1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall
3. Best for planetary imaging
4. Best for portability
5. Best for beginners
6. Best combination package
7. Best for precision
8. Best for functionality
9. Best budget option
10. Best telescopes for seeing planets FAQ
11. How we test
The best telescopes for seeing planets can open up the solar system to you in a way you may never have seen before. Nothing beats being able to view celestial bodies like Venus, Mars, Jupiter or Saturn with your own eyes instead of on a television screen. From the intense storms of the Jovian cloud tops to the mesmerizing rings of Saturn, the telescopes on this list will make the planets come alive right before your eyes.
The planets appear small but bright in the night sky, making them ideal targets for telescopes with high magnification and optical resolution. Each planet may require slightly different settings and accessories to optimize the view, but there are many common features to look out for. Our experts have compiled a handy guide to the best telescopes for viewing planets currently on the market, whether you're on a budget or looking for a premium investment.
If you're looking for something to view the sky more generally, you might want to check out our guide to the best telescopes or best beginner telescopes. If you like to wander about at night and portability is your main concern, our best binoculars guide might be more up your street. And if you have any young budding astronomers in your midst then we also have guides on the best telescopes for kids and best binoculars for kids.
Tom Kerss F.R.A.S. is a London-based astronomer, astrophotographer, author and consultant. Having previously worked at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, he is the founder of Stargazing✦London, which delivers world-class online astronomy and space courses with subject experts. Tom is also the host of the Star Signs podcast, providing updates from the world of space news, as well as what to look out for in the night sky. With a background in astrophysics and science communication, he is an avid stargazer and aurora-chaser who is always looking for his next astronomy adventure.
The quick list
See our quick list below if you want to dive right in, or scroll further down for more detailed reviews of each product.
Best telescope overall
The price is steep, but the optics and quality of this telescope are unmatched. It offers incredible views of the planets, as well as being capable of displaying further deep-sky objects.
Best for planetary imaging
The huge 11-inch aperture on this telescope makes it supremely good for planetary imaging. It will allow you to get a detailed surface view of even the most distant planets in our solar system.
Best for portability
This telescope packs a big punch in a small and compact package. With only a 28cm tube, you can still view the planetary surfaces in rich detail, and it also comes with a smooth motorized mount.
Best for beginners
This is a great affordable option for beginners looking to get a better view of the planets. It also comes with a handy smartphone mount so you can take photos of whatever you're viewing with ease.
Best combination package
This is an ideal package for a quick set-up. You get a good telescope for viewing the planets in detail, along with an equatorial mount, with no tools required to set it all up.
Best for precision
With a high-resolution and long focal-length optical system, this telescope can produce stunning views of the planets. With its 7.1-inch aperture, you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of some of the solar system's many moons.
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Best for functionality
This is a great option for those who enjoy using a smartphone app alongside their telescope. You can use the SkyPortal app to instruct the telescope to automatically slew to a celestial body of your choice.
Best budget option
With quick and easy alignment and a very affordable price point, this telescope makes a great option for beginners on a budget. It will give you high magnification of the planets and the moon.
Best telescopes for seeing planets we recommend in 2023
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Best telescope overall
✅ You're looking for outstanding optics: this telescope produces incredibly bright and sharp views of the planets and moons in our solar system.
✅ You like to get hands-on with your telescope: the effective handheld remote on this telescope will suit anyone who prefers traditional telescope controls over using an app.
✅ You need your telescope to last: the build-quality on this telescope is fantastic and we expect it to last for many years.
❌ You're a beginner exploring stargazing for the first time: this telescope is a significant investment, so unless you have a very comfortable budget we'd recommend starting out with a simpler, more affordable model.
❌ You want to be able to control your telescope with an app: some of the other models on this list, such as the Celestron Astro Fi 102, offer a more app-friendly design.
❌ You prefer a manual mount: this telescope is powered by a power-hungry motorized single fork arm mount.
🔎 Celestron NexStar 8SE: While it's an expensive investment, this telescope will last for decades and is one of the best you can buy. Experienced astronomers will love its motorized mount and the ability to add accessories, and it makes a great companion for astrophotographers too.
