The microscope has come a long way from the time Zacharias Janssen reportedly invented it. Over the centuries, a lot of improvements have been made and a lot has been discovered using the device. There are so many variants of microscopes today including the USB versions that are ideal for individuals who do not have a real need for the bigger and higher-powered options. USB microscopes are also considered as cost-effective options to digital microscopes.
From completing university science projects to working on some of your hobbies, there are several things you can do with a USB microscope. It is also applicable in manufacturing and repair of delicate computer and electronic parts. They are also used in different aspects of forensic engineering and also for medical purposes. USB microscopes are also used for teaching and research. Depending on your specific need and your budget, a USB microscope may be the right choice for you.
To make the task easier for you, we have conducted extensive research to find the best USB microscopes available on the market. We will also provide further information that you must consider while looking for one.
Top 7 Best USB Microscopes
1. Plugable USB 2-Micro-250X
This is one excellent device that will let you work more effectively at the microscopic level. It is ideal for kids, testers, hobbyists, and professionals who need an average and affordable microscope with USB interface. It can be used for such activities as classroom exploration, stamp or coin analysis, micro-soldering, garden parasite identification, and many more applications. This wonderful USB microscope supports a wide variety of operating systems including Windows, Linux, and Mac.
As the name suggests, this microscope has a USB 2.0 interface and also comes with a 4ft cable. It is a very flexible device, allowing you to adjust the arm to whatever height you feel is necessary. You can equally change the magnification by twisting the gray ring just above the LED. The brightness of the halo LED light is also adjustable. It also features a diffuser that will attribute light evenly on the entire surface, helping you to produce a consistent picture at all times. While using this device, there are two ways you can take a picture: you can either use the ‘take a photo’ button on the computer software or you use the button on top of the unit. Overall, this is an excellent USB microscope that sells at an incredibly affordable price.
2. Celestron 44308 Handheld Digital Pro
This is an outstanding microscope when it comes to functionality. It is a handheld digital Pro microscope that will easily connect directly to your computer via USB and help you to view and record clear microscopic images with its powerful 5 MP camera. It has a magnification ability of 10 – 200 times, letting you see a lot of details of the objects you need to magnify. There is a knob that will let you adjust the height stand to the perfect size for any specific use. You can also detach the microscope from the stand for manual use.
The Celestron 5 MP USB microscope features a software in the box. The software is Mac and Windows compatible, giving you a hassle-free experience. They are also great for saving and sharing videos and still images. The USB cable is 4ft long and highly maneuverable. There is equally a dimmer attached to the cable to control the brightness of the solid 8 LED lights of the device. There is also a camera button on the code that will let you take images at any time. Also, remember that you can use this powerful microscope to record high-quality videos.
3. OMAX MD827S30L
This is a little on the bigger side and is considered the best semi-professional USB Microscope. It is a digital binocular compound LED microscope with a magnification ability of 40 – 2000 times, letting you see every detail of very tiny objects you may want to view. It comes with a built-in 3.0MP USB digital imaging system and LED illumination that can be adjusted easily to fit the occasion. You will be able to capture still microscopic images and record live videos on your computer with this compound USB microscope.
Judging by the name, this powerful microscope is ideal for use in biological laboratories. It comes equipped with double layer mechanical stage that will let you turn the device in the X direction and the Y direction as desired. The LED light is easily adjustable to make images clearer. The eyepieces in this OMAX USB microscope come in two sizes: 10X and 20X. The device is quite user-friendly, even though it is different and bigger than most USB microscope you will find. It is compatible with Windows and MAC.
4. Dino-Lite AM211
This is a portable and easy-to-use handheld digital microscope that will hold its ground against many higher-powered options when it comes to performance. It is also a beautifully designed device from one of the biggest producers of USB Microscopes in the United States. It can be efficiently used to see more of the world and also for testing and documentation. It is simple and intuitive, letting the user to easily plug into a computer and use the magnified images as desired. You can easily take still photos of the images and record videos as desired.
The DINO-LITE AM211 USB Microscope is the right choice for individuals who want something more powerful than the average USB microscope yet affordable enough. If offers variable magnification up to 200X without you changing any lens. There is also a built-in LED for adequate illumination. The device is compatible with Windows and Mac.
5. Optic-Tekscope OT-M
While this is one of the expensive items on the list, it is an impressive microscope that will let you see every detail of a coin, jewelry, or stamp clearly. It is also ideal for PCB repair. With a magnification power of up to 300X and the Art CMOS Image Processor that provides true High Definition 1920x1080p images, you will also be able to view small objects in full detail. You will be able to capture high-quality still images and videos. You will also be able to save the images on a 32GB micro-SD card and transfer to other devices of your choice.
