Best USB Microscopes in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 3, 2024
Microscopes are some of the most important tools for scientific research, and being able to connect one to a computer to help with ...Read more
PROS

The 5 megapixel camera allows you to view objects under study in high quality. The MicroCapture Pro image capture program included in the package will help you to examine the samples in more detail.

CONS

The cord does not have the best connection to the body. Be careful when using.

OUR VERDICT

The MAOZUA USB001 is a modern USB microscope with base that has a measuring scale and the possibility of photo and video recording of the studied samples. The small size makes it very convenient for home use. The device can be used while mounted on a tripod (included) or simply holding in your hand. The rubberized coating is pleasant to the touch and allows a solid, firm grip.

detailed parameters
Image Sensor

5 MP

Magnification Range

20x - 300x

Focus Range

0 mm - 150 mm

Lightning

8 LED lights with brightness adjustment control

Operating Systems

Windows Vista, Windows 7 or later, Mac 10.12 or later

Connections

USB 2.0

Package

Metal stand, Software CD, Calibration Ruler

Warranty

1 year

PROS

This model is equipped with a large and easy-to-read 4.3-inch HD OLED display, which allows you to use the microscope without connecting to a PC. So, you can instantly see all your samples in detail in 1080P / 720P / VGA resolution.

CONS

Instructions are minimal.

OUR VERDICT

The KKmoon G600 is an easy-to-use digital microscope with a wide comfort stand, support for a Micro SD memory card of up to 64 GB and long battery life from one charge to 6 hours. It will easily detect and track the movement of an object with automatic activation of video recording and the function of timer cycling (off / 3 minutes / 5 minutes / 10 minutes).

detailed parameters
Image Sensor

3.6 MP

Magnification Range

1x - 600x

Focus Range

15 mm - infinity

Lightning

8 LED lights with brightness adjustment control

Operating Systems

N/A

Connections

USB 2.0

Package

Power Supply, Data Line1, Metal Stand Kit

Warranty

30 days

PROS

The built-in wireless Wi-Fi connection, as well as a stable wide stand with two adjustable clamps for samples all make using the device as comfortable as possible. Compatible with mobile devices (Android and iOS).

CONS

Connecting to mobile devices may not always be stable.

OUR VERDICT

The Rotek is a lightweight, compact, mobile microscope. The 2 MP camera and the maximum 1000x magnification provide clear images of even the smallest detail, which makes the equipment suitable for a wide range of applications. The microscope is useful for biological studies of plants, insects, as well as for professional technology purposes.

detailed parameters
Image Sensor

2 MP

Magnification Range

50x - 1000x

Focus Range

3 mm - 60 mm

Lightning

8 LED lights with brightness adjustment control

Operating Systems

Windows Vista, Windows 7 or later, Mac 10.8 or later, Android 4.2+ and IOS 8.0+

Connections

Wi-Fi, USB 2.0

Package

Adjustable Fixing Stand, Base, Charging Line

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The equipment is IP67 waterproof, so you can use it in wet field conditions and even lower the eyepiece into the aquarium to study fish or algae. Pairs with mobile devices, including those using Android or iOS.

CONS

Small magnification range.

OUR VERDICT

The Teslong Digital USB Microscope includes an attractive case with an adjustable stand and will make exploring the world easier and more interesting. At the same time, smooth adjustment of the level of illumination will allow you to work with comfort in any conditions and environment.

detailed parameters
Image Sensor

1 MP

Magnification Range

10x - 200x

Focus Range

10 mm - 500 mm

Lightning

8 LED lights with brightness adjustment control

Operating Systems

Windows Vista, Windows XP or later, Mac 10.6 or later, Android 4.4+

Connections

USB 2.0

Package

Fixed focus sets, Mirror Test, Big casing, Small casing

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The wide range of optical zoom will allow the most detailed study of various samples. Includes support for Windows, Mac, and even the Linux operating systems.

CONS

The camera is of low quality.

OUR VERDICT

This budget home digital microscope with an ergonomic metal stand and ample connectivity will be a good option for educational observations. Included is a ruler with different units of measurement, which will simplify research work. Perfect for anyone, ranging from children to professionals.

detailed parameters
Image Sensor

0.3 MP

Magnification Range

40x - 1000x

Focus Range

10 mm - 250 mm

Lightning

8 LED lights with brightness adjustment control

Operating Systems

Windows Vista, Windows XP or later, Mac OS X 10.5 or later, Android mobiles with OTG function

Connections

USB 2.0

Package

OTG Cable, Metal Tripod, Driver, Ruler

Warranty

30 days

Microscopes USB Microscopes

Professional Quality Microscope

Microscopes that are used for either scientific or professional purposes are often pretty complex devices, with high magnification going hand in hand with plenty of other functions that add to its usability. Those who require a powerful, high-quality microscope will often search long and hard to find one that has the right functionality and features that will match their own needs. However, finding such devices at an affordable price point can be quite difficult.

