Apexel Digital Night Vision - Review 2025

AFFORDABLE OWL-LIKE NIGHT VISION GOGGLES

At first glance, the binoculars feel rather plain. At first touch, the light-weight component could be interpreted as an indication of low-quality manufacturing, durability and performance.

Nonetheless, this model surprises us a bit with its clear focus resolution; we could see great details in both daytime and nighttime use considering its price and category. Rechargeable power will definitely appeal to some people, and the ability to charge from a power bank while in use is a plus.

It is pretty straightforward to use and handle and provides an affordable solution for night or day hobby use.

The recording option is a plus, but the SD card is not included and would be an additional cost, compared to other models like the Sigweis Night Vision, which come with an SD card upon purchase.

The neck strap is included but it comes with no case, so you would need to invest extra on a soft or hard case to store and carry your binoculars. It does include a data transfer cable which also serves as a charging cable, but it needs to be connected to a computer, external power source or a charger to charge.

In action, this very compact hobby model does what it promises and the digital display is easy to navigate, with a broad menu. Without many bells and whistles, these digital night vision binoculars will do the trick.

USING NIGHT VISION DIGITAL GOGGLES

In this detailed review of the Apexel Night Vision Binoculars, we cover what the gadget can do, any limitations and provide an overall rating compared to other products in the market.

Whether you are into wildlife observation, hunting, night fishing, nocturnal paintball or leading a scouting exhibition for youngsters, night vision goggles are a great, fun gadget to have.

There are several options out there for different needs. Depending on the price range, you can get goggles with various features like a recording option, tripod compatibility, weather resistance or daytime and nighttime combined use. See our comparison chart below.

CAMERA RESOLUTION AND MENU

To our surprise, we could see tiny flies or details on flowers in nighttime mode with this otherwise not-very-sophisticated model. It has limitations where filming performance is concerned since its anti-shake function doesn’t work for walking, for example. It is best when used on a tripod, but it is a budget choice within the category of scopes that offer recording and it is sufficient for uncomplicated use.

The menu on the digital display offers several options and is easy to navigate. Some of its features include auto power-off options, continuous or delayed shooting and screen protection. It is easy to switch between what you have captured, replay videos on the screen and return to the real-time view.

The battery, time and storage status are displayed on the screen and you have the option to set the IR brightness, adjust the white balance and activate time-lapse photography.

FEATURES AND COMPONENTS

This model comes with a type-c data transferring cable that is also a charging cable.

The neck strap is included and you attach it to the designated rope holes on the side, but a small minus is that the string is thin and susceptible to tears or braking compared to other models with a metal clip. You receive a microfiber cloth to clean the lenses and a manual in English. As mentioned before, this model does not come with a case, an SD card or a charger.

The buttons on the unit respond well and quickly. You have zoom-in/out, forward, and rewind photo or video playback options, an indicator for charging or operating mode, day and night switch, a TF card slot (maximum support 64G), a type-c USB port, a ¼ tripod attachment nut, a manual focus ring, the prime lens and the infrared emitter in the front.

BATTERY AND CHARGING

Something to consider is that this model comes with a built-in rechargeable lithium battery 5V2A and a type-C charger. It can be used while charging on an external power source, which would be convenient when you are on a stakeout from your porch for those raccoons that sneak into your trash, but when in the woods, camping, animal watching or hunting, you would need to bring along a power source.

It charges quite quickly in about an hour and a half and depending on how much you film or photograph, the battery can last for 3 to 4 hours or longer in regular observation mode. Another thing to note here is that lithium batteries also don’t hold a charge in very cold weather. So, battery life might be less than 3 hours but in this case it was not tested in low temperatures.

GRIP, DESIGN AND WEATHER COMPATIBILITY

These night vision goggles have a basic design that does not address certain activities. They do not have rubber side grips like some other models designed for difficult weather conditions, therefore they might get slippery if you are trying to use them with one hand or in activities that require movement, like paintball or hunting and fishing.

It’s not water resistant or specified as weatherproof, so based on our experience, we would not expose it to rain. There is no extended top cover above the screen like some other models have, so the screen and lenses are easily exposed to water drops which would also affect filming.

COMPARING NIGHT VISION GOGGLES

What is worth mentioning when comparing night vision scopes is to consider your range of activities, as well as the weather conditions in your region. We took some pictures of three different models, to provide a better point of reference. The Apexel NV009 is a basic model with not too many bells and whistles and a very limited amount of accessories.

But, it is ideal if you want less weight load and it takes less space. The Sigweis Night Vision Goggles model comes with both a soft and hard case and other accessories like a cleaning brush, but it is heavier to wear around your neck and you need a larger tripod with it or it might fall over.

The tripod we used for the Apexel NV009 could not hold the Sigweis or the Apexel NV008, a slightly larger model we compared it to. In our 12 Best Night Vision Goggles & Binoculars of 2023, you can find some models to compare.

The Sigweis also has a protective extension in the front that works a bit better with rain and is more comfortable for the face. Regarding menu and handling, the Apexel NV009 is very fast to operate and easily switched between filming, taking pictures, zooming or day/night mode.

Its resolution is very satisfying for its price and can easily accommodate shorter distance shots. The Sigweis operates better in longer distance shots, which is important to know, as it will not capture clear shots in shorter distances.

 Price/Quality Ratio

These night vision binoculars are at the lower end of the 1st generation scope prices but they do come with very limited accessories and you might need to invest further, for the SD card and the case to store them in. On the other hand, they are very compact and have great resolution both in picture and video, therefore a great addition to your kit.

Do we recommend it?

We recommend this model, especially if you have a lot of gear when traveling, want to keep your load light, and are not shopping for an advanced gadget. It is children-friendly and easy to use. The anti-shake function is not advanced, so if you aim to film without a tripod, there may be better choices than this.