The Best Smart Telescopes in 2026

Last updated: May 22, 2026.
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Smart telescopes are revolutionizing amateur astronomy by enabling ordinary people to capture incredible images of space without prior astrophotography experience.

These systems combine modern camera sensor technology with computerized tracking platforms to deliver impressive images of deep-sky objects, including galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

While many beginners start their astrophotography journey using a smartphone, a smart telescope takes the experience one step further by allowing you to find and track objects in the night sky.

The primary method of delivering impressive images for you to enjoy is through live-stacking, where the smart telescope continuously takes images and ‘stacks’ them to improve the quality over time.

As an experienced astrophotographer, I have been using smart telescopes for several years now. In this article, I’ll cover the best smart telescopes on the market today to help you decide which best suits your needs.

A size comparison between 3 of the most popular smart telescopes for astronomy in 2026.

What Is a Smart Telescope?

A smart telescope is an all-in-one, app-controlled telescope that aligns itself (via plate solving), automatically finds targets, and displays a steadily improving image of faint deep-sky objects on your phone or tablet.

Instead of looking through an eyepiece, you watch the view build in real time as the system captures and processes short exposures. This approach is part of electronically assisted astronomy (EAA), which makes galaxies and nebulae visible even under light-polluted skies.

How It Works: EAA & Live Stacking

• Short exposures: The camera takes rapid, low-noise frames (e.g., 5–20 seconds each) to minimize star trailing and sky glow.
• Registration & stacking: The software precisely aligns stars from each frame and stacks them, boosting the signal while averaging out noise.
• Auto processing: On the fly, it applies calibration (dark subtraction), denoising, and a gentle stretch so faint structure pops into view.
• Real-time results: The image improves minute by minute; you can pause, save, or continue integrating for more detail. (Some models also offer higher-quality exports.)

What to Expect

Smart telescopes excel at wide-field deep-sky targets (nebulae, galaxies, clusters) and quick, reliable results with minimal setup.

For close-up planetary views, a traditional long-focal-length scope remains the better tool, but for casual observing and easy astrophotography, smart telescopes offer a remarkably fast path to satisfying images.

The Swan Nebula captured using the Seestar S30 from my backyard (Bortle 6).

Smart Telescope Comparison Table

The following comparison table allows you to view the most important aspects of each telescope at a glance, helping you make an informed buying decision. I have organized each model starting from the lowest price to the most expensive. 

1. ZWO Seestar S30

The Seestar S30 offers several advantages over the Seestar S50, particularly in terms of portability, affordability, and field of view. Weighing just 1.65 kg compared to the S50’s 2.5 kg, the S30 is more compact and travel-friendly.

As its name suggests, the Seestar S30 features a 30mm aperture with a 150mm focal length, providing a wider field of view than the S50’s 50mm aperture and 250mm focal length.

This wider perspective allows the S30 to capture expansive celestial objects more effectively, making it well-suited for wide-field imaging and mosaic photography.

The newly announced EQ mode feature is exciting news for those who want to take even longer exposure images using the Seestar S30.

The Seestar S30 is smaller and more affordable than the larger S50 model. 

Priced at approximately $399 USD, it is also more budget-friendly than the S50. If your interest lies in capturing large nebulae in the night sky, the S30 might be a better fit than the S50 due to its wider field of view. 

If you are more interested in capturing detailed photos of the Sun and Moon, the S50’s increased focal length is a better fit. 

My Seestar S30 Review Video.

2. ZWO Seestar S30 Pro

The ZWO Seestar S30 Pro is the newer, more imaging-focused version of the original Seestar S30.

It keeps the same compact, beginner-friendly smart telescope experience while adding several meaningful upgrades for anyone who wants deeper, cleaner data and greater flexibility for astrophotography.

After using the Seestar S30 Pro extensively from my light-polluted backyard, I found it to be one of the most capable all-around smart telescopes I have tested so far.

The Seestar S30 Pro produces the most impressive deep-sky images I have seen in a smart telescope. 

