A USB microscope is a small digital microscope that can be connected via a USB cable to a computer, laptop or other compatible devices such as a mobile phone and camera. This allows you to view the image on a screen as opposed to looking through an eyepiece. An SD card can also be used to transfer an image or video from microscope to screen. This is achieved using software that accompanies your microscope. (Except the Koolatron which includes a screen.)
USB units are smaller and lighter than traditional desktop microscopes which make them very portable and user-friendly. They’re great for group presentations by teachers and researchers because the image or video can be blown up and displayed onto a projector and shared to a whole room.
They can be used by an array of different people from homeschooling parents to professionals who compare samples in their field and even auctioneers. You can have great fun with the kids and carry out an engaging learning experience with them. Stamp, coin, rock and other collectors also benefit greatly from the convenience and affordability of the USB microscope.
Due to their basic design and materials, USB microscopes can be manufactured more cheaply than, for example, compound microscopes. This has resulted in a myriad of new companies popping up and producing very low-quality versions, so how do you choose the best USB microscope?
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. USB Microscopes are a great modern innovation which has made the use of microscopes far more convenient and accessible for both professional use and fun alike!
They can be used by both the professional and the hobbyist and although they lack the magnification and precision of classical compound microscopes, they are still an interesting tool to have at your disposal.
USB microscopes allow specimen images to be saved at the click of a button so that they can be stored, viewed and even printed later on, fantastic for a kids school project or for comparing materials.
Because there are many USB microscopes to choose from, it’s good to know what to look for to ensure you purchase a model that is right for your needs. The following provides some hints as to what to look for in a USB microscope.
What Makes the Best USB Microscope?
Image quality – In terms of image, don’t expect an image quality that you would find with decent compound microscopes. For instance, the best USB microscopes typically have a 200x zoom but there are cheaper products which can have as little as 40x. Image quality will also depend on the size of the monitor on which the resulting image is being presented.
Software – Nearly all digital microscopes come with software which allows you to install your new microscope, take photos and film your investigations. All units reviewed have software available, but beware that cheaper devices may not have great support.
Functionality – One of the key reasons USB microscopes are so popular is that they are supposed to be easy to use. Therefore you want to opt for one that is easy for you to set up, This to consider here include how easy the USB microscope can be adjusted and how portable it is.
Structure – All things small in design are that much easier to break, damage or even lose, that’s why it’s crucial to choose one that has robust components that are secure to reduce exposure to liquids and particulates. You will find that the very cheap models are incredibly delicate, while the ones that cost a little more are more likely to recover from drops and knocks.
Price tag – The average USB microscope costs range from $45 to over $300. If you pay more, you should be expecting much more in terms of image quality, features, and user-friendliness and better software support.
*All links above will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, or you can read our in-depth USB microscope reviews below.
Check out these USB Digital Microscopes
Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Pro
- Magnification: 20x–200x
- Maximum Resolution: 2592 x 1944
- Image Sensor: 5.0MP
Celestron is a brand which has developed a solid reputation in the industry over many years of experience in microscope manufacturing. It is a trusted brand with high ratings.
The Celestron 5 MP Handheld Digital Microscope Pro is a well-built model capable of capturing images and videos at a powerful resolution. This USB microscope is designed with hobbyists and students in mind looking for a highly portable and proficient unit for everyday use.
The microscope comes equipped with a selection of helpful and enhancing features including:
- a 5MP sensor so you catch every detail, perfect for entomologists and embroiderers alike!
- a glass lens with 20x to 200x magnification and
- a professional, adjustable height stand, enabling hands-free use.
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This microscope is great for kids, adults, and professionals due to its robust structure and powerful optics that are guaranteed to provide an image with detail and precision. The Celestron 5 MP Handheld Digital Microscope Pro also features a USB 2.0 cable at 4 feet length giving you some good reach between the microscope and your sample. It supports Windows and Mac operating systems.
As a digital microscope, viewing of the images is done via a laptop or computer monitor and the LED illumination that comes with it is adjustable.
The software is handy too as it comes with features that allow you to superimpose measurements onto the image.
Mustcam Full HD Digital Microscope
- Magnification: 10x-220x
- Light: LED
- Package Size: 8.7 x 6.85 x 5.39 inches
The Mustcam Full HD Digital Microscope microscope is a digital microscope that can capture images right onto your computer, projector or TV screen through the use of HDMI. It can capture very clear photo images and video using an image sensor and glass microscopic lens.
This digital microscope contains amazing features at an affordable price. It has a video output of 1080p. That is, the image is displayed at 1920 pixels across the screen and 1080 pixels down the screen which provides crystal clear imagery onto a computer or television.
This item is perfect for students who want to see how microorganisms move and behave because the picture that is shown in this video has a truly amazing quality.
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The working distance of this microscope at the lowest magnification is at a good distance for hobbyists and collectors who want to explore samples in detail, and for soldering circuit boards.
The video gives off smooth frames, even in low lighting conditions. The camera allows you to take time-lapse photography, manually adjust exposure, automatic powering off, USB power input and unbelievable clarity on the photographs and videos. The camera adjusts really well to lighting conditions as well as multiple depths.
Video and photos can be stored on a micro SD card for additional security.
It is easy to hook up the Mustcam Full HD Digital Microscope to any sort of screen and just watch and examine. Its image quality and features allow this to be a really useful Digital Microscope.
Koolertron 7 inch LCD Digital Microscope
- Magnification: 1–1200x
The Koolertron 7 inch LCD Digital Microscope comes with a large 7 inch HD LCD screen which allows very easy clear viewing of samples.
The LCD screen also comes with a Micro SD card slot so you can save the images and video that you collect and transfer the images to your PC or laptop. Unfortunately this package does not come with a Micro SD card.
The height adjustable stand makes it easy to view a variety of 3d objects of different sizes and enables the inspection of circuit boards, watches, rocks, coins, jewelry and many other natural objects such as feathers and plant roots.
The 1-1200x continuous magnification has the very useful ability of keeping your samples constantly in sharp focus.
The Koolertron Digital Microscope is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion (lithium-ion) battery which will last up to 4hrs, allowing this microscope to be used outside for observing natural elements.
A very handy feature of the Koolertron Digital Microscope is the adjustable intensity control which allows you to set the desired level of illumination from 8 LED lights.
This digital microscope is a very useful tool for many hobbyists, teachers and researchers in many fields. It is also a great education tool for children and students wanting to explore their environment in a group where they can discuss activities accomplished and share results achieved.
On the down side, this microscope cannot be connected to a computer or a tablet. A micro SD card is required to transfer information to these.