If you want to examine and capture specimens invisible to the untrained eye, a USB microscope is an excellent solution to your microscopic needs. These instruments plug into your laptop and allow you to view your microscopic examinations on the monitor.
This is not only more comfortable than viewing through an eyepiece, but it also means you can examine objects at all possible angles.
Read on for a list of the best USB microscopes on the market ranked by magnifying power, compatibility, and ease of use. Additional features and software capabilities have also been taken into account.
Table of Contents
- Best USB Microscope of 2020
- 1. Wireless Digital WiFi USB Microscope 50X To 1000X Magnification
- 2. Jiusion 40 to 1000x Magnification Endoscope
- 3. Jiusion WiFi USB Digital Microscope HD 1080P Resolution
- 4. Plugable USB 2.0 Digital Microscope with Flexible Arm Observation Stand
- 5. STPCTOU-Digital-Microscope USB-Handheld-Magnification
- 6. Yotutun Digital Microscope, 50X to 1000X Magnification
- 7. Opti-Tekscope Digital USB Microscope Camera
- 8. Wireless Digital Microscope, Skybasic Mini Pocket Handheld USB
- 9. USB Digital Microscope 40X to 1000X, Bysameyee 8 LED Magnification
- 10. Aomekie USB Digital Microscope Magnifier with Camera Video Function
- Best USB Microscope Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best USB Microscope of 2020
1. Wireless Digital WiFi USB Microscope 50X To 1000X Magnification
At the top of the list is the digital USB microscope from T TAKMLY. It is one of the few products of its kind that is compatible with iPhone and iPad in addition to Android, Windows, and Mac. This is due to the device offering WiFi connection in addition to a USB cable.
With up to 1000x magnification, you will be able to examine all kinds of specimens, including blood cells and bacteria. For recreational use, 1000x is the maximum magnification that is recommended to satisfy your microscopic needs.
The HD camera comes with 1080p resolution and allows you to capture crystal clear images of the microscopic world. The LED lights are adjustable to help you focus clearly on your specimen without glare.
This is a USB microscope that ticks all of the boxes and offers excellent value for money too.
2. Jiusion 40 to 1000x Magnification Endoscope
The Jiusion 40 to 1000x USB microscope is a superb product with fantastic companion software. The instrument is compatible with Mac, Windows XP and Linux.
It also works with Android phones although it is currently not compatible with the iPhone or iPad. Once connected, you can use the software to photograph and record your microscopic enterprises. You can even use the software’s measurement function to measure minuscule specimens.
The 1000x magnification allows you to get up close with cells and bacteria. For the price, the image quality is astounding. This is definitely one of the best USB microscopes on the market on a budget.
3. Jiusion WiFi USB Digital Microscope HD 1080P Resolution
Next, we have another Jiusion product. This USB microscope boasts equally powerful magnification and LED lights. It also comes with a portable case and is compatible with the same range of devices plus iPhone and iPad.
The only reason we slightly prefer the other model is that the “updated stand” offers less maneuverability. It is closer to a traditional compound microscope stand and although you can easily maneuver the device by hand, having a flexible stand is handy for viewing specimens from new angles.
Nonetheless, this USB microscope is a fantastic product with lots of great features.
4. Plugable USB 2.0 Digital Microscope with Flexible Arm Observation Stand
This USB microscope is great for professional and classroom use. It offers 250x magnification and while it may not have the capacity to examine cells and chromosomes, it is ideal for examining detail on things like coins, rocks, or insect structure.
The flexible stand enables the camera to be positioned at any angle. The built-in LED lights can be adjusted which is great for examining objects like coins as glare is minimized. What’s more, the companion software is compatible with Windows, Chrome, Android, MacOS and Linux.
In addition to video and image capture, the software has a cool timelapse feature. This product comes with a 24-month limited warranty.
5. STPCTOU-Digital-Microscope USB-Handheld-Magnification
This USB microscope from STPCTOU offers up to 1000x magnification and subsequently allows examination of specimens as minuscule as bacteria. The device is compatible with most desktops and android smartphones.
All you need to do is install the companion software and plug the microscope into your laptop using the USB cable. You can then explore and capture the microscopic world from all angles on your monitor.
The device is handheld but also comes with a stand. SPTCTOU products always come with a 12-month warranty, so that is a benefit too.
6. Yotutun Digital Microscope, 50X to 1000X Magnification
In addition to boasting powerful1000x magnification, this microscope by yotutun allows the user to capture HD images of 2560×1920 resolution. There is a small button on the side of the microscope that enables instant image capture.
