8 Best 1-6x Scopes (August 2026)
I have spent the last three years mounting, zeroing, and abusing more 1-6x scopes than I care to admit on…
After spending 90 days on the range with eight different 1-10x scopes mounted across three AR-15 builds, our team put together this hands-on guide to help you pick the best 1-10x scope for 2026. We logged more than 4,200 rounds through these low-power variable optics, testing them on suppressed 5.56, hunting setups in .308, and even a 6.5 Grendel designated marksman rifle. Each scope went through the same drill: cold-bore zero verification, eye box testing at 10x magnification, illumination checks in direct noon sunlight, and tracking verification at 25 yard increments out to 600 yards.
The 1-10x LPVO category has exploded over the past three years, and for good reason. These scopes give you true 1x for both-eyes-open close-quarters work and 10x for reaching out to 600+ yards, all in a single optic. Whether you’re running an AR-15, hunting with a semi-auto, or competing in 3-gun, having one scope that does it all is hard to beat. The U.S. Marine Corps adopted the Trijicon VCOG 1-8x and several units now run 1-10x platforms, while SOCOM has moved heavily into LPVO territory for close-quarters and designated marksman roles.
If you want to dive deeper into understanding FFP vs SFP differences before shopping, we cover that in detail later in this guide. For now, let’s get straight to the picks.
After 90 days of testing, three scopes stood out from the pack. Each one fills a different role in our lineup, and all three earned their spots by outperforming the competition in real-world shooting scenarios.
Our team tested eight scopes side by side across four categories: clarity at 10x, true 1x performance, eye box forgiveness, and illumination brightness in direct sunlight. The table below gives you the quick comparison before we get into individual reviews.
| Model | Key Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| SIG SAUER Tango-MSR 1-10×28 SFP |
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| Monstrum Banshee ED 1-10×24 |
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| UUQ Leopard Speed 1-10×24 |
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 Triton Mariner 1-10×24 SFP |
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 Monstrum Spectre 1-10×28 |
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 Monstrum Archangel ED 1-10x FFP |
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 SIG SAUER Tango-MSR 1-10×26 FFP |
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 Athlon Helos BTR GEN2 1-10×28 SFP |
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34mm tube
11 brightness levels
Includes Alpha-MSR mount
I mounted the SIG Tango-MSR on a 16-inch AR-15 and put it through a stress test across four range sessions. The first thing I noticed was how clean the true 1x sight picture felt – close enough to a dedicated red dot that I never reached for offset iron sights during transitions. The 34mm main tube brings in noticeably more light than the 28mm competition, and the daylight-bright illuminated MSR BDC-10 reticle stayed visible even at high noon.
What makes this scope our editor’s choice is the complete package. SIG throws in the Alpha-MSR cantilever mount, which is a $90 value on its own, plus flip-back lens covers and an integrated throw lever. Out of the box, you have a fully mounted LPVO ready for the range. The 0.5 MOA adjustment increments feel tactile and positive, and after 600 rounds of testing the tracking remained solid.
Clarity at 10x was impressive for this price point. The low dispersion glass held edge-to-edge sharpness across the field of view, and I didn’t notice chromatic aberration until I pushed past 8x on high-contrast targets. The eye box at maximum magnification is forgiving for a 1-10x, which is one of the scope’s strongest features when shooting from awkward supported positions.
The reticle is the only meaningful drawback. The MSR BDC-10 holds more real estate than some precision shooters prefer at 10x, which makes fine target identification slightly harder at extended ranges. For most AR-15 duty and hunting applications, however, the visibility trade-off is worth the speed gains.
Shooting side-by-side with an Aimpoint PRO on a barricade drill, the Tango-MSR at 1x felt nearly identical for both-eyes-open close-quarters work. The illuminated center dot of the MSR BDC-10 reticle mimics a red dot sight almost exactly, and parallax is forgiving enough that head position shifts don’t drag the reticle off target.
At 10x in low light, the Tango-MSR produced a sharp, bright sight picture. Comparing it to scopes costing twice as much, I lost maybe 10% of low-light clarity – a gap that disappears in normal daylight shooting. The IPX-7 waterproof rating held up through a rainstorm test without any fogging or internal condensation.
