Top 5 Budget Crossbows of 2024

Crossbows Are Exploding in Popularity, Innovation -- and Price. Here Are the 5 Top Budget-Friendly Choices for Under $500

by Richard Baimbridge

Over the past decade, crossbows have grown exponentially both in terms of popularity and improved technology, bringing a lot more hunters into the once-isolated world of archery. But along with major leaps in innovation, prices have gone through the roof, as well. Though there are some top-quality models available on the market these days for around the $800-$1000 price range, many of the higher-end options will run you somewhere between $2000-$3000 or more.

When it comes to buying a crossbow, clearly you want something that’s fast, accurate, durable and easy-to-use, with safe and convenient features. The good news is that some of the new high-tech innovations are now starting to trickle down into the more cost-friendly range of crossbows that run for under $500. Today, we’ll look at 5 of the best options and see what makes them worthy choices, whether your passion is hunting or just having some fun out on the range.  

1. Wicked Ridge Commander M1

This bow sneaks into the list at just a hair below $500, but it’s perhaps the best of the bunch in terms of overall quality. Weighing an ultra-light 5.8-lbs. and measuring 9.5” narrow, the Commander M1 shoots 380 FPS and is available with an optional built-in ACU draw fully-integrated cocking device, or with a lightweight stock with Rope-Sled. It’s made in USA, and a great entry-level crossbow that’s still good enough to keep for the long term if you decide to venture deeper down the crossbow rabbit hole.  Starts at $499

2. Bear X Intense CD

The Bear X Intense CD is another standout option for more budget-conscious buyers. With a speed of up to 400 FPS, it’s perfectly suited for white tail hunting. Comes in a ready-to-hunt package with scope, quiver and arrows. The Intense CD features an integrated cocking mechanism that simplifies the loading process. It’s one of the safest crossbows on the market, with outstanding safety features to prevent you from losing a finger. Comes in Veil Stoke or TrueTimber Strata camo-pattern composite stock with camouflaged split limb at 185-pound draw-weight. Starts at $330

4.  Barnett Whitetail Hunter II

As the name suggests, this crossbow packs a punch with a speed of 350 FPS, custom designed for white tail hunting. Barnett is one of the oldest and most trusted names in the industry, which also gives this bow legitimacy. It weighs only 6.4 pounds, making it easy and comfortable to carry in the field. The Whitetail Hunter II features a lightweight composite riser and an adjustable buttstock for customizable ergonomics. Comes with a pre-mounted 4x32 scope and noise dampening technology. Starts at $399.

5. Killer Instinct Rapid 420

The Rapid 420 is a blazing-fast silent killer that reaches speeds of up to 420 FPS with a hefty 210 pounds of draw weight – a low-budget answer to Barnett’s Ghost 420, one might say, but at less than half the price. A bit on the heavy side, total weight comes in at 8.2 pounds, with a 3.5 trigger weight and adjustable buttstock. Comes with a Lumix 4×32 scope, rope cocking device, quiver, noise reduction kit, and three 20-inch HYPR Lite Bolts (370 Grains) with Field Tips. Includes a limited lifetime warranty to cover non-wearable parts for the life of the crossbow. Starts at $399. 

Each of these crossbows offers a great experience at a price-point that won’t break the bank. So there’s no more excuses to not give one a try. Get out there and have some fun!