The device connects directly to your laptop via USB or to your Android smartphone via an OTG cable. The handheld device comes with a stable metal stand that offers 360 degree horizontal rotation. Dimmable LED lights are built in to the instrument to conveniently illuminate the object of examination without harsh glare.
For the price, you really get a lot with this product. The only downside is that the “zoom” function operates more like a focus wheel in practice. To zoom, you have to move the lens closer to the object of examination.
7. Opti-Tekscope Digital USB Microscope Camera
The Opti-Tekescope USB microscope is a higher-end product that is more suited to professional use than playtime. It plugs into your laptop via USB and comes with additional software for Windows and Mac. If you are using Windows 10 or Chromebook, you can use the Camera App that is already installed.
The key feature of this microscope is that it offers 1600 x 1200 resolution. This makes it ideal for capturing images of objects like circuit boards and coins. It should be noted that this microscope offers magnification of up to 200x.
This means it is great for appraisal, but not suitable for scientific examination of specimens like cells and bacteria. This sturdy aluminum stand is lightweight but also durable to handle fieldwork.
8. Wireless Digital Microscope, Skybasic Mini Pocket Handheld USB
This USB microscope from Skybasic comes with WiFi wireless options so you can connect with your iOS products in addition to your desktop. It offers 1000x magnification and the 1080P HD camera takes quality microscopic photos and videos.
The handheld device can also be attached to a flexible bracket which enables sturdy inspection from all angles.
9. USB Digital Microscope 40X to 1000X, Bysameyee 8 LED Magnification
Next up is the Bysameyee USB microscope with 1000x magnification, adjustable LED lights and broad compatibility. An OTG adapter is actually included with the product so you can plug the device into your android phone.
Although the magnification is great, the camera resolution is only 640x480P. If you are planning on capturing detailed images at high magnification, it may be worth investing in a slightly more expensive alternative.
10. Aomekie USB Digital Microscope Magnifier with Camera Video Function
Finally, the Aomekie USB microscope allows you to capture live video and high-resolution images on your laptop. The adjustable LED lights are easy to adjust with a sliding regulator.
As a conventional microscope, this device offers up to 200x zoom. This makes it great for appraisal but not ideal if you want to examine details that are invisible to the human eye.
Best USB Microscope Buying Guide
When purchasing a USB microscope, the first thing you want to check is whether the microscope requires additional software and if so, whether this software is compatible with your laptop.
The microscopes on this list are compatible with most operating systems but if you are planning on connecting to an iOS device, you will need a microscope with WiFi options.
The second thing to consider is what magnifying power you need to satisfy your examination needs. If you are planning on examining specimens that are invisible to the human eye such as cells, you will need magnifying power of at least 400x.
To be able to see bacteria in detail, you will need magnifying power of 1000x. If, on the other hand, you are planning on using your microscope to study the details of objects like coins and scripts, you will not need this level of magnification. A 200x lens will be more than sufficient.
Another factor to consider is the product’s portability. If you are planning on using your microscope on the go, a handheld that connects to your phone will be preferable.
When looking at the stand, you ideally want something that is sturdy enough to handle precise examination, but flexible enough to reach a wide range of angles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need WiFi to use my USB microscope?
The idea of a USB microscope is that it can plug straight into your laptop for immediate use. Although some USB microscopes have the added feature of WiFi, they can still be used offline via the USB cable.
What magnification do I need to see cells?
To see cells, you need a magnification of 400x. This will allow you to see the individual chromosomes in each cell. At this magnification, you will also be able to see the outline of some bacteria.
Do I need an OTG adapter with my USB microscope?
An OTG adapter concerts a USB into a micro USB. It acts as a way of connecting USB ports to android smartphones. If your product comes with an OTG adapter, it will be so that you can connect your microscope to your phone.
If you are only planning on using your microscope with your laptop, an OTG adapter is not necessary.
What is the CMOS sensor and why does it matter?
CMOS stands for “complementary metal oxide semiconductor.” These sensors are used in the microscope camera. The quality of these sensors is measure in megapixels.
The higher the megapixels, the better the quality. Microscopes with 8 MP sensors are of a professional standard.
How do I adjust the brightness on a USB microscope?
All of the microscopes on the list come with adjustable LED lighting. This allows you to illuminate the detail on your object of examination or reduce glare on shiny objects like coins.
Usually, the light controls can be located on the body of the microscope.
Sometimes, the controls are on the cord and occasionally, the lighting will be controlled via the microscope’s companion software.
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