The best crossbows under $400 aren’t going to set the world on fire but there are some models that are well suited for deer hunting and shots out to the 40-yard mark.
Let’s face it, now everyone has the cash to plop down $1500-$2500 on a top-end, state of the art crossbow capable of blisteringly fast speeds and loaded with all the latest bells and whistles.
The good news is there are some solid hunting crossbows that can be bought for $400 and under. You’re not going to get record-breaking performance, but several models have adequate power, speed and accuracy to bring down whitetail and other large game animals.
The Best Crossbows Under $400 & More Options
Top Rated Crossbows Under $300
Top Rated Crossbows Under $400
Crossbows Under $500 Top Picks
Affordable Crossbows Under $600
Best Reviews: Crossbows Under $700
Best $800 Value Hunting Crossbows
$1000 Hunting Crossbows: Top Picks For Hunters
$2000 And Under Crossbow Reviews
We will list the best hunting crossbows under $400. However, even if the bows are cheap that doesn’t mean they are going to be bad. Some of these do better than the more expensive crossbows you can find.
Like the best hunting broadheads, and other related gear, you tend to get what you pay for. Fortunately, you won’t have to pay too much over $400 for these dependable crossbow models that are all very capable of filling your tag this hunting season.
Here’s our list of the best crossbows under $400 for hunting:
1) Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow
This is a lightweight bow that’s good enough for hunting everything. Weighing at 6.2 LBS and requiring a draw weight of 160 LBS, which makes this crossbow very easy to handle. The Whitetail Hunter crossbow reaches speeds of up to 340 feet per second, and on the impact, it produces 103 foot-pounds of kinetic energy.
And as you can see from the name, this bow seems like it was made for hunting whitetails, but that’s not it. You can hunt almost anything with it, making it a piece of very versatile hunting equipment. The scope that’s on this bow is a 4 X 32 multi-reticle one that the company uses in almost all of their bows in this price range.
In regards to quality, for its price, this is a great one, and if you want to upgrade the scope, you can do so very easily because of the mounting system which is set on a Picatinny rail. Still, the bow plus scope combo is excellent, and you don’t need to change it.
With a price set at $340, the Whitetail Hunter is an incredible deal, and it offers a lot for the price. When purchasing this bow, you also get three 20-inch headhunter arrows, good enough for any hunt, a rope cocking device, and a three arrow quiver. All of these things make this bow a deal you don’t want to miss.
2) Southern Crossbow Rebel 350 Crossbow Package
The Rebel 350 is one of the oldest bows on our list, and it was made back in 2013, but that doesn’t mean that this is a lousy crossbow that isn’t going to help you fill your tag this deer season. You can see the age of the crossbow from the weight that it has which is a rather heavy10 LBS. Apart from that everything else is great about it.
This xbow requires around 155 LBS of draw weight and can shoot with a speed of up to 350 feet per second. That speed is acquired when shooting with arrows weighing at 400-425 grains, but you can reach even higher speeds if you shoot with lighter arrows, keep in mind not to use arrows that weigh below 350 grains. In fact, we suggest always sticking to the heavy side for better downrange arrow penetration.
For a scope, you get standard 4 x 32 optics, which is excellent during the daytime. The problems with this scope start to be noticeable in a darker environment or during nighttime. So if you plan on hunting during the night for predators, you better start searching for a better scope.
The Rebel 350 comes in a package filled with four field tip aluminum 20-inch arrows, a six arrow quiver, cocking rope, lube, and safety glasses. Apart from the weight and the not so good scope, everything else is good enough, and with a price point of $254 makes this an excellent alternative for anyone looking for a budget-priced crossbow capable of bringing down deer and other game animals at ranges out to 30 yards.
3) PSE Archery Fang HD Crossbow
The Fang HD by PSE Archery has probably the best price to performance ratio on this list. This xbow was built with accuracy in mind, so that will increase your success when hunting and is a proud participant in our best crossbows under $400 round-up.
Weighting around 7.3 LBS and requiring 205 LBS of draw weight makes this bow great to handle as well. As for the speed, this bow can reach up to 134 foot-pounds of kinetic energy, which makes it perfect for hunting anything.
Another great thing about this crossbow is the scope. The HDV 425 is 1.5-5 X 32 scope, and that makes it very versatile. With a scope like that, you won’t have any problems finding your prey and shooting it in low light conditions prevalent during dusk and dawn when the animals are on the move and most active.
This crossbow also has adjustable buttocks, which makes it a better option for multi-person use. You can also get three 22-inch carbon bolts with bullet points, a 5-bolt quiver, rail lube, and a cocking rope with the crossbow. The Fang HD comes packed with many great features and is an excellent deal for anyone, especially for a $379 price we see which is a nice chunk under the $400 mark.
