In a Hurry? Our Top 3 Picks to Buy!
Are you searching for a crossbow that is a great deal for a price?
Then you are in the right place. This crossbow review and buyer’s guide will help you to find the best crossbow under $300 price range.
There are over 200 styles available out there, including crossbow type, draw weight, heavyweight, short, long, fast, and slow. And it is harder to select a good quality crossbow with all of the features, especially when you’re on a budget.
The middle range crossbows ($200-$300) are perfect for the beginner who just started.
Comparison Chart for Top 10 Crossbows Under $300
| Crossbow | Speed (FPS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Killer Instinct Lethal | 405 | View on Amazon |
| KI MSCKI-1104 Boss | 405 | View on Amazon |
| Pse Archery Coalition Crossbow | 375 | View on Amazon |
| BARNETT Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow | 370 | View on Amazon |
| Barnett Explorer XP370 | 370 | View on Amazon |
| PSE Coalition Frontier KA | 370 | View on Amazon |
| Centerpoint Mercenary | 390 | View on Amazon |
| Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow | 350 | View on Amazon |
| CenterPoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow | 260 | View on Amazon |
| XtremepowerUS Hybrid | 160 | View on Amazon |
Which are the 10 Best Crossbow Under $300 In 2023?
1. Killer Instinct Lethal 405 FPS Crossbow
| Lethal 405 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 405 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 210 lbs |
| Width Axle to Axle (cocked/uncocked) | 14.75″ / 18.75″ |
| Kinetic Energy | 134 ft. lbs. |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs |
| Length | 34.5″ |
| Power Stroke | 14.5” |
| Finish | Brown stock, True Timber Strata Camo Limbs |
This Lethal 405 is an excellent crossbow for beginner and experienced hunters on a budget. It comes with a 210-pound draw weight that shoots arrows at 405 fps. This power-packed crossbow comes with a lightweight frame, adjustable foregrip, and dead silent kit. Also, it is compatible with the Dead Silent Crank.
With a 14.5″ power stroke, using HYPR Lite Arrows, this crossbow is powerful and accurate. There is an X-Lok Foregrip on the Picatinny rail, which allows for multiple holding positions.
Also, it includes basic 4×32 non-illuminated scope that is glass etched and features multiple aiming points. And when it comes to assembly, it doesn’t come completely assembled. The crossbow package includes scope, rope cocker, string suppressors, 3-bolt quiver, 3-bolts with field tips, and rail lube.
Reasons To Buy
- Quiet performance with rubber shock absorbers.
- Lightweight frame.
- Comfortable and easy to maneuver.
- Great speed of 405 feet per second.
Reasons To Avoid
- The scope is non-illuminated.
What’s the bottom line?
Killer Instinct’s Lethal 405 Crossbow is a great choice for beginners and experienced hunters on a reasonable budget! It is the fastest and more accurate than other crossbows in its price category.
2. Killer Instinct MSCKI-1104 Boss 405 Dead Silent Deer Hunting Crossbow
| MSCKI-1104 Boss 405 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 405 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 220 lbs |
| Width Axle to Axle (cocked / uncocked) | 14.75″ / 18.75″ |
| Kinetic Energy | 134 ft. lbs. |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs |
| Length | 33.5″ |
| Power Stroke | 13.25” |
| Finish | Green Stock, Chaos AE Camo Limbs |
This BOSS 405 from Killer Instinct is an inexpensive crossbow that is fully adjustable for a custom fit. It carries a 405 FPS lethal accuracy, micro-light aluminum barrel, and a 3.5-pound trigger suitable for the big game.
The 6-position AR-style buttstock fully accommodates the crossbow for smaller frame hunters and stretches comfortably to fit a variety of tall shooters.
It is produced by the new micro-light aluminum barrel that eliminates excess weight. This integrated dead silent kit is specially designed to produce deadly results with reduced noise.
In the package, you will find 405 Crossbow, LUMIX 4 x 32 IR-W Scope, string suppressors, rope cocker, 3-bolt quiver, 3 HYPR Lite Bolts (370-grains) with Field Tips(100-grain), and a stick of rail lube.
