Crossbow hunting offers a thrilling experience thanks to its lightning-fast velocity. In the past, this hobby came with a hefty price tag. However, advancements in technology have made these once-expensive crossbows accessible at budget-friendly prices. Embracing crossbow hunting as a hobby is now incredibly convenient & cost effective, as it doesn’t require a substantial financial commitment for the necessary gear. We have brought you the top crossbows under 400$. These crossbows have undergone rigorous testing and have consistently outperformed their competitors, making them a smart choice for any enthusiast. Whereas the crossbow enthusiasts are quite satisfied with the advancement in this field.

Best Crossbows Under 400$ Reviews- Top Picks 2024

We have reviewed the list of the 10 best crossbows under 400 dollars in latest year 2024. Come and have a look at our best-recurve crossbows packed with high-tech features.

Our experts have reviewed these crossbows based on

• Composition
• Velocity
• Draw weight
• Safety & Sighting

These are as follows:

1-Killer Instinct Boss 405 Crossbow
2-CenterPoint Mercenary 390 Crossbow
3-Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow
4-BearX Intense Crossbow
5-PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow
6-Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow
7-Centerpoint AXCS185BK Sniper 370 Crossbow

1: Killer Instinct Boss 405 – Best Crossbow Under 400$

Construction

Killer Instinct Boss 405 is the best crossbow under 400 dollars. It has a lightweight but firm construction. This construction constitutes a mix n match combination of aluminum and micro-lite aluminum.

Whereas the buttstock incorporated in it has on-demand adjustability with its easy to maneuver AR look. So the foregrip has a durable rubber coating that gives you a firm grip. Although the X-Lok foregrip is installed. It has multi-joining points.

Size & Weight

Killer Instinct Boss 405 is the most optimally weighted crossbow you would ever see. Although this 7-pound weighing crossbow has a convenient bow length.

The bow length may vary due to cocking and de cocking. Although the actual bow length is approximately 34 inches. Whereas the un cocked width is almost 19 inches.

Velocity & Draw Weight

As the name indicates that the Killer Instinct Boss crossbow has a scorching velocity of 405 FPS. The most astonishing thing about this crossbow is its light draw weight.

This extreme velocity crossbow has a draw weight of 220 pounds. Whereas if you’re still concerned about the draw weight then you might love its convenient rope cocking mechanism that makes it quite easy to cock.

Safety & Sighting

For such high-velocity crossbows, an efficient safety mechanism is compulsory. Therefore, it has an efficient contextual safety locking mechanism featured with an anti-dry firing Functionality.

If you look at its sighting, then it has a 4×32 lighted scope by Lumix. It is a cheaper one but has a decent vision. This scope has an HD vision extending up to 50 meters. Although the on-demand focal length and light adjustment are just phenomenal.

Accessories

The stock accessories included in the package are as follows:

• 20″ long arrows with 0.38″ diameter
• Side mount quiver

These arrows are crafted with durable and weightless carbon material that may weigh almost 340 grains with piercing tips. Although the arrows are treated with moon nocking.

Pros

• Weightless
• Optimal size
• High precision
• Dead silent cords
• Economical

Cons

• Hunters with vertebral issues should avoid it

2: CenterPoint Mercenary 390 – Best Beginner Crossbow Under 400$

Construction

CenterPoint Mercenary 390 is a highly durable crossbow with a phenomenal weightless make. It is crafted precisely through the CNC machine with sturdy aluminum. As a whole, it has premier comfortability while hunting due to its comfortable grippings.

Whereas the foregrip installed in it has a pass-through holding. With water-proof latex coverings, the foregrip becomes more stabilized. Although the extended limb guards keep your finger safe from any unfortunate abruption by the railing or strings.

Size & Weight

The Mercenary 390 is an amazingly speedy crossbow weighing 7.8 lbs with phenomenal sizing. This crossbow has an optimal length of approximately 36 inches. Having an advanced MIL-SPEC AR designing this crossbow becomes very convenient to operate.

The convenient operating and adjustability has 5-inch room for altering the length. Although the width may vary from 18-inches to 14-inches because of cocking and decocking.

