The Best Infrared Monocular [Updated 2022]

Infrared monocular, also known as night viewers, are extremely useful optical instruments that can be used for a wide variety of purposes, ranging from tactical activity to nighttime hunting, nature observation during low light conditions, and more.

These optical devices are great especially for tactical military use because the advanced models are equipped with advanced technology that allows the instruments to reveal more than 1000 feet of distance during darkness while they remain completely invisible to both human eye and other IR devices.

There are dozens of models of night viewers available on the market and choosing the best is not easy.

But our infrared monocular reviews are here to help.

If you feel that this device is not exactly what you’re looking for, have a look at our selection of top infrared monocular.

Our Reviews Of The Best Infrared Monocular

#1 Bestguarder Digital Widescreen Night Vision Monocular

CHECK LATEST PRICE

In our opinion, the best infrared monocular available on the market is the Bestguarder Digital Widescreen Night Vision, as it can be used for multiple purposes including hunting, as well as tactical field and recreational activities.

The optical features of this monocular are excellent. It has 3.5x magnification, a 32mm objective lens that guarantees a wide field of view, and an optical zoom of up to 3X.

What we really like about this device is the camera and camcorder function that enables users to record during day or night time.

This feature makes the device ideal for observing wildlife.

The built-in infrared illuminator allows nighttime visibility up to 1150 ft. of distance and the emitted IR light cannot be detected by the human eye.

This characteristic makes the device ideal for scouting, hunting, surveillance, and security or simply for nighttime navigation.

#2 BARSKA NVX100 Night Vision Monocular

CHECK LATEST PRICE

If you are looking for a monocular specifically built for tactical activities, a good device to consider is the NVX100 Night Vision Monocular by Barska.

The NVX100 provides excellent night vision and a great viewing distance of 328 ft.

The instrument has a magnification of up to 3X and a 2X digital zoom that will enable you to use the instrument for short-range targeting too.

This night vision has a camcorder function, recording both images and video.

The device can be easily connected to a television, enabling in this way the use as a surveillance camera while the built-in tripod mount allows you to use the instrument for nighttime observations of the tactical field or wildlife.

The monocular comes with an SD card and mini USB cable, an AV cable, carrying case, and neck strap, but the batteries are not included.

#3 Night Owl iGEN 20/20 Day/Night Vision Monocular

CHECK LATEST PRICE

iGEN 20/20 infrared monocular addresses all those people who are looking for an instrument that provides distortion-free images and edge-to-edge clarity.

Users are impressed with its performances, the only downside of the instrument being the weight.

The optical performances of the iGEN are spectacular, the instrument coming with up to 2.6X magnification and a really wide angle of view.

The instrument is parallax free from 16 inches to infinity and the intelligent infrared sensor automatically adjusts the amplification of the light to the actual level of darkness.

This optical instrument is suitable for dual-use during daytime or nighttime, the device featuring a camcorder that can record directly to external devices through the use of an RCA cable.

The device also has programmable time-out features, an infrared start/stop option, and several color output choices.

It is unclear if the manufacturer provides any accessories for this night viewer. Nevertheless, its great performances make it an excellent choice.

#4 Carson Mini Aura Digital Night Vision Monocular

CHECK LATEST PRICE

Mini Aura isn’t a bulky tactical infrared viewer and it is extremely popular because it’s tiny, compact, perfect to wear on your keychain and handy in many situations.

Mini Aura doesn’t have fancy performances but it is a more than reliable night viewer that can be used in many situations.

The monocular boasts a 19-degree angle of view, impressive for its tiny dimensions, and it can see at a distance of up to 82 feet in total darkness.

Without a doubt, the main feature of this convenient night viewer is the reduced dimension. You will be able to carry the monocular in your pocket and have it at hand whenever you need it.

The intensity of the view can be easily adjusted and the image is shown on a digital screen in black and white colors.

The instrument comes with a soft carrying pouch but the three AAA batteries required for operation are not included.

#5 Xgen 2.1x Digital Night Vision Viewer

CHECK LATEST PRICE

One of the best infrared monocular is the Xgen 2.1x by Night Owl.

The users appreciate its compact dimensions and good vision, but some reported that the instrument is rather noisy.

xGen has an excellent optical performance, featuring a 20mm objective lens and a field of view of 12 degrees.

The distance of view of 200 ft.

is also impressive and the viewer boasts 2.1X magnification power.

xGen has pre-programmed illumination settings, a built-in infrared illuminator, and reduced dimensions.

The instrument is excellent for hunting purposes, weighing only 7 oz. and having a length of only 4.8”.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer doesn’t specify if there are any accessories included in the price.

#6 Firefield Nightfall Night Vision Monocular

CHECK LATEST PRICE

Last but not least, another reliable infrared monocular on the market is the Firefield Nightfall Night Vision.

This impressive monocular guarantees the best night viewing experience.

Its rugged but ergonomic design is built based on professional specifications. And it’s constructed using an electro-optical intensifying tube enclosed in a water-resistant housing. So it’s sure to survive the harshest conditions in the field.

The Firefield is also equipped with a high-power infrared illuminator that does not require any external light source.

This monocular is ideal for multiple purposes, from wildlife observation to scouting, guarding, surveillance or for nighttime navigation.

The Firefield also ensures superior quality images and resolution, even in low lighting.

As for the inclusions, this monocular comes with a fabric carrying case and a lens cloth.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best infrared monocular was not easy, but after carefully considering the features and characteristics of all the proposed timepieces we reached the conclusion that the best of the bests is the Bestguarder Digital Night Vision​.

We like everything about this timepiece, beginning with the sleek, minimalist design. Our favorite is, without a doubt.

If you do not like our selection you can check others amazon has on offer.

You Might Also Like

Best Ways to Store Ammo Long-term at Home

see more →

Teardown: How red dot sights work

see more →

How to Sight in a Red Dot More Quickly, Don’t Miss Step #3!

see more →

Last update on 2024-04-04 / Images from Amazon Product API