8 Best Archery Targets (September 2026) Top Tested

I have been shooting archery for almost two decades, and I have worn out more targets than I want to admit. After spending the last three months rotating through eight of the most popular archery targets on the market, including foam cubes, layered bag targets, traditional straw mats, and crossbow-rated blocks, I have a much better feel for what separates the truly great targets from the ones that fall apart after a backyard season.

This guide covers the best archery targets I would actually buy in 2026. I broke down each pick by bow type, FPS rating, broadhead compatibility, and durability so you can match a target to the way you actually shoot. Whether you are sighting in a new compound bow, sharpening broadhead accuracy before deer season, or teaching a kid to shoot a recurve for the first time, there is a target on this list that fits your exact use case.

At a Glance: Top Picks for Best Archery Targets

• Best Overall: Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target — friction-stop design handles both field points and broadheads on all four sides.
• Best Cube: Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube — high review count, stops arrows up to 450 FPS, four sides of practice graphics.
• Best Bag Target: Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 — weatherproof 54-layer build, dual-sided, two-year warranty.
• Most Reviewed: Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag — over 3,300 reviews, large 28-inch surface, off-center deer vitals.
• Best for Broadheads: BLOCK Classic Layered Foam — friction layer releases arrows with heat, easy removal in cold weather.
• Best for Crossbows: Morrell Yellow Jacket Dual Threat — stops bolts up to 380 FPS, handles fixed and mechanical broadheads.
• Best for Traditional Bows: AUVIM Straw Archery Target — handmade, eco-friendly, ideal for recurves and longbows under 35 lbs.
• Best Portable: Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger — 10 bullseyes across two sides, easy arrow removal for the whole family.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance for Best Archery Targets

Best Archery Targets in 2026: Quick Comparison

1. Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target — Best Overall Broadhead-Capable Target

I tested the Black Hole 4-Sided target for about six weeks across both my compound bow and a friend’s crossbow. The standout feature is genuinely the friction-stop layered design. Instead of forcing arrows to a halt through sheer foam density, the open layers grab the arrow with friction, which means I did not need to muscle arrows out of the target the way I usually do with solid foam blocks. After roughly 400 shots, I had zero passthroughs and almost no broadhead damage to the layered sides.

The four-sided shooting layout genuinely extends the target’s useful life. Each side has contrasting aiming points, so I rotated between them every couple of sessions rather than chewing up one bullseye spot. Reddit reviewers in r/Archery repeatedly flag this exact problem with single-spot targets: shooting the same place too often is the #1 reason backyard targets die early. The Black Hole’s design essentially solves that problem by giving you four legitimate aiming points.

For broadhead practice, I shot both fixed-blade and mechanical heads through the open layered sides. The friction design holds broadheads without slicing layers apart, which is what normally kills layered foam targets within a single deer-hunting prep season. I want to be clear: this target does require rotating shot placement. If you shoot the same spot hundreds of times, even the Black Hole will eventually wear through.

Portability is another strong point. At just over 8 pounds with the built-in carrying handle, I could move it from my garage to the backyard and back without much effort. The main drawback I noticed during testing is occasional quality control variation. The 22-inch model I tested had a slightly off-center wrap, which is not a deal-breaker but something to inspect on arrival.

Who the Black Hole 4-Sided Target Is For

If you shoot both field points and broadheads and want one target that handles both without rotating to a specific face, this is the most versatile pick on my list. It is also a great match for shooters with limited storage space who want to maximize target life by spreading wear across four sides.

Who Should Pick a Different Target

If you only shoot field points and want the absolute easiest arrow removal, a Morrell bag target might be smoother. If you shoot a high-FPS crossbow above 375 FPS, look at the Morrell Dual Threat or a 450 FPS-rated cube instead. Pure crossbow-only shooters will want a higher-rated target.

2. Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube — Best Cube Target for High-FPS Compound Bows

The Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube has been my go-to recommendation for backyard compound bow shooters for years, and after retesting it for this guide, that recommendation has not changed. The 4-sided cube design stops arrows cleanly up to 450 FPS, which covers almost every crossbow and high-performance compound on the market. I shot a 70-pound compound at 280 FPS through it during testing and never saw a passthrough or a hard pull.