Velocity & Draw Weight

Being the hallmark of safe and sound hunting, CenterPoint has kept its vision by maintaining the velocity to an optimal and hunter-friendly range. Although this crossbow can shoot with an amazing velocity of 390 FPS.

The velocity of 390 FPS is indeed exceptional despite having a 14.5” bow stroke. Coming towards the draw weight that is the main concern of many newbie hunters. So the crossbow possesses a draw weight of 185 pounds.

The minimalist draw weight range keeps the hunter away from the exhaustion of cocking with might, although the cocking mechanism is also added with convenience therefore you can cock it much easier.

Safety & Sighting

The Mercenary 390 crossbow has a lightning-fast velocity. Although it has the most efficient safety mechanism incorporated in it. The trigger safety mechanism is intact in it that is engaged automatically when you cock the crossbow fully.

Whereas there’s an extensive safety feature installed in it, and that is the anti-dry firing mechanism. Having that much smart safety mechanism, this crossbow needs a pulling power of 3.5 lbs to pull the trigger.

Accessories

This affordable but highly efficient crossbow contains a fully loaded package that a hunter might need.

• The package includes:
• Exclusive Riser
• Featured Buttstock
• Illuminated 4×32 HD scope
• Extended Foot-stirrup
• Whisper Dampening Mechanism
• 3 20″ arrows
• 3 100-grains piercing tips
• Cocking rope
• Rail lubricant

Pros

• Cheap
• Optimal Velocity
• Smooth and dead silent working
• Lightweight
• Camoflague finish

Cons

• Substandard buttstock
• The trigger is a bit harsh

3: Barnett Whitetail Hunter II – Best Compound Crossbow Under 400$

Construction

Barnett Whitetail Hunter II has the most durable make. This crossbow comes along with efficient string dampeners so you can hunt without making any noise.

It is a compound crossbow but has advanced features that have made it much more sturdy. Although the crossbow supports a single arrow shooting mechanism with a stiff setting.

Velocity & Draw Weight

This finely crafted compound crossbow has a scorching velocity of 350 FPS. With such efficient velocity, you can take down your target from far away.

Although the crossbow has a smooth and proficient rail and cable mechanism that enables the crossbow to have 160 lbs of draw weight.

Due to high draw weight, this crossbow has Rope-Cocking Mechanism. Whereas the additional crank cocking mechanism is also compatible with it.

Size & Weight

This compound crossbow has an easy-to-handle construction. Whereas its durable hard making through precise CNC crafting has made it weigh 6.4 lbs.

As the crossbow is compound in nature therefore it has an end-to-end 32.5 inches length.

Safety & Sighting

Barnett Whitetail Hunter II is featured with an HD 4×32 scope with illumination. Although the scope has an impeccable 4x zooming Ability. This scope comes preinstalled with a seamless shock and water-resistant make.

The crossbow safety while hunting is taken care-off with the exquisite anti-dry firing mechanism. Whereas the trigger installed in this crossbow has a premium TriggerTech technology.

Therefore, with such an efficient safety mechanism the crossbow needs a 3 lbs force to pull the trigger.

Accessories

Whitetail Hunter II comes along with a wholesome package that includes:

• Stock
• Riser & Cams
• 4×32 multi-purpose scope
• Cocking rope machine
• Arrow quivers
• 2 20” featured arrows
• Rail Lubricants

Pros

• Efficient firing mechanism
• High precision
• Optimal weightage
• Affordable
• Noiseless shooting

Cons

• The scope is a bit tricky to adjust for beginner
• No hanging slings

Find out the Best crossbows made by Barnett – Top Picks by Bows Hunting

4: BearX Intense – Our Pick For Fast Speed Under 400 Dollars

Construction

BearX Intense Crossbow is incorporated with a hard plastic make. This robust building is featured with an adaptable butt-stock.So you can have on-demand adjustability according to the place you’re camping for hunting.

The sturdy and durable body has a premium-grade paint job with a glossy finish. Collectively the crossbow has a highly durable construction.

