What about the night vision devices sold on Temu and AliExpress that cost only a fraction?

What you’re seeing on Temu, AliExpress, and other stores aren’t real night vision devices, they’re cheap digital toys. They use basic camera sensors with the IR filter removed, which can only deliver poor low-light performance, heavy lag, and complete reliance on an infrared beam to see anything at all.

These devices also aren’t true 1x magnification, which means they distort depth perception and make movement extremely difficult. Simply put, they’re not usable on the move.

On top of that, they have an extremely narrow field of view, take a look at the image below for reference. You’ll be looking through a tunnel compared to the wide view offered by real night vision.

In contrast, true analog night vision, such as the systems used by the military and law enforcement, utilize image intensifier tubes. These deliver real-time visibility in total darkness with zero lag and no need for active IR illumination, meaning you stay hidden.

Digital devices, however, emit infrared beams that make you glow like a lighthouse to anyone using proper night vision. Even a cellphone camera can spot the IR beam they emit.

If you’re still considering one of these digital devices, just be sure to adjust your expectations—it’s a toy, not a tool.

Image below: A high-end digital night vision device (blue) vs. a low-end analog night vision device (green).