Do you need one of those?

There are many advantages of handheld microscopes, but the most important ones are that they are light, portable, and can fit in a pocket.

Despite its size, a hand microscope has power at least equal to a standard microscope.
So, for its compact design and practical mobility, it can be used in the classroom, laboratory, or outdoors in the field.

Conveniences And Types Of Handheld Microscopes

Practical Use of Handheld Microscopes

Due to being small and lightweight, they can be safely used to examine various types of samples, anywhere. Most importantly, they can be used to examine samples without having to extract or alter them. That is most noticeable in medical practice, (i.e. for examining skin).

Handheld Microscope Equipment

Some of them come equipped with additional accessories, such as LED lights and cameras. Lights are usually battery-operated, and cameras make it possible for users to capture the image of a sample, and share it to a monitor or computer via Wi-Fi or USB cable. This feature is useful for team research projects and school projects.

Handheld Microscope Magnification

While digital magnification has its advantages, optical is still the more available option. That is due to digital equipment being more costly and slowly advancing in quality. If you are looking to buy a digital handheld microscope, aim for a magnification of about 220x, (and camera resolution of at least 2.0MP). Although, some can reach as far as 1000x.

Wireless Handheld Digital Microscope

For full mobility that comes with fieldwork, there are wireless options for handheld digital microscopes. They stream live footage to nearby mobile devices or computers, using a Wi-Fi network. Some even come with apps of their own, which can simplify their use even further.

Easy To Use Microscopes

Thanks to their aforementioned design, handheld microscopes are safe and easy to use by everyone, even kids. With little or no need for any additional equipment, and even some cheap options, these microscopes make it possible for budding scientists to go out and explore the world.

Best 5 Handheld Digital Microscope Reviews

Best Handheld Digital Microscope 200x

Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Pro

Dimensions And Design

This model comes in a small size (9 x 7 x 5 inches), on a high quality fully height-adjustable stand, and weighs 1.43 pounds. It has a 4 foot long USB 2.0 cable, with an adjustable LED illuminator, and a dial on the cord lets you adjust light intensity, or even turn it off.

5MP High-Resolution Camera

The 5.0 MP sensor can capture images and even videos. All thanks to its 5 Element IR cut lens, and shutter speed 1- 1/1000 second. Final resolution does, however, depend on the size of the monitor in use. Small-resolution monitors will show a blurrier image.

Intuitive Software Included

Celestron digital microscope comes with Celestron Micro Capture Pro Software (and its appropriate installation CD). The software allows you to take accurate measurements and notes on the sample observed, as well as create videos and time-lapse animations.

Magnification Range

This Celestron handheld microscope has a fluently adjustable magnification setting. It varies from 20x to 200x zoom, which is efficient for observing 3-dimensional specimens at low power. When taking high-resolution pictures, it is recommended to use the stand, as it will stabilize the device, resulting in clearer pictures.

What Can It Be Used For?

This microscope is equipment suitable for job and hobbies, such as inspecting collectible items, component inspection, or entomology. It is suited even for industrial quality control, as well as scientific research and documentation.

Best Lightweight Portable Handheld Microscope

Carson MicroBrite Plus (MM-300 or MM-300MU)

Very Light And Portable

Carson handheld microscope is extremely compact and lightweight (just 1.28 ounces). Also, with its dimensions being only 1.2 x 2.25 x 3.5 inches, it fits into any pocket. That makes it convenient to carry with you in case you find something interesting to observe outdoors.

New And Improved Lens Design

This microscope uses precisely molded aspheric lenses, which provide a crisper image. Aspheric lenses have a single focal point through which light converges, giving a clearer and sharper image of the specimen.

Microscope Magnification Range

This device has a magnification range from 60x to 120x, which combined with its tiny frame, makes it an ideal handheld field microscope. WIth a conveniently placed light button, you can either hold-to-illuminate or simply turn the bright LED light on or off. Note that the LED light requires a single AA battery to operate, which is not included with this product.

How To Use This Microscope?

As is the case with most handheld microscopes, this one you need to specifically place flat against the surface you wish to observe. Then start focusing from the lowest setting upwards, until you get a clear image.

Best USB Handheld Microscope With Light

Dino-Lite USB Digital Microscope AM3111

Design And Appearance

This device has a cylindrical design, with small dimensions of only 1.3 x 1.3 x 3.9 inches. This microscope weighs 6.4. ounces, and comes with a USB 2.0 cable. It has 8 LED lights you can turn on or off, and is easy to use by students, hobbyists and professionals alike.

