Accuracy and aim are the requirements for a good hunter. Without these two critical pieces, success in the field can be challenging.
Since their invention in 1940, the rangefinder has exploded in popularity. Today, they’re one of the most important pieces of gear an outdoors person can buy.
These little pieces of technology help outdoorsmen accurately determine the range to a target. This ensures that a more ethical, accurate shot is taken.
To help you make the best possible shot, this post will cover all of the best hunting rangefinders for 2021.
The technology continues to improve, with things like bullet drop compensation and wind factor prediction. As the tech behind rangefinders develops, smaller, less quality brands that specialized only in budget rangefinders have begun to disappear.
If you are an avid hunter or outdoorsmen, get the top rangefinder that you can afford. It just makes sense, no hassles in the field and better performance overall. Generally the higher end rangefinders have better warranties as well, should something happen.
These are the top three rangefinders we recommend for 2021.
- SIG Sauer Kilo 2400 BDX (Best Overall)
- Vortex Ranger 1800 (Best for The Money)
- Halo CCL 300 (Best Budget)
Best Hunting Rangefinders 2021
When we write about products, we’re not just making things up. We’ve used and reviewed the pieces we write about. This ensures that our hunting
Our team of outdoorsmen and women is committed to helping you succeed in the field and finding the best gear to help you do that is no different.
Keep in mind that these are the top rated rangefinders for hunting in our opinion. Any price goes.
1. SIG Sauer KILO 2400 BDX
The KILO 2400
Rangefinder has earned BestRangefinder On The Market for its outstanding performance and build.
If money were no option, we highly recommend going with the Kilo 2400 BDX. Simply put, the Kilo 2400 BDX
When Sig Sauer originally created this unit, they didn’t have it designed for their BDX technology, however, even then it was still the top
By adding BDX (ballistic data exchange) tech to the
What does BDX do? This technology allows your Sierra 3 BDX riflescope to display an automated illuminated holdover dot via bluetooth and an app.
It gets better. The Kilo 2400 without their BDX technology was actually more expensive than their new unit. You read that right. Sig Sauer took a great product, made it better, and made it more affordable.
Best features:
- It uses BDX tech, communicating with your riflescope (if equipped)
- 4 range updates per second in scan mode
- Angle modified range for tree stand hunters
- Automatically calibrates brightness for changing light conditions
- Lifetime warranty, hard to argue with that
- Upgraded product, cheaper price
Tech specs:
- Range: Up to 3400 Reflective / 1400 Deer / 1800 Trees
- Battery: CR2
- Reticle: Circle + Milling Grid
- Length: 4.4 in (110 mm)
- Width: 1.3 in (33 mm)
- Height: 3 in (76 mm)
- Weight: 7.5 oz (215 g)
- Field of view: 6.78 degrees
- Eye relief: 15 mm
- Objective clear aperture: 25 mm
This is our #1 ranked rangefinder for 2020. It features a lot of great technology and is overall one of the most advanced rangefinders you can get.
The bottom line: How does Sig Sauer describe the Kilo 2400? As the “worlds most advanced
Even further reason to buy, this unit is covered under Sig’s INFINITE warranty. Similar to Vortex, if your product breaks they’re covering it. No receipt, for life.
At the end of the day, it’s tough to argue with a company that stands by their products.
2. Vortex Ranger 1800
The Vortex Ranger 1800 has earned Best Rangefinder for The Money because of its budget friendly price and effectiveness.
As we mentioned above, the Vortex Ranger 1800
We’re huge fans of Vortex optics for two reasons. First and most importantly, they work for just about any hunter (guides included).
Second, the warranty on these products make them easy to recommend. If it breaks, send it back. They’ll replace it.
This started the year as our number 3 rangefinder on this list, but by popular request, and our own extensive testing we bumped it to the top rangefinder.
We sell more Vortex Ranger 1800 rangefinders than any other brand we carry.
Best features:
- Industry leading warranty, lifetime
- Range deer out to 900 yards, targets out to 1800 yards
- Built in angle compensation designed for tree stand hunters (yes!)
- Line of Sight (LOS) mode displays actual line of sight range.
