13 Best Thermal Monoculars (Complete List) By: Joseph Kocik

The TM10-256 handheld observational thermal monocular is equipped with 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 and don’t want to spend too much money. It works well for the price and gets the job done.

• 256×192 resolution, high sensitivity detector
• Adaptive AGC, DDE, 3D DNR
• 720×540 LCOS display
• Built-in rechargeable Lithium battery
• Up to 8 hours continuous running (with Wi-Fi hotspot function off)
• ‘Auto Power Off’ and ‘Sleep’ modes
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Type-C interface
• Limited 3-year warranty

• 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
• Color modes: White Hot / Black Hot / Red Hot / Color
• Human Detection Range: 850 meters
• Human Recognition Range: 425 meters
• Human Identification Range: 210 meters

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.

• 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
• Eight color palettes
• IPX7 Fully Waterproof

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.

• High-speed 60Hz frame rate displays lifelike thermal video
• Crisp, clear 640 x 480 display screen
• Easy-to-use buttons: Power, color palettes, E-Zoom, and screen brightness
• Fast startup extends battery life by eliminating the need for standby mode
• Weather and impact-resistant
• Single hand operation
• Lightweight, only 12 ounces
• Weather-tight, ergonomic design
• 5-hour Internal Li-Ion battery

This thermal imaging monocular can hot track targets over 750 yards away. 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.

• 5 color palettes
• Stadiametric ranging
• Hot track
• Manual and auto NUC
• Adjustable contrast
• Adjustable brightness
• App connectivity
• USB-C charging

Click Here to check the current prices of the Burris BTH 50

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.

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 Boson Thermal Core
• Video capture capabilities
• Mini-rail mounting system
• Seven different video palettes

Click Here to check the current prices of the FLIR Systems Breach PTQ136

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Starting to get into the more premium handheld thermal monoculars, the Steiner Nighthunter H35 is a great device that uses 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.

The optical quality, intuitive handling, operation, and rugged construction are excellent.

The Steiner Nighthunter H35 is one of the best thermal monoculars money can buy.

• Exceptional Optical Performance
• Quantum Vision
• Rugged Durability
• Easy to Use – Manual Objective Focus
• Long-Lasting Battery Life – Rechargeable Internal Battery
• Internal Recording – Push of a Button
• Mobile App – Optional Control and Recording

Click Here to check the current prices of the Steiner Nighthunter H35

• powerful 640×512 px VOx Sensor with12 µm pixel size and LIO) for impressive imaging performance
• high-resolution HD display (1280 x 960 px)
• 2.5-10x magnification range for detailed game identification
• 3000 m detection range
• photo/video function (plus live view)
• internal rechargeable battery with up to 5 hours of operating time

Click Here to check the current prices of the Leica Calonox View

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.

• A highly sensitive thermal imaging sensor
• Fast Aperture f1.0 Quality Germanium Optics
• Long Detection Range up to 2000 yards
• Image Boost Technology
• HD AMOLED Display
• 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

Click Here to check the current prices of the Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 PRO

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 ships with a standard CR123 battery and a rechargeable 18650 battery (and charger). 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 for the ultimate power solution via the provided USB-C cable.

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 customization of 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.

• 640X480 12 microns Thermal Core
• 60 Hz Refresh Rate
• 18 mm Objective Lens
• Helmet and weapon mountable
• Fully functional thermal weapon sight
• Up to 8 hours run time on included rechargeable 18650 battery
• Manual focus 18 mm F1.0 high-performance wide field of view objective lens

Click Here to check the current prices of the N-Vision Nox-18

• High Detail Imagery: advanced ability to process images with brilliantly sharp detail combined with a user-friendly, icon-based menu system for intuitive navigation.
• Fully ruggedized, weatherproof, multidirectional thumbstick control is large and easy to find in complete darkness.
• Edge Detect Tactical Mode projects a fraction of the brightness of other modes to protect against night blindness caused by light from the screen.
• Maxpol Polarity easy-to-control polarity mode lets you switch between 3 levels of white hot and three levels of black hot displays.
• Uncooled VOx (Vanadium Oxide) Sensor Type
• Thermal Sensitivity
• Monochrome Digital OLED Display Type
• Digital Contrast Enhancement
• Video Output Analog RS-170 (with Optional Cable)
• Start-Up Time Approximately 5 Seconds
• 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.

Click Here to check the current prices of the Trijicon IR Patrol M300W

The Newcon Optik TVS 11M-640 is the next generation of 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.

It has a video output as a standard feature, internal video/photo recording, and a built-in IR laser pointer.

• High-resolution uncooled thermal sensor
• Superb image clarity
• Ergonomic design
• Simple to operate
• Video Output: PAL

Click Here to check the current prices of the Newcon Optik TVS 11M-640

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.

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.

• Bi-spectrum image fusion and object highlight
• Detail enhancement and target recognition
• Selection of thermal view channel, I2 night vision channel, or both of them combined with multiple fusion modes switchable
• 12m, 640×512 high-sensitivity thermal detector
• Digital zoom in thermal channel
• Azimuth and Pitch/Inclination Indication
• Brightness and contrast image adjustment
• Extra large exit pupil diameter (15mm)
• Low power consumption. Up to 8 hours continuous running in fusion mode and more than 60 hours of operation in I2 night vision mode
• Aviation plug for external power supply and video output
• Waterproof
• Limited 3-Year Warranty

Click Here to check the current prices of the AGM F14