Finding the best hunting crossbow can transform your time in the field. Here are the 10 best hunting crossbows with the best-fit hunting type, selected from the latest tests and expert roundups. It includes the latest 2025 models along with proven favorites from past years. Each model stands out for speed, accuracy, ergonomics, or value, key factors for serious crossbow hunters.
Best Overall: TenPoint Venom X
The lightest ACUslide-powered high-performance crossbow.
At just 6.9 lbs and 9.75″ wide when cocked, the Venom X delivers ~390 fps with a silent, safe ACUslide cocking/decocking system, delivering elite performance in a compact, lightweight package.
Key Specs:
- Speed: ~390 fps
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Axle-to-axle (cocked): ~9.75″
- Cocking Aid: ACUslide (silent & safe)
- MSRP: ~$1,050–1,150
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and maneuverable
- Safe and silent cocking/de-cocking
- Compact profile reduces risk in tight stands
Cons:
- Slightly slower compared to ultra-fast models
- Price higher than basic, budget options
A stellar crossbow for serious hunters who value agility and safety without compromising accuracy, especially in tight blinds or rugged terrain.
Best All-Purpose Crossbow: Wicked Ridge Invader M1 De-Cock
Affordable versatility with cranking convenience.
Weighing 5.8 lbs, the reverse-draw Invader M1 shoots ~390–380 fps, is ultra-compact, and features a built-in ACUdraw crank with de-cocking capability, ideal for both newcomers and seasoned hunters.
Key Specs:
- Speed: ~380–390 fps
- Weight: 5.8 lbs
- Length: ~32″ (33″ with stirrup)
- Cocking Aid: ACUdraw crank, de-cock capable
- MSRP: ~$499
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy cocking & safe de-cocking
- Great ergonomics for broad demographic
Cons:
- Lower FPS than high-end models
A dependable, value-packed performer. It’s comfortable to carry, simple to operate, and the crank makes repetitive shooting less of a strain.
Best Budget Hunting Crossbow: BARNETT Hyper XP405
High-speed performance that won’t break the bank.
The XP405 hits ~405 fps with a rope sled cocking aid, 10″ axle-to-axle, and an MSRP around $600, delivering strong value for budget-minded archers.
Key Specs:
- Speed: 405 fps
- Draw Weight: 213 lbs
- Axle-to-Axle: 10″
- Cocking Aid: Rope sled
- MSRP: ~$599
Pros:
- Affordable yet fast and compact
- Maneuvers well in tight spaces
- Good trigger experience (TriggerTech)
Cons:
- Scope quality is lacking (many users upgrade)
Exceptional bang-for-buck, quick, nimble, and reliable. Just plan to upgrade the optic for serious accuracy.
Best Hunting Crossbow for Beginners: AXE 400
Feature-rich starter kit with cocking ease.
The 2024 AXE 400 package includes a quiet crank, rope cocker, illuminated scope, and bolts. It shoots 400 fps, weighs 7.2 lbs (barebow), and costs under $700.
Key Specs:
- Speed: 400 fps
- Weight: 7.2 lbs (8.4 lbs w/ accessories)
- Axle-to-Axle: 14.25″ cocked / 17.75″ uncocked
- Cocking Aid: Quiet crank + rope cocker
- MSRP: ~$699.99
Pros:
- Includes virtually everything needed out of the box
- Quiet crank simplifies cocking
Cons:
- Slightly heavier and wider than premium compact models
Ideal for first-time crossbow buyers, no need to piece together accessories. Practical, easy, and complete.
Best Lightweight Hunting Crossbow: Wicked Ridge M-370
Featherweight speedster for tight ambushes.
At just 5.8 lbs and 9.5″ cocked axle-to-axle, the M-370 delivers 370 fps with effortless ACUdraw cocking, making it perfect for treestand hunters.
Key Specs:
- Speed: 370 fps
- Weight: 5.8 lbs
- Axle-to-Axle (cocked): 9.5″
- Cocking Aid: ACUdraw (or rope sled)
- Draw Weight: 180 lbs
- MSRP: ~$769.99
Pros:
- Ultra-light and compact
- Excellent accuracy and stability for weight
Cons:
- Slower than higher-end models
Surgically precise yet ultra-maneuverable. One of the easiest to handle physically, making long hunts comfortable.
