Smart telescopes have revolutionized the way we explore the cosmos, making stargazing accessible to more people than ever before. With user-friendly interfaces and advanced features, these devices bring the wonder of the universe into your backyard, no matter your level of expertise.
The market in 2025 offers a versatile range of models that cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned astronomer, there’s a smart telescope designed to fit your specific needs. In this article, I’ve handpicked some of the best models available this year, categorized by their price ranges.
We’ll be looking at various models starting with budget-friendly options like the Dwarf 3 and Seestar S30, which won’t break the bank, but still offer impressive features. Then, we’ll examine mid-range telescopes like the Vaonis Vespera 2 and Unistellar Equinox 2 that offer more bang for your buck if you’re ready to spend a bit extra. Finally, I’ll guide you through the high-end telescopes like the Unistellar Odyssey Pro and Vaonis Vespera Pro for those seeking cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance.
When choosing these models, I considered factors such as optics quality, ease of use, and cutting-edge technology. Whether your interest lies in casual observation, detailed astrophotography, or deep-sky exploration, this guide aims to assist you in finding the perfect telescope for your needs and budget. Let’s embark on this cosmic journey.
Budget-Friendly Smart Telescopes Under $1000
Smart telescopes under $1000 are perfect for those just starting on their stargazing journey or folks who want an affordable yet capable device. Here, I want to highlight a couple of excellent options: the Dwarf 3 and Seestar S30.
The Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope, available for $499 is an innovative, compact device designed to make astrophotography and terrestrial photography accessible to enthusiasts of all levels. Combining a small telescope, dual camera system, and computerized mount, it enables users to effortlessly capture images of celestial objects and landscapes.
Key Features
- Dual-Lens System: The Dwarf 3 is equipped with a 150mm telephoto lens for capturing distant celestial bodies and a 6.7mm wide-angle lens for broader views, making it ideal for both astrophotography and terrestrial photography.
- High-Resolution Sensor: Utilizing a Sony IMX678 sensor with 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution, this telescope ensures sharp and detailed images, particularly for deep-sky objects.
- Integrated Filters: The built-in Astro Filter enhances broadband imaging, while the Dual-Band Filter isolates specific wavelengths, improving the visibility of emission nebulae.
- Automated Star Tracking & Image Stacking: The Dwarf 3 compensates for the Earth’s rotation with automatic tracking and field rotation correction, ensuring smooth, stable captures of celestial objects. Its image stacking and AI-powered noise reduction refine the final output for clarity.
- App-Based Control: With Wi-Fi and NFC pairing, users can easily connect their smartphone or tablet to the DWARFLAB app (available on iOS & Android) for seamless wireless operation.
Pros
· Highly Portable: Its lightweight, compact design makes it convenient to carry and set up in different locations.
· Beginner-Friendly: The user interface is intuitive, and its automated features simplify the astrophotography process for newcomers.
· Multi-Purpose Use: Thanks to its dual-lens system and built-in filters, it excels in both astronomy and daytime photography.
· Budget-Friendly: Despite offering advanced features, the Dwarf 3 is relatively affordable, making it a great choice for those starting out in astrophotography.
Cons
· Smaller Aperture: The 35mm aperture limits light-gathering capability, which can affect performance in very low-light environments.
· Shorter Focal Length: With a 150mm focal length, it may struggle to capture finer details of very distant celestial objects.
· Limited Battery Life: Extended observation sessions may require an external power source to prevent interruptions.
· Tripod Sold Separately: Users must purchase a compatible tripod separately, as it’s not included with the telescope.
On the other hand, the Seestar S30, at $349, offers a budget-friendly way to take impressive sky photos. The SeeStar S30 is designed to make astronomy accessible to beginners and enthusiasts alike. Its compact design and user-friendly features allow users to explore the night sky with ease.
Key Features:
- Wide Field of View: The SeeStar S30 offers a larger field of view compared to its counterparts, making it ideal for capturing expansive celestial objects like galaxies and nebulae.
- Integrated Wide-Angle Camera: Equipped with a wide-angle camera, it enhances lunar and solar observations, providing detailed images of these celestial bodies.
