5 Best Thermal Scopes for Coyote Hunting

If you are on the market for the best thermal scopes for coyote hunting, you already understand that running coyotes after dark is a completely different game than hunting at first light. I have spent years in the field chasing predators at night, and I can tell you that the right thermal riflescope is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your setup.

Coyotes are sharp, nocturnal, and incredibly difficult to pattern once hunting pressure builds. Thermal imaging flips that equation entirely in your favor. In this guide, I am going to walk you through my top picks, break down what makes each one a genuine performer in the field, and help you match the right scope to the way you hunt.

Whether you are running a call and gun setup or glassing wide-open country at distance, there is a scope on this list built for exactly that.

Best Scopes Comparison

Image	Name	Key Features	Check Price
	ATN Thor 4 640 2.5-25x	640×480 sensor, 2.5 to 25x magnification, 16+ hour battery, ballistic calculator, onboard video recording	Check Price
	Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50	384×288 sensor, 2 to 16x magnification, 1800m detection range, Stream Vision 2 app, IPX7 waterproof	Check Price
	Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60	640×480 sensor, 4 to 32x magnification, built-in laser rangefinder, 60mm objective, Stream Vision 2	Check Price
	AGM Rattler TS25 384	384×288 sensor, 1 to 8x magnification, ultra compact build, 8 hour battery, mount included	Check Price
	Bering Optics Super Yoter R	384×288 sensor, 3.5 to 14x magnification, built-in laser rangefinder, rugged housing, glove-friendly controls	Check Price

Now that you have a quick look at the lineup, let me get into the details on each one. I will cover what makes each of these scopes stand out for coyote hunting specifically, who each one is best suited for, and what you need to know before you make a decision. Coyote hunting puts unique demands on a thermal riflescope, and not every option on the market is built to meet them.

1) ATN Thor 4 640 2.5-25x (Best Overall Thermal Scope for Coyote Hunting)

If you want a single thermal riflescope that can handle every situation coyote hunting throws at you, the ATN Thor 4 640 in the 2.5 to 25x configuration is the one that consistently earns the top spot. ATN has been refining the Thor platform through multiple generations, and the Thor 4 640 represents the brand at its most capable. What makes this scope particularly well matched for coyote hunting is the combination of wide magnification range, a high-resolution sensor, and a battery system that genuinely lasts through an entire night of hunting without you needing to think about it.

At the heart of this scope is a 640×480 thermal sensor with a 12-micron pixel pitch. That sensor resolution matters more than most hunters realize. When a coyote is working the edge of a field at 400 yards, the difference between a 384-based sensor and a 640-based sensor is the difference between seeing a heat blob and seeing a clearly defined animal you can confidently identify and place a shot on. Positive target identification is not optional when you are hunting at night. Misidentifying a target is a genuine risk when you are shooting in the dark, and the extra resolution that the 640 sensor provides goes a long way toward eliminating that uncertainty.

The magnification range of 2.5 to 25x is genuinely one of the standout features here. Coyote hunting scenarios vary wildly. One stand you are dealing with a fired-up dog at 40 yards, and the next call you are watching one hang up at 350 yards across a picked cornfield. The ability to dial down to 2.5x for fast close-range acquisition and push up to 25x for detailed long-range confirmation in a single scope is a major operational advantage. The Thor 4 640’s smart digital zoom extends that range even further without a dramatic drop in image quality thanks to the high-resolution sensor behind it.

Battery life is where a lot of thermal scopes fall short for dedicated night hunters, and the Thor 4 640 addresses that directly. ATN rates the runtime at over 16 hours on a single charge, which is one of the most impressive figures in the class. That means you can run multiple stands across an entire night without ever pulling the scope off the rifle to swap a battery pack. The built-in ballistic calculator, recoil-activated video recording, and WiFi connectivity via the ATN app are all genuine field tools rather than marketing features. The ballistic calculator in particular earns its keep on longer shots where precise holdover matters.

