12 Best Thermal Imaging Goggles 2024 | OutdoorWorld Reviews (2024)

The Thor 4 is a rifle scope that comes in four, different styles—ATN Thor 4, 640×480, 1 to 10x, the ATN Thor 4, 640×480, 1.5 to 15x, the ATN Thor 4, 640×480, 2.5 to 25x, and the ATN Thor 4, 640×480, 4 to 40x. All four include 16 hours of battery life, ballistic calculators, and dual-stream video recording.

Key Features

• 16+ Hours of Battery
• Dual-Stream Video
• Weather-Resistant
• Ultra-Low Power Profile
• Ballistic Calculator
• Recoil-Activated Video
• HD Resolution
• Large Operating Temperature Window
• Ultra-Sensitive Sensors
• Before and After Automated Recording

There is a lot to pick through here, but the most important point is that the biggest difference between the four options is the magnification level. Each thermal scope retains most of the features of the others, including the 16+ hours of battery life across the board.

Pros

• Quick-Detach Mount
• Scope Covers
• 5-Button Functions
• 2 Operation Modes
• One Shot Zero
• 60Hz Framerate
• Housing Fits Standard 30mm Scope Rings
• Easy to Use and Mount

Cons

• Pricey

While this is a pricey scope, it’s easily one of the best thermal scopes on the market today. If you have the cash, it’s well worth the cost.

5. JStoon

JStoon delivers with these night vision enabled digital infrared binoculars that can take HD Images and 960p Video up to a range of 984 feet in the dark.

Key Features

• Fully multi-coated optics.
• 31-inch TFT display.
• Captures photos and videos.
• 3x magnification.
• 4x digital zoom.
• 25mm objective lens.
• 7 gears of infrared adjustment.
• 6 hours of continuous runtime.
• 32gb memory.

If you require HD thermal imaging which can be captured in both photo and video formats, this JStoon design does this for a reasonable price. There are numerous adjustments you can make and it has long-range viewing capabilities. As well, the 6 hours continuous runtime is impressive for all the functionality you get in this package.

Pros

• 3-inch display option.
• Quick capture technology.
• Day and night use.
• Wide range of infrared adjustments.
• Great clarity.
• 32gb SD card included.
• 17 hour run time without illumination.

Cons

• Need 6 AA batteries to function.

Why they’re recommended: For the money, these are a high-quality pair of heat vision goggles that can be used for a multitude of purposes. They’re simple to use and let you capture your nighttime adventures with ease.

6. GThunder Digital

Made to function in total darkness, these GThunder Goggles utilize infrared technology and come with a large viewing screen.

Key Features

• Infrared illuminator
• 32gb memory card included
• HD video and photo capture
• 3-inch TFT screen
• 4x digital zoom
• Multi-coated 24mm objective lenses
• 986 feet tracking distance

GThunder has made thermal imaging goggles that are both comfortable and for rugged use in harsh environments. They allow you to track targets for hours without any external light. Plus, with a wide field of view and excellent zoom capability, the overall functionality of these goggles is very impressive.

Pros

• Intuitive functionality
• Record viewing
• Large video storage
• Hours of thermal imaging
• Can handle rugged use
• Protective case included
• Large viewing screen

Cons

• Sound is not recorded in video footage

Why they’re recommended: For anyone that requires a simple to use and durable pair of thermal imaging goggles, GThunder offers a great value choice.

7. Nightfox 100V

Selecting heat vision goggles on a budget can be quite tricky. But, the Nightfox 100V won’t disappoint.

Key Features

• Impressive widescreen monitor
• 110-yard viewing range in darkness
• 3x fixed magnification
• 2x digital zoom
• Quick response operation
• 6 hours of battery life
• Ergonomic focus wheel

Expect clear and crisp 2-eye viewing with this binocular design, which can easily be used when wearing glasses.

With all zoom functions added up, there’s the benefit of a 6x total magnification. It does require eight AA batteries, which provide you with the 6 hours of battery life.

Pros

• Easy viewing
• Widescreen visuals
• Work with eyeglasses
• 7 infrared levels
• 3 simple buttons operate
• Fluid focus wheel
• 18-month warranty

Cons

• Eight AA batteries needed

Why it’s recommended: Users that are in search of a widescreen handheld thermal imaging device that can be used with eyeglasses have a strong option here. Although it needs quite a few batteries, it makes up for this with simple functionality and great night time visuals.

8. Best Guarder

Ideal for hunters, these night vision binoculars feature a 2-inch TFT LCD HD Infrared IR Camera & Camcorder and a 1300 feet viewing range in complete darkness.

Key Features

• Widescreen TFT display
• 1300 feet night vision range
• 850NM Infrared Illuminator
• Patented filter and 7x magnification
• 32gb recording capacity
• Can be used as a surveillance camera
• 31mm objective lenses

It must also be said that these night vision binoculars can be used for security, surveillance, search, and rescue, as well as a variety of nighttime activities.

They provide exceptional optical clarity and can capture high-quality images and video recordings. Batteries can be recharged and an SD card with a maximum of 32gb can be utilized.

Pros

• Provides exceptional visuals
• Easy viewing
• 7x magnification
• Multi-purpose
• Work very well for hunters
• Plenty of storage
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Rechargeable batteries not included
• 32gb SD card not included

Why they’re recommended: As a very versatile thermal imaging solution, you can even set this up to record as a stand-alone video camera for night time security purposes. It should also be great for spotting varmints at night in a hunting context.

9. FLIR Scout II

The FLIR Scout II is a handheld and compact thermal imaging monocular and camera that is especially suited for tactical work out in the field.