- User-Friendly Operation: Designed for ease of use, the S30 allows users to start observing with minimal setup, making it suitable for those new to astronomy.
Pros:
- Portability: Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to transport and set up in various locations.
- Affordability: Priced at $349, it offers a cost-effective option for those looking to delve into stargazing without a significant financial investment.
- Versatility: The wide field of view and integrated camera make it suitable for both deep-sky and solar system observations.
Cons:
- Image Sharpness: Some users have reported that images, particularly of the moon, appear overly sharpened, which may be due to the software’s processing algorithms.
- Limited Availability: As a new product, availability may be limited in certain regions, leading to potential backorders.
The SeeStar S50 ($499) is similar to the S30 but has notable differences. The Seestar S50 and Seestar S30 are both compact and budget-friendly smart telescopes. The Seestar S50 features a 50mm aperture, which allows for better light-gathering capability and improved deep-sky imaging compared to the 30mm aperture of the Seestar S30. The S30 also includes a secondary lens, allowing two different fields of view when selecting the target. Additionally, the S30 includes autofocus and AI-enhanced image processing, making it easier to capture sharp and detailed images, while the S50 relies on more basic tracking and image stacking technology. The S50 is also slightly larger and heavier, but it compensates with improved performance for both planetary and deep-sky observations. On the other hand, the S30 is more compact and affordable, making it a great entry-level option for beginners who want a simple and portable smart telescope. Overall, the S50 offers good imaging quality while the S30 prioritizes portability and affordability and more advanced features.
These models stand out for their affordability, straightforward operation, and sufficient capability for most beginner-level needs. If you’re looking to ease into the world of astronomy without putting a dent in your wallet, the Dwarf 3, SeeStar S50 and Seestar S30 offer terrific value for money. As you grow in your celestial hobby, these units can serve as your steppingstone to even more advanced equipment.
Mid-Range Smart Telescopes Between $1000 and $3000
When stepping up your astronomy game, mid-range smart telescopes provide an excellent balance between price and performance. These models offer enhanced features for serious enthusiasts who are ready to invest a little more in their hobby. Significant improvements over the more affordable options include larger aperture, better and larger sensors and more advanced features.
The Vaonis Vespera II ($1690) is a cutting-edge smart refractor telescope designed to make astronomy accessible to both beginners and seasoned stargazers. Building upon its predecessor, the Vespera, this model offers enhanced features and improved performance, all within a sleek and compact design.
Key Features:
- High-Resolution Imaging: Equipped with an 8.3-megapixel camera, the Vespera II captures detailed images of celestial objects, allowing users to explore the night sky with clarity.
- Enhanced Field of View: The telescope boasts a 2.5 x 1.4-degree native field of view, providing a broader perspective of the cosmos and making it easier to locate and observe various celestial phenomena.
- User-Friendly App Integration: Controlled via the Singularity app, available on smartphones and tablets, the Vespera II offers an intuitive interface for selecting targets, initiating observations, and processing images, making astronomy more accessible to users without extensive technical knowledge.
- Compact and Portable Design: Weighing approximately 11 lbs (5 kg) and measuring 40 x 20 x 9 cm when closed, the Vespera II is designed for easy transportation and setup, allowing users to take it to various observation sites with minimal effort.
Pros:
- Exceptional Image Quality: The Vespera II delivers impressive astrophotographs, capturing detailed views of galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects, even in areas with light pollution.
- Automated Operation: With features like automatic slewing and focusing, users can enjoy a hassle-free stargazing experience, allowing them to focus on observation rather than equipment setup.
- Affordable for a Smart Telescope: Positioned at a competitive price point, the Vespera II offers a balance between advanced features and cost, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in a smart telescope.
Cons:
- Limited Planetary Imaging: While the Vespera II excels at capturing deep-sky objects, its performance in imaging planets is less impressive, which may be a consideration for users interested in planetary observation.
- App Interface Needs Improvement: Some users have reported that the Singularity app’s user interface could benefit from enhancements to improve usability and overall experience.
