Best Compound Bows
The compound bow is one of America's favorite tools for hunting deer and other game animals. The level of power, precision, and overall ease of shooting one of them is nearly unmatched by traditional-style bows, and as technology continues to improve, they are more lethal than ever.
The best compound bows all have a few features in common: Speed, accuracy, and the dependability that comes with quality construction. Depending on your needs, you may pick a dual or single cam bow, one with an adjustable let off, adjustable draw weights, or any of the other options. If you want to buy a new compound bow and don't know where to start, don't worry, because we've got you covered. But first, let's cover some compound bow basics.
Compound Bows Are Perfect For:
- Hunting: Compound bows are great for hunting because they have a smooth draw, usually coupled with a let-off that allows you to hold the string while aiming for longer.
- Target shooting: Compound bows are great for target shooting because they are easier to shoot than other bows, thanks to the cam and pulleys.
- Bowfishing: An up-and-coming sub-genre of fishing uses a bow, an arrow, and a reel. Legality varies by state, but it is an exhilarating new way to enjoy a favorite pastime.
How We Picked These Products
When picking products to feature, we rely on the deep expertise and hands-on experience of our expert Insyders, who continuously test and use the products out in the field. Our recommendations are a combination of carefully curated top sellers, best reviewed and hand-picked products that our experts want to highlight. Drawing on more than 20 years of expertise, we understand the features that matter - from performance metrics to crucial model-specific nuances. When we recommend a product, you can trust that these picks come from experts who have extensive product knowledge and understand the equipment inside and out.
Top 5 Best Compound Bows of 2025
1. Bear Adapt 2 HP
The Bear Archery Adapt 2 HP is a single cam bow that shoots up to 330 FPS. Because it is a single cam bow, it is easier to tune and keep timed.
Why We Like It
The Bear Archery Adapt 2 HP is a single cam bow with an 80% let off. It is powerful and comes in different colors and adjustable draw weights.
Things To Consider
At 5.8 lbs, the Bear Archery Adapt 2 HP is one of the heavier compound bows on this list.
2. Bear Alaskan Pro
The Bear Archery Alaskan Pro is available in a few different color patterns and draw weights. Because it has the EKO Cam Technology, you will be able to set your let-off between 80 and 85 percent.
Why We Like It
The Bear Alaskan Pro Compound Bow shoots fast at over 330 FPS and has a 33" axle-to-axle length. It has integrated dampeners to minimize vibration and noise. You will be able to set it up how you want it, with an 80% to an 85% let-off for extended holds at full draw.
Things To Consider
With a 33" length, this bow is on the longer side and is not as maneuverable in a treestand as a shorter bow might be.
3. PSE Drive NXT
The PSE Drive NXT has the adjustable ZF Quad Track Cam System to fine-tune your precision.
Why We Like It
It has a 7" brace height and is easy to shoot. It shoots fast at 330 FPS, and thanks to the cam system and 80% let-off, it is accurate even if held at a full draw.
Things To Consider
It measures 33" axle-to-axle and may be more difficult to maneuver in tighter spaces.
4. PSE Stinger
The PSE Stinger ATK is a single cam bow, which is great for keeping the bow timed and tuned. It has an adjustable draw length from 21.5 to 30 inches and comes in at a great price.
Why We Like It
This is an affordable, lightweight bow with a 32" axle-to-axle length that weighs 4 lbs. It comes as a bow-only option or as ready to shoot with everything needed to get you on target right away. The 80% let-off is great for holding an extended draw.
5. Game Keeper Jr
The Game Keeper JR is a lightweight bow for smaller frame archers that shoots up to 290 FPS. Its draw weight is adjustable from 5 to 50 lbs, which is great for a growing archer learning to perfect their draw. And, 50 lbs is good enough for deer.
Why We Like It
The Game Keeper JR is a great option for a growing youth who plans to work into a bigger bow, or a small-framed archer who needs a bow powerful enough to take deer. It is ready to hunt, which means your youth can use it the moment it arrives at your doorstep. It is the lightest bow on this list.
Things To Consider
Axle-to-axle length is 27 inches, and the draw goes up to 50lbs, so your youth archer will eventually grow out of this bow and need another one.
Top Picks by Category
Best Bow for Hunting: Bear Adapt 2 HP
It's important to have a bow that is both reliable and consistent for hunting. The last thing you want is a hiccup when you go to take your shot. You will also need a bow that shoots fast and has enough power to take the animal down quickly to limit the need to track it.
For the above reasons, we think the Bear Adapt 2 HP is the best bow for hunting thanks to its speed, power, and reliability. It has a single cam that helps it stay timed, and because it has a built-in dampening system to include in-riser and in-limb dampeners, vibration and noise are also limited.
Best Left-Handed Compound Bow: Bear Alaskan Pro
The Bear Archery Alaskan Pro is a great left-handed compound bow. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns to help you blend with your environment, and thanks to its built-in dampening, vibration and noise are kept to a minimum.
Thanks to its EKO Cam Technology, you can fine-tune your let-off between 80% to 85%. Because it shoots up to 339 FPS, it is a great option for hunting.
Best Kids or Youth Bow: Gamekeeper JR
Building confidence in younger archers is imperative. So, having a good bow that they can shoot accurately (that is adjustable enough to grow with them) is important. The Gamekeeper JR is lightweight, but has enough power to take a deer with a 50-pound draw. As a bonus, it comes ready to hunt, which makes it a great option for teaching the youth archer in your life how to hunt and/or shoot, the moment it arrives.
Common Questions
Is a 50 lb compound bow enough for a deer?
Yes, a 50 lb compound bow draw weight is powerful enough for deer. There is more to consider than just the bow's draw weight on its own, however.
Other points need to be considered as well, such as:
- Arrow weight: Arrow weight plays a direct role in how effective your hunt will be.
- Broadhead: Proper arrowheads are necessary for hunting.
- Shot placement: Shot placement is a key factor because, if you struggle to draw your 50-pound bow, you may not hit the animal in the right zone.
Is a recurve or a compound bow better?
Picking the right type of bow is a personal preference.
There is a reason why most hunters use compound bows: They are somewhat easier to shoot thanks to the cams, pulleys, and a let-off that allows the archer to hold the string at full draw at a fraction of the weight.
A recurve bow generally does not have any of those features, and some archers prefer them for that reason.
Is it illegal to carry a compound bow in public?
Laws surrounding the carrying of bows in public vary from one city and state to another. Your best bet would be to check with your local governing authority.