Best telescopes 2024: For stargazing galaxies, nebulas and more

Man uses one of the best telescopes and binoculars to look at the night sky as the sun sets and telescopes are on tripods around him
The best telescopes offer up stunning views of the night sky. (Image credit: Getty)

The best telescopes allow astronomers to access exceptional views of the night sky, from stars and planets to galaxies and nebulas. They come in a range of configurations, with different optical systems, aperture sizes, and technology; this guide break down the jargon and runs through the factors that matter when choosing a telescope.

If you're a beginner, you might want to opt for an automated GoTo telescope to remove the challenge of finding and pinning down your targets, but we've also included manual telescopes and telescopes with advanced optics for more experienced users looking to take their stargazing to the next level. Some of the options on our list even come with new smart technology and features to help you with astrophotography. Our expert reviewers have extensively tested most of the telescopes in this guide, so you can be sure you are getting a reliable piece of kit.

We've included telescopes suitable for a range of different purposes in this guide, but if you have something specific in mind, we also have lists of the best telescopes for seeing planets, best telescopes for deep space, best smart telescopes and best beginner telescopes. And if you're looking for a gift for the younger astronomers in your life, we also have a guide to the best telescopes for kids.  

The quick list

Best telescopes 2024 that we recommend

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Best for beginners

Best for finding planets: It can find celestial objects easily with Celestron's SkyAlign technology.

Specifications

Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized Alt-Azimuth
Aperture: 4-inches / 102mm
Focal length: 1325mm
Highest useful magnification: 241x
Lowest useful magnification: 15x
Supplied eyepieces: 25mm
Weight: 23 lbs (10.44kg) fully assembled

Reasons to buy

+
Quick, uncomplicated setup
+
Celestron's high-quality build
+
SkyAlign technology

Reasons to avoid

-
Restrictive portability
-
Narrow field of view
-
Power hungry
Buy it if

✅ It's your first telescope: This scope is easy to use and set up, making it perfect for beginner astronomers. 

✅ You want GoTo technology: You can easily find and track specific celestial objects with little or no prior knowledge.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to travel with it: This telescope isn't the most portable as the tripod doesn't fold down entirely.

The bottom line:

🔎 Celestron NexStar 4SE: If you want to view the planets and bright objects in the sky quickly and effortlessly, the Celestron NexStar 4SE will certainly do the job. ★★★★

The Celestron NexStar 4SE is a fantastic choice for beginners thanks to its fully computerized mount. Celestron's SkyAlign technology identifies the current date and time as well as your location to auto-find various targets within the night sky at the push of a button, making it easy for newcomers to get to grips with stargazing.

This telescope has a 4-inch (102mm) aperture and a focal length of 1,325mm, enough to give sharp views of the planets and other bright sky objects. The downside is that this combination results in a fairly narrow field of view of only 1.2 degrees, which means you will struggle to fit bigger deep sky objects into the view. The NexStar 4SE comes with a 25mm Plossl eyepiece, but we think you'll get better results if you purchase an additional 32mm eyepiece and Barlow lens to make the most of the 241x highest useful magnification.

This telescope is very sturdy in design, which is reflected in its weight. At 23 lbs (10.4 kg) the NexStar 4SE is far from the lightest on this list, nor is it the most portable, as its accompanying tripod doesn't fold down completely. 

Another thing to note about this telescope is how power-hungry it is; the mount tears through the 8xAA batteries required so quickly, we'd recommend using an external power source instead. Because of this, the NexStar 4SE is perhaps best suited for those who want to stargaze from their backyard rather than take it on the go.

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Celestron NexStar 4SE
AttributesNotes
DesignSolid and sturdy build, signature orange colors.
PerformanceGreat for observing the moon and planets.
FunctionalityAlignment correction can be tricky.

Best budget telescope

Best budget telescope for for budding skywatchers who want to get up and running quickly

Specifications

Optical design: Refractor
Mount type: Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 3.94-inches / 100mm
Focal length: 660mm
Highest useful magnification: 241x
Lowest useful magnification: 15x
Supplied eyepieces: 10mm, 25mm
Weight: 20 lbs (9.07kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent range of accessories
+
Great intro to astrophotography
+
Easy to assemble

Reasons to avoid

-
Slight false color in optics
-
Limited to short exposure photography
Buy it if

✅ You're a beginner: We found it easy to set up and take down, perfect for beginners.