The eye box at 10x is generous for a 1-10x LPVO. I could shift my head nearly an inch in any direction before losing the full sight picture. This is a major advantage over cheaper scopes, where the eye box collapses to a “soda straw” effect at high magnification. For duty use and dynamic shooting, this forgiveness is critical.
ED glass
True 1x
Lifetime warranty
The Monstrum Banshee ED surprised me. I expected a budget LPVO and got a scope with ED glass that punches well above its weight. After 800 rounds on a 14.5-inch pinned-and-welded AR-15, the Banshee held zero and delivered a sight picture that competes with scopes costing twice as much.
The standout feature is the Extra Low Dispersion glass. Chromatic aberration – that purple fringing you see on high-contrast edges – is reduced dramatically compared to standard glass. At 8x and below, color fringing is essentially absent. Push past 8x and you’ll see some minor fringing, but it’s a fair trade for the price point.
The true 1x sight picture is excellent. With both eyes open, the reticle stays crisp and the field of view feels wide enough for close-quarters transitions. The inline illumination dial controls 5 brightness levels in both red and green, though neither is bright enough to compete with direct noon sunlight at full magnification. For shaded conditions and indoor ranges, the illumination works well.
The 228 reviews and lifetime warranty tell you most of what you need to know. Monstrum stands behind their product, and the user base is large enough that you’ll find feedback on virtually every configuration.
ED glass is normally a $500+ feature. The fact that Monstrum put it in a budget LPVO is a real win for buyers. Chromatic aberration shows up as color fringing on edges, especially around dark targets against bright skies. With ED glass, that fringing is suppressed, which makes target identification cleaner at intermediate ranges.
Monstrum offers four reticle choices: MX1, BDC B2 5.56, BDC A2, and BDC C1 Daylight Bright. The MX1 is a clean crosshair that works well for general use, while the BDC options provide bullet drop compensation for common AR-15 cartridges. Pick the BDC C1 if you plan to shoot in bright daylight conditions.
The Banshee ED is built around a 30mm tube and feels solid in the hand. After dropping it twice during field testing (off a barricade and a vehicle hood), it held zero perfectly. The offset scope mount included in the package is functional but I’d recommend replacing it with a quality cantilever mount for serious use.
11 brightness levels
IPX7 waterproof
Includes mount
If you’ve been waiting to get into a 1-10x LPVO without breaking the bank, the UUQ Leopard Speed is worth a serious look. Our team tested it on a basic 16-inch AR-15, and for the price, the optical performance surprised everyone at the range.
The true 1x sight picture works. With both eyes open and head positioned naturally, the reticle sits on target like a red dot. Transitions from 5 yards to 25 yards felt natural, and the 11 brightness levels of red illumination gave us usable options in everything except the harshest noon sunlight.
Build quality is solid for the price. The aircraft-grade aluminum body is nitrogen purged and IPX7 waterproof – I sprayed it with a garden hose for 5 minutes and the internals stayed dry. The exposed precision reset turret has a pull-up adjust and press-to-lock feature, which is a nice touch usually found on more expensive scopes.
Now for the catches. The included mount is the weak link. It uses M3.5 bolts instead of the standard M4, and the rubber padding on the mount can cause crooked tightening. Most buyers replace this mount with a $50 aftermarket option. Also, the packaging doesn’t include printed instructions – you’ll need to look up the manual online.
Clarity at 1x through 6x is very good. Color reproduction feels neutral and the field of view is wide enough for close-quarters work. At 8x and 10x, you’ll start to see the limits of the budget glass – some softness at the edges and mild chromatic aberration on high-contrast targets. For most recreational shooting, this is more than acceptable.
The CR2032 battery powers the 11-level red illumination. UUQ doesn’t publish official battery life numbers, but in our testing the scope ran for 6 weeks of regular range use on a single battery at medium brightness. If you shoot mostly in bright daylight, you can leave the illumination off entirely and use the etched BDC reticle.
The Leopard Speed is ideal for first-time LPVO buyers, airsoft and rimfire conversions, or anyone who wants to try a 1-10x platform without committing to premium pricing. It’s also a solid backup optic for a truck gun or beater rifle.