The MAOZUA USB001 5MP USB Microscope is a high-quality, professional-grade USB microscope that is both affordable and able to serve its user well. This high powered digital microscope features magnification up to 300x, which is plenty enough for most use cases, and enables seeing the smallest details on any object. Along with professional and scientific uses, this microscope is also perfect for use with objects such as hairs, coins, plant material, and many other different kinds of materials and components. It even works well for use with digital electronic components, as it is able to discern details that are microscopic in size. Basically, there are few use cases where this microscope wouldn't be able to handle.

Easy and Flexible to Use

This USB microscope doesn't feature its own digital display. Instead, it is meant to be connected to your computer through the USB port, and it automatically projects the image captured from the microscope to your computer screen. This model comes with its own software included on CD. Those who don't have CD drives, however, should contact the manufacturer of the device in order to have the software sent to you by other means. The microscope and included software are compatible with all of the recent versions of both Windows and Mac OS X, so compatibility shouldn't be a problem for most people.

This USB microscope features a 5 MP camera, which ensures that the images that are captured are highly detailed, which of course is important for professional and scientific work. Also featured are 8 bright LED lights that ensure the proper brightness for whatever is being viewed. The microscope comes with a microscope holder and stand, although it also allows for it to be used by hand, which is perfect for instances where something won't fit right within the mount. There is even a calibration ruler included to help ensure that the settings for the microscope are adjusted correctly. Those who need a high-quality microscope for either home or professional use will find this model to be a great bargain.

Last updated price $0.00
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ASIN B012ZQELYC

Powerful Microscope

Whether someone is using a microscope on a professional or hobbyist level, having a powerful microscope with high magnification is always a must. The higher the magnification capability of the microscope, the smaller the details that can be seen, and those using a microscope want to be able to see the smallest details possible. The KKmoon G600 3.6MP USB Microscope is a powerful device that is well suited for both professional and home use. This microscope features a powerful zoom of up to 600x, allowing those who are using it to see the smallest details, which is important for any kind of use.

This USB microscope features a 4.3-inch LCD display, which allows the user to instantly view through the microscope without needing a computer connected. This also allows for instant viewing without having to look through an eyepiece, which can be a pain for those who are trying to set the magnification and focus just right. The LCD display helps make both of these tasks much easier, as you won't have to constantly move towards and away from an eyepiece while in the process of adjusting the settings. The display is also of high quality, which means you won't be limited in the details you can see due to the quality of the display.

No Computer Needed

With this model being a USB microscope, it includes a USB cable, although this cable is more for charging the built-in lithium-ion battery than for data transfer. The built-in battery allows for up to 6 hours of continuous use, which should be plenty of battery life for those using this either for professional or hobbyist work. As the microscope doesn't require a connection to a computer through the USB cable, there is a built-in SD card slot that lets you save the images and even video of what is being viewed through the microscope.

One of the best features of this particular model is the 3.6 MP camera, which is high enough quality to capture the minute details captured in the images and videos. The camera can save images and videos in up to 1080p, which means you can easily view the videos in high detail on any HD television or monitor. The 8 LED lights provide plenty of brightness for whatever is being viewed through the microscope, with the light levels adjustable for when you need just the right lighting for a particular view. With the extremely high quality of this microscope coupled with its extreme ease of use, this might just be the best USB microscope for those who need a built-in display.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £53.99
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ASIN B076HNS9CK

Great Portable Microscope

One thing that most people don't tend to think about regarding microscopes is their portability. Being portable can be an important factor for many people who are looking for the best USB microscope, as there are times during their professional or hobbyist work where they need to use a microscope while away from their home or office. Unfortunately, many of the models that are available are not made with portability in mind, which tends to limit the choices for those who need a portable microscope.

The ROTEK RT-107BW-EU 2MP USB Microscope is a great portable model that was made to be used in virtually any environment. Featuring a magnification of up to 1000x, this portable microscope is also extremely powerful, making it well suited for professional and scientific use. Included with this model is a height adjustable stand that allows for adjusting the height to suit whatever samples are being viewed. The base of the unit is wide and sturdy, giving it great balance on any surface, and it also includes two clamps for holding samples in place while they are being viewed through the lense. This all helps make this an ideal model for use while out in the field or away from a workbench or desk.

Built-in WiFi

As this is a USB microscope, it includes the ability to connect it to any desktop or laptop computer through a USB connection, letting you view the images and videos captured by the built-in camera. However, probably the best feature of this microscope, and one that helps make it portable, is the built-in WiFi adapter. This allows you to connect the microscope through WiFi to any computer, and also to any mobile device. There is a free mobile app available for both Android and iOS devices that lets you sync the microscope with your portable devices wirelessly. Along with the mobile device compatibility, this model is also compatible with computers running Windows or Mac OS X, ensuring broad compatibility across the spectrum.

