Best crossbow under $500 In 2023 – Our Top 12 Picks

Crossbows are a popular choice for hunting and target shooting, offering a unique combination of power and accuracy. However, finding the right crossbow can be a daunting task, especially if you’re on a budget. In this article, we will be discussing the best crossbow under $500.

When looking for a crossbow, there are a few things to keep in mind. One of the most important factors is draw weight, which determines how much force is required to cock the bow. Another consideration is the speed of the arrow, which is measured in feet per second (FPS). Other factors to consider include the weight and size of the crossbow, as well as the type of arrows it uses.

After researching and testing various models, I have identified the top crossbows under $500. These crossbows offer a balance of power, accuracy, and affordability. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, these crossbows are a great choice for anyone looking to get into the sport.

Related Articles:- 

• Best Crossbow Under $1000
• Best Crossbow Under $300
• Best Crossbow Under $200

Quick Recommendation For Best Crossbow under 500

1. CenterPoint Heat 425 Crossbow (Editors Choice)
2. BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow
3. KILLER INSTINCT Ripper 425 Crossbow (Best crossbow under $500)
4. CenterPoint Pulse 425 Crossbow (Best crossbow for deer hunting under $500)
5. PSE ARCHERY Fang HD Crossbow Package
6. Barnett Explorer XP 400 Crossbow
7. Centerpoint AXCS185BK Sniper 370 Crossbow 
8. Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR 
9. CenterPoint Mercenary 390 Crossbow
10. Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow 
11. KILLER INSTINCT Boss 405 Crossbow 
12. CenterPoint Sniper Elite 385 Crossbow

Best Crossbow Under $500 In 2023 – Our Top 12 Picks

1. CenterPoint Heat 425 Crossbow

The CenterPoint Heat 425 has a reputation for being one of the best solar pool heaters on the market today. While we’re not the biggest fan of the name CenterPoint, we know that this company has been around for over 20 years, and they are very reliable in crossbows under $500.

Centerpoint Heat 425 Crossbow is one of the most popular among all crossbows. We think that the reason behind this is its reliability and the fact that it’s easy to install. With its 12-inch axle-to-axle width, it can cover an area of up to 1,200 square feet. That means that you’ll get a lot of heat coverage, and it’ll be able to heat your pool really efficiently.

It comes with a 160-foot-per-second cocked rate, which is ideal for small pools. For larger pools, you can choose between 400 and 600 feet per second. One of the best features of this solar pool heater is that it comes with a power draw. This means that it’ll automatically shut off when there’s enough sunlight.

While you can always manually turn the unit on or off, this feature is a great convenience. You’ll also receive a 12-month warranty with this solar pool heater, which is a rarity for this type of product. We do recommend that you keep the solar pool heater away from any pool furniture. You can always use a wooden frame to attach the solar panel to the pool deck, or just leave it exposed.

We love that this solar pool heater is made from quality materials that won’t fail after years of use. You can also expect a long lifespan with this product, so you’ll be saving money for a long time.

If you want to maximize the efficiency of this solar pool heater, we recommend that you place it on the roof of your pool. It’s not recommended for ground mounting, and it should be placed no more than 4-feet from the pool deck.

Pros:

• High-speed performance
• Accurate out to 50 yards
• Compact and maneuverable
• Affordable

Cons:

• Can be a bit heavy
• The string has been known to break
• The scope is not the good quality

 

2. BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow

Barnett’s Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow is a very popular crossbow bow in the archery community. This crossbow is ideal for beginners who want to start shooting and get into hunting with a crossbow. It has an incredible 350 feet per second draw speed, making it one of the fastest crossbows available on the market.

It’s also incredibly durable thanks to the dual-stage locking mechanism, which helps the crossbow endure the constant jostling during air travel. It has a draw weight of 150 pounds, which is ideal for beginners, and the crossbow is also designed to withstand the continuous pounding of the luggage, making it a great choice for the traveling hunter.