Key Features

Feature	Detail
Sensor Resolution	640 x 480
Pixel Pitch	12 micron
Magnification	2.5 to 25x optical with smart digital zoom
Battery Life	16+ hours
Ballistic Calculator	Yes, with rangefinder integration
Video Recording	Recoil activated onboard HD recording
Connectivity	WiFi and Bluetooth via ATN app
Processor	Obsidian 4 Dual Core

Pros

• 640×480 sensor with 12-micron pixel pitch delivers enough image detail to positively identify coyotes at distances where lower-resolution sensors fall short
• The 2.5 to 25x magnification range covers every realistic coyote hunting scenario from close-in timber stands to long-range open country shots without needing a second optic
• 16-plus hour battery life is genuinely exceptional and eliminates the need to manage battery packs during all-night hunts
• Recoil-activated video recording captures every shot automatically, which is a great tool for reviewing your performance and sharing your hunts
• Built-in ballistic calculator gives you real distance-adjusted holdover data, which translates directly into cleaner shots at extended range
• ATN’s ongoing firmware update program continues to add features and improve performance well after purchase

Cons

• The depth of smart features and the onboard menu system take some time to learn, and first-time users should plan to spend a dedicated session at home getting comfortable with the interface before taking it into the field

The ATN Thor 4 640 2.5-25x is the kind of scope that changes the way you hunt coyotes at night. The battery life alone is worth the price of admission for serious night hunters, and the 640 sensor backs that up with image quality that gives you real confidence on every shot. Go check out the ATN Thor 4 640 and see for yourself why it has become the go-to thermal riflescope for predator hunters across the country.

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2) Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 (Best Thermal Scope for Long Range Coyote Hunting)

Educated coyotes in open country are some of the most challenging targets in predator hunting. These are animals that have been called to, shot at, and pressured enough to know that approaching a call inside 200 yards is a bad idea. They hang up at the edge of your effective range and wait. To deal with that problem consistently, you need a thermal riflescope that delivers real performance at distance, and that is exactly where the Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 earns its place on this list.

Pulsar is one of those brands that has built a reputation the hard way, through years of producing thermal optics that consistently perform in real field conditions. The Thermion 2 XQ50 is built around a 384×288 thermal sensor paired with a fast aperture 50mm objective lens. That 50mm lens gathers significantly more thermal energy than a 25mm or 35mm alternative, which translates directly into better sensitivity and longer detection range. Pulsar rates the detection range at up to 1,800 meters, and while practical performance in varied terrain will always be somewhat less than spec sheet numbers, the point is that this scope reaches out further than most of its competitors. Spotting a coyote slipping along a fenceline at 600 yards is genuinely possible with the XQ50 in good conditions.

The magnification range of 2 to 16x is purpose-built for open country predator hunting. The 16x upper end gives you the zoom you need to read a coyote’s body language at distance before you commit to a shot, which is especially valuable when you are trying to pick the dominant dog out of a group or when you need to verify that what you are looking at is actually a coyote and not something else. The image quality at higher magnification is solid and consistent, with Pulsar’s processing delivering smooth, naturalistic thermal imagery that reads well even in challenging thermal conditions.

One of the things I genuinely appreciate about the Thermion 2 XQ50 is its traditional riflescope form factor. It mounts and handles exactly like a conventional day scope. For hunters who switch between day and night setups, that familiarity removes one more variable from the equation. The Stream Vision 2 app connects via WiFi and gives you live streaming, remote control, and direct footage storage to your smartphone. The IPX7 waterproofing rating means this scope is not going to let you down when a rainstorm rolls in mid-hunt, and that matters when you are spending long nights in the field.