Coming from Celestron’s extremely successful range of NexStar telescopes, we found it easy to see why this is their star buy when we took it for a spin in our Celestron NexStar 8SE review. The high-quality Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design means that this scope absorbs a phenomenal amount of light, enabling you to not only see the planets in a huge amount of detail but opening up a range of deep-sky objects as well. Smaller apertures are available in the NexStar 4SE, 5SE and 6SE models, but none compare to the awe-inspiring views offered by this 8-inch aperture, which lets in a whopping 78% more light than the NexStar 6SE.
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a substantial investment at around $1,500, but its features make it a worthwhile purchase for both experienced astronomers and budding beginners. It has a database of 40,000 celestial objects and a 'tour mode' that guides you to the most popular objects for your viewing session. The motorized single fork arm mount slews smoothly to your chosen object at the touch of a button on the handheld remote. Once aligned, the NexStar 8SE offers pin-sharp views across the entire field of view, and it can also be outfitted with a variety of compatible accessories.
Whilst the price is steep, we found the build quality to be fantastic, with a strong steel tripod that can be easily dismantled for travel. With proper care, this telescope could easily last for decades. If you can afford it, we think the quality of this scope is well worth the investment. However, if your budget can't quite stretch that far then the rest of this list will offer you some competitive alternatives.
- Read our full Celestron NexStar 8SE review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Solid scope with a hands-on feel | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Outstanding optics and sharp views | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | Quick to set up and store away | ★★★★ |
Best for planetary imaging
✅ You want the biggest aperture you can get: its 11-inch high-performance mirror is the biggest on our list, offering huge magnification.
✅ Planetary imaging is your primary goal: this telescope can render even the most distant planets in fine detail.
❌ You're on a budget: this telescope is astronomically expensive and there are many cheaper models out there.
❌ You don't want to be buying extra accessories: this telescope only comes with one eyepiece supplied in the box.
🔎 Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 EdgeHD: if your budget can stretch to it, this telescope will give you an incredible view of the surface of any planet in our solar system, with magnification to spare.
Planetary imaging is an addictive hobby, and thankfully you can get started on any telescope with a mount that tracks the sky. But if you plan to get serious about capturing our neighboring worlds, a telescope with a large aperture is vital.
The CPC Deluxe 1100 EdgeHD's massive 11-inch main mirror resolves the surfaces of the most distant planets, revealing unprecedented detail. With greater resolution, it captures more data for imaging sensors. On more forgiving targets, such as Venus and Jupiter, it resolves remarkable detail, and even skilled observers can spot landmarks on Mars with relative ease.
The CPC mount is robust and dependable, offering excellent tracking for lengthy imaging sessions, and it can be easily converted to an equatorial platform with the use of a wedge for deep-sky astrophotography. Although it is rather heavy, two people can easily assemble and disassemble this telescope in the field in just a few minutes. Of course, with just one eyepiece in the box, you'll need to budget for more, but at this size, it's the camera that sees the most benefit. If planetary imaging gets its hooks into you, at least you know there's an upgrade to aspire to.
- If astronomical imaging is your thing, check out our review of the Unistellar eVscope 2
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Solid but heavy design | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Ultra-high resolution and detail | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | Good but only one eyepiece supplied | ★★★★ |
Best for portability
✅ You want something extremely portable: this telescope is ideal for taking with you on night-time adventures out in the field, or even taking on holiday with you.
✅ You're looking for great imagery: you'll get rich colors and high contrast with this telescope.
✅ You want neat and easy tracking: the built-in tracking on this telescope makes it easy to navigate the night sky.
❌ You're worried about lens damage: the lens on the front of this model is quite exposed.
❌ You want a highly effective red dot finder: we thought that red dot finder on this telescope could definitely be improved, though it was fine for basic positioning.
🔎 Sky-Watcher Heritage-90P Virtuoso: as the most portable option on our list, this would be a great choice for those who like to take their telescope on stargazing trips out in the field.
The Heritage-90 Virtuoso's compact size belies its power. It folds a massive 1.25m focal length into a tube that is just 28cm long using two mirrors and a meniscus lens, enabling it to achieve its maximum effective magnification with a comfortable 7mm eyepiece. This makes it a lot more portable than some of the other models we've included on this list.
The Maksutov-Cassegrain design is known for its sharp, high-contrast images, much like a refractor telescope. This makes the Maksutov-Cassegrain design ideal for observing planetary surfaces and atmospheres, such as the bands and moons of Jupiter. The Heritage-90 Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope is a great example of this design, providing excellent views of the planets at a relatively affordable price.