It also has a built-in pressure release valve, which prevents dry firing and helps to prevent the string from breaking. All of the parts are made from high-quality materials, and it comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring that you won’t have to worry about any repairs.

The crossbow is also compatible with any standard hunting arrows, and it’s ideal for beginners. The only downside is that it does not have a rangefinder, so you’ll have to rely on your eyesight to hit the target. However, the crossbow is a great option for beginners and it’s affordable too.

Pros:

• Powerful and accurate
• Affordable
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Compact and maneuverable
• Quiet shot
• Easy to cock with the included rope cocker
• Comes with a 4×32 illuminated scope

Cons:

• The stock is not adjustable, so it may not fit everyone perfectly
• The trigger is a bit heavy
• The string has been known to break in some cases

 

3. KILLER INSTINCT Ripper 425 Crossbow 

I’m not sure if this is the most powerful crossbow available, but it does come with some serious features that make it one of the best ones out there. It’s packed with a lot of accessories and is one of the best crossbow for youth. The Ripper 425 is a high-power crossbow with a 5-position buttstock, an adjustable forearm grip, an interchangeable pistol grip, and a 3-position adjustable crossbow scope.

It has a sleek, lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around, and it’s made of aluminum that’s both durable and lightweight. It’s also equipped with a 5-pound trigger pull, which means you can fire off multiple shots quickly.

The 5-inch aluminum barrel has a 3.5-inch diameter and is able to penetrate through heavy targets, making it ideal for large games. It’s equipped with a 3-pound single-stage trigger, which is smooth and responsive, and it comes with a rope cocker, which makes it easier to load the crossbow.

In addition to all of this, the Ripper 425 comes with a 3-bolt quiver, crossbow scope, and rail lube. So you’re not only getting a high-powered crossbow but a lot of accessories too. All in all, the Ripper 425 is one of the best crossbows for youth, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for one.

Pros:

• High accuracy and precision
• Powerful shooting velocity
• Compact and lightweight design
• Easy to assemble and use
• Comes with a scope and other accessories

Cons:

• May be too powerful for beginners or inexperienced users
• Some users may find it difficult to cock the crossbow
• Higher price compared to other crossbow models
• Limited availability in certain regions or stores
• Requires regular maintenance and care

 

4. CenterPoint Pulse 425 Crossbow

The CenterPoint Pulse 425 is an excellent bow crossbow that can be yours at an incredible price. With a $445 price tag, this bow is a steal.

This crossbow is made from high-quality materials, so you know that it’ll perform for many years. It’s made with heavy-duty metal components, making it strong and durable. It’s also equipped with a patented center point lock system, which means that you won’t accidentally release it.

CenterPoint Pulse also uses a Whisper Silencing System, which helps you to draw quietly. This system works by using a vibration absorber to muffle the sound of the crossbow, which makes it ideal for hunting or competitive archery.

The CenterPoint Pulse is equipped with a 12-inch axle-to-axle width cocked, which means that you’ll be able to get a lot of power out of the crossbow. The package includes everything that you need to get started, and it also includes a carry bag, two arrows, and a target.

If you want to save some money, you can also buy the CenterPoint Pulse at a lower price, but you’ll lose some features. The crossbow doesn’t come with a silencer, and you’ll only be able to use it for indoor shooting.

Pros:

• Powerful and fast shooting speed
• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Durable construction and high-quality materials
• Comes with a scope for improved accuracy
• Suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters

Cons:

• Can be expensive compared to other crossbow models
• Requires regular maintenance and care
• Limited customization options
• May require additional accessories for optimal performance
• Requires a certain level of strength and skill to operate

 

5. PSE ARCHERY Fang HD Crossbow Package

The Fang HD is the ultimate bow for hunters who want to hit their target with ease, and the Fang HD Crossbow Package from PSE Archery is the ultimate package. With a whopping 405 fps, the Fang HD is a crossbbow bow that’s ideal for beginners and experienced bowhunters alike.

