These seven bows were in stock on Amazon US in September 2026. Prices move, though. Click through before you buy. Specs generally come from the manufacturer or the listing.

Best compound bow under $500: quick picks

• Best overall under $500: Diamond Edge XT — under $400
• Best ready-to-hunt grow-with-you bow: Bear Legit RTH — under $400
• Best for small frames and youth: Bear Royale RTH — under $300
• Best wide-range beginner package: Diamond Infinite 305 — under $400
• Best complete kit on a tight budget: Sanlida Dragon X8 — under $250
• Best first bow / NASP-style: Genesis Original — under $200
• Cheapest adjustable hunting-weight bow: SAS Scorpii — under $200

Fit still beats the price tag. Use how to find your draw length and the compound bow draw weight chart before you order.

1. Diamond Edge XT — best compound bow under $500 overall

The Edge XT is the step-up bow in this price band: caged riser, quad limbs, rotating module from 19 to 31 in, and 20–70 lb with no press. Axle-to-axle is 31 in, brace height 6.75 in, mass about 3.7 lb, IBO 300 fps. Diamond also lists a lifetime limited warranty.

In addition, the package usually includes an Octane Furnace quiver, 3-pin sight, brush rest, 5 in stabilizer, peep, and wrist strap. You still need arrows and a release. However, the 20 lb floor is too high for young kids. Adults and teens who plan to hunt should start here if the budget is close to $400.

Check price: Diamond Edge XT

2. Bear Legit RTH — best ready-to-hunt package under $500

The Legit covers 14–30 in of draw and 10–70 lb of peak weight with an Allen wrench. That is why it replaced the Cruzer on this site. ATA 30 in, brace 6 in, mass 3.6 lb, IBO up to 315 fps, 75% let-off.

The Trophy Ridge kit is also a real hunting setup: Joker 4-pin sight, Whisker Biscuit, 5-spot quiver, no-tie peep, D-loop. A Whisker Biscuit holds the arrow when you move. On the other hand, it gives up a little precision versus a drop-away. Even so, it is fine for a first deer season.

Check price: Bear Legit RTH

3. Bear Royale RTH — best under $500 for youth and small frames

At 2.7 lb and 27 in axle-to-axle, the Royale is the bow this list keeps when a 31-inch package feels huge. Draw length 12–27 in, draw weight 5–50 lb, no press. IBO up to 290 fps. Kit: Trophy Ridge Mist sight, Whisker Biscuit, 5-spot quiver, no-tie peep, nock loop.

Of course, it will not take most adults to 60–70 lb. Rather, it will fit a kid or a short-draw adult who would fight the Edge XT. More youth options are also on our youth compound bow reviews.

Check price: Bear Royale RTH

4. Diamond Infinite 305 — best forgiving beginner package under $500

The Infinite 305 is the current Edge-series formula: 7–70 lb, 19–31 in, no press, 32 in ATA, 7.25 in brace, 3.3 lb, 305 fps IBO. That long brace height is why it is easier to shoot than a short, fast flagship.

Package: Octane Furnace quiver, Stryker 3-pin, Octagon brush rest, Boost stabilizer. Before shooting, add arrows, peep, and a release. If someone on this page used to buy an Infinite Edge Pro, this is the listing to use now.

Check price: Diamond Infinite 305

5. Sanlida Dragon X8 — best complete kit under $250

The X8 is the one-box answer: bow, 5-pin sight, rest, stabilizer, sling, peep, 12 carbon arrows, quiver, release, puller, stand, and case. ATA 30 in, brace 6.6 in, draw 18–31 in, listed 0–70 lb, 310 fps IBO, 3.8 lb, BCY-D97 strings.

Trade-offs: most U.S. shops know Bear and Diamond better, and the included 500-spine 30 in arrows may not match a short draw or light poundage. Have a shop check spine before broadheads. Note that Sanlida’s limited lifetime parts warranty needs registration.

Check price: Sanlida Dragon X8

6. Genesis Original — best first bow under $200

The Genesis Original is the NASP bow: zero let-off, no set draw length, 10–20 lb, 35.5 in ATA, 7 5/8 in brace, about 3.5 lb, 6061-T6 riser, made in the USA. Because of that, anyone from about 15 to 30 in of draw can shoot the same bow.

However, it will not meet most state hunting minimums. That is not its job. Instead, buy it for PE, backyard groups, and a first clean release. Later, kids who outgrow it move to the Royale or Legit. See the beginner compound bow guide for that step.

Check price: Genesis Original

7. SAS Scorpii — cheapest hunting-weight bow under $500

The Scorpii is the budget hunting-weight option that was already on this page. Specs: 19–29 in draw, 11–55 lb (some older sheets said 30–55), 28 in ATA, 7.5 in brace, about 3.3 lb, 68–70% let-off. Speed claims range from 260 to 296 fps depending on the listing, so treat 260 as the honest number.

To be sure, it is not a Bear or Diamond. As a result, shop support is thinner, and many listings are bow-only. Add a rest, sight, and arrows before you hunt. If the budget can stretch to the Dragon X8 or Royale, do that. If $200 is the ceiling and you need 40-plus pounds, this is the row.

Check price: SAS Scorpii

How to choose the best compound bow under $500

1. Measure draw length. Otherwise, wrong length ruins every bow on this list.
2. Then pick a starting peak weight you can hold for 10 seconds seated. Use the draw weight chart.
3. If you might hunt this year, buy a bow that reaches your state minimum and that you can draw in a coat.
4. In general, prefer a package with a sight and rest already on the bow.
5. Leave $40–$80 for arrows that actually match the spine. In fact, cheap kit arrows are why groups fall apart.

More current context for each of these models is on the 2026 homepage picks.

FAQ

What is the best compound bow under $500 right now?

For most adults and teens who will hunt, the Diamond Edge XT or Bear Legit. In contrast, for a small-framed shooter, the Royale. Finally, for one box under $250, the Dragon X8.

Is $200 enough for a hunting bow?

The Dragon X8 can reach hunting weight. However, the Genesis cannot. The Scorpii can on paper if you add sights and the right arrows. Either way, check your state minimum.

Should I buy the Infinite Edge Pro instead of the Infinite 305?

Use the 305. It is the current catalog bow with the same idea: huge draw range, light starting weight, package on Amazon.

Do I need to try a bow in a shop first?

Yes if you can. Draw length and the 10-second hold test matter more than the brand on the riser.

Next step

Pick one row from the chart, click the matching photo, and confirm hand orientation and in-stock color. Then set the bow light and leave it there until form holds. That is how a best compound bow under $500 actually gets used.

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