Magnification Performance And Features

Dino-Lite handheld usb microscope has up to 230x optical magnification, depending on the working distance. The lowest magnification setting is 10x. It has image resolution of 640 x 480 p (0.3 MP), and up to 30 FPS refresh rate for video.

Software Support Included

This microscope comes with included software, which enables you to save pictures, make notes, as well as compare and analyze captured images. This software supports a wide variety of operating systems: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10, Mac 10.5 (and above), and even Android.

Natural Color Technology As An Upgrade

Natural Color technology in this microscope provides your images with colors matching their original appearance. Enhanced low-light capabilities ensure you get a clear image even in minimal-light surroundings.

Range Of Models

Despite being in the upper price range among the microscopes I mentioned in this review, it has good value for its worth. Furthermore, the Dino-Lite handheld microscope offers a wide range of similar models, varying in camera resolution and other features, as well as price.

Best Wireless Digital Handheld Microscope With Camera

Jiusion WiFi USB Digital Handheld Microscope

Design And Features

Jiuson’s design is also cylindrical, and its dimensions are 7 x 4.5 x 2 inches, and it weighs 8.2 ounces. This microscope has magnification options from 40x-1000x. It has 8 LED lights with 4 settings, and 2 knobs that are used to adjust brightness and focus.

Devices And Connectivity

This portable handheld microscope connects to any device via Wi-Fi network, thanks to the “Wi-Fi magic box” that comes with the product, and emits a signal that enables you to use the device and its software on various types of devices.

Software And Compatibility

Jiusion comes with the software installation CD, and it is compatible with IOS, Mac (10.5+), Android, Windows (XP/Vista/7/8/10), Linux, and even Chrome OS. Once you install it, you can use it to capture images or videos through the microscope, and you can also use the measurement function to assist your research.

Accessories and Equipment

There are several items of equipment that come with the device on purchase, like an adjustable metal stand, for keeping it stable. Some of them are: a practical carrying case, the Wi-Fi signal box, a ruler, a vacuum phone holder, OTG cable, and software installation CD.

Batteries

While the device is remotely connected to any external devices, it does have a USB 2.0 port, that can be flipped to micro USB. It can be used for charging its Lithium Polymer batteries and possibly connecting to a computer, should anyone choose to forgo the convenient Wi-Fi connection.

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Best Small Handheld Microscope For Kids

Zoomy 2.0 Handheld Digital Microscope

Microscope Specifications

This microscope is ideal for young children, as it easy and fun to use. However, keep in mind that its magnification power is limited to 54x at maximum. Image resolution is up to 1200 x 1600 p. The dimensions of the device are 6.2 x 5.4 x 3.1 inches, and it weighs 7 ounces.

Operational Information

Zoomy doesn’t need any batteries, as it is powered through the USB cable. That same connection allows you to view the image on your screen. It also works with projectors or interactive whiteboards, making it an ideal addition to a beginner science classroom.

Device Compatibility

This device has a VGA CMOS sensor, LED illumination, and 2 changeable head adapters for observing different objects. In the software you can add interesting details, like photo frames, and it is compatible with Mac and Windows (XP/Vista/7).

How Does It Work?

Zoomy is easy to set up. Simply plug the USB cord into a computer (or projector or whiteboard), install the software, and let your kids explore. Because of its design, it fits well into a child’s hand, and all they need to do is hold it over an object and turn the top to adjust focus.

Design And Features

Zoomy handheld microscope is small, shaped like an egg, and lightweight. Its top turns to adjust focus, and on its peak there is a button that lets you take pictures or videos of the subject you are observing. The simplicity of this device makes it easy to use even for children as young as 4 years old.

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Conclusion: Which Two Handheld Microscopes Are The Best?

In my opinion, the best handheld microscopes are the Dino-Lite USB digital microscope AM3111, and Jiusion WiFi USB Digital Handheld Microscope. The Dino-Lite stands out with its natural colors technology, displaying true colors even in low-light conditions. The Jiusion one has magnification power up to 1000x and adjustable light. Also, Jiusion has remarkable compatibility with any OS and device it connects to via WI-Fi.

If you would like to find out more about the best microscopes, or if you want more advice on which microscopes to buy, read this microscope for sale post. Read this post on USB digital microscope for more information about that specific type. In case you came here to look for children’s microscopes, read this post on best microscope for kids.