Best Recurve Crossbow: Excalibur Assassin 420 TD
Silent power with simple field maintenance.
A traditional recurve bullpup design with a hand crank, delivering 420 fps, still-like silence, and easy takedown for transport and string changes.
Key Specs:
- Speed: 420 fps
- Draw Weight: 290 lbs
- Weight: ~8–8.6 lbs (10.2 lbs w/accessories)
- Cocking Aid: Hand crank
- MSRP: ~$1,799–1,800
Pros:
- Extremely quiet and accurate
- Easy to take apart and maintain
Cons:
- Heavier and slower to crank compared to compound designs
A hunter’s dream for stealth and simplicity. Ideal when precision and quiet are more valuable than sheer speed.
7. Most Reliable: Excalibur Hybrid X
Recurve durability meets compound speed.
The Hybrid X combines recurve-like ruggedness with a cam for 435 fps (varies by arrow weight), balanced ergonomics, and exceptional build quality.
Key Specs:
- Speed: ~435 fps (400 gr arrow)
- Weight: ~8.3 lbs (10.3 lbs w/accessories)
- Cocking Aid: Integrated crank (14 lb crank force)
- Axle-to-Axle: ~5–10.8″ cocked
- MSRP: ~ (package)
Pros:
- Superb accuracy and balance
- Sturdy, innovative inboard cam system
Cons:
- Heavier and pricier than lighter counterparts
Feels like a precision tool, solid, balanced, and dependable. Great for hunters who favor robustness under pressure.
View Excalibur on WyvernCreations
Most Powerful Hunting Crossbow: TenPoint Nitro 505
Breaks speed barriers with safety and strength.
The fastest crossbow on the market at 505 fps (some testing shows >521 fps), and 227 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, all while retaining safe ACUslide cocking and solid build.
Key Specs:
- Speed: 505 fps (tested >521 fps)
- Kinetic Energy: ~227 ft-lbs
- Weight: ~7.9 lbs
- Axle-to-Axle (cocked): 6.5″
- Cocking Aid: ACUslide (5 lb force)
- MSRP: ~$3,049–3,099
Pros:
- Unmatched speed and power
- Safe and smooth de-cocking, despite power
Cons:
- Very expensive
This is for hunters who demand maximum punch out to extended ranges. It’s a beast, yet still user-friendly; elite performance comes at a cost.
Best Compact Hunting Crossbow: RAVIN R18
Sci-fi inspired compactness with lean power.
A futuristic, ultra-narrow design (4.75″ axle-to-axle when cocked, ~330 fps), packing serious utility into a sci-fi-looking frame.
Key Specs:
- Speed: ~330 fps
- Axle-to-Axle (cocked): 4.75″
- Weight: ~6.3 lb
- Cocking Aid: Versa‑Draw Cocking
- MSRP: ~$1,549
Pros:
- Extremely narrow and maneuverable
- Eye-catching, innovative design
Cons:
- Slower than other models; novel design may require familiarization
A conversation starter that performs. Ideal for very tight spaces where width is a limitation, but expect to trade some speed.
Best All-Around Hunting Crossbow: RAVIN R29X
Precision, speed, and compact mastery.
At ~450 fps with sub-1.2″ accuracy at 50 yards (even 3.5″ at 100 yards), the compact R29X continues to be favored across test teams for its well-rounded capability.
Key Specs:
- Speed: ~450 fps
- Accuracy: ~1.2″ groups (50 yd), ~3.5″ (100 yd)
- Cocking Aid: Versa-Draw
- MSRP: ~$2,649
Pros:
- Balanced in every key area, accuracy, speed, size
- Continues to impress seasoned testers
Cons:
- High price tag
The dependable choice when you want a single bow that handles all conditions beautifully, precise, fast, and compact in one elegant package.