- Waterproof (huge bonus)
- Easy to use menu
Worst features:
- Is there a “worst” feature with Vortex products?
Tech Specs:
- Range Reflective (yards): 10-1800 yards
- Range Deer (yards): 10-900 yards
- Accuracy: + / – 3 yards @ 1000 yards
- Max Angle Reading: + / – 60 degrees
- Magnification: 6x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm
- Linear Field of View: 315 feet/1000 yards
- 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
This is our top rated rangefinder for the price. It's very popular amongst hunters because of it's high performance and durability. It also has Vortex's lifetime warranty.
Meet the field, the rest of the our top recommended rangefinders for hunters everywhere. While they may not be in our top two, the list below dives deep into the specs of each product with pros and cons listed in addition.
3. Halo CCL 300
If we’re going to be completely honest with you, this isn’t the highest performing rangefinder on this list. BUT, it does have a great price point for many hunters to get into the game with. And Halo is a well know and popular rangefinder brand.
A couple advantages of the CCL 300 rangefinder is that it has ranging capabilities up to 300 yards with non reflective targets. So you aren’t getting elite yardage, but if you’re hunting the woods of Minnesota, it shouldn’t matter anyway.
It also has 5x magnification and is water resistant. Allowing for you to take your optics out into the worst of weather without and concerns of it breaking down on you.
A CR2 battery comes included with the rangefinder.
The Halo CCL 300 rangefinder is one of the best budget options for hunters in 2021. It has ranging capabilities up to 300 yards with non-reflective targets.
Overall, this is a decent option for hunters that are going to be taking shorter range shots. At least within 300 yards. Just realize that you aren’t getting the same quality as you would be if you get the Vortex 1800 or the Sig Sauer 2400 above.
4. Nikon Aculon
All things considered, there are actually two rangefinders we recommend in the “most affordable rangefinders” category.
To make things easier, we categorized the Vortex Ranger 1800 as the best all around. It’s a bit more expensive than the Nikon Aculon system, but offers the same incredible warranty as Sig Sauer.
The Nikon Aculon
It comes in two different finishes, Realtree and Dark Green. This
Best features:
- Takes readings out to 550 yards
- 6X magnification
- Measure continuously for up to 20 seconds
- The everyday hunter can afford it
- Excellent starter
rangefinder
Worst features:
- It’s a cheaper
rangefinder (all things break eventually)
The Nikon Aculon laser rangefinder is another high performing rangefinder at budget prices. It has ranging capabilities out to 550 yards.
Tech specs:
- Battery: CR-2 lithium battery
- IPX4 water-resistant housing.
- Minimum distance: 6 yds.
- Eye Relief: 16.7
- Color: Dark Green / Camo
- Dimensions: 3.6“L x 1.5“W x 2.9“H
- Wt: 4.4 oz.
5. Leica CRF 1000-R
Leica is a trusted brand when it comes to 
A
It features a 7x magnification which is a set more than the usual magnification levels offered by the rest of the
1000 in the name implies the range in yards, which is a number ideal for any best
It also provides the equivalent horizontal range by taking into account the inclination or declination angle. It gives accurate measurement from a distance of 10 to 1000 yards.
The physical dimensions and specifications of CRF 1000-R and its predecessors remains the same. Only the functionalities are different. Also, the new model comes at the same price as the older ones which mean you get extra features for the same price.
The objective lens measures 24 mm and it will perfectly complement the 7x magnification. It is waterproof and comes with an AquaDura coating which will help you to use it in rainy weather and also avoid any case of slippage.
The power source used by the device is a CR2 battery which has a long lifespan. At 7.8 ounce it is highly portable.
Pros:
- Great range ideal for bow and rifle hunting
- 7x magnification with 24 mm objective lens
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- CR2 battery used in the device is not easily accessible
While on the higher end of the price spectrum, the Leica CRF will outperform most rangefinders in 2021.
6. LEUPOLD RX-1600i
LEUPOLD has come up with its latest model of
For this reason alone, we had to add it to the list of the best
RX-1600i delivers a maximum range of 1600 yards under ideal conditions. It is capable of angle compensated readings and has the digitally enhanced accuracy feature which is a change of processor from its predecessors.
