10 Best Portable Telescopes 2026 in the United States

The Odyssey PRO by UNISTELLAR is a highly user-friendly portable telescope designed for both beginners and enthusiasts who want a quick and immersive stargazing experience. It features an 85mm aperture and a focal length of 320mm (f/3.9), which offers a good balance between light-gathering ability and compact size. This means it can capture decent detail on bright objects like the Moon and planets, as well as some fainter deep-sky objects, though it won't match larger telescopes in raw light-gathering power.

The motorized Alt-Az mount with automatic alignment and GoTo technology makes finding and tracking objects very simple—ideal if you want to start observing in under 2 minutes without complicated setup. Its autofocus and connectivity with an app further enhance ease of use, allowing you to view through the included eyepiece or on your phone or tablet. For a portable telescope, the weight of about 6.5 kg (14.3 pounds) plus the 2.5 kg tripod is reasonable, but it’s not ultra-light, so it’s best suited for carrying short distances rather than backpacking.

The onboard 64GB storage and 5-hour battery life support extended observing sessions and allow saving high-quality images in RAW/FITS formats for advanced users. The inclusion of a large star catalog and citizen science projects adds a unique educational and community aspect. While the 85mm aperture is modest for serious deep-sky observing, and the price might be higher than simpler telescopes due to its smart features, the Odyssey PRO is a great choice for those seeking a portable, easy-to-use telescope that blends traditional viewing with digital imaging and app control. If maximum aperture or ultra-lightweight gear are priorities, other options may be more suitable.

The Unistellar Odyssey is a digital, app-controlled portable telescope designed to get you observing quickly and easily. It features an 85mm aperture and 320mm focal length with an f/3.9 ratio, providing a moderately wide view ideal for casual stargazing from city balconies or darker locations. Its motorized Alt-Azimuth mount allows smooth, automatic tracking and positioning with just one click, removing the need for complex setup or polar alignment. Instead of traditional eyepieces, you view images directly on your phone or tablet through the dedicated app, which can be great for sharing views with friends but might feel less traditional for those used to looking through lenses.

Weighing about 6.5 kg with a sturdy tripod, the scope remains quite portable for a device with integrated camera and electronics, and its battery lasts up to 5 hours, enough for extended sessions. The autofocus feature and 64GB onboard storage make capturing images and videos straightforward. Advanced users will appreciate the ability to export RAW/FITS files and access a large star catalog, plus the option to participate in citizen science projects, adding educational value.

Since all viewing happens via a mobile device, you rely entirely on the app and your device’s screen, which might limit usability in very bright conditions or for those who prefer hands-on optics. Also, while the 85mm aperture offers good entry-level performance, it won’t compete with larger telescopes in gathering faint details or deep-sky objects. This makes the Odyssey perfect for beginners or casual users wanting a hassle-free, modern stargazing experience with digital imaging, but it may not satisfy those seeking traditional eyepiece views or more advanced optical power.

The Gskyer Telescope is well-suited for beginners and kids interested in astronomical observations. With a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, it offers decent optical quality, allowing users to explore stars and the moon with clear and bright images. The fully coated optics glass lens enhances image clarity and protects the eyes.

This telescope comes with two eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens, providing versatile magnification options, and a 5x24 finder scope to help locate objects easily in the night sky. The wireless remote and smartphone adapter are great for capturing and sharing celestial images, making the experience interactive and fun. Additionally, the adjustable tripod and carry bag enhance the portability aspect, making it convenient for travel and storage.

However, the Altazimuth mount, while easy to use, may not be as stable or suitable for advanced astronomical tracking compared to more sophisticated mount types. At 5.7 pounds and with dimensions of 24.8 x 4.92 x 8.46 inches, it's lightweight and compact, adding to its portability. This telescope is a solid choice for those starting out in astronomy, offering a good balance of features and ease of use at a beginner-friendly price point.