Whereas the crossbow is incorporated with a high-functioning dampening system to take down the shooting noise while hunting.

Velocity & Draw Weight

BearX Intense crossbow has a super silent but rapid action railing with a superior cable mechanism. Therefore the crossbow comes out with a 400 FPS of precise shooting velocity.

Despite being an amazingly high-velocity crossbow the draw weight overall comprises 185 pounds only.

Size & Weight

Apart from having that much high velocity, this crossbow is quite weightless so the crossbow weighs 8 lbs. Although it has an end-to-end 36.5-inches length. Whereas the crossbow has a 14 inches axle-to-axle width.

Safety & Sighting

BearX Intense crossbow has a 4×32 multi-vision lighted scope with fog and water-resistant coating. Although the scope is incorporated with the Triple dot visuals.

Whereas the crossbow is incorporated with the high functioning anti-dry firing mechanism. Although the crossbow has a fine functionality of auto engaging safety switch to lock trigger from foul firing.

Accessories

This premium looking crossbow is packed with the following accessories:

• 3 TruX 20” arrows
• 3 Standard arrows
• Rope
• Rail lubrication
• Cable wax

Pros

• High velocity
• Immensely accurate and stable
• Value for money
• Durable and sturdy make
• High-end lighted scope

Cons

• Weighs heavy
• Draw weight is bit much

5: PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow

Construction

The PSE Archery Coalition crossbow is finely crafted with CNC machines. Although the crossbow incorporates an adaptable butt-stock with which you can adjust the crossbow length according to your desire.

Whereas the PSE coalition crossbow is equipped with a much smoother trigger to take down the games with extreme precision and accuracy.

Though the foregrip incorporated in this crossbow has a cross-over nature. Whereas it has an amazing functionality of extreme adaptability with its fragmented arm design.

Velocity & Draw Weight

PSE Coalition is an optimally powered crossbow for 400$ whereas the crossbow can shoot with an immaculate velocity of 380 FPS. Therefore, the crossbow is featured with a premium-grade railing and cable network that has a scorching 185 pounds of draw weight.

Overall the crossbow has a durable make with its mix n match composition along with its highly adaptable design.

Size & Weight

This recurve crossbow named as PSE Archery Coalition has an optimal size. Although it is quite easy to maneuver through the narrow alleys in the woods. So the crossbow weighs almost 7.5 pounds

Talking about its convenient size, this crossbow has an end-to-end 35” length. As the crossbow has an axle-to-axle width of 15-inches approximately.

Safety & Sighting

The PSE Archery Coalition crossbow has a UHD multi-graticule scope. As the scope is powered with a 4×32 vision lens.

Therefore the high vision scope installed in this crossbow lets you hunt precisely across 50 to 60 yards. So the safety measures of this crossbow are taken care of through the modern anti-dry firing mechanism. With which you can achieve the least possibility of accidental firing.

Accessories

The PSE Archery Coalition Crossbow package has:

• 4×32 HD scope
• Cocking Rope
• 4-Bolts
• 3 20” arrows
• Quiver
• Additional Trigger Casing
• Green Arm Silencers
• Rail lubricants
• Cable stops
• Foot Stirrup

Pros

• Low-priced
• Built to last
• Efficient for hunting and target practice
• Premier safety
• Extremely high speed

Cons

• Strings are stiff due to excess draw weight

P.S: Not Sure About The Brand: Check Feature Of Their Most Famous Crossbows 

6: Killer Instinct Burner 415 – Fast & Smooth Hunter

Construction

This crossbow has a premium-grade hard plastic make. AR design for convenient handling along with the highly adaptable frame and design. The AR-style butt-stock has 6 point adaptation with half an inch spacers.

Although the crossbow contains an X-LOK foregrip with premier latex coating to adhere to superior grip. Although the half an inch incrementation results in a whole 3-inches space of adjustment.

Velocity & Draw Weight

The Killer Instinct Burner crossbow has a super dampening mechanism with which you can have a precise 415 FPS velocity to take down any sort of game. With such an impressive velocity the crossbow has amazing compatibility with 100 to 300 grains field tips.