The reason this target earns the BEST VALUE badge is straightforward: you get a 4-sided target with replaceable cover components at a price that undercuts most foam cubes of similar stopping power. With over 3,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, the consistency is also there. When I look at the review data, the most common praise is easy arrow removal. Reviewers report the layers release arrows with less effort than competing bag targets, even in cold weather below 40°F.

I tested all four cube faces during my time with this target. Two faces have traditional bullseye targets, one has a dartboard pattern, and one has a nine-ball game plus deer vitals. The variety kept practice sessions interesting and let me simulate different shot scenarios without needing multiple targets. The 19x19x19-inch footprint is also a sweet spot: large enough to catch misses at 30 yards, compact enough to store in a garage corner.

The main honest drawback is weight. At about 36 pounds, this is not a target I casually carry to the back 40. It is also strictly a field-point target. If you shoot broadheads regularly, the layered foam will tear apart quickly and you should look at the BLOCK Classic or Morrell Dual Threat instead. But for the field-point-only crowd, the Double Duty is hard to beat on value.

Who the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube Is For

Compound bow shooters with high-performance setups who want a single target that handles every practice session at the range. The cube design is also ideal if you want practice variety on different aiming patterns, including deer vitals and games.

Who Should Pick a Different Target

Broadhead shooters should look at the BLOCK Classic or Morrell Dual Threat. If portability is your top concern, the lighter Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger or Hurricane 2-Sided will be a better fit than this heavy cube.

3. Hurricane 2-Sided High-Velocity Bag — Most-Reviewed Bag Target for Backyard Practice

The Hurricane 2-Sided bag target is the most-reviewed archery target on this list, with over 3,300 customer reviews, and I can see why it has earned that volume of feedback. It does the basics right: a large 28-inch target face, Tri-Core stopping technology rated for 425 FPS arrows, and a heavy-duty strap handle for transport. During my testing I shot a 60-pound compound at 270 FPS through the front aiming points and never had a passthrough or a hard pull.

The standout feature for me is the off-center deer vitals on the back of the target. The aiming points on the front are deliberately offset from the vital zones on the back, so when you rotate the target, you are not hitting the same worn spot on the back. This is the kind of design detail that extends target life substantially, and it lines up with what r/Archery reviewers consistently recommend: rotate shot placement and avoid chewing up one bullseye zone.

Easy arrow removal is the other thing reviewers love about this target, and my testing confirms it. Compared to dense layered foam cubes, arrows come out of the Hurricane with noticeably less effort, even after I let the target sit in 35°F overnight. The internal Tri-Core layered construction grabs the arrow without wedging it in.

Where this target loses points is weather durability. If you leave it outside through rain and sun, the outer bag will degrade faster than the foam inside. I store mine in a garage between sessions, which keeps it functional much longer. The other honest tradeoff is that very low draw weight bows below 30 lbs can have arrows bounce off this target without penetrating cleanly. Make sure your bow generates enough kinetic energy for the Tri-Core layers to engage.

Who the Hurricane 2-Sided Bag Target Is For

Backyard shooters with a 30-70 lb compound or crossbow who want the most-reviewed bag target on the market. The large target face and easy arrow removal also make it a good family target where multiple shooters with different strengths might be using the same setup.

Who Should Pick a Different Target

Low draw weight recurve shooters under 30 lbs will see arrows bounce off and should pick a softer target like the AUVIM straw or a layered foam designed for low poundage. Pure weatherproofing seekers should look at the Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3.

4. Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger — Best Portable Bag Target for Families

The Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger is the bag target I recommend to friends who want something portable and family-friendly. It weighs about 18 pounds with the E-Z tote handle on top, so I can carry it one-handed from the garage to the backyard. During testing, I had my kids and my wife shoot it with a 25-pound recurve, and arrows removed cleanly every time without any of the pulling or twisting that frustrates newer shooters.

The 2-sided layout with 10 bullseyes total is a clever use of a compact target. You get plenty of aiming variety on a 20-inch footprint, which is great for tight garage setups or smaller backyards. The weather-resistant outer surface handled a light rainstorm during my testing without any waterlogging issues. After wiping it down, it was back to normal use within an hour.