It is still small and easy to set up, but the larger Sony IMX585 sensor, quadruplet optical design, 4K resolution, increased internal storage, and expanded imaging modes make it feel like a more serious imaging tool than the standard S30.

The S30 Pro is especially strong for deep-sky imaging from suburban skies. The built-in dual-band nebula filter helps isolate emission nebulae under light pollution, while live stacking makes it easy to build up signal over time without needing a traditional mount, guide scope, laptop, or complicated polar alignment routine.

For beginners, it offers a very low-friction way to start capturing galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. For experienced astrophotographers, it works well as a portable, weeknight imaging system that can run while your main rig captures another target.

This is not just a small upgrade to the original S30. The Seestar S30 Pro feels more like ZWO’s imaging-first take on the compact smart telescope category, and it is a strong choice if deep-sky performance is higher on your priority list than having the absolute lowest price.

Key Features:

• 30mm Aperture and 160mm Focal Length: The Seestar S30 Pro uses a 30mm f/5.3 optical system with a 160mm focal length, giving it a wide, practical field of view for larger nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
• Sony IMX585 Sensor: The upgraded Sony IMX585 sensor gives the S30 Pro a larger imaging area and better overall imaging potential than the standard S30, making it a stronger option for deep-sky targets.
• 4K Image Resolution: The S30 Pro captures images at 3840 × 2160 resolution, which provides more room for cropping, framing, and producing cleaner final images than lower-resolution smart telescope systems.
• Quadruplet Optical Design: The improved optical design helps deliver better correction across the field, which is especially important when shooting wide-field deep-sky objects and using the full sensor area.
• Built-In Dual-Band Nebula Filter: The integrated dual-band filter is useful for capturing emission nebulae from light-polluted skies by isolating key wavelengths of light and reducing the impact of sky glow.
• 128GB Internal Storage: With 128GB of built-in storage, the S30 Pro gives you more room to save images, videos, and individual frames for later processing.
• Alt-Az and EQ Mode: Like other Seestar models, the S30 Pro can be used in simple alt-az mode for fast setup, but it also supports equatorial mode with a wedge for longer deep-sky imaging sessions.
• Expanded Imaging Modes: In addition to deep-sky imaging, the S30 Pro includes modes for solar imaging, lunar imaging, Milky Way scenes, mosaics, timelapse, and automated imaging plans.

The expanded field of view of the Seestar S30 Pro over the original Seestar S30. 

Final Verdict:

The ZWO Seestar S30 Pro is one of the strongest smart telescope options for anyone who wants a compact, easy-to-use system with more serious deep-sky imaging potential than a basic entry-level model. It keeps the simplicity that made the original Seestar line so popular, but the upgraded sensor, optics, storage, and software features make it feel much more capable.

If you are choosing between the standard Seestar S30 and the S30 Pro, the regular S30 still makes sense if budget is your main concern. But if you want better image quality, a larger sensor, 4K resolution, more storage, and a more flexible imaging experience, the S30 Pro is the one I would choose.

For me, the Seestar S30 Pro is best suited for beginners who want excellent results without a complicated setup, experienced astrophotographers looking for a portable second rig, and anyone imaging from a light-polluted backyard who wants a smart telescope that can handle deep-sky objects surprisingly well.

The Milky Way mode allows you to capture nightscape-style images and timelapses.

3. ZWO Seestar S50

The Seestar S50 is a smart, all-in-one telescope designed to simplify astrophotography by automating complex processes.

It allows users to capture stunning space images of the moon, sun, and deep-sky objects with no prior experience.

This compact telescope handles polar alignment, object location, and camera focus, so all you have to do is choose your desired object.

While it isn’t a high-end telescope, the S50 delivers impressive results, particularly for its price range, making it accessible to both beginners and hobbyists.

The Seestar S50 is available at Agena Astro for $549 USD. 

Priced at $549 (USD), the Seestar S50 offers one of the most affordable options for capturing deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulae, and celestial bodies such as the Sun and Moon.