The device is made of aluminum housing which can take the blunt of an impact. It has a rubber grip which ensures that there is no possibility of slippage.
This
The red LED provides crystal clear and uncluttered images for you to scan. This is a major improvement from the older versions. It has a range of 1200 yards for reflective surfaces, 900 yards for trees, and 800 yards for deer under the ideal circumstances.
It has two major modes, namely rifle and bow mode. The wind correction calculation lets you judge the shot in a much better way.
Leupold continues to dominate the rangefinder industry with the Rx-1600i. This medium priced rangefinder has a max range of 1600 yards and a two year warranty.
Pros:
- The wind correction features are the highlight of this
rangefinder - 6x magnification ideal for both bow and rifle hunting
- 3 reticle options (Plus point, duplex, and Duplex With plus point)
Cons:
- The functionalities are quite complex
- It’s not the cheapest
rangefinder on our list
7. Bushnell G-Force
Bushnell G-Force DX ARC is a 
It has blended in new technology with the existing features to deliver a
It gives angle compensated readings to the user which is ideal to make an accurate shooting.
In this model it shows the line of sight reading and just underneath the angle of the shot is displayed for a second and a half. Once it disappears, the information about the angle compensated is displayed there.
This model of Bushnell strays away from the traditional display by the use of the Vivid Display Technology. It has a red display instead of the black which can be adjusted to four different brightness levels.
The levels can be changed manually by the click of a button depending on the lighting conditions of the area. The holdover measurements are displayed in inches if you have set the unit in yards and it changes to centimeters when you have set the unit of measurement to meters.
It is equipped with the Extreme Speed and Precision (ESP) technology which brings in speed and accuracy while measuring the range. The previous version could give a plus or minus .5 yards accuracy for a range of 125 yards. But in this model, it gives the same accuracy for a range of 199 yards.
It comes in three modes, namely rifle, bow and regular. The rifle and bow mode shows the angle compensated in the display for you to take into account the incline or decline angle. Under ideal circumstances, the
It has a 900-yard range in case of trees and 600 yards if the target is a deer. Weighing at 8 ounces, the
This tough rangefinder has ranging capabilities up to 1300 yards along with ARC bow and rifles modes allowing for the most accurate sighting.
Pros:
- Target priority feature
- Adjustable screen brightness
- Sturdy construction
Cons:
- The three modes can be hard to switch back and forth from
8. Vortex Impact
Started in 2004, Vortex Optics is relatively new in the 
And one of them is the Optics Impact 850.
The design is simple and you might find some similarities between the device and Leupold. It weighs and feels the same.
The functions are controlled using two buttons which are on top of the
The gadget is coated with rubber which absorbs the impact of a fall gracefully and also keeps out the chances of slippage.
You get the ability to focus on targets accurately with the 6x magnification and the 22 mm objective lens. It is rated as waterproof with the O-ring sealed. It is set to withstand any harsh conditions.
The reflective targets would give a range of up to 850 yards and non-reflective targets over 550 yards. It has two modes for you to choose from- Horizontal Component Distance mode and Line of Sight mode. HCD calculates the distance to the target by taking the angle compensation into account.
LOS is used for more advanced shooting process using ballistics.
This is one Vortex's budget rangefinders with 1000 yard ranging capabilities and advanced modes that calculates angle compensation.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Lifetime warranty
- 850 yard ranging capacity
- Compact and waterproof
Cons:
- Non illuminated screen
9. Bushnell 202208 Bone Collector
Bushnell is a brand which has come a long way when it comes to rangefinders. Just by taking a look at 202208 Bone Collector, you would realize it is made for hunters.
Built sturdy and weighing just 10 ounces, it is the ideal
It does not have any flashy colors but has instead gone with camouflage style which is perfect to provide the invisibility you need.
It operates on a single button function, which is quite straightforward. The button is located right under your index finger, which makes the whole process lot easier.
It uses a 9-Volt battery which is a bit hard to swap as you need a screwdriver to take it off the device.
