In collaboration with: Erik Bjalkvall
Expert Contributor:
Stefan Orman
Estimated read time: 8 min.
The Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact is a thermal monocular purpose–built for hunters and outdoor professionals who need fast and accurate detection in a truly portable form. Despite its budget-friendly price, it delivers dependable performance for short- to mid-range tracking, scouting, and on-the-move detection.
Hunter's review
Quick Overview of the Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact
Who is it for:
- Hunters seeking a compact, lightweight thermal monocular
- Beginners or users wanting simple, intuitive controls
- Field users who prioritize portability and fast deployment
Main Features:
- 19.5° Field of View
Quick location and tracking of animals while staying aware of your surroundings
- sNETD <18 mK
Reliable spotting of animals in any weather conditions
- Ultra-Compact Size
Ideal for fast deployment and all-day carry without added bulk
Buy it if:
- You want reliable thermal detection without heavy gear
- You hunt in dense forest or mixed terrain
- You need a compact alternative to larger thermal optics
- You’re seeking high quality on a more accessible budget
Look at other models if:
- You require integrated range finding
- You hunt exclusively in long-range open terrain
- You need high-definition thermal imagery at varying distances
Bottom Line:
Axion XQ19 Compact is a lightweight, field-ready thermal monocular for fast scanning, mobile hunting, and real-time sharing. Ideal in wooded or brush-heavy environments where speed and simplicity outweigh long-range precision.
Price & Availability
The Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact stands out as Pulsar’s most budget-friendly thermal monocular, without cutting corners on reliability or field usability.
It’s built for hunters, rangers, and mobile users who need real thermal performance in a compact form. At this price point, few thermal devices offer the same blend of portability, contrast clarity, and rugged design.
By packaging essential features, like long battery life, internal recording, and a wide field of view, into a lightweight, cost-conscious platform, the XQ19 Compact provides excellent return on investment for everyday field use.
Find a local dealer: Locate authorized Pulsar retailers near you
It’s made for the hunter who wants to pack light but still wants to bring enough thermal performance. For most users, the XQ19 does everything you need.
Erik Bjalkvall
Hunter's review
Product Description
The Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact is a handheld thermal monocular engineered for quick animal detection and fast-paced field work.
At its core is a 384×288 thermal sensor with <18mK sNETD sensitivity, which delivers clear contrast even through fog, rain, or cold mornings. Combined with a 19mm lens and a wide 19.5° field of view, it enables confident detection and situational awareness at short to mid-range distances.
Benefits & Considerations
| Pros | Considerations / Trade-offs |
|---|---|
| ✓ Compact and lightweight build | ✗ May be limited for long-range detection |
| ✓ Durable magnesium alloy construction | ✗ No integrated rangefinder |
| ✓ Widest FOV in the market | ✗ Basic 384×288 sensor (not flagship resolution) |
| ✓ 8-hour battery life (APS3) | |
| ✓ Simple, intuitive controls | |
| ✓ Built-in WiFi & USB-C video output | |
| ✓ Clear thermal imaging with <18mK sNETD |
Now, how do you translate these features into actual user cases? We asked two Swedish hunters for their opinion on who’ll make the most out of this monocular. Here’s what Erik Bjalkvall, who is also a professional equipment tester, says:
Any hunter, from beginner to professional. It’s made for the hunter who wants to pack light but still wants to bring enough thermal performance. For most users, the XQ19 does everything you need.
The best part is that you can have it with you, always. I always said the best optic is the one you have with you, not the badass one you left at home.
Stefan Orman, a highly experienced hunter and professional shooter, sees benefits beyond hunting:
This is by far the best dog handlers thermal. Here in Sweden, we have pro dog handlers who, by mission of the Swedish government and the police, track down and end the suffering of game wounded by traffic. They need enormous FOV and ultra-light, ultra-compact devices.
I also see this being extremely popular for anyone who needs to scan as much as possible in one window. Search and rescue? This is perfect for that, also. I’ve been doing a lot of searches and rescues when the police need extra resources, and I always bring thermals to help. This will definitely be the main unit I’d bring for that.
Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact: Full Technical Specifications
Designed for practical hunters and mobile users, the Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact comes with a full set of standard Pulsar features – from photo and video recording to waterproofness.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 384×288, <18mK sNETD |
| Display | 640×400 AMOLED |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours (APS3) |
| Detection Range | 750 meters |
| Weight | ~300g |
| WiFi / Recording | Yes (Stream Vision 2 App) |
| Field of View | 19.5° horizontal / 34.7m @ 100m |
| Housing | Magnesium alloy, IPX7 rated |
| Zoom | 1.5×–6× digital |
| Output | USB-C and WiFi |
Hunter's review
Axion XQ19 Compact is a lightweight, field-ready thermal monocular for fast scanning, mobile hunting, and real-time sharing. Ideal in wooded or brush-heavy environments where speed and simplicity outweigh long-range precision.
In-Depth Review of Features & Benefits
Portability: Truly Pocket-Sized Thermal
Weighing around 300 grams with battery inserted, the Axion XQ19 Compact is light enough for effortless carry and compact enough to fit in a jacket pocket or chest rig. The magnesium alloy chassis keeps weight down while adding durability for field bumps, drops, and weather extremes.
For hunters covering long distances by foot or working through dense brush, that low weight adds to real-world comfort. You can carry it all day, deploy it instantly, and stow it without thinking twice.
The control layout is built for quick use, even with gloves – ideal for cold mornings or winter hunts. Whether handheld, clipped to a harness, or tucked into MOLLE webbing, the Axion stays out of the way until you need it.
Visual Performance: What You Actually See
While not a high-definition device, the Axion XQ19 Compact offers dependable detection and target confirmation within its intended range. Its 384×288 sensor and 19mm lens are optimized for short- to mid-range use, providing reliable thermal contrast when scanning woodland edges, game trails, or close-quarters terrain.
The AMOLED display supports fast identification without eye strain, even after extended scanning. And with a 19.5° field of view, you can cover more ground in a single sweep and spot movement in wooded or uneven environments, while also staying fully aware of your surroundings.
Looking for real-life feedback? Erik Bjalkvall has got you covered:
The XQ19 doesn’t give details, but a perspective. This perspective, and image quality, is enough for most situations, and the field of view is extremely wide and useful.
Erik’s tip:
Due to the lack of fine detail, it’s sometimes a bit difficult to know if the focus is exactly correct or not, depending on the object and environment. I try to find something large, at about the same distance as I want to look at, make sure the focus is correct, and then go back to the original target.
Recording & Output: Real-Time Sharing
The Axion XQ19 Compact makes it easy to document your hunts or share what you see in real-time. With built-in photo and video recording, plus USB-C output and WiFi streaming via the Stream Vision 2 app, your footage can go straight to a phone, tablet, or computer – no special cables or adapters needed.
Whether you’re training a new hunter, guiding a partner, reviewing movement patterns, or simply enjoy sharing your outings with others, these features extend the monocular’s usefulness well beyond the moment of observation. Stefan Orman says:
I use the footage recording feature for capturing the moment. I placed the device approximately 20 meters behind me and pointed in my shooting direction. And as I shoot, it captures everything going on around me.
How Does the Axion XQ19 Compact Handle in Real Hunting Conditions?
The Axion XQ19 Compact is designed for real-world fieldwork, not just lab specs. Here’s how it adapts to your needs.
Terrain Adaptability
Whether pushing through thick undergrowth or glassing from a high point, the Axion adapts easily to quick changes in terrain. Its 19.5° field of view allows wide area scanning in fewer passes, ensuring quick location of animals in most situations.
Handling & Controls
Top-mounted buttons, intuitive menus, and tactile ergonomics make it easy to operate even in the dark or while wearing gloves. After just a few uses, zoom control and menu navigation become second nature, so you can stay focused on movement, not settings.
Environmental Resilience
From foggy mornings to wet snowfall, the XQ19 Compact continues to deliver thermal contrast where traditional optics fail. The IPX7 waterproof housing and solid construction protect the device in harsh weather, while its operational simplicity helps minimize distractions in the moment.
Expert Insights & Field Tests
Pulsar developed the Axion XQ19 Compact with direct input from active hunters and field testers. Here’s what they think of the result. Stefan mentions:
Yes, the shorter detection range does limit species and gender identification. But one night, I had no problem whatsoever identifying wild boar at 400 meters, and then identifying gender with ease at 60-75 m.
But when you’re doing damage control in high crops, you will hardly see the boars until you’re 20 meters close. And then the wider field of view is what you need. And as you are moving and trying to be stealthy, light and compact format is the winner. And for this, I’d choose the Axion XQ19 Compact over any unit 100%!
