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We know, looking for suitable night vision gear that’s meant for movement can be quite challenging. You’re most likely to run into simple binoculars (or even monoculars), which are only good if you’re being static. But we’re here to help by bringing you the best night vision goggles (hands-free) that money can buy!
You’d definitely be able to see in the dark if you’re serious about your survival, prepping or hunting endeavors.
That’s why quality matters and we know that.
However, when compiling our top 12 hands-free picks we’ve also analyzed other aspects.
This includes prices, user ratings and useful details about each piece of these NV goggles!
The 12 Best Night Vision Goggles
Before we kick off, keep in mind that the exact order of the list below is primarily based on the generation of each product and the associated image clarity.
Thus, the latest gen 4 goggles will always sit on top as they provide improved image clarity, superior viewing distance and better overall performance.
1. ATN PS15-4 GEN 4 Night Vision Goggle System
Generation – 4
Detection range – Up to 500 yards
Resolution – 64 to 72 lines per mm
Weight – 1.54 pounds
Field of view – 40 degrees
Battery life – 60 hours
Dimensions – 4.7” W x 2.7” H x 4.5” D
If you value high resolution and the latest night vision technology, then look no further than the ATN PS15-4.
It uses the latest thing in night vision goggles – generation 4 tech.
Also, these are military-grade goggles that rely on technology that’s used by the US Army.
This means that you’re getting an extremely high-quality product, but that also means it’s rather pricey as well.
You’ll be able to see quite far away with these goggles.
The manufacturer states that generally, you should be able to differentiate between a man or a dog at roughly 75-100 yards.
That’s quite impressive indeed, but there’s more.
If there’s enough ambient light (e.g. half-moon) you could spot a house that’s 500 yards away.
But you have to be on an open field to do that (obviously).
And yes, the ATN PS15-4 night vision goggles are also fully waterproof.
However, there’s nowhere to attach a snorkel if you’re going to dive with these, so keep that in mind.
Another cool feature of these goggles is that you’re getting a built-in IR illuminator.
That’s great news as you’ll still be able to read a map even if it’s pitch black outside.
Pros:
- Gen 4 technology
- Superb resolution and vision distance
- Very compact and light
- Very good battery life
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Doesn’t have adjustable interpupillary distance
- Not optimal for using underwater (nowhere to attach a snorkel)
2. Superior Tactical PVS-7 Night Vision Goggle Gen 3 Blem-3 Spec
Generation – 3
Detection range – approx. 350 yards
Resolution – 57 – 64 lines per mm
Weight – 1.5 pounds
Field of view – 40 degrees
Battery life – 30 hours
Dimensions – 3.0” W x 2.7” H x 4.5” D
The Superior Tactical PSV-7 night vision goggles are tailor-made for just about any tactical situation.
They rely on 3rd generation technology, which means that you’ll benefit from very good resolution and overall performance.
Now, these goggles are lightweight and apparently weather-resistant according to the manufacturer.
This makes them ideal for any situation, whether it’s tactical or not.
Another neat thing is that this Superior Tactical product utilizes a mil-spec compliant housing.
Also, these goggles are waterproof so you can even try them underwater.
And last but not least, they are quite versatile due to their weight.
Thus, you can hold them in your hand without any worries, although we always prefer the mounted i.e. hands-free option.
However, keep in mind that the accessories needed for mounting the goggles aren’t included.
Pros:
- Lightweight and very compact
- Versatile
- Robust design
Cons:
- Headgear has to be bought separately
- Might not be ideal for using underwater
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Generation – 3
Detection range – approx. 350 yards
Resolution – 64 – 72 lines per mm
Weight – 1.5 pounds
Field of view – 40 degrees
Battery life – 40 hours
Dimensions – 6.4” W x 6.0” H x 3.0” D
Here we have another high-quality PSV-7, military-grade night vision goggles.
Now, this Armasight product relies on Gen 3 tech and offers an ergonomic, yet robust design.
And surprisingly (or not), these goggles provide super-high-resolution that puts it neck to neck with Gen 4 devices.
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They’re also lightweight and waterproof if you’re going to use them in heavy rain or even underwater.