It internally calibrates and stacks images, creating detailed, ready-to-share photos within minutes. The Seestar dedicated mobile app is well-designed and easy to use. 

Though smart telescopes may often be dismissed as mere “expensive toys,” the S50’s performance showcases its capabilities.

It proves to be an excellent entry point into astrophotography, especially for those seeking high-quality results with minimal effort.

Key Features:

• Quality Optics: The ZWO Seestar S50 features professional-grade triplet apochromatic optics with high-quality lens coatings, delivering crisp images while minimizing chromatic aberration.
• Image Sensor: The Sony IMX462 sensor, equipped with STARVIS technology, captures clear, sharp 1920×1080 images even in low light and near IR range, making it ideal for astrophotography.
• Live Stacking: The Seestar S50’s live stacking mode enhances image detail and color with each shot, gradually revealing features invisible to the naked eye.
• WiFi Connectivity: The Seestar S50’s built-in Wi-Fi allows for on-the-go use without cell service; simply connect through the generated Wi-Fi via the app after setup to capture stunning space images from any location.
• GoTo and Tracking: With GPS-enabled self-calibration, autofocus, and Auto GoTo tracking, the Seestar S50 automatically aligns, tracks, and maintains a sharp focus on celestial targets.

I took detailed pictures of the sun and moon using the Seestar S50 smart telescope. 

Final Verdict:

The Seestar S50 features advanced technology in a compact, user-friendly design. The dedicated smartphone app is a pleasure to use, making astrophotography more approachable for the average user.

The drawbacks of the Seestar are its narrow field of view, field rotation (due to its alt-az mount design), and inability to capture planets up close.

However, if you focus on what it does best (live stacking, capturing bright nebulae), you will thoroughly enjoy this smart telescope. 

At its current price point, the Seestar S50 is an exceptional value. If you are looking for your first smart telescope, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.

My capture of the Orion Nebula using the Seestar S50 in the backyard. (30 minutes of total exposure.)

4. DWARFLAB DWARF 3

The DWARF 3 from DWARFLABS builds on its predecessor (DWARF 2) with enhancements across optics, sensor capability, battery life, storage, and processing power, creating a more versatile smart telescope for observing objects near and far.

This model offers dual perspectives: a 737mm telescopic view and a 45mm wide-angle view, providing a broader field of vision alongside increased reach.

Paired with an improved sensor and Neural Processing Unit, the DWARF 3 supports efficient image capture for a wide range of applications, from bird tracking to deep-space imaging.

With a 10,000 mAh battery and 128GB of onboard storage, it’s equipped for extended imaging sessions, whether at home or outdoors.

Key Features:

• Dual Camera System: The DWARF 3 includes two lenses: a 150mm telephoto offering a 737mm equivalent view at 3840 x 2160 resolution and a 6.7mm wide-angle lens with a 45mm equivalent view at 1920 x 1080 resolution.
• WiFi Connectivity: The DWARF 3 telescope offers an intuitive experience by allowing easy connection to smartphones via WiFi or NFC, enabling wireless control through the DWARFLAB App.
• Image Sensor: The DWARF 3 includes a Sony IMX678 camera sensor and built-in astrophotography filters.
• Built-In Filters: The ‘Astro Filter’ is perfect for broadband targets such as galaxies, and the ‘Dual-Band Filter’ isolates key wavelengths for better imaging of emission nebulae.
• GoTo and Tracking: The DWARF 3 tracks stars and uses a field-rotation-correction algorithm, with the option for EQ mode on a user-supplied tripod for longer exposures.
• Internal Processing: It simplifies image stacking and processing with AI-powered noise reduction and supports various export formats, including FITS, JPEG, PNG, and TIFF, for more hands-on post-processing.

I thoroughly enjoyed using the DWARF 3 smart telescope to capture several deep-sky objects in my backyard. 