Key Features

Feature	Detail
Sensor Resolution	384 x 288
Objective Lens	50mm fast aperture
Magnification	2 to 16x
Detection Range	Up to 1,800 meters
Refresh Rate	50Hz
App Connectivity	Stream Vision 2 via WiFi
Water Resistance	IPX7
Form Factor	Traditional riflescope

Pros

• 50mm fast aperture lens delivers exceptional thermal sensitivity and long-range detection capability that is particularly valuable when hunting educated coyotes in open country
• 2 to 16x magnification gives you the zoom range needed to identify targets at distance and confirm your shot before you fire
• Traditional riflescope form factor handles and mounts identically to a daytime scope, making transitions between setups completely seamless
• Stream Vision 2 is one of the most polished and feature-complete companion apps in the thermal optics category
• IPX7 water resistance rating handles submersion and heavy rain without affecting performance
• Pulsar’s build quality and field reliability are among the most consistently praised in the hunting community

Cons

• The price places it toward the upper end of the mid-range category, so hunters on a tighter budget may need to stretch to reach it, though the performance justifies the investment for dedicated long-range predator hunters

If long-range coyote hunting in open terrain is where you spend most of your time, the Pulsar Thermion 2 XQ50 is the scope that was built for exactly that mission. Go check out the Thermion 2 XQ50 and see if it matches what you have been looking for in a dedicated predator hunting optic.

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3) Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60 (Best Thermal Scope with Built-In Rangefinder for Coyote Hunting)

Here is a truth that every experienced predator hunter figures out eventually: knowing the distance to your target is not a nice-to-have feature when you are calling coyotes at night. It is a fundamental part of making an ethical, effective shot. Coyotes rarely present themselves at convenient, easy-to-judge distances, and guessing holdover on a dog at 280 yards in the dark is not a reliable strategy. The Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60 eliminates that guesswork entirely by building a high-quality laser rangefinder directly into the scope body.

The LRF designation is what separates this model from the standard Thermion 2 lineup, and for coyote hunters the difference is significant. When a dog appears at the edge of a field and you need to know if it is at 220 yards or 320 yards before you dial in your holdover, the built-in rangefinder gives you that answer in a fraction of a second without breaking your shooting position or taking your eye off the target. That speed and convenience in a high-pressure hunting moment is genuinely valuable in ways that are hard to fully appreciate until you have experienced it.

The XG60 runs a 640×480 thermal sensor, which puts it in the premium resolution tier. That 640-class sensor, combined with the 60mm objective lens and Pulsar’s advanced image processing, produces an exceptionally clear and detailed thermal picture. The 4x base magnification paired with a maximum of 32x gives this scope the reach to spot and clearly identify coyotes at ranges that other thermal scopes simply cannot match. Dedicated competitive predator hunters and serious open-country hunters who regularly take shots past 300 yards will find the XG60’s magnification ceiling particularly useful.

The image quality at higher magnifications is where the 640 sensor and the large objective really show their combined value. At 16 or 20x on a 640-class sensor, the image stays informative and readable in a way that a 384-class sensor at the same zoom cannot match. Pulsar’s AMOLED display delivers excellent contrast and color rendering across the available palette modes, and the Stream Vision 2 app integration keeps everything connected to your smartphone for live streaming and content management. Build quality is exactly what you would expect from Pulsar’s flagship level: robust, weather-sealed, and built to last through years of hard hunting.

Key Features

Feature	Detail
Sensor Resolution	640 x 480
Objective Lens	60mm
Magnification	4 to 32x
Built-In Rangefinder	Yes, laser rangefinder integrated
Refresh Rate	50Hz
Display	AMOLED high contrast
App Connectivity	Stream Vision 2 via WiFi
Water Resistance	IPX7

Pros

• Built-in laser rangefinder delivers instant accurate distance data without breaking shooting position, which is a genuine tactical advantage in fast-moving coyote hunting scenarios
• 640×480 sensor combined with a 60mm objective lens produces some of the sharpest and most detailed thermal imagery available at this price tier
• 4 to 32x magnification range is purpose-built for hunters who regularly engage targets at long range where precise shot placement is critical
• AMOLED display delivers outstanding contrast and color accuracy that makes reading thermal scenes more intuitive and less fatiguing during long night hunts
• Stream Vision 2 app integration is seamless and gives you full scope control and live streaming directly from your smartphone
• Pulsar’s IPX7 water resistance rating and premium build quality make this scope durable enough to handle consistent hard use in all weather conditions

Cons

• The 4x minimum magnification means close-range encounters inside 50 yards require some adjustment in technique, and hunters who regularly work dense timber where short shots are common may find the lower magnification limit a constraint

The Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG60 is a purpose-built predator hunting machine that combines the best sensor technology, a class-leading rangefinder, and serious magnification in a single package. If you are serious about long-range coyote hunting, go check out the Thermion 2 LRF XG60 and see what a top-tier thermal optic can do for your success rate.