Lastly, they’re quite versatile as you can choose to mount them on your helmet, head or just hold them in hand.
Pros:
- Great resolution
- Comes with headgear
- Ergonomic and robust
Cons:
- Rather costly
- Maybe not optimal for all hobbies
- Not that compact
4. ATN PVS7-3 Night Vision Goggle
Generation – 3
Detection range – approx. 350 yards
Resolution – 64 lines per mm
Weight – 1.5 pounds
Field of view – 40 degrees
Battery life – 60 hours
Dimensions – 6.375” W x 6.0” H x 3.0” D
ATN are known for their quality night vision devices so it’s no wonder that we’re seeing another of their products on this list.
This time is the standard military issue Gen 3 NV goggles that come with tremendous battery life (60 hours).
Although they’re not using Gen 4 technology, these goggles still provide more than a decent resolution to actually see what’s going on in the dark.
Another great thing about these military-grade goggles is that they come with a fully-adjustable military head strap.
And of course – they’re also waterproof and lightweight for optimal tactical efficiency.
Pros:
- Military-grade quality
- Comes with an adjustable head strap
- Durable and lightweight
- Great battery life
Cons:
- Not very compact
- The body and tube might wear faster than expected
- Not as affordable as some competitors
5. Pulsar Edge GS Super 1+ Night Vision Goggle
Generation – 1+
Detection range – up to 250 yards
Resolution – 36-42 lines per mm
Weight – 0.98 pounds
Field of view – 36 degrees
Battery life – 50 hours
Dimensions – 6.4” W x 4.4” H x 2.4” D
The Pulsar Edge GS 1+ goggles might not use Gen 3 or 4 technology, but they shouldn’t be underestimated.
First and foremost, these goggles are incredibly lightweight.
Don’t believe me? Well, they weight less than 1 pound, which is very forgiving if you’re going to mount it on your head or helmet.
Tech-wise, these goggles are considered Gen 1+, meaning that they provide better resolution than Gen 1 products.
Apart from that, this item also relies on dual-tube binoculars for improved depth perception via the CF Super technology.
You’re also getting a head mount with adjustable straps as part of the package.
And on top of that, these Pulsar goggles are durable to both dust and rain.
Pros:
- Decent price tag
- Comes with a Weaver rail mount
- Super lightweight
Cons:
- Only Gen 1+
- Can’t mount on a tripod
- Not made of the highest quality
6. WANNEY Tracker Night Vision Goggle
Generation – N/A (Near-infrared vision comparable to Gen 3)
Detection range – up to 110 yards
Resolution – N/A
Weight – 1.54 pounds
Field of view – Narrow
Battery life – 6 hours
Dimensions – N/A
At number 6 we have the first 100% civilian NV goggles – the WANNEY night vision goggle binoculars.
Now, since they’re not military-grade they rely on a slightly different technology.
These goggles utilize a near-infrared night vision tech that’s comparable to Gen 3 in terms of clarity.
Subsequently, the viewing distance and battery life can’t match that of standard military issue goggles, but that’s why these WANNEY goggles are much cheaper.
Other than that, these NV goggles are ideal for any civilian nighttime endeavors such as:
- Hunting
- Investigating
- Farming
- Exploring
They also come with an adjustable head strap, making for a great hands-free, night vision experience.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Adjustable heads trap included
- LCD screen
- Civilian-friendly
Cons:
- Narrow field of view
- Not as robust as military-grade goggles
- Small sight distance
7. Yukon NV 1x24 Goggles
Generation – 1
Detection range – up to 160 yards
Resolution – 36 lines per mm
Weight – 1.32 pounds
Field of view – 30 degrees
Battery life – 20 hours
Dimensions – 6.8” W x 4.8” H x 2.8” D
Here we have some pretty good Gen 1 NV goggles courtesy of the European manufacturer Yukon optics.
Now, this product comes with a good field of view, decent resolution and a battery life that can be prolonged to 72 hours if you turn off the IR.
It also comes with multicoated optics and high-res intensifiers to maximize Gen 1’s effectiveness at helping you see in the dark.
That’s not all though, as these Yukon binoculars also come with rubber armor protection and they’re also fog and water-resistant.
