10 Best Affordable Compound Bows 2026 in the United States

The Bear Archery Royale Ready to Hunt is a versatile and lightweight compound bow designed for both adults and youth, making it a solid choice for beginners or budget-conscious archers. It offers a wide adjustable draw length range from 12 to 27 inches and a draw weight that can be set between 5 and 50 pounds, so it can grow with your skill level or be fine-tuned to your comfort. This makes it especially appealing if you're looking for a bow that adapts easily.

Weighing just 2.7 pounds, the bow is comfortable to carry and handle, which is helpful during longer hunting trips or practice sessions. The package comes fully equipped with useful accessories like a sight, quiver, and arrow rest, so you don’t need to buy extras separately—this is great for those new to archery or wanting a ready-to-use setup. Speed-wise, it fires arrows at 290 feet per second, which is respectable for an affordable compound bow and suitable for most hunting needs.

While the aluminum build helps keep the weight down, it might feel less durable compared to higher-end models made from carbon or more advanced materials. Also, the bow is specifically for left-handed users, so right-handed shooters will need a different model. This bow provides a flexible, accessible option for those entering the sport or looking for a budget-friendly hunting bow with good adjustability and practical accessories included.

The Bear Legit Maxx Ready to Hunt Compound Archery Bow is a versatile choice for archers looking for an affordable yet reliable option. One of its standout features is its adjustable draw weight, ranging from 10 to 70 pounds, which makes it suitable for both beginners and more experienced archers seeking to refine their skills. The draw length is also flexible, adjustable from 14 to 30 inches, accommodating a wide range of users.

The bow has a 31-inch axle-to-axle length, providing a good balance between stability and maneuverability, while the 6.25-inch brace height offers a forgiving shot, ideal for those still working on perfecting their accuracy. The dual cam system ensures consistent performance, which is crucial for improving shooting precision over time.

Weighing in at 6.95 pounds, it might be on the heavier side for some users, but its aluminum build suggests durability. Included accessories such as the IMS V-Biscuit rest, Picatinny-mounted Fatal 4 sight, a 5 Spot arrow quiver, snubnose stabilizer, radical peep sight, and wrist sling make it ready to use right out of the box, saving users from the hassle of purchasing additional gear separately.

However, it's tailored for right-hand orientation, which may limit its accessibility for left-handed archers. Despite being ranked #4 in Archery Compound Bows, some users might find its weight slightly cumbersome during prolonged use. The stylish Veil Whitetail/Black finish is appealing, although aesthetics may vary by personal preference.

The Bear Legit Maxx RTH Compound Bow presents a well-rounded option for those seeking a balance of flexibility and affordability in their archery pursuits.

The Sanlida Dragon X8 is a versatile and budget-friendly compound bow designed for both adults and teens, particularly beginners or those seeking an adjustable bow to grow with their skill. Its key feature is the wide range of draw length adjustment from 18 to 31 inches and draw weight from 0 to 70 pounds, allowing users to customize it without the need for a bow press. This makes it accessible for a variety of users, from younger archers to more experienced hunters. Weighing just 3.8 pounds, it offers lightweight handling suitable for longer shooting sessions.

With a 30-inch axle-to-axle length and 6.6-inch brace height, the bow provides a good balance between stability and maneuverability, suitable for different shooting styles. The estimated speed of up to 310 feet per second delivers respectable power for target practice or hunting purposes. The package includes useful accessories such as a 5-pin sight, arrow rest, stabilizer, and 12 arrows, making it a ready-to-go solution without requiring additional purchases.

Some users may find the higher draw weights challenging without prior strength training, and the 6.6-inch brace height is on the shorter side, which may demand more precision in shooting form. Additionally, while the included accessories are convenient, they may not match the quality or adjustability found in higher-end gear. The right-hand orientation restricts use for left-handed archers. Nevertheless, the Dragon X8 delivers strong value supported by a limited lifetime warranty and positive customer feedback, making it an excellent choice for those entering the world of compound bows or needing an adjustable, all-around hunting bow.