10 Best USB Microscopes in 2021

Whether you are a scientist, a collector, a student or just someone intrigued by the microscopic world, your choice of a microscope can quench, heighten or dampen your quest.

Luckily, advancement in technology has transformed the experience; with the invention of digital microscopes, you don’t have to squint through the eyepiece to get a better look of a specimen, you can comfortably observe it via a screen. Better still, you can now connect the microscope to your computer or other devices via a USB cable and take snapshots and videos which you can save or share, thanks to USB microscopes!

The question is, which is the best USB microscope? A microscope is considered best for varied reasons. With this in mind, we have prepared a USB microscope review; comparison that cuts across factors such as price, ease of use, suitability, portability, and operating systems compatibility among others.

That said, this host list is not arranged in order of superiority but rather in a best-of-its-kind manner.

1: Dino-Lite USB Handheld Digital Microscope

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The most amazing feature about this digital microscope is its portability. With its size which makes it look like more of a gadget than a professional instrument, you can practically carry it anywhere. Don’t let the size fool you though, the microscope is capable of delivering both in labs and other environments.

What we liked ❤️

• 2-year warranty
• Durable metallic body
• US based phone/email/web support
• Reputable brand
• Easy hand manipulation

What we didn’t 💔

• The stand costs extra
• Comparatively pricey
• Focusing might prove difficult if you can’t hold your hand still

Features and Specs

• Its software is compatible with Windows (XP, Vista, 7/8/10), Mac OS 10.5 and above, Linux, Android, and iOS (needs Wi-Fi adapter). This means that you can use it with your PC, tablet, or mobile device.
• In-built 5MP camera takes both stills and 30fps videos of your specimen. You can further save, annotate, stitch, compare and analyze images.
• The Micro Touch (MT) feature is great for taking convenient snapshots without the need for a physical button.
• Measurement (MS) feature helps you to put lines, shapes and texts on the images. You can also calibrate and measure lines, circles and angles.
• White LED with comes with an adjustable polarizer (PZ) that regulates light needed at any particular time and also reduces the glare on reflective surfaces.
• The front-caps can be conveniently interchanged to capture images at various focus levels. The packaging comes with one set of 6 pieces.

2: Koolertron 5MP 20-300X USB Digital Microscope

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When it comes down to user suitability, the Koolertron USB digital microscope cuts across the board. Whether you are a student looking to reinforce your lessons, a collector, a tester, or just someone curious about the microscopic world, it has got you covered.

What we liked ❤️

• 1 year warranty
• Easy to use
• Convenient as a first microscope
• Comes with various OSD languages

What we didn’t 💔

• Not 64 bit compatible
• Mixed customer reviews

Features and Specs

• The observation surface is large enough for bigger objects and comes with clips just in case you need to hold the specimen in place
• Adjustable stand makes it easier to use the microscope hands-free and at a convenient height
• The microscope can be detached from the stand and easily hand-held to manipulate it and focus on the object of your observation
• 8 adjustable built-in LEDs give varying degrees of illumination
• The microscope enables you to capture and save 5MP images and 30 fps videos.
• 300X optical magnification; excellent for observing textiles, antique currencies, skin, insects, circuit boards and other tiny objects
• The unit’s software is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, and Mac OS X 10.5 and above. It is however not 64 bit compatible

3: Jiusion 40X to 1000X Magnification Endoscope

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This Jiusion model is a professional-grade microscope perfect for exploration in both class and other non-formal setups. It’s been touted a funny tool which makes it a good starting device for kids and students. The model is also inexpensive; a good choice for an explorer on a budget.

What we liked ❤️

• Easy to use
• Tailored for kids and students
• Rotating metal tripod for easy manipulation
• Inexpensive
• Works as advertised and commands great customer support

What we didn’t 💔

• Magnification only supported by Android devices with OTB function
• Non-compatible with iPhone
• Snap and Zoom only compatible with Windows OS
• Low resolution in comparison to digital cameras

Features and Specs

• The endoscope is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 and above, Windows 7/8/10/Vista/2000, Linux and Android.
• Mac Users can use PhotoBooth or Quick Camera for operation. Windows Users have the option of Bundled MicroCapture and Amcap software.
• Magnification range of 40X to 1000X and a power supply of 5V DC via the USB.
• Lens with 8 built-in LEDs and 2 adjusting knobs for focus and brightness, plus an OTG-adaptable mini camera.
• MicroCapture function is used for measurement and calibration of length, diameter perimeter, area and angles.
• Works with default camera on Chrome and latest Raspbian Jessie for Linux Raspberry Pi Users.
• Produces JPEG/ BMP and AVI, images and video respectively. Video at 30f/s and 600 Lux max brightness.