Key Features

• Day and night suitability
• In-built camera for photo/video
• USB powered with adapter/charger
• Weather sealed
• Durable construction
• 640×480 LCD display
• Uses VOx Microbolometer detection
• Lightweight at 12 ounces

Created for outdoor enthusiasts and hunters, this is a very simplistic design that allows you to gain your bearings in low light or complete darkness.

It’s perfect for anyone that doesn’t want an overcomplicated way of seeing their surroundings. Plus, you can take snapshots and even videos out on a trail or in the wild.

Pros

• Simple to use
• Tough and resilient construction
• Can be dropped into shallow water
• No training needed
• Wrist strap operation
• Easy USB charging
• Molle bag included

Cons

• Not a hands-free design
• Limited in some functionality

Why it’s recommended: This has to be considered a reliable and useful tool for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and for anyone that knows they will need to navigate through low visibility conditions in harsh environments.

10. ATN PVS7-3

As a standard military issue product, the ATN PVS7-3 gives you hands-free tactical awareness in complete darkness.

Key Features

• Multi-purpose for flexibility
• Lightweight design
• Infrared illumination
• Continuous/momentary IR switch
• Fully adjustable head strap
• Low battery indicator displays internally.
• Combat proven design

Used as standard issue equipment by US troops, this option can be helmet-mounted, head-mounted, or used as a handheld device.

It’s therefore extremely adaptable and is built to mil-spec standards for high performance in tough conditions.

Pros

• Automatic brightness adjustment
• Automatic shut-off system in place
• Water and fog-resistant
• Made for harsh climates
• Proshield Lens Coating
• 60-hour battery life

Cons

• No photo or video capabilities

Why it’s recommended: If the US-military has adopted this hardware for use with their infantrymen, then it must have passed some very rigorous tests and requirements. The goggle is made for tactical shooters that need reliability, first and foremost.

11. T-Eagle

The T-Eagle offer both day and night visuals to a high level and allow viewing up to 400 meters away.

Key Features

• Ultra-large display
• 3W infrared LED
• 850nm infrared illumination
• 7x magnification in darkness
• 2x digital zoom
• 31mm lens aperture
• Fully multi-coated optics
• 6 hour run time

This is a serious thermal imaging set-up for hunters, security surveyors, and night time navigators – to name a few. It gives you a massive 400 meters of clear viewing distance and there’s an 8G TF card included in this package. It’s also tripod mountable and can be utilized as a live infrared surveillance camera, connected to a TV, with a cable provided.

Pros

• Excellent long-range performance
• Strong day and night visuals
• Impressive magnification and zoom
• Easy to view display
• Multi-purpose design
• High spec infrared technology
• Great value for the money

Cons

• Battery life could be better

12. SiOnyx Aurora

Here’s a full kit that works with AR-rifle platforms, which includes an Aurora Color Night Vision Camera, 940nm IR illuminator, Picatinny rail mounts, and a waterproof case.

Key Features

• Night vision kit for hunters
• Custom Picatinny mount
• 940nm IR Illuminator
• Durable/waterproof carry case
• Rechargeable batteries included
• Battery charger
• 32gb microSD card

With such power and technology built into this device, you will be able to see color through the night vision camera in dark environments.

Conveniently, it can be simply mounted before or after a scope on a hunting rifle. As a whole, this is a very alluring all-in-one package offered by SiOnyx for hunters and tactical shooters.

Pros

• Flexible mounting options
• Color vision in the dark
• Compact and easy to carry
• Cushioned carry case interior
• Record your nighttime shooting
• Camera can be used as a handheld device

Cons

• Pricey

Why it’s recommended: Hunters have a strong all-in-one solution to consider with this digital night vision kit. It allows for quick mounting and for you to get out in the field in no time at all.

Key Information

Thermal Vision Vs Night Vision

As you may have noticed, there seems to be a lot of mention of night vision, thermal vision, and infrared related technology throughout this article.

To clarify things, night vision works by amplifying available light that bounces from objects. If goggles are used with only night vision in place, they may not gain enough light in very dark environments.

However, with an IR illuminator built-in to a night vision based set-up, things change. The IR illuminator works as a flashlight to illuminate the night vision to work more effectively.

If a purely infrared thermal scope is being used, no light is required at all because this technology relies on the natural infrared light emitted by objects, which can be traced in the dark.

How to Choose Thermal Imaging Goggles

This article deals with a wide range of thermal imaging hardware to suit various needs.

Anyone wishing to carry out general surveillance will be generally happy with a handheld device. If this device is to be used in a static location, portability and weight shouldn’t be such an issue. Therefore a device with a large TFT display would be a great choice.

Monoculars are also good for surveillance and work much better as portable options for hunters, hikers, and outdoor activities where you are on the move.

Then we have the over the eyes hands-free night vision goggles which really are meant for tactical use in a professional context – such as the military. They also work well for hunters that want to carry out close-range targeting with their goggles on, in combination with iron or red dot sights.

What Are Thermal Goggles Used For?

We mentioned at the very start of the article that there are multiple applications for the use of thermal goggles. These applications commonly include:

• Varmint hunting.
• Security and Surveillance.
• Nighttime hiking.
• Bird watching.
• Tactical training.

Although, these are just a few examples of how they can be used in both a professional or personal context.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, it’s important to find the right thermal imaging goggles, binoculars, monoculars, or cameras to fit your specific needs. We made sure to include a wide variety in this article so that you may find the right solution, for the right price too.

Things that should always be checked out are what’s actually included in the package. Do you need to buy extra gear such as batteries, a case, and mounts for example? Also, you should question whether you want your system to work both in the day and nighttime environments.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to consider the goggles, or similar hardware that you purchase as a way of finding the general location of your targets – if you are hunting. This is because you’ll most likely have a very wide field of view. Then you’ll be able to position your rifle accordingly and make use of a good thermal imaging scope to acquire a target.

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