Whether you’re a college student entering your first year studies in the biological sciences, tech industry or even the fashion field, owning a reliable, high-powered compound microscope could be a great way to really excel at home or on the campus.
Take a look at our reviews below on some of the best devices, currently on the market, manufactured with a variety of students in mind.
Best Microscopes for College Students
Here are our reviews of the best microscopes for college students
1. OMAX 40X-2500X Full Size Lab Digital Trinocular Compound LED Microscope
Capable of magnification up to 2500x, this microscope is suitable for examining even the smallest germs and microorganisms with fine detail.
- Features a dual viewing system—eyepiece viewing and digital viewing
- Long lasting LED lamp
- Specially designed digital camera included
2. AmScope M150C-I 40X-1000X
This is a great microscope for a variety of students. Built for simplicity and capable of 1000x magnification, this microscope is perfect for both aspiring geologists and microbiologists.
- 5 magnification settings
- Sturdy all-metal framework
- Can be plugged in or used with batteries
3. OMAX 40X-2000X Lab LED Binocular Microscope
This microscope features the quality of the Omax brand, fused with the precision of AmScope devices. This reasonably priced microscope is a great choice for a variety of students entering the STEM field.
- Capable of magnification up to 2000x
- 5-year warranty
- Coarse and fine focusing knobs for desired results
4. AmScope 40X-2500X LED Digital Binocular Compound Microscope
This microscope, from AmScope, is great for viewing cells and tissue samples. With its low price, features and capabilities, this machine is a perfect choice for any students trying to cut back on expenses.
- Built-in digital camera
- Comes with its own advanced editing, processing and measuring software
- Professional Siedentopf binocular head for comfortable viewing
5. AmScope SE305R-PZ Forward Binocular Stereo Microscope
This is a great choice for any potential geology students or even fashion students. Its large viewing platform makes this microscope great for viewing and maneuvering larger object such as rocks, electrical components or intricate jewelry pieces.
- Wide field-view optical glass lenses for image clarity
- Durable metal framework
- Incident and transmitted lights reduce strain on eyes
Microscopes for College Students Buyer’s Guide
If you’re about to be entering your first year studies in a field like Biology, geology, tech or even fashion, then you’ve come to the right place. A high powered-microscope is a great asset for any student or curious hobbyist.
Take a look at our buyer’s guide for some tips and features to keep an eye out for when purchasing one of these amazing devices.
Magnification power
This factor completely depends on what you plan on viewing and refers to the magnification capabilities of the microscope. If you want to view microscopic objects that cannot be seen by the human eye, then you’ll need a high-powered device, capable of at least 1000x magnification. However, if you simply want a closer look at objects that are already visible, then a low-powered device will do the trick.
Portability
Is your microscope strictly for home use only, or do you plan on taking it to campus? Some models are compatible with batteries, making them great for observing on the go. Other models are much heavier and bulkier, making them unsuitable for constant transportation.
Another option to consider is a hand-held USB microscope. Keep in mind however that these models have limited magnification capabilities and are only suitable for viewing larger objects and specimens.
Illumination system
Depending on what you intend to view, it is recommended that you choose a microscope with either transmitted illumination or reflected lighting. If possible, opt for a device that contains a light source above and below the viewing platform.
Price
Being a college student is already expensive enough. Some of these microscopes can really set you back quite a bit. Consider your budget when selecting a model that is right for you. Remember, it is possible to find a quality device, capable of high levels of magnification for a reasonable price. Consider purchasing a used item if the model you have your eye on is far above your budget.