- Short Tripod Height: The standard tripod included with the Vespera II is relatively short, which might require users to find elevated surfaces or consider alternative mounting solutions for comfortable viewing.
- Aperture is still a relatively small 50 mm
The Unistellar Odyssey ($2299) is a state-of-the-art smart telescope designed to simplify stargazing and astrophotography for users of all levels. By integrating advanced technology with user-friendly features, it offers an accessible way to explore the cosmos. The aperture is 85 mm and the focal length is 320mm.
Key Features:
- Automated Setup: The Odyssey eliminates the need for manual adjustments like collimation, allowing users to begin their celestial observations swiftly.
- Enhanced Vision Technology: Utilizing real-time image stacking, this feature enhances the visibility of faint celestial objects, providing clearer and more detailed images.
- User-Friendly App Integration: Controlled via a dedicated smartphone app, the Odyssey offers an intuitive interface for selecting and observing celestial targets, making it suitable for both novices and seasoned astronomers.
Pros:
- Ease of Use: With its automated setup and intuitive app control, the Odyssey is designed for hassle-free operation, appealing to users without extensive astronomical experience.
- Portability: Weighing approximately 4 kg (8.8 lbs) for the telescope and an additional 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) for the tripod, the Odyssey is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and set up in various locations.
- Imaging Quality: The Odyssey delivers impressive imaging capabilities, capturing sharp and detailed views of various celestial objects, including galaxies and star clusters.
Cons:
- No Live View Eyepiece: Unlike the Odyssey Pro model, the standard Odyssey lacks a live view eyepiece, which may be a drawback for users who prefer direct visual observation.
- Premium Pricing: Positioned as a high-end smart telescope, the Odyssey comes with a significant price tag, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
Then there’s the Unistellar Equinox 2, which sits at $2499 (without backpack). Building upon its predecessor, the eQuinox, this model offers enhanced features and improved performance, all within a sleek and compact design.
Key Features:
- Enhanced Vision Technology: The eQuinox 2 utilizes real-time image stacking to amplify the visibility of faint celestial objects, providing clearer and more detailed images.
- Deep Dark Technology automatically filters out light pollution.
- User-Friendly App Integration: Controlled via the Unistellar app, available on smartphones and tablets, the eQuinox 2 offers an intuitive interface for selecting targets, initiating observations, and processing images, making astronomy more accessible to users without extensive technical knowledge.
- Compact and Portable Design: Weighing approximately 9 kg (19.8 lbs), the eQuinox 2 is designed for easy transportation and setup, allowing users to take it to various observation sites with minimal effort.
Pros:
- Exceptional Image Quality: The eQuinox 2 delivers impressive astrophotographs, capturing detailed views of galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects, even in areas with light pollution.
- Automated Operation: With features like automatic slewing and focusing, users can enjoy a hassle-free stargazing experience, allowing them to focus on observation rather than equipment setup.
- Community Engagement: The Unistellar app includes a community feature, allowing users to share their observations and participate in citizen science projects, fostering a sense of collaboration among astronomy enthusiasts.
- Huge 114mm aperture
Cons:
- Premium Pricing: Positioned as a high-end smart telescope, the eQuinox 2 comes with a significant price tag, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited Manual Control: While the automated features are beneficial for beginners, advanced users might find the lack of manual control options limiting for certain observations.
These mid-range options offer robust performances and various features that justify their price tags. They nicely bridge the gap between entry-level models and high-end telescopes, making them a solid choice if you’re looking to deepen your astronomical pursuits without jumping straight into top-tier pricing.
Premium Smart Telescopes Over $3000
For those who are not just enthusiasts but true connoisseurs of the night sky, the selection of premium smart telescopes in this category offers unrivaled technology and detail. While the prices are steep, what they bring to the table justifies the investment for many dedicated astronomers.
The Vaonis Vespera Pro ($2999) is an advanced smart telescope designed to provide users with an intuitive and immersive stargazing experience. Building upon the features of the standard Vespera model, the Vespera Pro incorporates additional enhancements to cater to both novice and experienced astronomers. I include this scope in the over $3000 category because for all intents and purposes, it is $3000 and has advanced features.
