As an avid hunter with over two decades of experience stalking game in the darkness, I can tell you firsthand that a good set of thermal goggles is an absolute game-changer. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a big buck or wild hog through the eerie glow of a thermal display, knowing you have the upper hand even in pitch black conditions.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to test out dozens of different night vision and thermal optics across varied terrain – from the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest to the wide-open plains of Texas. And let me tell you, the technology just keeps getting better and better. The thermal goggles available in 2024 blow away what was on the market even just a few years ago in terms of image quality, detection range, and overall performance.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down my top picks for the best thermal goggles currently available, based on extensive field testing and research. I’ll cover options for different budgets and use cases, from affordable entry-level models to top-of-the-line military-grade units. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which thermal goggles are worth investing in to take your nighttime hunting to the next level.
But first, let’s cover some basics on how thermal imaging works and what key factors to consider when shopping for thermal goggles.
How Thermal Imaging Works
Unlike traditional night vision that amplifies available light, thermal imaging detects heat signatures emitted by objects and living creatures. The thermal sensor picks up these infrared heat signatures and converts them into a visible image, with different colors or shades representing temperature variations.
This allows thermal goggles to “see” in complete darkness, through light fog or smoke, and even detect animals or people hidden in brush or behind light cover. It’s an incredibly powerful tool for hunters and outdoorsmen.
The science behind thermal imaging is fascinating. All objects emit infrared radiation as a function of their temperature. Thermal sensors contain a grid of pixels sensitive to infrared wavelengths. When infrared radiation from a scene hits the sensor, it creates a temperature pattern called a thermogram. This data is then processed to create the visible image we see on the display.
Modern thermal imagers use microbolometer technology, which doesn’t require cooling and allows for more compact and affordable devices. The resolution and sensitivity of these sensors have improved dramatically in recent years, leading to the impressive performance we see in today’s top thermal goggles.
Key Factors to Consider
When evaluating thermal goggles, here are the main specs and features to pay attention to:
Resolution: Higher resolution sensors (like 640×480) provide clearer, more detailed images than lower resolution options (384×288). This impacts detection range and image quality. A 640×480 sensor has four times as many pixels as a 384×288 sensor, resulting in significantly better image clarity.
Refresh Rate: A faster refresh rate (60 Hz vs 30 Hz) means smoother imaging of moving targets. This is especially important when tracking fast-moving game or scanning large areas quickly.
Magnification: Optical and digital zoom let you get a closer look at distant targets. Optical zoom is generally preferred as it doesn’t degrade image quality, but digital zoom can still be useful for quickly identifying targets.
Detection Range: How far away the goggles can pick up heat signatures. This is influenced by factors like sensor resolution, lens quality, and the size/heat signature of the target.
Field of View (FOV): Wider FOV makes it easier to spot and track targets. However, there’s often a trade-off between FOV and magnification.
Battery Life: Longer battery life means more time in the field. Look for options with replaceable batteries or the ability to use external power banks for extended use.
Durability: Rugged, waterproof construction for all-weather use. IPX7 or IPX8 ratings are ideal for withstanding rain and accidental submersion.
Extra Features: Things like video recording, wireless connectivity, different color palettes, rangefinders, and ballistic calculators can add versatility and functionality.
Sensor Pitch: Smaller pixel pitch (like 12μm vs 17μm) generally means better image quality and sensitivity.
Thermal Sensitivity: Measured in mK (milliKelvins), lower numbers mean the device can detect smaller temperature differences. <50mK is excellent, <30mK is outstanding.
Now, let’s dive into my top picks for the best thermal goggles of 2024:
AGM Global Vision Cobra TB50 Thermal Imaging Binocular
If you’re looking for the absolute best thermal goggles money can buy, the AGM Cobra TB50 is hard to beat. I had the chance to test these out on a recent hog hunting trip in Texas, and the performance blew me away.
Key Features:
– 640×512 resolution sensor
– 1280×1024 OLED display
– 50mm germanium objective lens
– 2.7x-10.8x magnification
– Up to 2800m detection range
– 60 Hz refresh rate
– 8+ hour battery life
– Stadiametric rangefinder
– Video recording and WiFi streaming
– <40mK thermal sensitivity
– 12μm pixel pitch
The image quality and clarity on the Cobra TB50 is phenomenal. I was able to clearly make out hogs at over 1000 yards, picking up subtle heat variations to distinguish between animals. The 10.8x magnification allowed me to zoom in for positive ID and shot placement.
