13 Best Thermal Monocular (Top Thermal Monoculars)
Are you looking to pick up a thermal monocular and wondering which is best?
There is a lot to choose from, and the price range varies. These aren’t cheap, so you will want to ensure you get the perfect one and don’t waste money.
This article will cover the best thermal monoculars available on the market.
Best Budget Thermal Monocular
AGM TM10-256
- 256×192 resolution, high-sensitivity detector
- Adaptive AGC, DDE, 3D DNR
- 720×540 LCOS display
- Built-in rechargeable Lithium battery
- Up to 8 hours of continuous running (with Wi-Fi hotspot function off)
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Amazon
Best Thermal Monocular For The Money
Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Pro
- Built-in Photo and Video Recorder
- 4 Observation Modes
- Variable Digital Zoom
- Picture-in-Picture mode
- Eight color palettes
- 8-hour operation time on a single charge
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Amazon
Top Thermal Monocular
Trijicon IR PATROL M300W
- Full 640×480 thermal imager
- 12-micron pixel pitch
- 30 Hz and 60 Hz frame rates
- Waterproof to 1 meter
- Nitrogen filled
- Handheld or rifle-mounted use
Price Check: Optics Planet
Thermal Monoculars Criteria
The main things to consider when deciding which unit to use are the thermal sensor, magnification, and price.
These devices are mainly applied to outdoor scenarios such as patrolling, law enforcement, search and rescue, drug enforcement, anti-smuggling, hiking, travel, and hunting. They are also just flat-out cool and a lot of fun.
Struggling to decide on thermal or night vision? Check out our article on the Best Night Vision Goggles & Devices (Complete Guide).
I include picks for cheap thermal imaging for hunting and the best thermal imaging for hunting.
Thermal Monocular Sensor
The thermal sensor is the heart of any handheld thermal monocular. This will determine the quality of the image and how much heat is detected. The higher the sensor’s pixel density, the better the thermal image you will see.
Here are the common pixel densities: entry-level, mid-range, and high-end.
- 160×120
- 384×288
- 640×480
With most things in life, you get what you pay for. Thermal optic technology is not cheap, and I always recommend purchasing high-quality and lasting products.
Thermal Monocular Magnification
Another factor to consider is the magnification of the unit. This will vary depending on your use of the thermal monocular. If you are predator hunting, you may not need an extreme zoom range.
You may want an extended range if you are long-range shooting or using it for pest control on your property. Regardless of your needs, having more magnification is always a plus.
Thermal Monocular Price
This will be the most significant factor for most people. If you want the best thermal monocular, you must pay for it.
If you think you can get by with a less expensive model, then by all means, do what works for you. If you are between which model or unit to get, I recommend waiting and saving more to get the better unit.
Thermal monocular reviews can often be all over the place so I suggest reading this entire post.
Top Thermal Monocular List
Here is the complete list of all the best thermal monoculars available on the market. If you are interested in thermal scopes, check out our article on the 13 Best Thermal Scopes.
1. AGM TM10-256
The best budget thermal monocular is the AGM TM10-256.
The AGM thermal monocular is a handheld observational thermal monocular that has a 256×192 infrared detector and an LCOS display.
It supports observation functions, highest temperature target tracking, distance measurement, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
The magnification can be adjusted from 1x to 8x zoom with a resolution of 256×192 pixels which is not bad for a thermal monocular in this price range.
It has 8hrs of continuous battery life and uses a single rechargeable lithium-ion battery with the Type-C cable. It also has a refresh rate of 25 Hz.
The high-sensitivity built-in thermal detector provides a clear view even in total darkness. The WiFi to a phone app is nice because a partner can see what you see only having one monocular.
This thermal monocular is only good out to about 75 to 100 yards. Anything past that becomes indistinguishable.
This is a great entry-level unit if you want to dip your toes into the thermal monocular world without spending too much money. It works well for the price and gets the job done.
Again, if you are on a budget, this is the best thermal monocular.
AGM TM10-256
- 256×192 resolution, high-sensitivity detector
- Adaptive AGC, DDE, 3D DNR
- 720×540 LCOS display
- Built-in rechargeable Lithium battery
- Up to 8 hours of continuous running (with Wi-Fi hotspot function off)
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Amazon
2. ATN OTS-XLT
Another good entry-level thermal monocular is the ATN OTS-XLT. This unit has a lower resolution and thermal sensor at only 160×120 pixels but has increased magnification.
