2022 Honest Review | Best Clip-on Thermal Scopes

Best Overall:
ATN TICO LT Thermal Clip-On Systems

What Recent Buyers Report

Not much time has passed since this scope has been made available on the market for sale. So buyer reports are obviously too scarce. But as far as feedback from the experts and testers is concerned. This scope is a useful, tough and comparatively affordable addition to suit any normal daylight riflescope. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

The ATN TICO is a clip-on thermal scope that attaches securely to the objective bell of any daylight scope within a couple of seconds thanks to the unique clamping adapter. It doesn’t require you to sight or make strenuous turret adjustments for accommodation. So you can clip it on or off in a hurry if needed. 

The scope is available in five different lens sizes and two sensor options for each size. It is fairly compact and weighs a mere 1.5 lbs. The resolution, clarity, detection and recognition of this scope is just amazing. The long battery life (9+ hours) and waterproof construction are icing on the cake.

Bottom Line

The ATN TICO is a must have thermal scope for users who love their daylight scopes and obsessively want to use them, no matter what. This is a compact clip-on scope that latches to any objective bell using a clamp based adapter. The battery life is fantastic and so is the clarity. Available in many lens sizes to suit your needs. 

Runner-up:
 Pulsar Core FXQ38 Thermal Scope

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This is a scope that will cost you a lot. But there’s a reason for such a high price tag. The Pulsar Core FXQ38 is one of the best-performing thermal scopes you can find.

This scope stands out with its attention to detail and high-level performance. It has an excellent return to zero option.

You’re going to spend a lot of time looking at the scope’s display. Fortunately, the display here is excellent, with clear, bright images that won’t cause eye fatigue.

It also has great remote control functionality built in, so that you can control all of the features of the scope without scaring your target. And you can also take off the thermal lens and use it as a normal riflescope, making it versatile.

For all of the performance you get with this scope, it’s pretty lightweight and compact, adding just 190mm to the riflescope length and it weighs in at 400 grams without batteries.

What’s not to like about this scope? It doesn’t include video recording. This may not matter for some users, but it’s a little disappointing in a scope at this price. It also only allows a zoom up to 3.1x.

Bottom Line

This is one of the best thermal scopes you can buy, giving you high-resolution images on a clear and bright display. It has an incredible detection range and excellent remote controls. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s a great option for those looking for high-end performance in their thermal scope.

3. Pulsar Core FXQ50 Thermal Scope

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This is an excellent high-end scope for those that need performance in a light, compact design. It’s expensive, but worth the investment.

This scope is nearly identical to the FXQ38. The only difference? The focal length of the lens. A longer focal length means that the scope has a higher magnification, but a narrower field of view.

If you are picking between the FXQ38 and the FXQ50, consider what you are using the scope for. If you need a wide field of view, then go for the FXQ38. If, however, you want the highest level of magnification, you should choose the FXQ50.

Either way, you’ll get one of the best displays that you’ll find on any thermal scope. It gives clear, bright images and it won’t fatigue your eye.

It has a quick release and return to zero option, something that isn't often found in other thermal scopes. And it’s one of the most versatile thermal scopes that you will find, as you can simply remove the lens and use it as a regular riflescope.

It packs all of this performance into a compact build with great battery life, making it an excellent choice for those who travel.

It doesn’t have recording, which is a shame given the price. And the zoom only goes up to 3.1x, which may be too little for some users.

Bottom Line

This is an excellent choice for those that need a long-range thermal scope with a great detection range. It’s a bit expensive, but it justifies the price with its great performance and lightweight, compact design.

4. Armasight by FLIR Apollo-Pro LR 640

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This is one of the highest-end thermal scopes you can find, offering a staggering array of features.

The first thing you notice with this scope is the OLED display. It makes every image clear and crisp and gives you excellent differentiation.

Where it also stands out is with its range. The long focal length of 100mm gives this scope an incredible level of magnification. If you plan on hunting game from long distances, this is the best thermal scope for you.

Although it does all of the basics well, the scope also has some added features that help justify its price. It integrates with your smartphone, so you’ll be able to geotag and track your location whenever you use the scope. You’ll also get compass information, weather data, and terrain maps.

Additionally, you get clear video output, so you can have a record of every shot. These are bells and whistles, sure, but they are still great features, and they are all functional.

What’s the downside of this scope? It really comes down to price. This scope really is an investment. If you need a scope with incredible range, clear images, and a wide range of digital features, this is by far your best option. It just won’t come cheap.

Bottom Line

Simply the best performing scope you can find. It has incredible image quality, a great display, and a wide range of digital features. If you are willing to spend the money, it’s about as good as a thermal scope gets.

5. Armasight by FLIR Apollo 640 50mm Thermal Riflescope

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This is a high-end thermal scope loaded with features. It’s pricey but well worth it for those that want great digital enhancement, magnification, and smartphone integration.

The digital detail enhancement uses some computing wizardry to make the most of the image. This gives you clear images with great contrast, so you can recognize objects easily.

The digital magnification allows you to zoom in up to 8x. This is an impressive number and can be quite useful. However, the images will begin to blur as you reach the maximum magnification.

The scope also contains digital features that let you integrate it with your smartphone. This lets you use the scope as a ballistics calculator, with information on wind, humidity, temperature, and other climate data. For the most part, these features work well and can help out accuracy on hard shots.

It gives you great performance with a long battery life. Most users won’t have any issues running out of juice midway through a hunt.

Bottom Line

This scope comes with a pretty hefty price tag, but if you need a thermal scope with some of the best range of any option, as well as a suite of digital features, it’s an excellent option. The build is excellent as well and it comes with a great warranty. It’s an investment, but one that will pay off for most users.