A question that is easy to answer. Or maybe not? The two terms describe two different things that serve a similar purpose. Their commonality lies in observing things in nature. A binocular, often referred to as a telescope, serves the purpose of observing things during hunting or on a simple walk in nature with up to 10x magnification. A spotting scope, on the other hand, is a binocular with significantly higher performance, offering up to 80x magnification. A spotting scope is often used with a tripod, as there is a risk of the image becoming too shaky when used handheld. Therefore, it is not easy to determine which is better. Ultimately, it depends on the situation and the given circumstances that dictate which of the two devices one should use.
The following should be known: the higher the quality of the product, the more it costs. Simple pocket binoculars with low magnification are available from around €25. Those who value good quality and durability can expect to pay at least €150 for a new pair of binoculars. It should be noted that prices can be virtually limitless at the higher end. Accordingly, there are models that can cost up to €2000. However, these specimens are absolute top-tier binoculars that perform at the highest level in every respect. The situation is similar for spotting scopes. Affordable spotting scopes can be purchased from about €50, while more expensive models cost €400 and up. Good products are definitely worth their high price!