10 Best Telescope With Smartphone 2026 in the United States

The Celestron Starsense Explorer 12" Dobsonian Telescope boasts a large 12-inch aperture, which is excellent for capturing faint and detailed images of deep-sky objects. The parabolic primary mirror with XLT coatings enhances optical quality, making it a strong contender for those interested in astrophotography or detailed space observation.

The telescope's smartphone compatibility and the StarSense Explorer app, powered by SkySafari, simplify the process of locating celestial objects, which is a great feature for beginners and intermediate users. The Altazimuth mount allows for smooth manual adjustments, adding to the ease of use. However, this telescope is quite heavy at 83.6 pounds, which could hinder portability. Setting it up in a mobile-friendly environment might be challenging for some users.

The included reflex finderscope aids in initial alignment, but the manual focus might require some getting used to. The telescope requires a CR2032 battery for the smartphone adapter, which is conveniently included. This product is well-suited for amateur astronomers who are primarily stationary and looking to observe a range of celestial phenomena with the added benefit of smartphone assistance. Portability and ease of transport are its primary drawbacks, so it may not be the best choice for those needing a lightweight, portable option.

The Odyssey - UNISTELLAR Smart Telescope is designed with ease of use and modern tech integration in mind, making it a great choice if you want to explore the night sky using just your smartphone or tablet. Its 85mm aperture and 320mm focal length offer decent light gathering and magnification for observing planets, the Moon, and many deep-sky objects. The motorized Alt-Azimuth mount with one-click GoTo functionality means you don't have to fuss with complicated alignments—just power on, connect your device, and start observing within minutes.

Since it has no eyepiece and relies on app-only viewing, it’s perfect for group experiences or sharing images instantly but might feel a bit unusual if you prefer traditional eyepiece views. The built-in autofocus and onboard camera with 64GB storage allow you to capture and export high-quality images, including RAW files for more advanced processing. Portability is reasonable with a total weight around 6.5 kg plus a sturdy tripod, making it suitable for outdoor use though not ultra-lightweight for backpacking. Battery life of up to 5 hours supports extended sessions away from power sources.

The optical quality is enhanced by the digital system, providing clear images with a limiting magnitude of 17.2, which is quite good for this class of telescope. If you enjoy citizen science projects or want to contribute to real astronomical discoveries, this scope offers built-in access to NASA and SETI campaigns, adding unique value. The lack of a traditional eyepiece might disappoint users who enjoy direct visual observation without a screen. Also, the reliance on a smartphone app means a compatible device and Wi-Fi connection are essential. This telescope suits beginner to intermediate stargazers who value convenience, digital imaging, and collaborative astronomy but may be less suited for purists who prefer classic viewing methods.

The Gskyer Telescope is designed with beginners and young astronomers in mind, making it a great entry point for stargazing enthusiasts. It features a 70mm aperture and a 400mm focal length, which deliver clear and bright images of celestial objects like the moon and stars. The fully coated optics enhance the viewing experience by reducing glare, ensuring that users can enjoy quality images without straining their eyes.

One of its notable strengths is the inclusion of a smartphone adapter and a wireless remote. This allows users to easily capture images of their discoveries, making it perfect for those who want to share their astronomical adventures on social media. The adjustable aluminum tripod is sturdy yet lightweight, enhancing portability for those who enjoy taking their telescope on the go.

The Gskyer Telescope performs well for beginners, but it may not satisfy more experienced astronomers seeking advanced features. The manual focus can require some practice to master, and the optical quality, while good for its price range, may not meet the expectations of seasoned users looking for high-end specifications. Additionally, the 5x24 finderscope, though functional, can be a bit tricky to use for precise object locating.