iPhone microscopes are great because whether you are a curious hobbyist, a teacher, or a student, you will benefit from one.
They are easy to use and best of all – portable which means that you can take it wherever you want.
There are a lot of models out there on the market today so we have made a list of some of the best that you can get as well as what you should look for in an iPhone microscope and how to use one.
Benefits Of iPhone Microscopes
iPhone microscopes are useful imaging and inspection devices for real-world applications studying both micro and macro organisms for a variety of reasons. They provide numerous undeniable benefits and advantages.
Portable
People prefer iPhone microscopes to other types of microscopes because they are extremely portable, and can fit inside a standard jeans pocket.
This means that users can observe and study objects in the field. After use, the unit can even be disassembled to make it more compact.
Easy To Use
One of the best things about iPhone microscopes is that they are simple to use; even beginners are able to learn how to use an iPhone microscope in seconds.
They also allow for one-handed operation, making them extremely convenient.
The adjustment knobs and controls are also simple to use, making them ideal for all users, including young students, professionals, and hobbyists.
Affordable
Despite the technological advancements and innovations that go into making iPhone microscopes, these optical tools are highly affordable and easily accessible to the majority of people.
Most, if not all, of the components that comprise the microscope unit are also inexpensive, widely available, and simple to replace when necessary.
Versatile
An iPhone microscope can be used in a variety of ways, and as such, they have become extremely valuable tools in a variety of fields of study and application, including industrial, electrical, medical, and biological fields. Indeed, iPhone microscopes can be used to detect diseases.
Furthermore, because these devices are widely available, ordinary people can use them.
Accessories
iPhone microscopes only require an iPhone, though they can often be used on Android smartphones as well; all other necessary accessories, such as the case and glass beads, are included with each purchase, and these accessories, such as the case and glass beads, are simple to assemble.
Slide holders are also included, to which you can attach glass slides for viewing.
OUR TOP PICK
EDITORS CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK
Six LED lights are mounted on the device's front end to illuminate what you are looking at.
As a result, even low-light conditions should not prevent you from inspecting specimens you come across.
Furthermore, the adjustable brightness of these lights is a plus.
The camera has a resolution of 1.0MP. When viewing specimens on your phone, this translates to 640480 (VGA) and 1280720 (720P) resolution.
Because it's on this list, iPhone compatibility is assured. Android smartphones, on the other hand, are not far behind.
If the screen on your phone is too small for observation, there is no reason not to use a PC.
However, unlike mobile devices, this requires a USB connection rather than a wireless connection to function.
Runtimes and charge times are also important when using the included battery. An hour and a half is all you'll get for the former.
If you charge the invention, it should take about an hour and forty minutes to charge the battery.
Pros
- Connects To Computers – you can see the feedback from the microscope in real time on a bigger screen.
- Includes Tripod – you can use the tripod to get the microscope into the best position.
Cons
- Portability – this microscope is bigger than others and you may find it difficult to put in your pocket.
EDITORS CHOICE
This microscope is designed to be small and portable. It's the ideal little gadget to carry around with you; it even fits in your pocket.
The camera has a resolution of 1080p and two megapixels, so you get high-quality images.
The addition of 8 adjustable LED lights is a lifesaver because it allows you to work in low-light conditions.
The rechargeable battery can power the instrument for approximately 3 hours before needing to be recharged.
The excellent battery life, combined with the compact design, will allow you to use the unit even when you are far away from home.
This microscope can connect to the phone via wifi and is compatible with all phones running Android 4.3 or iOS 8 or later.
Pros
- Compact – the microscope is very small, and you can put it in your bag or pocket.
- Accessories Included – includes a case, stand, holder, and charging cable.
Cons
- Low Quality – considering its low price, it is no surprise that it is not as high quality in its build compared to other iPhone microscopes.
Also available at Ebay.
BEST VALUE
The LabCam adapter is compatible with iPhone 7 and 8 and is designed to fit most Nikon and Leica stereo microscopes.
It comes with a set of lenses that you can insert directly into the eyepiece slot, which eliminates the need to adjust the lens until you find the perfect image.
The iDu Optics alternative is intended for use in research, education, and health care settings.