✅ You want to take astro shots on your smartphone: The lens cap cleverly turns into a smartphone holder so you can capture images of the night sky.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You aren't confident locating objects yourself: This telescope doesn't have GoTo technology, so you'll need to be able to locate specific celestial objects yourself (or with the help of a stargazing app).

❌ You want detailed views of deep sky objects: While this telescope can give great views of planets and the moon, objects further away may appear a little underwhelming.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron Inspire 100az: Aimed at beginners and those looking to upgrade, this 4-inch refractor performs best with the moon and planets. It comes with a lens cap that converts to a smartphone holder for easy astrophotography. ★★★★

The Celestron Inspire 100AZ is a great choice for beginners. Its user-friendly features and sturdy build make it a breeze to use even for the uninitiated, and it's a relatively affordable option compared to other telescopes in this guide. 

An achromatic refractor with a 4-inch/100mm aperture and a reasonably short focal length of 660mm, the Celestron Inspire 100AZ is designed to be used at home to view planets, the moon and deep sky objects. It's perched on a simple altazimuth mount that moves side to side and up and down, with a panhandle to lock it in the exact position you want.

The 100mm aperture gathers a significant amount of light, allowing clear observations of faint celestial objects like nebulas and galaxies. Moreover, its long focal length provides substantial magnification for detailed views of planets and other nearby objects.

During our Celestron Inspire 100AZ review, we noticed a small amount of false color (purple color fringing), and a slight blurring in the field of view. The latter is easily resolved by investing in one of the best eyepieces to make the most of the Inspire 100AZ's optical system. The slight amount of false color shouldn't be a dealbreaker for most, unless you are particularly keen on getting completely accurate colors. 

The Inspire 100AZ telescope comes with various accessories including two eyepieces, a red LED flashlight to maintain night vision, an accessory tray and a StarPointer Pro finderscope for locating celestial objects. We loved that the lens cap turns into a smartphone adapter, so you can take astro shots with your phone.

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Celestron Inspire 100AZ
AttributesNotes
DesignFairly lightweight.
PerformanceExcels with lunar views.
FunctionalityEasy to set up and take down.

Best value for enthusiasts

The Celestron Astro Fi 130 on a white background

The Celestron Astro Fi 130's wide field of view will allow you to see large galaxies without having to reposition the telescope often. (Image credit: B&H Photo)
Best value enthusiast telescope: A guide to the night sky, packed with technology at a low price

Specifications

Optical design: Newtonian Reflector
Mount type: Computerized altitude-azimuth single fork
Aperture: 5.19-inches / 130mm
Focal length: 650mm
Highest useful magnification: 307x
Lowest useful magnification: 19x
Supplied eyepieces: 25mm and 10mm
Weight: 18 lbs (8.6kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Great portable entry-level telescope
+
Vixen dovetail for mount changes
+
Finds targets at the touch of a button

Reasons to avoid

-
Focuser is of low quality
-
Battery drains quickly
-
Useless without app
Buy it if

✅ You want a beginner-friendly, grab & go, easy-to-use telescope: We thought this was a great entry-level telescope that can find targets at the touch of a button and is great for on-the-go observations. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a 'traditional' telescope: We found this telescope is completely useless without the app, so if you want a more traditional telescope without much of the newer technology, look elsewhere.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron Astro Fi 130: A good telescope at an exceptionally good price, it has everything you'd need if you're just starting out, although we would recommend upgrading some of the pieces included. It can lose charge quickly in cold conditions, though, so consider buying an additional power source. ★★★½

Celestron's Astro Fi 130 is a very capable entry-level telescope with an affordable price tag. This well-constructed telescope consists of a Newtonian reflector and a sturdy aluminum tripod, 10mm and 25mm Kellner eyepieces offering 65x and 26x magnification, and a red dot finder. 

We'd strongly recommend purchasing some mid-range Plossl eyepieces to get the very best out of this scope. During our Celestron Astro Fi 130 review, we also noted that its batteries can be quick to drain in cold weather, so you might want to consider investing in 12V rechargeable batteries.

This telescope is a great choice for beginners; it has everything they need to get started on their stargazing journey. The SkyAlign technology doesn't require prior knowledge of the night sky to get ready for viewing, and the Celestron SkyPortal app makes it easy to control the scope via your smartphone or tablet. The app can even recommend celestial objects to view and guide the computerized mount to them. 

