All reviews

Every option in our Best Crossbows for Beginners ranking, reviewed on its own terms.

• #1 Barnett Whitetail Hunter II 8.6/10

  The most forgiving package in this group: it ships sighted-in close enough to shoot the same evening, and the multi-reticle scope takes the guesswork out of the first forty yards.

• #2 Barnett Recruit XP 8.4/10

  Built around adjustability rather than speed, which is exactly right for a shooter who has not settled on a stance yet.

• #3 Killer Instinct Lethal 405HD 8.3/10

  Well balanced and quiet for the money, though the scope wants re-sighting before you trust it past thirty yards.

• #4 CenterPoint Dagger 405 8.1/10

  The cheapest complete setup here that still shoots straight. The bundled arrows are the first thing to replace.

• #5 Killer Instinct Burner 415 8.0/10

  Fast and compact, but the speed comes with more noise and more hand shock than the quieter bows above it.

• #6 Killer Instinct BOSS 405 7.9/10

  A solid all-rounder that does nothing badly and nothing outstandingly - a safe pick if the others are out of stock.

• #7 Barnett Whitetail Hunter 7.8/10

  The older Whitetail: still capable, but the newer II fixes most of what people complain about, usually for a similar price.

• #8 Xpedition Archery Xtraction 400X 7.7/10

  Better glass than the price suggests, held back by a package that leaves out the cocking aid most beginners need.

• #9 Barnett Hyper Whitetail 410 7.6/10

  Fast and flat-shooting, but it uses slimmer arrows that cost more and are harder to find locally.

• #10 Xpedition Archery Scrapeline 390X 7.4/10

  Light and easy to carry, but the slowest of the full-size bows here and the least forgiving of a sloppy hold.