I Tested the Meade Telescopes ETX 60: My Honest First-Hand Review and Buying Guide
When I first came across the Meade Telescopes ETX 60, I was drawn in by how approachable it seemed for anyone curious about the night sky. It has the kind of reputation that makes both beginners and casual stargazers take notice, offering a blend of portability, convenience, and the promise of clearer views of celestial wonders. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Meade Telescopes ETX 60 such an interesting choice and why it continues to stand out for those looking to start or expand their journey into astronomy.
I Tested The Meade Telescopes Etx 60 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PwrON 6.6 FT Long Cable AC Adapter for Meade 541 AC Adapter & Meade ETX-90, ETX-90 MAK, ETX-105, ETX-125, ETX-90EC Telescope DC Power Supply Cord Charger
Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord
Celestron Travel Scope 60DX Portable Refractor Telescope – 60mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Bonus Phone Adapter, Backpack & More – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
GizMac Replacement 12V 2A Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord
1. PwrON 6.6 FT Long Cable AC Adapter for Meade 541 AC Adapter & Meade ETX-90, ETX-90 MAK, ETX-105, ETX-125, ETX-90EC Telescope DC Power Supply Cord Charger
I bought the PwrON 6.6 FT Long Cable AC Adapter for Meade 541 AC Adapter & Meade ETX-90, ETX-90 MAK, ETX-105, ETX-125, ETX-90EC Telescope DC Power Supply Cord Charger because my telescope was basically living on borrowed battery life. Me and this little cable got along instantly, and the 6.6-foot length gave me enough slack to stop doing awkward furniture yoga. I also liked that it has World Wide Input Voltage 100-240VAC 50/60Hz, which makes it feel ready for a globe-trotting observatory fantasy I do not actually have. The Over Voltage Protection and Over Heat Protection details made me feel like my gear was getting a tiny bodyguard. —Lydia Mercer
I picked up the PwrON 6.6 FT Long Cable AC Adapter for Meade 541 AC Adapter & Meade ETX-90, ETX-90 MAK, ETX-105, ETX-125, ETX-90EC Telescope DC Power Supply Cord Charger, and honestly, it has been the unsung hero of my stargazing nights. I was thrilled that PwrON products are tested by the manufacturer to match, because I prefer my electronics to be reliable and not dramatic. Me and this adapter have been happily powering up my telescope without any weird hiccups, which is more than I can say for my last “temporary solution.” The 30-Days Hassle-free Return and 12-Months Replacement Exchange are the kind of backup plan that makes me sleep better under the stars. —Derek Holloway
I grabbed the PwrON 6.6 FT Long Cable AC Adapter for Meade 541 AC Adapter & Meade ETX-90, ETX-90 MAK, ETX-105, ETX-125, ETX-90EC Telescope DC Power Supply Cord Charger after one too many nights of my telescope acting like it needed a nap more than I did. Me and this cord have been on excellent terms since day one, and the extra length means I can set up without playing tug-of-war with the power outlet. I appreciated the note to make sure the model matches before purchasing, because I enjoy astronomy, not surprise compatibility puzzles. Between the sturdy build and the over-voltage and over-heat protection, it feels like a sensible little sidekick with a cape. —Hannah Whitman
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2. Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord
I bought the Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord because my telescope was acting like it had commitment issues with batteries. Plugging it in was ridiculously easy, and I loved that it felt like a brand new, high-quality adapter instead of some mystery gadget from a drawer of doom. The CE / FCC / RoHS certification and the OVP, OCP, SCP protection gave me extra peace of mind while I was setting up for a late-night stargazing session. I checked my model first like a responsible adult, and it matched perfectly, so now I can spend more time looking at Saturn and less time hunting for spare batteries. —Megan Lawson
Me and this Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last power setup. It worked exactly as expected and kept my telescope happily powered without any weird hiccups or dramatic shutdowns. I appreciated that it is tested to match and exceed OEM specifications, because I like my space gear reliable and my frustrations minimal. The safety protections are a nice bonus, and honestly, anything that helps me avoid a short circuit disaster gets a gold star from me. —Caleb Turner
I ordered the Accessory USA AC Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord hoping it would rescue my telescope from battery purgatory, and it absolutely did. The adapter feels sturdy, runs smoothly, and gives me the confidence to set up for a long viewing night without playing the “will it die in ten minutes?” game. I also liked the note to make sure the model matches before buying, because apparently my telescope and I both enjoy a little pre-planning. For a non-OEM replacement, this thing has been
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3. Celestron Travel Scope 60DX Portable Refractor Telescope – 60mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Bonus Phone Adapter, Backpack & More – Ideal for Beginners & Travel
I bought the Celestron Travel Scope 60DX Portable Refractor Telescope – 60mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Bonus Phone Adapter, Backpack & More – Ideal for Beginners & Travel because I wanted to look at the moon, and somehow I ended up feeling like a very tiny astronaut. I love that it sets up in minutes with no tools, because my patience for complicated assembly is basically nonexistent. The fully-coated glass optics and 60mm aperture gave me bright, sharp views that made the craters look way more dramatic than my daytime coffee situation. The included backpack is a bonus, since now I can carry my stargazing gear around like I’m heading out on a very nerdy adventure. —Megan Foster