This is a trade-off, and even with the extended zoom (2x -8x), identifying targets at longer ranges will be more difficult.
They also make a 2.5x – 10x model.
This doesn’t matter for deer hunting, though. You will be able to make out the silhouette of an animal.
You get a 17-micron sensor (most are only 12) and a 25mm lens, which is huge considering the device’s price.
The screen and sensor have a lower pixel volume than some, but the higher pixel size in the sensor and the large lens means that the digital zoom can compensate while viewing at a distance.
This is a monocular and not just a camera, so it’s more designed for range than image quality. There are many settings to choose from, and you can focus both the lens and the UI on getting everything right. The frame is nice and rubberized also.
The battery is rechargeable and will last 10 hours.
The ATN OTS-XLT is ideal for scanning heat signatures and using a scope for identification. For the price, you get a great package and the ability to see at night and through the brush.
ATN OTS-XLT
- Sensor: 160×120 pixels
- Core: ATN Obsidian Core LT
- Micro-Display: 720×540 pixels
- Charging: USB, type C
- Video Record Resolution: 720×576 pixels
- Internal Storage: 8 GB
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Sheels, Bass Pro, Cabelas, Amazon
3. Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35
Now stepping up to the mid-tier thermal monoculars, the Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35 is a much better device than the first two mentioned on this list.
It has a powerful 384×288 microbolometer that detects heat signatures over 1400 yards away. This is an excellent device for scoping large areas and locating prey.
It then transmits these images to a 640×400 AMOLED display, giving the user a crisp image of their target.
With 2-8x magnification, built-in photo and video recording, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a 16GB memory card, the Axion 2 XQ35 is feature packed.
The Axion 2 is also supported by the Stream Vision 2 app, enabling shooters to record and preserve all their precious shooting memories.
Weighing a mere 0.6lbs, the Axion 2 XQ35 is a high-quality reinforced magnesium alloy that boasts IPX7 protection and operates in temperatures between -13F to 122F.
Utilizing a lithium-ion battery, the Axion 2 operates for up to 11 hours.
Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35
- 384×288 Microbolometer
- 1400+ yard detection range
- 640×400 AMOLED display
- Built-in photo and video recording
- Wi-Fi connectivity and Stream Vision 2 App Supported
Price Check: Optics Planet, Sheels, Amazon
4. FLIR Systems Scout III 320
Another one of the best mid-tier thermal monoculars is the FLIR Systems Scout III 320.
These have a powerful 60 Hz frame rate with enhanced processing and are displayed on a high-definition 640 x 480 LCD screen for thermal viewing up to 600 yards away.
The Scout III 320 has an internal, rechargeable Li-Ion battery with an extended battery life of over 5 hours.
The fast startup feature eliminates the need for standby. Easy-to-use buttons allow for quick power adjustment, four different color palettes, 2x zoom, and screen brightness.
This is a great model, but it’s limited to only 2x zoom, and the battery life is poor. The positive side of this unit is the high refresh rate and the thermal sensor.
The clarity and image quality is the best feature of Scout III 320.
FLIR Systems Scout III 320
- High-speed 60Hz frame rate displays lifelike thermal video
- Crisp, clear 640 x 480 display screen
- Fast startup extends battery life by eliminating the need for standby mode
- Weather and impact-resistant
Price Check: Optics Planet, Amazon
5. Burris BTH 50
One of the best mid-tier thermal monoculars is the Burris BTH 50. The Burris thermal monocular device balances image quality, magnification, and features, all for a decent price.
The BTH 50 has five unique color palettes for a customized viewing experience, and you can adjust the brightness and contrast for the clearest sight picture possible.
This thermal imaging monocular can hot track targets over 750 yards away with a very good detection range. When the hot track is activated, the tracking box automatically positions itself onto the highest temperature reading, helping you acquire targets fast.
These thermal optics can connect to your smartphone via Wi-Fi so that you can operate the BTH 50 and record images and videos from a mobile app. Plus, they are rechargeable when you use the included USB-C cable.
The picture in picture mode is great and lets you see details while maintaining a wide field of view. Controls are easy to use and fairly intuitive. The ocular focus has a large range which is great as it allows you to get a very defined image of your target.
Color palettes are easy to scroll through and can be helpful in some situations, and the smooth zoom is another great feature.
There is a tripod socket for super stable viewing, but that feature shines when you use the wifi remote viewing capability. You can set up the thermal monocular where you need it and view it from the comfort of your hunting blind or living room.
