Looking for the 5 best crossbows for deer hunting in 2025? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or gearing up for your first season, choosing the right crossbow can make all the difference in accuracy, power, and overall success in the field. Our expert team tested and compared the top-rated crossbows on the market—focusing on performance, durability, and value—to bring you the 5 best crossbows for deer hunting that fit every budget. From lightweight beginner options to pro-level precision rigs, this guide is built on real hunting experience to help you make the perfect choice this season.
1. RAVIN Crossbow Package
Highlight: The RAVIN Crossbow Package delivers unmatched speed, precision, and compact design—built for hunters who demand top-tier performance in every shot.
Supportive Review: I’ve had TenPoint crossbows, a Centerpoint crossbow and a Barrett crossbow. Hands down the Ravin R10 is by far is the most user friendly, most accurate … it blows all the others out of the water !!! If I ever decide to upgrade it would most definitely be with another Ravin crossbow. Worth every penny. -Drew Nesmith
Trending Review: I am new to using a crossbow. After my neighbor helped me sight it in, I went to my blind and with one adjustment hit bulls eye at 42, 50, 60, and 70 yards. It is awesome to have high quality crossbow shoot great repeatability. Now for the deer to come in Sept. -A. aldrich
2. Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow
Highlight: The Barnett Whitetail Pro STR Crossbow delivers smooth, powerful shots with impressive accuracy—perfect for serious deer hunters who value reliability and performance.
Supportive Review: Nice crossbow! Easy to assemble, although the directions are sketchy. I had to use a YouTube video to be sure I was doing it right. Extremely powerful and accurate. The scope is acceptable. My only criticism is the detachable quiver. It won’t lock on tight, and it’s oriented in a way that it will interfere with your hands no matter which side you mount it on. I bought an adaptor so that I can mount it out front at 90 degrees rather than inline with the bow stock. I recommend this bow. Already shot a couple deer, through and through. -Anthony
Trending Review: This was a snap to put together. I never had to adjust the scope, it came pre mounted and was dead on. I paper tuned the Headhunter bolts that came with it and the 5 additional that i bought. They are great also. The three best flyers I tipped with Muzzy Trocar, and they shot amazing! I couldn’t believe it! Just like field points, literally! I will always paper tune my arrows from this day on. Some folks have found issue with this bow, i have not. I have shot it over 30 times now and it is all that! -Brain
3. BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II Crossbow
Highlight: The BARNETT Whitetail Hunter II delivers powerful performance with smooth, accurate shots—perfect for hunters who want reliability and value in one lightweight package.
Supportive Review: At $400 it isn’t no economy crossbow, don’t let nobody call it a cheapie, not at that cost. As with most products you get these days; throw away the directions and use the pictures you find on amazon and on the box, “a picture tells a thousand words” is exactly right! It is not easy to cock, sounds like no crossbow is when they all are 150-200 lb pull.
This one is 150 and with my bad shoulder and 4 hernia surgeries I needed the crank, it works good although I’d say a 12-13 year boy or girl probably can’t cock it even with the crank, if they could cock it I’d consider it “easy”. I wanted a 100 lb pull crossbow, couldn’t find one (Fred Bear harvested every big game animal in North America with a 70 lb recurve), so what the H do we need these super powerful ones for?? You get less droppage of course, that’s a power argument, but maybe I can find an archery shop that’ll modify mine to 100 lb, in the meantime I’ll use it for Whitetail.
Scope worked fine, was way off at first, shot 3 shots to sight it in; just turned the dial about 15 clicks up/down and left/right on each shot and bingo, was right on the fourth one ha, got lucky I guess! -Stevie T.
Trending Review: I was worried about a trigger failure after reading reviews but grabbed one. One of the best purchases I have made. I learned quickly (3rd shot) MAKE SURE BOLT IS ALL THE WAY IN!!!! This was my first crossbow and thought snug was “in”, nope. It will appear to be a trigger issue as it won’t come off the safe position, just seat the bolt completely. 71# grandson is having a blast with it and will be joining me this deer season for archery as he can actually hold it up and fire effectively. GREAT BUY!! -James
4. CenterPoint Archery Sniper Elite 385
Highlight: The CenterPoint Archery Sniper Elite 385 delivers impressive speed, accuracy, and balance—perfect for hunters who want power and precision without breaking the bank.
Supportive Review: I put a Pinty scope on it, did a little sighting in at 30 to 40 yards and then tried 80 yards. First shot, Bullseye! Second two where affected by a crosswind. This is my first crossbow so still playing with the mechanics. Used to a compound bow, what a difference. I think this is a fantastic buy for the money. Great performance, great quality at a great price. Watch what you shoot at, the bolts went right through one of my compound targets. It hits hard. Love it! I did shoot 100 yards and was off by 5 inches but I attribute that to a bad stance. Keep shooting and keep them in the 10 range. -Craig
Trending Review: This place is amazing!! I had an issue with the stalk and they took care of me beyond measures!! Im disabled and I cant hunt with a crossbow using special permits. My stalk had broke and this company made it right. They sent me all kinds of parts with extras! They were very understanding and extremely compassionate about my situation and came through beyond expectation. Thank you Bob and Broady!! You guys make the company well worth doing business with. I love the crossbow. The style, the looks and most of all the customer service!! Again thank you! -Michael Sarantis
5. KILLER INSTINCT Boss 405 Crossbow
Highlight: The KILLER INSTINCT Boss 405 Crossbow delivers blazing speed, pinpoint accuracy, and rugged dependability—perfect for hunters who want power without breaking the bank.
Supportive Review: I didn’t know anything about crossbows. I did a lot of research and this seemed the best bang for my buck (literally). Assembly was pretty easy after watching videos on YT. The only complaint I have is the difficulty loading it. It takes a lot of strength. Luckily I’m pretty strong. Great quality product. It is amazing how powerful it is. I shot through a 2×4 piece of lumber for my first shot and it went right through. The arrow got stuck and broke but I was pleased with the sheer power. Other than the loading aspect, I’m very happy. -The Eel
Trending Review: This is my second crossbow within 15 years.
The scope is perfect for my 50 year old eyes! I absolutely love the scope. I had gone through 3 scopes in my Barnett due to my older eye site and none of those compare to this scope for me. There’s only 2 things I can complain about. The first one is the butt stock is loose fitting, secondly the safety switch is loud. In addition to the safety, the trigger has a long pull before it releases the bolt compared to my old Barnett crossbow.
As far as accuracy, it’s spot on. I use budget bolts so I take the time to tune the nocks by rotating them 120 degrees until I find it’s happy spot, and weigh each bolt to ensure every bolt is matched and balanced within 5 grains of each other. I’ve found that the heavier the broadhead or field tip, the happier the bolt and more accurate. So accurate I’ve split a few arrows at 30 yards.
My bolts are between 410 to 415 grains with total weight. I had lighted nocks that weighed around 25 grains on them but discovered knocks that are about 12-15 grains work better than the lighted nocks I bought which are about 25 grains. So the take away on bolts is, light tail heavy tip.
Make sure you register within 30 days to receive a full warranty. -Mark
Final Words For The 5 Best Crossbows for Deer Hunting
Choosing the right crossbow can make all the difference in your deer hunting success this season. The best crossbows for 2025 combine power, accuracy, and reliability—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hunter. Each of our expert picks has been tested for real-world performance, from draw weight to trigger response, ensuring you get the most out of every shot. As hunting technology continues to evolve, investing in a quality crossbow means cleaner kills, greater precision, and a more rewarding experience in the field. So, gear up with confidence and make your next hunt your best one yet.