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When it comes to handleability and flexibility, USB microscopes are at the apex. They boast of exceptional image quality almost on par with regular models, at much cheaper, are much smaller, and almost infinite degree of freedom to view objects in all detail. The ideal USB microscope should be very easy to use and should support different operating systems.
Best USB Microscopes
With a host of brands on the market, finding the right USB microscope can be pretty tasking. We save you the shopping effort and time as we take a look at our top five USB microscopes on the market.
1. Plugable USB 2.0 Digital Microscope
This handy gadget comes with a 2.0MP camera and impressive 250x magnification. It is highly compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android, and can be mounted for superb stability. It supports photo and video recording, supports a USB 2.0 output, and comes with LED illumination for the brightest images.
- 0 MP photo/video camera with 250x maximum magnification.
- Great compatibility with a host of operating systems.
- LED illumination and USB 2.0 support.
2. Jiusion 40 to 1000x Magnification Endoscope
The Jiusion Magnification Endoscope boasts of an impressive 40x to 1000x magnification range and is a great buy for both kids and adults. It comes with a sleek design and sturdy stand, is highly compatible with different operating systems, and features LED illumination with brightness and focus control. With it, you can take the most outstanding photos and videos of micro profiles.
- Impressive 40x to 1000x magnification range.
- Sleek design and superb compatibility with different operating systems.
- LED illumination and media recording support.
3. Celestron – 5 MP Digital Microscope Pro
Celestron has a reputation for outstanding optical gadgets and this compact, handy USB microscope sustains it. With a 5.0 MP camera and an impressive 20x to 200x magnification, you will be taking photos and videos of the micro world in 3D. It comes with a stand for stationary viewing, a generous 4ft. cable for viewing large surfaces, and is highly compatible with different operating systems.
- 0MP camera with 20x to 200x magnification.
- Great compatibility with a host of operating systems.
- Compact and lightweight, with a viewing stand.
4. Bysameyee 8 LED Magnification Endoscope
The Bysameyee Magnification Endoscope is a handy USB microscope that emphasizes great value for money. It is highly adaptable to different niches, very compatible with different operating systems, and comes with diffuse LED illumination for the brightest images. It is very compact and lightweight and comes with a carrying case for improved portability.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Very affordable and compatible with different operating systems.
- LED illumination and extra accessories.
5. Opti-Tekscope Digital USB Microscope
Last, but surely not the least, the Opti-Tekscope is a top of the line, highly compact USB microscope for an up-close macro view of objects. It is highly compatible with Windows, Mac, and Chromebook, comes with a lightweight aluminum frame for superb durability, and fully dimmable LED illumination for the best image results.
- Very compact and lightweight, with a durable frame.
- Great compatibility with different operating systems
- Great image quality and LED illumination.
USB Microscopes Buying Guide
USB microscopes are very compact and lightweight units designed to offer decent magnification with superb viewing flexibility. They connect seamlessly to PCs and mobile devices and enable you to quickly capture images and videos of the magnified profile being viewed. To ensure you choose the right USB microscope, there are some factors you need to put into consideration, which we will now look at.
Our buying guide reviews the best USB microscopes on the market based on their features to give you a basis to compare them and make an informed choice quickly.
Magnification Range
The magnification of your microscope is one of the most important considerations to make. It measures how large the object appears through the eyepiece and thus, how detailed the final image is. Whatever gadget you go for, should come with enough magnifying power and some more to yield the results you want.
It is always a good idea to go for USB microscopes with adjustable magnification. For macro-viewing like studying the profiles of leaves, small insects, etc. the low magnification settings will do, while detailed images of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms will require the high power setting.
Illumination
Another important factor to consider is the illumination of your USB microscope. LED illumination is always a good feature to look out for as efficiently converts the low power available from USB ports to produce bright light.
The illumination source should come with easy controls to adjust the brightness and focus levels. This gives the microscope great surface flexibility over both dull and shiny objects. In general, lower brightness reveals better details on shiny objects since the glare is reduced, while higher brightness will reveal the most on dull colored objects.
Diffusers are also great to evenly distribute the light across the object’s surface and reduced glare from high focus.
Compatibility
USB microscopes work with external gadgets like PCs and mobile devices, hence, the compatibility of your microscope comes into play. The ideal USB microscope should be highly compatible with different operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Android. Always make sure to check the product description for the operating systems the unit supports before you make a purchase.
Many USB microscopes don’t support iOS. With Windows and Mac, however, some are compatible with default applications and will run seamlessly right out of the box. Some, however, will require you to install specified applications before they can run.