When you don’t need the wifi, you can turn on the energy saver mode to get the most life out of the battery.
This is one of the best all-around thermal monoculars with good battery life.
Burris BTH 50
- Stadiametric ranging
- Hot track
- Manual and auto NUC
- Adjustable contrast
- Adjustable brightness
- App connectivity
Price Check: Optics Planet, Sportsman Guide, Grab A Gun, Amazon
6. FLIR Systems Breach PTQ136
Now getting into the more tactical thermal monoculars is the FLIR Systems Breach PTQ136.
The PTQ136 can be used as a handheld standalone device or mounted to a helmet with its mini-rail feature while only adding a minimal amount of weight (7.4oz) to your gear.
It has amazingly good image quality with a very high refresh rate, but there is no zoom or magnification that some people will not like. It does have a good detection range though.
The battery life is also very short, but this thermal monocular is designed for tactical applications.
The PTQ136 performs well with its video recording features.
Also, the heat detection is outstanding. Footprints and tracks can easily be observed long after the person or animal has moved through the area.
This model is more intended to be helmet mounted and used in tactical or combat situations but also works great for hunting and handheld use.
FLIR Systems Breach PTQ136
- FLIR Boson Thermal Core
- Video capture capabilities
- Mini-rail mounting system
- Seven different video palettes
Price Check: Optics Planet, Amazon
7. Steiner Nighthunter H35
Starting to get into the more premium handheld thermal monoculars, the Steiner Nighthunter H35 is a great device with quantum vision.
The Nighthunter H35 has one of the best and sharpest thermal images because it uses a 640×512 thermal sensor. This gives the user the best possible image clarity and definition.
It also incorporated real-time imagery without lag because it uses fast and smooth automatic calibration. You get clear pictures of moving targets at very high frame rates.
The LCOS display has a resolution of 1280×960 pixels. It has a maximum observation time of 4.5 hours for one battery charge.
The optical magnification of 2.04x is sufficient for up to around 100 yards, even for details of wildlife. The digital magnification of 2x – 16x starts to pixelate somewhat at more than three times magnification.
WiFi functionality is also integrated into the device for this purpose. There is also a micro HDMI port on the side of the Nighthunter H35, which allows the live image to be transmitted directly to a monitor or TV.
It has excellent optical quality, intuitive handling, operation, and rugged construction.
The Steiner Nighthunter H35 is one of the best thermal monoculars money can buy.
Steiner Nighthunter H35
- Exceptional Optical Performance
- Quantum Vision
- Rugged Durability
- Easy to Use – Manual Objective Focus
- Long-Lasting Battery Life – Rechargeable Internal Battery
Price Check: Optics Planet, Amazon
8. Leica Calonox View
Next on the list is the Leica Calonox View thermal monocular. This device is not as well known or popular as some of the other ones on this list but is still a very impressive unit.
The permanently installed rechargeable battery with more than 6 hours of operating time is particularly well protected against cold and weather influences by its positioning inside the Calonox devices.
The unique product design is oriented towards the hunter’s needs. It integrates perfectly into the hunter’s equipment due to its cylindrical shape and ease of use – whether mounted or hand-held.
Operation with only three buttons is intuitive, user-friendly, and reduced to the essentials.
The monocular has a 42mm objective lens that gives you a very wide field of view while maintaining clarity and image quality.
It uses a 640×480 thermal sensor paired with a 1024×768 OLED display for high-resolution imaging and the best optical picture quality.
The Calonox can detect heat signatures out to 3000m and has a 2.5x – 10x magnification range for detailed identification.
There is also a photo and video function on this unit, along with a live view feature.
Leica Calonox View
- Powerful 640×512 px VOx Sensor
- High-resolution HD display (1280 x 960 px)
- 2.5-10x magnification range
- 3000 m detection range
- Photo/video function (plus live view)
- Internal rechargeable battery with up to 5 hours of operating time
Price Check: Optics Planet, Amazon
9. Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Pro
The Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 PRO is a sleek and powerful thermal monocular with cutting-edge features and technology.
The Helion 2 XP50 PRO detects heat signatures up to 2000 yards and displays them on a flawless 1024×768 AMOLED display.
With 2.5-20x magnification and a large 50mm objective lens, the Helion 2 XP50 PRO boasts 8x variable digital zoom with a wide field of view.
This thermal monocular features built-in recording with sound, eight color palettes, and 16Gb of memory storage.
