Tag & Timber

Crossbows · Under $500

Best Crossbows Under $500 for Deer

You don't need to spend four figures to kill a deer. The budget crossbows that shoot plenty fast and come ready to hunt out of the box.

By Stephen V.Last updated How we pick

Crossbow marketing pushes four-figure flagships, but the truth is that a whitetail doesn’t know or care what your crossbow cost. Inside sensible range, a complete sub-$500 package has far more speed and kinetic energy than you need to take a deer cleanly. What you’re really buying at this price is a ready-to-hunt kit — scope, quiver and arrows included — so you can sight in and go.

We ranked these budget crossbows on package completeness, ease of cocking, and how well they shoot for the money. Every one clears the roughly 25 foot-pounds of energy commonly cited as an ethical deer minimum with plenty to spare. If your budget stretches further, the full crossbow roundup adds mid-range and premium options.

How this is funded:we earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which product we recommend, and we’ll tell you plainly when to skip one. Full disclosure.

Quick picks

Ranked on published specs, package value and buyer fit. Select a row to jump to the full write-up. We have not tested these products — here is exactly what we do instead.

#ProductBest forPrice
1
CenterPoint Hellion 400

CenterPoint Hellion 400

A lot of crossbow for the money: 400 FPS and 185 lb draw in a complete package that regularly costs less than the accessories on a premium rig. It's the sensible buy for a hunter who wants results, not bragging rights.

Best overall under $500
$339.95 · View on Amazon

Price as of July 22, 2026. #ad How we’re funded

2
Barnett Whitetail Hunter

Barnett Whitetail Hunter

Built for exactly the hunter its name describes. It's light, easy to cock with the included rope aid, and comes ready to sight in — a clean on-ramp to crossbow hunting without overspending.

Best complete package
$429.99 · View on Amazon

Price as of July 22, 2026. #ad How we’re funded

3
Killer Instinct Lethal 405

Killer Instinct Lethal 405

The lowest-cost crossbow here that still hits 405 FPS. It's a no-frills package, but it shoots fast and comes ready to hunt — a legitimate option for a tight budget or a backup bow.

Best ultra-budget
$258.00 · View on Amazon

Price as of July 22, 2026. #ad How we’re funded

The picks in full

#1Best overall under $500

CenterPoint Hellion 400

A lot of crossbow for the money: 400 FPS and 185 lb draw in a complete package that regularly costs less than the accessories on a premium rig. It's the sensible buy for a hunter who wants results, not bragging rights.

Strengths

  • 400 FPS is far more than enough for any whitetail shot
  • Sold as a complete, hunt-ready package
  • Priced within reach of a first-time crossbow buyer

Trade-offs

  • Fit and finish are basic next to premium brands
  • Stock scope is serviceable, not exceptional
Speed400 FPS
Draw weight185 lb
Cocked widthNot published
PackageScope, quiver + arrows included

Worth knowing. 185 lb of draw weight is a lot to cock by hand; a rope cocker (usually included) roughly halves the effort and is essential for repeatable shots.

Specs read from the product listing, on July 22, 2026. “Not published” means the manufacturer does not state that figure.

#2Best complete package

Barnett Whitetail Hunter

Built for exactly the hunter its name describes. It's light, easy to cock with the included rope aid, and comes ready to sight in — a clean on-ramp to crossbow hunting without overspending.

Strengths

  • Lightweight and easy to handle from a stand
  • Complete package — scope, quiver and arrows included
  • Manageable cocking effort with the included rope cocker

Trade-offs

  • Slower than the speed-focused rigs (still plenty for deer)
  • Basic trigger and finish
SpeedUp to 380 FPS
Draw weightNot published
Cocked widthNot published
Package4x32 scope, quiver + arrows included

Worth knowing. For a first crossbow, ease of cocking and a good stock package matter more than headline speed — you'll shoot a manageable bow more accurately.

Specs read from the product listing, on July 22, 2026. “Not published” means the manufacturer does not state that figure.

#3Best ultra-budget

Killer Instinct Lethal 405

The lowest-cost crossbow here that still hits 405 FPS. It's a no-frills package, but it shoots fast and comes ready to hunt — a legitimate option for a tight budget or a backup bow.

Strengths

  • 405 FPS at the lowest price in this lineup
  • Complete ready-to-hunt package
  • Compact and reasonably light

Trade-offs

  • Basic components throughout
  • Louder than higher-end rigs
Speed405 FPS
Draw weightNot published
Cocked widthNot published
PackageScope, quiver + arrows included

Worth knowing. Even the cheapest crossbow here far exceeds the kinetic energy needed for whitetail — spend your remaining budget on good broadheads and practice.

Specs read from the product listing, on July 22, 2026. “Not published” means the manufacturer does not state that figure.

What to expect from a budget crossbow

Fit, finish and the stock scope are where the money was saved — not the killing power. Expect a slightly heavier, louder rig than a premium bow, a serviceable (not spectacular) scope, and a rope cocker in the box. None of that stops it from taking deer cleanly. What matters is that it comes complete and shoots consistently once you zero it.

Budget the extras, not just the bow

The smart money on a cheap crossbow goes to good broadheads and range time. A quality broadhead flown accurately at 30 yards does more than any amount of extra FPS. If cocking a 185–200 lb draw by hand is a struggle, a crank-cocking device is the one upgrade worth adding for repeatable accuracy.

Confirm it’s legal where you hunt

Before you buy, check that crossbows are legal for the seasons you plan to hunt — the rules vary a lot by state. Our laws-by-state guide explains what to verify with your wildlife agency.

Frequently asked questions

Can a crossbow under $500 kill a deer?

Easily. Budget crossbows produce far more speed and kinetic energy than a whitetail needs at sensible range. The extra money on premium models buys quieter, lighter, more accurate-at-distance rigs — not more killing power for deer-range shots.

What's the best budget crossbow package?

The best value is a complete, ready-to-hunt package — scope, quiver and arrows included — with manageable cocking. That's what lets you sight in and hunt without a pile of add-on purchases.

Are budget crossbows loud?

Somewhat louder than premium rigs, yes. It rarely matters for a first shot at deer range, and string dampeners can help. Prioritize a complete package and consistent accuracy over chasing quiet at this price.

What should I upgrade first on a cheap crossbow?

Broadheads and practice, then a crank cocker if the draw weight is hard to manage by hand. Those do more for clean, ethical kills than any spec upgrade on the bow itself.

Sources

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