4) Bear X Saga 405 Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow
The Bear X Saga 405 Intense Ready to Shoot Crossbow is the first out of the two from the Bear X Archery lineup designed to bring high performance to hunters at a lower entry level price point hovering around the $400 range.
We’ve seen the Bear X Saga Crossbow sold in the $299 range. And for that kind of price, you get an amazing crossbow and some great features with a full package that is tough to beat for entry-level and beginner crossbow hunters.
As for specifications, this bow weighs 7.5 LBS, and it requires a 210 LBS draw weight. You can tell from its name the speed that this bow can reach is 405 feet per second which is plenty fast to harvest most large North American game animals.
You also get an adjustable forend grip, which shows what a terrific deal this is and makes the crossbow very user friendly for shooters of different sizes.
Other things included with this crossbow are a 4-bolt quiver, cocking rope, string lube, and of course, three carbon bolts with field points. As for the scope, you get a 4 X 32 multi cross-hair, which is good enough for most shooting and hunting situations and is easy to upgrade.
As you can see, this truly is one of the best deals you can get on a crossbow. The Bear X Saga 405 is not just a great starting crossbow, but you can use it even if you have more advanced skills and more experience.
5) Bear X Intense CD Ready to Shoot Crossbow
The second crossbow from the Bear X lineup, the Intense CD, is very similar to the Saga 405. Compared to it, this bow is a little bit heavier at around 7.8 LBS, and it requires less draw weight, with it being at 175 LBS. Not the lightest in the best crossbows under $400 race but a definite contender.
Because of the lower draw weight, the speed is slightly less, set at around 400 feet per second. Apart from those, everything else is almost the same, including the scope and the package it comes with, which just like the Saga 405, includes a 4-bolt quiver, lube, cocking rope, and three Bear X True X arrows.
The Intense CD’s price is $344 which is a bit higher than the Saga 405, but that doesn’t mean that his bow is not worth it. If you decide to purchase this one, you won’t be disappointed.
CenterPoint Tormentor Whisper 380 Camo- Crossbow Package
The CenterPoint™ Tormentor Whisper 380 Crossbow Package enables you to strike quickly with pinpoint accuracy at distances up to 40 yards. Its compact design is just 14″ wide when cocked, and its hard-hitting arrows fly up to 380 fps with 120 ft. lbs. of energy.
Designed for precision accuracy and knockdown power, it’s the ultimate budget hunting crossbow under $400. This hard-hitting crossbow features quad fiberglass limbs and CNC-machined cams that drawback to 175 lbs. and deliver arrows at speeds of up to 380 fps with 120 ft.-lbs. of energy.
- Quiet and easy to shoot this is a great starter crossbow for hunters of all sizes.
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A rubberized all-weather composite stock offers smooth drawing thanks to its AccuTrigger and Padded Rubber grips and cheekpiece for enhanced control in wet or dry conditions. A harness is included for easy transportation, plus it includes the Whisper Silencing System with two string stoppers.
This crossbow is also equipped with a scope for greater accuracy and comes equipped with three 20″ 375-grain carbon bolts, three 100-grain field points, a 3-bolt quiver, and a rope cocker to get you into a hunting position quickly. Top pick in the best crossbows under $400 total package category.
Top Features:
- Compound limb crossbow is lightweight, easy to shoot, and delivers pinpoint accuracy.
- CNC-machined cam system with Quad fiberglass limbs
- Its Length is 35.5″ and Width 14″ (Cocked)
- A 7 lbs. crossbow having a draw weight of 185 lbs
- Equipped with whisper silencing system and all-weather composite stock features padded rubber grips and cheekpiece
- Shoots arrows at the velocity of 380 FPS (feet per second faster) and 120 fpe kinetic energy for powerful knockdown
- It includes integrated Picatinny rail, Anti-Dry Fire / Auto Safety system, and Scope
- The package comes with three 20″ 375-grain carbon bolts, three 100-grain field points, a 3-bolt quiver, and rope cocker.
Killer Instinct Crossbows Ripper 415 Crossbow Kit
The Killer Instinct Ripper 415 crossbow has the ability to shoot arrows at the whopping speed of 415 feet per second. It has the ability to quickly pump out arrows within a 1-inch area up to around 80 yards. This is top-notch performance in the best crossbows under $400 class.
Its flight rail is CNC-enhanced aluminum alloy, resulting in extremely accurate downrange accuracy. The proven 3.5-pound KillerTech trigger is consistent and crisp, with adjustable draw weight, allowing you to choose what works best for you.
- Integrated string shock absorbers and a 415FPS shot speed make this hunting crossbow a solid pick for under $400
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Its integrated rubber shock absorbers reduce noise and vibration for quiet operation and can generate up to 149 foot-pounds of kinetic energy to take down even the toughest game.
