10 Best Telescope For Iphones 2025 in the United States

The HEXEUM 80mm Aperture 600mm telescope is a solid choice for both beginners and enthusiasts looking to explore astronomy while utilizing their iPhones for photography. With an 80mm aperture and a 600mm focal length, it offers good light-gathering capabilities and clarity for viewing celestial objects. The inclusion of two quality eyepieces provides options for different magnifications, reaching up to 180x with a Barlow lens, which is impressive for its price range.

One of its key strengths is portability; the telescope is lightweight at 6.2 pounds and comes with a carrying bag, making it easy to transport for stargazing sessions. The no-tool setup is a major plus for users who may not be tech-savvy, allowing for quick assembly and adjustments, even for novices. The phone adapter and wireless control are thoughtful features, enabling users to capture images directly from their devices, appealing to those who want to document their observations.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The manual focus can be somewhat challenging for those who are not accustomed to using telescopes, potentially making it less user-friendly for complete beginners. It's essential to manage expectations regarding the telescope's performance under various conditions, especially when used with a smartphone.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is an exciting choice for those looking to blend smartphone technology with astronomy. One of its standout features is the StarSense sky recognition technology, which helps users find stars and planets without needing prior telescope experience. Simply follow the guided arrows on your smartphone, making it accessible for beginners and casual stargazers alike. The telescope’s 130mm Newtonian reflector provides good light-gathering abilities, allowing for impressive views of celestial objects like the Moon, Jupiter, and even deep-sky entities such as the Orion Nebula.

In terms of compatibility, this model works smoothly with both iPhones and Androids, enhancing its appeal in a tech-driven world. The manual altazimuth mount is user-friendly and allows for precise adjustments, making it easy to track objects in the sky.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. While the setup is designed to be straightforward, it may still require some patience for those completely new to telescopes. The manual focus can be a bit tricky for some users, especially when trying to achieve clarity on distant objects. Additionally, the 18-pound weight makes it less portable compared to lighter models, which could be a drawback for those intending to travel to darker skies.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ is best suited for beginner to intermediate users who want a user-friendly telescope that integrates with their smartphone for a guided stargazing experience. It effectively balances ease of use and quality optics, though potential users should consider their comfort with manual adjustments and the weight of the telescope when deciding if it meets their needs.

The Celestron StarSense Explorer 114mm Tabletop Dobsonian Smartphone App-Enabled Telescope is a solid choice for iPhone users who want to explore the night sky with ease. Its standout feature is the StarSense app, which guides you to celestial objects by using your smartphone to analyze the star patterns and calculate the telescope's position. This makes it very beginner-friendly, as no prior telescope experience is required. The app also provides a curated list of the best objects to view based on your specific time and location, enhancing the stargazing experience.

Its 114mm aperture is quite decent, allowing enough light to capture detailed views of planets, nebulae, and galaxies, especially from darker locations. The manual tabletop Dobsonian mount is stable and easy to set up, making it convenient for quick sessions. Additionally, the telescope is compatible with both iPhones and Android devices, offering flexibility in usage.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The manual focus may not be as precise as automated systems, potentially requiring a bit more effort to get the perfect clarity. Additionally, its size and weight (12.6 pounds) may affect its portability if you're looking for something ultra-compact. Lastly, being a tabletop model, it requires a stable surface for optimal use, limiting its flexibility in placement. Despite these minor cons, the Celestron StarSense Explorer is a great tool for casual astronomers and beginners who want a guided, hassle-free stargazing experience using their smartphone.