Is the $800 Goyojo GRL 335 Thermal Rifle Scope Any Good?

Thermal optics have always carried the reputation of being expensive tools that only well-heeled hunters and shooters could afford. With most reputable models starting in the multi-thousand-dollar range, the idea of picking up a thermal scope for under $1,000 seemed unrealistic. That’s why the Goyojo GRL 335 Thermal Rifle Scope, priced at $849, caught my attention.

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The GRL 335 isn’t pretending to compete with the high-end thermals that cost four to ten times as much, but it does something equally important: it opens the thermal game to shooters and hunters who want real performance without crippling their wallet. After spending time with this optic in the field, I was surprised at just how much Goyojo has managed to pack into such a budget-friendly thermal.

The scope ships in a surprisingly nice case and includes an extra rubber eyecup designed for rifle mounting. The body is built from an aluminum magnesium alloy, which gives it a sturdy feel without adding unnecessary weight. Despite being marketed as a budget unit, the overall construction inspires confidence.

The scope features an adjustable diopter, a blue anodized aluminum focus ring, and a quick-attach Picatinny mount that outperformed expectations. The mount locks solidly, is adjustable for different rail tolerances, and holds zero even after a hard drop in the field. The fact that it doubles as a handheld thermal viewer when removed from the rifle adds versatility.

The GRL 335 may be inexpensive, but it comes with a respectable feature set:

• Sensor: 384×288, 12 μm
• Objective Lens: 35mm Germanium
• Base Magnification: 4x
• Detection Range (Claimed): 1,800 meters
• NETD: <25 mK (claimed)
• Color Palettes: 7 options
• Display: 1024 resolution
• Battery: 18650 (removable, rechargeable)
• Video/Photo Recording: Yes
• Ports: USB-C, SD card slot
• Housing: Aluminum-magnesium alloy
• Warranty: 5 years

The use of a standard 18650 battery is one of the highlights. These batteries are inexpensive, widely available, and can be swapped in seconds. Hunters can carry several spares in a pocket without issue, eliminating the fear of running out of power in the field.

In terms of image quality, the GRL 335 doesn’t rival high-end thermals, but it doesn’t have to. At 50–100 yards, the image is surprisingly clear, offering plenty of detail to identify targets. At closer ranges, you can clearly distinguish animals like badgers and jackrabbits, though identification sometimes requires observing animal behavior rather than relying on image sharpness alone.

At extended ranges, Goyojo’s claim of 1,800 meters of detection feels optimistic. Yes, you can see heat signatures at long distances, but identification is another matter. Beyond 200–300 yards, details blur, and a coyote could look similar to a deer or even a fox, depending on cover and angle. That said, spotting vehicles and buildings out past a mile was no problem.

Affordable entry point into thermal optics

• Solid housing and surprisingly strong mount
• Uses standard 18650 batteries
• Multiple color palettes and intuitive controls
• Quick and easy zeroing
• Dual-use as a rifle scope or a handheld

• 4x base magnification makes close-range targets harder to acquire
• Image detail falls short for long-range identification
• Detection range claims feel exaggerated
• Lacks the crisp detail of premium thermals

During testing, the GRL 335 handled practical hunting scenarios well within its price limitations. At 75 yards, a coyote slipped into cover and became difficult to distinguish from a deer. That hesitation alone highlights why image sharpness matters for confident shot placement. At short ranges, the 4x magnification made tracking a jackrabbit at 10 yards nearly impossible.

However, durability and usability impressed me most. During testing, the scope was dropped hard after a stumble in a badger hole. Despite the impact, the optic held zero and continued functioning without issue. That kind of resilience isn’t something you expect from an $849 thermal, but the GRL 335 delivered.

Zeroing was straightforward. By placing a cold water bottle against a warm background, adjustments were simple and effective. Controls are intuitive, with the power button positioned at the rear. Boot-up takes about 3–4 seconds, and the Goyojo logo appears on the screen before entering live view.

Menus are basic but functional. Recording both stills and video is possible, although recorded footage is slightly lower in quality than what the shooter sees live through the display. This is a limitation of compression, not the sensor itself.

Side by side with an $8,000 thermal, the differences are obvious. Premium optics offer greater resolution, cleaner image detail, and better identification capabilities at extended ranges. But that’s expected given the price gap.

The real takeaway here is that the GRL 335 isn’t trying to be an $8,000 scope. Instead, it provides functional thermal capability for hunters who want to get in the game without refinancing their truck. At under $1,000, the tradeoffs make sense.

READ MORE HERE: Armasight Operator 640 Thermal Clip-On – Serious Performance for Serious Situations

The Goyojo GRL 335 Thermal Rifle Scope is far from perfect, but it delivers something important: accessibility. Hunters and shooters who once dismissed thermals as financially unattainable now have a tool that works, holds zero, and brings genuine thermal capability into their kit.

If your budget caps at $849, the GRL 335 is one of the few options worth serious consideration. It won’t outperform high-end glass, but it’s not meant to. It’s a practical, entry-level thermal that works, and for many shooters, that’s enough.

Check out the Goyojo GRL 335 Thermal Scope here

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