Final Verdict:

With a dual-camera system and filters to enhance infrared and emission nebulae, the DWARF 3 has a lot to offer. The DWARFLAB app is straightforward and allows you to fully explore the device’s features.

I also appreciate the handy EQ mode that allows you to take longer exposures than you would expect on an Alt-Az tracking mount. At $549 USD, it is a fierce competitor to the popular ZWO Seestar S50. 

I was impressed with the image quality in my capture of the Andromeda Galaxy with the DWARF 3. 

The DWARF 3 is available on the DWARFLAB website for $549 USD.

5. DWARFLAB DWARF mini

The DWARF mini is the smallest and lightest smart telescope on this list, and that is exactly why it deserves attention.

At just 840 grams, it feels more like a compact camera than a traditional telescope, yet it still includes the core features beginners expect from a modern smart telescope: GoTo pointing, tracking, live stacking, built-in filters, and smartphone control via an app.

Inside the DWARF mini is a 150mm f/5 telephoto lens with a 30mm aperture paired with a Sony IMX662 sensor. That may sound modest on paper, but in practice, this little telescope can produce surprisingly detailed images of bright deep-sky objects such as the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, Pleiades, and larger emission nebulae.

It is especially appealing if you want a smart telescope you can easily throw in a backpack for camping trips, dark-sky travel, or quick backyard sessions.

The size difference between the DWARF mini and the Seestar S30 Pro. 

The biggest advantage of the DWARF mini is portability. It is not trying to compete with larger smart telescopes in resolution or aperture. Instead, it focuses on making astrophotography as small, simple, and approachable as possible.

For beginners, travelers, or experienced imagers who want a fun second rig to run alongside their main telescope, the DWARF mini is one of the most practical grab-and-go options available.

Key Features:

• Ultra-Portable Design: At only 840 grams, the DWARF mini is one of the easiest smart telescopes to travel with. It is small enough for a backpack and light enough to bring along when a larger telescope setup would be too much trouble.
• 30mm Aperture and 150mm Focal Length: The built-in 150mm f/5 telephoto lens provides a wide-field view that works well for larger deep-sky targets, including bright nebulae, star clusters, and the Andromeda Galaxy.
• Sony IMX662 Sensor: The DWARF mini uses a low-noise Sony IMX662 sensor with 2.9 μm pixels, which helps it collect clean data despite its tiny size. It produces 1080p, 2 MP images and can save files for additional processing.
• Built-In Filters: The DWARF mini includes a dark-frame filter, broadband astro filter, and dual narrowband filter. The dual narrowband option is especially useful for emission nebulae from suburban skies or under moonlight.
• Alt-Az and EQ Tracking Modes: For quick sessions, you can use the DWARF mini in simple alt-az mode. For longer deep-sky exposures, EQ mode allows exposures up to 90 seconds per sub when properly aligned.
• App-Controlled Imaging: The DWARFLAB app handles target selection, focusing, tracking, live stacking, and basic image processing. You can also export files for more advanced editing later.
• Built-In Battery: The internal 7000 mAh battery is rated for up to about 4 hours of imaging, making it useful for short backyard sessions or portable dark-sky trips.

My image of the Pleiades Star Cluster using the DWARF mini.

Final Verdict:

The DWARF mini is not the most powerful smart telescope on this list, but it may be the easiest one to bring with you. Its tiny size, built-in filters, EQ mode, and automated app workflow make it a surprisingly capable astrophotography tool for beginners and travelers.

If your goal is maximum image detail, a larger smart telescope such as the Seestar S50, Seestar S30 Pro, Vespera 2, or Celestron Origin will have an advantage. But if you want the smallest possible smart telescope that can still capture real deep-sky images, the DWARF mini is a very fun and practical choice.

For me, the DWARF mini makes the most sense as a travel-friendly smart telescope, a first telescope for beginners, or a second imaging rig you can run alongside a larger setup.

The DWARF mini is an exceptionally well-designed smart telescope that is as capable as it is portable. 