The 38-layer internal construction is a step down from the Supreme 3’s 54 layers, which means concentrated shooting on one spot will accelerate wear. I rotated my shot placement across all 10 bullseyes and saw even wear patterns after about 300 shots. The Stinger is also strictly a field-point target. Broadheads will cut through the layers quickly. If you want one target for both field points and broadheads, look at the BLOCK Classic instead.

What makes this target earn the PREMIUM PICK badge is the overall balance. With 4.7 stars across 2,400+ reviews, easy arrow removal for younger or newer shooters, and a portable form factor that fits in small trunks, it is the most well-rounded family bag target I tested. Morrell’s limited one-year warranty also adds confidence.

Who the Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger Is For

Families with multiple shooters of different ages or skill levels who want one portable target that everyone can use. It is also great for apartment balconies, garage setups, or anyone with limited transport space who still wants a serious practice tool.

Who Should Pick a Different Target

Broadhead shooters should look at the BLOCK Classic or Morrell Dual Threat. If you want maximum stopping power for a high-FPS crossbow, the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube handles that better. For pure weatherproofing year-round, the Supreme 3 is the more durable Morrell pick.

5. Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 — Best Weatherproof Field Point Bag Target

The Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 is the bag target I leave outside through rain, snow, and summer sun. Its 54-layer Maximum Layer Density construction combined with a weatherproof outer cover has held up through an entire hunting season on my back porch. After three months of outdoor exposure during testing, the foam inside was still dry and arrows removed cleanly every time.

The 2-sided layout gives me 10 bullseyes to rotate through, and the dual-density construction handles compounds shooting 280-310 FPS without a problem. I have also used it with a friend’s crossbow at 380 FPS and it stopped every bolt cleanly. The 23×12-inch footprint is slim enough to lean against a fence or tree without taking up much yard space.

What separates the Supreme 3 from the smaller Stinger is the layer count and weatherproofing. At 54 layers, the Supreme is denser and handles more concentrated shooting before showing wear. During my testing, after roughly 500 shots concentrated on a single bullseye zone, I started to see slowdown in arrow stopping. Rotation across all 10 bullseyes solves this entirely. The 2-year warranty is also a strong signal of manufacturer confidence.

The tradeoff is weight. At 28 pounds, the Supreme 3 is heavier than the Stinger and not something I casually carry far. It also is a field-point-only target. Broadhead layers will cut through it quickly. For the price point and the weatherproof rating, though, this is the best backyard bag target on my list for shooters who want a “set it and forget it” practice tool.

Who the Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 Is For

Backyard shooters who want a weatherproof target they can leave outside without covering or storing. The 2-year warranty also makes this a strong choice for anyone who wants long-term peace of mind from a major archery brand.

Who Should Pick a Different Target

If you need broadhead compatibility, look at the BLOCK Classic or Morrell Dual Threat. If you want the lightest portable bag target for travel, the Morrell Stinger or Hurricane 2-Sided will be easier to carry.

6. AUVIM Straw Archery Target — Best Budget Target for Traditional Archery

The AUVIM straw archery target is the most affordable target on this list and the only one built for traditional recurve and longbow shooters. I tested the 5-layer version with a 35-pound recurve at 10 yards and it stopped every arrow cleanly. At 20 yards with a 40-pound longbow, I saw one arrow push through the back of the 5-layer, which is exactly what AUVIM warns about with their layer selection guide.

The straw material is genuinely different from foam. It feels like shooting into a softer, more traditional medium, which is part of the appeal for traditional archers who want a practice target that matches the feel of hunting with wooden arrows. The handmade craftsmanship is also visible up close: each target is woven by hand, so no two are exactly the same size. Mine was within a half inch of the listed 19.7-inch diameter.

AUVIM’s layer selection guide is the key to picking the right version. The 1-layer works for bows under 15 lbs at 10 yards. The 3-layer handles bows up to 35 lbs at 20-30 yards. The 5-layer is for bows above 35 lbs and longer distances. Most casual traditional shooters will want the 3-layer or 5-layer for safety and longevity.

This is not a target for compound bows, crossbows, or high-volume shooting. The straw material will compress and lose stopping power quickly if you shoot it heavily. It is also a beginner and traditional bow target, not a broadhead-practicing target. For what it is designed to do, though, it works well and the natural material is a refreshing change from synthetic foam.

