I have a friend who wants to get a thermal rifle scope for hunting hogs at night.The price range is very broad and I'm sure you get what you pay for,but can someone recommend a good lower end scope.

Take a look at the Pulsar Core RXQ30. The Bering Optics Hogster-R 25 would be a good choice also.
What kind of budget?

He's probably into the 1-2K range.

Armasight Vulcan 3.5-7X.

I’m using a PulsarThermion xm50 and am very satisfied with it. He could probably pick up one of those used in the upper end of his budget. The size and weight is very similar to a traditional scope.

Not thermal, but check out the Pulsar Digex Night Vision.

If my budget were on the tighter end, I would go with the Pulsar Thermion. If I had unlimited funds I would take a look at Trijicon's products.

I have first hand experience with both and was very impressed. As has been mentioned, the Pulsar is in the size range of a day scope and uses traditional 30mm rings.

So it sounds like Pulsar products is a good line.What about ATN?

Pulsar is the way to go

What features/benefits do you get with Pulsar that you don't with the others?

Customer service if needed.

I have read quite a bit of ATN customer service being hit or miss on FB groups.