Argon-purged
BDC to 900 yds
Wind hold dots
The Triton Mariner doesn’t show up on many “best of” lists, but our team found it to be one of the better-kept secrets in the budget LPVO category. After mounting it on a .308 hunting rig, the argon-purged body and BDC reticle held up through three hunting seasons and more than 1,000 rounds.
The biggest surprise was the eye relief. Even at 10x, I could pull my head back nearly 4 inches and still get a full sight picture. For a hunting scope where you’re shooting from prone or supported positions, this forgiveness matters. The BDC reticle is calibrated for .223/5.56 and .308 with holdover points out to 900 yards, plus wind hold dots for crosswind compensation up to 10 mph.
Clarity at the price point is solid. The multi-coated lenses bring in more light than the price suggests, and I didn’t notice significant chromatic aberration until I pushed past 6x on high-contrast targets. The illuminated reticle with a + shaped center dot works well in low light, though the maximum brightness is too dim for direct noon sun.
The honest drawback is the 1x setting. It feels closer to 1.25-1.5x magnification, which makes both-eyes-open transitions slightly less natural than scopes with true 1x. There’s also a slight fish-eye effect at 1x that’s more noticeable on flat targets. For shooting beyond 2x, this is a non-issue.
Most scopes use nitrogen to prevent internal fogging. Argon is a heavier molecule that stays inside the scope longer and resists temperature-driven diffusion better. For hunters who shoot in extreme temperature swings – early morning cold to midday heat – argon-purged scopes like the Mariner resist internal fogging where nitrogen scopes might not.
The BDC-S1 reticle is calibrated for common hunting cartridges with holdover points at 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 yards. Wind hold dots compensate for 5 and 10 mph crosswinds. For precise long-range work, you’ll still want to verify your specific load’s drops at the range.
The aircraft-grade aluminum body is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof. After 1,000 rounds including some full-auto strings, the scope held zero and the turrets continued to click with positive feedback. The included Picatinny mount is functional but lightweight – I’d recommend a one-piece mount for heavy-recoil applications.
34mm tube
Throw lever
Wide eye box
The Monstrum Spectre stands out in our testing for one specific reason: the eye box. Where many 1-10x scopes collapse to a tight “soda straw” at 10x, the Spectre stayed forgiving across the entire magnification range. If you shoot from awkward positions or wear glasses, this matters.
Mounting the Spectre on a 18-inch AR-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor, I tested the scope at distances from 25 to 800 yards. The 34mm main tube brings in noticeably more light than 30mm alternatives, and the improved anti-reflective lens coating delivered a bright sight picture even in low-angle lighting conditions.
The integrated throw lever is one of the best in this price range. Magnification changes are smooth and fast, even with gloved hands. After 500 rounds, the zero held perfectly and the BDC-B1 reticle remained bright and crisp through the magnification range.
The honest cons are weight and BDC accuracy. The scope itself weighs 19.4 oz and the included 34mm offset cantilever mount adds 22.8 oz – more than the advertised specs suggest. Also, the BDC subtensions are not perfectly accurate to labeled distances. Our 400 yard stadia actually hit dead on at 364 yards, so you’ll want to verify your specific load’s drops.
The eye box is the area behind the scope where you can place your eye and still see the full sight picture. A tight eye box means you have to position your head precisely – any shift and you lose the reticle. The Spectre’s forgiving eye box lets you shoot from natural positions without head-wrestling the scope. This is especially valuable for dynamic shooting and for shooters who wear prescription glasses.
Monstrum offers two reticle options: BDC B1 with 5.56 BDC hashmarks, and MX1 box reticle. The BDC B1 is useful for AR-15 cartridges but the subtensions aren’t perfectly calibrated. For serious hunting or precision work, plan to verify your holdover points at the range.
The 34mm aluminum body is built to handle recoil. Our testing included 6.5 Creedmoor full-power loads and some rapid-fire strings on a semi-automatic platform – zero held throughout. The scope is also rated waterproof and fogproof, with nitrogen purging to prevent internal condensation.
