Best Crossbows in 2025 (Based on 155 Tested Models)

On this page, our team ranks the best crossbows based on 155 reviewed models and 13 years of testing experience. You’ll find quick recommendations, side-by-side test results, and reviews of each recommended model. Our crossbow testing methodology is outlined further down the page.

Best Crossbows in 2025 According to Our Tests

• TenPoint Venom X – best overall
• Wicked Ridge RDX 400 – best value for the money
• CenterPoint Wrath 430X – best budget crossbow
• Ravin R18 – most innovative crossbow
• TenPoint Nitro 505 – fastest crossbow
• Excalibur Assassin 420 TD – best recurve crossbow
• Wicked Ridge M-370 – lightest crossbow

Our Testing Team

William Bernhardt	Jeff Butts	Lance Lira

Learn more about us here, or scroll down this page to learn about our crossbow evaluation process.

Test Results For Our Top Crossbows

• Measured FPS is based on our average chronographed readings using the arrows provided in the package.
• Accuracy is averaged from three four-shot groups at 50 yards.
• Weight is based on our own tests.
• Kinetic energy was calculated using our arrow ballistics calculator. The numbers assume using the arrows provided in the package (or other arrows of similar total weight).

Are Those Crossbows Powerful Enough for Hunting Deer and Larger Game?

Yes, all of these crossbows generate enough kinetic energy (KE) to take down the largest game in North America. Refer to the chart below, which shows the minimum and recommended KE needed for taking down different types of game:

(Data based on tests by Easton Archery)

From this chart, you can see that to take down the largest game (such as grizzly bears and buffalo), you need to hit them with a minimum 65 ft-lbs. of kinetic energy on impact, though 75 ft-lbs. is recommended. Smaller game, such as deer, require much less energy (27-40 ft-lbs.)

All of our recommended crossbows shoot arrows with enough speed to deliver over 75 ft-lbs. of energy at 70 yards, making them safe and effective for hunting.

Refer to our kinetic energy guide if you’d like to learn more about projectile speed and energy, or use our kinetic energy calculator to quickly approximate the KE of any crossbow.

Best Crossbows: Reviews and Specs

Below are detailed reviews of the top crossbows listed on this page.

Editor’s Choice: TenPoint Venom X

Technical specs:

• Chronographed FPS: 392.5
• Weight: 6.98 lbs.
• Length: 33″
• Width: 13″ / 9.75″ (uncocked/cocked)
• Accuracy: 1.22″
• Trigger weight: 3.5  lbs.

Pros:

• Extremely accurate and smooth shooting
• Lightweight and quiet
• Easy to handle
• String and cables still in great shape after 500+ shots
• Easy cocking and de-cocking

Cons:

• None 

Most crossbows make you choose: lightweight or high-performance. The TenPoint Venom X says, “Why not both?”

At just 6.9 pounds, it’s the lightest ACUslide model TenPoint’s ever made. It’s compact too – only 9.75 inches wide when cocked and 33 inches long. We found it easy to maneuver in tight ground blinds and especially up in stands where space is at a premium.

We averaged about a 1.2″ group at 50 yards. The 215-pound draw weight and longer 2.25-inch power stroke really help keep the trajectory flat. Shooting a 405-grain arrow, we clocked it at 392.5 FPS with our ProChrono.

The ACUslide is quiet, easy to use, and safe – you can literally stop mid-draw without any fear of it whipping back. Compared to some cheaper systems that feel like a loaded mouse trap, the ACUslide is smooth and almost effortless, like turning a good coffee grinder.

It came fully assembled and pre-sighted from the factory. After a quick check with the included Pro-View 400 scope, we were putting bolts right where we wanted them. The Pro-View isn’t some throwaway, either. Between the sturdy polymer scope struts and aim points stretching to 70 yards, it felt like a setup we could take straight to the woods without needing any upgrades.

The S1 trigger is another highlight. It’s a two-stage setup with a crisp, zero-creep break at about 3.5 pounds. It felt predictable and helped us stay consistent, shot after shot.

At around $1,100, the Venom X isn’t what we’d call cheap – but considering it includes a great scope, three arrows, a quiver, and that stellar cocking system, it’s an outstanding value. Plus, it’s built in the USA and backed by a limited lifetime warranty against defects. If you’re tough on your gear, TenPoint offers an optional Elite Warranty that covers just about anything for five years.

