Budget Telescopes Under $300: Features and Performance Compared

Astronomy doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. If you’re a beginner or an enthusiast looking for a budget-friendly telescope, there are plenty of options under $300 that offer great performance without breaking the bank. In 2025, many high-quality telescopes are available at an affordable price point, making it easier for anyone to start exploring the wonders of the night sky.

In this article, we’ll compare the best telescopes under $300, focusing on features, optical performance, ease of use, and overall value. Whether you’re looking for a refractor, reflector, or catadioptric design, you’ll find a suitable option that meets your needs and budget.


1. What to Expect from a Budget Telescope Under $300?

While a $300 budget won’t get you the most advanced telescopes, it will still provide several high-quality options. Here’s what you can expect from telescopes in this price range:

  • Aperture Size: The aperture (the diameter of the primary mirror or lens) determines how much light the telescope can gather. Generally, a larger aperture provides clearer and more detailed views of celestial objects. Telescopes under $300 typically have apertures ranging from 60mm to 130mm.
  • Optical Quality: While you may not get the most advanced optics, most budget telescopes in this range still offer good optical quality. You can expect to see the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects clearly.
  • Mount Types: Telescopes at this price usually come with either an altazimuth mount (up/down and left/right movement) or an equatorial mount (which follows the Earth’s rotation). While equatorial mounts are better for long-term observations, altazimuth mounts are easier for beginners to handle.
  • Ease of Setup: Most budget telescopes are designed to be easy to set up and use. However, be aware that some models may require a little more effort to assemble and align.

Now, let’s dive into the top budget telescopes under $300 that offer great value and performance.


2. Top Budget Telescopes Under $300: Ranked by Features and Performance

1. Celestron 70mm Travel Scope

Overview:
The Celestron 70mm Travel Scope is a great entry-level refractor telescope for those looking to get into astronomy without spending a lot of money. Its compact design and affordable price make it ideal for beginners, especially those who are interested in traveling with their telescope.

Key Features:

  • 70mm Aperture: Provides a decent light-gathering ability for clear views of the Moon, planets, and bright stars.
  • Portable Design: Weighing only 5 pounds, this telescope is lightweight and comes with a backpack-style carrying case for easy transportation.
  • Altazimuth Mount: The simple mount makes it easy for beginners to aim the telescope.
  • Includes Accessories: Comes with two eyepieces, a finderscope, and a tripod.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to transport.
  • Excellent value for the price.
  • Great for beginners and casual observers.

Cons:

  • Limited aperture for deep-sky observations.
  • The tripod may not be as stable as higher-end models.

2. Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope

Overview:
The Orion StarBlast 4.5 is a reflector telescope with a larger aperture, offering better image quality than smaller models. It’s perfect for those looking for a budget telescope with more light-gathering power and improved performance.

Key Features:

  • 4.5-inch (114mm) Aperture: Larger than many budget models, this allows for better views of deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies.
  • Reflector Design: The telescope uses a mirror to gather light, which provides sharper images at a lower cost than refractors of similar size.
  • Compact and Lightweight: The telescope’s compact design makes it easy to store and transport.
  • Altazimuth Mount: Simple to use, ideal for beginners.

Pros:

  • Great value for the price, especially for deep-sky viewing.
  • Larger aperture provides better light-gathering ability.
  • Easy to assemble and use.

Cons:

  • The mount can be a bit shaky, especially at higher magnifications.
  • Not the best for astrophotography.

3. Meade Instruments 80mm Infinity Refractor Telescope

Overview:
The Meade 80mm Infinity is a refractor telescope that offers a larger aperture and great performance for its price. It’s an ideal option for beginners who want an easy-to-use telescope for moon and planetary observations.

Key Features:

  • 80mm Aperture: Offers a larger aperture than most entry-level telescopes, providing better clarity and brightness.
  • Fully Coated Optics: Ensures sharper, more detailed images.
  • Altazimuth Mount: Provides smooth, simple movement for beginners.
  • Accessories Included: Comes with three eyepieces, a finderscope, and a 1.5x barlow lens.

Pros:

  • Clear, sharp images of the Moon, planets, and stars.
  • Easy to use and assemble.
  • Good value for the price.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for deep-sky observations.
  • The mount can be less stable than an equatorial mount.

4. Sky-Watcher 120mm AZ3 Refractor Telescope

Overview:
The Sky-Watcher 120mm AZ3 is a larger refractor telescope that offers an impressive aperture for the price. It’s perfect for those who want to upgrade to a more powerful telescope without spending too much money.

Key Features:

  • 120mm Aperture: Provides a significant upgrade in light-gathering ability, allowing for more detailed views of the Moon, planets, and some deep-sky objects.
  • Fully Coated Optics: Delivers bright and clear images.
  • Altazimuth Mount: Easy to use with smooth movement.
  • Accessory Kit: Comes with two eyepieces and a finderscope.

Pros:

  • Great performance for its size and price.
  • Larger aperture allows for better detail.
  • Easy to use and set up.

Cons:

  • Heavier and bulkier than smaller models.
  • The mount may not be as stable as some higher-end telescopes.

5. Zhumell Z130 Portable Reflector Telescope

Overview:
The Zhumell Z130 is an affordable 130mm reflector telescope that offers excellent value for money. Its larger aperture allows for better views of distant objects, making it a great choice for beginners who want a more powerful telescope without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

  • 130mm Aperture: A larger aperture that gathers more light, providing better views of planets and deep-sky objects.
  • Reflector Design: Uses mirrors to gather light, offering better performance at a lower cost.
  • Compact and Lightweight: Despite its larger aperture, the telescope is still easy to transport and set up.
  • Dobsonian Mount: The easy-to-use Dobsonian mount allows for smooth movement and quick adjustments.

Pros:

  • Large aperture for better views of deep-sky objects.
  • Affordable for the performance it offers.
  • Easy to set up and use.

Cons:

  • Not ideal for high magnifications due to potential image shaking.
  • Lacks some advanced features found in more expensive models.

3. How to Choose the Best Budget Telescope Under $300

When choosing the best budget telescope under $300, consider these factors:

  • Aperture: A larger aperture means better light-gathering ability, which translates into clearer and more detailed views of distant objects.
  • Mount Type: If you’re new to astronomy, an altazimuth mount may be easier to handle, but an equatorial mount is better for long-term observations.
  • Ease of Use: Opt for a model that’s simple to set up and use, especially if you’re just starting out.
  • Optical Quality: Even at a budget price, ensure the telescope has coated optics for better image quality.

4. Conclusion: Best Budget Telescopes for 2025

There are many great telescopes available under $300, and each one offers unique advantages depending on your stargazing needs. Here’s a quick summary of the best options:

  • Celestron 70mm Travel Scope: Great for beginners looking for a portable and easy-to-use option.
  • Orion StarBlast 4.5: Offers excellent deep-sky performance with a larger aperture.
  • Meade Instruments 80mm Infinity: A good choice for beginners wanting a larger aperture for planetary observations.
  • Sky-Watcher 120mm AZ3: A powerful refractor with great performance for its price.
  • Zhumell Z130: Excellent for those wanting a more powerful reflector telescope on a budget.

With these budget-friendly telescopes, you’ll be able to enjoy the night sky without spending a fortune. Happy stargazing!