The optics on the Astro Fi 130 allow for good views of the Moon, offering enough magnification to see the craters and rilles on the lunar surface. Venus and Mars are also easy to pick out, and we were even able to catch a glimpse of the Andromeda Galaxy.

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Celestron Astro Fi 130
AttributesNotes
DesignVery sturdy build with well constructed tube and tripod.
PerformanceMakes use of SkyAlign technology for easy alignment.
FunctionalityGreat for lunar and planetary observing, but some views are fuzzy.

Best premium

The Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 on a tripod on a white background

Automatically track objects as they move across the sky with this high-quality Catadioptric telescope. (Image credit: B&H Photo)

Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25

Best GoTo scope for seeing the universe in HD, but it has a premium price point

Specifications

Optical design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized alt-azimuth fork arm
Aperture: 9.25-inches / 235mm
Focal length: 2350mm
Highest useful magnification: 555x
Lowest useful magnification: 34x
Supplied eyepieces: 13mm, 40mm
Weight: 62.60 lbs (28.39kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Crisp views with no defects
+
Easy to set up
+
High-quality design

Reasons to avoid

-
Isn't very portable — best for backyard star gazing
-
Expensive
Buy it if

You want to view a wide range of subjects: This scope has a large aperture which enables clear and detailed views of a wide range of celestial objects, including planets, deep-sky objects and nebulas.

✅ You're an experienced skywatcher: Although its easy setup is a dream for beginners, this scope is best suited for more advanced, passionate astronomers who want a full view of the universe.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something portable: Portability isn't one of the Evolution 9.25's strengths, so it's best used for backyard gazing.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25: A fantastic telescope best suited to experienced skywatchers, with a price tag to match its premium features. It's not the easiest to transport, but we think it's one of the best GoTo telescopes you can buy ★★★★½

The Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25 is an outstanding GoTo scope that provides breath-taking views of the night sky. Its Schmidt-Cassegrain optical tube boasts a generous aperture of 235mm and a sturdy single-fork arm mount for stability and precision. The motorized mount features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows for an impressive 10 hours of uninterrupted stargazing.

The NexStar Evolution 9.25 comes with a good selection of accessories including a red dot finderscope, star diagonal, accessory tray, international AC adapter, hand control and two eyepieces (13mm and 40mm).

Unlike the previous option in this list, the NexStar Evolution 9.25 is a great pick for more experienced skywatchers looking for a top-of-the-range telescope. It's an investment, sure, but it's impressively designed and boasts quality features.  

Astrophotographers may also find this telescope and its motorized mount to their liking as it can track the movement of celestial objects. You can easily control the NexStar Evolution 9.25 through the free Celestron SkyPortal app, which removes the need for a controller and frees up your hands during shoots. 

While it boasts an impressive design, this telescope is on the heavier side. As such, it's definitely not the most portable option, and we think it's best suited for backyard stargazing. Nevertheless, its robust construction and excellent features more than make up for this if you're not looking for a telescope to take on the go. 

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Celestron NexStar Evolution 9.25
AttributesNotes
DesignA bit bulky and tricky to transport.
PerformanceCrisp views with no defects.
FunctionalityMotorized mount a good choice for astrophotography.

Best for astrophotography

Best for astrophotography: This smart telescopes can take clear photos of deep sky objects in seconds

Specifications

Optical design:
Mount type: Motorized Alt-azimuth
Aperture:
Focal length: 335mm
Highest useful magnification:
Lowest useful magnification:
Supplied eyepieces:
Weight: 41.6 lbs (18.6 kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Crystal clear deep sky photos
+
Easy to set up and use
+
Stacks and processes images automatically

Reasons to avoid

-
On the heavy and bulky side
-
Not suitable to view all celestial objects
Buy it if

You want an automated telescope: Focusing, tracking, finding targets and stacking processed images is all automatic with this one.

✅ You want to take deep sky images: The Origin can do this and more in just a few minutes, with little pre-knowledge required.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want a traditional telescope: This one doesn't have an eyepiece and only gives you views of the night sky on a mobile device.

You're on a budget: At around $4,000, this telescope is on the pricier side.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory: This (pricey) smart telescope can do every part of stargazing autonomously, and produces beautiful photos of the night sky in seconds. ★★★★½

The Celestron Origin Intelligent Home Observatory is a smart telescope unlike any other, in that it doesn't come with an eyepiece and has a built-in camera instead. Essentially, it allows you to view and image the night sky on a mobile device rather than through the telescope directly. 

