Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.9 Best Crossbow Under $400 | Hunters, 390 FPS for Under $400

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The Xpedition Scrapeline 390X delivers the best speed-to-value ratio in this entire category. Shooting 390 FPS from a 210-lb compound system, it matches bows costing hundreds more, yet the package stays under the target budget. The included 4×32 illuminated scope provides clear low-light performance and the carbon-fiber-reinforced stock keeps weight at just 6.7 lb, making it easy to carry through long sits.

Assembly is straightforward and users report being sighted in within three shots, thanks to the solid string-suppressor system that reduces vibration. The ambidextrous stock adjusts to fit both adults and younger shooters, which adds a lot of versatility for a family bow. The rope cocker is included, but the 210-lb draw does require consistent effort to load properly.

Some users have reported occasional trigger-sear engagement issues after several shots, a known inconsistency at this price point. The bow is also designed exclusively for Xpedition XIT-20 bolts, which limits your arrow options compared to more standardized models. For the shooter who wants maximum FPS without crossing into the next price tier, this is the clear winner.

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The Burner 415 pushes the envelope with a blistering 415 FPS rating, putting it ahead of many crossbows that cost significantly more. The compound cam system paired with the 220-lb draw weight generates serious kinetic energy for taking down big game, and the included LUMIX 4×32 IR-W scope gives you a clear aiming point even at dusk. The 6-position buttstock and X-Lok adjustable foregrip let you dial in the fit for a consistent anchor point.

Durability is a mixed bag among owners. Those who use heavier 500-grain bolts report the bow holds up well for hundreds of shots, while shooters who use the included lightweight bolts have experienced limb delamination or string wear within the first 50 shots. This suggests the bow is sensitive to bolt weight, and matching your arrows to the power stroke is essential for longevity. The rope cocking spur is tucked inside the stock, which can slow down follow-up shots in a tree stand.

The 3.5-pound KillerTech trigger is crisp for this class, though some shooters note a slight grit before the break point. The bow accepts Killer Instinct’s Dead Silent Crank, a worthwhile upgrade for anyone who struggles with the 220-lb draw weight in cold weather. For hunters chasing the highest possible velocity under the budget cap, this bow delivers the raw speed you want.

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The Barnett Recruit XP is the most approachable crossbow in this lineup, purpose-built for new shooters and smaller-framed hunters who cannot manage a 200-lb plus draw. The 125-lb draw weight is easy to cock with the included rope device, yet the bow still pushes arrows at a respectable 330 FPS — enough for deer at reasonable ranges. Barnett’s TriggerTech frictionless release keeps the trigger pull smooth and consistent, which is rare at this price point.

Safety is front and center here with the Soft Lok floating bristle arrow retainer and the anti-dry fire (ADF) system. The ADF prevents the string from releasing if no arrow is loaded, saving you from a catastrophic dry fire that would destroy the limbs. The 1x30mm 3-dot sight is adequate for shots inside 40 yards, though it lacks magnification for longer range work. The side-mount quiver keeps the profile slim for maneuvering in brush.

Some users have reported the string slipping during the draw cycle, a failure that can damage the sight assembly. This appears to be an intermittent manufacturing defect rather than a design flaw, but it is worth inspecting the bow thoroughly before first use. The included Headhunter arrows are serviceable, but upgrading to a heavier bolt improves consistency. For the hunter who prioritizes low effort and safety over raw speed, this is a solid choice.

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The Lethal 405 pairs high velocity with advanced noise suppression, making it a top pick for hunters who need to stay quiet in a blind or tree stand. Custom rubber shock absorbers dampen the vibration and string slap significantly, giving you a shot that is noticeably quieter than most compound bows in this tier. The 210-lb draw weight and cam system push the 20-inch bolt to 405 FPS, delivering flat trajectories out to 50 yards.

The package is loaded with practical accessories: a 4×32 non-illuminated scope, string suppressors, a three-bolt quiver, three Hypr Lite bolts with field tips, and a stick of rail lube. The X-Lock foregrip slides along the full-length Picatinny rail, letting you adjust your hand placement for comfort. The non-illuminated scope is clear but lacks illumination for low-light edge shots, which is a common upgrade path for this bow.

The cocking force is significant, and the rope cocker notch sits inside the stock, which can be awkward to engage in a seated position. Some shooters report that the safety must be engaged before the string locks into the latch, requiring an extra step in the firing sequence. A few users have struggled to achieve tight groups compared to other brands, though many report excellent accuracy with proper bolt selection. For the price, the quiet performance and high speed are hard to beat.

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The BALLISTA BAT redefines what a compact crossbow can do. At just 16 inches long and weighing 2.5 lb, it fits inside a backpack, yet its compound system delivers 300 FPS with only a 40-lb draw weight. That draw is manageable for almost any adult and makes cocking fast and quiet. The ambidextrous safety button and simple trigger system are well-suited for home defense or survival kits.

Accuracy is impressive for such a small platform — shooters report 1- to 2-inch groups at 10 yards, making it effective for close-range hunting of small game or pest control. The included three practice bolts are light, and users note that the arrows are often unrecoverable after hitting a target because the kinetic energy drives them deep. The aluminum construction feels solid, though the pistol grip is entirely plastic, which some shooters find cheap.

