Best Pocket Monoculars of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Pocket monoculars are a handy and compact optical device that can be easily carried in pockets or purses. They are designed to deliver a magnified view of distant objects and are ideal for activities such as bird watching, hiking, camping, or attending sporting events. Pocket monoculars usually feature high-quality lenses that provide clear and sharp images, even in low-light conditions. They are also lightweight, durable, and easy to use, making them popular among outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. Whether you're exploring the wilderness or simply want to get a closer look at something, pocket monoculars are a great tool to have on hand.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Pocket Monoculars
Vortex Solo Monocular 10x36
The Vortex Solo Monocular 10x36 is a small and lightweight optic with 10x magnification and 36mm objectives lens. It has fully multi-coated lenses, making it waterproof and fogproof. The rubber armor provides a non-slip grip and durability, while the adjustable eyecup allows for comfortable viewing with or without glasses. It also comes with a versatile, multi-position utility clip for quick attachment to your equipment or clothing.
Monocular Telescope 8x42 Scope Portable Waterproof
The Monocular Telescope 8x42 Scope is a high-quality, compact, and portable monocular with a wide-angle and HD view that provides 8X magnification with a 42mm objective diameter wide lens. It is life-waterproof, fogproof, dust-proof, and shockproof, making it usable in tough weather conditions. The monocular is made of high-quality material and has a comfortable and convenient design, with adjustable eye cups, rubber armor with stripes, and a hand strap and carry case. It is perfect for outdoor activities such as bird watching, hiking, hunting, and travelling, and comes with a satisfaction warranty.
Pankoo 16X52 Monocular Telescope
The Pankoo Monocular Telescope is a high-powered device perfect for outdoor activities like bird watching, hiking, and concerts. With its 16x magnification and 52mm object lens diameter, it provides clear and bright images with different fields of view. The BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated lens ensure high contrast and resolution, resulting in super clear images without black bars. This compact monocular is easy to use with just one hand, making it convenient for any outdoor enthusiast. The premium SMC & BAK-4 prism and low-light-level night vision capabilities further enhance the image quality. Additionally, its waterproof and fog-proof design allows you to use it in any weather condition without worries. The Pankoo Monocular Telescope is the perfect gift for anyone who loves outdoor adventures!
ASxmhGo 80x100 High Power Monocular
The ASxmhGo High Power Monocular offers a powerful 80x magnification with a large 100mm lens, allowing you to see distant objects clearly with minimal shake. Its advanced optical system uses BAK-4 prisms to deliver bright, sharp images with vivid colors, reducing unwanted glare and distortion. This monocular is compact and lightweight, about the size of a smartphone, making it easy to carry on your outdoor adventures like hiking, bird watching, or hunting. Plus, it comes with adjustable eye cups and a focus wheel so you can quickly get a clear view, and it includes a smartphone adapter and tripod for hands-free use and photo capturing.
HDAJY Mini Monocular Telescope, Upgrade 30 x 25 HD Monoculars
Monocular-Telescope 80x100 High Powered Monoculars High Definition
12x56 High Power Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter
This monocular telescope features 12x magnification and 6.5° wide field of view with larger eyepiece and objective lens than ordinary monocular. It also has advanced Fully Multi-Coating technology and a large BAK4 prism lens to provide clear, high-contrast, color-accurate images. The monocular comes with a high-quality smartphone holder and tripod to ensure clearer, brighter and shakeless images. The sturdy portable case makes it easy to carry around and protect the monocular from damage. Perfect for bird watching, hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
Monocular-Telescope 80x100 High Powered Monoculars High Definition
40X60 Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Holder & Tripod
The 40X60 Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Holder & Tripod is a compact and powerful telescope suitable for adults and kids. It features HD dual focus scope and premium FMC lens & BAK-4 prism, which provide clear and sharp images. With its wide applicability, it is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and sightseeing. It is easy to use and comes with a smartphone holder, extendable tripod, and other accessories.
Pankoo 40X60 Monocular Telescope
The Pankoo 40X60 Monocular Telescope is a powerful and versatile tool for bird watching, traveling, concerts, sports games, and more. It features 10X magnification and a 60mm objective lens diameter, providing a clear and bright image. It is waterproof and fog-proof, and comes with a quick alignment smartphone holder and tripod. Customers report that it is easy to use and provides great image quality, though the phone mount can be difficult to use with a phone case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the cons of monocular?
Using a monocular limits depth perception compared to binoculars since you're only using one eye. There may also be a potential for eye fatigue with prolonged use.
2. What monocular does the military use?
The military commonly uses the AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device (MNVD). It is widely utilized by the United States Armed Forces as well as NATO allies worldwide.
3. Are monoculars worth it?
Monoculars offer a better price-to-quality ratio compared to binoculars. They are particularly useful for night vision and thermal vision purposes. However, binoculars are generally better for extended use as they tend to cause less eye fatigue.
4. How far can you see with a 80x100 monocular?
An 80x100 monocular provides excellent viewing capabilities, allowing you to see up to 370 feet or 1093 yards. It is equipped with BAK-4 Prism and FMC (Fully Multi-Coated) green coated lens, making it ideal for activities such as bird watching, hunting, hiking, traveling, and wildlife observation.
5. Which is better monocular or binocular?
The choice between monoculars and binoculars depends on your specific needs. If you need a wide field of view and the ability to see far distances, binoculars are the better option. On the other hand, if you require detailed observation at close range, monoculars are more suitable.
6. Is monocular vision better than binocular?
Monocular vision provides an excellent field of view and peripheral vision, but it lacks depth perception. Binocular vision, on the other hand, offers overlapping images that provide a more accurate 3D representation of the world, albeit with a smaller visual field. The choice depends on the specific requirements of the user.
During our pocket monocular research, we found 16 pocket monocular products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 118,243 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pocket monoculars list. We found that most customers choose pocket monoculars with an average price of $29.74.
The pocket monoculars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pocket monoculars, including Vortex, FEEMIC, Pankoo, ASxmhGo, HDAJY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 6,087 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.