6. Vaonis Vespera 2

The Vaonis Vespera 2 is another premium smart telescope that combines a sleek design with powerful technology. It was designed for users who want a compact, user-friendly experience.

Like the other smart telescopes mentioned in this article, the Vespera offers automated tracking and image stacking to produce clear and detailed images of celestial objects.

Key Features:

• Aperture: The Vespera has a 50mm aperture designed to capture a broad range of celestial objects, from the moon to distant nebulae and star clusters.
• Focal Length and Ratio: Its 250mm focal length and f/5 focal ratio make it adept at capturing wide-angle shots with excellent depth and contrast.
• Sensor: Compared to the original Vespera’s Sony IMX462 back-illuminated CMOS sensor, this sensor has an increased resolution of 8.3MP from 2MP. This is increased to 24MP when used with ‘CovalENS’.
• Battery Life: With up to 4 hours of battery life, the Vespera supports longer observation sessions with a straightforward charging process.
• Automated Tracking and Stacking: The Vespera’s app-controlled automation provides an easy-to-use interface that allows for auto-tracking and stacking, which helps bring out detail in deep-sky objects even in light-polluted areas.

The Vaonis is beautifully designed and packed with handy features, such as automated observation plans and mosaic mode. 

Final Verdict

Priced around $1,700, the Vaonis Vespera 2 is a solid choice for users who want a blend of style, ease, and quality in their astrophotography experience, providing excellent results without needing complex setup or adjustments.

The Vaonis Vespera 2 offers premium build quality, excellent optics, and advanced features like automated observation plans and mosaic mode, designed for a seamless astrophotography experience.

While it justifies its high price with superior performance, drawbacks include limited internal memory and shorter battery life compared to the more affordable Seestar S50.

The choice between them depends on whether users prioritize top-tier capabilities or budget-friendly functionality.

Comparing the size differences between 4 of the most popular smart telescopes (DWARF 3, SeeStar S50, Vespera Pro, and the SeeStar S30).

7. Celestron Origin

The Celestron Origin Smart Telescope is an all-in-one home observatory designed to simplify stargazing and astrophotography for users of all experience levels.

It combines advanced optical technology with user-friendly features to deliver stunning images of celestial objects directly to your smartphone or tablet. Cody (AstroBlender) shared the following Celestron Origin review video.

Key Features:

Revolutionary RASA Optical Technology: At the heart of the Origin is a 6-inch Rowe-Ackermann Schmidt Astrograph (RASA) optical system.

This design offers a fast f/2.2 focal ratio, providing unparalleled image brightness and clarity with shorter exposure times.

• High-Quality Imaging Sensor: Equipped with a Sony IMX178 color CMOS sensor featuring STARVIS back-illuminated technology, the telescope captures high-resolution images with low noise, enhancing the clarity of celestial observations.
• Automated Setup with StarSense Technology: The Origin utilizes Celestron’s StarSense technology to automatically align itself by scanning the night sky and matching star patterns, allowing users to begin observing in less than two minutes.
• AI-Powered Real-Time Image Processing: Built-in AI algorithms autonomously stack and process images in real time, delivering detailed and colorful views of galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects without user intervention.
• User-Friendly Mobile App: The companion app, developed in partnership with Simulation Curriculum, offers an intuitive planetarium interface for easy navigation and control. It also provides educational audio presentations on selected celestial objects.
• Shared Viewing Experience: Multiple users can connect to the telescope simultaneously, and the live feed can be cast to a smart TV or projector, making it ideal for group observations.

The Celestron Origin Smart Telescope is available at High Point Scientific.

Final Verdict

The Celestron Origin Smart Telescope represents a significant advancement in making astronomy accessible and enjoyable, combining sophisticated technology with simplicity to provide a rich observational experience.

While the price tag seems pretty steep compared to the fantastic DWARF 3 and Seestar S50 models, it makes up for it with some of the best images and internal image processing of the mix. 

James Neely captured the following images using the Celestron Origin in just 30 minutes. 

