Best Telescope Refractors Under $100 (2026)

We ranked entries by a composite value score using aperture, focal length, customer rating, included accessories, and price to identify the most practical refractors under $100

This roundup covers refractor telescopes and accessory kits priced under $100, focused on entry-level optics for beginner astronomy, travel, and youth use. Selections were ranked by a value score combining aperture, focal length, customer ratings, and included accessories to highlight practical performance for the price

Top Picks

  1. 1
  2. 2
    Telescope 70mm Aperture 400mm Refractor with Tripod

    Telescope 70mm Aperture 400mm Refractor with Tripod

    ELEFOCUS • ★ 4.2/5 • Mid-Range

    Compact 70mm aperture refractor with 400mm focal length, fully coated optics, and adjustable tripod. Includes two eyepieces, 3x Barlow lens, smartphone adapter, and wireless remote for easy celestial photography

    • portable travel-ready telescope
    • enhanced magnification with 3x Barlow lens
    • smartphone integration for imaging
    Check current price on Amazon →
  3. 3
    Telescope for kids & adults 70mm aperture 500mm refractor with tripod

    Telescope for kids & adults 70mm aperture 500mm refractor with tripod

    HEXEUM • ★ 4.2/5 • Mid-Range

    A portable astronomical refracting telescope with 70mm aperture and 500mm focal length, featuring multi-coated optics, two eyepieces, a 3x Barlow lens, finderscope, phone adapter, and remote control. Customers note easy assembly, clear views of the moon and stars, and family-friendly use

    • 70mm aperture with 500mm focal length
    • fully multi-coated optics
    • includes tripod, phone adapter, remote
    Check current price on Amazon →
  4. 4
  5. 5
    Telescope 70mm Refractor with AZ Mount

    Telescope 70mm Refractor with AZ Mount

    HEXEUM • ★ 4.1/5 • Mid-Range

    Entry-level refracting telescope with 70mm aperture and 500mm focal length. Includes two eyepieces, 3x Barlow, finderscope, phone adapter, tripod, wireless remote, and carrying case. Customers cite easy assembly and clear moon/stars views as a key benefit

    • 70mm aperture and 500mm focal length
    • multi-coated optics with diagonal mirror
    • included wireless remote and carrying case
    Check current price on Amazon →
  6. 6
    Telescope 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Refractor

    Telescope 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Refractor

    Koolpte • ★ 4.1/5 • Mid-Range

    Portable refracting telescope with 70mm aperture and 400mm focal length for bright views. Includes tripod, phone adapter, and remote control; easy to use for kids and adults. Customer notes clear, high-contrast images

    • 70mm aperture for light gathering
    • 400mm focal length with 20x-200x magnification
    • includes phone adapter and remote control
    Buy at Amazon →
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
    Celestron 1.25" Erect Image Diagonal Prism

    Celestron 1.25" Erect Image Diagonal Prism

    Celestron • ★ 3.9/5 • Mid-Range

    1.25" diagonal prism for refractor and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. Provides right‑side‑up, left‑to‑right correct images with standard 1.25" eyepieces. Customer note: solid build and clear images for terrestrial viewing

    • right-side-up images for terrestrial viewing
    • compatible with 1.25" focusers/eyepieces
    • works with refractor and Schmidt-Cassegrain optics
    Check current price on Amazon →
  10. 10

Buying Guide

Aperture matters most

Choose the largest objective lens you can afford—70mm models in this list collect notably more light than smaller hobby optics, improving views of planets and bright deep-sky objects

Check focal length and focal ratio

Focal length (e.g., 400–500mm) affects magnification and field of view; shorter focal lengths are wider-field and easier for low-power sky views, while longer focal lengths suit lunar and planetary detail

Mount and stability are key

Look for a steady tripod and a simple alt-azimuth (AZ) or equatorial-style mount—poor stability will blur views regardless of aperture or eyepieces

Included eyepieces and accessories

Kellner eyepieces, filters, and smartphone adapters add versatility; evaluate what’s bundled so you won’t need to buy basic eyepieces or adapters separately

Portability and intended use

Travel or kids’ models emphasize light weight and quick setup (benchmarked here by travel-friendly tripods and compact refractor designs), while classroom or backyard use may prioritize sturdier mounts