Although the high-velocity crossbow has a 220-pound draw weight. Whereas the draw weight is indeed a bit high therefore you need a crank cocking shaft to cock the crossbow easily.

Size & Weight

The Burner 415 is a finely crafted crossbow. It has an overall 37 inches end to end length. Whereas the width may vary from 15 to 19 inches for cocked and uncocked bows.

Although the crossbow contains an aluminum make. So it possesses 6.7 pounds of weight along with fine grade precision and accuracy.

Safety & Sighting

The stiff draw weight crossbow has a smooth pull trigger that can adhere with 3 to 5 lbs pull to shoot. As far as the vision is concerned the crossbow has an HD scope with visuals of 4x magnification.

With such precise vision and KillerTech Trigger, you’re unstoppable. Having a 415 FPS of velocity, this crossbow is unusual to deal with, without a safety mechanism.

Therefore it is incorporated with anti-dry firing functionality along with a contextual safety switch.

Accessories

• The crossbow package includes:
• LUMIX 4×32 stock scope
• String surge protector
• String cosset
• 3-arrow quivers
• Railing lubricant

Pros

• Phenomenal functionality
• Amazingly fast
• Convenient handling
• Highly adaptive
• Dead-silent shooting

Cons

• Hanging sling is excluded in stock package
• A dedicated cocking crank needed

7: Centerpoint AXCS185BK Sniper 370 Crossbow

Construction

CenterPoint is renowned due to its firm build quality along with its highly efficient design. Although the crossbow incorporates a mix-n-match combination of HYPER-LITE aluminum which is considered to be the most durable one among all.

Although the limbs are crafted through sturdy Carbon Fiber. Whereas the overall combination has efficient cabling.

Velocity & Draw Weight

The CenterPoint AXCS185BK Sniper crossbow is crafted with precision and is highly efficient. Although the crossbow incorporates 185 pounds of draw weight. It is a bit more but can be easily pulled off through rope.

Whereas the high precision cables and smoothly functioning railing coordinate together and result in a 370 FPS of high velocity.

Size & Weight

As long as the weight of this crossbow is concerned, then you might be amazed to know that this crossbow weighs only 7.7 pounds.

Therefore, the crossbow has a compatible size. This crossbow has an optimal end-to-end length of 34-inches.

Safety & Sighting

The CenterPoint AXCS185BK Sniper has an anti-dry firing mechanism intact with which you can keep your crossbow safe from an accidental shooting.

Although the crossbow is added with an automatic safety engagement button so you can save your shot from miss-firing.

This CenterPoint AXCS185BK Sniper crossbow comes with a mounted scope. The stock scope has 4×32 vision with 4X magnification and UHD clarity.

Accessories

The CenterPoint AXCS185BK Sniper crossbow packages are packed with the following:

• 4X zoom scope
• 4-bolt quiver
• Cocking rope
• Hanging sling
• 3 20″ arrows

Pros

• High speed
• Optimal size
• Weightless
• Highly adaptable
• Sporty look

Cons

• Substandard Buttstock
• Weighs heavy from front

Buying Guide of Best Crossbows Under $400

Before you go and purchase any crossbow under $400, it is essential that you should get yourself aware of what should have and what you should avoid while purchasing under a certain budget.

Whereas the best crossbow under 400 dollars may fascinate you due to the affordability factor in it. But the following pointer may change your perception and lead you to a whole new path that has the most advanced crossbows you may ever see.

1:Draw Weight

Crossbows can have variable draw weights according to their building, formation, shooting mechanism, and crossbow strings. But what do you need to look after?

You need to know that the certain crossbow that comes under $400 should at least possess a draw weight that can be able to take down small games at least.

The draws weight of crossbows may range from. Although you‘ll probably go for the under $400 crossbow that has a draw weight of 180-250 LBS.

Apart from that, the draw weight is also a tentative point with respect to the hunter’s gender and strength to pull the string. Therefore you need to ponder before choosing one in the context of the hunter’s capability.

2: Types of Crossbow Under $400

There are two types of crossbows. Both types of the crossbow are easily available under a certain budget. The best crossbows under $400 may have compound formation or recurve formation.