Best Value: Wicked Ridge RDX 400

Technical specs:

• Chronographed FPS: 401.1
• Weight: 7.5 lbs.
• Length: 29″
• Width: 15″ / 9″ (uncocked/cocked)
• Accuracy: 1.35″ groups
• Trigger weight: 3.5 lbs. advertised, 3.3 lbs. tested

Pros:

• Competes with crossbows costing hundreds more
• Very accurate
• Easy handling
• Great crank cocker

Cons:

• Tiny bit of trigger creep

Most crossbows in the sub-$1,000 range make compromises—speed, balance, or build quality. The Wicked Ridge RDX 400, however, delivers a 400 FPS reverse-draw platform that’s built like it costs twice as much.

The reverse-draw design shifts the center of gravity back toward the shooter, eliminating that nose-heavy feel common in cheaper setups. The 15.5-inch power stroke and Reaper Cam System generate up to 132 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, making it more than capable for big-game hunting. And with the silent ACUdraw PRO crank, cocking requires just 8.5 pounds of force – smooth and easy enough for youth or smaller-framed hunters.

The compact package includes a 3x Multi-Line Scope, three XX75 aluminum arrows, a quiver, ACUDraw PRO, and a pre-installed string stop system. It’s a true ready-to-hunt setup, no nickel-and-diming required. 

We found that the trigger has a tiny bit of creep, and the included crossbow arrows could be better. But in this price range, you’re getting a hunting tool that outperforms many high-end crossbows in the $1,200+ range.

If you’re looking for a top-tier accurate crossbow without the premium price tag, the RDX 400 is a fantastic choice.

Best inexpensive crossbow: CenterPoint Wrath 430X

Technical specs

• Chronographed FPS: 419.6
• Weight: 9.0 lbs.
• Length: 32″
• Width: 13″ / 9″ (uncocked/cocked)
• Accuracy: 2.35″ groups
• Trigger weight: 3.5 lbs. advertised, 3.2 lbs. tested

Pros:

• Compact design
• Comprehensive accessory package
• Fast

Cons:

• Must be shot to be unloaded
• Loud

​Most budget crossbows feel like they were built to hit a price point, not a target. But in the world of affordable crossbows, the CenterPoint Wrath 430X breaks that mold. This isn’t just a “good enough for the money” setup – it’s a serious hunting tool.​

The biggest drawback is the lack of a de-cocking system; you must shoot the crossbow to unload it. Unfortunately, we know of no quality crossbows at this price point that come with a reliable and safe de-cocking mechanism.

Although the Wrath registered 419.6 FPS in our tests – somewhat below the advertised 430 – that’s still more than enough for big game hunting.

With 164 foot-pounds of kinetic energy and a 15-inch power stroke, the 430X offers great performance in a package just 9 inches wide when cocked. It’s compact enough for tight blinds but still hits like a freight train. The inverted cam design and CNC-machined aluminum rails offer speed and durability – the string and cables are still in great shape after more than 250 shots.

The Wrath 430X comes fully loaded: a 4×32 illuminated scope, three 20-inch .003 carbon arrows, a quiver, and a folding stirrup that doubles as a bipod. The adjustable stock and foregrip allow for a custom fit, and the ball-bearing retention spring ensures consistent arrow tension for good accuracy. Safety features include an auto-engaging safety and an anti-dry fire mechanism.

Overall, the 430X is proof that you don’t need to buy the most expensive option to get a good combination of performance and features.

Most Innovative: Ravin R18

Technical specs

• Chronographed FPS: 327.1
• Weight: 6.3 lbs.
• Length: 25″
• Width: 4.75″ / 4.75″ (uncocked/cocked)
• Accuracy: 2.1″ groups
• Trigger weight: 3.9 lbs.

Pros:

• Extremely compact and maneuverable
• Unique design

Cons:

• Very loud
• Expensive ($2,000+)

The Ravin R18 looks like it was smuggled out of a sci-fi prop department. With vertically stacked crossbow limbs, a 4.75-inch width, and an 18-inch length without the stock, it’s the most compact hunting model among modern crossbows.

At the heart of this design is Ravin’s VertiCoil Cam System, which rotates the cams 720 degrees, coiling the strings and cables around the cam and axle. This allows for an axle-to-axle height of just 1.3 inches when cocked, contributing to its ultra-compact form. We were initially concerned that the design might feel awkward to handle, but this wasn’t the case at all.

The built-in Versa-Draw cocking system requires 12 lbs. of force, which is on the higher side but still manageable for most. The Trac-Trigger Firing System felt crisp and with no creep. The Frictionless Flight System allows the string to float above the rail, which reduces friction and increase string life.

The R18 comes fully assembled with a detachable stock/quiver, three 16-inch arrows, and a 3-dot reflex sight. While the red-dot sight lacks magnification, it offers quick target acquisition, suitable for the R18’s intended close-range use.

