Crossbows around the world are constantly evolving and becoming more and more affordable. As the competition rises, manufacturers are producing improved models with top notch features at affordable prices.
However, finding a good quality crossbow in your budget can be a tiresome task. To help you out, we carried out some detailed research and shortlisted the top 8 best crossbows under 1000 dollars. What are you waiting for? Let’s go!
What To Consider Before Choosing A Crossbow Under 1000 Dollars?
Speed
Speed is an important factor in determining the speed of the crossbow. Go for a speed above 350 FPS and you will be good to go.
Weight
A crossbow’s weight will determine its stability and manoeuvrability. You need to pick a weight that balances both things well.
Kinetic Energy
Speed along with kinetic energy are responsible for ensuring a good power output. If you intend on hunting large game, go for a crossbow with greater kinetic energy.
Draw weight
A lower draw weight or a crank device that reduces the draw weight will help you load the crossbow with ease.
Durability
Crossbows that deliver more than a 1000 shots in their lifetime are the best investment you can make.
Quick Links
1. TenPoint Titan M1 Crossbow Package (Fast and Compact)
2. CenterPoint Archery CP400 Crossbow (Most Durable)
3. BARNETT HyperGhost 405 Crossbow (Best Design)
4. Killer Instinct SWAT XP Crossbow (Easy To Handle)
5. Wicked Ridge M-370 Crossbow (Easy to Aim)
6. Carbon Express Intercept Axon (Most Customizable)
7. Wicked Ridge RDX 400 crossbow (reverse-draw design)
8. Barnett Whitetail Hunter II (compact and durable)
1. TenPoint Titan M1 Crossbow Package (Fast and Compact)
370 FPS
6.4 Pounds
32.5 Inches
9 Inches (cocked), 14 inches (uncocked)
14 Inches
113 Foot-Pounds
Our first and top pick for the best crossbows under 1000 is the amazing TenPoint Titan M1 Crossbow Package. With a shooting speed of about 370 fps and an ultra-narrow width of 9 inches, this model is 30 fps faster and 9 inch narrower than the previous model. This is truly a great upgrade.
Manufactured using aluminum CNC-machined aircraft-grade, this crossbow is incredibly durable and lightweight at the same time. This makes it perfect for hunting the woods where it will easily survive the wear and tear and you will also be able to carry it around with ease without putting in too much effort.
The accuracy of this crossbow is also unparalleled due to the VX-5 inverted cams which help elongate its power stroke and also increase rotation. This ensures a perfect shot every single time. The incredibly narrow cocked width of the crossbow is all thanks to the ACUdraw cocking device which makes it easier to cock the crossbow to its lowest width.
Another amazing feature of this crossbow is the T5 trigger which is basically an auto-engaging safety trigger. This is among the safest triggers on the market & best innovation from Tenpoint Crossbows with a string latch design which helps reduce friction. Safety features also include a dry-fire inhibitor which helps prevent dry fires.
- Aluminum Cnc-Machined Aircraft-Grade
- Vx-5 Inverted Cams
- Acudraw Cocking Device
- T5 Trigger
- Dry-Fire Inhibitor
Pros
- Affordable
- Narrow width
- Lightweight
- Easy cocking device
Cons
- Recocking sled is slightly cumbersome
The TenPoint Titan M1 Crossbow Package is a durable, lightweight and crossbow which yields excellent results. This one is definitely worth your money.
2. CenterPoint Archery CP400 Crossbow (Most Durable)
370 FPS
6.4 Pounds
32.5 Inches
9 Inches (cocked), 14 inches (uncocked)
14 Inches
113 Foot-Pounds
Another one of the best crossbows under 1000 is the CenterPoint Archery CP400 Crossbow. It features a CNC machined aluminum cam system and is powered by the incredible Heli Coil technology. These features make the crossbow even more durable so that it can endure the rough atmosphere of the woods and hunting fields.
This crossbow can achieve speeds of up to 400 fps packed with kinetic energy of up to 142 ft. pounds. This is good enough for hunting both small and big games like deer, elks and whitetail. The axle-to-axle width of the crossbow reduces to a minimum of 6 inches when fully cocked which makes it extremely convenient to hunt in tight spots.
It also comes with a compact and lightweight crank that helps in reducing the draw weight to just 20% of the actual magnitude which reduces the effort required to draw the crossbow.
This is quite useful for tree stand hunters who find it difficult to use a rope cocking device.
This crossbow is quite durable and you get a warranty of up to 5 years. The package includes a quick-detach quiver, 3 20-inch carbon arrows in addition to a 3x32mm illuminated scope which is calibrated. This crossbow has a length of 31.75 inches and an uncocked width of just 10.5 inches.