This kind of field feedback underscores why compact thermal monoculars like the XQ19 are gaining popularity – not only as backups to larger spotters, but often as a primary detection tool in thick terrain. Now, how does it complement the other gear? Erik advises considering the combination of Axion XQ19 Compact and a dedicated riflescope:
Use the wide field of view of the XQ19 to quickly scan and discover what’s out there. Use your more exclusive thermal rifle scope to hunt. The XQ19 made me think: perhaps I don’t need an expensive, large, heavy device?
Comparison to Alternatives: Is It Worth the Money?
The Axion XQ19 Compact holds its own even when compared to larger and more expensive models in the thermal market. Sounds too good to be true? Below is a side-by-side comparison to other Pulsar devices with differing use cases:
| Feature | Axion XQ19 Compact | Pulsar Telos XG50 | Pulsar Merger LRF XP35 | Pulsar Oryx LRF XG35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detection Range | 750m | 2300m | 1350m | 1800m |
| Weight | ~250g | ~530g | ~770g | ~500g |
| Sensor | 384×288 | 640×480 | 640×480 | 640×480 |
| FOV (Horizontal) | 19.5° | 8.8° | 17.8° | 12.5° |
| Zoom | 1.5×–6× Digital | 3.5×–14× Digital | 2×–16× Digital | 2.5×–20× Digital |
| Integrated LRF | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Recording | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Decision Shortcut:
Choose the Axion XQ19 if you value compactness and portability. Go with the Merger LRF XP35 if top-end clarity and comfortable long-term observation are your priority. Opt for Telos if you need a device for long-distance observation. The Pulsar Oryx LRF XG35 will perform best ‘for one-handed operation, and smoother focus’ (Erik Bjalkvall, hunter, Sweden).
For a more detailed look into other handhelds by Pulsar, see:
Hunter’s review of the Telos line
A closer look into the Merger LRF XP35
Users’ feedback about Oryx LRF XG35
Final Thoughts: Is This Device Right for You?
The Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact is a smart choice for hunters, wildlife observers, and professionals who need dependable thermal vision without the weight or cost of a larger platform. It offers sufficient detection range, solid clarity in rough weather, and long battery life – all in a jacket pocket–sized form.
It’s ideal for mobile users who track game at short to mid-range distances, especially in wooded or mixed terrain. While it doesn’t include a rangefinder or high-resolution sensor, it compensates with intuitive controls, durable build, and field-ready performance.
Ready for the next step? Locate authorized Pulsar retailers near you
FAQs
1. What are the main advantages of the Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact?
The Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact offers true pocket-sized portability, fast thermal detection of animals, and reliable clarity in rough environments. Its wide 19.5° field of view, lightweight build (~300g), and simple controls make it ideal for hunters, SAR teams, and mobile users needing fast situational awareness without carrying bulkier optics.
2. How does this model differ from the previous Axion thermal monoculars?
The Axion XQ19 Compact introduces a wider field of view, an enhanced <18mK thermal sensitivity, and a lower price point compared to older Axion models. It’s also smaller and rugged, with glove-friendly controls and a clear emphasis on mobility and fast deployment.
3. What is the warranty and support process?
Pulsar typically offers a standard 3-year warranty on its thermal devices, including the Axion XQ19 Compact. Support includes firmware updates via the Stream Vision 2 app and service through authorized dealers.
4. Is the Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact a good value for money?
Yes – for users needing dependable short- to mid-range detection in a highly portable form, the Axion XQ19 Compact delivers excellent value. Its build quality, thermal clarity, and feature set (WiFi streaming, recording, AMOLED display) are rarely found at this price point.
5. How does the Pulsar Axion XQ19 Compact perform in cold weather or challenging conditions?
The Axion XQ19 Compact is rated IPX7 waterproof and features a magnesium alloy housing for rugged durability. Its <18mK sensor sensitivity maintains clear heat detection in fog, rain, and freezing temperatures, making it highly reliable in northern climates and rough terrain.
Before purchasing any night or thermal vision device, please make sure you adhere to the local legislation and only use it when it is allowed. Our ambassadors come from various countries and travel a lot, which allows them to test different devices. We do not encourage or support the illegal use of our devices in any events. If you wish to learn more about export and sales restriction policy, please visit the following link: Export and Sales Restriction Policy.