Best Crossbow Under $500 in 2026: What Fits Your Budget
Find the best crossbow under $500 in BALLISTA’s lineup. Compare four BAT options, see what your budget leaves, and plan for essential extras.
The BAT at $299.95 leaves the most room for a complete setup. The BAT Reverse with T-Stock at $499.95 uses almost every dollar before tax. Both fit the headline; they fit very different shopping lists.
Choosing the best crossbow under $500 starts with the total
This is a guide to four BALLISTA options, not a ranking of every crossbow on the market. Prices below were checked on September 21, 2026. They exclude tax, shipping, and optional accessories, and may change.
Before comparing models, decide whether $500 is your crossbow budget or your entire shooting budget. If you already own compatible equipment and have access to a suitable range, you have more flexibility. Starting from scratch is different: ammunition, a suitable target or range fees, and any necessary sighting equipment also need room in the total.
The best crossbow under $500 is the one that fits both your intended use and the equipment you still need. Spending less on the crossbow can be a sensible choice, not a compromise you have to apologize for.
| BALLISTA model | Listed price | Left from $500* | Budget tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAT | $299.95 | $200.05 | Most room for equipment you do not own yet |
| BAT with T-Stock | $349.95 | $150.05 | Adds the stock configuration while preserving a useful reserve |
| BAT Reverse | $449.95 | $50.05 | Less room for extras or checkout costs |
| BAT Reverse with T-Stock | $499.95 | $0.05 | Under the product-price ceiling, not a complete $500 kit |
*Simple subtraction before tax, shipping, or additional purchases. These balances are not accessory-package quotes.
BAT: the most breathing room in the budget
The BAT at $299.95 is the first option to consider when the whole purchase needs to stay close to $500. Its $200.05 price gap below that ceiling gives you more room to address the less exciting items that make a shooting session possible.
That does not mean spending the balance immediately. First check the current package contents, identify what you already have, and confirm compatibility before buying anything else. A spare bolt that does not match the crossbow is not a bargain.
Choose this starting point if keeping money available matters more than buying the most expensive configuration you can squeeze into the cart.
BAT with T-Stock: budget for the configuration you want
The BAT with T-Stock at $349.95 costs $50 more than the standard BAT and leaves $150.05 before other charges. If you already know you want a stock-equipped version, compare this package before building your own shopping list around the base model.
A stock is a fit decision, not an automatic accuracy upgrade. Think about how you intend to hold and use the crossbow. If possible, handle the configuration before committing; otherwise, check the product details and ask about anything that affects fit. Paying for the setup you actually want beats purchasing accessories on a guess.
BAT Reverse: a tighter equipment allowance
The BAT Reverse at $449.95 leaves $50.05 below the ceiling. That can make sense when you have already checked your equipment needs, but it is a narrow margin for someone starting with an empty gear shelf.
Do not use the higher price as a shortcut for deciding whether this is the right model. Compare the configuration against your intended use in the BALLISTA crossbow comparison, then price the complete list. The review video above provides another look at the BAT Reverse; it is not a substitute for checking the current package contents.
BAT Reverse with T-Stock: five cents is not a reserve
The BAT Reverse with T-Stock at $499.95 belongs on a list of crossbows priced under $500. It does not belong on a list of complete setups guaranteed to cost less than $500.
This is worth considering if your equipment budget sits outside the crossbow budget. If $500 is a hard checkout limit, work backward from the final total instead. Applicable tax or shipping alone could take this configuration beyond it.
Buying a budget hunting crossbow? Check more than price
A budget hunting crossbow still has to suit the intended game, meet current local equipment rules, and work with the ammunition specified for that model. A low price does not settle any of those questions.
For equipment planning, use the crossbow hunting gear checklist. For safe handling, the Wisconsin DNR’s crossbow safety guidance emphasizes following the manual, using manufacturer-recommended bolts, and keeping hands clear of the string path. Those basics matter at every price.
FAQ
Is the BAT Reverse with magazine under $500?
No. Its checked price was $549.95, so it is outside this guide’s limit. The $799 Hawkwing is also outside the budget.
Should I spend the full $500 on the crossbow?
Only if the rest of your setup is already covered or funded separately. Otherwise, leave room for necessary equipment and checkout charges.
Build the shopping list before choosing the model. Review the four linked configurations, check what each includes, and compare your final cart total. For questions about compatibility, consult the BALLISTA FAQ before ordering.