Last but not least, these goggles arrive with head gear, a neck strap and a protective casing.
Pros:
- Comes with adjustable lenses
- Rather lightweight
- Head-mount, neck strap and protective casing included
Cons:
- Rather bulky
- Gen 1
- Battery life (when using IR)
8. Pulsar Challenger GS Super 1+ 1x20 Night Vision Goggles
Generation – 1+
Detection range – up to 98 yards
Resolution – 39 lines per mm
Weight – 0.88 pounds
Field of view – 36 degrees
Battery life – 72 hours (without IR)
Dimensions – 6.4” W x 3.1” H x 2.2” D
There’s a lot to like about the Pulsar Challenger GS 1+ NV goggles.
They’re affordable, compact, lightweight and with a decent resolution and viewing distance.
Sure, this item relies on only Gen 1+ tech, but it still makes the most of it so that you might see comfortably during the night.
You’re also getting a CF-super image intensifier tube combo that’s meant to provide optimal edge-to-edge resolution.
These goggles are also weatherproof (rain and dust) and they come with an ergonomic head gear.
Pros:
- Ergonomic and compact
- Very lightweight
- Fair price
Cons:
- Bulky head mount
- Relatively short detection range
- Pulsar Edge is better
9. Sightmark Ghost Hunter 1x24 Night Vision Goggle Binoculars Kit
Generation – 1
Detection range – up to 87 yards
Resolution – 30 lines per mm
Weight – 0.86 pounds
Field of view – 30 degrees
Battery life – 20 hours
Dimensions – 5.3′ W x 4.4” H x 2.3” D
Sightmark manufactures all kinds of quality scopes, binoculars and goggles so it’s only logical to find their brilliant Ghost Hunter 1×24 NV goggles on our list.
With this product, they offer a very affordable and super lightweight night vision goggles that provide decent resolution and field of view.
Although they’re only Gen 1, the compact size and weight (under 1 lb) makes these awesome for both hunting and investigating.
These goggles are also weatherproof, which should help them sustain harsher weather conditions.
However, they are not waterproof so keep that in mind!
Lastly, they come with good (for Gen 1) battery life, although it can be extended all the way to 72 hours if you’re not using IR.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Head mount included
- Incredibly light and compact
Cons:
- Not water-resistant
- Head-mount can’t be adjusted horizontally
- Relies on Gen 1 tech
10. Firefield Tracker 1x24 Night Vision Goggle Binoculars
Generation – 1
Detection range – up to 87 yards
Resolution – 36 lines per mm
Weight – 1.4 pounds
Field of view – 30 degrees
Battery life – 20 hours
Dimensions – 11.9” W x 7.1” H x 4.1” D
The Firefield Tracker NV goggles are definitely more geared towards civilian use.
They are lighter than most military-grade goggles and although they’re using Gen 1 tech, the resolution is decent enough.
However, the biggest advantage of these Firefield binoculars is the super energy-efficient built-in IR illuminator.
It’s this IR infrared illuminator that helps to prolong the battery life of these goggles.
This means that you’re getting a whopping 72 hours (without IR of course) of use and that’s spot on!
And they also come with head gear so you can use them both hand-mounted and head-mounted.
Pros:
- Great battery life (without IR)
- Head-mount gear included
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Gen 1
- Not that compact
- So-so battery life (with IR)
11. X-Vision Pro Rechargeable Digital Hands-Free Night Vision Goggles
Generation – N/A
Detection range – up to 300 yards
Resolution – N/A
Weight – 0.74 pounds
Field of view – 10 degrees
Battery life – 5 hours (night use)
Dimensions – 5.51” W x 6.3” H x 2.6” D
The X-Vision rechargeable NV goggles are definitely oriented towards civilian use.
This is not a standard military issue product, but nor is the price.
And you’re getting plenty for the seriously affordable price tag of these goggles.
First and foremost, you get 5 hours of battery life during night use and best of all – it’s rechargeable.
Then, there’s the lightweight and compact design, meaning that your neck won’t be strained too much while you’re using the head mount.
