10 Best Computerized Telescopes 2025 in the United States

The Celestron NexStar 8SE is a well-regarded computerized telescope that suits both beginners and advanced users. One of its standout features is the impressive 8-inch aperture, which allows for excellent light-gathering capabilities, making it easier to view celestial objects in detail. The Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design also contributes to a compact size, making it more portable than many other telescopes with similar capabilities. The fully automated GoTo mount, which can locate over 40,000 celestial objects, is an excellent feature for newcomers who may find manually locating stars and planets challenging. Additionally, the SkyAlign technology allows for quick setup, getting users aligned and ready to observe in just minutes.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The telescope's weight of around 23.9 pounds can make it a bit cumbersome to transport for some users, especially if they plan to carry it to different locations. While assembly is straightforward, the individual components may still require some effort to set up. The manual focusing may also be a hassle for those who prefer a more automated focusing experience. Battery operation means you'll need to keep an eye on power levels, as it isn't equipped with a built-in power supply.

The NexStar 8SE presents a solid mix of user-friendly features and advanced capabilities, making it a suitable choice for stargazers. It’s particularly appropriate for those serious about astronomy while also offering enough ease of use for beginners looking to explore the night sky. Just keep in mind its weight and the manual focusing when considering if it's the right telescope for you.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ is a great choice for both astronomy novices and enthusiasts looking to explore the night sky with minimal hassle. One of its standout features is the integration with the StarSense app, which uses your smartphone to guide you in finding celestial objects without requiring prior telescope experience. This is particularly useful for beginners who want an easy introduction to stargazing.

The telescope's 114mm Newtonian reflector offers good light-gathering capability, making it possible to observe details on the Moon and planets such as Jupiter and Saturn, as well as some deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula. The manual altazimuth mount with slow motion controls ensures smooth tracking of objects in the sky, though it may not be as precise as motorized mounts for advanced users.

At 10.4 pounds, the telescope is fairly portable, although its dimensions might make it a bit bulky for frequent transportation. The lack of a built-in GoTo system means that the experience relies heavily on the app and manual adjustments, which could be a downside for those seeking a more automated experience. Additionally, the need for a smartphone might be seen as a limitation for users without compatible devices. Despite these minor drawbacks, the StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ offers an accessible and enjoyable stargazing experience backed by quality optics and innovative technology.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ offers a unique experience by integrating smartphone technology with traditional stargazing. Its standout feature is the StarSense sky recognition technology, which uses your smartphone to identify and guide you to celestial objects, making it extremely user-friendly for beginners. The app provides real-time suggestions based on your location and time, which is a great help for those new to astronomy.

The 130mm aperture of the Newtonian reflector allows for clear views of the Moon's craters, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and various deep sky objects under darker skies. However, its manual altazimuth mount, while easy to set up and use, does not offer the stability or precision of motorized mounts often found in more advanced telescopes. Portability is decent due to its manageable size and weight, but it's not the most compact option available.

The power supply is manual, meaning there are no concerns about battery life but it lacks the convenience of automated tracking. This telescope is best suited for beginner to intermediate astronomers who want a simple yet effective way to explore the night sky using their smartphone.