Best Crossbow Under $500 in 2023 – [Experts Tested & Rated]
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Finding crossbows that are priced under $500 can be a task. The prices nowadays can be intimidating, but you can surely get powerful crossbows. A little research and a market survey will help you get the best yet affordable crossbows without any doubt. After trying out a few options available in the market, I have decided to write about the best crossbows under $500.
The article can greatly help if you are interested in hunting and want a good-quality crossbow. The information given will save you time and effort in finding the right product for yourself. These crossbows are affordable and can get the job done easily. You can invest in any of them to knock out your target in the first shot.
Comparison of Best Crossbow Under 500 Dollar
Images
Product
Features
Price

BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow

Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow

Bear X Intense Crossbow Package

Killer Instinct Burner Crossbow Package

Killer Instinct Boss Crossbow Package
1. BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow

The BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow is first on my list of the best crossbows under $500 because it is super lightweight. One of the reasons that I love using this crossbow is that it is easy to carry. You can carry this crossbow for long distances without getting tired. The trigger can be pulled easily to make your best shot without extra effort.
When it comes to speed, the BARNETT crossbows never fail to disappoint. It comes with a speed of 350 FPS that can help you hit your target right on time. This is a powerful crossbow that has an adjustable buttstock. You won’t doubt its durability because all the parts are of stainless steel. Hence you get a complete package that you will ever need for hunting.
The safety features make this crossbow safe to use. It has an anti-dry fire (ADF) trigger system that ensures you can pull the trigger effortlessly. Although the BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow comes in pieces, you assemble it in less than 20 minutes. The manual is included in the package, which has all the instructions to help you assemble the crossbow.
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You can use a multi-reticle scope, which is made of low-quality materials. The scope can be changed according to your comfort level. All the accessories included in the package are up to the mark. You can take full advantage of them. Hence, if you are searching for a crossbow that performs well but is priced below $500, you can try this one.

Expert’s Verdict
The BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow is powerful and has an anti-dry fire trigger system. You can assemble the parts in less than half an hour by following the instructions mentioned in the manual. However, the scope included within this package is not high quality and must be changed to get better results.
2. Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow

You might not be surprised to see another crossbow by Barnett on my list today because the company delivers quality products to market. The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow is next on my list because of its super light trigger. You can pull the trigger without exerting extra force when hitting the target. This option is great for people looking for an affordable yet functional crossbow.
This Pro STR crossbow is simple, unlike other crossbows available in the market. This won’t be visible and blends into the surroundings because of the TruBark camouflage. You do not have to worry about the crossbow being noticed by your target. Regarding speed, this Barnett crossbow can hit at 400 FPS. This speed is far more than other crossbows under the $500 offer.
The design is even better than the article’s first pick of crossbows. The CNC-designed rails can be used to hold the crossbow according to your convenience. One of these tails has a microscope fixed on the top. Although it has a draw weight of 187 pounds, it comes with a rope cocking mechanism so that you can save energy.
It weighs only 6.9 pounds and is long in size. You can carry it around easily without spraining your shoulder. As mentioned, the Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow has a scope that can help to observe the target even if it is away from you. Hence the quality is up to the mark, and you won’t regret investing your money in this crossbow.

Expert’s Verdict
The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow has a high-quality scope that helps you observe targets keenly. You will blend in with the surroundings as this crossbow has camouflage skin. It will help you hit your target at high speed. The only downside of this affordable crossbow is its drawing weight of 187 pounds.
3. Bear X Intense Crossbow Package

The Bear X Intense Crossbow Package made it to my list of the best crossbows under $500 because of its advanced design. You get two color options, which are uncommon when looking for crossbows in the market. The design of this reverse draw crossbow attracts many people. They can hardly find such good quality crossbows under $500.
You will get all the accessories you ever need when hunting. This is a complete package that includes arrows, scope, string wax, bolts, 4 arrow quiver, and a cocking rope. You don’t have to buy anything separately, which can be a point of attraction for many customers. If you like hunting, you can invest in this package.
You can watch your target and hit it with a high speed of at least 400 FPS. The Bear X Intense Crossbow does not disappoint regarding speed and design. You can get your hands on two color options which are very rare for crossbows. They are mostly dark in color to blend in the local environment and come with a scope that helps you hit the target.
Although it can be a bit heavy compared to the first two options on my list, it helps you achieve accuracy. I like the fact that this crossbow by Bear X is narrow. It can fit anywhere to achieve your goal of hitting the target. Hence, you can make long power strokes using this Bear X Intense crossbow.