Reasons To Buy
- Hard-hitting (405 feet per second).
- Compact and lightweight.
- Accurate and easy to handle.
- Fully adjustable for a customized fit.
- Quiet.
- Affordable.
Reasons To Avoid
- Pulling it back to full draw is a tough task for small framed hunters.
What’s the bottom line?
The MSCKI-1104 Boss 405 is a fully adjustable, compact, and well-balanced crossbow at an affordable price and comfortable and easy to handle. It is one of the best budget crossbows on the market.
3. PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow
| PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 380 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 185 lbs |
| Width Axle to Axle | 21.5″ |
| Kinetic Energy | 127 ft. lbs. |
| Dimensions | 30.5″ x 5.5″ x 11.25″ |
| Length | 35-36.5″ |
| Material | Composite |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow is constructed with high quality composite material and coated with camo that gives a mossy oak look. This crossbow is compact in size but still can shoot up to 380 feet per second while generating 127 ft. lbs. Of kinetic energy. It also has limb dampeners to reduce the noise and vibrations produced during the shot.
Moreover, this crossbow comes with a cocking rope in its package. With this cocking rope, the user can easily cock this tool by putting his foot in the foot stirrup on the ground, holding the rope, and pulling the string back. It cuts the draw weight by half.
For safety the PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow has Anti Dry Fire Technology which prevents any damage in case of dry firing.
Reasons To Buy
- Lightweight Adjustable Stock.
- Compression Molded Fibreglass Limb.
- Anti-Dry Fire Feature.
- Auto Safety trigger.
- Dual String Stops.
- Affordable.
Reasons To Avoid
- Not Much Durable.
What’s the bottom line?
This PSE Archery is one of the best crossbows. It generates blister speed up to 380 feet per second with a kinetic energy of 127 ft. lbs. It is foolproof equipment with various features that gives more accuracy and enhances your hunting experience.
4. Barnett Whitetail Hunter STR Crossbow
| Whitetail STR Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 375 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 165 lbs |
| Width Axle to Axle | 18.125″ |
| Kinetic Energy | 118.6 ft. lbs. |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
| Length | 34.8″ |
| Power Stroke | 15-7/16” |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
The Whitetail Hunter STR is offering a compact and manageable profile that hunters of all sizes can manage. It delivers the best hunting ability at a reasonable cost.
It uses Barnett’s Step-Through Riser technology for better performance. With custom composite laminated limbs and a high-performance cam, you can launch bolts at a game up to 375fps with hard-hitting 118ft-lb of KE. Its stock has a military-style design. It is an excellent crossbow for the money.
The composite riser construction and its design helps to shift the center of gravity back for more stability throughout the shooting. Moreover, it provides safety with its Soft-Look floating bristle arrow retainer, and anti dry-fire trigger protection. It also features a pass-through foregrip and safety reminders for safe control.
In the package it includes:
- 4×32 millimeters Multi-Reticle Scope
- Two 22 inches Headhunter Arrows
- Side-mount quiver
- Rope Cocking Device
- Lube Wax
Reasons To Buy
- Zero creep and crisp 3-lb pull.
- Compact, high-performance design.
- Fit with Barnett 17455 Crank Cocker.
- Effortless to assemble.
- Lightweight stock.
- Foolproof protection with an anti-dry fire mechanism.
What’s the bottom line?
Barnett STR Crossbow can manage hunters of almost all sizes and skills. Combined with a total weight of just 6.6 pounds, this crossbow hunts lightly and fast.
5. Barnett Explorer XP370 Crossbow
| Explorer XP370 Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 370 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 165 lbs |
| Width Axle to Axle (cocked / uncocked) | 13.3″ / 16.5″ |
| Kinetic Energy | 115 ft. lbs. |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
| Length | 31.25″ |
| Power Stroke | 13.75” |
The all-new Barnett Explorer series introduces high power and performance in an affordable crossbow. It is fully customizable with adjustable cheek rest and buttstock for a better comfortable fit and overall shooting experience. It features high-energy cams that generate lots of power.
