Best Compound Bows Under $600 Reviewed for Beginners To Experts

1. Best Overall: PSE Brute Nxt Rts Compound Bow

We start our list with this compound bow from PSE Archery. We’ve chosen this one at the top of our list due to its excellent performance at a good value. This bow is suitable for any kind of archer looking to test out flagship models without spending a fortune.

The bow weighs around 3.5 pounds with an 80% let-off, which makes it a lightweight bow to carry around without fear of muscle strain.

As for draw weight, it can go down to 35 pounds and reach a maximum draw weight of 70 pounds by adjusting limb configurations. This allows archers to become comfortable with the bow and learn which settings they prefer most for accuracy.

An impressive feature of the bow is its Bowtech cam, which provides an incredible draw cycle. It maintains consistent performance at all settings, and the BT cam makes the experience more comfortable.

With the binary cam system, you can achieve an impressive speed of up to 328 fps IBO. Upon shooting the bow, you’ll notice that it doesn’t shake, which lets you keep control over the riser at all times.

One of the most acclaimed features of PSE Archery bows is the finish, even though they provide a very limited range of options.

With this compound bow, you can choose from 3 color options: Mossy Oak Country, TruTimber Strata, and solid black. This is kind of a letdown as it’s part of the Core series, which comes with 12 different options.

Why Are We Impressed?

• Impressive and consistent performance at a reasonable offer
• Offered in two options - bare bow or RTS (Ready to Shoot) pack
• Lightweight with sufficient let-off, it does not deter hand control
• Bowtech cam provides an excellent draw cycle and comfortable experience
• Adjustable draw weights allow newer archers to come to an optimal setting
• Comfortable and well-fitted grip enables users to maintain hand control

What Could Be Better?

• Very limited color options
• Lacklustre technology in comparison to the other models in its series

2. Runner Up: Bear Archery Divergent EKO Compound Bow

Our runner-up compound bow is the Divergent EKO from Bear Archery. This compact hunting bow has a 30-inch axle to axle, making it easy to carry and use. 

With Bear Archery’s cutting-edge technology, the EKO cam feature gives the bow a smooth draw cycle. Its stiff draw allows the archer to feel comfortable using the draw weight they choose (from 55 to 70 pounds).

The bow reaches a maximum speed of up to 338 fps IBO. Although this is a great arrow speed despite the compact structure, the bow shakes and produces a noise after releasing the arrow. This may take some time for inexperienced or younger archers to get used to.

Moving onto the build, the bow is made of an aluminum riser, fiberglass limbs, and a plastic grip. These parts work together to provide the user with optimum precision.

As with their previous models, Bear Archery has machined these parts to last as long as possible. This makes the bow highly durable and resistant to damage.

Lastly, the bow comes in 5 color options, including Veil Alpine, Veil Stroke, Realtree Edge, One Nation Midnight, and True Timber Strata. Aside from these camo options, there’s only one solid color option: dark gray.

What Sides Made Us Positive?

• Compact, small-sized bow that is easy to carry, use, and store
• EKO cam feature provides a smooth draw cycle and comfort during use
• High speed of 338 fps, arrows flow uninterruptedly with minimal vibration
• Durable and long-lasting build, resistant to damage
• EKO cams offer adjustments for rotating modules and string stop peg

What Cons Did We Find?

• The bow makes noise upon releasing the arrow

3. Top Rated: Bear Archery Paradox RTH Compound Bow

Built to perfection for right hand shooters, our next option from Bear Archery produces a seamless draw cycle with a speed of up to 330 feet per second. This hunt bow is ideal for new archers starting their hunting journey.

The Paradox features a single cam system, which offers easy drawing and minimal maintenance. With this single-cam, you can achieve enhanced performance with very low effort. It features rotating modules with draw lengths of 23.5 to 30.5 inches, letting shooters adjust the bow to whichever holding weight they choose.

However, the customization options for the cam system and draw cycle are limited.

Archers can significantly reduce the holding weight with the bow’s high let off, which is 80%. Due to this, the holding weight plummets to 20% of its actual weight, making it easier for shooters to gain control of the bow during a release.

Consumers have praised the build of this bow the most. The Paradox has split limbs that withhold energy and comes with two configuration options - 45 to 60 lbs. or 55 to 70 lbs. These limbs also feature ShockWave limb dampeners, which subdue the vibrations and noise of the bow while arrows are released.

Moreover, the 32-inch axle-to-axle bow is equipped with a reflexed-design aluminum riser available in Bear Archery’s signature camo designs - Veil Stroke, Veil Alpine, Veil Whitetail, True Timber Strata, and Realtree Edge. The grip is meshed with the design of the rest of the bow and provides a steady hold.

Mentionable Pros

• Produces a seamless draw cycle with a speed of up to 330 fps IBO
• The single-cam system offers easy drawing and minimal maintenance
• High 80% let off reduces holding weight to around 20%
• Split limbs feature ShockWave limb dampeners and two configurations
• Enhances the performance of shooting with a low effort from the user
• Best suited for right hand shooters, young archers, and new hunters

Drawbacks We Found

• Lacks customization options for cam system and draw cycle
• Does not feature up-to-date technology as with other Bear Archery models

4. Best Premium: Bear Divergent Compound Bow

Next on our list is the Divergent from Bear Archery. This bow carries peak draw weights of 45 to 70 pounds with a let off of 75%. Due to this, the archer gets to experience the feel of a top-end bow without the hefty price tag.

A special feature of the Divergent that makes it stand out from other compound bows is its Narogrip. This is equipped with quick grip acquisition technology, which helps the shooter keep a steady hand and make accurate shots with every release.