The LCD display is extremely comfortable to read under low light as it illuminates the readings. The display switches off after 30 seconds of being idle to save power. It shows the targeting reticle, the unit of measure, and the battery life.
The gadget has a range from 10 to 600 yards under ideal conditions. The 600-yard mark is reserved for reflective surfaces. For trees, it will drop down to around 400 yards and for targets like deer, it will further go down to 200 yards.
It does not have the ability to measure the range by calculating the slope differences. It comes with the ability to toggle between yards and meters. It is waterproof and can be used in rainy conditions.
Another popular rangefinder on amazon, this one has over a 1000 ratings with a 4.5 star average. It has out to 600 yards of ranging capabilites.
Pros:
- One-button operation
- High-quality optics
- Auto power saving mode
Cons:
- Battery hard to swap
- Have to switch the device off to toggle the units
- Cannot calculate slope differences
Related: Best Golf Rangefinders
10. Simmons 801600 Volt
Things can never go wrong if you are using Simmons’ 
With a vertical layout, it has a unique design which makes it easy for you to carry it with you anywhere.
With 4x magnification, it gives a great field of view for you to track targets which are close. When combined with the 20 mm objective lens, it is a match made to help you hunt easily.
It works on a single button operation which makes it easy to work around with. The button aligns itself with your index finger and makes all the operations very easy to handle.
The LCD display is exceptionally great for this price range. They have used high-quality optics technology to provide a clear and bright display to make the process of taking measurements easier. Offering a range from 10 to 600 yards, it has a distance accuracy of +/- one yard.
The range is obtained under ideal conditions and on reflective surfaces. For objects such as trees or deer, the range will be less.
It has a water resistant housing to protect it from the effects of rain. The housing is also strong and sturdy to help it take a fall or two with just a few scratches and no serious damages. The design gives you a great advantage to carry it with you easily.
It is compact and lightweight, making it an ideal companion for you on your hunting trips. The package consists of Volt 600, the instruction manual, and a carry case.
The Simmons Volt 600 rangefinder has ranging capabilities out to 600 yards and is placed in a metal housing for additional durability. It's also water proof.
Pros:
- It features a perfect design
- Simple and easy to use
- Uses 9-volt battery
Cons:
- Not so effective in low lit areas
- Does not have great range or many features
Rangefinders vs. Rangefinder Binoculars?
Recently, rangefinder binoculars became a hot ticket item in the field. And for good reason. Combining the two makes perfect sense, as it reduces overall weight and gives readings on the spot, for things further out.
Do rangefinders still have their place? Absolutely. They’re phenomenal for things like bowhunting, or in tight whitetail deer hunting, where adding a heavier piece of equipment like binoculars doesn’t always make the most sense. The bottom line is, if you’re not used to carrying binoculars around, or do not like the idea of adding weight, a simple
Check out our article, rangefinders vs rangefinder binoculars (which is better?) for more on that topic.
Rangefinder Buying Guide
Buying a
And again, if some of these units are out of budget, feel free to take a look at our top rated cheap rangefinders for 2020 article! You can check that out here if you would like!
Range
A hunting
Design
The design has to be compact, lightweight, and durable. You are carrying the
Features
A good
Ease of use
On the other hand, having a number of features can also lead to complications. A single button operation
Your need and budget
This is the most important part when it comes to the purchase of a
Conclusion
There are many great hunting rangefinders released in the year 2020. And these are our top picks. These offer great features, have great construction and design, and most importantly provide value for money.
If you’re looking to improve your chances of success in the field this year, here are three quick ways to do it. Buy a high quality
Here’s the questions we get asked the most
How does a
Similar to throwing a ball at the wall and having it return, all rangefinders work using a similar concept. The user pushes a button, laser beams hit a desired target and bounce back, providing an accurate distance reading based on the time it took the beams to return.
How much does a
Similar to other hunting optics, rangefinders vary greatly in price. A high end
What is the best golf
The Bushnell Tour V4 JOLT Laser
Who makes the best
Vortex, Swarovski, Leica, Leupold and Bushnell all make a quality