You can customize this crossbow with three Picatinny rails with extra equipment like a quiver, bipods, vertical foregrips, etc. Moreover, this beginner crossbow comes with a 4x32mm multi-reticle scope. It allows you to aim accurately on distances up to 60 yards.
Furthermore, it comes with a metal injection molded trigger with groundbreaking frictionless technology called “TriggerTech.” And the Soft Lok Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer holds bolts securely, and the Anti-Dry Fire prevents the crossbow from dry firing. The package comprises 4×32 millimeters multi-reticle scope, two 20″ Carbon Arrows, lightweight side mount quiver & Lube Wax.
Reasons To Buy
- Lightweight and compact.
- TriggerTech Trigger.
- Ideal for beginners.
- Pre-installed string dampeners.
- Strong build quality.
- Remarkable accuracy and power.
What’s the bottom line?
The XP370’s anti-vibration foot stirrup and adjustable buttstock feature allow the crossbow to reach speeds of up to 370 feet per second. It all adds to the overall shoeing experience that is truly the next level.
6. PSE Coalition Frontier KA Crossbow
| Coalition Frontier KA Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 380-370 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 190 lbs |
| Width Axle to Axle | 17.875″ |
| Kinetic Energy | 127 ft. lbs. |
| Weight | 6.9 lbs |
| Length | 35-36.5” |
| Power Stroke | 14.5” |
| Finish | Camo |
This Frontier KA Crossbow comes with the ultimate power and accuracy. Shooting at a powerful 380-370 FPS, the Coalition is a fast, compact, and ergonomic crossbow that features an adjustable stock and a pass-through foregrip.
PSE Coalition is also cocking winch compatible. At only 6.9 pounds overall and packing 190 FPS, this is a lightweight and easy-to-shoot bow.
You can use it for hunting for most game types, and it is also a good option for target shooting. It is part of the lineup of entry-level crossbows with affordable pricing, and its lightweight and adaptable stock make it a better choice.
You can use the product in various environments as this package is complete with all the accessories and essentials you need during hunting or shooting.
Reasons To Buy
- Illuminated reticle scope for increased performance and versatility.
- Auto-dry fire system and auto-safety trigger.
- Trigger pull is smooth and crisp.
- Stock is light and adjustable.
- Excellent build quality and durability.
Reasons To Avoid
- Need more strength to draw the string back with cocking rope.
What’s the bottom line?
PSE Coalition is a powerful, fast, compact, and ergonomic crossbow. It features an adjustable stock and a relaxed foregrip. Packing only 6.9 pounds and 180 fps overall, this bow is lightweight and easy to shoot.
7. Centerpoint Mercenary 390 FPS Compound Crossbow
| Centerpoint Mercenary Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 390 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 175 lbs |
| Width Axle to Axle | 14″ (cocked) |
| Kinetic Energy | 114 ft. lbs. |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs |
| Length | 32.6″ |
| Power Stroke | – |
| Finish | Camo |
CenterPoint is a well-known brand in the crossbow industry that has consistently provided quality products to its users. Their Mercenary crossbow is available with modern and versatile features at a premium price tag. It is a budget-friendly option that claims excellent results.
This budget crossbow shoots arrows at 390 fps, that although not as fast as other crossbows, is an excellent speed for small to medium-sized games. You can also work well for target practice with this, so if you want to train, this may be a good option for you.
If you are new to archery, this product will serve as a great entry into the game, and due to its budget-friendly price range, you can choose it as a starter crossbow.
This crossbow comes with a 16-inch aluminum bolt for stronger shots. It also added a 4 x 32 mm scope and a bonus rope cocker, reducing the effort required to cock the crossbow.
Reasons To Buy
- Powerful and solid construction.
- Good safety features.
- Easy to assemble.
- Multi-position and adjustable stock.
Reasons To Avoid
- The quality of the included arrows is not better.
What’s the bottom line?
