Best Telescopes Under £200 in 2026

Celestron 22451 StarSense Explorer LT 80AZ Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope – £199.00, 4.3★: This innovative telescope combines traditional stargazing with modern technology, allowing users to navigate the night sky using a smartphone app. Its 80mm aperture gathers enough light to view the Moon's craters and some brighter deep-sky objects, making it an excellent choice for tech-savvy beginners. The only downside is that it requires a smartphone, which may not appeal to everyone.

Slokey 50080 Refractor Telescope – £149.99, 4.2★: With a versatile magnification range of 20x to 250x, this telescope is perfect for both lunar and planetary observation. Its portability and easy setup make it a great option for family outings or trips to dark sky sites. However, the lower quality of some included eyepieces can limit the viewing experience.

Telescopes for Adults Astronomy, 80mm Aperture 600mm Refractor Telescope – £99.99, 4.4★: This telescope offers a solid aperture size for beginners and is well-suited for both moon and planetary viewing. It’s user-friendly and includes everything you need to get started. The trade-off is that it may not perform as well in light-polluted areas, so seeking darker skies is advisable.

Celestron 21035 Travel Scope 70 – £89.95, 4.2★: This portable refractor telescope is ideal for beginners who want to explore the night sky without the hassle of heavy equipment. Its compact design and included backpack make it easy to transport. However, the smaller aperture means it may struggle with fainter objects.

Celestron 21049 PowerSeeker 127EQ Reflector Telescope – £184.15, 3.8★: This telescope features a larger 127mm aperture, allowing for brighter views of celestial objects. It's a great upgrade for those looking to delve deeper into astronomy. However, its equatorial mount can be challenging for some beginners to master.

Misilmp Astronomy Telescope for Adults – £59.99, 4.2★: A great entry-level option, this telescope is lightweight and easy to set up, making it perfect for kids and beginners. The 70mm aperture is decent for casual stargazing, but users may find the optics lack clarity compared to higher-priced models.

Astronomical Telescope Refractor 70/300mm – £70.30, 4.6★: This compact refractor is suitable for beginners and includes useful accessories like a phone holder. Its portable nature makes it easy to take on trips, but the shorter focal length may limit its ability to resolve finer details.

Usogood 10X42 Monocular Telescope – £27.99, 4.5★: While not a traditional telescope, this monocular offers a high-quality viewing experience for birdwatching and casual stargazing. It's compact and waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. However, it lacks the magnification and detail of a full telescope.

Usogood 12X52 Monocular Telescope – £27.99, 4.4★: Similar to the 10X42 model, this monocular is great for beginners who want a portable option. It provides decent magnification for casual viewing but is limited in its astronomical capabilities compared to proper telescopes.

Mijiao Telescope for Kids – £29.99, 3.9★: This is a basic telescope designed for children and beginners. While it’s affordable and fun for young stargazers, it may not hold up to the scrutiny of more serious hobbyists due to its lower quality optics.