Do you need a microscope to use on the go?

Then read about pocket-sized microscopes!

In this post, you will learn more about tiny microscopes that fit into your hand, and which you can carry with you in your pocket. They are a useful tool to have for both field research and hobbies alike.

Pocket Microscopes: Everything You Need To Know

What Are Pocket Microscopes?

They are very small microscopes used for viewing objects from up close, the magnification depending on the power of each individual device. Their magnification power is usually lower than that of regular microscopes you would put on a lab table. However, their practical small weight and miniature size make them easy to carry and use outdoors or for a hobby, when an average magnification view is all you need.

Where Are They Used?

These devices are very useful to have when conducting field research on rocks and larger organisms. They will come in handy even if you are just curiously exploring the micro-world indoors or outdoors. They can also be used as a helpful tool for hobbyists and jewelers, but can also be great for viewing large surfaces and samples that can not be removed from their original place.

How They Compare With Regular Microscopes

The first and most notable difference is, obviously, their size. Regular microscopes are large and heavy and are therefore usually permanently mounted on a lab table. This small type of microscope is light and compact, and these devices can easily be carried around and used anywhere. They also cost a lot less than regular microscopes.

Practicality Of Use

Most mini microscopes have no power cable and no batteries. Although some require batteries for using their illumination features, others operate on natural light. They are used to view a specimen from up close, while held in one hand or moved over a large object. Some are digital and can be paired with a computer to display images of large surfaces.

Downsides Of Small Microscopes

These devices usually have almost no external and moving parts, and are therefore easy to use even by children and people with little previous experience in handling these devices. However, most do not have impressive magnification power, and especially those that operate on natural light, can give an image of poorer quality.

Best 5 Pocket Microscopes Reviews

Best Handheld Pocket Microscope

Carson MicroBrite 20x-40x LED MM-24

What Makes It Stand Out?

This device is different than most hand microscopes, in that it has a small stage for viewing slides. Most just have the built-in objective and a transparent plastic mouth that is intended to sit on the specimen or hover over it, but this one can also be used statically when mounted on a base.

Dimensions And Practicality

Carson mini microscope weighs 2 ounces and measures only 1.1 x 3.9 x 2.1 inches. This makes it ideal to carry around, as it literally fits into a pocket. It is easy to handle and use even by children.

Design And Features

This small handheld microscope is in a compact plastic casing, with a rotating focus ring and a button that turns the LED light on or off. It comes with a small detachable plastic base to stand on, which doubles as a stage for the slides. 

LED Illumination

The LED illumination is integrated into this mini microscope and is powered by three LR-44 button cell batteries, which come with the device. The LED light illuminates the object which is observed and ensures enough brightness for achieving clear and bright images.

How To Use It?

All you need to do is set the device on top of an object, turn on the light, and observe. You can also use the slides, 2 of which come with the product, to prepare a specimen for observation. In case you opt for the latter, you will find the base stand very handy, as it will keep your microscope upright, safe and stable during observation.

Best Jewelers Pocket Microscope

Kingmas Mini 60x LED UV Microscope

Design And Features

This cylindrical device is made of metal, with a glass lens and plastic mouth. The device opens by folding in half, and therefore separates into two parts. One of those is the part with the objective and the lens. Other is the part with the light features, where the batteries are located, necessary for the light to work. On that part is also the switch with 3 settings.

Dimensions And Size

The Kingmas pocket microscope’s dimensions are 3 x 1.5 x 2.4 inches, and it weighs 0.32 ounces. Thanks to its small weight and small size, it is easy to carry and use on the go. The durable materials ensure the device will be safe even during travel and transport, which is ideal for field research and examinations.

LED And UV Lights

This device has three different light options: no light, white LED light, and UV light. The three-position switch alternates between them. The lights are powered by 3 LR1130 batteries, which are included with the purchase of this device. It has magnification power up to 60x, with an adjustable focus.

Uses And Application

With 2 LED bulbs and one UV light bulb, and a switch to alternate between them, this small microscope makes for a useful tool. Anyone who has need of such a tool for appraising collectible items, controlling product quality, examining art pieces and similar items, can use the Kingmas mini 60x microscope.

Who Might Need This?

Hobbyists and collectors will love having a good wireless microscope to use with no fuss. Appraisors will enjoy having a tool they can easily carry and that can help them do their work. Even children will enjoy having a small pocket microscope that can’t be damaged so easily.