The Fang HD comes with a dual string stop which prevents the strings from slipping off the bow when firing an arrow. It also has a limiter that prevents you from pulling the trigger too far and accidentally shooting off the string, but you can still pull the trigger to fully release the arrow. It also comes with a dual-trigger system which helps reduce the risk of dry fires.

This Crossbow comes with a five-bolt quiver that holds up to five arrows, and the quiver has a convenient strap that lets you attach it to your belt or backpack. It also comes with a dual limb damper which keeps the bow in tune and the arrow in flight, and a three-piece carbon bolt set. The bow also comes with a scope, and the scope has an illuminated reticle which will help you aim and shoot more accurately.

PSE Archery also provides a three-piece 22 inch carbon bolt set, which is great for hunting. It’s made from durable carbon fiber and will last for a long time. The carbon bolts come in different lengths, and they have bullet points on the end to help with accuracy.

You can use the Fang HD to hunt animals from deer to elk, and the bow is also great for hunting rabbits. You can use the Fang HD for both predator and prey hunting.

Overall, the Fang HD is a high-quality hunting bow that will help you hit your targets more effectively and accurately. It’s a great bow for beginners and experts alike.

Pros:

• High-quality and reliable brand
• Powerful and accurate shooting
• Compact and lightweight design
• Comes with a complete package including a scope, quiver, and bolts
• Easy to assemble and use, suitable for beginners
• Quiet and smooth shooting experience

Cons:

• Relatively expensive compared to other crossbows in the market
• Some users may find it difficult to cock due to its high draw weight
• Limited color options are available
• Some users may experience issues with the included scope’s accuracy and durability
• May require additional accessories or upgrades for specific hunting purposes

 

6. Barnett Explorer XP 400 Crossbow

I found that the Barnett Explorer XP380 Crossbow is a great choice for beginners and experienced hunters alike, but it has some shortcomings. While the crossbow itself is excellent, it does come with some drawbacks.

First of all, it comes with a laminated limb design, which is fairly common amongst crossbows. This type of design is strong, and it’s meant to help the bow shoot accurately, but it does have some downsides.

Laminated limbs are more likely to break over time, and they’re less durable than solid limbs. They’re also heavier, so they require more energy and effort to operate. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to always check the condition of the limbs before buying.

The second issue we had with the crossbow is the price. While it’s a great value for the amount of accessories included, it’s still expensive. You can get similar crossbows for much less, and they’re better quality too.

The Barnett Explorer XP380 Crossbow isn’t as powerful as others on the market, and it doesn’t offer the same level of accuracy. If you’re looking for something with a stronger build and more power, then look elsewhere.

Pros:

• Accurate and powerful shooting capabilities
• Compact and lightweight design for easy handling
• Comes with a scope and other essential accessories
• Quiet and vibration-free operation
• Suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters

Cons:

• Relatively expensive compared to other crossbows on the market
• May require some adjustment and tuning before optimal performance
• Limited customization options compared to other models
• Cocking the crossbow may require some physical effort

 

7. Centerpoint AXCS185BK Sniper 370 Crossbow 

The Centerpoint AXCS185BK sniper crossbow package is a top-of-the-line hunting crossbow that is highly capable, versatile, and will give you an edge over your competition. This is a full-featured crossbow with a 370 fps draw speed, which is more than enough for most types of games.

It can be used for hunting both upland and waterfowl, and it can be fitted with either a single or dual trigger.

It’s equipped with a quad limbs system, which ensures that the bow will be very accurate at long ranges. The limbs are machined to provide excellent strength and accuracy, and the entire bow can be adjusted to fit your individual shoulder width.

The crossbow is fitted with an integrated string suppressor that will help keep the noise to a minimum. It’s a lightweight design, but it still packs a punch. It’s made from aluminum and composite, and it weighs about 16 pounds.

You can use the crossbow for both hunting and target shooting, and it’s also suitable for archery. You’ll get plenty of power for both applications, and it will be a great weapon for your next adventure.