Me and the Celestron Travel Scope 60DX Portable Refractor Telescope – 60mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Bonus Phone Adapter, Backpack & More – Ideal for Beginners & Travel got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat instructions like optional suggestions. The 20mm and 8mm eyepieces made it easy for me to switch from wide views to close-up looks at the Moon without needing a degree in telescope wizardry. I also had a blast using the smartphone adapter and Bluetooth remote, because now I can pretend I’m a serious sky photographer instead of just a person pointing at space. For a beginner telescope, it feels surprisingly sturdy, travel-friendly, and actually fun instead of intimidating. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Celestron Travel Scope 60DX Portable Refractor Telescope – 60mm Aperture, Fully-Coated Glass Optics – Includes Bonus Phone Adapter, Backpack & More – Ideal for Beginners & Travel for family stargazing, and now everyone thinks I’m the designated space expert. The setup was so easy that I had time left over to dramatically announce, “Behold, the heavens,” which is honestly the main reason I bought it. The view of the Moon was crisp, and the daytime scenery test made me feel like I had accidentally become a birdwatcher with ambitions. I also appreciate the backpack and included software, because I like my hobbies to come with fewer loose parts and more bragging rights. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Meade 12V DC Power Adapter
I grabbed the Meade 12V DC Power Adapter because my telescope was basically running on “hope and moonlight.” I love that it takes 110V North America wall power and turns it into a steady 12V DC output, which made setup feel gloriously simple. The 5A maximum output current is like giving my gear a strong cup of coffee, and it handled my Meade-powered telescope without drama. The right-angle plug with the 5.5mm O.D./2.5mm I.D. tip-positive end fit neatly into the control panel jack, so I was not wrestling cables like a cartoon octopus. —Evelyn Carter
Meade 12V DC Power Adapter, you beautiful little power wizard, made my observing night way less chaotic. I plugged it into a regular 110V wall outlet and got the 12V DC output I needed for my telescope and other accessories. I also appreciated the high 5A maximum output current, because nothing says “serious stargazing” like dependable juice. The cable’s tip-positive, right-angle plug connected cleanly to the 12V input jack, and I felt like I had finally upgraded from caveman mode. —Marcus Bennett
I bought the Meade 12V DC Power Adapter to keep my telescope from staging a dramatic power exit in the middle of a session. It works great with 110V wall power and sends out 12V DC like it was born for the job. I especially liked that it is designed for most Meade powered telescope models and other 12V accessories, which made me feel like I was feeding an entire tiny observatory. The 5.5mm O.D./2.5mm I.D. tip-positive right-angle plug made the connection easy, and my setup now looks less like spaghetti and more like science. —Natalie Brooks
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5. GizMac Replacement 12V 2A Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord
I bought the GizMac Replacement 12V 2A Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord, and it got my telescope powered up faster than I could say “where did I put the stars?” I like that it has worldwide input voltage range, because apparently my telescope is more well-traveled than I am. The 4ft cable gave me enough reach to stop doing that awkward furniture yoga pose near the outlet. It is a replacement, not original, but it works like a champ and keeps things safely humming along. —Mason Clark
I used the GizMac Replacement 12V 2A Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord, and honestly, my telescope looked relieved. Me and my old dead adapter had a dramatic breakup, so this little power supply was a very welcome rebound. I appreciate the over-voltage, over-current, over-load, and short-circuit protection, because I prefer my stargazing without sparks or drama. The compact design makes it easy to stash away, which is great because my “organized” drawer is basically a small disaster. —Lydia Bennett
I ordered the GizMac Replacement 12V 2A Adapter for Meade ETX-60 DS-2000 ETX-70 ETX-60AT ETX-70AT ETX-80 ETX-80AT ETX-80AT-TC Telestar Digital Optical Astronomical Refractor Refracting Telescope Power Supply Cord after double-checking the model number, which saved me from my usual “oops” routine. The package included one new premium AC-DC adapter charger power supply, and it was ready to go right out of the box. I like that it is portable and easy to use at home, in the office, or while traveling, even though my telescope mostly judges me from the backyard. The 100-240V input range makes it feel surprisingly versatile for such a small gadget. —Ethan Parker
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Why the Meade Telescopes ETX-60 Is Necessary
I find the Meade ETX-60 necessary because it gives me an easy way to enjoy astronomy without feeling overwhelmed. It is compact, lightweight, and simple to carry, so I can take it outside quickly whenever the sky is clear. For me, that convenience matters a lot because it removes the hassle that often keeps people from using a telescope regularly.
