought, the Package includes string and rail lube wax which are Compatible with Barnett 17455 crank cocking device. Also a very awesome rated 4×32 millimeters multi-reticle scope, with 2 22 inches headhunter arrows, a very lightweight quiver, rope cocking device, & lube wax. A good idea to begin with.

Our Verdict
Pros:
  • Goof FPS
  • Great techno to avoid fires
  • Good kinetic energy.
Cons:
  • Has to be careful with the strings.
Specification:
  • Product Dimensions: 34.875″L x 20.125” W
  • Item Weight: 6.6 ounces

7) BearX Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow Package with Scope, Quiver, Bolts, Cocking Rope, and Wax

Bear X Intense CD Ready to Shoot Crossbow

This is a very good looking and handsome crossbow. We have everything that is required is a good crossbow. This product is offered to buy a very good and trustable brand that has goodwill in the market. Talking about the look, it is jaw- dropping. One can purchase this hero for its looks and not features. This product is so well designed and elaborated that only holding it will make you feel like the king of the hunting world. The designs and color scheme id to die for. Keeping aside the design, we see a bundle of attributes that are just what is required.

Let’s begin with the feature of FPS. This has to offer us the 405 fps with a draw weight of 210 lbs which is a good combination to go for a casual hunt. It comes with an Adjustable fore-end grip, ambidextrous safety, which again makes you comfortable in your position according to your body.it supports the dual string suppressor system, which prevents the device to cause the dry fires in the forest. The style scope mount rail 4×32 multi cross-hair reticle comes with a functioning eyepiece that allows you to target your prey more accurately and finely. When purchased, it comes packed with accessories like a 4-bolt quiver, a cocking rope, and a rail lube/string lube. This a thumb’s up deal.

Our Verdict
Pros:
  • Easily adjustable with a fore-end grip.
  • A very good FPS range
  • Good draw weight.
  • Good functioning eyepiece.
Cons:
  • The strings are a little fragile.
Specifications:
  • Item Weight: 7.5 pounds

8) EXCALIBUR CROSSBOW, Matrix GRZ 2 Package Realtree Xtra (E95922)

Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow - Realtree Xtra

This crossbow right here is known to be very precise and accurate. As the brand is enough to describe the product’s abilities, we will talk about its build and design. The first look is very fascinating. It looks simple and effective. The designer must have worked hard to create this type of compact outlook. The design and color scheme is awesome. The concept of camouflage is induced as we see that a few bars are printed in camouflage and look super attractive. The design is attractive. Now let’s jump to the features.

This again has pretty features that include a good fps to go out hunting in the beginning days and at the beginners level. The FPS provided is 305 feet per second. That is a good count. The kinetic energy is 200 feet pounds.

Our Verdict
Pros:
  • compact product.
  • Very handy and portable
  • Easy to handle.
  • Great kinetic energy.
Cons:
  • A little too simple for a good hunt.
Specification:
  • Product Dimensions: 35 x 10 x 5 inches;
  • Item Weight: 5.5 Pounds

9) Centerpoint Archery Mercenary 390 FPS Crossbow

CenterPoint Mercenary 390 Crossbow

The brand offering this very affordable cross is very trusted and known for the products it manufactures and its amazing price. This upgraded bow and arrow has an amazing outlook. This device has a super fabulous design that will give you the look of a worrier. The entire product is black. The most good-looking thing is that it has little camouflage prints on bars. With an amazing style comes amazing features.

Talking about the features. This comes with a good FPS that is 390 feet per second. This works on the mechanism of CNC that helps it to increase power, speed, and accuracy. Of your hunt or shot. It comes with the Power Stroke of 14.50-inches that ultimately boosts the kinetic energy of the crossbow which is a 135-foot pound. It comes with pre-installed scoops, which is a 4 X 32 mm Illuminated scope, and string stops sound & vibration so one can take a shot without disturbance. The package comes with 3 20-inch carbon arrows, a parallel quiver, rope cocker, and rail lube.

Our Verdict
Pros:
  • good design
  • CNC mechanism
  • Fair enough FSP and KE
  • 5-year warranty
Cons:
  • Fewer Features.
Specification:
  • Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches.
  • item weight: 7.81 Pounds.

10) Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow Package

Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow

we are talking of the same brand that comes with a great reputation and brand name. also, we have discussed it once on the list. The crossbow is the same as its name suggests. We almost love this brand for how much it has to offer in return for a price like this. This device is stuffed with good attributes that will make you wanna hunt more and more. Not only features, but this crossbow is all about its look. One may wanna buy is not for its features but its extra looks. It has such an amazing design and color scheme that matches the jungle theme and the quirkiness around. This has the heart of a lot of hunters.

Packed with several features the first one is the unbelievable speed offered in this price range. We are talking about the FPS. It gives us a stunning 415 FPS. The draw weight is nearly 220 pounds, and its kinetic energy is 141 foot-pounds. The speed of the crossbow for max performance 6-position AR buttstock. Unlike the other crossbow, this comes with an adjustable forearm grip to give you a good adjust accordingly to your self. when purchased the entire set, the package comes with different accessories that are, Lumix s- 4 x 32 IR-E Scope, the Rope Cocker, and String & Limb Suppressors, and the last is a 3-Bolt Quiver.

Our Verdict
Pros:
  • Awesome FPS
  • A good draw weight.
  • Offer too much for its price.
Cons:
  • Difficult to use for some.
Specification:
  • Product Dimensions: 34.5 – 37″ inches
  • Item Weight: 6.85 pounds.

What should I Look For when buying a crossbow for hunting?

((- Draw Weight – Shooting Speed – Kinetic Energy – Scoop Attachment Option – Safety – Overall Crossbow weight – Buy Under Your Budget))

Draw Weight: the drawstring is the power exerted by one hand to create the pull for the arrow to leave the bow. Thus, while purchasing one, you may wanna look that the draw weight as it will let you know the power as the kinetic force it will create to take a shot.

Shooting Speed: shooting speed or also called the FPS is the force per second, this decides that by what speed will the arrow travel in the air person and hit the prey. It is an important feature to look for as it will affect the crossbow's efficiency.

Kinetic Energy: in very simple terms, kinetic energy is the energy that is created as soon as the arrow leaves the bow. The kinetic energy created will decide that by how much force does the arrow hit the prey. Therefore, this will help you to recognize the killing of the prey by its size and shape.

 Scoop Attachment Option: the scoop attachment is optional. Is it a scoop thingy attached to the front of the crossbow. Its function is to help one to cut the obstacles and carry the hunted animal after the hunt. It’s a total choice.

Safety: the very important aspect of the entire procedure. One has to see that the crossbow in no terms harm oneself. Thus, while purchasing the product one should look for a KE according to its strength and capacity to handle the pressure. One may end up hurt themselves very badly.

Overall Crossbow weight: the overall weight of a crossbow depends on how much weight can you handle for yourself. Therefore, while purchasing one please look if you can handle the weight efficiently on your body or not otherwise you may end up hurting yourself and the crossbow may turn up to be a waste of money for yourself.

Buy Under Your Budget: if running on a budget, this will be very helpful for you. The $ 500 crossbow is super effective and amazing to work with. Thus, if running with the budget, go for crossbows under $500

Are Crossbows under $500 Worth Buying?

*** ( Excellent for beginners and seasonal hunters)

Absolutely! If you are a beginner or a very who follow this as a hobby, you should buy a crossbow under $ 500 as it will be an offer to the same feature within a budget. Thus, if you just looking forward to starting with hunting, this will be an excellent choice made.

How much draw weight do you require in the crossbow?

The answer to this question is not specific. You see the draw weight requirement depends on the kill you are going for. But answer your question, as a beginner one must have a draw weight of about 75 to 125 pounds to make kills.

How long will a crossbow last?

The life of the crossbow depends on the type of usage and the maintenance it gets. It may easily last for about 4 years without change, but it is advised to change the strings every 2 years. Thus, with good care and maintenance, it will last for a fair time.

Can I leave my crossbow cocked all day?

It is advised to not do so as accidents may happen but you can still keep it cocked all day if you are careful about your game. Make sure you decock it at night as it may cause severe damage if something goes wrong.

Conclusion

Here we have tried to gather the best information and elaborated it to give you a brief of the top products. Top 10 crossbows under $500. Eliminating all the not as good affordable crossbow, we have tried to avoid any confusion for you. You can go for any of these low-cost crossbows according to your requirement. We have tried to serve you with the best. Have a good day.

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