Pros:
- Very compact and lightweight
- Comes with a head strap
- Not expensive
Cons:
- Not the best resolution
- Not as robust as more expensive options
- Screen glare might be a bit too much for some people
12. Nightfox 119V Night Vision Goggles
Generation – N/A
Detection range – up to 76 yards
Resolution – N/A
Weight – 0.8 pounds
Field of view – 38 degrees
Battery life – 3 hours
Dimensions – 6.6” W x 5.5” H x 2.7” D
Although the Nightfox rechargeable goggles have nothing to do with military-grade quality, they’re still a pretty good and affordable option for all night vision enthusiasts.
It’s worth noting that they rely on a digital camera sensor instead of intensifier tubes.
This means that it cannot be categorized as Gen 1, 2, 3 etc.
It simply utilizes a different NV technology and maybe that’s why they’re incredibly lightweight – they weight only 0.8 lbs!
Now, these goggles provide some rather decent viewing distance and a head mount for an effortless hands-free experience.
There’s also a USB cable included that you can use to recharge the batteries of your Nightfox goggles.
Pros:
- Incredibly lightweight
- Head mount included
- Very compact
Cons:
- Viewing distance
- Not the latest tech in NV goggles
- Not waterproof
4 Things To Consider When Buying Your First Night Vision Goggles
Listen, buying night vision goggles for the first time might seem quite perplexing and even frightening.
Yes, the military-grade, high-quality goggles are quite expensive and yes, durability matters.
Especially if you’ll be using your NV goggles in harsh environments.
That’s why we’ve hand-picked several things you should keep in mind before you buy NV goggles!
1. What Will You Use Them For?
Are you about to be deployed or do you simply want to explore the woods around your house at night (for some reason)?
This is essential as you should know why you’re buying a night vision device in the first place.
Depending on how and where you’ll be using your NV goggles, you’ll be able to figure out what viewing distance, battery life and resolution might best suit your needs.
Basically, if you’re buying them only for (civilian) observation purposes, then you most likely don’t need the latest and most expensive technology available.
But if you’re going to use them in more extreme situations, then you’d probably need goggles that are weatherproof and waterproof.
It all depends on HOW and WHERE you’ll be using them!
2. How Much Are You Willing To Spend?
That’s a crucial question to answer that’s directly connected to the previous one.
If you’re looking for high resolution, exceptional robustness and top-notch viewing distance, then prepare to spend a lot of money.
Still, that doesn’t mean that all NV goggles are ridiculously expensive and there are some great options in our list above that won’t break the bank.
On the other hand, going for the cheapest device might not be a great idea.
Sure, the initial investment on your end will be minimal – but how long will those goggles last?
So make sure to figure out how much you’re going to spend, depending on your needs.
3. Are You Looking For A Specific Generation?
Since night vision tech comes in 4 different generations, your goggles will most likely fall under a particular generation.
And as you’ve probably guessed, Gen 1 is the oldest tech, while Gen 4 is the latest and the best (and most expensive).
So, do keep in mind that if image quality is your top priority, then only look for Gen 4 goggles.
But that doesn’t mean that you should disregard all Gen 1 or 2 devices.
Some of them can still offer pretty decent resolution and field of view – check our list above for reference.
4. Do You Value Ergonomics?
Do you care how much your goggles weight and how compact they are?
Well, you should – especially if you’re going to use them hands-free i.e. mount them on your head!
Thus, you should aim to get a lighter NV device to avoid straining your neck.
The good news is that there are plenty of goggles that weight below 1 pound, which is quite light and shouldn’t bother your neck muscles.
Also, there are NV goggles that are really compact as well and that’s great if you’re going to stay mobile while using the goggles (as you probably will be).
Night Vision Generations Explained
Many people get extremely confused when it comes to night vision generations.
Well, there are currently 4 particular generations in existence when it comes to night vision technology and here’s what the differences are:
Gen 1
- Cheap
- Resolution – 28 – 38 line pairs per millimeter
- Viewing distance – 100 yards
- Tube life – 1,500 hours
Gen 2
- Affordable
- Resolution – 40 – 50 line pairs per millimeter
- Viewing distance – 200 yards
- Tube life – 5,000+ hours
Gen 3
- Expensive
- Resolution – 51 – 64 line pairs per millimeter
- Viewing distance – 300 yards
- Tube life – 10,000 hours
Gen 4
- Very expensive
- Resolution – 64 – 72 line pairs per millimeter
- Viewing distance – 400 yards
- Tube life – 10,000+ hours
How Many Types Of Night Vision Goggles Exist?