The result is beautiful, clear images of deep sky objects and distant galaxies in a matter of seconds, even in areas with light pollution. During our Celestron Origin review, we found that within seconds of selecting an object in the accompanying app, the telescope could capture crystal clear images of nebulas with almost no noise. We liked the fact the 'snapshot' mode allows you to manually adjust settings to take single photos, too. That said, we didn't have much luck imaging planets, though it may be that we needed more time with the telescope to get to grips with it. 

Beginners will love this telescope thanks to the quick and easy setup. It can also handle every part of stargazing automatically, from focusing to tracking targets, which means you can start using it with no previous astronomy experience. The Origin app is easy to use and makes taking images effortless. The 'Planetarium View' shows users a representation of the night sky, and tapping on an object gives you the option to slew the telescope to it directly. 

The Celestron Origin looks like a standard telescope, but as mentioned above, it doesn't have an eyepiece. It's also on the heavy side, so it's not one to buy if you're looking for a telescope to take on the go. The nearly $4,000 price tag might also put off some potential buyers, but if you have the funds, we'd highly recommend this smart telescope.

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Celestron Origin Intellligent Home Observatory
AttributesNotes
DesignBulky, but full of useful features on the mount.
PerformanceBeautiful, clear photos of deep sky objects.
FunctionalityMotorized mount, but not a traditional telescope with an eyepiece.

Best motorized telescope

Best motorized scope: Ideal for astrophotography and deep space observing, giving excellent image clarity and detail

Specifications

Optical design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized alt-azimuth fork arm
Aperture: 8-inches / 203mm
Focal length: 2032mm
Highest useful magnification: 480x
Lowest useful magnification: 29x
Supplied eyepieces: 25mm
Weight: 32 lbs (14.48kg)

Reasons to buy

+
Sharpness across the entire field of view
+
Good value for money

Reasons to avoid

-
On the heavy side
-
Hard to fault for the price
Buy it if

✅ You're looking for a long-term telescope: There's no question that this telescope is pricey, but it's one that will last you for decades — it's not called 'The World's Most Beloved Telescope' for nothing.

✅ You want to use it for astrophotography: Thanks to the smooth and accurate tracking, this scope is a great option for taking stunning astro images of deep sky objects. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a budget: Although this is definitely worth the money and we'd recommend it if your budget can stretch to it, it is very pricey. If you're on a budget or you're new to the medium, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that will be more than good enough.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron NexStar 8SE: An outstanding telescope with incredible optics that would suit a beginner, intermediate or advanced astronomer. It's great for astrophotography and gives beautifully bright and detailed views. Our only fault with it is that it can price out beginners. ★★★★½

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is one of the most flexible telescopes we've ever reviewed, and an ideal scope to learn and grow with. It's beginner-friendly, requiring no prior knowledge of the night sky to use, yet its stunning optics will be enough to satisfy intermediate to advanced astronomers as well. The only downside is the price, but if you have the funds, then we have no qualms about recommending it. 

The Celestron SkyAlign app helps you to align the scope using three bright stars, after which the entire operation is automated. You simply push the buttons on the handheld remote to select your desired celestial object and the motorized mount will slew the telescope towards your target. You can select from a range of objects categorized under 'solar system', 'stars' or 'deep sky', or you can select 'sky tour' which will automatically choose objects of interest to show you depending on your location.  

With an 8-inch aperture and Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design, this telescope is able to absorb a huge amount of light and offers bright and clear views of objects within our solar system and beyond. The catadioptric construction, which combines both refraction and reflection, has allowed Celestron to keep the distinctive orange tube relatively short, so it's eminently portable for taking with you on the hunt for darker skies. 

In our Celestron NexStar 8SE review we were seriously impressed by the smoothness and accuracy of the motorized fork arm and think it would be a great option for those seeking to do long-exposure astrophotography. However, the telescope does require a whopping 8x AA batteries, so we'd recommend buying some rechargeable batteries for this power-hungry scope to prevent future costs from mounting up. This is especially important considering that the range of the Celestron NexStar 8SE means that you'll likely be using it for many years to come. 

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Celestron NexStar 8SE
AttributesNotes
DesignCan be transported as a fully-assembled setup.
PerformanceOutstanding optics, slightly tricky to align if you're not used to it.
FunctionalityEasy to assemble and disassemble.