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4) AGM Rattler TS25 384 (Best Budget Thermal Scope for Coyote Hunting)

Getting into thermal coyote hunting does not have to require selling a truck. The AGM Rattler TS25 384 makes a genuinely strong case that you can enter the thermal market at a reasonable price point and still have a scope that performs well in real field conditions. If you are newer to thermal hunting, hunting on a budget, or want a lightweight secondary scope to mount on a second rifle, the Rattler TS25 deserves a serious look.

AGM Global Vision might not be the most recognizable name in American hunting circles, but the company has a solid background in manufacturing thermal and night vision equipment for commercial and government contracts. That manufacturing experience shows up in the Rattler TS25 in the form of reliable components and consistent quality control. The scope runs a 384×288 thermal sensor at a 50Hz refresh rate, which is the same baseline resolution spec you find on scopes costing significantly more. What the Rattler trades for its lower price is primarily lens size and detection range rather than core sensor performance.

The 25mm objective lens limits how far out this scope can reliably detect coyote-sized heat signatures compared to a 50mm or 60mm alternative, but inside 200 to 250 yards the image is clear, readable, and more than capable of putting fur on the ground. For hunters who primarily work wooded terrain, broken country, or tight call-and-response setups where coyotes are coming to the call rather than hanging at distance, that detection range is genuinely sufficient. Most called coyotes come in inside 150 yards anyway, and at that range the Rattler TS25 performs exactly as you need it to.

The compact and lightweight build is one of the Rattler TS25’s most practical strengths. Weighing in under 26 ounces, it sits on a rifle without throwing off the balance, and its shorter body fits naturally on everything from lightweight bolt guns to carbines. The 1 to 8x magnification range keeps things simple and fast, which suits the close-range, reactive nature of most timber and brushy coyote stands. Battery life is rated at up to 8 hours, which covers the majority of night hunting sessions. AGM includes a mount in the package, which is a thoughtful touch that saves you the additional cost of sourcing hardware separately. The video output option is there if you want to record your hunts, and the user interface is straightforward enough that you can learn it in an afternoon without consulting the manual repeatedly.

Key Features

Feature	Detail
Sensor Resolution	384 x 288
Objective Lens	25mm
Refresh Rate	50Hz
Magnification	1 to 8x
Weight	Under 26 oz
Battery Life	Up to 8 hours
Video Output	Yes
Mount Included	Yes

Pros

• One of the most affordable entry points into real thermal riflescope performance without dropping down to inferior sensor technology
• Compact and lightweight build makes it one of the easiest thermal scopes to run on a lightweight hunting rifle without affecting balance or handling
• 384×288 sensor at this price and size class is genuinely competitive and provides solid imaging quality for close to mid-range coyote stands
• Up to 8 hours of battery life covers full nighttime hunting sessions without requiring a mid-hunt swap
• Mount included in the package removes the need to source and budget for additional hardware
• Simple and intuitive controls mean you are not fighting the scope when a coyote shows up unexpectedly

Cons

• The 25mm objective lens limits detection range to around 200 to 250 yards on coyote-sized targets, which means hunters who routinely set up over large open fields or take shots past 300 yards will find the range capability a limiting factor

If you want to start hunting coyotes with thermal without stretching your budget to the breaking point, the AGM Rattler TS25 384 is a smart, capable choice that delivers where it counts for most hunting scenarios. Go check out the AGM Rattler TS25 and see whether it is the right entry point into thermal hunting for your setup.

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5) Bering Optics Super Yoter R (Best Dedicated Predator Thermal Scope for Coyote Hunting)

Some thermal riflescopes are general purpose optics that happen to work well for coyote hunting. The Bering Optics Super Yoter R is not that. This scope was designed from the ground up with predator and coyote hunting as the primary use case, and every feature decision the company made reflects that focus. For hunters who spend the majority of their thermal time specifically running coyotes, the Super Yoter R is worth your close attention.