- Cnc Machined Aluminum Cam System
- Heli Coil Technology
- Crank-Style Draw Device
- Aluminum Rail
- Folding Stirrup
- Anti-Dry Fire
Pros
- Comes with accessories
- Lightweight
- High speed arrows
- Good warranty
Cons
- Trigger breaks near 7 pounds
The CenterPoint Archery CP400 Crossbow offers a good warranty with great features. It will be a great choice for you!
3. BARNETT HyperGhost 405 Crossbow (best design)
405 FPS
7.7 Pounds
36.25 Inches
17.6 Inches
16.3 Inches
138 Foot-Pounds
The BARNETT HyperGhost 405 Crossbow is the best latest model from Barnett and it has surely set new standards of quality.
It features a patented counterbalance in addition to an updated stock. The package also includes 3 hyperflite bolts which have been designed exclusively for this crossbow. These are perfectly capable of bringing down all kinds of games. The patented counterbalance of the crossbow is placed directly beneath the stock and it makes it much easier to carry the arch.
Having the crossbow on your shoulder helps ensure a safe and balanced grip. If we talk about the appearance, the crossbow comes with a monochrome mossy oak camouflage along with skull details which give it a tough appearance.
This crossbow can shoot bolts at speeds of up to 405 fps or 444 km/h which ensures a fast and accurate shot. It features an axle-to-axle width of about 17.6 inches along with a length of 36.25 inches. It weighs about 7.7 pounds which is definitely not too heavy for a crossbow.
The CNC machine aluminum flight path makes the crossbow extremely precise while the pre-installed string dampeners ensure a stealthy and quiet shot without alarming the game. The single bolt assembly makes it quite easy to put together the crossbow. The package comes with a light scope, lube wax and rope sled sleeve.
- Patented Counterbalance
- Updated Stock
- Monochrome Mossy Oak Camouflage
- Cnc Machine Aluminum Flight Path
- Pre-Installed String Dampener
- Single Bolt Assembly
Pros
- Fast speed
- Accurate
- Compact design
- Quiet shots
Cons
- Cost is slightly higher than others
Easy to assemble and efficient in use, the BARNETT HyperGhost 405 Crossbow has definitely earned its place among the best crossbows under 1000.
4. Killer Instinct SWAT XP Crossbow (easy to handle)
415 FPS
7.2 Pounds
27 Inches
9.125 Inches (cocked), 14.125 inches (uncocked)
16.25 Inches
153 Foot-Pounds
Next up, we have the Killer Instinct SWAT XP Crossbow with its optimized layout and super-compact design with advanced safety features. It is built around an incredible full power stroke. To make the crossbow lightweight and easy to handle, it features a bullpup design which is a stock behind the trigger. This is also helpful in ensuring that you can operate the crossbow in tight spaces.
For greater support and guidance, this crossbow comes with a 360-degree revolutionary enclosed design which helps improve broadhead flight while also reducing cross-bolt oscillation.
In addition, the AccuTac barrel comes with a Broadhead cage which completely traps the broadhead and bolt within the rise. This helps ensure unmatched safety by preventing the bolt from falling off track or even out of the crossbow’s side while hunting in the woods.
The length of this crossbow is about 27 inches while the uncocked and cocked widths are 14.125 inches and 9.125 inches respectively. The crossbow weighs 7.2 pounds while the draw weight is about 200 pounds. It can easily be used with a rope-sled cocking device and also an ACU draw cocking device.
The package includes a dead silent crank, lumix speed ring, IR-E scope and rope. You also get a five-bolt quiver, three SWAT XP arrows along with field tips, string and limb suppressors, a stick of rail lube and also a cocker.
The crossbow also offers a lifetime warranty on non-wearable parts. The shots are fired at a speed of 415 fps and pack energy amounting to about 153 ft. pounds. I consider it a fair crossbow for beginners & learners.
- Bullpup Design
- 360-Degree Revolutionary Enclosed Design
- Exclusive Accutac Barrel System
- Broadhead Cage
- Pro A.C.U.D.R.A.W.
- Pro Rope-Sled Cocking Device
Pros
- Compact design
- Easy to handle
- Safe operation
- Comes with accessories
Cons
- Low-quality scope
The Killer Instinct SWAT XP Crossbow comes with various accessories and amazing features which make its operation convenient and efficient.
