Best compact binoculars 2023: Lightweight, travel-friendly models

Are you looking for the best compact binoculars to accompany you on your travels? Compact binoculars are the best way to observe for those with limited weight allowance or luggage space but still want good views of birds, wildlife and the night sky. We've tested, reviewed and ranked the best of the world's most portable, lightweight binoculars. Some binoculars haven't made it to this guide because they're either too big, have poor-quality optics or have been unreliable during testing.

While serious astronomers may want to choose larger binoculars with bigger apertures and power (magnification) or even tripod-mounted telescopes, generalist observers often require something more portable and at a price point that doesn't break the bank. 

The models we've highlighted in this guide are for everyday users and are perfectly good for casual skywatching and wildlife viewing. Compact binoculars are useful for most users but we've also tested the best binoculars for kids so young astronomers can enjoy the night sky too.

Read on for our selection of the best compact binoculars and check out our linked reviews if you want more in-depth information on a specific model.

Quick list

Best compact binoculars 2023

Best compact binoculars 2023 ranked

Olympus WP II 8x25

Olympus has long been a leading manufacturer of optics, and these Olympus WP II 8x25 binoculars are available in either black, deep purple or forest green. Beyond that, they provide plenty more than just good looks.

In our Olympus 8x25 WP II binocular review, we were impressed with the good relative brightness despite the small 25 mm diameter and modest 8x magnification.

The lenses have full multi-coating, meaning they are coated with multiple layers of anti-reflective material to reduce glare and enhance image quality. They boast BaK-4 prisms with phase coatings to keep the color of the light as true to life as possible — they tick all the boxes for optical quality.

This pair of binoculars is highly durable and can withstand harsh conditions. They are completely waterproof and filled with nitrogen to prevent internal fogging, making them perfect for use on a chilly evening when taken out of a warm pocket. They measure just 4.48 x 4.52 x 1.77-inches and, at 9.17oz, are undeniably lightweight.

These top qualities result in a higher price point than other items on this list, but they're still sub $90!

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• Read our full Olympus 8x25 WP II review

Nikon Aculon T02 8x21

These Nikon Aculon T02 8x21 binoculars are extremely compact, at just 3.4 x 4.1-inches, and an incredibly lightweight 6.9 oz.

Their portability is a little hampered by their limited ability to fold at the single central hinge, unlike many compact binoculars, which use two hinges. However, the single hinge's adjustment range of 56 to 72 mm between the eyes should allow for comfortable use by both adults and kids.

The Aculon T02 looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. They are available in several colors (depending on the store and region). We especially like the addition of white, which makes these binoculars easy to find if laid in the dark when stargazing — something you might not immediately consider. Despite the lack of rubber grip — like you'd find on larger binoculars — the tubes are small enough to wrap your fingers around so you don't drop them, and the smooth design makes them easy to glide in and out of your pocket.

Price-wise, they sit at the lower end of Nikon's binocular range, but they are still more expensive than many models from lesser-known brands, as is often the case with most products.

Despite minor flaws, their attractive design, high portability and good optics make them worth considering.

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• Read more: Best Nikon binoculars

Minox X-Lite 8x26

If you can afford to pay a little more for the best compact binoculars, consider the Minox X-Lite 8x26 — they are considerably more affordable than the company's alternative X-Active range but still boast high performance. The X-Lite range is versatile and perfect for all outdoor activities, whether hiking, traveling, bird watching, or stargazing. These optics are the go-to for all your needs.

They are on the heavier side (for compact binoculars) at 10 oz /289 g, which is relative to the robust build quality, and they are still nicely compact at 4.61 x 4.53 x 1.57-inches.

The open bridge design is unusual for compact binoculars, and so is the tripod mount (adapter required, as with all but the largest binoculars). The textured exterior help with handling, especially in cold weather.

With a 6.8-degree field of view and K9 glass (good quality but cheaper than BaK 4 glass) roof prisms with a phase correction coating, they provide a surprisingly wide field of view for an 8x compact. They also have turntable eyecups which are ideal for anyone who wears glasses. These binoculars have been nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging from the inside. They meet the IPX7 waterproof standards, which means they can be immersed in water for up to 30 minutes — peace of mind if you're viewing from a boat or at the beach.

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Celestron UpClose G2 10x25

Celestron is a widely recognized and appreciated brand for its exceptional range of high-quality telescopes and binoculars. We've included the UpClose G2 binoculars in our list of the best compact binoculars, as they offer attractive features at a very affordable (less than $30) price.

We'd opt for the Celestron UpClose G2 10x25 over the similar UpClose G2 8x21 due to their better twilight factor, at 15.8 instead of 13.0, which means the higher powered (and larger objective) pair gives better low-light results.