The biggest catch is the maintenance cost. The compact string and cable system frays noticeably after about 100 shots, and replacing the string requires a bow press — an expense that can add up quickly. The package does not include a sight, string wax, or a carrying case, so you will need to budget for those separately. For a secondary, ultra-portable bow, the BAT is excellent, but it should not be your primary hunting tool.

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The Mini Striker takes the pistol form factor and delivers serious punch with a 125-lb draw weight and a 7-inch power stroke. The built-in crank with 3x leverage reduces the felt cocking effort to about 42 lb, making it much easier to load than the draw weight suggests. With a top speed of 300 FPS, it can punch through half-inch plywood to a depth of 4 inches, which is extraordinary for a bow that weighs under 3 lb.

The kit includes five hunting bolts plus three practice bolts, an Allen wrench set, and spare bolts — a generous accessory load for the price. Users consistently report 1-inch groups at 20 yards with quality bolts, and the compact design makes it easy to carry in a tree stand or on a hiking trail. The rail accepts red dot and laser sights, allowing you to customize the aiming system to your preference.

The main drawback is bolt compatibility. This crossbow uses non-standard small-diameter bolts (4-5mm, 11-13 inches long), which can be hard to find in local shops. The forward grip and foot stirrup are poorly designed and nearly unusable out of the box, requiring modification or replacement. Some users also note that the included Morris bolts are too thick for the rail and recommend aftermarket carbon shafts. For a specialized close-range hunting tool, the Mini Striker is powerful and portable.

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The Anaconda is a classic recurve design that prioritizes simplicity and field serviceability over flat-out speed. The 175-lb draw weight and 18.5-inch power stroke produce 245 FPS, which is adequate for whitetail deer inside 30 yards. The composite stock keeps weight around 5 lb, and the ambidextrous design makes it comfortable for both left- and right-handed shooters. The included red-dot scope mounts cleanly on the Picatinny rail and holds zero well for the price.

The complete kit is generous: four 16-inch aluminum bolts, wax, a stringer, a sling, a quiver, and a cocking rope. For a first-time crossbow owner, this removes the guesswork of buying accessories separately. The recurve limbs are easier to re-string in the field than compound cams, and users report the bow holds up well even after hundreds of shots with proper maintenance. Assembly instructions are poor, but an included video link makes the process manageable in under an hour.

The 245 FPS cap means you cannot push shots much past 40 yards without significant arrow drop. The red-dot scope requires batteries (not included) and washes out in bright sunlight. The forend is basic and does not offer the ergonomic adjustments found on pricier compound bows. For the budget-conscious shooter who values simplicity and a complete package, this is an entry-level workhorse that performs reliably.

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The Hellhound is a slight step up from the Anaconda, offering a marginally higher 255 FPS and an adjustable buttstock that extends from 30.7 to 32.2 inches. This makes it a better fit for shooters with longer arms or those who wear bulky hunting jackets. The 11-inch power stroke is shorter than the Anaconda, but the recurve design still provides reliable performance with less cam noise. The aluminum rail is smooth, and the three-dot red scope is crisp out of the box.

Build quality is a point of concern for some buyers. While many report the Hellhound shoots accurately and hits hard at 30 yards, others have received units with missing parts or poorly machined components. The stringing process is difficult even with the included bow stringer, and the limbs require caution during assembly to avoid misalignment. The kit includes the same generous accessory bundle as the Anaconda, with four bolts, wax, stringer, quiver, and cocking rope.

Accuracy at longer ranges is inconsistent — some shooters group well at 40 yards while others struggle to keep bolts inside a 6-inch circle past 25 yards. The bolts supplied are basic aluminum shafts that benefit from being replaced with higher-quality carbon alternatives. For the hunter who needs an adjustable stock and prefers the simple maintenance of a recurve, the Hellhound offers good value but demands careful setup and quality control inspection.

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The XtremepowerUS Hybrid occupies a unique niche as a multi-ammo crossbow that can shoot both bolts and steel ball bearings. With an 80-lb draw weight and a 10-inch power stroke, it launches arrows at 160 FPS — insufficient for deer but adequate for rabbits, squirrels, and pest control. The package includes a flashlight, red light pointer, two fishing arrows, two hunting arrows, gloves, a hex wrench, and a crossbow bag, making it the most eclectic accessory bundle in the lineup.

The hybrid shooting capability is the main draw here. The barrel includes a magnetic system for steel balls, which adds a fun plinking option, but accuracy with ball bearings degrades quickly past 20 yards. The adjustable stock and foregrip offer some customization, but the build quality is noticeably lower than the dedicated hunting bows in this guide. Some users report that the included arrows do not fit the rail properly and require modification to slide into place.

Durability is a major concern. Several customers report that the string is too tight to cock properly out of the box, and the red light pointer often arrives non-functional. The machining quality on the prongs is inconsistent, leading to arrows that do not seat correctly. This is not a bow for serious hunting; it is a recreational tool for backyard target shooting or small-game control where performance expectations are modest. The hybrid feature makes it a conversation starter, but not a primary weapon.