The manufacturer guarantees high image quality in all conditions, and you can get a full refund within 30 days if you are dissatisfied with the unit's performance or if it does not fit your phone or microscope.
Furthermore, the adapter comes with a wide-angle eyepiece fitting lens.
The three lenses in the set are of varying sizes and make for precise alignment of the optic components.
When you are not in your lab, you can use the adapter without a microscope.
Pros
- Easy To Install – only takes a few seconds for it to be set up and functional.
- High Quality Footage – it works with the Iphone camera so can puck up lots of detail.
Cons
- Lacking Instructions – if something doesn’t work, you may need to dig around on the internet to find out what to do.
Also available at LabCam.
RUNNER UP
Its compact design does not limit its usability; with a magnification of 400x and compatibility with most phones, it is an efficient and convenient product to have on hand at all times.
It has the ability to take ten burst shots, which none of the other products reviewed have. You can easily share your work via email or text message.
Overall, it's a versatile product that provides optimal performance and quality while fitting comfortably into your pocket.
Users claim that you can see cells and microorganisms in their entirety with this, which no one could imagine doing with a product of that size.
You can control how you use the Nurugo box by downloading the Nurugo box app.
Slow-motion video, regular video, burst shots, and time-lapse images are just a few of the ways you can record microscopic data with the product.
The Nurugo app also allows you to share recorded data on social media. We should mention that the simple design of this microscope makes it simple to use.
Pros
- Very Portable – It is a tiny microscope that you can easily put in your pocket.
- Easy To Use – since it is so compact, there is not a lot of room for error.
Cons
- No Adjustments – you cannot adjust it in the same way as other microscopes can be.
Also available at OpticsPro.
RUNNER UP
This microscope easily fits into most pockets alongside the smartphones you carry every day.
As a result, it can be handy whenever you need it. This microscope works by being placed over your phone's camera.
Because there is a clip to assist with the attachment, this should be a breeze.
This small microscope also has a cover slide base which protects some of the microscope's components. Furthermore, it has LED lighting.
The UV flashlight that is included is unrelated to the device's ability to magnify specimens. However, this could be useful in a variety of situations. A slide is also included for your specimens.
Finally, this microscope is reasonably priced, and the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Compact – you can put this microscope in your pocket as it is so small.
- Easy To Use – it clips easily onto the iPhone.
Cons
- Finicky Focus – the focus wheel is not very user friendly.
Also available at Microscopeinternational.
RUNNER UP
This microscope is a handheld device with magnification features that lets you to view and inspect jewelry, cons, and other similar items.
This iPhone microscope has eight LEDs and an adjusting knob that allows you to change the focus and brightness based on your needs.
The magnification range is also impressive, ranging from 40x to 1000x.
Furthermore, this portable microscope is compatible with iOS, Windows, and Android devices, and it comes with software that lets you fully explore the microscopic world by capturing images and documenting your findings.
Even better, it includes a variety of accessories that will make your scientific adventures more convenient and enjoyable.
Pros
- Very Adjustable – wide range of magnification and adjustable focus.
- Image Resolution – great image quality for such a small microscope.
Cons
- Unclear Instructions – you may have a hard time understanding how to use this microscope to begin with as the instructions are not very clear.
Also available at Jiusion.
RUNNER UP
This is packed with amazing features that will allow you to inspect a variety of different things. This microscope can even be used for biological inspection.
Among its outstanding features are the eight LED lights that improve detail and clarity, the unit's sheer ease of use, compatibility with Android, Windows, and iOS devices, and the ease with which it connects to various devices after installing the app.
Pros
- Easy To Use – you only need one hand to use this microscope and it is easy to use.
- High Quality Image – there is a lot of detail and clarity in the images.
Cons
- App Functionality – the app that comes with the microscope does not work very well.
RUNNER UP
This is an easy-to-use, portable, and convenient handheld digital microscope that both young and old users will enjoy due to its array of excellent features, such as the 50x to 1000x magnification range that produces detailed views of whatever item you're looking at.
This is further ensured by the eight LED lights, which perfectly illuminate two- and three-dimensional slides even in dim lighting.
There are also adjustment knobs to help users fine-tune the brightness levels.
Of course, as with all good digital microscopes, this model includes a 2MP 1080p camera for capturing images and recording videos of various things in great detail, and it can be connected to various devices via USB or WiFi.