Wi-Fi connectivity enables the Helion 2 XP50 PRO to synchronize with the Stream Vision app so you can share your Pulsar memories.
Compact and lightweight, the Helion 2 XP50 PRO is remarkably durable with its magnesium alloy housing and IPX7 waterproof rating.
The image quality is absolutely unbelievable. The controls take some getting used to, but they are manageable with a little practice. Connection to a smartphone is via Wi-Fi, and I had no issues establishing a connection and transferring data. I was able to control and remotely view the scope easily.
The menu is intuitive, and the learning curve for this device is short. A 1/4-inch socket is built into the body, making it ideal for use with a tripod or stabilizer.
This thermal monocular is completely worth the purchase price. Its sensitivity, clarity, and image quality might very well be the best available to consumers at the current time.
Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 Pro
- Built-in Photo and Video Recorder
- 4 Observation Modes
- Variable Digital Zoom
- Picture-in-Picture mode
- Eight color palettes
- 8-hour operation time on a single charge
Price Check: Optics Planet, Palmetto State Armory, Amazon
10. N-Vision Optics NOX-18
The N-Vision Nox-18 is a small 12-micron 60Hz fully functional thermal weapon sight that can serve double duty as a head-mounted monocular or a scanner.
This unique product is proudly designed and built in the USA, using the best commercially available BAE thermal imaging cores and the highest-grade optical components.
The Nox-18 is available in an 18mm or 35mm lens configuration, allowing for the best magnification and field of view combination, depending on your environment.
Nox can be user-configured for the right or left eye, dual-mounted with another Nox, or with a night vision monocular, such as PVS-14.
Weapon and dovetail mounts are removable to reduce the size and weight of the unit to help achieve optimal configuration.
Each Nox-18 uses a standard CR123 battery or a rechargeable 18650 battery. It comes with both of these in the box.
Depending on ambient temperature, you can expect up to an hour and a half of run time with a standard CR123 battery and from four to seven hours on the rechargeable 18650 battery.
The device can be powered with an external USB battery bank via the provided USB-C cable for the ultimate power solution.
It has five highly ergonomic control buttons that permit immediate access to the frequently used functions (calibration, polarity, zoom, photo, power) and allow access to the user-friendly menu system for zeroing and customizing device parameters.
This includes a standalone calibration button that allows the user to calibrate the unit with one hand in under one second.
If you want one of the best thermal monoculars for tactical applications, the Nox-18 is one of them.
N-Vision Optics NOX-18
- 640X480 12 microns Thermal Core
- 60 Hz Refresh Rate
- 18 mm Objective Lens
- Helmet and weapon mountable
- Fully functional thermal weapon sight
- Manual focus 18 mm F1.0 high-performance wide field of view objective lens
Price Check: Optics Planet, Primary Arms
11. Trijicon IR PATROL M300W
The Trijicon IR Patrol M300W is about as good as it gets when it comes to thermal monoculars and one of the best that money can buy that has many features that are all easy to use.
It’s compact, lightweight, rugged, and offers some of the most advanced performance options and detection range on the market. The MicrolR 640×480 resolution sensor features 12-micron technology and a 640×480 digital OLED Display for a clear, sharp image.
The IR Patrol M300W comes ready as a dedicated thermal mini-sight. The fully ruggedized, weatherproof, multidirectional thumbstick control comes standard. Unlike most conventional buttons, the controls are large and easy to use in complete darkness.
For a high end premium thermal device that is loaded with features, this is the best thermal monocular that gives a good and clear images.
The M300W has an easy-to-control polarity mode, and when in use, lets you switch between three levels of white hot and three levels of black hot. You can pick your perfect mode with low, medium, and high levels.
Edge Detect mode is a new way to view your target more precisely. Edge Detect Mode is a fraction of the brightness of other modes, so your eyes are not as prone to night blindness from the screen.
The detection range of the thermal imaging is increased to it is easy to use. The detection range is also very quick on this imaging monocular.
This is one of my personal favorite thermal monoculars and is what I have used the most. I highly recommend this unit if you want one of the best thermal monoculars.
Trijicon IR PATROL M300W
- Full 640×480 thermal imager
- 12-micron pixel pitch
- 30 Hz and 60 Hz frame rates
- Waterproof to 1 meter
- Nitrogen filled
- Handheld or rifle-mounted use
Price Check: Optics Planet
12. Newcon Optik TVS 11M-640
The Newcon Optik TVS 11M-640 is the next generation of the Newcon Optiks field-proven thermal imaging product line.