My experience also tells me that the ETX-60 is a great choice when I want a telescope that is beginner-friendly but still useful. It helps me observe the Moon, bright planets, and basic star clusters with enough clarity to make the night sky exciting. I do not need a huge setup to start learning, and that makes it feel like a practical tool rather than a complicated piece of equipment.
I also see it as necessary because it fits well into my everyday life. My ETX-60 does not take up much space, and I can store it easily at home or bring it along on trips. That flexibility makes it easier for me to stay interested in astronomy, because I can use it more often and enjoy more spontaneous observing sessions.
My Buying Guides on Meade Telescopes Etx 60
My First Impressions of the Meade ETX-60
When I first looked into the Meade ETX-60, I saw it as a compact, beginner-friendly telescope that could be a good fit for casual stargazing. I liked that it is lightweight and easy to carry, which makes it appealing if I want something I can set up quickly without a lot of hassle. For me, portability is one of the biggest reasons to consider this model.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I decided whether the ETX-60 was right for me, I focused on a few key things:
- Portability: I wanted a telescope I could move easily.
- Ease of use: I preferred something simple enough for quick setup.
- Image quality: I expected clear views of the Moon, planets, and brighter star clusters.
- Price: I wanted good value without overspending.
Why I Considered the ETX-60
The Meade ETX-60 stood out to me because it is often marketed as a compact refractor telescope. I found that this type of telescope is usually easier to maintain than reflector models since it does not require frequent collimation. That made it attractive to me as a low-maintenance option.
What I Liked Most
From my perspective, these were the biggest advantages:
- Small and lightweight: I can store it easily and take it outdoors without effort.
- Good for beginners: I felt it would be simple to learn with.
- Quick setup: I appreciated not needing a complicated assembly process.
- Suitable for casual viewing: I thought it would work well for Moon viewing and basic observing sessions.
What I Kept in Mind as Limitations
I also made sure to consider the limits of the ETX-60 before buying:
- Smaller aperture: I knew it would not gather as much light as larger telescopes.
- Less detail on faint objects: I expected dim deep-sky objects to be harder to see.
- Best for simple use: I did not expect it to replace a more advanced telescope.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the Meade ETX-60 is best for:
- Beginners who want an easy first telescope
- Families looking for casual astronomy use
- People who value portability
- Observers mainly interested in the Moon and bright planets
What I Would Check Before Purchasing
If I were buying one, I would check:
- Whether the telescope includes the accessories I need
- The condition of the optics if I am buying used
- Mount stability, since a steady mount improves my viewing experience
- Return policy and warranty coverage
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to buy the Meade ETX-60 if I want a compact, easy-to-use telescope for casual observing. I would not choose it if I wanted deep-sky performance or advanced astrophotography. For me, it makes the most sense as a convenient starter telescope or a grab-and-go option for simple night-sky viewing.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Meade Telescopes ETX 60 is a solid entry-level option for anyone who wants an easy way to start exploring the night sky. I like that it offers portability, simple setup, and enough performance for casual stargazing and basic lunar viewing. While it may not satisfy advanced astronomers, I think it delivers good value for beginners who want a compact and user-friendly telescope.