These binoculars have a rubber coating that is durable and designed to resist water damage. Additionally, they feature fold-up rubber eyecups to accommodate those who wear glasses. They are easily pocketable at 7.5 x 5.5 x 11 cm.

The Celestron UpClose G2 doesn't have the highest spec, with partially multi-coated lenses (instead of fully coated) and BK-7 glass roof prisms (instead of the more desirable BaK-4 glass). Still, they are well-priced and come with the reassurance of a limited lifetime guarantee.

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Nikon Travelite EX 8x25

These Nikon Travellite EX 8x25 binoculars are incredibly compact, weighing only 355g and measuring just 110mm x 116mm — they are easily pocketable.

They have winding eyecups with a decent range of movement (15.5mm), making them good, but not perfect, for spectacle wearers.

Though primarily designed for multi-purpose daytime use, we found in our Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 review that they performed surprisingly well when we used them for looking at bright objects in the night sky. When we pointed them at the moon, we could easily see craters and loads of detail in the light & dark areas, and views of the stars were sharp and highly defined. They were able to capture even the faint pinpricks of light from distant stars that you cannot see with the naked eye. That said, the aperture is too small for serious astronomy and better suited to nature spotting or using to get closer to the action at sports or music events.

They are waterproof up to a depth of 5 meters and fog is prevented by O-ring seals and nitrogen gas within the optical system.

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• Read our full Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 binoculars review

Opticron Aspheric 3 10x25

The Opticron Aspheric 3 binoculars may not be the smallest model in this list, measuring 10.9 x 10.6 x 3.3cm and weighing around 300g, but their classic design is perfect for users with larger hands. They are still small enough to be pocketable or unobtrusive in your rucksack.

The aspheric lenses produce sharper images and less distortion across the field of view, which, at 5 degrees, comes a little below par for 10x magnification. The optics are fully multicoated to reduce glare and reflections, and the close focus makes these ideal for nature spotting at close range, in your back garden, for example.

The 16mm eye relief makes them friendly for glasses wearers, and the twist-up rubber eyecups make them comfortable for all users, especially for longer viewing sessions.

They are water-resistant, and they are nitrogen gas purged to prevent fogging. They come with a generous 10-year warranty for added protection, which is a testament to how long these binos should last.

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Bushnell H20 8x25

These Bushnell H2O binoculars have impressive specifications for a very reasonable price, including multi-coating (although not fully multi-coated) and BaK-4 roof prisms.

We especially appreciate the large, tactile center-focus knob that enables adjustments on chilly evenings without removing gloves. The 6.9-degree field of view is very respectable too.

At 12mm, the Bushnell H20 8x25's eye relief could be more generous, so you best look elsewhere if you wear glasses. They have a rubber, textured coating to protect them from knocks and help improve hand grip.

At 127 x 101.6 x 69.5mm, they need to be more compact to fit into your pocket easily, but you can throw them in your backpack for an outdoor camping trip, and you'll hardly notice they're there. These binos are waterproof and nitrogen purged to eliminate fog, and Bushnell offers a return-to-manufacturer guarantee.

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Pentax UD 9x21

If you're struggling to choose between the easier-to-hold 8x magnification or 10x magnification for closer views (especially noticeable on the moon and planets), then here's a compromise — 9x magnification, offering most of the benefits of both.

These Pentax US binoculars weigh just 194 grams and measure 13 x 11.6 x 5.5cm, making them incredibly lightweight. Despite this, they still boast high-quality, fully multi-coated optics. These are the lightest binoculars in the Pentax range, helped no doubt by using plastic instead of a metal chassis, and there is no rubber protective armor. Instead, there are two small thumb rests that help with grip.

The large focus wheel is exceptional, and the handling is surprisingly impressive, requiring only two rotations to move through the entire focus range. The 6-degree field of view is adequate, although not as good as some of the UD's serious rivals.

Unusually for a compact pair, there's a tripod mount (which requires an adaptor) and a lug on the right-hand barrel to attach the carry strap to. Finally, we love that there are five colors, including vibrant lime green and hot pink to choose from. The bright colors might make them more appealing for a child if you're buying binos as a gift.

Watch out for the 10x21 version of the Pentax UD, as they are not fully multi-coated, have less eye relief, and have an even smaller exit pupil at 2.1 mm compared to 2.3mm here. These 9x21 binoculars are a much better buy.

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Occer 12x25

In our recent Occer 12x25 Compact Binoculars review, we were pleasantly surprised at the optical performance of this tiny pair of pocketable binoculars.

While we wouldn't use them as our primary pair of binoculars or in low light (for anything other than lunar observations), they make an excellent 'second pair.' They can fit in a reasonably small pocket and only take up a little space in your glove box or center console.

The non-slip rubber and textured stippling make them easy to hold one-handed for hands of all sizes, including children's.