5. Wicked Ridge M-370 Crossbow (Easy to aim)
370 FPS
5.8 Pounds (clean), 7 pounds (w/ accessories)
35 Inches
9.5 Inches (cocked), 14 inches (uncocked)
13.8 Inches
113 Foot-Pounds
The Wicked Ridge M-370 Crossbow is another great crossbow under 1000 that we have found for you. This lightweight and user-friendly crossbow allow you to aim with absolute ease. The built-in ACUdraw is a cocking device that comes with a crossbow and allows you to aim accurately. Despite having high-quality features, this crossbow is available at an extremely affordable price.
This crossbow can easily be used for both target-shooting as well as hunting. Its handle lies below the butt in order to make it easier to store it inside a pre-drilled mounting slot. The draw weight is a mere 5 pounds when we operate this crossbow manually.
In addition, at a mere 5.8 pounds, it is also quite lightweight without the weight of add-ons or accessories. It only rises to about 7 pounds with accessories such as the arrows, the seat which is sleeping above the arches, the scope, and the quiver.
Despite being manufactured in the US, this crossbow is not very heavy on the pocket. The uncocked width of the crossbow is 14 inches which reduce to 9.5 inches when the crossbow is cocked. You can get the arc in either the ACUdraw cocking mechanism or the rope sled socker configuration. You can choose between either of these based on your own preference and requirements.
- Built-In Acudraw Is A Cocking Device
- Rope Sled Socker Configuration
- Double Laminated Gordon Glass Limbs
- Auto-Engaged Safety Trigger
- Dry-Fire-Inhibitor (Dfi)
- Ultra-Crisp 3 5-Pound Pull
Pros
- Comes With Various Accessories
- Easy To Cock
- Quiet Shots
- Lightweight
Cons
- The user manual is not detailed
The Wicked Ridge M-370 Crossbow is a lightweight yet incredibly durable and efficient crossbow that will surely fulfill all your needs.
6. Carbon Express Intercept Axon (Most customizable)
360 FPS
8.3 Pounds
30.25 Inches
13.5 Inches (cocked)
13.5 Inches
115 Foot-Pounds
Another crossbow that fits your needs and budget is the Carbon Express Intercept Axon crossbow. The crossbow features an AR-inspired military design which gives it a sturdy appearance. The unique thing about this crossbow is the fact that it is entirely customizable. This crossbow is also extremely powerful which allows you to take down big games.
With a narrow axle-to-axle cocked width of just 13.5 inches, this crossbow is also quite narrow despite its slightly heavyweight. This allows you to move around with ease and operate this crossbow in tight spots without startling your prey. The manufacturers have used modular components which are used in AR black weapons which makes it quite durable.
The Picatinny rail on the crossbow makes it easier to attach a range of AR-15 accessories. Limbs of the crossbow have been infused with carbon in order to help enhance the robustness. The crossbow also comes with premium alloy cam sets and CNC-machined risers. To accommodate the body type of the hunter, it features an adjustable stock that allows you to retract or extend the buttstock.
Safety features include an automatic safety trigger mechanism along with a trigger pull that is crisp, steady, and light. The Dry-fire inhibitor of the crossbow helps prevent misfires while the finger guard flange helps provide increased protection to the shooter. It also comes with a rubber-like exterior which helps in reducing vibrations and noise.
- Gun Caliber Machined Trigger Pull
- SilenTech Coating
- 4×32 Deluxe Lighted Scope
- Rubber-Like Exterior Finish
- Anti-Dry Fire System
- Multi-Position Picatinny Rail System
- Micro-Adjustable Five-Position Tactical AR Stock
Pros
- High-quality scope
- Beautiful blackout design
- Excellent safety features
- Adjustable tactical AR stock
Cons
- Heavy
The Carbon Express Intercept Axon crossbow offers an AR-style design which gives you the feel of military-style weapons.
7. Wicked Ridge RDX 400 crossbow (reverse-draw design)
400 FPS
7.1 Pounds
33.25 Inches
9 Inches (cocked), 15 inches (uncocked)
15.5 Inches
140 Foot-Pounds
Next up, we have a reverse-draw crossbow for you. The Wicked Ridge RDX 400 crossbow is among the first flagship reverse-draw crossbows by Wicked Ridge. This type of design is quite beneficial in hunting. It ensures a well-balanced design and helps in eliminating the frontal heaviness which allows the hunters to hold the crossbow comfortably.
In this technology, the riser of the crossbow elongates the power stroke producing more speed with reduced draw weight. This leads to a vibration-free and smooth shot. In order to reduce the noise while shooting, this crossbow comes with a machined aluminum riser with limb pockets which help prevent contact between the limb and the riser.
