Find the best hunting rangefinder is quite a task these days with so many great brands and options out there. Long gone are the days where you only had a few top picks to choose from.

Now, each and every hunter has to sort through all of these makes and models, and review each of their best features and characteristics. While today's models are super advanced, they really haven't made it easy for us hunters to figure out which one is best suited for our style of hunting.


The Quick Summary
Overall, the Best Hunting Rangefinder is the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD!
Below you can check out other top options including the... 
- Best Rangefinder For Bowhunting: Leupold RX-Fulldraw 5
- Best Binocular With Rangefinder For Hunting: Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000
- Most Affordable Hunting Rangefinder: TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder
And scroll down to find out the one thing to avoid when picking your rangefinder!


This blog article was personally constructed after comparing my own notes from using a few of these models, to the thousands of reviews and comments out there on the internet.

Additionally, I also had to get on the phone with a few brands to clarify what these specific features mean and how they best help hunters when we're out in the field.

Of course, I wasn't able to list and review every single model out there, so I decided to categorize the top picks within a few select categories. These areas are heavily searched by hunters, and I think these choices will benefit hunters the most.

    Trivia Question: Do you know when and where the first laser rangefinder was invented? (Click here to see answer).

    Full Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. If you follow an affiliate link and end up making a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  

    Vortex Crossfire HD 1400 Leupold RX-Fulldraw 5 Vortex Fury HD TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder
    Highlight Best Hunting Rangefinder Best Bowhunting Rangefinder Best Binoculars Rangefinder Most Affordable Rangefinder
    Image Best Hunting Rangefinder - Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 1400 Best Bowhunting Rangefinder - Leupold RX-Fulldraw 5 Best Binoculars Rangefinder - Vortex Optics Fury HD Most Affordable Hunting Rangefinder - TIDEWE Rangefinder
    Range (Game) 750 yds. 900 yds. 1,600 yds. 1,000 yds.
    Magnification 5x 6x 10x 6x
    Objective Lens
    21 mm
    22 mm
    42 mm
    N/A
    Price Around $200 Around $500 Around $1,200 Around $70
    Best Price Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More

     

    Best Rangefinder For Hunting

    Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 1400

    The Crossfire HD 1400 is the 2023 best rangefinder for hunting because it is perfect for both bow and rifle hunters, and offers a variety of features designed to enhance your hunting experience. With a maximum range of 1,400 yards and an HD optical system, this rangefinder lets you spot your targets with ease, no matter the environment.

    The Crossfire HD 1400 has three target modes and two ranging modes, ensuring accurate readings. It also features a red TOLED display, making the readout clear in any lighting conditions. Despite its lightweight design, this rangefinder is built to last, with durable materials that can withstand the rigors of hunting and the great outdoors.

    In conclusion, the Crossfire HD 1400 is the ultimate laser rangefinder for hunters. Its outstanding range, multiple modes, clear display, and lightweight, durable design make it the perfect choice for bow and rifle hunters alike. So if you're looking for a reliable and versatile rangefinder to take your hunting game to the next level, be sure to check out the Crossfire HD 1400.

    What We Like

    • 3 Target Modes / 2 Range Modes
    • Scratch Resistant Lens Coating
    • 750 yd. Game Range
    • Lifetime Warranty

    What We Dislike

    • Removable Eyecups
    • 5x Magnification

    For latest prices, and more information about the Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 1400, click below!

    Our Pick
    Best Hunting Rangefinder - Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 1400
    Vortex Crossfire HD 1400
    The Best Overall Hunting Rangefinder
    The Vortext Crossfire HD 1400 is the best overall hunting rangefinder because it gives you a ton of features while still not breaking the bank!

    Best Bowhunting Rangefinder

    Leupold RX-Fulldraw 5

    Alert to all bowhunters out there - We have a pick for you!

    If you're a bowhunter or competitive archer, you need a rangefinder that can keep up with you and your tough shots, look no further than the RX-FullDraw 5 - the most advanced archery rangefinder on the market. It uses your bow's velocity, peep height, arrow weight, and shot angles to provide laser-accurate ranges tailored to your equipment.

    But that's not all - the RX-FullDraw 5 now accepts even lower velocity inputs, accommodating arrows as slow as 170 feet per second. And with its updated flightpath technology, you can choose from two modes to view arrow obstructions up to 85 yards away. Plus, the rangefinder's Last Target mode can cut through rain, fog, and snow, ensuring accuracy even in challenging weather conditions.

    With six times magnification, a bright red OLED display, and a speedy laser engine, the RX-FullDraw 5 gives you a clear advantage on the field. So if you're looking for a rangefinder that's customized to your archery gear and conditions, the RX-FullDraw 5 is the ultimate choice.

    What We Like

    • Quick, Price Range Readings
    • Customized Bow Specific Settings
    • Waterproof
    • Bright OLED Display

    What We Dislike

    • High Price Point

    For latest prices, and more information on the Leupold RX-Fulldraw 5, take a look below!

    Our Pick
    Best Bowhunting Rangefinder - Leupold RX-Fulldraw 5
    Leupold RX-Fulldraw 5
    The Best Bowhunting Rangefinder
    This rangefinder uses the very specifics of your bow to give you the most accurate range reading while out in the field.

    Best Hunting Binocular With Rangefinder

    Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000

    The Fury HD 5000 is the ultimate laser rangefinder binocular for hunters, archers, and shooters. With 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, it provides an extremely effective and versatile tool for the field.

    Its primary HCD mode displays an angle-compensated distance that's perfect for most hunters and shooters, whether using a rifle or a bow. Choose from two target modes: Best Mode, which displays the strongest range result, and Last Mode, which displays the furthest distance and is ideal for ranging targets behind obstructions. With the Fury HD 5000, you'll never miss a shot again.

