Best Crossbow Under 400 in 2023 – [We Bought & Tested]
Hunting season is about to arrive and without a crossbow, the hunting seems charmless. But as inflation is increasing worldwide, everyone is affected by the current world crisis.
In such conditions, one has to enjoy the season under a limited budget which is nearly impossible for us. However, there is still a ray of hope, yes, you can still purchase a crossbow with all the next-level features under 400 bucks.
I am not bluffing but the crossbows I have chosen for you are under $400, even a countryman can afford it. As a fan of hunting and arsenals, I have tested all these crossbows in the last two seasons for hunting.
You know, finding a durable and universal arsenal at an affordable price is challenging so I have found only 5 best crossbows under $400. Let’s dig together and discover the treasures of arsenals, here we go!
Comparison of 5 Best Crossbow Under $400
Design
Product
Features
Price

BARNETT Whitetail Hunter

BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow

Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow

PSE ARCHERY Fang HD Crossbow

BARNETT CROSSBOWS Explorer XP
1. BARNETT Whitetail Hunter

Some people consider that the crossbows are only for hunting but if you have an efficient one like the BARNETT Whitetail Hunter, you can use it for house security. You may ask what is special in this crossbow that one can use for multiple purposes. Listen, this crossbow is made of CNC machine aluminum with steel and other hard materials. So, it will never break apart in any case.
Then comes its accuracy, you can use this crossbow for long shoots. For supporting the long shots, the crossbow has a 4 x 32 scope, in more simple words, you can shoot anyone around you in 60 yards. After knowing the scope ability, its frictionless release technology is also part of the long shoots and accuracy. The FRT eliminates the chances of friction when you pull the trigger.
Let’s say, there is no friction while you pull the trigger, it is directly associated with the low flinching, which means, the arrow will go right where you intended to shoot. Moving on further, the vibration-resistant body never allows the bow to shake itself in the hands of the master. By all means, your aim will be accurate and without disturbance.
I have been using BARNETT Whitetail Hunter since its launch and trust me, the crossbow always fascinates me.
I Have Already Made an Article Barnett Crossbow Problems What I Noticed I Recommended You to Read.

In my years of experience, I have faced extremely terrible conditions in the jungle and the only partner that stood with me was the BARNETT Whitetail Hunter. Its high speed, advanced features, and durable body will make anyone fall in love with this weapon. Go and purchase this best crossbow for under $400 before you miss the shoot.
2. BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow

My friends often ask why I love to use the BARNETT crossbows and I always repeat the slogan “quality, durability, reliability”. The crossbow I am going to mention belongs to the same brand but it is beyond the best crossbow under $400. Yes, your guess is accurate, I am talking about the BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow. First, I admire its design, the sleek and shining body with military marks gives it an aggressive look.
Hunting is the easiest job if you have a suitable crossbow. When I say suitable, it means a weapon with high speed and incredible accuracy. This crossbow is known for its Flash-like speed, 350 feet per second. Now you can catch any fast-running animal including the deer or rabbits. But as they say “power comes with greater responsibility” so managing a crossbow with such a high speed is not a child’s play.
However, to solve the problem of accuracy at high speed and security of the user, they have provided features like a trigger tech system and anti-dry fire. Maybe you have faced a force when you pull the trigger, it not only vibrates the crossbow but also creates a misbalancing effect.
The Triggertech system is responsible for dealing with smooth triggers. On the other hand, the Anti-dry fire is there to prevent fires in case there is no arrow or mistaken trigger pulls.

I have seen a lot of bows but never saw a real masterpiece, the best crossbow under $400 only. Whether you judge its durability or compare its speed with other bows, this version will always prove that there is no weapon above it. So, instead of bothering yourself in finding the best crossbow under 400 Dollar, purchase this one and ease your life.
3. Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow

As I have mentioned, because of high inflation finding the best crossbow under $400 is nearly impossible but if you still want to get 100 percent from a weapon then I have nothing left except Killer Instinct Burner 415 crossbow.
Basically, it is my one and only favorite bow and I recommend it to everyone from the beginner to the professional and advanced hunters. The reason behind its versatility is its lightweight and compatible body.
The crossbow is about 1 lbs only, you can take it in hand or pack it in the bag. Don’t worry, you can disassemble and then attach all the parts of the bow within a minute. When I used it for the first time, it was hard to believe that such bows still exist; lightweight, easy to manage, and simple to use. Then comes its compatible body, you can adjust the grip of the crossbow.
The majority of the hunters complain they miss the shoot because of sweaty grip. It is true that one should be fully focused while finding your prey. In such times of confusion, you need a sweat-resistant grip and this best crossbow under $400 offers to adjust the grip plus it can soak up all the moisture within a second. After discovering all these properties, I came to know that the bow is anti-vibrational, it does not move while you pull the trigger.
- I Already Compiled All Killer Instinct Crossbow Problems Must Read.