While the included red dot finder is not the best, the motorized Virtuoso mount makes it easy to point the telescope at objects in the sky. The smooth slewing controls allow you to track objects as they move across the sky, making it easier to keep them in view.
The mount can be upgraded at any time via Sky-Watcher's Synscan GoTo device, giving it the ability to find more than 40,000 objects in the sky for you automatically. It can also track the sky to counteract the Earth's rotation, keeping your object of interest in the field of vision. If you want to fast-track to the complete GoTo system and are interested in a more powerful telescope with a similarly compact design, you might want to check out the Heritage-90's big brother, the Skymax-127 Virtuoso GTI.
- Check out our telescope deals hub to see if you can pick up a bargain
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Super compact and portable | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Great colors and contrast | ★★★★ |
| Functionality | Smooth slewing and tracking | ★★★★ |
Best for beginners
✅ You want a multifunctional telescope at an affordable price: the innovative smartphone mount will allow you try your hand at some basic astrophotography along with your stargazing.
✅ You're mainly interested in viewing the planets and the moon: this telescope does a good job of bringing the planets and moon into sharp focus.
❌ You're looking for real optical clarity: as might be expected at this price, you will experience some minor chromatic aberration with this telescope.
❌ You want to view deep-space objects: though this telescope can view some more distant objects, the aperture isn't up to true deep-space observation.
🔎 Celestron Inspire 100AZ refractor telescope: with some nice additional features like a smartphone mount and built-in red light, this telescope is a great way for beginners to start exploring the moon and planets.
When we reviewed the Celestron Inspire 100AZ refractor telescope, we found it to be a great telescope for beginners looking to get a better view of the moon and the planets without breaking the bank. It sits at around $350, making it one of the most affordable options here, but that means you don't get a fancy motorized mount with this telescope. Instead, it comes mounted on a simple altazimuth mount that allows for manual movement via the panhandle, so you might want to pair it with a stargazing app if you've not yet got the confidence to navigate the night sky on your own.
One of the neatest features of this telescope is that the lens cap doubles as a smartphone mount. This lets you use your phone to take amazing photos of what you're seeing through the telescope.
The telescope is lightweight and easy to set up and take down. However, the optical tube is 26 inches/660mm long, so it does take up a bit of space.
Although the 4-inch aperture doesn't let in enough light to view particularly distant space objects, this telescope offers a nice view of the planets, particularly with the 20mm eyepiece. We got a detailed look at the moon's craters and even managed to see Andromeda (M31) and some of the brighter star clusters. So, while this telescope isn't a world-beater, it's a solid beginner's scope and a very competitive option for its price point, with some fun additional features.
- Read our full Celestron Inspire 100AZ review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Easy to set up and take down | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Good for viewing the moon and planets | ★★★ |
| Functionality | Handy additional features | ★★★★ |
Best combination package
✅ You want something sturdy: the mount on this telescope is well matched to its weight and feels solid and substantial.
✅ You're looking for an equatorial mount: this telescope package comes with an effective equatorial mount that can even be operated one-handed.
❌ You want everything to be included: there is only one eyepiece supplied in the box, so you'll need to invest in some extra eyepieces if you want to truly get the best from this telescope.
❌ You're particularly interested in deep-space objects: this telescope gives detailed views of the planets, but isn't quite up to viewing deep-space objects.
🔎 Celestron Omni XLT 102: this telescope offers a nice combination package that feels sturdy and robust. It includes an equatorial mount and can give you a detailed view of the planets.
The Omni XLT 102 from Celestron is quite a unique package with a good telescope and mount combo. It doesn't require any tools and is easy to set up.
The 4-inch F/10 achromat gives fine views, and its focal length makes it a good match for some of the best planetary eyepieces. Unfortunately, only one is supplied in the box, but with the addition of a 10mm and Barlow lens, you can achieve a magnification of 36x, 72x, 100x and 200x. At this top end, the Omni XLT 102 will show you some lovely details on our neighboring planets.
Celestron also sells a 120mm model (read our Celestron Omni XLT 120 review) and a 150mm version of the same telescope. Still, notably, all three come with the same CG-4 equatorial mount, with the larger models pushing the mount's weight limit. As such, it feels sturdy to use and dampens any vibrations quickly.
Being an equatorial mount (where the polar axis is parallel to the Earth's rotation), it takes some getting accustomed to, but once you do, you'll find that it makes planet tracking simple and easy to do one-handed. For those looking to go hands-free, Celestron offers a separate dual-axis auto-tracking upgrade kit that you can install at any time.