8. Unistellar eVscope 2

The Unistellar eVscope 2 is a smart telescope designed to make stargazing more accessible and fun than a traditional visual telescope. This telescope combines advanced technology with a sleek design, allowing for effortless control from your smartphone.

It features an updatable onboard computer, a Nikon micro-OLED eyepiece, and autonomous sky alignment. It has a built-in 5,500 celestial object database, so you’ll never run out of things to look at with it. 

While the eVscope 2 can do some incredible things, its price is higher than that of the other smart telescopes mentioned on this list. As you’ll see in the video review below, the cost is just too high to justify this model over its competitors. 

Key Features:

• Aperture: The eVscope 2’s 114 mm aperture is considerably larger than that of most other smart telescopes (other than the Celestron Origin), enabling it to capture faint and distant objects with better detail.
• Focal Length and F-Ratio: With a 450mm focal length and an f/4 focal ratio, this telescope strikes an excellent balance between magnification and brightness, making it suitable for deep-sky observation.
• Enhanced Vision Technology: Unistellar’s Enhanced Vision technology amplifies the brightness of observed objects, allowing users to view galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters in vivid detail.
• Image Sensor: The eVscope 2 features a Sony IMX347 7.7 MP sensor, which provides high-resolution images with minimal noise and enhances the overall viewing experience.
• Long Battery Life: The eVscope 2 offers up to 10 hours of continuous observation on a single charge, allowing users to enjoy uninterrupted stargazing sessions.
• Real-Time Observation: This telescope includes a feature for live viewing, allowing users to share their observations in real-time with others and participate in citizen science initiatives.

The Unistellar evScope 2 offers a slick user experience, but the price is too high compared to what the other (more affordable) smart telescopes can produce.

Final Verdict:

At a price point of $4,999 USD, the eVscope 2 is much more expensive than some of the other very capable smart telescopes available in 2026.

Unless you have your heart set on the Unistellar user experience, I think your money is better spent on the DWARF 3 or Seestar S50. 

Hendrik Vandenbruaene took the following images using the Unistellar evScope 2. See the full-size version on Flickr. 

Also Consider 

The number of smart telescopes available to amateur astronomers and astrophotographers continues to grow each year. Unistellar offers some less expensive models than the eVscope 2 mentioned on this list.  

Choosing the Best Smart Telescope for You

Choosing the best smart telescope depends on your level of experience, interest, and budget. For beginners or casual observers, the Seestar S50 provides an affordable and easy-to-use option for both daytime and nighttime viewing.

The DWARF 3 is an excellent choice for those who value portability and versatility, allowing users to experiment with time-lapse and day/night observation on a budget.

The Celestron Origin is the clear winner in terms of optics, featuring a 6-inch RASA telescope with an impressive focal ratio of F/2.2.

This can produce sensational images of distant galaxies and nebulae through long-exposure imaging and live stacking.

Each of these smart telescopes offers unique capabilities, making stargazing and astrophotography more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

My final image of the Horsehead Nebula captured on the DWARF 3. (Straight out of the DWARF 3 vs. processed by me).

A Smart Telescope for Viewing Planets?

All of the smart telescopes in this review have one thing in common: they take images at a short focal length, resulting in a relatively wide field of view. While this is advantageous for viewing and photographing nebulae and galaxies, the solar system planets appear quite small. 

If you have your heart set on viewing planets up close (and taking pictures of them), consider a more traditional telescope like the Celestron NexStar 8SE. While this is not a smart telescope, it does have a computerized ‘GoTo’ mount that can help you find and track planets in the night sky. 

This model features a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT) with a long focal length (2000mm), better suited to view planets like Saturn and Jupiter up close. Perhaps a larger version of one of the smart telescopes mentioned will come along in 2026, better suited for planetary imaging.

Trevor Jones is an astrophotographer and a valued member of the RASC. His passion is inspiring others to start their astrophotography journey on YouTube so they can appreciate the night sky as much as he does. His images have been featured in astronomy books & online publications, including the NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD).

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