These types involve two schools of thought which have their narratives for admiring and discouraging the type of crossbows.

There’s a class that thinks that crossbow hunting is a sport for wilderness though there is no room for further advancements and the community should stick to the vintage crossbow look and mechanism. This is called the compound crossbow.

A compound crossbow is less wide and has a traditional look with an old shooting mechanism having stiff triggers and shooting ropes. Although these crossbows are quite hard to cock due to extensive draw weight.

On the contrary, the second school of thought belongs to those who love technology and admire the modernization of hunting culture along with the advancement of crossbows. Although the advanced crossbow is known as the recurve crossbow.

A recurve crossbow is quite wider and has a modern pulley-designed shooting rope mechanism. Although the crossbow has an automatic stabilizing mount stand with the amazingly light draw weight.

According to our experts, nowadays crossbow hunting is mostly done in the wilderness therefore it is quite tough to carry the compound crossbow for such a long session. Therefore, one should go with recurve crossbows for having continuous hunting hours.

As stated before you can find the crossbow with respective formation under $400. Therefore you can choose accordingly.

3:Arrow Velocity

Crossbow hunting is all about speed and precision. Whereas the arrow velocity can assist you to have additional time to foul the prey. But if by any unfortunate chance you miss your target that could only be the less arrow velocity.

Whereas the crossbow class under $400 does increase some of the highest performing crossbows that can shoot arrows with a scorching high velocity varying from 190-300 FPS.

Although the compound crossbows tended to have optimal arrow velocity to take down the small or big games. But the crossbows are lightweight and much advanced in terms of shooting mechanism and are concerned to have optimal arrow velocity.

Veteran hunters and experts have suggested owning a crossbow that can give an arrow velocity of at least 300 FPS. Although the longbows or Indian bows tended to shoot at 200 FPS whereas hunters have taken down deer with them.

Though the crossbows usually have an arrow velocity of 308 FPS. But, the price of such crossbows was the main concern for those who had a fixed budget. Though nowadays there are lightning-fast crossbows under $400.

FAQs

1-Do the crossbows under $400 can be the beginner’s crossbow?

Yes, the Killer Instinct 405 crossbow under 400$ includes illuminated scope.

2-For whom does the under $400 crossbows can be a viable option?

These best-budgeted crossbows can be a viable option for youth, kids, and women.

3-Does the Hunter II Crossbow package contain a side-mount quiver?

No, but this under 400$ crossbows package includes a front-to-back wearable quiver.

4-Do crossbows under $400 are durable and sturdy to withstand intense usage?

The budgeted crossbows are crafted from composite and carbon that are amazing.

5-Does the PSE Archery Coalition contain adjustable strings?

The strings are not adjustable. Although you need to keep waxing them eventually.

6-Does the Burner 415 Crossbow need a cable slider?

Yes, you need an exclusive one because the stock cable slider is not that durable.

7-Does the stock package of Sniper 370 contain dampeners?

It has bolts, quivers, and lubricant but no string dampener in the stock package.

Final Conclusion

Here the best crossbow under 400 dollar review ends up. Now you might be confused due to extended options. Therefore our experts have come up with some worthy suggestions to assist you in choosing the most highly functional crossbow according to your usage, experience, and will to take down the game.

These are the most admired and efficient crossbows among the Best Crossbows Under 400$.

Killer Instinct Boss 405 Crossbow is an amazingly huge performing crossbow. If you’re a veteran crossbow hunter and have a limited budget then it can be the most efficient crossbow under $400. If you’re a virtuoso then you might need some practice before using it.

Barnett Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow is a sporty-looking option for you if you’re an enthusiast youngster who loves to have a trendy-looking crossbow. It is quite easy to handle. Therefore its make and performance are just phenomenal as compared to its price.

Killer Instinct Burner 415 Crossbow is the highest velocity crossbow among all the best crossbows under 400 dollars. Apart from high-velocity shooting, it has the most efficient safety mechanism with an automated response. Therefore you can use it being a freshman.