With a reasonable price, this Mercenary crossbow from CenterPoint has no shortage of features – an adjustable, composite stock anti-dry fire and auto-safety trigger mechanism with wbbed foregrip, four 16-inch arrows, quick-detach quiver, rope cocker, and rail lube.
8. Barnett Wildcat Camo Recurve Crossbow
| Wildcat Camo Recurve Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 260 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 165 lbs |
| Width Axle to Axle | 22″ (cocked) |
| Kinetic Energy | 53 ft. lbs. |
| Weight | 4.8 lbs |
| Length | 35.5″ |
| Power Stroke | 12” |
| Finish | Wildcat Camo |
The Barnett Wildcat recurve crossbow is offering a classic, easy-to-use design with contemporary cutting-edge technology. Rugged limbs and a strong yet simple, single string provide great speed and power. Barnett pays special attention to safety in his crossbow so that you don’t have any discomfort during hunting.
The bow has added features such as an Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) trigger system to make sure you want it. The bow only fires, and finger safety reminders to keep the fingers under the string path. Barnett’s Soft Folk Floating Bristle Arrow Retainer holds arrows securely against the flight track, while three Picatinny rails provide ample options for mounting optics and other accessories.
The Wildcat recurve crossbows come in a ready-to-hunt package featuring two 20-inch aluminum arrows, a light quiver, and lubrication wax. It also incorporates a 4×32 multi-reticle scope that helps keep a close eye on your prey.
Now whether you’re a new crossbow shooter or a small-frame hunter, the Wildcat offers an extremely affordable option.
Reasons To Buy
- Hard-hitting (260 FPS).
- Traditional design.
- Low draw weight.
- Budget-friendly.
- Good For Beginners.
- Customizable.
Reasons To Avoid
- Shoulder sling not included.
What’s the bottom line?
The Wildcat offers a traditional look that everyone will love. It can be easily carried anywhere with a simple design and a minimum number of movable parts. This crossbow is easy to hold and is well balanced on the shoulder.
9. Centerpoint Tyro 4X Recurve Crossbow
| Centerpoint Tyro 4X Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 260 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 165 lbs |
| Width Axle to Axle (Cocked) | 23.25″ |
| Width Axle to Axle (Uncocked) | 26″ |
| Kinetic Energy | 56 ft. lbs. |
| Weight | 5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 29″ x 12″ x 3.75″ |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous” |
The Tyro 4x Rcurve Crossbow comes in tradtional design which is lightweight and can shoot at 245 feet per second. It features a adjustable stock making it customisable for the variety of users. Also it has a compression molded fiberglass limb. You can store rail lube and other small accessories in the foregrips storage compartment.
When it comes to safety, the tyro 4x features an auto safety cocking mechanism for safe handling. The package consists of a 4x32mm scope, 4 16-inch aluminium arrows, quiver and a rope cocking device.
Reasons To Buy
- Hard-hitting (260 FPS).
- Traditional design.
- Low draw weight.
- Budget-friendly.
- Good For Beginners.
- Customizable.
Reasons To Avoid
- Shoulder sling not included.
What’s the bottom line?
The Wildcat offers a traditional look that everyone will love. It can be easily carried anywhere with a simple design and a minimum number of movable parts. This crossbow is easy to hold and is well balanced on the shoulder.
10. XtremepowerUS Hybrid Crossbow
| XtremepowerUS Hybrid Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Speed | 160 FPS |
| Draw Weight | 80 lbs |
| Width Axle to Axle | 21.5″ |
| Effective Range | 75 M |
| Weight | 13 lbs |
| Length | 30″ |
| Power Stroke | 10” |
If you are looking for an excellent crossbow for your enjoyment, then this Multifunctional Crossbow of XtremepowerUS is right for you. It is built with forged quality steel to ensure a highly durable gear. A 4 x 32 mm scope is added to it for better accuracy, and it provides speeds up to 160 feet per second.
Its high-quality construction allows hunting for all seasons. Even you can continue the games at night with its night vision brilliant lights. However, the barrel is quite narrow, making it hard for a proper anchor point, but it stands far ahead with the price and quality.
Reasons To Buy
- Made of durable material.
