Crossbows
Best Crossbows – Reviews, Buyer’s Guide & Top Picks (2025)
Choosing the right crossbow can be the difference between a clean, ethical kill and a missed opportunity. Today’s top hunting crossbows deliver extreme speed, accuracy, and consistency — but not every model is worth your money. Our mission is simple: to help you find the best crossbows on the market by cutting through the hype and showing you what truly performs in the field.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, we test and compare the best crossbows for hunting, target shooting, and all-around performance. From compact tactical designs to high-power compound crossbows, we review only proven gear that offers real advantages: high FPS, solid kinetic energy, smooth triggers, durable limbs, and dependable scopes that hold zero.
With so many brands and models available, choosing the right crossbow can feel overwhelming. That’s why we create straightforward reviews, comparison charts, and buyer’s guides — so you always know which features matter most: draw weight, bolt speed, cocking system, noise reduction, and overall handling. No guessing. No confusion. Just clear answers and the best options for your hunting style and budget.
Below, you’ll find our Top Picks and Expert Recommendations for 2025. Each crossbow is selected for a reason — accuracy, power, reliability, and real-world performance. When we recommend a product, it’s because we would use it ourselves.
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Hunt with confidence. Shoot with precision. Choose a crossbow that delivers when it matters most.
Top Rated Crossbows for Hunting
Crossbow Comparisons (2025)
How to Choose the Right Crossbow
Crossbow Reviews & Tests
Best Accessories for Crossbows
FAQ – Crossbows & Hunting
Ravin LR crossbow
The NEW Ravin LR sets a new standard for long-range crossbow accuracy and performance. Inspired by precision rifles, it delivers 450 FPS, 180 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, and exceptional stability up to 135 yards. Featuring a balanced, low-recoil design with an adjustable cheek comb and stock, it ensures a perfect fit for every shooter.
Equipped with a 1–8x24 adjustable scope, Picatinny rail, silent cocking system, and premium accessories — the Ravin LR comes fully assembled and hunt-ready for ultimate accuracy and power.
Ravin R470 crossbow
The NEW Ravin R470 delivers unmatched accuracy, speed, and performance for serious hunters. Firing at a blistering 470 FPS, it’s one of the fastest crossbows ever built — compact, lightweight, and engineered for precision. Powered by Ravin’s innovative HexCoil Cam System (rotating 300°), the R470 ensures effortless cocking, smooth shooting, and consistent accuracy in every shot. Measuring just 26.75 inches and 8.4 pounds, it’s built for balance and control in any hunting environment. The R470 comes fully assembled and hunt-ready, featuring a 100-yard illuminated scope, three premium arrows, a removable draw handle, and a quiver with mounting bracket.
Ravin R470 XK7 crossbow
The NEW Ravin R470 delivers extreme accuracy and speed for hunters who demand top-tier performance. Firing up to 470 FPS, it ranks among the fastest crossbows ever made — compact, powerful, and built for precision. Featuring Ravin’s advanced HexCoil Cam System, rotating the cams a full 300°, the R470 ensures smooth, effortless cocking and pinpoint accuracy in every shot. At just 26.75 inches and 8.4 pounds, it’s lightweight, balanced, and easy to handle in any terrain. This fully assembled, hunt-ready package includes a 100-yard illuminated 550 FPS Speed Lock scope, three .003 arrows, removable draw handle, and quiver with mounting bracket — everything you need for precision hunting right out of the box.
Ravin R29X XK7 crossbow
The Ravin R29X XK7 is a tactical, bullpup-style crossbow that combines power, precision, and agility. Compact and lightweight, it delivers blistering speeds up to 450 FPS, driven by Ravin’s advanced HeliCoil technology that rotates the cams 340° for maximum power and accuracy without extra bulk. Its integrated Silent Cocking System ensures whisper-quiet operation — perfect for hunters who move through tight spaces and demand total control. Finished in Kings XK7 camo, the R29X blends seamlessly into any terrain with its rugged, multi-textured design. The package includes a 100-yard illuminated scope with Speed Lock, making it hunt-ready right out of the box.
Ravin R29X crossbow
A tactical, bullpup-style crossbow, the R29X is fast and compact with integrated silent cocking. This makes it ideal for close quarter hunting with blistering speeds. Its bullpup format provides a longer powerstroke to give the R29X serious power: it’s lightning fast at 450 fps. Ravin HeliCoil technology rotates cams 340º to amp up power and maintain Ravin accuracy without adding bulk. With its integrated Silent Cocking System, the R29X keeps apex hunters quiet. You can slip through and move in tight spaces without sacrificing control or comfort.
Ravin R18 crossbow
Ravin R18 — tiny, tactical, unstoppable. The most compact Ravin ever, the R18 mini vertical-limb crossbow is built for saddle hunters and fast-moving stalks. At just 4.75" wide and 25" long (with stock), it delivers 330 FPS of reliable stopping power in a nimble, easy-to-handle package.
Ravin R10 crossbow
The Ravin R10 delivers rifle-like accuracy up to 100 yards with HeliCoil 340° cam technology for precision and power. Compact, fast, and easy to handle, the R10 is the perfect introduction to Ravin’s legendary accuracy — now available in XK7 camo with a 100-yard illuminated Speed Lock scope.
Ravin R500 crossbow
The Ravin R500 — our fastest, most powerful compact crossbow. Delivering 500+ FPS and ethical accuracy out to 100 yards, the R500 pairs HexCoil cam speed with the versatile VersaDrive cocking system for silent, controllable cocking, decocking, and shot confidence. Built for big game and long-range precision.
Choosing the right Ravin crossbow depends on your hunting style, preferred range, and performance expectations. The comparison table below highlights the most important specifications — speed, kinetic energy, weight and size — so you can quickly decide which model delivers the power and handling you need in the field.
| Model | Speed (FPS) | Kinetic Energy | Weight | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravin R500 | 500 fps | 222 ft-lbs | 8.4 lbs | 28.5″ | Maximum power & long-range hunting |
| Ravin R470 | 470 fps | 196 ft-lbs | 8.4 lbs | 26.75″ | High performance & all-around hunting |
| Ravin R470 XK7 | 470 fps | ~196 ft-lbs | 8.4 lbs | 26.75″ | R470 in camo – stealth hunting |
| Ravin R29X | 450 fps | 180 ft-lbs | 6.75 lbs | 29″ | Ultra-compact power & mobility |
| Ravin R29X XK7 | 450 fps | ~180 ft-lbs | 6.75 lbs | 29″ | R29X camo – compact stealth hunting |
| Ravin R18 | 330 fps | 85 ft-lbs | 6.0 lbs | 25″ | Small game & beginners |
| Ravin R10 | 400 fps | 142 ft-lbs | 6.8 lbs | 33″ | Best value for most hunters |
| Ravin LR (Long Range) | – | – | – | – | Long-range precision (specs vary by setup) |
*Specifications based on manufacturer data. Performance may vary by bolt weight and setup.
If you’re looking for maximum stopping power and long-range accuracy, the R500 stands at the top. For a balanced option that fits most hunters, the Ravin R10 offers outstanding value. Compact shooters, on the other hand, will love the maneuverability of the R29X.
Explore our in-depth reviews below to see real-world results, pros and cons, and the best deals for each model.
If you’re looking for maximum stopping power and long-range accuracy, the R500 stands at the top. For a balanced option that fits most hunters, the Ravin R10 offers outstanding value. Compact shooters, on the other hand, will love the maneuverability of the R29X.
Explore our in-depth reviews below to see real-world results, pros and cons, and the best deals for each model.