- Find one of the Best telescopes for kids for those with younger astronomers
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sturdy equatorial mount | ★★★★ |
| Performance | High magnification of planets | ★★★★ |
| Functionality | Can be improved with added accessories | ★★★ |
Best for precision
✅ You're looking for excellent optics: the images produced by this telescope are sharp, vibrant and detailed.
✅ You want a larger aperture: the 7.1-inch primary mirror on this telescope performs incredibly well.
❌ You want something that's very portable: although this telescope is relatively compact, it's still quite heavy to move around.
❌ You're on a tight budget: this is quite a pricey telescope and there are plenty of more affordable options out there.
🔎 Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO: this telescope is a beast when it comes to optics and produces incredible views of the planets and moons, but it's quite an investment.
The Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO was purpose-built for solar system exploration. It produces flawless views of the planets with a wealth of vibrant details thanks to its high-resolution, long focal-length optical system, which performs similarly to a much more expensive big apochromatic refractor. With a 7.1-inch primary mirror, it also has enough light grasp to bring many of the solar system's moons into view. The single 2-inch/ 28mm eyepiece won't make the most of this telescope's potential, so you'll need to invest a little extra. However, its formidable optics will tolerate even a comfortable 8mm or 10mm planetary eyepiece well.
For maximum accuracy, the Skymax-180 PRO is mounted on a HEQ5 PRO equatorial mount (which is great for carrying large payloads). This allows for a variety of photography uses, ranging from high-resolution planetary and lunar imaging to deep-sky imaging. If you plan to purchase another telescope in the future, it is beneficial to 'over-mount' the scope for optimal stability at higher magnifications. This combination of features is why it is loved among visual observers and astrophotographers.
- Read our guide on the Best telescopes for deep space
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Excellent optical system | ★★★★ |
| Performance | High-resolution, vibrant views | ★★★★ |
| Functionality | Works best with extra eyepieces | ★★★★ |
Best for functionality
✅ You're a beginner: we think this is a great option for beginners because it doesn't require any prior knowledge.
✅ You want something portable: this telescope is lightweight and convenient for taking out in the field with you.
❌ You're looking for great optics: there is some image fall-off around the edge of the field of view.
❌ You like the feel of a premium product: this telescope is mostly housed in plastic and we found the tripod a bit flimsy.
🔎 Celestron AstroFi 102: this telescope would suit beginners who want to use an app and plan on taking their telescope out and about.
The Celestron Astro Fi 102 is a great choice for tech-savvy beginners who want to see the planets up close. After the initial setup of the motorized mount (which can take a little time), it's easy to use with the SkyPortal app (available for iOS and Android).
The app, which we found to work seamlessly during our Celestron Astro Fi 102 review, features approximately 100k celestial objects, which you can 'instruct' the instrument to slew automatically. It slews quickly and quietly, and you can even use a USB video game controller to position the scope, which is a desirable feature for gamers.
The telescope may not feel like the most expensive product, but the materials used make it lightweight and portable. Just be careful to protect it properly when transporting it to avoid damage.
The views offer clear close-ups of the Moon, Saturn's rings, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune under the right conditions when used alongside the right eyepiece.
- Read our full Celestron Astro Fi 102 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight, but tripod could be sturdier | ★★★ |
| Performance | Nice automatic motorized mount | ★★★★ |
| Funcionality | Works well with SkyPortal app | ★★★★ |
Best budget option
✅ You're a beginner on a budget: this telescope offers an affordable way to start viewing the planets.
✅ You like using an app: the StarSense app makes it easy to operate this telescope and it even comes with a built-in smartphone holder.
❌ You want precise optical clarity: this telescope does suffer from some chromatic aberration on bright objects.
❌ You want to view deep-sky objects: while it's good for viewing the planets, this telescope can't offer a proper view of deep-sky objects.
🔎 Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ: this is a good entry-level telescope for seeing the planets, but the optics won't allow you to see further objects like galaxies.
From our Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ review, you'll see that the best thing to do with this telescope is to look at the moon and planets, as it's designed to give a high magnification of bright objects.
This is an affordable scope, so some compromises have been made. When viewing bright objects, you will see some chromatic aberration (color fringing), and the color isn't as accurate as you'd find in more sophisticated and expensive models.