Although Occer claims these binos as 'life waterproof,' having held them, we are hesitant to expose them to much water and certainly wouldn't trust submerging them. That said, these would be perfectly fine in mild rain conditions and provide a secure grip even with wet or sweaty fingers.

During our review, we were impressed with the relative lack of color fringing compared to comparable models from better-known brands. They are best avoided if you wear glasses, though, due to the relatively short 15mm eye relief.

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• Read our full Occer 12x25 compact binoculars review

Apexel PB 10x25

These affordable reverse Porro small binoculars are made by Apexel, a Chinese company famous for its smartphone lens accessories.

These binoculars boast a lightweight construction of a tiny 178g, thanks to their ABS plastic body. Despite their tiny weight, they feature fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality BaK-4 roof Porro prisms to reduce glare and reflections and enhance image clarity and color correctness.

Even toddlers with small hands will be able to operate these binoculars comfortably. They are also pretty rugged and waterproof for extra peace of mind. Check out our buying guide for the best kids binoculars for other suggestions of kid-friendly models.

These binoculars won't win any awards, but they are great value for money. You certainly get a lot of bang for your buck as these are impressive specifications for inexpensive binoculars with a 12-month guarantee.

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Sunagor Mini Pocket 18x21

Sunagor specializes in producing high-power binoculars, and they claim that these are the smallest and lightest 18x magnification binoculars available on the market. They weigh less than 200g and are undoubtedly portable and pocketable, but due to their single-hinge design, they don't fold up as small as some models in this guide.
These lenses may not have full multi-coating and no assurance of premium glass in the barrels, but they do offer an impressive 18x magnification, and the image clarity is satisfactory for regular usage.

One drawback of this is that the high magnification makes it difficult to hold by hand, and there is no tripod socket available, so you'll need to be able to hold your binoculars steady. Though their light weight means they are easier to hold than bigger binoculars with this amount of power, we still wouldn't recommend kids using them as the inevitable wobble (every wobble is also magnified 18x) will quickly become frustrating.

With objective lenses of just 21mm, these binos are of limited use for astronomy duties. Still, we include them here because they will deliver the 'wow' moment when turned to look at the moon for the first time with 18x magnification.

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Pentax VD 4x20

When is a pair of binoculars not a pair of binoculars? When it's a pair of monoculars. Pentax's slightly gimmicky binos can disassemble to provide two 4x monoculars and then screw together to create a 16x spotting scope.

Although they are not the lightest on the market, weighing in at 12.9 oz (345 g), they feel more substantial and less toy-like than others. You'd be hard-pressed to find something more compact.

Although this optical instrument is undeniably versatile, it does come with a set of compromises. For a start, each tube has to be focused independently, which soon becomes tedious. Even though they only give a 4x magnification in binocular mode, they have a wide field of view.

If the magnification makes you feel underwhelmed, you can convert to telescope mode for 16x magnification. Bear in mind that this results in a very narrow field of view of just 2.6 degrees, so the usefulness of this is questionable. We expect it to give a worthwhile view of the moon but not much else in the night sky.

When separated into monoculars, two users can benefit from the additional light-gathering power over the human eye, making it easier to spot more stars and celestial objects. However, this is a rather expensive option for buying low-power instruments — you'd be better off buying two decent pairs of binoculars instead. Although they may not be a top recommendation, we've included these binoculars for their cleverness and novelty factor.

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Compact Binoculars FAQ

Compact binocular FAQ answered by

Compact binocular FAQ answered by

Jase Parnell-Brookes

Jase Parnell-Brookes is an award-winning photographer, educator and writer based in the UK. They won the Gold Prize award in the Nikon Photo Contest 2018/19 and was named Digital Photographer of the Year in 2014. After completing their Masters Jase has spent a good chunk of two decades studying and working in photography and optics shooting and writing all over the world for big-name brands and media outlets. Now the Channel Editor for Cameras and Skywatching at Space.com their speciality is in low light optics and camera systems.

• Related: How to hold binoculars steady 

How we test the best compact binoculars

To guarantee you're getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best compact binoculars to buy here at Space.com, we make sure to put every binocular through a rigorous review to test each instrument fully. Each telescope is reviewed based on many aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and how it performs in the field.

Each pair of binoculars is carefully tested by 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 binocular and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a pair of 25x100 mammoth binoculars to a compact pair of 8x25s wouldn't be appropriate though each binocular might be the best pick in their own class.

We look at how easy they are to operate, whether the length of eye relief can be adjusted for spectacles wearer (the more the better), if a binocular comes with appropriate accessories (lens caps, neck strap, cleaning cloths) or carry bags and also make suggestions if a particular set of binos would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.

With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on binoculars, whether you should purchase an instrument or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.

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