At around $2,000, it’s one of the most expensive models we’ve tested, but for crossbow hunters needing a compact, maneuverable crossbow for tight spaces, the R18 offers unparalleled innovation, much like most Ravin crossbows.

Aside from the hefty price, and the fact that some feel it looks too much like a toy gun, the main downside is the crossbow’s noise level. One of our testers put it best when he said that it sounds like “a cannon going off.”

Fastest Crossbow: TenPoint Nitro 505

Technical specs

• Chronographed FPS: 503.3
• Weight: 6.0 lbs.
• Length: 30.5″
• Width: 12″ / 6.5″ (uncocked/cocked)
• Accuracy: 1.72″ groups
• Trigger weight: 3.5 lbs. advertised, 3.2 lbs. tested

Pros:

• Lightning-fast
• Great accuracy
• Shoulders very well
• Surprisingly nimble

Cons:

• Louder than most crossbows
• Expensive ($3,000+)

Clocking in at a blistering 503.3 feet per second with a 400-grain arrow, the TenPoint Nitro 505 is the fastest crossbow we’ve ever tested. This performance is achieved through TenPoint’s reverse-draw design and the RX-8 Cam System, which rotates 404 degrees.

Despite its power, the Nitro 505 remains user-friendly. The ACUslide cocking and de-cock design requires only 5 pounds of force to operate, allowing for safe and controlled decocking without the need to fire the crossbow.

Is it worth the money? If you’re planning to hunt some of the toughest game in Africa, like rhinoceros, anticipate plenty of 70+ yard shots, or just enjoy the idea of owning a super fast crossbow – absolutely. Otherwise, there are plenty crossbows that do everything the Nitro does, but at a much lower cost.

For another one of the fastest hunting crossbows, check out the Scorpyd VTEC Extreme.

Best Recurve Crossbow: Excalibur Assassin 420 TD

Technical specs:

• Chronographed FPS: 402.2
• Weight: 8.0 lbs.
• Length: 30.5″
• Width: 30″ / 24″ (uncocked/cocked)
• Accuracy: 2.51″ groups
• Trigger weight: not advertised; 3.1 lbs. in our tests

Pros:

• Mechanical cocking and decocking
• Recurve design means fewer failure points

Cons:

• Very loud
• Too unwieldy for smaller blinds and tree stands, like most recurves

​In a world dominated by compound crossbows with intricate cams and cables, the Assassin 420 TD stands out with its recurve design – two limbs and a string. This simplicity translates to reliability and ease of maintenance in the field.​

Despite its simple design, the Assassin 420 TD doesn’t compromise on performance. It launches arrows at 402.2 feet per second, delivering over 130 foot-pounds of kinetic energy – more than enough to take down the largest game.

The integrated Charger Crank System allows for silent and effortless cocking and decocking using 14 pounds of force. And if the system jams, you can manually cock the crossbow using a rope.

The Quick-Loc Technology allows for quick assembly and disassembly without affecting accuracy – great for transport and storage. The fully adjustable Tru-Fit Stock and Pro-Shot match-grade trigger further enhance shooting comfort and precision.

Lightest Crossbow: Wicked Ridge M-370

Technical specs

• Chronographed FPS: 359.6
• Weight: 5.8 lbs.
• Length: 34.5″
• Width: 14″ / 9.5″ (uncocked/cocked)
• Accuracy: 2.81″ groups
• Trigger weight: not advertised; 3.5 lbs. in our tests

Pros:

• 5 lbs. of force to cock
• Accessible for hunters of different ages and physical abilities

Cons:

• Not the most accurate

Weighing just 5.8 pounds, the M-370 is one of the lightest models on the market, making it an ideal crossbow for hunters looking for mobility and ease of handling. Its compact design – 9.5 inches axle-to-axle when cocked – allows for effortless navigation through dense brush and tight hunting blinds 

Despite its lightweight frame, the M-370 doesn’t compromise on power. It launches arrows at around 360 FPS – slightly below the advertised 370.

The integrated ACUdraw cocking system simplifies the loading process, requiring only 5 pounds of force to cock the crossbow. Just be careful not to let your hand slip when using the system – it can be a real knuckle buster.

The main downside: accuracy – it was the poorest performer in our tests. We wouldn’t recommend this crossbow for longer shots.

More Great Crossbows

While the crossbows above are best, there are many excellent crossbows on the market today. Here are some of the models that we used to rank prior to 2025 but no longer feature in our top picks. They remain solid options, however, some of them have been discontinued and can no longer be purchased new.