The Ripper is ideal for small to medium-sized game. This crossbow features an adjustable buttstock and forearm to provide the ultimate performance and custom comfort.
Top Features:
- Its Length is 35″-36.5″″ and Width (axle-to-axle) is 14.25″ (Cocked), 17.75″ (Uncocked)
- 6.9 lbs. crossbow having a draw weight of 200 lbs
- Shoots arrows at the velocity of 415 FPS (feet per second) and 149 fpe kinetic energy
- Anti-Dry Fire / Auto Safety, 3×32 mm calibrated illuminated Scope
- LUMIX 4x32mm IR-W scope
- 5-bolt quiver, 3 HYPR Lite bolts with field tips, rope cocker, rail lube
Killer Instinct Boss 405 Dead Silent Deer Hunting Crossbow
The killer instinct Boss 405 hunting crossbow is a compact crossbow for deer hunting and target practice. This crossbow is designed to be deadly accurate and silent when firing with its Dead Silent limb and string suppressors, as well as the adjustable six-position buttstock providing a comfortable fit.
This crossbow generates up to 134 foot-pounds on a hit, firing at up to 405 feet-per-second. Its 6-position adjustable buttstock comfortably fits various users, while the high-impact aluminum barrel stock is designed to withstand wear and tear from years of use in the field. This is a fast shooter and in the best crossbows under $400 category for hunting.
- Fast shooting and super quiet performance in a sub $400 hunting crossbow.
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Includes 5-bolt quiver, three premium Hyper carbon cross bolts, and practice field point. The Deadly combination of instinctive aiming, fast arrow speeds, and deadly accuracy makes this crossbow a wicked choice for the experienced hunter. A great pick for the best crossbows under $400.
Top Features:
- Compact crossbow with dead silent limb and string suppressors
- Length is 33.5″″ and Width (axle-to-axle) is 14.75″ (Cocked), 18.75″ (Uncocked)
- A 6.7 lbs. crossbow having a draw weight of 200 lbs
- Fires at 405 FPS (feet per second) and generates up to 134 foot-pounds on a hit
- Adjustable 6-position buttstock provides a comfortable fit
- Aluminium barrel stock is designed to withstand wear and tear
- Includes 5-bolt quiver, three premium Hyper carbon cross bolts
CenterPoint AXCM175CK Tactical Crossbow
The AXCM175CK Tactical Crossbow is a great crossbow for hunters that are looking to take big game like deer at ranges out to 40 yards and beyond. The kit includes a 4×32 mm scope, 3 20″ 420 gr. Carbon arrows, parallel quiver, and rope cocker.
- 175 lbs. draw weight
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This slick black crossbow has an adjustable AR-style buttstock, noise suppressing string stoppers, 175 lbs. draw weight, and an anti-dry fire and auto-safety trigger mechanism.
The auto safety trigger mechanism is quick and safe to use, while the oversized stirrups will accommodate even the largest hunting boots.
With the included sling it’s easy to carry during the hunt. The kit also includes a 4×32 mm scope, three 20″ 420 gr. Carbon arrows, parallel quiver, and rope cocker.
Top Features:
- A lightweight compound crossbow thats easy to shoot, and delivers pinpoint accuracy.
- CNC-machined cam system with Quad fiberglass limbs.
- Its Length is 32.6″ and Width (axle-to-axle) is 14″ (Cocked), 18″ (Uncocked).
- 6.7 lbs. crossbow having a draw weight of 175 lbs.
- Shoots arrows at the velocity of 370 FPS (feet per second).
- AR-style buttstock, noise suppressing string stoppers.
- Anti-Dry Fire / Auto Safety mechanism.
- 4×32 mm scope, 3 20″ 420 gr. Carbon arrows, parallel quiver, and rope cocker.
The Best Crossbows Under $400 Keep Getting Better
As you can see, there are quite a few options for the best crossbows under $400. This entry-level crossbow market has improved considerably over the past few years with more and more options becoming standard on the lower-priced hunting crossbow models.
If you are just getting into crossbow hunting and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, any of our suggestions make for a wise choice.
The Best Crossbows Under $400 Aren’t For 100 Yard Shots!
Don’t be thinking you’re John Rambo out in the words taking down giant whitetail bucks at insane distances.
Just remember to limit your shot distances to 30 or 40 yards with these crossbows in the $400 range. For super long shots reaching out to 75 to even 100 yards, you will need to spend considerably more money.
But truth be told, even the fastest crossbows shouldn’t be used to shoot animals out beyond the 50 yard mark. There’s just too much risk of jumping the string past 50 yards. But that a story for another article!