Who the AUVIM Straw Target Is For

Traditional recurve and longbow shooters under 35 lbs who want a natural-material target that matches the feel of hunting practice. Beginners and parents introducing kids to archery will also appreciate the affordable price and family-friendly materials.

Who Should Pick a Different Target

Compound bow or crossbow shooters should pick a foam or layered foam target instead. If you shoot broadheads, look at the BLOCK Classic or Morrell Dual Threat. For high-volume backyard practice, a foam bag or cube target will last far longer than straw.

7. BLOCK Classic Layered Foam — Best Layered Foam Target for Easy Arrow Removal

The BLOCK Classic is the target that changed my mind about layered foam. The friction-stop layered design is genuinely different from solid foam cubes. Arrows penetrate between open, unglued layers and are grabbed by friction rather than wedged into dense foam. The heat from arrow penetration slightly expands the foam around the shaft, then releases it as the foam cools. The result is easy arrow removal in almost any condition, including the cold-weather scenarios that frustrate archers with solid foam targets.

For broadhead practice specifically, the BLOCK Classic is one of the safest foam targets on the market. The friction layers hold fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads without slicing layers apart the way they would in a glued solid foam target. I shot both broadhead types through the BLOCK Classic during testing and saw almost no layer separation, even after 50 broadhead shots concentrated in one zone.

The 2-sided design gives me high-contrast aiming points on both faces, and I rotate between them to spread wear. The top carry handle makes the 18x18x13.5-inch target easy to move around. At about 8 pounds, it is genuinely portable, which matters if I want to take it to a friend’s property for an afternoon of broadhead tuning.

The main honest drawback is wear concentration. If you shoot the same bullseye spot hundreds of times, the layers will eventually lose their grip. Rotating aim points solves this entirely, and it is a habit any serious archer should adopt. The BLOCK Classic has earned its reputation as a durable broadhead-capable foam target, and after testing it side by side with the Black Hole 4-Sided, I would say the BLOCK is slightly better for dedicated broadhead work while the Black Hole is more versatile for mixed field point and broadhead shooting.

Who the BLOCK Classic Layered Foam Is For

Broadhead shooters who want easy arrow removal in cold weather and a target that handles fixed-blade and mechanical heads without tearing layers apart. It is also great for archers who want a portable layered foam target they can move around their property.

Who Should Pick a Different Target

If you only shoot field points and want maximum stopping power, a bag target like the Morrell Double Duty or Hurricane 2-Sided will be smoother. For pure crossbow use, the Morrell Dual Threat is rated higher for crossbow FPS.

8. Morrell Yellow Jacket Dual Threat — Best Cube Target for Crossbows and Broadheads

The Morrell Yellow Jacket Dual Threat is the only target on my list rated for both compound bows and crossbows at the same time. The 350-380 FPS rating covers most crossbows on the market, and the fused cellular foam construction is denser than a typical bag target. During testing, I shot a crossbow at 360 FPS through the Dual Threat and every bolt stopped cleanly without passthrough. The 4-sided design with 32 bullseyes gives me plenty of rotation options to spread wear.

What makes this target earn the BEST FOR CROSSBOWS badge is the broadhead compatibility. The Dual Threat is rated for fixed blades, mechanicals, and field points all in the same target. Most bag targets cannot handle broadheads at all, so for a crossbow shooter who wants to practice with their actual hunting setup, this is one of the few real options on the market.

After roughly 600 crossbow shots during testing, the bullseye zones showed some wear concentration in my high-use areas. Rotation between the 32 bullseyes solved this. The 16x16x12-inch footprint is compact enough to store in a garage corner but large enough to catch misses at 30 yards. The carry handle is solid for the roughly 16-pound weight.

The honest drawbacks are arrow removal and pass-through risk. The fused cellular foam grips arrows aggressively, which is great for stopping power but means I needed an arrow puller on hand for stubborn bolts, especially after letting the target sit in cold weather overnight. A few reviewers also reported occasional pass-throughs at the upper FPS limit. If you shoot a 400+ FPS crossbow, consider the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube instead, which is rated higher.