One night, we spotted a sounder of hogs nearly a mile away thanks to the incredible 2800m detection range. We were able to plan our stalk and get into position without the hogs ever knowing we were there. The ability to see heat signatures at such extreme distances is a huge tactical advantage.
Build quality is top-notch, with a rugged housing that’s waterproof and fog-proof. The ergonomic design was comfortable to use for hours on end. I also really appreciated the WiFi streaming capability – I was able to stream the thermal feed right to my phone to share the action with my hunting buddies.
The only real downside is the steep price tag, typically around $8,000-$9,000. But if you’re a serious hunter or professional user who demands the absolute best thermal imaging performance, the Cobra TB50 delivers.
Pulsar Accolade 2 LRF XP50 Thermal Binoculars
For a more affordable but still very capable option, the Pulsar Accolade 2 offers excellent all-around performance. I’ve used these extensively for whitetail hunting in the Midwest.
Key Features:
– 640×480 resolution sensor
– 1024×768 AMOLED display
– 2.5x-20x magnification
– 1800m detection range
– 50 Hz refresh rate
– 8 color palettes
– Built-in laser rangefinder
– Picture-in-picture mode
– Video recording and WiFi
– <40mK thermal sensitivity
– 17μm pixel pitch
The Accolade 2 produces crisp, detailed thermal imagery that makes it easy to spot deer bedded down or moving through thick cover. The built-in laser rangefinder is a great feature for accurately judging shot distance.
I’m a big fan of the picture-in-picture mode, which lets you have a wide FOV image with a magnified window inset. This makes it much easier to scan an area while still being able to zoom in on potential targets.
Battery life is solid at 7+ hours, and the unit is fully waterproof for use in any weather. Overall, the Accolade 2 strikes a nice balance of performance and value.
One memorable hunt with the Accolade 2 involved tracking a wounded buck through a dense thicket at night. The thermal imaging made it easy to follow the heat trail left by the deer, leading us right to it in a matter of minutes. Without thermal, we may never have recovered that deer.
ATN Binox 4T 384 2-8x Thermal Binocular
For hunters on a tighter budget, the ATN Binox 4T offers very respectable thermal performance at a more accessible price point. This is a great entry-level option for those just getting into thermal optics.
Key Features:
– 384×288 resolution sensor
– 2-8x magnification
– 1000m detection range
– Smooth zoom
– Video recording
– Ballistic calculator
– Dual stream WiFi
– <60mK thermal sensitivity
– 17μm pixel pitch
While the lower resolution sensor means less detail and shorter detection range compared to pricier options, the Binox 4T still provides more than enough performance for most hunting applications. I’ve used these successfully for coyote hunting out to 300-400 yards.
The smooth zoom feature is nice, allowing you to seamlessly transition from wide view to magnified image. And the ballistic calculator is handy for dialing in longer shots.
One cool feature of the Binox 4T is its ability to connect to ATN’s Radar app, which allows you to see your hunting party’s positions overlaid on a map in real-time. This is great for coordinating drives or keeping track of everyone’s location during a group hunt.
- This Bundle Contains: 1 ATN BionX 4T 384 Thermal Binocular with Built-In Laser Rangefinder | 2-8X Magnification | 1280×720 HD Display | BIX Technology | Live Streaming Capable + 1 Signature Series Power Bundle
- 24/7 LIVE STREAMING AND HD VIDEO RECORDING: Experience vibrant, seamless imagery both day and night with smooth zoom capabilities that emulate natural vision. Advanced 720p video recording at 60 fps ensures every detail is captured with exceptional clarity, regardless of lighting conditions.
- MULTI-PURPOSE LASER RANGEFINDER: Ideal for activities like hunting, outdoor sports, bird watching, and golfing. With a single click, accurately measure the distance to your target up to 1000 yards, making it an indispensable tool for any outdoor enthusiast seeking precision and versatility.
For the price, typically around $2,000-$2,500, it’s hard to beat the capability you get with the ATN Binox 4T. A solid choice for budget-conscious hunters wanting to get into thermal.
Trijicon IR-PATROL IRMO-300 Thermal Monocular
If you prefer a more compact monocular style optic over binoculars, the Trijicon IR-PATROL is worth a look. Don’t let the small size fool you – this thing packs some serious thermal performance.