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Best Small Digital Microscope 1000x

Skybasic 50x-1000x Wireless Digital Microscope

Compatible With Smartphones

This handheld digital microscope is wireless like all the other products in this review. However, this one is digital and can be paired with computers and smartphones. The device works with a free app for mobile use (for Android and IOS) and is software compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8 and Mac.

Uses Wi-Fi Connection

Built-in Wi-Fi enables this wireless microscope to stream live footage to devices up to 33 feet away. You can easily take a picture or video by clicking the camera option in the application or pressing the button on the device, and the 2MP HD camera will do its work. The resulting image resolution will be from 640 x 480p to 1920 x 1080p, depending on the monitor and your own preferred settings.

USB Rechargeable Digital Microscope

This product uses a rechargeable battery, so all you need to do is plug the USB cord into a computer and let it charge. The device does not need the USB cord to operate, however, as it can work with all its features wirelessly.

Design And Description 

Dimensions of this handheld microscope are 6.5 x 4.7 x 1.9 inches, and it weighs 10.4 ounces. Its design is cylindrical, its body made of black plastic in a matte finish. It has 8 LED lights with adjustable brightness settings. This device also comes with a metal stand.

Features And Magnification 

This device has a magnification power range from 50x -1000x, which makes it one of the most powerful handheld pocket microscopes around. And it is suitable for industrial, pharmaceutical, and hobby applications.

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Best Mini Pen Pocket Microscope

Carson MicroPen Microscope Pen (MP-300)

Pen-Shaped And Pen-Sized

This mini microscope has an extremely slim and tiny design, with only 0.8 x 0.5 x 5 inches in size, and just 1.3 ounces in weight. It can easily fit into any kind of pocket for you to carry with you anywhere you go, and also comes with a warranty.

Resolution And Magnification

Carson pen microscope has from 24x – 53x magnification power. It runs on 3 non-standard SG3 batteries, which are included with the device. It has a zoom ring, for magnification adjustment, focus ring for focus adjustment, and a small wheel for adjusting the LED light.

Practicality And Portability

This sleek little pen microscope can be carried around in a pocket of any shape, and it will not look like you are carrying a small microscope. Being made out of plastic, it is not the most durable device, but it is likely the lightest pocket microscope you can find.

What Can It Be Used For?

Its magnification power might not be impressive, but it suffices for appraisals, examinations, and hobbies that require you to only get an average magnification of the object you are observing. Like stamp collecting, fabric testing, examining tools, etc.

Materials It Is Made Of

Carson mini microscope is made from black plastic, vaguely in the shape of a pen, wider towards the nose. The nose (the ring around the bottommost part of the device, below the objective lens) is made of transparent plastic, in order to let the natural light illuminate the object you are observing.

Best Pocket Microscope For Kids

NPW-USA Pocket Microscope Novelty (W6506)

Shape And Design

This lightweight microscope has 7.4 ounces and its dimensions are 7 x 1.6 x 7.1 inches. The shape is that of the number 7, meaning it is easy to handle. Holding it to your eye now requires less strain on your hand and eye than with most handheld pocket microscopes.

Easy For Kids To Use

Considering the light and easy-to-carry shape of this device, even children can carry it around and use it whenever they want to explore. The microscope has no moving or detachable parts, and is therefore safe for children to use, without getting hurt by or misplacing parts of the device.

What Materials Is It Made Of?

Npw pocket microscope is made from thin white plastic, which means it is not durable and would likely not withstand much strain. I would not recommend traveling with this microscope for that reason.

Magnification And Application

With magnification power limited to 30x, this device will likely not see much use beyond children’s everyday exploration, except for simple observations like examining fabric or items for scratches and cracks.

Focus And Range

This device has no adjustable focus, which means it may be hard to get a clear and sharp image just from adjusting the device itself. You will need to place it right on top of the object you wish to observe, and ensure the lighting conditions are optimal, as this microscope has no additional illumination of its own. For that reason, you will need no batteries for this device.

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Conclusion: Which Small Pocket Microscope Should You Buy?

In my opinion, the best pocket microscope models are the Skybasic 50x-1000x Digital Microscope, and Kingmas Mini 60x Microscope. The Kingmas has and additional feature, like the UV light, and is durable. The Skybasic mini microscope has a great magnifications range and 8 adjustable LEDs. The Skybasic is also connectable to most computers and smartphones via Wi-Fi.

If you are interested in small microscopes, read this article on handheld microscopes. In case you are interested in different types of microscopes, you can read about digital microscopes. And if you want to read more about which microscopes might be best for, read this post about microscopes for sale.