Along with the wireless connectivity, this microscope features a high-quality 2 MP camera for saving images and videos of the viewed samples. There are also 8 LED lights built-in that give you the perfect lighting for viewing the samples, with adjustable light levels to help you get the perfect lighting at any angle. With these and many other features, this portable USB microscope is a great option for those who require a high-quality device to use while on the go.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07HP4PCCR

Portable and Versatile

Many people think of microscopes as being stationary devices that are heavy and cumbersome to use and to carry. Of course, this was certainly true about old microscopes, but nowadays they have really gone down in size, with many models now having a much higher degree or portability than before. However, there is still the stigma of them still being relatively stationary, being permanently attached to a base, making them only useful for viewing small samples that can fit between the base and the lense, which is usually not a very large area.

The Teslong MS100 1MP USB Microscope is a great USB microscope that combines the power of larger models with the portability and versatility that most people don't expect from such a device. Featuring a magnification range between 10x and 200x, this powerful USB microscope provides both power and versatility to the user. The microscope includes a stand and base on which it is mounted, but it can also be removed from the mount and used in a variety of ways, making it perfect for viewing samples that simply won't fit onto the base, such as looking at the hairs of live animals, the small pores in large rocks, or for many other uses that are simply not possible with other models.

Works In Any Environment

The portability of this model allows it to be used in virtually any environment. The microscope itself is IP67 waterproof, which means you can use it not only in wet conditions, but even under a small amount of water, making it quite useful in an aquarium. This means you can easily view such things as fish eggs without having to disturb the eggs in any way, or even view algae underwater without needing to remove a sample first.

The portability of this model doesn't make it any less powerful than many other stationary microscopes. The 200x magnification is helped by a focus range of 10 mm to 500 mm, allowing you to set a sharp focus on even the tiniest details. Built-in to the microscope is a 1 MP camera, which is not the sharpest quality camera compared to some other models, but should be sufficient for most hobbyist purposes. The microscope can be connected through USB to any Windows or Mac computer, but it also can be connected to mobile devices running Android or iOS by using an appropriate adapter. Just be aware that when using on a Mac, you will need to use third party software, as no native application for Mac is included. For anyone who needs a highly portable and versatile microscope, this model is a great choice.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
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ASIN B01K1V23XY

Powerful Budget Microscope

The word "budget" often conjures up images of products that are not of very high quality, and in many cases this is true. Many products that are considered to be budget models are often made cheaply, with low quality parts that make the whole product seem cheap and not very durable. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes it is quite possible to find a budget device that is of high quality and which remains extremely useful, and this includes a certain model of a USB digital microscope.

The Jiusion 1000x USB 2.0 Digital Microscope with OTG Adapter and Metal Stand is one such model, being a very affordable microscope but being of high quality and powerful. Featuring a magnification range of 40x to 1000x, this budget USB microscope is extremely powerful, having a higher magnification range than many other more expensive models, with an equally powerful focus range of 10 mm to 250 mm. What's more, this microscope is also quite small, giving it a high degree of portability and versatility in use that again is often missing from other models. Of course, with being a budget model, this places it in the perfect price range as something for kids, yet is powerful and versatile enough for professionals and scientists to use.

Light and Detachable

Although many microscopes are often stationary devices, there are times when having a detachable model is necessary. This USB microscope is detachable from its base, letting you use it while holding it in your hand, giving you the ability to view samples that are too large to fit onto the base. This makes it perfect for many professional uses, such as electronics maintenance, where it is needed to be used to view a trace or component on a board that can't simply be placed on the base.

This microscope can be connected not only to a Windows or Mac computer, but even a computer running the Linux operating system, making it quite useful for those who require this OS. It can even be connected to some mobile devices running the Android operating system, letting you use it while away from your workspace. The built-in camera is not of the highest quality, being only 0.3 MP, but it should be sufficient enough for most purposes. There are also 8 LED lights built-in that allow for perfect lighting of whatever object or sample is being viewed. If you are looking for a good-quality budget microscope, then there are few options that can match this model, making it a great choice for anyone.

Last updated price £19.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B06WD843ZM

What Is a USB Microscope?

Anyone who has ever gone through science class in school is aware of what a microscope is. They are devices used for viewing microscopic organisms and items that are simply too small to be seen by the naked eye. Microscopes have been around for several centuries now, and over time have grown in sophistication, but even now they are largely the same devices that work in the same operating principles.