With this awesome USB microscope, you will also be able to display amazing images on large screen HDMI monitors. With the Windows 10 plug-and-play camera app, it is super easy to use this microscope in a variety of places including factories, classrooms, laboratories, or even in your home. One major downside is that it does not support direct use with Mac.
6. Koolertron AS-SMXW33
This is one of the best advanced USB microscopes you can find anywhere. It is great for individuals who deal with jewelry, phone repairs, and other little things. It comes with a large LCD screen that helps to make it easier to use. Still images and videos can be captured with this microscope and you have the options of saving them to an SD card or outputting them through the USB connection. It is also easy to transfer the produced images to a PC monitor through the memory card option or you watch directly on the PC monitor after installation of the software.
This special USB microscope is especially useful for individuals who actively deal with the images being observed under the microscope. It has all the features to let you observe detailed images and fix things, even without connecting it to a PC. This is the reason this device is popular among engineers and gadget repairers who deal with tiny components.
7. Jiusion 1000x
This is one of the most affordable USB microscopes on the market right now. It can be the perfect option for everyone including kids, students, engineers, and even inventors who need an inexpensive little microscope for little tasks. The magnification power is impressive, however, from 40X to 1000X. Once the device is connected, you can use it to perform as many functions as you want including capturing screenshot and recording videos.
This Jiusion Microscope has a USB 2.0 interface. It also features 8 built-in LED lights and a mini camera with OTG adapter. The focus and brightness of the LED light can be variously adjusted through two knobs. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, Chrome, and Linux operating systems but only Android smartphones with OTG functions are supported. The affordable microscope comes in a value pack that also includes OTG cable, mental tripod, driver, and ruler.
Buying Guide
As you can see from the number of products reviewed here, there are different brands of USB Microscopes available on the market right now. Each manufacturer also has different models available at different prices. Picking one can be difficult which is why we have attempted to make things easier for you by reviewing the best options. We will proceed to talk about how to pick the perfect one for you.
Factors to consider when buying a USB microscope
Though we have found and reviewed the best seven products you can consider, it is still important that you understand how to make the right decision about USB microscopes. Here are the most important factors to consider when buying:
Magnification power
The level of magnification you will get with a microscope is one of the most important factors to consider. While USB microscopes generally do not offer as much magnification power as the bigger options, it is possible to get a significant amount of magnifying power from some. Be sure that the magnifying power of the microscope you intend to buy will be enough for what you intend to use it for.
Compatibility
You need to buy a USB microscope you can use with your existing device. Most of the top models are compatible with Windows and Mac devices. It is important that you check to make sure that the device is compatible with what you have before buying.
Ease of use
You need a USB microscope that is easy to use. This is important to make your work easier and smoother. Make sure there are convenient features like adjusting knobs to make operations easier.
Build quality/durability
It is also important to consider the build quality of the USB microscope you want to buy. A quality device that is made with the right materials will always be durable.
Price
Price is another important factor to consider when buying a USB microscope. Generally, these devices are way cheaper than the bigger options used by most professionals. This does not mean you should go for the cheapest product you find. Check the price and compare with prices of microscopes in the same category.
Frequently asked questions about USB Microscopes
Are USB Microscopes easy to use?
USB microscopes are pretty easy to use. Once you understand how to set them up, they are pretty easy to use. Kids and older guys will be able to use them without assistance after a few instructions.
How do I connect a USB Microscope to my device?
Connecting your USB Microscope to a compatible device can be very easy and straightforward. Just plug the USB cable into the device’s USB port and you are good to go. If you are connecting to a mobile device, a USB OTG (On-the-Go) adapter may be necessary.
Can I take videos with USB Microscopes?
Yes, most USB microscopes have camera and video buttons that can be used to take still images and record videos.
Can USB Microscopes be used for soldering?
Yes, many USB microscopes are widely used for soldering and other repair works on tiny components of computers and other electronic devices. You just have to pick the perfect one.
Can USB Microscopes also be used to see bacteria?
Yes, several USB microscopes can be used to view bacteria and other microorganisms for biological projects.
Conclusion
USB Microscopes are great options for individuals who do not need so much magnification power as the bigger and expensive models offer. They are also great for the person who is trying to get a magnifying device at an affordable price. It is important, however, to get the right one for your unique need. We have briefly reviewed some of the best options you can find on the market right now. We have also discussed the best way to pick one and sincerely hope this piece will help you find the perfect USB microscope for you.