Pros:

• Durable and high-quality construction
• Accurate and precise shooting
• Powerful and fast arrow speeds
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Comes with a variety of accessories
• Affordable price compared to other crossbows of similar quality

Cons:

• May require additional assembly and tuning
• Limited color options (only available in black)
• Noisy operation compared to some other crossbows
• May not be suitable for beginners due to its power and speed

 

8. Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR 

If you’re looking for a high-performance best crossbow under $500, long-lasting crossbow, then you can’t go wrong with Barnett. This is their flagship model, and it’s made for hunters who want a powerful, lightweight crossbow that can handle the rigors of hunting season.

The Whitetail Hunter STR is a step-through design, which is great for shooting, especially when you’re facing different terrain. It’s also got a low-profile, which is ideal for crossbow hunters who want a stealthy weapon.

The Whitetail Hunter STR features a Riser (STR) design, which reduces the overall length of the crossbow. The STR technology integrates the foot stirrup directly into the riser, and the crossbow weighs in at just 6.6 pounds.

There’s no need to adjust the length of the string for different shooting conditions because the crossbow is made for all conditions. The low-profile design ensures that the crossbow won’t stick out in the brush, and it also makes it easier to conceal.

This crossbow also comes with a three-pound, zero-creep release that will help you make quick, accurate shots. There’s also a Nock Sensor, and anti-dry fire system that lets you know if the crossbow is dry, and it’ll automatically relock the bolt if it does happen.

This crossbow is perfect for Women and hunters who want to go after whitetails and other game. You can also use it for small game, such as squirrels, rabbits, and even quail. The Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR is a reliable, high-performance crossbow that will help you get the shot, and will serve you well for many years to come.

Pros:

• High-quality construction and materials
• Compact and lightweight design
• Powerful and accurate shooting
• Quiet operation
• Easy to assemble and use
• Smooth and consistent trigger pull

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Limited accessories included in the package
• May require additional adjustments or tuning for optimal performance
• May be less suitable for larger game or long-range hunting

 

9. CenterPoint Mercenary 390 Crossbow

The Centerpoint Mercenary 390 Crossbow is a great choice if you’re looking for something that can take a beating, but it’s still versatile enough for the occasional use. The main difference between this crossbow and the others is that it’s fully automatic. That means you don’t have to pull the trigger to fire it, and that’s pretty neat because it’s always ready to go.

One of the coolest things about this crossbow is the rope cocker, which makes it very simple to cock the bow. Simply push the rope cocker back until the bow is fully cocked, and you’re good to go.

This feature is pretty handy because it’s a lot easier to cock the bow when you’re standing at a distance, but it’s still a nice safety feature if you’re in close quarters.

The other cool thing about this crossbow is that it comes with a rope cocker, which is a type of cocking device that’s common on crossbows. It’s usually attached to the end of the string and allows you to cock the bow without having to manually pull back on the string. With the rope cocker, the string is pulled back instead, so it’s much faster and easier to cock the bow.

The Centerpoint Mercenary 390 Crossbow is a very sturdy crossbow, and it’s made from high-grade materials. It’s also made with a 14″ axle-to-axle width, which makes it a very stable crossbow.

This crossbow comes with a 15 foot throw, which is pretty standard for a crossbow, but it does include a rope cocker, which is a nice feature to have. Overall, this is a great crossbow for the price.

Pros:

• Accurate and powerful shooting performance
• Compact and lightweight design for easy maneuverability
• Easy to assemble and use
• Comes with a variety of useful accessories
• Quiet and smooth operation

Cons:

• Relatively expensive compared to other crossbows on the market
• May require additional accessories for optimal performance
• Limited customization options compared to some other brands
• May not be suitable for beginners due to its power and speed

 

10. Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow 

The Excalibur GRZ2 Crossbow is a versatile, lightweight hunting crossbow that’s great for any type of shooting game. The crossbow is built with a carbon fiber-reinforced composite material, making it super light and durable.