Expert’s Verdict
The Bear X Intense Crossbow Package is a good investment for beginners who want to buy an affordable crossbow with all accessories. You will get the Crossbow fully assembled to make long power strokes. The only downside of this Crossbow is that it is slightly more unstable than the Barnett crossbows mentioned in the article above.
4. Killer Instinct Burner Crossbow Package

The Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow Package is fourth on my list because of its compact dimensions and affordability. It has the lowest price and all the features like other crossbows on the list. It is a good option for all the serious hunters who need a complete package for killing their target immediately.
I like the fact that this crossbow has an aluminum frame that is small in size. You can carry it around easily as it weighs 6.7 pounds. Regarding design, the AR-style rear stock makes it stand out. You can adjust the size according to your convenience or comfort. The fore grip is made with soft rubber, making it easy to handle.
The Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow has a high speed of 415 FPS, ensuring your target knocks out quickly. This is by far the highest speed of crossbows listed under the $500 price tag. You can use any bolts, but HYPR is preferred to maximize the power and speed. Hence I love using this gray-colored crossbow.
You can use this crossbow without having any problems as a beginner. The advanced camo design ensures you can pull off the trigger smoothly without struggling. All the accessories are included in this package, but not all are high quality. The bolts have decent stiffness and fly straight. I recommend investing in this crossbow package if you are on a budget.
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Expert’s Verdict
The Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow Package can be a very good deal for people on a budget. It has all the features and comes with a lifetime warranty. You can adjust the size according to your convenience. The trigger can be pulled easily without exerting too much force. However, the limbs are fragile and break easily.
5. Killer Instinct Boss Crossbow Package

The Killer Instinct Boss 405 FPS Deluxe Crossbow Package is last on my list of the best crossbows under $500 because of its price and low-quality scope. It is a complete package for everyone who is into hunting, but you might want to upgrade some of the accessories. The scope has low quality, which should be changed for precision and accuracy.
This is why I decided to place this crossbow package at the end. However, you get all the features necessary for crossbows except a few. It performs up to the mark and also comes with a storage case. This can help you carry the crossbow wherever you go hunting. You get an exclusive handle that prevents side-tipping.
I love the Killer Instinct Boss 405 FPS Deluxe Crossbow because it comes with 6 position buttstock. Moreover, the micro lite aluminum barrel helps you shoot with precision. If you can ignore the price and upgrade a few accessories, this crossbow package isn’t a bad option. You get accuracy and a high speed of 400 FPS.
Expert’s Verdict
The Killer Instinct Boss 405 FPS Deluxe Crossbow Package is a good beginner option. It comes with an aluminum barrel that helps shoot with precision. Moreover, it is a narrow crossbow with a case that can be carried easily. The disadvantage of buying this package is that you might want to upgrade most accessories with time.
FAQs’
Do I need a 400 FPS crossbow?
You don’t need 400 FPS to hit your target. Fast speed doesn’t help you get the best outcome. You can buy a crossbow with a speed between 200 to 350 FPS.
How far can a 300 FPS crossbow shoot?
A 300 FPS crossbow can shoot up to the range of 50 to 60 yards. This is the average distance it can cover to kill your target.
Are crossbows strong?
Yes, crossbows are very strong and help you knock out the target easily. They are portable and have high power. You can knock out big or small targets during hunting, but it is important to be in good shape.
Conclusion
A detailed article on the best crossbows under $500 is written so you can get your hands on the best one out there. These are affordable and have all the features that help you hunt or hit your target. The best two, in my opinion, from the list above are:
- BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow is the best because it has a durable and fast ADF trigger system.
- Bear X Intense Crossbow Package is the best because it is fully assembled, has a narrow fit, and allows long power strokes.
Hence these are the best crossbows priced below $500. You can invest in any one of them, depending on your requirements when it comes to hunting. All the accessories are included, and you can make some upgrades too. I hope the crossbows mentioned in the article will help you during hunting.
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