    What We Like

    • Environmental Sensors
    • Scratch Resistant Lens Coating
    • Available Ballistics Calculations
    • Lifetime Warranty

    What We Dislike

    • Not So User Friendly App-To-Binocular Configuration

    For latest prices, and more information on the Vortex Optics Fury HD 5000, we have that as well!

    Best Binoculars Rangefinder - Vortex Optics Fury HD

    Most Affordable Hunting Rangefinder

    TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder

    The TideWe rangefinder offers 6x magnification and displays vertical and horizontal distance, speed, and can continuously scan all factors influencing your play. It accurately ranges from 3 to 1000 yards with fast measurements within +/- 1 yard and a measuring speed of <0.5s. It is lightweight at only 0.35lb and durable, made from strong materials to protect from drops and is weather-resistant.

    This rangefinder is easy to use with a simple button push to get instant range data on an easy-to-read LCD display. It comes with a rechargeable Li-ion battery that can measure 20000 times after a full charge, has a clear LCD display, and an ergonomic design for comfortable handling.

    And one last thing - the TideWe rangefinder features a popular camo pattern and includes a bag to save the rangefinder.

    What We Like

    • Great Price
    • Easy To Use System
    • 3 Hunting Modes
    • Lightweight Design

    What We Dislike

      • New Brand - Unknown Durability
      • Not Reliable At Long Ranges

    For latest prices, and more information on the TIDEWE Hunting Rangefinder, we have that as well!

    Most Affordable Hunting Rangefinder - TIDEWE Rangefinder

    Things To Consider When Choosing A Hunting Rangefinder

    Maximum Distance

    Comparing your next rangefinder's max distance to your weapon of choice and style of hunting is going to be a key consideration point before making a final purchase. 

    Each manufacturer should properly list out their model's maximum effective distance, but there's one thing to keep in mind here....

    Some models are only going to highlight the max range at a reflective target. As a hunter, you'll want to check what that top range is going to be at 'game' - not just something that's 100% reflective.

    Pro Tip: Make sure your rangefinder has an angle compensation feature, especially if you hunt from a treesstand.

    Ease Of Use & Display

    Hunting rangefinders have evolved to offer amazing ranging capabilities, but not all of them offer these top features in an effective package. 

    If you want a rangefinder that's going to properly adjust for elevation, wind & fog, choice of reticle, etc. it's clear that you might have to toggle through a few options within your optical.

    After analyzing what all your rangefinder can offer, make sure to spend the time figuring out how to enable these features. Most optimal options are going to offer a simple, single 'Mode' model button to toggle through everything. If you're doing more than this, you might be getting yourself in a more complicated position.

    Object Detection

    When hunting in wooded areas, or in inclement weather, you need to have a rangefinder that's going to successful pick up your desired object with minimal interference.

    Hunting with a subpar optical in wind and fog, or having brush in between you and your prey can cause serious issues.

    Make sure your new hunting rangefinder has some sort of technology that can properly eliminate these peripheral objects to identify what's important. Not doing so can provide inaccurate range readings.

    Hunting Style

    Everything above and below in this article is going to come down to this one question - "What type of rangefinder do I need for my hunting style?"

    Back in the day, you were ultimately stuck with only a few options when it came to rangefinders. Now, you have the option to choose binocular style, bow-specific, long range, etc. 

    Of course, you can always choose a more expensive model to take care of more than you need, but if you want to be a little more realistic be sure to compare the available features, alongside price points, to what you're really going to be needing this for.

    Most Popular Rangefinder FAQs

    1. What Is A Hunting Rangefinder?

    A hunting rangefinder is an optical instrument, typically handheld, that is used to determine the distance between a hunter and their prey.

    2. How Do Rangefinders Work?

    Rangefinders send a laser beam towards your target. An internal digital clock measures the time it takes for the beam to reach the target and back. It then calculates the distance based on that time.

    3. What's The Difference Between A Hunting And Golf Rangefinder?

    All in all, there's not a lot of core difference between hunting and golf rangefinders. Largely the difference comes in the different modes available, along with their associated price points.

    4. How Much Do Rangefinders Cost?

    On average, most hunting rangefinders are going to cost you between $100 and $600. While there are some cheaper than this, the quality starts to slip really quick. Lastly, any rangefinder above this price, those that range up to $2,000 are most likely going to be reserved for extreme hunters and guides.

    5. What Outdoor Brands Make Rangefinders?

    The top hunting rangefinder brands including the following:

    1. Bushnell

    2. Leupold

    3. Nikon

    4. Vortex

    5. Mavin

    6. Swarovski

    6. Are There Good Rangefinder Options Under $200?

    Yes, there are several great rangefinder options under $200. For an easy list of these, here's a link to Amazon with the best hunting rangefinders under $200.

    One Thing To Avoid!

    Make Sure You Have Angle Compensation

    Angle compensation is a crucial feature in any hunting rangefinders. It calculates the difference in elevation and provides an accurate reading as if you were shooting on level ground. Without it, the elevation change can create a false reading and result in a missed shot or a wounded animal.

    For example, on a 30-degree angle slope with a line-of-sight shot distance of 500 yards, without angle compensation, you would aim for 500 yards. However, with angle compensation, you'll need to shoot for 433 yards. So, if you're in the market for a new hunting rangefinder, make sure you choose one with angle compensation.

    Answer: The first laser rangefinder was invented in France in 1933.

    For a blog about the Best Hunting Binoculars, take a look today!