Key Features:
- High-Resolution Imaging: The Vespera Pro is equipped with a 12.5-megapixel camera, utilizing the ultra-sensitive Sony IMX676 Starvis 2 sensor, allowing for detailed and vibrant captures of celestial objects.
- CovalENS Technology: This exclusive feature enables live panorama capture, allowing users to create expansive views of the night sky seamlessly.
- Enhanced Optics: The telescope boasts premium quality optics, including a new field corrector, ensuring sharp and clear images across the entire field of view.
- User-Friendly App Integration: Controlled via the Singularity app, available on smartphones and tablets, the Vespera Pro offers an intuitive interface for selecting targets, initiating observations, and processing images, making astronomy more accessible to users without extensive technical knowledge.
- Compact and Portable Design: Weighing approximately 11 lbs (5 kg) and measuring 18.89 x 7.87 x 3.54 inches (48 x 20 x 9 cm), the Vespera Pro is designed for easy transportation and setup, allowing users to take it to various observation sites with minimal effort.
Pros:
- Exceptional Image Quality: The Vespera Pro delivers impressive astrophotographs, capturing detailed views of galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects, even in areas with light pollution.
- Automated Operation: With features like automatic slewing and focusing, users can enjoy a hassle-free stargazing experience, allowing them to focus on observation rather than equipment setup.
- Extended Battery Life: The telescope offers up to 11 hours of battery life, ensuring prolonged observation sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
- Generous Internal Storage: With 225 GB of internal storage, users can capture and store a vast number of high-resolution images directly on the device.
Cons:
- Premium Pricing: Positioned as a high-end smart telescope, the Vespera Pro comes with a significant price tag, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited Manual Control: While the automated features are beneficial for beginners, advanced users might find the lack of manual control options limiting for certain observations.
Improvements Over the Standard Vespera 2:
- Enhanced Imaging Sensor: The Vespera Pro features a larger and more sensitive sensor compared to the standard Vespera, resulting in higher resolution and more detailed images.
- CovalENS Technology: Exclusive to the Pro version, CovalENS allows for live panorama captures, providing users with the ability to create wide-field images of the night sky.
- Improved Optics: The inclusion of a new field corrector in the Vespera Pro ensures sharper images across the entire field of view, enhancing the overall image quality.
- Extended Battery Life and Storage: The Pro version offers longer battery life and increased internal storage compared to the standard Vespera, allowing for extended observation sessions and the ability to store more high-resolution images.
The Unistellar Odyssey Pro ($3999) is an advanced smart telescope designed to provide users with an intuitive and immersive stargazing experience. Building upon the features of the standard Odyssey model, the Odyssey Pro incorporates additional enhancements to cater to both novice and experienced astronomers.
Key Features:
- Nikon Digital Eyepiece: A standout feature of the Odyssey Pro is its integrated Nikon digital eyepiece, which offers ultra-high contrast views on an OLED screen. This eyepiece includes a diopter adjustment wheel to accommodate individual vision preferences, providing a unique and immersive visual experience.
- Automatic Focusing and Alignment: The Odyssey Pro is designed for ease of use, featuring automatic focusing and plate-solving capabilities. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments, allowing users to begin their observations quickly and effortlessly.
- Compact and Portable Design: Weighing approximately 4 kg (8.8 lbs), the Odyssey Pro is notably smaller and lighter than other models like the eVscope 2 and Equinox 2, enhancing its portability for on-the-go stargazing.
- User-Friendly App Integration: Controlled via an intuitive app available on iOS and Android devices, the Odyssey Pro allows users to easily select celestial targets, initiate observations, and process images, making astronomy more accessible to a wider audience.
Pros:
- Enhanced Visual Experience: The inclusion of the Nikon digital eyepiece provides users with a direct and immersive way to observe celestial objects, combining digital imaging with traditional viewing.
- Simplified Operation: Automatic features such as focusing and alignment reduce the learning curve, making the Odyssey Pro suitable for users of all experience levels.
- Portability: Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to transport, allowing for spontaneous stargazing sessions in various locations.
