MicroscopeSpot

Microscope Reviews 2024

Helping You Choose the Best Microscope for Your Needs

Buyers Guides and Microscope Reviews

Our comprehensive guides to buying and using microscopes will provide you with a better understanding of the different types of microscopes that are available and how they work.  In our microscope reviews you will find honest and practical information for a range of top rated microscopes. 

Stereo Microscope

Stereo Microscopes

There are many types of microscopes available for both the professional and the hobbyist and each one has variations in the way they work and therefore what they are used for. The main defining feature of a stereo microscope is that it has two independent optical paths which provide both depth perception and three-dimensional views.

Compound Microscope is also referred to as biological microscope or brightfield microscope

Compound Microscopes

These highly sophisticated microscopes provide high powered imaging and as a result are the go to microscope for students, researchers, and other professionals. In this article we review the top 3 compound microscopes and delve into the best features, what to avoid and what else to consider when choosing between different models and brands.

USB Microscope

USB Digital Microscopes

Digital Microscopes are a recent innovation that have opened up the micro world more than ever before. USB microscopes are low-powered digital microscopes which connect to a USB port in a computer. With a digital microscope you can have an interactive experience at home for little cost. In this article, we review the best USB options, examine their features, cost and other important recommendations.

Students using microscopes in a classroom for STEM activities

STEM Activities Using Microscopes

In today’s educational system, STEM activities using microscopes are a crucial component that contribute significantly to a student’s comprehensive learning. Microscopes provide a real-world, hands-on approach beyond textbook learning, enabling students to understand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics better.

Young Student Using a Microscope. Microscope for a Student

Microscopes for Students

Choosing the best microscope for a student is an investment in a child's educational journey. The right microscope can make scientific exploration accessible, enjoyable, and educational, offering students a hands-on approach to learning that nurtures their curiosity and provides a unique view of the world around them.

Young boy using a pocket microscope to examine the bark on a tree trunk

Pocket Microscopes

These mini microscopes are the first truly portable microscope that allow easy transport and maximum convenience. We review the best pocket microscopes, the pros and cons, what features to watch out for and what to avoid.

Welcome to MicroscopeSpot

Microscopes are our passion

Welcome to MicroscopeSpot, where we provide helpful advice about microscopes through microscope reviews and guides written by genuine scientists or  microscope enthusiasts.

Microscopes are our passion. The microscopic world is an amazing place, filled with wonder and the promise of truly world changing discoveries. In fact many scientific discoveries wouldn’t have been made without the aid of microscopes. In the modern world they are a necessity.

Many of us remember the first time we looked down a microscope as a child, and for many, it was this awe inspiring experience that triggered our curious minds to pursue knowledge in a fun and engaging way.

Whether you’re searching for the best kids microscope to carry out interactive learning activities, or a compound microscope for home use, we’re here to help you make an educated decision.

Buying any kind of microscope is never an easy task. These sophisticated tools are complicated and are often equipped with a myriad of different features. No matter if you’re a parent, scientist, hobbyist or enthusiast, we’re here to provide trustworthy and top quality microscope reviews to help you on your way.

Young students looking at microscope slide to examine in microscope

We have done the research to help you choose the best microscope for your needs

Happy Exploring!

Colorful microscope graphic
Microscope with Christmas Decorations. A Microscope for Christmas

A Microscope for Christmas!

A Special Gift for a Special Person

Which microscope to choose?

Click on the buttons in the list below to check out some of our Microscope Reviews

We hope the information provided helps you to find the microscope you are looking for

Microscope with Christmas Decorations. A Microscope for Christmas

Stereo Microscope with 2 Eyepieces (Binocular)

A great microscope for those who work with objects such as electronic or mechanical gadgets, dental appliances, jewelry, rocks. A stereo microscope gives you the ability to move the object around for easy viewing.

Stereo Microscope with 2 Eyepieces (Binocular)

This microscope has 2 flexible gooseneck LED lights enabling the light to be directed at different angles. This may make it easier to see the details of the object.

Compound Microscope with 1 Eyepiece (Monocular)

A light, portable microscope that can be used with batteries or plugged into an outlet. Beginners may find this microscope easy to set up as it has only one viewing tube and you don’t have to adjust 2 eyepieces.

Compound Microscope with 2 Eyepieces (Binocular)

This microscope is easy to set up and is very user-friendly. With an excellent magnification of 40x to 2000x,  the package also contains lens cleaning paper, microscope slides and cover glass.

Dual Stereo/Compound Microscope with 2 Eyepieces (Binocular)

A great microscope starter kit for kids 8 to 12 years of age. It can be used to explore 3D objects and comes with 10 prepared slides and blank slides for you to explore more. Batteries enable the microscope to be portable  though these are not included. A Learning Guide is included.

Digital Microscope with a 7 Inch Viewing Screen

This portable microscope provides 1-1200x magnification and displays enlarged 3D objects on a 7-inch screen for comfortable viewing. A microSD card slot allows image transfer to a PC or laptop (SD card not included), making it ideal for students, teachers, professionals, and hobbyists to share images easily.

Pocket Microscope with 1 Eyepiece (Monocular)

A useful portable handheld microscope which can be used for viewing specimens on a microscope slide out in the field. An Adapter Clip is provided so it can be attached to most smartphones enabling the specimen to be viewed on the phone screen.

Pocket Microscope that uses a cell phone screen for viewing

This pocket microscope attaches to most cell phones and enables an enlarged image of parts of objects to be seen and easily shared on your phone.

Top Microscope Articles

Compound Microscope Objective Lenses

Types of Objective Lenses & Their Functions

Light microscopes are relatively complex pieces of equipment with multiple different parts, some of which are more complex than others. The lenses of the microscope are fundamental to its function as they provide the magnification power that allows the microscopic specimen to be seen or observed in greater detail. The two main types of lenses found in light microscopes today are called the objective lens and the ocular (or eyepiece lens).

Image of Bacteria Staphylococcus aureus

Bacteria Under the Microscope

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are defined as prokaryotes. These are organisms that have cells with no defined nucleus or other specialized organelles. In total, there are estimated to be millions of species of bacteria, which are diverse in shape, size and many other defining features. By visually inspecting bacteria for these physical characteristics bacteria can be identified with the help of a light microscope.

Image of eyepiece graticule and stage micrometer for calibrating a microscope

Calibrating a Microscope

The calibration of your microscope is an essential part of working with cells because it is often necessary to record their measurements. It’s important because accuracy is important if you want to effectively monitor and compare the sizes of cells, or examine any differences between cells. If you are new to microscopy and are just learning to use a microscope, this article will take you through the calibration process and give you guidance on how to calibrate a microscope with an eyepiece graticule and stage micrometer, starting with the basics.