Best for

The best smart telescope under $500

With $500 to spend, the DWARF mini scores best on the objects it frames well and its weight, followed by the Seestar S30. Telescopes above $500 are left out.

The ranking

1. 

   #1 · DWARFLAB

   DWARF mini

   • Frames 6 of 20 popular objects well
   • Official price $419

   Details and where to buySimulate a photo

2. 

   #2 · ZWO

   Seestar S30

   • Frames 6 of 20 popular objects well
   • Official price $399

   Details and where to buySimulate a photo

How this list is ranked

We only include telescopes with an official price of $500 or less. Within that budget we weigh how many of our 20 popular objects fit well (60%), how many of all 162 objects fit well (25%) and the official weight (15%). A lower price breaks ties.

Good to know

• Check what the official price includes in your country, such as shipping and taxes.
• Prices change. We show the official price from our last check, with its date on each product page.
• Extras such as a filter or a power bank add to the total if you want them.

Not sure? Take the 4-question finder →

Calculated from the specifications in our catalogue and the fit of each telescope's native field of view on our object list. We do not test hardware ourselves and never rank by commission.

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