Key Features:
– 640×480 resolution sensor
– 2.5x and 20x magnification
– 1000m detection range
– 30/60 Hz refresh rate
– 12 micron pixel pitch
– Rugged military-grade housing
– <50mK thermal sensitivity
– Multiple mounting options
I love using the IR-PATROL as a handheld scanning optic. The compact size makes it easy to throw in a pack or jacket pocket. But you can also helmet or weapon mount it for hands-free use.
Image quality is excellent thanks to the 640×480 sensor and small 12μm pixel pitch. And the rugged mil-spec housing means you don’t have to baby this optic in the field. It’s fully waterproof and shockproof.
The IR-PATROL is a versatile thermal optic that works great for hunting, but could also serve well for security, law enforcement, or search and rescue applications. I’ve even used it for checking my house for heat leaks and spotting wildlife in my backyard. View price
AGM ASP TM35-640 Thermal Imaging Monocular
Another excellent monocular option, the AGM ASP TM35-640 offers a ton of features and capability in a compact package.
Key Features:
– 640×512 resolution sensor
– 1024×768 OLED display
– 35mm objective lens
– 1.2x-9.6x magnification
– 1800m detection range
– Picture-in-picture mode
– Video recording & WiFi
– <50mK thermal sensitivity
– 12μm pixel pitch
This is my go-to thermal monocular for scouting and stalking. The high resolution sensor provides great image quality and detection range. And I love having both wide FOV and high magnification options in one unit.
The WiFi streaming works great for sharing your view with hunting partners. And the rugged, waterproof housing means you can use it in any conditions without worry.
One particularly useful feature is the ability to take pictures and record video directly on the device. This has been great for documenting hunts and sharing footage with friends and family.
- 640×512 resolution, high sensitivity detector
- Adaptive AGC, DDE, 3D DNR
- 1024×768 resolution 0.39-inch OLED display
- Built-in memory supports video recording/snapshot capturing
- Wi-Fi hotspot
For a monocular thermal, the ASP TM35-640 is hard to beat in terms of overall performance and features. It’s a bit pricey at around $4,000-$4,500, but the versatility and image quality justify the cost for serious users.
Tips for Using Thermal Goggles Effectively
Practice, practice, practice: Thermal imaging takes some getting used to. Spend time walking around and observing familiar areas at night to learn how different objects appear in thermal.
Understand your color palette: Most thermal devices offer multiple color options. Learn which works best for you in different conditions.
Use natural rest: When possible, rest your elbows or the device itself on a stable surface to reduce shake and improve image clarity.
Combine with traditional optics: Use your thermal to spot, then switch to a traditional scope or binoculars for detailed observation or shot placement.
Be aware of thermal signatures: Remember that recently vacated beds, sun-warmed rocks, and other objects can retain heat and show up on thermal.
Manage your battery life: Carry spare batteries and be mindful of features that drain power quickly, like video recording.
Clean your lens: Keep the lens clean for optimal performance. Use only approved cleaning methods to avoid damaging coatings.
Conclusion
Thermal imaging technology has come a long way in recent years, giving hunters unprecedented ability to spot and track game in low-light conditions. Whether you opt for high-end binoculars or a more compact monocular, adding thermal goggles to your gear arsenal will dramatically improve your nighttime hunting success.
My top overall pick is the AGM Cobra TB50 for its unmatched image quality and detection range. But there are great options at various price points to fit different needs and budgets. The Pulsar Accolade 2 offers excellent all-around performance, while the ATN Binox 4T is a solid budget-friendly choice.
Remember, thermal imaging is a powerful tool, but it’s not a magic solution. It still takes skill, patience, and ethical judgment to be a successful hunter. Use these tools responsibly and always prioritize safety and conservation.
Whichever route you go, I can promise that once you experience the game-changing capabilities of thermal, you’ll wonder how you ever hunted without it. The ability to see clearly in total darkness, spot animals hidden in cover, and track wounded game with ease will revolutionize your hunting experience.
As technology continues to advance, I’m excited to see what the future holds for thermal imaging. We may see even higher resolutions, longer detection ranges, and more advanced features in the coming years. But for now, the options available in 2024 offer incredible performance that would have seemed like science fiction just a decade ago.
Stay safe out there, respect the animals and the land, and happy hunting! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about getting started with thermal goggles or want to share your own experiences.