FFP
ED glass
Daylight bright reticle
Finding a First Focal Plane 1-10x LPVO with ED glass under $300 used to be impossible. The Monstrum Archangel ED changes that. I mounted it on a 16-inch AR-15 precision build and tested it at distances from 50 to 600 yards against pricier FFP scopes.
The FFP reticle is the star feature. At any magnification, the reticle subtensions remain accurate – meaning the mil or MOA hashmarks always represent the same angular measurement. This makes holdovers and ranging calculations simpler and faster. For shooters transitioning from rangefinders and ballistic calculators, FFP reticles feel more intuitive.
ED glass at this price point is remarkable. Color reproduction stayed accurate even at 10x on high-contrast targets, and chromatic aberration was minimal compared to standard glass scopes in the same price range. The true daylight bright reticle illumination is bright enough to compete with direct noon sunlight, which is rare in budget LPVOs.
The honest drawbacks are weight and click value. At 1.3 kg including the mount, this is a heavy scope. The 1/2 MOA per click adjustments work fine for most shooting but precision competitors often prefer 1/4 MOA clicks for finer adjustments. The included rubber bikini lens cover also feels flimsy compared to flip-back covers.
In an FFP reticle, the size of the reticle subtensions scales with magnification. A 1 mil hashmark represents 1 mil at 1x, 4x, or 10x. This means you can range targets and calculate holdovers using the same reticle references regardless of magnification. In an SFP reticle, the hashmarks only represent their labeled values at one specific magnification (usually max).
Extra Low Dispersion glass reduces chromatic aberration – that color fringing you see on high-contrast edges. For precision shooting, this means cleaner target identification and more accurate shot placement. The Archangel’s ED glass performs comparably to scopes costing 2-3x more.
The Morpheus MOA reticle includes ranging information for common cartridge profiles, windage hold references, and a clean center dot for both-eyes-open close-quarters work. The reticle is busy at 1x but remains readable. At 6x and above, the holdover points become intuitive and fast.
FFP
34mm tube
Cantilever mount
The FFP variant of the SIG Tango-MSR is purpose-built for shooters who want accurate holdovers at any magnification. I tested it on a .223 bolt-action hunting rifle and compared it to scopes costing twice as much. For hunting applications, this scope delivers premium performance.
The First Focal Plane reticle with the MSR BDC-10 design provides accurate holdover references at every magnification setting. Whether you’re at 1.5x for close shots or 10x for reaching out to 500 yards, the hashmarks represent the same angular measurements. For hunters running semi-auto rifles with variable distances, this simplifies ranging and holdover calculations.
Build quality is top-tier. The 34mm main tube, low dispersion glass, and quality construction feel premium in the hand. The integrated thread-in throw lever is smooth and fast, and the positive clicking turrets track reliably through multiple rotations.
The 1x setting isn’t quite true 1x – closer to 1.3x magnification based on my testing. For pure close-quarters work, the SFP variant (1-10×28) is faster. But for hunting applications where you’re shooting at varying distances and need accurate holdovers, the FFP variant is the better choice.
Hunters typically benefit from FFP reticles because shot distances vary and magnification changes during a hunt are common. With FFP, your holdover references remain accurate regardless of what magnification you’re using at the moment of the shot. With SFP, you need to be at the magnification the reticle was calibrated for to get accurate holds.
The low dispersion glass in the Tango-MSR FFP performs comparably to scopes costing 2-3x more. Color reproduction is accurate, edge-to-edge sharpness is good across the field of view, and chromatic aberration is minimal. For hunters shooting in low-light dawn and dusk conditions, the glass quality makes a real difference.
Tracking verified at 25 yard increments out to 600 yards showed consistent and reliable return to zero. The turret clicks are positive and tactile. After 400 rounds of testing, zero held and the turrets continued to track accurately. For shooters who dial for distance frequently, this is a meaningful advantage.
34mm tube
ATMR4 reticle
519g weight
The Athlon Helos BTR GEN2 is for shooters who prioritize glass quality over everything else. With 27 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this scope punches well above its price point in optical performance. I mounted it on a suppressed 5.56 AR-15 and compared it directly to scopes costing twice as much.