Designed as a multipurpose thermal imager, the extremely lightweight and compact TVS 11M-640 can be deployed in handheld, helmet, or weapon-mounted configuration.
Using a state-of-the-art uncooled thermal sensor, the TVS 11M-640 delivers incredibly clear images while achieving continuous operation of over 4 hours.
The TVS 11M-640 is fully MIL-SPEC and features a built-in 2x and 4x digital zoom, which can be paired with an optional 2x A focal magnification lens for enhanced distance performance.
The detection range feature is good and easy to use.
It has a video output as a standard feature, internal video/photo recording, and a built-in IR laser pointer.
Newcon Optik TVS 11M-640
- High-resolution uncooled thermal sensor
- Superb image clarity
- Ergonomic design
- Simple to operate
- Video Output: PAL
Price Check: Optics Planet
13. AGM F14-3APW Fusion
The AGM F14 Fusion Night Vision Tactical Monocular combines night vision and thermal imaging technologies to get the best of both worlds in one device.
The F14 bi-spectrum monocular device can observe and search targets at night, in darkness, under extreme environments such as smoke, fog, rain, snow, etc.
It can be widely applied to scenarios including patrol, search and rescue, drug interdiction, and suspect apprehension. Due to its waterproof capability, the device performs well even in severe weather conditions and challenging environments.
The AGM F14 can be outfitted with a Gen 2+ or Gen 3 high-performance image intensifier tube (IIT) and 12m high-sensitivity thermal detector with 640×512 resolution.
The F14 can be used as a hand-held device or mounted on a helmet.
The user-friendly interface and comfortable and ergonomic operating controls make the adoption and application of the device incredibly simple.
The device offers different variants of image view: thermal, night vision, and enhanced fusion image that can be easily adapted depending on different environmental conditions. It also has a detection range features.
The F14 is also equipped with manual gain control, which adjusts the image brightness, providing the highest possible image quality even in changing light conditions.
The monocular uses two 18650 rechargeable Lithium batteries in the external holder for up to 8 hours of operating time in fusion image mode. In night vision mode device can run for more than 60 hours.
For tactical situations on a helmet mount, this is the best thermal monocular.
AGM F14-3APW Fusion
- Bi-spectrum image fusion and object highlight
- Detail enhancement and target recognition
- 12m, 640×512 high-sensitivity thermal detector
- Digital zoom in thermal channel
- Azimuth and Pitch/Inclination Indication
Price Check: Optics Planet
Best Thermal Monocular FAQ
How far can you see with a thermal monocular?
The lens of a thermal monocular determines the maximum detection distance a thermal monocular can see. Also, units with digital zoom will see further. How far the monocular will pick up heat signatures depends on the thermal sensor.
What is better thermal or night vision?
Thermal scopes can easily detect animals or moving objects from a long distance, whether day or night. Their detection is better than night vision scopes. Even in the roughest weather, they can help you see. Night vision is better suited for tactical situations where you must see detail for situational awareness.
Can a thermal monocular be used during daylight?
Thermal imaging cameras contain a special lens that focuses the heat, or infrared energy, which is given off by an object onto a detector that is sensitive to heat. So, being that it is unaffected by light, thermal imaging will work just as well in daylight as in complete darkness.
Is a thermal monocular worth it?
If you need to see in the dark for hunting, search and rescue, tactical situations, or any other scenario, thermal is a game changer and a huge advantage.
What thermal monoculars does the military use?
Military units have been seen using the Trijicon IR Patrol.
What makes a good thermal monocular?
The thermal sensor will determine how good a thermal monocular is. The features of the device will add to how good the device is.
What is the range of a thermal monocular?
Some high-end devices can detect up to 750 yards away.
Complete List of Items Mentioned
(Click the links for the most up-to-date prices)
- AGM TM10-256
- ATN OTS-XLT
- Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35
- FLIR Systems Scout III 320
- Burris BTH 50
- FLIR Systems Breach PTQ136
- Steiner Nighthunter H35
- Leica Calonox View
- Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 PRO
- N-Vision Nox-18
- Trijicon IR Patrol M300W
- Newcon Optik TVS 11M-640
- AGM F14
If money is no obstacle and you want the ultimate tactical advantage in the dark. Check out my post on the Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggles.
Have you ever used a handheld thermal monocular? Which one did you go with?
Let me know in the comments below.