The string stop mechanism attached to the barrel helps eliminate noise and vibration in order to improve stealth. The bullpup design of this crossbow provides increased stability when you are taking the aim and after each shot it also provides a consistent break. Noise levels are also reduced by the nylon-filament brush which also helps in improving the grip for the shooter.
Safety features include a dry-fire inhibitor and a safety trigger which helps prevent any accidental fires. It comes in a package which includes 3 arrows, string stop mechanism and a TenPoint sight.
- Reaper Cam System
- Integrated String Stop System
- Multi-Line Scope
- Rdx Reverse Draw Design
- Machined Aluminum Riser With Limb Pockets
- String Stop Mechanism
- Bullpup Design
- Nylon-Filament Brush
- Dry-Fire Inhibitor
- Safety Trigger
Pros
- Lightweight
- Accurate
- Arrows included
- Affordable
Cons
- Cocking device needs to be purchased separately
The lightweight and precise Wicked Ridge RDX 400 crossbow is truly one of the best crossbows under 1000.
8. Barnett Whitetail Hunter II (compact and durable)
Barnett has been in the business of manufacturing high quality crossbows for a long time now. Another one of their crossbows that we believe deserves a place among the best crossbows under 1000 is the Barnett Whitetail Hunter II. This crossbow offers affordability, charm and precision in one single package.
350 FPS
6.2 Pounds
34.25 Inches
18.25 Inches
16.125 Inches
103 Foot-Pounds
The compact and lightweight design of this crossbow makes it perfect for hunters with small frames who need to handle the crossbow for long periods. By offering speeds of up to 350 fps, it completely defies the belief that lightweight crossbows are not very powerful and fast. You can take as long as you want to take your aim with this crossbow.
With a complete stainless-steel construction, this crossbow is so durable that it can even be used while it’s raining. It comes with a Realtree Xtra pattern which helps improve stealth by camouflaging into the environment. Frictionless release technology has also been implemented in this crossbow which ensures a much lighter and smooth trigger.
For the safety of the hunter, the crossbow comes with an anti-dry fire system, knock sensors and foregrip. The butt side of the crossbow is adjustable so you can make changes according to your preference. The package includes a quiver, a rope cocking tool, lubricating wax, 2 headhunter arrows and multi-reticle scope. Indeed, its our first choice in the Barnett crossbows’ collection.
- Anti-Dry Fire Trigger System
- Triggertech Frictionless Release Technology
- Anti-Vibration Foot Stirrup
- Bristle Retainer and Foregrip
- Barnett’s Premium 4×32 Scope
- Metal Injected Molded (MIM) Trigger
- Hi-Def Camo
- Rope Cocking Device
Pros
- Short width
- Ready-to-shoot package
- Good safety features
- Powerful
Cons
- Low quality scope
The Barnett Whitetail Hunter II ticks all the right boxes to be among the best crossbows under 1000 so we will definitely recommend it to you.
Conclusion
It is not very hard to find the best crossbow when you have lots of money to spare but with a tight budget, this can surely become a difficult task. In this article, we have provided you with a list of the top 8 best crossbows under 1000 along with their detailed reviews, features and specifications.
If you ask us, our first choice would obviously be the TenPoint Titan M1 Crossbow Package. This crossbow offers an easy operation with a compact design at an affordable price. What’s not to love?
The final choice, however, depends on your requirements and so we would suggest that you choose a crossbow that completely fulfils all your needs and is perfect for your way of shooting. If you have any queries, you can send them to us and we will surely respond. Good luck!
FAQ
1. What’s the best crossbow under 1000?
TenPoint Titan M1 Crossbow is undeniably the best crossbow under 1000.
2. Are cheap crossbows any good?
Check the features and reviews and you will surely be able to find a cheap crossbow that also offers great performance.
3. How much should I spend on a crossbow?
ABetween $800 to $1000, you can easily get a good crossbow that will help you perfect your hunting game.
4. Can I keep my crossbow cocked?
Try not to keep your crossbow cocked for too long. The maximum recommended time for keeping your crossbow cocked is about 4 hours. Keeping your crossbow cocked for longer than 4 hours may result in limb damage.
5. Why is it bad to dry fire a crossbow?
If you fire a crossbow without an arrow, the intense vibration will damage the crossbow and affect your accuracy and speed.
6. What size bolts and arrows do I need for my crossbow?
The recommended size of arrows and bolts is always mentioned in the user manual so make sure to check that out before using the crossbow.
7. What is an Arrow Track of a crossbow?
The arrow track is basically a groove which the arrow rests on while taking a shot.