The best night vision goggles can open up a whole new nocturnal world. Many can also capture images and videos, giving you the opportunity to record your night-time explorations and adventures.
But night vision goggles are not the only option for seeing in the dark. Actually, there are really three types of devices you can use for night-time viewing. They all do much the same thing but vary in their physical design (there is also a choice of tech under-the-hood, which we'll discuss in the FAQs at the end).
1. Night vision goggles are wearable, hands-free devices that use image enhancement and light amplification to see in the dark.
2. Night-vision binoculars are a combination of analog and digital viewing, with an optical lens and a digital LCD that allows you to see what the night-vision technology sees.
3. Night-vision monoculars are a lighter alternative to night-vision binoculars.
Security and surveillance is just one aspect of this kind of technology. Night vision goggles are also perfect for wildlife watching, especially species that are primarily nocturnal. If wildlife is your thing, we also have a guide to the best trail cameras.
For nearly two decades, Sebastian's photography has been published internationally. Initially focusing on equestrianism, his work has been featured by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and numerous other publications.
Beyond his career as a professional sports photographer, Sebastian is deeply immersed in country pursuits. Whether in the shooting field, sailing on the open sea, or exploring the countryside, he is rarely without a pair of binoculars, a monocular, or a scope in hand.
The Quick List
We found the light, but slightly bulky, NightFox Corsac to be a good choice if you want night vision without spending a fortune.
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This best option for those wanting military-grade night vision, but the performance will cost you dear.
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If you're a beginner looking to buy for first set of night vision goggles, these are a great option at an affordable price.
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In our test, we appreciated the Sigweis's solid construction and felt the slightly bulky size reflected a sturdy build.
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For those looking at big game, this is one of the best options out there to keep take of your target.
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The best night vision goggles, binoculars, and monoculars
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
Best affordable option
✅ Full HD recording: Capable of recording high-quality footage, both in night vision and daytime modes.
✅ Spotting small animals: Able to identify smaller creatures like rabbits at considerable distances.
❌ Slightly bulky: May feel a bit heavy or cumbersome during use.
❌ Image softness beyond 180 meters: The quality of the image diminishes at longer distances.
I personally found the NightFox Corsac to be a great affordable option, despite its slightly bulky build, especially considering its reasonable price. What really stood out was its ability to record Full HD footage, whether in night vision mode or vibrant daytime color. It's not just for those seeking the unseen – it's useful for anyone.
During my own testing, I was able to see clearly up to 150 meters, although the image did become a little bit soft beyond 180 meters. Nevertheless, even at that distance, I was able to spot smaller animals like rabbits. Overall, I was quite impressed with its performance.
Read more: NightFox Corsac review
Best for all-weathers
✅ Easy file transfer: Transfer files using either a Micro-USB cable or a microSD card reader.
✅ Solid construction: Sturdy build quality provides durability and a sense of reliability.
❌ Clunky file transfer: While transferring files is simple, the process may feel somewhat clunky.
❌ Weight consideration: Size and weight could be a drawback for users who prefer lightweight options.
During my testing, I found the solid construction of the Sigweis impressive, and the slightly bulky size gave a sense of sturdiness. I was pleased to discover that I could record Full HD footage in both night vision mode and color during the day for up to 2 hours and 38 minutes – a very useful amount of time.
With space for 9,999 3MP images, I never ran out of storage, and I doubt you would either. Using a Micro-USB cable or microSD card reader, transferring files was a breeze, if not slightly clunky.
If size and weight aren't a concern for you, I would confidently recommend the Sigweis over similarly priced alternatives. Its superb night vision capabilities, along with the ability to capture usable video footage and images, make it a standout choice. You'll definitely have something impressive to show off to all your friends.
Read more: Sigweis night vision binoculars review
Best military grade
✅ Generous field of view: Provides a broad, clear view of the surroundings.
✅ Auto-gated intensifiers: Protects the user's eyes from sudden lighting changes, such as gunfire or switched lights.
❌ Expensive: High-quality gear comes with a steep price tag.
❌ Export restrictions: Difficult to export from the USA without obtaining an export license, which retailers do not assist with.
If you've got a military budget – and you're in the USA – then this is the real deal. This is the same grade of photo amplifier used in military applications in a monocular with a generous field of view. It will work effectively in starlight or brighter at all distances and has an IR illuminator for near subjects. (You can take it out of the USA if you can fill in an export license, but retailers won't do that for you, even for friendly countries.)
Designed to be head or helmet-mounted, or hand-held, this surprisingly compact and not excessively weighty monocular has manual gain control so the magnifier tube can be adjusted for comfort. It also has diopter adjustment. The image uses white phosphors; not the traditional green that you might expect, but it makes for a clear image. Auto-gated intensifiers prevent damage to the eyes in rapidly changing lighting (think lights being switched or gunfire).
Gear of this grade really isn't cheap, but we do appreciate the full kit bag including a winged eye cup and carry case.
Great for beginners
✅ Active illumination: Uses 840nm infrared LEDs and a built-in digital camera to create a visible image.
✅ Head-mounted design: Comes with a supplied head mount, allowing hands-free use and easy movement.
❌ Limited battery life: The battery may not last long enough for extended use, especially on higher brightness settings.