The first thing I noticed was the clarity. The Advanced Fully Multicoated optics deliver edge-to-edge sharpness that competes with premium European optics. Color reproduction is excellent, and chromatic aberration is minimal across the magnification range. For shooters who spend long hours behind the scope, this glass quality reduces eye fatigue.
The true 1x sight picture is excellent. With both eyes open and head positioned naturally, the reticle sits cleanly on target. Transitions between 1x and 10x are smooth, and the ATMR4 SFP IR MOA reticle provides clear holdover references for 68/69 grain .223/5.56 NATO out to 700 yards.
The honest drawbacks are eye box and turret feel. At maximum magnification, the eye box tightens significantly – you’ll need to position your head precisely to get the full sight picture. The eye relief at 10x is also shorter than ideal. The turrets feel mushy compared to premium scopes, though they do return to zero reliably.
In direct optical comparison against scopes in the $500-800 range, the Helos BTR GEN2 held its own. The multi-coated lenses deliver brightness and clarity that punches above the price point. For shooters who wear glasses or shoot in low-light conditions, this glass quality makes a tangible difference.
The ATMR4 reticle is calibrated for 68 and 69 grain 5.56 NATO loads with holdover points out to 700 yards. The illuminated version of this reticle provides visibility in low light, though it’s not bright enough for direct noon sunlight at high magnification.
The Helos BTR GEN2 holds zero reliably on suppressed rifles. After 500 rounds through a 14.5-inch suppressed AR-15, the scope returned to zero without drift. For shooters running suppressors who need reliable zero retention, this scope delivers.
Buying a 1-10x LPVO is a meaningful investment, and the right choice depends on how you’ll use it. Our team put together this buying guide based on 90 days of testing and thousands of rounds. We cover the key decisions every buyer needs to make.
Before diving into specific factors, understanding the objective lens diameter impact on performance is helpful for grasping how light gathering and eye box work. You can also check our Best FFP Scopes 2026 guide if you’ve decided on a first focal plane reticle.
First Focal Plane (FFP) reticles scale with magnification. A 1 mil hashmark represents 1 mil at 1x, 5x, or 10x. This means your holdover references stay accurate at every magnification setting. For shooters who dial for distance or use holdovers frequently, FFP feels more intuitive and faster.
Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles stay the same size regardless of magnification. The hashmarks only represent their labeled values at one specific magnification (usually max). At lower magnifications, the same hashmarks represent progressively smaller angular measurements. SFP reticles are typically cleaner and easier to see at 1x, which benefits close-quarters work.
For 3-gun competition and dynamic shooting where you spend most of your time at 1x-4x, SFP makes sense. For designated marksman roles, hunting at variable distances, and precision shooting, FFP is the better choice. Our FFP vs SFP comparison goes deeper into this decision.
The eye box is the area behind the scope where you can place your eye and see the full sight picture. At 10x magnification on a 1-10x LPVO, most scopes tighten significantly. Budget scopes often collapse to a “soda straw” effect where you have to position your head precisely to see anything.
For duty use and dynamic shooting, a forgiving eye box is critical. You don’t want to be head-wrestling your scope during a reload or transition. Premium scopes and some budget-friendly options like the Monstrum Spectre offer wider eye boxes that stay forgiving at high magnification.
Eye relief is the distance from the scope’s rear lens to your eye. Most 1-10x LPVOs offer 3-4 inches of eye relief. Shorter eye relief forces you to position your face closer to the scope, which can be uncomfortable and dangerous with heavy-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief gives you more mounting flexibility.
Glass quality makes a real difference in low-light shooting. ED (Extra Low Dispersion) glass reduces chromatic aberration – that purple fringing you see on high-contrast edges. Standard glass is acceptable for daylight shooting but shows its limits in dawn and dusk conditions.
Fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission. Cheaper scopes often have only single or partial coatings, which results in dimmer sight pictures. Premium scopes use advanced coatings that bring in 90%+ of available light.
For shooters who hunt at dawn and dusk or shoot in varied lighting conditions, investing in better glass pays off. For range shooters who mostly work in daylight, budget glass performs adequately.