Best Hunting Crossbows: A Quick Comparison
| Model | Label | Speed | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| TenPoint Venom X | Best Overall | ~390 fps | Lightweight, safe, compact |
| Wicked Ridge Invader M1 | Best All-Purpose | ~390 fps | Affordable, crank de-cock convenience |
| Barnett XP405 | Best Budget | 405 fps | Affordable high-speed value |
| AXE 400 | Best for Beginners | 400 fps | All-in-one starter kit |
| Wicked Ridge M-370 | Best Lightweight | 370 fps | Featherweight stealth |
| Excalibur Assassin TD | Best Recurve | 420 fps | Quiet, field-serviceable |
| Excalibur Hybrid X | Most Reliable | ~435 fps | Recurve durability meets compound speed |
| TenPoint Nitro 505 | Most Powerful | 505 fps | Unmatched speed and energy |
| Ravin R18 | Most Compact | ~330 fps | Ultra-narrow for tight environments |
| Ravin R29X | Best All-Around Performer | ~450 fps | Precision and balance |
Buying Guide
Draw Weight & Speed: For most European and U.S. deer hunts, choose draw weights ranging from 150 to 185 pounds, which yield speeds of 300 to 400 feet per second for clean penetration. Models with draw weights under 150 pounds are suitable for small game or beginners.
Axle‑to‑Axle & Size: A 30–33″ axle‑to‑axle length strikes the best balance between stability and maneuverability in tight woods or blinds. Compact reverse‑draw designs (26–28″) excel in narrow stands.
Cocking & Safety: Look for integrated rope‑cocker or crank systems to halve pull weight. Anti‑dry‑fire and trigger‑safety mechanisms are must‑haves for field reliability.
Must‑Have Accessories
- Quality broadheads (100–125 gr) for consistent flight and penetration
- Extra carbon bolts rated for your FPS
- Cocking device (rope aid or crank) to reduce fatigue
- Rail lube and string wax to maintain performance
- Locking hard‑case or padded soft case for transport and storage
Maintenance & Safety Tips
- Inspect Strings & Cables: Check for fraying or serving separation before each hunt.
- Lubricate Rail: Apply rail lube every 75–100 shots to reduce wear.
- Wax the String: Use bowstring wax monthly or after wet conditions.
- Trigger & Safety Check: Ensure anti‑dry‑fire and safety lever function smoothly.
- Axle‑to‑Axle Monitoring: Measure and record width changes to spot limb shift.
Hunting & Shooting Techniques
- Shot Placement: Aim for the center of the vitals (heart/lung) at 25–40 yards.
- Wind Management: Always check wind direction—crossbow bolts drift more than arrows.
- Stalking & Stand Use: Reverse‑draw models help keep limbs against your body when crawling.
- Practice Zeroing: Confirm bolt flight with field points, then re‑zero when switching to broadheads.
Beginner vs. Pro Recommendations
Beginners: 125–150 lb draw (300–350 fps), manual cocking acceptable, mid‑price ($400–$700)
Experienced Hunters: 175–185 lb draw (375–460 fps), integrated crank, premium triggers ($1,000+)
Local Regulations & Licensing
Always verify crossbow‑specific hunting laws in your state/province or EU country. Many regions require permits or seasonal restrictions; check local fish & wildlife websites before heading out.
FAQs
The most reliable crossbow for hunting, based on recent testing and user feedback, is the TenPoint Turbo X.
While bolts launched at 400 fps can travel 80–100 yards, ethical and consistently accurate deer shots are generally limited to about 40 yards. Beyond that, wind, drop, and shot placement become too unpredictable.
The most accurate crossbow at 100 yards is generally considered to be the Ravin R29X.
For deer hunting, a crossbow with a draw weight of 150-175 pounds and a speed of 300-350 FPS is recommended.
Entry‑level hunting packages begin around $400, premium systems can exceed $1,700, and most high‑quality models fall in the $800–$1,200 range.
For consistent group sizes and humane shot placement, most hunters stay within 40–50 yards. Some setups hold tight at 60 yards, but reliability drops off quickly beyond that.
A minimum of 250–300 fps is recommended for clean kills on medium game. Speeds of 350–380 fps suit general big‑game hunts, while 380–400 fps setups deliver extra knock‑down power.
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