❌ Low screen resolution: The 480x360-pixel display is not very sharp, affecting image clarity.
This pair of night vision goggles are designed to be used with the supplied head mount, but they do not provide any additional magnification – they are simply for seeing in the dark. This does mean it is possible to walk with them without difficulty. They use their own 940nm to keep yourself undetected, but with a range limited to just 90m (300ft). To see further into the darkness, switch to the visibly red 840nm lighting that extends your vision to 130m (400ft).
The Nightfox uses a rechargeable battery giving you between 90 minutes and four hours of operation, depending on which of the seven LED settings you opt for. For the price, these goggles provide a great entry to those who want to observe wildlife after dark or other special ops assignments.
Best for tracking
✅ Built-in IR illuminator: Provides comfortable long-range viewing, day or night.
✅ Remote control features: Users can control zoom, video recording, image capture, and IR brightness through their mobile device.
❌ Weightier than alternatives: Heavier compared to lower-specified monoculars, which might affect portability.
❌ Limited field of view: Higher magnification can result in a narrower field of view, making it harder to track fast-moving or wide-area subjects.
The Equinox Z2 monocular from optical specialist Bushnell offers a magnification factor that, at 6x, is bigger than most of its ilk, coupled with an effective light-gathering tool in a 50mm lens.
This Wi-Fi-enabled option shows its mettle by enabling users to Livestream footage straight to a mobile device, and even control the zoom video, image capture, and IR brightness directly.
A built-in IR illuminator enables users to view long-range subjects comfortably during the day or night, while video capture is full HD 1080p resolution, which is respectable for its class. Overall, this monocular is a comprehensive choice, if a little weightier than lower-specified alternatives.
See our Bushnell Equinox Z2 6x50 review
How to choose the best night vision gear
Do night vision goggles work in total darkness?
Can night vision devices see when it appears completely dark? Yes and no...
Night vision amplification won’t work in absolute darkness since there’s no available light to enhance. However, it's powerful enough to reveal details that would otherwise be invisible in near-total darkness. In reality, on a planet surrounded by stars, some ambient light is almost always present, making night vision effective in most conditions.
Thermal imaging, on the other hand, functions even in complete visual darkness by detecting heat signatures rather than relying on visible light. Meanwhile, active night vision—equipped with its own infrared illumination—creates its own light source, allowing it to operate in darkness, but only within the range of its emitted infrared beam.
What is the advantage of infrared night vision?
A lot of the night vision goggles on this list use infrared. Why?
Active lighting – The night vision device can illuminate subjects using invisible infrared light, enhancing visibility in dark environments.
Built-in cameras – Infrared cameras and displays are relatively inexpensive, and adding a recording or capture function is straightforward when a camera is already integrated.
What are the different kinds of night vision?
There are two main technologies for night vision: image intensification and thermal imaging.
• Image Intensification – makes the image brighter by multiplying the number of photons from the light source. The amplification process has three powered screens, the last of which is green. That gives this night vision its recognizable glow, and is the classic version of the tech.
• Thermal Imaging – a camera and a live display show otherwise-invisible infra red light that reveals relative heat. It can be used to detect living creatures (or people) in any lighting, or lack thereof. We list thermal cameras separately.
• Fusion night vision – by overlaying a thermal image onto an intensified one, it is possible to create a fusion – or hybrid – night vision.
• Active infrared night vision – this kind of night vision is relatively inexpensive and often used in security cameras too. An IR light, invisible to human eyes, is placed near the lens to illuminate subjects.
What is the military night vision goggles specification?
Many products in this category call themselves military, but does it have a specific meaning?
Different armed forces use varying equipment, but a government's export restrictions often indicate what it classifies as "military-grade." In the USA, for example, third-generation photo-multiplier tubes fall under such regulations. Another key aspect of military specifications is the protective housing, which differs based on the intended use but is generally designed for durability and resilience.
Why is night vision green?
We've all seen the movies. Night vision is always green, right?
Yes, for the most part. Image intensification night vision is typically green because the amplification tubes are designed that way. This takes advantage of the fact that human eyes are most sensitive to green light, specifically at a wavelength of 555 nanometers. The phosphor screen at the eyepiece end of the photomultiplier is usually green, making it not only more effective but also more comfortable to view in low-light conditions.
Am I allowed to buy military-grade night vision?
It sounds a bit scary to read the term 'military grade' and you might think you're not allowed to buy them. But you are.
Where you can get into trouble is exporting some products outside the country, especially to unfriendly countries. Buying for yourself, however, is fine.
How we test night vision gear
In our buying guides, I personally field-test the night vision equipment, examining their performance on moving subjects and landmarks. My focus is on finding a night vision device that offers a blend of magnification, sturdy construction, and crisp image clarity, suitable for a full day of birdwatching or wildlife spotting. Additionally, I verify the manufacturer's track record for reliability and quality.
Budget is an important consideration, and I strive to include spotting scopes in our guide that caters to various budget ranges. With our team's expertise in night vision technology, we conduct thorough testing and evaluations, not only on spotting scopes but also on related equipment such as binoculars and thermal cameras. You can trust our recommendations to help you make informed decisions about your night vision gear.
Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World