A microscope uses several lenses to increase the viewing magnification by an order of magnitude. While in some ways they are similar to a telescope, they actually differ in one important aspect. Telescopes are meant to view as wide of a viewing range as possible, whereas microscopes are focused on an extremely small area. This makes them extremely useful not just for scientific work, but also in other professional capacities, especially with electronics.

USB microscopes are relatively newer types of microscopes, which often have some kind of LCD viewing screen instead of a single eyepiece. They are quite useful for being able to instantly save the images viewed, both as still photos and even as videos, which can be extremely helpful for later analysis.

If your workstation is already stretched to the limits with attached USB devices, you may want to take a look at our reviews of the best USB hubs.

What Features to Compare

Those who are looking for the best USB microscope will want to be aware of the different characteristics between each model. Although all microscopes work in the same general principle, and many models will appear at first glance to be quite similar, the details of the characteristics can greatly affect the capabilities of each model. Below are some of the most important characteristics to consider in a USB digital microscope.

Image Sensor

The image sensor is one of the most important aspects of any USB microscope. While the quality of the built-in lenses can effect the raw image viewed through each microscope, the image sensor is what will determine the detail of the images that are digitally captured. The image sensor works similar to that in a digital camera - the higher the MP of the image, the more detailed images that will be captured.

Magnification Range

Another extremely important characteristic of any microscope is the magnification range. This range will determine just how small of an image can be viewed. While many people don't require a large magnification range for school projects or hobbyist use, professionals will obviously need a magnification range that will fit in with their work needs. Make sure that any USB microscope you consider has the magnification range that you need.

Focus Range

Along with the magnification range, the focus range will determine just how detailed the raw images viewed through the microscope will be. Again, the focus range that you require is one that you will want to make sure is supported by whichever USB microscope model you choose.

Operating System

As with any digital device that is meant to connect to a computer, the operating system support is an important characteristic to consider. Most USB microscopes are meant to work with most modern versions of Microsoft Windows, but many of those who need a USB microscope for professional or scientific work may need one that works with Macs or even with Linux, as both of these operating systems have become more popular and widespread in use.

Extras

One other important aspect to consider for any USB microscope are the extras that are included. These extras can range wildly, varying from the type of desk stand that it uses, built-in WiFi support, a separate power supply or batteries, or even included software. Whatever extra features you need or want in a USB microscope, you will want to make sure that whichever model you choose will support them.

Did you know?

USB Microscopes - Who Needs Them?

When people think of microscopes, they think of devices that are used mainly by scientists and doctors studying samples that fit on a small glass plate. While this is indeed a common use for a microscope, it is only one small segment of people who find a microscope not only useful but also necessary. So, who else needs to use a microscope, or would find one useful? The answer may surprise you, as there are quite a few people who find a microscope to be a very useful tool. If you are someone who is interested in using a USB microscope, but you're not sure what exactly to use it for, the following types of people may give you some ideas of something you can use it for either a professional or hobbyist purpose.

  • Electronic Engineers

One of the most common uses for a microscope is in the electronics industry, whether it be for manufacturing or maintenance. Many electronics engineers require a microscope in order to view certain electronics components. For instance, those who design microprocessors absolutely require the use of a microscope in order to see the microscopic traces and components of each processor. Likewise, many of those who work in electronics manufacturing, including quality control specialists, require a microscope for viewing small defects on the traces of a circuit board. Even hobbyists often find a microscope quite handy, especially when it comes to soldering, as many of the components are too small to be viewed easily by the naked eye, and soldering these small components requires a high degree of care. If you have anything to do with electronics tinkering or maintenance, a good-quality USB microscope is a must.

  • Coin Collectors

This may come as a surprise to many people, but coin collectors often require a microscope for their hobby. Many coins are graded on their condition, which can greatly affect the value of really old coins, and having a microscope to view possible defects on these coins can go a long way towards accurately grading them. Also, an unfortunate aspect of coin collecting is the possibility of coming across counterfeit coins. Having a high-quality USB microscope can help collectors spot the fakes.

  • Jewelers

Many people have probably seen movies where jewelers are using a magnifying glass for grading a jewel. In many cases, a simple magnifying glass is not powerful enough for being able to grade a jewel, or to fix tiny defects on jewelry, so a microscope is actually much more commonly needed. When grading the quality of a diamond, the small defects that can greatly affect the value of a diamond are often too small to be seen even with a magnifying glass, so a microscope is a necessity. Many intricate pieces of jewelry also have small details that can only be accurately viewed with a microscope. Anyone who either works professionally with jewelry or engages with it as a hobby will find a microscope to be a necessity.

  • Many Other Uses

The above examples are just a small selection of the many different types of people who find a microscope to be a very useful device. Included in this are scientists, doctors, and even school children who find the wonders of the microscopic world to be interesting. In short, there is no shortage of uses for a good USB microscope.

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