4: Celestron 5 MP Infiniview LCD Digital Microscope

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This microscope’s greatest selling point comes from its ability to serve professionals and hobbyists alike. Its portability which is further enhanced by a rechargeable battery and an LCD screen, makes it an excellent outdoor microscope.

What we liked ❤️

• Suitable for both professionals and hobbyists
• TV out option
• Rechargeable battery
• Light-weight and portable
• LCD screen display
• 2 years warranty

What we didn’t 💔

• Lower magnification on the LCD
• Does not work well with slides since there is no light source below the specimen
• Limited shipping options, USPS only

Features and Specs

• Full-color 3.5” LCD screen displays between 4X to 160 X magnification and together with a rechargeable lithium battery enable use of the microscope in the field.
• With a microSD card slot, you can save images while outdoors to upload to your PC later.
• When connected to a monitor, the magnification goes up to 200X. The unit’s onboard software is compatible with windows and Mac systems. For displays in a classroom or lab, there is a TV-out port.
• Built-in 5 MP camera takes snapshots of your specimen and saves them. Images sharpness is enhanced by 5 element IR cut glass lenses. The shutter trigger is at the base of the microscope to prevent shakiness or blur and works at a speed of 1 to 1/1000 sec.
• 8 LED lights illuminator that can be adjusted with a simple swipe.

5: OMAX Built-in 3MP Camera 40X-2000X Digital Compound Biological Microscope

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This microscope is just the right mix of durability, convenience, ease of use and affordability. For its price, the package you receive is well worth your while. Its level of operation makes it perfect for clinics, labs, schools and universities.

What we liked ❤️

• Reputable brand
• 5-year warranty and 14-day money-back guarantee (from Amazon)
• Very user friendly
• Excellent customer service and informative technical support
• Simple assembly
• Backed up by excellent customer reviews

What we didn’t 💔

• Limitations with Mac OS (can only capture and view images)
• The price might be a put-off for home use

Features and Specs

• The unit provides 8 levels of magnification; 40X-80X-100X-200X-400X-800X-1000X-2000X, enabled by 4 objective lenses.
• 2 eyepieces; 10X and 20X are mounted on a 45 degrees; inclined 360 degrees; swiveling digital viewing head. The distance between them is adjustable.
• With a stain-resistant double layer mechanical stage; you can use adjustment knobs to turn the microscope in either the Y or the X direction to arrange your image according to your area of focus.
• Coaxial coarse and fine focus knobs on each side of the unit help you to adjust your focus. They can be locked for observation or transport.
• With 3.0 MP built-in USB digital camera and advanced software applications, you are able to capture high quality still images and live video- maximum image resolution 2048×1536 pixels.
• Replaceable 3W LED lighting with variable intensity. The light is available even from beneath, perfect for slides and specimen that allow light to pass through.
• The software which comes in a CD is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10. You can also capture and view images with Mac OS

6: AmScope 40X -2500X Biological Compound Binocular Microscope

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This biological compound microscope is among the best digital USB microscopes out there. It stands out thanks to its high magnification and resolution, which is perfect for laboratory application, academic research, and clinical examinations.

What we liked ❤️

• Widefield 6-range magnification
• 5 year manufacturer warranty
• Sturdy metallic build
• User friendly editing and measuring software

What we didn’t 💔

• Relatively pricey
• Limited compatibility with iOS devices- a 30-pin adapter or driver is needed

Microscope Product Details

• Software compatible with Windows 7/8/10/XP/Vista, Mac OS X, and Linux. Notable functions include; video recording, stitching, measurement and extended depth of focus (EDF).
• Item comes with a 3- dimensional double layer mechanical stage, a strong body frame, a blue color filter and one dust cover.
• Requires 100-240VAC, 50/60 Hz power supply. It also comes with a UL approved AC/DC adapter and a 6-foot power cable.
• The camera has a resolution of 34 MP and video rate of 30 f/s with 5.6 pixel size. Resolutions for both video and image can be set simultaneously.
• The lenses are inclined at 30 degrees on a binocular head that swivels at 360 degrees.
• For illumination, the microscope comes with a single LED bulb with a brightness adjuster.

7: Opti-Tekscope 300X HDMI Microscope

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This is a simple well-built microscope suited for large screen display via a HDMI port, making it best for a teaching or presentation setup. It’s medium level magnification and LCD display also sets it apart as a tool for inspecting small parts like PCBs, coins and jewelry.