The mil-sim shape and gun-like design allow its users to aim mindfully and move the weapon abruptly. Everything is fine, the fear within you makes the deal a bit confusing, fight with that fear of losing money and I should tell you, the weapon has a lifetime limited guarantee. If it does not assure you, nothing can satisfy your will, click on the link, buy it, and win over your doubts.
4. PSE ARCHERY Fang HD Crossbow

Last year, I wanted to experience something new, something that could change my perspective on hunting. Instead of changing my regular hunting spot, I changed my crossbow and found a completely different world. I know you are curious to know about the crossbow, I brought the PSE Archery Fang HD Crossbow, a weapon with so many incredible features which will open your mouth.
First, it has a captivating slim body with bright paint, then comes its mil-sim look which makes it the best crossbow under $400. I never imagined a bow with such a fascinating body at an affordable price but when I encountered the PSE Archery Fang HD, it discarded my myth. Compared to the other bows, it has a lightning speed of 405 feet per second. Yes, it is more than enough so whether it is a bird or rabbit, it will never be able to run out of your circle.
The major reason why I always keep this crossbow with me is because all of its body parts are adjustable. Let’s say, the length is uncomfortable, you can remove the stock and still, the weapon is usable. You can adjust the size of the stock, change the grip, and even put a new 4 x 32 scope on the weapon. And when it comes to disassembling the organs of the bow, the procedure will take not more than 3 minutes.
The best crossbow under $400 was a dream before the PSE Archery Fang HD, but this weapon abolished all the limits and came up with desired features. I will grade it 10 out of 10 in durability and accuracy, bring it home before your friend buys it for the next season.
5. BARNETT CROSSBOWS Explorer XP

As a fan of the crossbows, I never like to end the discussions on the bows but we have left only one best crossbow under $400 left. How can a guide be completed without mentioning my one and only favorite weapon, the BARNETT Crossbow Explorer XP? What I like most about this crossbow is the ability to set with all kinds of helping components and stand against fast prey. The most interesting feature this bow offers is that it is 370 feet per second.
Maybe, it seems insufficient to you but rut, it’s the average speed of this crossbow. Plus, you can increase the speed of the bow by adding the assisting equipment. On the other hand, if you believe in aggressive hunting, you must have a scope. But these scopes are not as accurate as they should be. To eliminate the problem of low accuracy, this hunting equipment has a digital scope. One can change the size and color of the rectangle.
Not only this, you can see the accuracy and attach the bow to your cell phone. The crossbow allows you to connect your phone to the equipment via Bluetooth. Anyhow, the bow has an advanced mechanism of firing; for example, if you are catching a fast runner prey but you are afraid you can miss the shot, the bow offers you to use the auto machism. In this way, you can take the prey’s life within seconds and save your efforts.
But the real problem is not running after the prey but informing your prey that you are after it before you fire. I am talking about the noise a crossbow creates during the procedure of pulling the trigger. Say goodbye to that irritating sound because this best crossbow under $400 has the ability to stop the sound waves. The composite material body counters all the noise and stops it from getting out of the body. That’s why it can catch more prey than other crossbows.
Nothing can stop you if you have BARNETT Crossbow Explorer XP. Its versatile design, easy to manage body, and sophisticated properties are the reasons I love this crossbow. Once you use this bow, you will never go on the tour without it. No excuse has left, go and purchase before all the items are sold.
A Handbook For Purchasing Crossbows
It is compulsory to have an idea of the must-have features of the best crossbows. Actually, a list of filthy brands is trying to sell their weapons without the necessary features. People are buying those arsenals but such local crossbows are good for a limited time. I will never let you waste your hard-earned money on those useless and limited-duration weapons.
I have collected the must-have features of a crossbow, take a look below!
Accuracy & Pace
I am not a fan of super fast crossbows but in terms of speed, the crossbow you are about to choose should have controllable speed. Actually, the super-fast crossbows are hard to control, one cannot manage them as he pulls the trigger because the force it applies to create the high pace affects its movement and position. Therefore, the more speedy crossbow you will purchase, the higher accuracy you will need.
In my opinion, the ideal speed of a crossbow is neither too fast nor extra slow but normal. You should purchase a bow with a 350 running speed of 450 feet per second. It is the most suitable pace, if you are a beginner, you should go for lower than 350 FPS but for intermediate and advanced hunters, 350 to 450 FPS is perfect.
Size & Weight
After examining the accuracy and speed of the crossbow, you should also check its weight plus size. You should always purchase a crossbow with a normal size of 30 inches to 40 inches. Large crossbows are hard to manage while aiming, in contrast, small crossbows are easy to manage but offer slow speed. Therefore, you should purchase a crossbow between 30 to 40 inches.
Moving on the weight side, one must prefer lightweight crossbows for enhancing stability and balance. You should weigh the crossbow and if you find it a bit heavy, never purchase it. Because weight sensitivity is subjective, I will advise you to purchase a crossbow that feels lightweight. In my experience, an excellent crossbow should be 1 lb to 8 lbs.
FAQs
How far will a 400 fps crossbow shoot?
Although there are many factors involved including the direction of air, a crossbow with 400 FPS speed can shoot nearly 5000 feet away.
What is the most powerful crossbow or bow?
Compound crossbows are considered the most powerful bows. It can shoot the arrow nearly at 400 FPS.
Can a crossbow shoot faster than a bullet?
No, a crossbow is not able to shoot faster than a bullet. The average speed of a crossbow is about 400 FPS while the bullet goes at 2500 FPS.
Who still uses crossbows?
The crossbow is used by hunters, it is good for house safety and the weapon is still used by the military of multiple regions including Greece, Turkey, and Spain.
Conclusion
Crossbows are the best remedy to hunt fast-running prey. But as the hunting season starts, the crossbow manufacturing brands increase the prices of their products. In this tragedy of high prices and relaxing for some days in the jungle, one needs a crossbow at an affordable price.
As far as the concern is to purchase the best crossbow under $400, one must focus on the material, speed, accuracy, firing method, and weight of the crossbow. Anyway, I have mentioned the 5 best crossbows under $400. Plus, I have discussed the must-have features of crossbows. But here are my two favorite crossbows for you.
- BARNETT Whitetail Hunter, is an advanced mechanism for auto firing and frictionless trigger pull with a durably engineered body and incredible speed.
- Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow, has an adjustable foregrip with cushioning foams plus the grip is sweat-resistant fabric and offers high accuracy with the help of triggertech system.