It’s also designed for comfort and efficiency, with a skeletonized body, and an adjustable power scope with 1 in. rings.

The crossbow’s powerful bow can reach speeds up to 305 fps, and it has enough strength to penetrate game. It’s also equipped with an archery sight and a single-shot safety trigger. Excalibur claims that the GRZ2 crossbow can be used for hunting, target practice, or even pest control.

Its compact design and lightweight make it easier to carry around, and it can be easily stored when not in use. It also features a comfortable archer’s grip and rubber grips for enhanced comfort.

The Excalibur GRZ2 crossbow is a versatile hunting crossbow that’s great for any type of shooting game, and is perfect for those who want to practice their hunting skills.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight design
• Easy to assemble and use
• Comes with a durable and reliable scope
• Powerful and fast shooting speed
• Quiet operation

Cons:

• Relatively expensive compared to other crossbows
• Limited color options
• Requires regular maintenance and care
• May not be suitable for beginners or inexperienced users
• Limited availability in some regions
• May have a learning curve for proper cocking and shooting techniques

 

11. KILLER INSTINCT Boss 405 Crossbow 

The Boss 405 is the newest version of the Killshot crossbow, and it comes with a few improvements. First, it comes with a built-in suppressor to cut down on noise and increase the stealth factor. It’s made from a single piece of aluminum, which means that it won’t bend or break like the plastic models.

The mechanism is also a bit more stable than its predecessors, which makes it easier to hold steady. The design also features an integrated stabilizing bracket that helps the crossbow remain steady when you’re aiming.

It fires up to 405 feet per second and generates up to 134 foot-pounds on a hit, which is a significant improvement from its predecessor. You’ll get the same solid performance from this crossbow, so you can rest assured that you’ll be able to hunt for hours without any issue.

The package also comes with a 3-bolt quiver and 3 Hyper-Lite Carbon bolts. You can use the quiver to store spare arrows for this crossbow. The bolts are specially designed to maximize the performance of this crossbow, and they’re made from Hyper Lite carbon, which makes them extremely strong.

If you want a quality crossbow at a reasonable price, then this is the crossbow for you. It’s incredibly accurate and powerful, and it’s easy to use as well.

Pros:

• High velocity and power
• Compact and lightweight design
• Quiet and smooth shooting experience
• Durable and high-quality construction
• Easy to assemble and use
• Comes with a variety of accessories and features
• Suitable for both beginners and experienced hunters

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance and care
• Limited availability of spare parts and accessories
• May require additional permits or licenses for use in certain areas
• Requires physical strength to cock and load
• May have limited warranty coverage

 

12. CenterPoint Sniper Elite 385 Crossbow

This is a high-powered crossbow for those who want a lot of power. Centerpoint makes great weapons, and the Sniper Elite is no exception. It’s designed to give you a lot of power, and it does.

The 385 feet per second rate is pretty good, but it’s the 132 foot-pounds of energy that really sets this crossbow apart. The average person can only exert about 40 foot-pounds of energy at most, so that’s pretty impressive. This crossbow is built for professionals, and even beginners should be able to use it effectively.

The crossbow has a 14.75 axle-to-axle width cocked, which means that it’s the widest bow you can get. This allows you to pull back the string faster, and to hit harder. If you’re using this crossbow for hunting, it’s perfect. If you’re going for the sport, then it’s better to use something else.

The crossbow is fairly heavy, and it’s not very maneuverable. If you’re going for the sport, it’s probably better to go with a lighter crossbow and use it for hunting.

It’s important to note that this crossbow isn’t intended for hunting purposes, and you shouldn’t use it for this purpose. It’s meant to be used for shooting, and it’s perfect for that.

This crossbow is a decent option if you’re looking for a powerful, well-built crossbow for hunting. If you want to purchase this crossbow, check out the CenterPoint Sniper Elite 385. It’s available for $350. 