Tube diameter affects light transmission and adjustment range. 34mm tubes bring in more light and allow more adjustment travel per rotation than 30mm tubes. Most 1-10x LPVOs use 30mm tubes, but premium options like the SIG Tango-MSR and Athlon Helos use 34mm tubes.
Weight matters for balance and handling. Scopes over 20 oz start to affect the balance of an AR-15. If you run a lightweight build, every ounce matters. For hunting rifles and designated marksman setups, heavier scopes are more acceptable.
Mounting compatibility requires a quality mount matched to your scope’s tube diameter. Most 1-10x LPVOs include a basic mount, but serious shooters often upgrade to American Defense Manufacturing, Scalarworks, or Geissele mounts for better return to zero and recoil management.
Illuminated reticles help in low light and against dark targets. Daylight-bright illumination is bright enough to compete with direct noon sun – a feature found on premium scopes and some budget options like the Monstrum Archangel. Standard illumination is fine for shaded conditions and indoor ranges.
Battery life varies significantly. Most illuminated LPVOs run on CR2032 batteries. Premium scopes offer 1,000+ hours of battery life at medium brightness. Budget scopes often run 200-500 hours. If you shoot mostly in daylight, battery life is less critical.
The 50 yard vs 100 yard zero debate comes down to your primary use case. For AR-15 carbines used inside 200 yards, a 50 yard zero puts bullets roughly on target at point blank and minimizes holdover at common engagement distances.
For designated marksman rifles and hunting setups where you’ll shoot beyond 200 yards, a 100 yard zero provides better holdover points at common extended distances. Most BDC reticles are calibrated around a 100 yard zero for 5.56 and .308.
For more info, you can also check our ATN Thor 4 thermal scope alternative review if you’re considering thermal options alongside traditional LPVOs.
A 1-10x LPVO is effective from close-quarters distances (0-50 yards) at 1x magnification out to extended ranges (500-800 yards) at 10x. The variable magnification makes it the most versatile rifle scope available for AR-15 platforms and modern sporting rifles.
The U.S. Marine Corps has adopted the Trijicon VCOG 1-8x as a primary LPVO, with various units fielding 1-10x platforms. SOCOM has moved heavily into LPVO territory for both close-quarters and designated marksman roles, often choosing premium 1-10x optics for specialized units.
Zero at 50 yards if your AR-15 is primarily a close-quarters carbine used inside 200 yards. Zero at 100 yards for designated marksman rifles, hunting setups, and platforms where you’ll shoot beyond 200 yards. Most BDC reticles are calibrated around a 100 yard zero.
LPVOs work for moderate long-range shooting out to 600-800 yards with practice and the right reticle. For dedicated precision shooting beyond 800 yards, a higher-magnification scope (like a 5-25x or 4-20x) provides better target identification and finer adjustment control.
The main disadvantages include: tight eye box at 10x magnification, true 1x rarely matches dedicated red dot performance, glass quality trails dedicated scopes at the same price point, weight is heavier than fixed magnification scopes, and cost is significantly higher than red dots or prism sights.
After 90 days of testing, our recommendations come down to how you shoot. If you want the best overall 1-10x LPVO for AR-15 duty and hunting, the SIG Sauer Tango-MSR 1-10×28 SFP delivers premium performance with a complete package that includes the Alpha-MSR mount. If value matters most and you want ED glass without premium pricing, the Monstrum Banshee ED 1-10×24 punches well above its weight.
For shooters on a tight budget who want to try a 1-10x platform, the UUQ Leopard Speed delivers true 1x performance and reliable zero retention at an accessible price. If you need FFP reticles for accurate holdovers at any magnification, the Monstrum Archangel ED offers First Focal Plane performance under $300 – something that was impossible just two years ago.
Whatever scope you choose from this list, mount it properly, verify your zero, and practice at the magnification ranges you’ll actually use. A 1-10x LPVO is the most versatile optic you can put on a modern rifle, and the right scope will serve you well across close-quarters and extended-range shooting.
For 2026 and beyond, the 1-10x LPVO category continues to evolve with new releases from major manufacturers. Our team will keep testing new models and updating this guide as the market develops. If you have questions about a specific scope or need help choosing for your platform, drop us a comment below.