The 28-inch axle-to-axle bow weighs about 3.9 pounds, which is heavy enough for shooters not to lose grip during a shot. With fewer limbs, the bow offers 15 lbs. draw weight range instead of the typical 10 lbs range.

It also comes with Shockwave limb dampeners paired with a single-string stop system to subdue vibration.

As for the cam system, it is able to provide a draw length range of 25.5 to 30 inches. It includes a rotating module for draw length adjustments, eliminating the need to purchase a separate cam or module.

The Divergent compound bow comes at a good 6.5 inches brace height, making it a great hunting bow for practice. Plus, it delivers an incredible speed of 338 fps.

What Makes It Stand Out?

• Narogrip, equipped with quick grip acquisition technology for accuracy
• 28 ATA and 3.9 lbs., heavy enough for shooters to maintain a steady hand
• Incredible IBO speed rating of 338 fps, fit for hunters
• Bearcage technology riser makes bow lightweight and easy to carry
• Shockwave limb dampeners and a single string stop system subdue vibration
• Includes a rotating module for draw length adjustments

What Could Be Better?

• Mere 75% let off
• Poor string quality 

5. Best for Adjustability: Diamond Archery Carbon Knockout Bow

For women starting out their archery journey or smaller framed shooters, the Carbon Knockout is the perfect compound bow. With the carbon riser, archers get to experience a lightweight and easy-to-carry bow that does not feel tacky.

Coming in at a 6.75 inches brace height, 3.2 overall weight, and 30-inch axle to axle length, this Diamond Archery compound bow is the flawless median of dense and lightweight. Moreover, the long brace height makes for forgiving shots, and the wide ATA stabilizes each release.

Peak draw weights can be reduced by 10 pounds. This compound bow offers a draw weight range of 40 to 60 pounds, which increases energy by easing draw cycles. As for draw lengths, the bow features rotating modules for draw length adjustments from 22.5 to 27 inches.

Also, the Carbon Knockout comes with a whisker biscuit (or arrow rest) for precision, a d-loop for easy releases, and a synchronized binary cam system that allows smooth flowing shots.

Good Sides We Found

• Lightweight and easy to carry, great for smaller framed shooters
• Long brace height makes for forgiving shots and less chance of error
• Wide 30-inch axle to axle length, stabilizes each release
• Draw weight range of 40 to 60 lbs. increases energy by easing draw cycles
• Arrow rest, d-loop, and binary cam system enhance precision

Bad Sides We Found

• Only comes in two colors - Micro Carbon and Mossy Oak Break-Up Country
• Comparatively lower draw length

6. Best for Hunting: Bear Archery Kuma Compound Bow

If you’re with the Bear Whitetail Legend, you’ll know the Bear Kuma, which is the headliner of the series. This is the ideal hunting bow for its near-perfect build proportions, adjustability options, and accuracy.

With a 6 inches brace height, this bow is pretty standard in forgiveness. But, the Kuma is capable of an outstanding speed rating of 345 fps, which is excellent for treestand hunting. This also translates to more downrange energy, giving your target less chance to sense the shot and take cover. 

The Bear Kuma comes with an H18 modular-based cam system which allows drawing lengths of 25.5 to 30 inches. These draw length adjustments are easy to make without a bow press. However, the H18’s 75% let-off has been a letdown for Bear Archery fans, as it can be less in comparison to other models in the series.

Regardless, the Kuma’s H18 cam provides an excellent draw cycle. The compound bow is equipped with two grips which enhances hand control. With the dual string stop system pairing and Shockwave limb dampeners, the bow offers a great deal of stability and vibration reduction.

What Sets It Apart?

• Outstanding speed rating of 345 fps, excellent for tree-stand hunting
• Generates more downrange energy, does not scare away targets
• Draw length adjustments are easy to make without a bow press
• H18 cam provides an excellent draw cycle and hand control
• Dual string stop system and Shockwave limb dampeners suppress vibration
• Durable finish options, including Veil Alpine, Iron, and Realtree Edge

Negative Sides We Found

• Does not come with accessories such as whisker biscuit, d-loop, peep sight, etc.
• Non-adjustable let-off
• Comparatively lower brace height 

7. Best Versatile: AMEYXGS Archery Adjustable Compound Bow

To wrap up our list of the best compound bows under 600 is the Archery Adjustable compound bow from AMEYXGS. We’ve named this our most versatile compound bow for its adjustability, customization options, ease of use, and excellent overall performance.

With a little over 7 inches of brace height, this compound bow is more forgiving than most bows on the market. This makes for more low error shots and, in return, more accuracy.

The draw lengths of 19 to 31 inches are fully adjustable, and the draw weights range from 30 to 70 lbs. Due to this, archers can adjust the bow to suit their frame and make it easier for them to use.

Don’t let the 4.7 lbs. mass scare you. The bow comes with an 80% let-off, which reduces the weight significantly, making it easier for the archer to hold or carry. Plus, the wide 32 inches ATA improves the stability for smoother releases, which is excellent for maneuverability in tight spaces.

Lastly, the bow comes with many accessories for enhanced precision, including a peep sight, an arrow rest, a string stop stabilizer, a d-loop, and more.

What Pros Did We Find?

• Little over 7 inches brace height, more forgiving than most bows
• Adjustable draw lengths and draw weights, suitable for most archers
• 80% let-off reduces bow weight, making it easy for the shooter to hold or carry
• Wide 32 inches ATA improves the stability for smoother releases
• Accessories include a peep sight, arrow rest, stabilizer, d-loop, and more.

What Cons Did We Find?

• Limited color options - only black and gray
• Higher bow weight