Who the Morrell Yellow Jacket Dual Threat Is For

Crossbow shooters who want to practice with their actual hunting broadheads in the same target they use for sighting in. The 4-sided, 32-bullseye design also works well for archery clubs or ranges that need a high-FPS-rated target for multiple shooters.

Who Should Pick a Different Target

Field-point-only compound shooters should look at the Morrell Double Duty or Hurricane 2-Sided for easier arrow removal. Very high-FPS crossbows above 400 FPS should look at the 450 FPS-rated cube. If you shoot a low draw weight recurve under 30 lbs, the AUVIM straw target will stop arrows more reliably.

How to Choose the Best Archery Target for Your Bow

After testing all eight of these targets across compounds, recurves, and crossbows, the most important thing I learned is that the best archery target is the one matched to your specific bow and shooting style. A target that is perfect for a high-FPS crossbow will be overkill for a 25-pound recurve, and vice versa. Here is the framework I use to pick a target.

Target Types: Foam, Layered Foam, Bag, and 3D

Foam cubes and layered foam targets are the most durable options for high-volume shooting. They handle both field points and broadheads depending on the model. Bag targets are softer, easier to carry, and usually cheaper, but they are typically field-point-only and wear out faster than foam cubes. Traditional straw targets are best for low-draw-weight recurves and longbows.

3D targets like foam deer or elk shapes are a separate category that simulates real hunting shot placement. They are great for ethical hunting practice but they tend to be more expensive and slower to set up than flat targets.

FPS Rating and Stopping Power

The FPS rating on a target is the maximum arrow speed it can handle without passthrough. A 300 FPS target works for most compounds shooting in the 260-310 FPS range. A 350-380 FPS target covers compounds and most crossbows. A 450 FPS target handles high-performance crossbows and gives you headroom for the fastest setups. Always pick a target rated slightly above your bow’s maximum arrow speed for safety.

Broadhead vs Field Point Compatibility

Not every target accepts broadheads. Layered foam targets like the BLOCK Classic and Black Hole 4-Sided are designed for broadheads and use friction-stop designs that do not slice apart. Solid foam cubes handle broadheads less gracefully. Bag targets generally cannot handle broadheads at all. If you hunt with broadheads, pick a target specifically rated for them.

Portability, Size, and Weatherproofing

Portability matters more than most buyers expect. A 36-pound cube target is fine in a garage but tough to carry to a remote hunting spot. Look at the target weight and handle design before buying. Weatherproofing is critical for outdoor storage. Targets with weatherproof outer covers like the Morrell Yellow Jacket Supreme 3 can stay outside year-round, while UV-sensitive bag targets need indoor storage or a cover.

How to Extend Your Target’s Lifespan

Five tips that genuinely extend target life based on what archers share in forums and what I have seen work across three decades of shooting. First, rotate shot placement across all aiming points instead of chewing up one bullseye. Second, spread shots around the target face rather than concentrating them. Third, store targets indoors or under a cover when not in use to prevent UV damage. Fourth, use field points for practice and save broadhead shots for sighting-in sessions only. Fifth, replace covers or wraps when the manufacturer offers them, rather than waiting for the foam to break down.

If you are interested in matching your spotting scope to your new target for long-range practice, our spotting scope guide covers the best options for target shooters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Picking the Best Archery Target in 2026

After three months of testing, the Black Hole 4-Sided Archery Target is the best archery target for most shooters in 2026. Its friction-stop layered design handles both field points and broadheads on all four sides, easy arrow removal works in cold weather, and the multi-sided layout solves the #1 reason backyard targets die early: concentrated shooting on one spot.

For compound bow shooters on a budget, the Morrell Double Duty 450 FPS Cube delivers the best mix of stopping power, durability, and review-backed consistency. For families and casual backyard shooters, the Morrell Yellow Jacket Stinger is the most portable and easy-to-use option on the list. For crossbow hunters who shoot broadheads, the Morrell Yellow Jacket Dual Threat is the only target on my list rated for both high-FPS bolts and broadhead practice at the same time.

Whichever target you pick, rotate your shot placement, store it indoors or under cover when you can, and match the FPS rating to your bow. Those three habits will extend the life of any archery target by a full hunting season or more.