• Barnett Hyper Raptor – with Halo system that eliminates cable crossing
• TenPoint Flatline 460 – reverse-draw assembly with 14-inch power stroke
• Parker Hornet Extreme – exceptional accuracy
• Parker Tornado – very quiet
• TenPoint TX 28 – with floating TriggerTech trigger
• Ravin R26 – 340-pound draw weight
• Ravin R29X – bullpup design
• Barnett Wildcat – under $300
• Barnett Explorer – good value for the money
• Horton Explorer – superb accuracy

Our Crossbow Evaluation Process

Every crossbow we review is purchased independently, with no compensation offered by the manufacturer in exchange for a favorable review.

Here is a brief overview of our testing methodology.

1. Speed testing

We measure arrow velocity using our ProChrono chronograph (review):

We fire each crossbow five times and calculate the average speed to arrive at our listed specs.

2. Safety

We focus heavily on decocking, since one of the biggest safety risks is walking to or from your blind or stand with a cocked crossbow. We decock each model multiple times to see how easy and practical it is – because if decocking is a hassle, you’re less likely to do it, and that’s where accidents happen. We also comb through user reviews for complaints about limb splintering or breakage. Together, these factors help us assign an internal safety score that we use in our rankings.

3. Accuracy

Our testers shoot three four-shot groups at 50 yards with every crossbow. We use the average to come up with our listed accuracy specs.

4. Trigger weight testing

We measure the trigger pull of each crossbow using a digital trigger gauge to verify if it matched the manufacturer’s listed specs.

5. Cocking and loading

We evaluate how easy each crossbow is to cock and load, noting how intuitive the mechanisms feels, how much noise they make, and what safety features are in place.

6. Handling

We shoot each crossbow offhand, from a kneeling position, and off a tripod to simulate real-world crossbow hunting scenarios.

Top Crossbow Manufacturers We’ve Tested

Here are the various crossbow manufacturers whose products we’ve reviewed and ranked throughout the years:

Barnett Crossbows	Excalibur Crossbows	Parker Crossbows
Tenpoint Crossbows	WickedRidge Crossbows	Carbon Express Crossbows
Diamond Crossbows	PSE Crossbows	Arrow Precision Crossbows
Horton Crossbows	SA Sports Crossbows	Southern Crossbows
Mission Crossbows	Darton Crossbows

How to Get the Most Out of Your Hunting Crossbow

No matter how top-tier your crossbow is, a lack of proper care and preparation could easily derail your hunt. Here’s how to ensure your crossbow remains in prime condition and make the most out of every hunting opportunity:

• Follow all maintenance guidelines as outlined by the manufacturer.
• Keep your crossbow clean and dry to prevent corrosion.
• Regularly inspect the strings, cables, servings, screws, and fasteners for signs of damage or wear.
• Have a backup set of strings and cables with you at all times.
• Periodically take test shots to verify your crossbow is working as expected.
• Carry a backup crossbow to make sure you never miss an opportunity in the field.
• Keep your crossbow clean and dry.
• Wax the string cable regularly to prevent fraying.
• Never dry fire, always use a proper bolt, keep fingers below the flight deck, and de-cock when on the move.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best crossbow for deer hunting?

The best crossbow for deer hunting is the TenPoint Venom X. For a more affordable crossbow package, check out the CenterPoint Wrath 430X – it performed well in our test. You only need 30 to 40 ft-lbs. of kinetic energy to take deer, which is easily exceeded by all crossbows ranked on this page.

What is the ideal arrow weight for my crossbow?

The ideal hunting arrow weight typically falls between 400 and 450 grains, including the broadhead. This range offers a good balance of speed, kinetic energy, and accuracy for most hunting. In general, lightweight arrows offer a flatter trajectory and hence more accuracy at long distances, while heavier ones provide more penetration. Always check your crossbow manufacturer’s recommended bolt weight, as using arrows that are too light can damage the bow and void your warranty.

Who makes the best hunting crossbows?

Tenpoint Crossbow Technologies sets the industry standard for crossbow hunting equipment. Ravin and Excalibur are fantastic choices as well. For more affordable options, consider CenterPoint and Barnett.

What types of game can I hunt with a crossbow in North America?

With a crossbow, you can hunt a wide range of game across North America, including deer, elk, bear, turkey, and small game like rabbits and squirrels. Regulations vary by state, so be sure to check our crossbow regulations page for state-by-state overviews.

What’s a good inexpensive crossbow?

The CenterPoint Wrath 430X is a budget-friendly yet powerful crossbow for hunters. Compare it with other more expensive models on this page to see why we recommend it.