As an outdoorsman or outdoorswoman, it’s crucial to make sure you have the lightest, most compact gear items in order to lessen the amount of weight and bulk you’ll need to carry into the field. Thanks to recent innovations and technological advancements in the outdoor industry, there are a number of new rangefinders that are much smaller and more compact than their older counterparts.

Deciding on whether or not these rangefinders are as capable as other, larger models is a topic of debate, but many users report that the compact rangefinders available on the market for 2021 are just as effective as any other model.

Finding the best compact rangefinder might require a good bit of research and legwork, but we’ve taken the time to comb through the data and take a closer look at the many features that these small rangefinders offer.

Best Compact Rangefinders

Based on that research and careful reviews of each product, we’ve compiled this list of the best compact rangefinders for 2021.

SIG Sauer Kilo 2400 BDX

Few rangefinders can compare to the SIG Sauer Kilo 2400 BDX. As one of the most compact models on the market for 2021, this rangefinder has incredible capability and is a worthy investment for anyone willing to spend more than $500 to get their hands on the best product available.

This rangefinder is equipped with BDX technology, which is short for ballistic data exchange. This feature works with SIG rifle scopes to display an automated illuminated holdover dot via bluetooth and an app.

This rangefinder also offers the Lightwave DSP (Digital Signal Processing) engine which utilizes HyperScan—an advanced power management mechanism that provides the fastest refresh rate in scan mode (4 times per second) even at distances over a mile.

Features:

• Lightwave DSP
• BDX technology
• Bluetooth compatibility, connects with SIG app
• Magnesium housing
• Advanced OLED display
• Hyperscan technology

Specs:

• Range Reflective (yards): 2600 yards
• Accuracy: + / – 1 yards @ 200+ yards
• Magnification: 7x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm
• Angular Field of View: 6.7 degrees
• Eye Relief: 15 mm
• Dimensions: 4.4 x 1.3 x 3 inches
• Weight: 7.5 oz
• Battery: CR-2 lithium battery

Nikon Prostaff 1000i Laser Rangefinder

The best of the best doesn’t always mean the most expensive products. Nikon has been at the top of the outdoor optics industry for decades now and their Nikon Prostaff Laser Rangefinder is an example of one of the many products that have brought them to that point.

This rangefinder is one that’s relatively affordable for most users, but still offers the same high quality that those loyal to the Nikon brand have come to expect. It has the ability to range targets out to 1,000 yards and offers a sleek, ergonomic feel and design that easily fits into a user’s pocket.

This one is unique in that it offers Tru-Target technology which allows a user to range something as small as a fencepost in first target priority mode, or they can range the farthest of multiple targets measured.

Features:

• waterproof/weatherproof
• Multi-layer coating
• Long eye relief is great for eyeglass wearers
• Tru-Target technology
• Continuous measurement function

Specs:

• Range Reflective (yards): 1000 yards
• Accuracy: + / – 2 yards @ 200+ yards
• Magnification: 6x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
• Angular Field of View: 6 degrees
• Eye Relief: 16.7 mm
• Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.9 x 1.5 inches
• Weight: 4.6 oz
• Battery: CR-2 lithium battery

Related: Best Rangefinders For Long Range Shooting

Leupold RX-1600i

Leupold is among the most prestigious names in the outdoor industry for good reason. Their RX-1600i model is easily one of the best compact rangefinders on the market for 2021. It has amazing capabilities that truly set it apart from other models, but the price might be one factor that prevents most hunters from selecting this one.

The Leupold RX-1600i offers wind detection capability that helps shooters plan and accommodate for strong gusts that might cause their shot to waiver off course. It offers DNA digitally enhanced accuracy feature, which is an operation engine that increases the speed and accuracy of range readings in real time.

This model also offers Line of Sight Distance that accurately gives users the straight line distance to their intended target.

Features:

• 6x magnification
• Advanced OLED technology
• Built-in Inclinometer
• Digitally eNhanced Accuracy
• Fully multi-coated housing

Specs:

• Range Reflective (yards): 1600 yards
• Accuracy: + / – 1 yards @ 200+ yards
• Magnification: 6x
• Angular Field of View: 6 degrees
• Eye Relief: 17 mm
• Dimensions: 3.8 x 3 x 1.4 inches
• Weight: 7.8 oz
• Battery: CR-2 lithium battery

Vortex Ranger 1800

Vortex is widely known for making products that stack up remarkably well against other premium brands, but don’t come with the typical premium price tag. The Vortex Ranger 1800 fits that mold and is arguably the best compact rangefinder on the market for 2021.

This model derives its namesake from its maximum distance of 1,800 yards. In addition to being made with high quality housing and lenses, the primary HCD mode displays an angle compensated distance that’s ideal for most hunters. It also offers a scanning feature that continuously produces readings as you scan across the landscape, or track a moving game animal.

Features:

• Waterproof, fog proof and dust proof
• Maximum distance of 1,800 yards
• LOS mode displays actual line of sight to target
• Built-in angle compensation
• Lifetime warranty

Specs:

• Range Reflective (yards): 1800 yards
• Accuracy: + / – 3 yards @ 1000 yards
• Magnification: 6x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm
• Angular Field of View: 6 degrees
• Eye Relief: 17 mm
• Length: 3.9 inches
• Width: 3 inches
• Weight: 7.7 ounces
• Battery: CR-2 lithium battery

Leica CRF 1000-R

Leica is a company that’s long been at the top of the rangefinder industry and their CRF 1000-R makes a strong case for being one of the best compact rangefinders on the market. It’s super small and lightweight design make it especially easy to slip into your pocket and produce it at a moment’s notice when you need to range your shot.

The Leica CRF 1000-R is rated to range object out to 1,000 yards, which means it’s more than capable of accurately ranging most big game animals in North America. This model simultaneously calculates the equivalent horizontal range by taking into account the inclination or declination angle of your target.

One of the only drawbacks for this rangefinder is likely to be the price as it is one of the most expensive options on our list of the best small rangefinders on the market.

Features:

• 7x magnification
• Measures linear and horizontal distance
• Super compact and lightweight
• 7×24-mm optics with integrated diopter compensation
• Clear LED with automatic brightness control

Specs:

• Range Reflective (yards): 1000 yards
• Accuracy: + / – 2 yards @ 1000 yards
• Magnification: 7x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
• Angular Field of View: 6.6 degrees
• Eye Relief: 15 mm
• Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.9 x 1.3 inches
• Weight: 6.5 ounces
• Battery: CR-2 lithium battery

If you are looking for more quality rangefinder content we do have an article about the best bowhunting rangefinders here!  Check it out!

Conclusion: Top Rated Small Rangefinders

In the end, any of these rangefinders are going to get the job done.  Obviously depending on your location and environment you hunt in, you will have different needs compared to the next hunter.  Hope this post helped you out!  Good luck out in the field!