Cons:
- Premium Pricing: With a price point of $3,999, the Odyssey Pro is positioned in the higher-end market, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited Manual Control: While the automated features enhance ease of use, advanced users seeking manual control options for specific observations might find the system limiting.
- Compared to other pricey models, the aperture is not as large, coming in at 85mm.
- No hand control
- Eyepiece is nice, but is it worth it?
Improvements Over the Standard Odyssey:
- Digital Eyepiece Integration: Unlike the standard Odyssey model, the Odyssey Pro includes a Nikon digital eyepiece, offering an enhanced visual experience through direct observation.
- Enhanced Imaging Capabilities: The Odyssey Pro features a higher-resolution imaging system with a 6.2 MP sensor, providing clearer and more detailed images compared to the standard Odyssey.
The Celestron Origin ($3999) is an advanced smart telescope designed to simplify deep-sky observation and astrophotography for users of all experience levels. Combining automated features with high-quality optics, it offers a user-friendly experience for exploring the cosmos. See my full review here.
Key Features:
- Optical Design with large aperture: The Origin features a 6-inch (152mm) f/2.2 optical system, enabling rapid light collection for bright and detailed images of deep-sky objects.
- Automated Functionality: Equipped with a fully motorized alt-azimuth mount, the telescope autonomously aligns, focuses, and tracks celestial targets, streamlining the observation process.
- Integrated Imaging: Utilizing a back-illuminated Starvis CMOS sensor, the Origin captures high-sensitivity images with low noise, facilitating real-time viewing and sharing via connected devices.
- User-Friendly App: The accompanying mobile application allows users to select celestial objects, control the telescope, and view live images, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Innovative company with many years of experience
Pros:
- Ease of Use: The Origin’s automated setup and operation make it accessible for beginners, eliminating the need for manual alignment and focusing.
- High-Quality Imaging: Its fast optics and sensitive sensor provide bright, detailed images of deep-sky objects, even in light-polluted areas.
- Real-Time Sharing: The ability to stream live images to multiple devices makes it ideal for group viewing and educational purposes.
- Large Aperture
- Real-time stacking
Cons:
- Weight: At approximately 41.6 pounds (18.6 kg), the Origin is heavier than some other smart telescopes, which may affect portability.
- Price Point: With a price of $3,999, it represents a significant investment, potentially limiting its appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
- Lack of Eyepiece: The Origin does not include a traditional eyepiece, relying solely on digital displays for viewing, which may not appeal to all users.
The Unistellar eVscope 2 ($4899) is a state-of-the-art smart telescope designed to make astronomy accessible to both beginners and seasoned stargazers. Building upon its predecessor, the eVscope, this model offers enhanced features and improved performance, all within a sleek and compact design.
Key Features:
- Enhanced Vision Technology: The eVscope 2 utilizes real-time image stacking to amplify the visibility of faint celestial objects, providing clearer and more detailed images.
- Nikon Electronic Eyepiece: A notable addition to the eVscope 2 is its electronic eyepiece, designed in collaboration with Nikon, which offers an immersive observing experience by displaying images directly through the eyepiece.
- User-Friendly App Integration: Controlled via the Unistellar app, available on smartphones and tablets, the eVscope 2 offers an intuitive interface for selecting targets, initiating observations, and processing images, making astronomy more accessible to users without extensive technical knowledge.
- Compact and Portable Design: Weighing approximately 9 kg (19.8 lbs), the eVscope 2 is designed for easy transportation and setup, allowing users to take it to various observation sites with minimal effort.
Pros:
- Exceptional Image Quality: The eVscope 2 delivers impressive astrophotographs, capturing detailed views of galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects, even in areas with light pollution.
- Automated Operation: With features like automatic slewing and focusing, users can enjoy a hassle-free stargazing experience, allowing them to focus on observation rather than equipment setup.
- Community Engagement: The Unistellar app includes a community feature, allowing users to share their observations and participate in citizen science projects, fostering a sense of collaboration among astronomy enthusiasts.