What we liked ❤️

• Reasonably priced
• USB powered- enhances mobility
• Plug and play technology
• Great customer reviews
• 1 year warranty

What we didn’t 💔

• Only optimized for windows 10
• Can’t be used directly with Mac

Microscope Product Details

• At 300X magnification power, this is one of the high-end Opti-Tekscope models. It has a 3MP camera which produces 1920x1080p JPG images and MOV videos at a rate of 30f/s.
• Operation allows for 4X digital zoom with a 3.0 LCD (960x240mm) display. Also, it functions with no lapse, with both videos and images being saved on a 30 GB SD card.
• It uses plug and play camera app of Windows 10. Other PC applications require software (Bandicam).
• Illumination is provided by 2 flexible LED lights mounted on an industrial quality stand. Lateral image adjustments are made possible by a screw height with a locking mechanism- allows for a working distance of 4-15cm.

8: Carson eFlex 75x/300X USB Digital Microscope

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What gives the Carson eFlex microscope an edge over the others is its flexible neck stand and its ease of use. This allows you to alternate between hand-controlled and hands-free options with ease

What we liked ❤️

• Plug and play technology
• Reasonably priced
• 1 year warranty
• Compact design
• Flexible neck
• Compatibility with most OS

What we didn’t 💔

• Low resolution under high magnification
• Shaky during handheld operation

Microscope Product Details

• It has a magnification power of 75x-300x which is perfect for a 21’’ monitor. It also comes with a focus knob and an adjustable LED lighting knob which controls 4 LED lights.
• To take snapshots or video, you only need to click a button.
• The flexible neck stand (8.5 inches) affixes to the graduated base easily due to a suction cup adapter. Alternatively, you can use any smooth surface.
• Compatibility runs across Windows 7/8/8.1/10/Vista/XP and all Mac Operating systems; works on both 32 and 64 bit.
• It is USB powered, enhancing mobility and handheld operations.

9: Andonstar ADSM302 Digital USB Microscope

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This is a long distance USB microscope perfect for repair of mobile phone, watches and other gadgets with PCBs. It’s especially perfect as a soldering tool, a functionality made possible by a LCD screen display and a tough objective table.

What we liked ❤️

• 4 video and photo outputs
• Comes with a remote controller
• Works as advertised

What we didn’t 💔

• Does not work on Mac, Android or iOS devices
• No warranty

Microscope Product Details

• The microscope is supported by Windows XP, 7, 8 and 10. The accompanying software CD comes with a measurement function.
• It takes photos with a resolution of 12MP in JPEG format, while video output is of full HD 1080p via HDMI and 720p when viewed on a PC. It produces images at a rate of 30f/s and 60 LUX brightness.
• Video and photos are saved on a 32 GB micro-SD card. These can however be viewed through various multi-functional outputs ports including USB, AV or HDMI.
• The 5-inch monitor is adjustable which allows for optimal display while working on precision. It also comes with an infrared remote controller besides the on-board control buttons- for added functionality such as crosshair, black and white, and inverse.
• The device comes with two flex LED lights mounted on the objective table- for illumination. It also comes with a non-shaking height adjustment metal stand.
• To protect the lens from harmful sun rays and debris from work pieces, it comes with a UV-filter. This also helps in increasing image clarity.
• It works on a 5V/2A power source- a 110-240V adapter is included in the packaging.

10: Supereyes USB Pocket Digital Microscope Camera

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When it comes down to size, Supereyes is probably as small as microscopes can get. With just about the size of an ordinary ball pen, you can literally carry it in your pocket. If your goal is to examine precious stones, bugs, coins or some narrow places, then you’ve got a winner.

What we liked ❤️

• Portable
• Plug and use USB 2.0 technology
• Compatible with Windows and Mac
• Can reach places that other USB microscopes might not
• Environment friendly aluminum alloy body

What we didn’t 💔

• Its uses are limited
• Low powered 0.3M CMOS sensor

Microscope Product Details

• 0.3 MP CMOS sensor enables you to take snapshots and record videos. Maximum photo and video capture resolution is 640×480 while photo format is JPEG.
• It has a magnifying power of up to 200X for combined optical and digital zoom
• A removable plastic cap covers the distance between the lens and the specimen; you can have higher magnification by removing the cap and placing the microscope on top of the object.
• Powerful LED bulbs provide illumination which enhances clarity and performance.
• The software is compatible with windows 7/8/10/vista/2000/SP2, Mac OS x10.5 and above, and Linux; additionally its 32/64 bit-compatible.
• There is an option of tripod stand which comes in handy should you want to use it hands-free.

The bottom line

What is considered the best USB microscope is relative to your unique needs. The above list provides a detailed review of the best microscopes in the market, different categories notwithstanding. Armed with this information, you are better placed to make an informed decision.