Best Clip-On Thermal for AR-15 2026: Top Picks Compared (Pulsar, AGM, SIG)

A clip-on thermal mounts in front of your day optic (red dot or LPVO), adding thermal capability without changing your zero. You aim through your existing optic and see the thermal image. Remove the clip-on and you're back to day shooting instantly. This makes clip-on thermals the most versatile thermal option for AR-15 owners who need both day and night capability.

The SIG ECHO CV25 ($3,000) is the best overall clip-on thermal: lightest at 14.8 oz with 9-hour runtime and BDX ballistic integration. For maximum range, the Pulsar Krypton 2 FXG50 ($4,500) offers 2,000-yard detection with its 50mm lens. The AGM Rattler V3 TC35 ($4,200) is best if you need an integrated laser rangefinder. All use 640-class sensors for clear target identification.

Yes, red dots are the simplest pairing for clip-on thermals. The red dot reticle overlays on the thermal image for fast CQB target acquisition. Works best with 1.93-inch or higher mounts for proper clip-on optical alignment. This is the ideal setup for home defense or patrol rifles that need thermal as an add-on capability.

Clip-on thermals are more versatile: they preserve your day optic zero, can be moved between rifles, and let you switch between day and thermal use instantly. Dedicated thermal scopes (Pulsar Thermion, Trijicon Reap-IR) offer better image quality and simpler operation since there's no alignment step, but they lock you into thermal-only use and are heavier. For most AR-15 owners, a clip-on thermal is the better investment unless you have a dedicated night hunting rifle that never needs day optics.

Highly recommended for short barrels (under 14.5 inches). Muzzle blast and unburnt powder can damage the germanium sensor lens over time. A suppressor or linear comp redirects gases forward, protecting the thermal sensor window and reducing heat mirage in the thermal image. For 16-inch barrels, it's less critical but still beneficial for sensor longevity.

Quality clip-ons add minimal POI shift (typically 0.1-0.5 mil). Always verify zero with the clip-on attached. Use paint-pen marks on rail slots for repeatable mounting. Record any offset in your dope card so you can account for it at distance.

For target ID at 100-200 yards, 320x240 is adequate. For longer range or positive ID, 640x480 or higher is preferred. Higher resolution also helps in dense vegetation where detail matters. Budget accordingly: resolution is a major price driver. All four clip-on thermals we recommend use 640-class sensors.

Zero your day optic first at your normal distance. Mount the clip-on, use its internal alignment tools to center your day optic's reticle in the thermal image. Fire a group and record any POI offset. Mark your rail slots for repeatable mounting. See our step-by-step zero workflow above.

Yes, but they serve different purposes and are typically used separately. Clip-on thermal mounts in front of your day optic for aimed fire, while NVGs mount on your helmet for navigation and situational awareness. Some operators use both: NVGs for movement and the clip-on thermal for scanning and engaging targets at distance. The clip-on thermal does not interfere with helmet-mounted NVGs.

For dedicated thermal, the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 and Trijicon Reap-IR offer excellent image quality and durability. However, clip-on thermals (AGM Rattler TC35, SIG ECHO CV25) are more versatile: they preserve your day optic zero and can be removed instantly. Dedicated thermal scopes are heavier and lock you into thermal-only use, while clip-ons let you switch between day and thermal capability on the same rifle without re-zeroing.

Thermal optics are legal to own and use in all 50 states. However, some states restrict their use for hunting: California prohibits thermal for big game hunting, and several states ban nighttime hunting of certain species regardless of equipment. Export restrictions also apply under ITAR: you cannot take thermal devices outside the US without proper authorization. Always check local hunting regulations before using thermal optics in the field.

Thermal detects heat signatures and works in total darkness, through light fog, and doesn't require any ambient light or IR illumination. Night vision (infrared) amplifies available light and requires either ambient light or an IR illuminator to function in darkness. Thermal excels for target detection and works in challenging conditions, while NVG provides better detail and resolution for identification. For AR-15 use, clip-on thermal is ideal for scanning/detection, while NVG with passive aiming is faster for close-range engagement.

Yes, but image quality suffers in bright sunlight: contrast between targets and background drops significantly. Clip-ons excel at dawn, dusk, and night when temperature differentials are highest. Some units have day-mode filters that help.