There are 2 types of night vision goggles currently in existence:
- Active
- Passive
Active NV devices utilize infrared light to help you see in the dark.
And the imagery that you see is achieved either by using monocular or binocular lenses.
Passive NV systems are slightly different as they rely on the available outside light.
Essentially, the imagery that you get using passive NV goggles is based on the light that bounces off the objects that you’re looking at.
Also, Active and Passive night vision systems can be further divided into:
- Binocular NV goggles
- Monocular NV goggles
- Bi-ocular NV goggles
Are Night Vision Goggles Illegal To Own?
No, using night vision goggles is perfectly legal in the US, although certain EU countries do regulate the possession of such devices.
Perhaps the only exception would be related to using illegal sniper scopes and currently, on US soil, only California seems to have such laws.
Still, while laws might differ depending on the state, overall you can definitely use night vision equipment in a perfectly legal way.
Are Night Vision Goggles Illegal In Australia?
No, using NV goggles in Australia is 100% legal.
But while there might be no particular laws concerning owning NV devices, you still have to consider any surveillance laws that might interfere with investigating or exploring in the dark.
Conclusion
Apparently, the best night vision goggles on the market right now that you can also use hands-free (i.e. with a head mount) is the ATN PS15-4 GEN 4 Night Vision Goggle System .
But don’t despair if you’re looking for less expensive NV goggles as you can find all sorts of quality night vision goggles on our list.
Now, what are your personal favorite NV goggles?
And do you prefer to use them head-mounted (i.e. hands-free) or on a tripod… or even in your hand?
Let us know by leaving a comment in the comment section below!
FAQs
What are night vision goggles?
Night vision goggles are optical devices designed to enhance vision in low-light or dark environments.
They work by amplifying the existing light or by using infrared technology to capture and display images that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.
How do night vision goggles work?
Night vision goggles work by utilizing different technologies, such as image intensification and thermal imaging.
- Image intensification goggles collect and amplify available light, making objects visible in the dark.
- Thermal imaging goggles detect the heat emitted by objects and create an image based on temperature differences.
What are the key features to consider when buying night vision goggles?
When purchasing night vision goggles, consider the following key features:
- Generation: The generation of the device determines the quality and capabilities of the night vision image.
- Resolution: Higher resolution provides more precise and more detailed images.
- Field of view: A wider field of view allows you to observe a larger area.
- Magnification: Goggles with adjustable magnification offer versatility for different scenarios.
- Battery life: Consider the duration the goggles can operate on a single charge.
- Durability: Look for goggles that are rugged and weather-resistant for outdoor use.
What are the different generations of night vision goggles?
Night vision goggles are categorized into generations:
- Generation 1 (Gen 1): The most basic and affordable type, suitable for general observation.
- Generation 2 (Gen 2): Offers improved performance and image quality, often used by professionals.
- Generation 3 (Gen 3): Provides excellent low-light performance and longer-range vision.
- Generation 4 (Gen 4): Offers further improvements in image quality and light amplification.
Can night vision goggles be used during the day?
Most night vision goggles are not designed for use in bright daylight conditions, as the intense light can damage the internal components.
However, there are certain models available with features like automatic brightness control (ABC) that allow limited use during the day.
It’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines before attempting to use night vision goggles in daylight.
Simo, an outdoor specialist and avid survival enthusiast, brings over 3 years of experience in navigating and thriving in the great outdoors. With an unwavering passion for nature, Simo has honed their skills in various aspects of outdoor exploration, including camping, hiking, and wilderness survival. Their extensive knowledge and hands-on experience enable them to tackle challenges head-on while imparting valuable insights to fellow adventurers. His dedication to promoting outdoor safety and environmental stewardship make them a trusted resource for anyone seeking to embark on unforgettable outdoor experiences.