The StarSense app makes alignment quick and easy, taking just seconds (a dream for beginners). The telescope is a 'push to' scope, so the mount won't automatically turn to find your chosen subject, but arrows on your phone screen will guide you into position. Turn the telescope in the direction the screen instructs you to, and once you see a bullseye on your screen, your target will be in the center of your field of view. There are no slow-motion controls, so making precise adjustments takes some practice.
With the included Barlow lens, you will be treated to spectacular views of Saturn, Jupiter, and the moon, but don't count on this scope to see objects in deep space because it doesn't allow enough light.
- Read our full Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Useful phone dock | ★★★ |
| Performance | Optics limited to planets | ★★★ |
| Functionality | StarSense app alignment works well | ★★★ |
Best telescopes for seeing planets 2023: Frequently Asked Questions
Which telescope is best for viewing planets: Refractors or reflectors?
When shopping for a telescope on a budget, there's an argument to be made for choosing a smaller refractor over a similarly priced but larger reflector. This is because the secondary mirrors and struts in Newtonian reflectors can distort the incoming light, reducing image contrast.
For many dedicated planetary observers, a large refractor is the ideal telescope. However, refractors can be bulky, heavy, and expensive. Compound telescopes, such as Maksutov-Cassegrains and Schmidt-Cassegrains, offer a good compromise, providing good image quality in a relatively compact and affordable package.
What telescope eyepiece do I need to view planets?
There are also other optical accessories to consider when shopping for a planet-hunting telescope. Eyepieces with greater magnifications can help get larger views of the tiny planets. Astronomers should also consider Barlow lenses to help attain high magnifications of between 120-250x (within the optical limit of the telescope). This will allow you to observe in the sweet spot on most nights when the seeing is average. Our list includes some of the best telescopes for seeing and capturing planets.
What telescope do I need to see Saturn's rings?
This all depends on the telescope and eyepiece combination. Telescopes have a focal length and so do telescope eyepieces. But telescope eyepieces also have an apparent field of view, which when calculated alongside the focal lengths, determines the true field of view when looking through the eyepiece and telescope.
A simple way to get started calculating which telescope or eyepiece you need to see Saturn's rings is to use the following basic formula:
Telescope focal length / eyepiece focal length = Magnification
Apparent field of view / Magnification = True field of view
You can then compare the true field of view of the combination against the size of any object you wish to observe to see how well you'll be able to view it, including Saturn's rings, Jupiter's red spot and more. But remember that surface brightness and atmospheric conditions as well as weather will ultimately decide how well you can view any night sky object, including a planet.
How we test the best telescopes for seeing planets
To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best telescopes to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every telescope through a rigorous review to fully test each instrument. Each telescope is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.
Each telescope is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each telescope and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a 10-inch Dobsonian to a 2.76-inch refractor wouldn’t be appropriate though each telescope might be the best pick in their own class.
We look at how easy it is to set up, whether computerized or motorized mounts are reliable and quiet, and if a telescope comes with appropriate eyepieces and tripods. We also suggest if a particular telescope would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best experience possible.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on telescopes, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
Aperture: Diameter of the primary mirror or lens, which allows a telescope to collect light.
Field of view: Area of sky visible through the eyepiece.
Focal length: A telescope's tube length. Short focal lengths offer a wide field of view and a small image.
Focal ratio: Also known as the telescope's speed. Small focal ratios provide lower magnifications, wide field of view and a brighter image.
Magnification: Relationship between the telescope's optical system and the eyepiece.
Unlike the deep sky, which remains almost unchanged throughout our lives, the planets constantly bring us new and sometimes surprising reasons to look again. They're easy to find and inspiring to take in — real worlds that our descendants or even we may visit one day.
Any telescope can make them look impressive, but a well-tuned high-contrast instrument is what is needed to really do them justice, and you'll be thankful to have one to hand when something special occurs, like the arrival of an incredible gas giant storm, or a night of exceptionally steady seeing that invites you to max out the power. If you plan to take your own astrophotos, it's well worth considering a telescope mount with tracking capability, altazimuth or equatorial — both are suitable for short exposures. At such long focal lengths, the Earth's rotation quickly moves things out of the field of view, and dedicated planetary imaging cameras have small sensors. Regardless of which telescope you choose, you're in for an exciting new hobby as a Solar System explorer. Enjoy the magnificent highlights of our celestial neighborhood.