Bering Optics is a Texas-based company, and that matters in the context of this scope. The Texas predator hunting community is one of the most demanding in the country, and Bering builds these scopes with real input from real hunters who use them night after night. The R designation in the Super Yoter R stands for rangefinder, and that built-in laser rangefinder is the feature that defines this scope’s identity for predator hunters. When a coyote slips into a field 250 yards out and you need to know whether to hold center or dial up before you take the shot, having that precise distance data available at the press of a button without moving from your shooting position is a significant advantage. It removes one of the most common sources of missed shots in nighttime predator hunting.

The scope runs a 384×288 thermal sensor at 50Hz and covers a magnification range of 3.5 to 14x. That magnification ceiling of 14x is particularly well matched to coyote hunting in open country. A coyote at 300 yards viewed at 10 to 14x on a clean thermal image gives you enough detail to pick your point of aim with confidence, which is exactly the level of information you need to make a clean, effective shot at that distance. The image processing Bering applies to the sensor output is tuned for predator hunting scenarios, producing a thermal picture that emphasizes contrast and clarity in ways that make reading coyote body language and movement intuitive.

The ergonomics of the Super Yoter R are one of the features that predator hunters who have used it consistently come back to praise. The button layout is logical and accessible with gloves on, and that matters enormously when you are calling coyotes in January at twenty degrees and your hands are not at their most dexterous. The housing is rugged and well-sealed, built to handle the kind of rough-and-tumble field use that dedicated predator hunters subject their gear to. Bering’s Texas-based customer support team is known for being genuinely helpful and responsive, which adds real value to the overall ownership experience.

Key Features

Feature	Detail
Sensor Resolution	384 x 288
Refresh Rate	50Hz
Magnification	3.5 to 14x
Built-In Rangefinder	Yes, laser rangefinder
Housing	Rugged sealed construction
Controls	Glove-friendly button layout
Customer Support	US-based Texas team
Primary Design Focus	Predator and coyote hunting

Pros

• Built-in laser rangefinder delivers instant accurate distance data at the press of a button without breaking shooting position, which directly reduces missed shots on ranging errors
• 3.5 to 14x magnification range is purpose-matched to the distances and shooting scenarios most common in dedicated coyote hunting
• Glove-friendly control layout is a practical design decision that pays dividends during cold weather hunts when dexterity is reduced
• Texas-based customer support team has a strong reputation for product knowledge and responsiveness among predator hunters
• Every feature on the scope was designed around actual predator hunting scenarios rather than adapted from a general purpose product
• Rugged and well-sealed housing holds up to consistent hard use in the varied and demanding conditions that serious coyote hunters regularly encounter

Cons

• The 3.5x minimum magnification is not ideal for close-range encounters inside 50 yards, so hunters who frequently work dense timber where coyotes come in tight and fast may find the lower end of the magnification range a little restrictive for rapid target acquisition

If predator hunting is your primary focus and you want a thermal riflescope that was genuinely built for that mission by people who live it, the Bering Optics Super Yoter R belongs on your radar. Go check out the Super Yoter R and see why serious coyote hunters across Texas and the Midwest keep coming back to it night after night.

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Conclusion

Coyote hunting at night is as demanding as it gets in the predator game, and the right thermal riflescope is the tool that makes the difference between a frustrating evening and a productive one. What stands out across all five of the scopes covered in this guide is that you do not have to spend top-dollar flagship money to get genuine, field-proven thermal performance.

The thermal optics market has matured to the point where mid-range and even entry-level options now deliver capabilities that would have required professional-grade military equipment not long ago.

Whether you are hunting educated coyotes across open country at long range, running tight timber stands where shots come fast and close, or just getting into thermal hunting for the first time, there is a scope on this list that fits the way you hunt.

Invest in the right one for your specific setup, put in the time to learn it properly before your first serious hunt, and coyotes that used to have the advantage of darkness will no longer have anywhere to hide.

See Also: 5 Best Thermal Scopes for the Money