- Sleek design – easy to carry.
- Shoots accurate right out of the box.
- Great scope.
Reasons To Avoid
- The barrel is too narrow.
What’s the bottom line?
If you want an easy and practical crossbow, the XtremepowerUS Hybrid crossbow is an excellent weapon and is the most user-friendly.
Factors To Consider When Looking For A Crossbow Under 300?
These cheaper crossbows may lack refinement but capable enough for tagging and bagging. The following features will help you to choose the best one that serves great for you.
Types of Crossbow
Recurve Crossbow
This model is the most traditional type of weapon and has a basic design. It comprises strings that can be replaced at any crossbow shop. Moreover, recurve models are lighter and easier to carry.
It provides more acceleration for the projectile and lessens the hand shock.
Compound Crossbow
These compound crossbows are the modern type of crossbow that has a compact frame than other bow types. Its stiffer and shorter limbs make it more energy-efficient than any other type.
Reverse Crossbow
The limbs of the recurve model are in the opposite position as those of a recurve or compound crossbow. It proffers less noise and a higher speed.
Speed
If speed is your goal, pick a crossbow that enables more than 300FPS. Crossbows with 400fps are typically in a thousand dollar range and are often as inaccurate as other budget models.
For target shooting or deer hunting, 350 fps is more than fast enough.
Fact: Faster an arrow flies, the less likely it is to hit a target over a long distance as you reduce a crossbows natural tolerance for little errors.
Draw Weight
It is the amount of pull required to flex the limbs of the crossbow into the fire position. The higher the draw weight, the faster is the speed of the arrow.
For a medium-to-large sized game such as black bear, whitetail deer, you need a bow with a draw-weight of at least 150 lbs with a speed of 300 feet per second.
Crossbows like Carbon-Express X-Force Piledriver 390 and Leader accessories package have high draw weighs for a broad range of different sized game.
Bow Weight
Selecting a heavy model will help you to keep your weapon stable as the weight stops it from being moved easily. However, some hunters prefer light in weight crossbows for comfort while tracking their prey.
Therefore take into consideration your strength and how much weight you carry without getting tired.
Noise
If you’re looking at the best crossbow for hunting, noise is a big factor to consider. Recurve hunting crossbows with parallel limbs are the quietest ones. The Cam system makes compound crossbow a bit noisy. You can pick a crossbow that has a rubber rope stops and an aluminum rail for little or no vibration.
Safety
Integrated safety devices will aid prevent you from damaging your new weapon as well as from injuring yourself. Many advanced models come with auto-engaging safety, anti dry fire, and many others. Therefore before picking, ensure that the crossbow has all the safety features.
Cocking Aids
It is used to cock the crossbow correctly. These are available as cranks and electric straps. A crank offers an easier way to cock it. Choose the best crossbow that comes with an in-built cocking aid.
Scope
For accurate shots, the scope is highly beneficial. It can be a single red dot sight, optical, multiple reticle, and multi-red dot scope.
The scope should weigh less than one pound, so it doesn’t throw off the balance of crossbow. With a heavy scope, aiming accurate shots can be a bit hard.
Warranty
Select a warranty that matches the price of your purchase. For anything over 100 bucks, the warranty should be at least one year or two years.
Additional Features
With extra features, it assures excellent dependability, accuracy, and safety. It includes scopes, noise dampening-devices, and other accessories.
The noise dampener decreases the noise and vibration when the shot is fired.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to use a crossbow to achieve accuracy?
Whether you hunt with a compound bow, crossbow, or a rifle, being able to land an accurate shot is pretty essential. Here are some tips to achieve accuracy while shooting.
- Select the right kind of crossbow for you.
- Maintain your crossbow.
- Pick the quality arrows (check the groove and fletching).
- Calibrate your scope properly.
- Make sure that your crossbow is cocked correctly.
- Practice makes perfect.
2. Do you have to lubricate the parts of your crossbow periodically?
Yes, apply a drop of lubricant to your crossbow wheels or cams and axles when required. Also, lubricate the bearings of cams if you have a reverse draw crossbow.
