In this video, we're taking a look at the NVG10 IR night vision monocular — a budget-friendly, entry-level setup. We'll walk you through the setup, share some footage from the device, and go over the pros and cons so you can decide whether it's right for you.

The NVG10 does a decent job bridging the gap between higher-end devices that will easily cost you thousands of dollars, at a fraction of the price. It's a useful device if you want to observe larger outdoor areas — roads, fields, landscapes — and get a better sense of what's out there without drawing attention to yourself. You can even pair it with other IR emitters for added capability.

Where the NVG30 and NVG50 fit in: Since this video was made, the NVG line has grown — the NVG30 and NVG50 have both become the stronger picks for most buyers in the $400–$500 range, offering meaningfully better low-light no-IR performance, sharper screens, and more features than the NVG10. If you're deciding between an entry-level NVG10 and stepping up, check out our full breakdown of how the NVG10 compares to the NVG30 to see exactly what the price jump gets you.

The NVG10 still has its place as the true budget entry point into night vision, but if your use case can stretch to $400+, the NVG30 or NVG50 will get you noticeably more capable gear for the money.