Cons:
- Premium Pricing: Positioned as a high-end smart telescope, the eVscope 2 comes with a significant price tag, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited Manual Control: While the automated features are beneficial for beginners, advanced users might find the lack of manual control options limiting for certain observations.
Improvements Over the Standard eVscope:
- Higher Resolution Sensor: The eVscope 2 is equipped with a 7.7-megapixel Sony sensor, an upgrade from the 4.9-megapixel sensor in the original eVscope, resulting in sharper and more detailed images.
- Enhanced Eyepiece Experience: The collaboration with Nikon has led to the inclusion of an electronic eyepiece, providing users with a more traditional observing experience alongside digital enhancements.
In opting for any of these high-end telescopes, you’re investing in more than just equipment; it’s an entry into an enriched space experience that few other hobbies can offer. A cornerstone for any serious astronomer’s toolkit, these models bring celestial views closer to check things off your observation list like never before.
Buying Guide: What to Consider Before Buying a Smart Telescope
Choosing the right smart telescope involves more than just picking one with the latest features. Consider your specific needs and how you plan to use the device before making a decision. Being clear on these aspects will ensure you make an informed choice that satisfies both your aspirations and budget.
Think about what you’ll be using the telescope for. If you’re interested mostly in planetary observation or astrophotography, you’ll want a model with good magnification and superior optics. Meanwhile, for those aiming to capture deep-sky objects, a larger aperture and advanced imaging capabilities are essential.
Budget plays a crucial role as well. It’s easy to get swayed by luxury models, but sometimes a mid-range device might actually serve your purpose well without the high price tag. Consider what features are necessary for you versus those that might just be enticing frills.
Portability can also be a significant factor. If you plan on taking your telescope to different locations, opt for a model that’s easy to transport. Devices like the Vaonis Vespera 2 are great for on-the-go stargazing while still offering quality performance.
Technological capabilities such as AI integration, app control, and connectivity options are becoming increasingly important. These features can enhance the usability of your telescope and make otherwise complex tasks like aligning lenses straightforward. However, having stable internet access may be a prerequisite for these functions.
Think ahead with future trends in smart telescopes—automation and remote observation are growing. Investing in a model that supports upcoming tech innovations could be beneficial in the long run.
In summary, take the time to assess these criteria before investing in a smart telescope. Your decision should be guided by personal interest, practical needs, and the excitement of exploring the cosmos. With the right tools, the universe is yours to discover!
Conclusion: Best Choices for Every Stargazer
With the variety of smart telescopes available in 2025, selecting the perfect one depends on aligning your interests with the features and capabilities of these telescopes. Each model caters to different needs and budgets, offering unique ways to experience the thrill of stargazing.
For those just beginning or looking for budget-friendly options, the Dwarf 3 and Seestar S30 offer a fantastic introduction with their balance of affordability and functionality. They’re simple yet effective in waking up the astronomer inside without overwhelming you with complex features.
In the mid-range category, options like the Vaonis Vespera 2 and Unistellar Equinox 2 provide more advanced tools for those ready to elevate their sky-gazing activities. These telescopes present a sweet spot, offering higher-end capabilities while keeping an eye on feasibility.
High-end models such as the Unistellar Odyssey Pro and Evscope 2 unveil intricate details of deep space, perfect for dedicated hobbyists and professionals craving comprehensive exploration. Their state-of-the-art features can make a huge difference in what you see and capture, making the investment worthwhile for serious astronomy.
Ultimately, the best choice is one that meets your stargazing aspirations and technical preferences. Let the types of celestial bodies you wish to observe and your interest in astrophotography guide your selection.
Remember that the beauty of a smart telescope is in how it ushers you into a universe filled with wonders, whether you’re viewing bright planets, distant galaxies, or the sprawling Milky Way. The right telescope will open doors to new discoveries and unique experiences, expanding your cosmic curiosity.
As you move forward with your telescope choice, may it bring many nights of fascination and awe as you connect more deeply with the universe around us. Happy stargazing!
Final Recommendations:
Budget: Dwarf 3
Mid-Range: Vespera 2 (Odyssey if you have significant light pollution)
Premium: Celestron Origin (despite the weight) (EVScope if you like observing AND photographing)