Pros:

• High performance
• Accuracy of up to 30 yards.
• Has a number of safety features
• A number of safety features, including an anti-dry fire mechanism
• Stock is adjustable
• Comes with a five-year warranty

Cons:

• Little bit heavy weight
• Does not come with a crank
• Limb breakage

 

Best Crossbow Under $500 – A Comprehensive Guide To Help You Pick The Right Crossbow

Draw Weight

The draw weight is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing a crossbow. It is the amount of force required to pull the string back. A higher draw weight means more power behind the arrow, but it also makes the crossbow more difficult to cock. If you are a beginner, it is probably best to choose a crossbow with a lower draw weight. You can always increase the draw weight as you get better at using the crossbow.

Speed

The speed of a crossbow is an important factor to consider when making your purchase. A crossbow that shoots arrows at a high velocity is more likely to penetrate through the target than one with a lower velocity.

If you are looking for a crossbow to use for hunting, you will want one with a higher velocity so that you can take down your prey with ease. If you are looking for a crossbow to use for target practice, you may not need one with as high of a velocity.

Safety Features

When looking for a crossbow, safety features should be one of your main priorities. You want to make sure that the crossbow has a trigger safety so that it can’t be fired accidentally. You also want to look for a crossbow that has an anti-dry fire mechanism. This will prevent the crossbow from firing if there isn’t a bolt loaded.

Finally, you want to choose a crossbow that has a comfortable and ergonomic grip. This will help you to maintain a good grip on the crossbow while you are shooting.

Power Stroke

The power stroke of a crossbow is the distance the string travels from fully cocked to release. A crossbow’s power stroke is not necessarily an indication of its speed or stopping power.

In fact, a crossbow with a shorter power stroke may actually have more energy than one with a longer power stroke because it has less mass to accelerate.

Limb design and material

Crossbows come with different limb designs and materials. The most common type is the recurve crossbow, which has limbs that curve away from the bowstring. This design gives the crossbow more power and is easier to cock. The compound crossbow has limbs that are attached to the bowstring at an angle.

This reduces the draw weight, making it easier to cock. Crossbows also come with different types of materials, such as wood, fiberglass, or aluminum.

Best Crossbow Under $500 – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best crossbow under $500?

For $500, you can go for the CenterPoint Heat 425, which has a draw weight of 150 pounds. This model is available with an adjustable cocking lever and a mechanical trigger. Its accuracy can be adjusted, and the crossbow comes with a 20″ wide range of arrow shafts. It also has a safety stop and a sling mount.

How many FPS is a good crossbow?

A crossbow with high FPS is ideal for hunting big game. For a beginner, a 50-70 FPS bow is ideal for hunting small game, while a 70-100 FPS bow is suitable for hunting larger animals. If you are planning to use it for hunting, you should make sure that the crossbow is made from reliable materials and that the string is made of strong material.

Is Wicked Ridge a good crossbow?

Wicked Ridge Crossbows are some of the most powerful crossbows available. Their solid construction, high accuracy, and heavy-duty features make them some of the best crossbows on the market. They’re also very affordable, which makes them a great choice for beginners or experienced hunters.

What is the farthest shooting crossbow?

A crossbow is considered to be a long-distance weapon and thus is often used in the military for target practice. But some of them are designed for hunting as well and can be used from a distance of 10 meters to 300 meters. They are usually accurate at distances between 40-80 meters and are also known as long-range crossbows.

How far will a 400 fps crossbow shoot?

A crossbow usually has a maximum range of around 100-120 yards (or 90-105 meters), depending on how heavy the bow is, and how strong the shooter is. So, if you’re planning on shooting one at such a distance, make sure you’re a good shot.

Conclusion 

If you’re looking for the best crossbow under $500, we hope that our top 12 list has helped you find the perfect one for your needs. Crossbows can be a great addition to any hunter’s arsenal, and with so many great options on the market, there’s no excuse not to get one.

With our guide, you should have all the information you need to make an informed decision on which crossbow is right for you.