The best feature, however, is the 360-degree rotatable stand, which provides more flexibility while reducing shaking.
Pros
- Includes Accessories – it comes with a charging cable, rotating stand, and a fixed stand.
- Portable – it is very lightweight and can use rechargeable batteries.
Cons
- Battery Life – the battery only lasts three hours which may not be long enough for some people who are on the go a lot.
Best iPhone Microscopes Buying Guide
With the wide variety of options available in the market, it can be pretty confusing to figure out what kind of microscope is ideal for your needs.
Design
While it is obvious that smartphone microscopes are far more convenient to use than traditional options, the design and ergonomics should not be overlooked.
Each option will have its own set of features and specifications that can help to improve their user experience.
Consider and select options based on your preferences for your convenience. The design of the microscope is also important because it determines its durability and life.
iPhone microscopes have a sturdy and well-balanced design that makes for a pleasurable experience.
Connectivity
The level of versatility of such a microscope is also determined by its connectivity. This is true for both iPhone and Android devices. Furthermore, by using a USB, the images and video can be recorded on a computer.
If you choose a microscope, you will be unable to use it with a computer because Wi-Fi and USB are not supported. Only you know whether you require the additional connectivity or not.
Magnification
Magnification in microscopes is a personal choice. As previously stated, some of you may be satisfied with viewing larger things such as coins, insects, and circuit boards.
If a digital microscope for your iPhone has a lower magnification, it makes it ideal for this purpose.
Another cause for some people to get a wireless or portable microscope for their iPhone is to view bacteria and cells.
Image Quality
An iPhone will only display the results of your microscope, the quality of your camera will have no effect.
Instead, the optics, magnification, and resolution of the microscope's camera are the factors to consider.
Determine what types of samples you will frequently examine with this microscope. This will give you an idea of how much magnification you'll need on the microscope.
In most cases, 250x magnification is sufficient for tasks such as electronic repairs; however, biological samples may necessitate a higher magnification level.
The next feature to consider is the camera resolution, as this will determine the quality of the image displayed on the screen as well as the quality of your recorded videos.
While 2mp is sufficient for a good quality image, 5mp or higher is preferable because it increases the sharpness and precision of your view.
Software
People frequently make the mistake of not paying attention to the provided software when purchasing iPhone microscopes, which often leads to issues such as installation difficulty or incompatibility with specific operating systems and devices.
To avoid this, ensure that the software is compatible with the iPhone version you own, and if you intend to connect the microscope to your desktop for sorting and sharing images and videos, ensure that it is compatible with your operating system.
Essentially, the software should be simple to install and use, and it should make your workflow run smoothly, with no lag, glitches, or issues.
If it must be downloaded from a third-party source, ensure that the source is credible and that the software is free.
Power Supply
Getting a microscope for your iPhone with a good power supply should be high on your priority list. However, the definition of an excellent power supply will differ from one person to the next.
Some people prefer to use their devices without having to charge or replace their batteries.
As a result, even an hour's worth of runtime won't be difficult to work with.
Remember that there are both rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery options. Furthermore, some options do not even require a power supply to function.
Size
These microscopes are marketed as being lightweight and compact. Their sizes and weight, however, will differ.
The microscope's size may not be too large. However, unless it is in a carry bag, the accompanying accessories may make it difficult to transport.
Other options include stands, which increases their size and weight even more. Some buyers, however, are content with the extra size and weight.
Durability
You'll also want to make sure your handheld microscope is tough and resistant to wear and tear, especially if you'll be using it outdoors or in the field.
The delicate components and mechanisms within the microscope should be properly protected by a strong and sturdy casing that is not easily broken and is easy to clean.
Using An Iphone Microscope
Here is what you can expect when you first start out with your iPhone microscope.
Assembly
If you prefer a do-it-yourself approach, you can attach the microscope to your phone with rubber and tape. This is certainly inexpensive and simple to remove once completed.
Use an attachment mount, preferably one with a decent slide holder, if you prefer a more convenient method.
It may cost more if the microscope you buy does not come with a mount, and it takes a little more effort to disassemble every time you need to use your phone, but it is safer to use in general, especially in the field.
Mounting
Smartphone microscopes typically use a set of glass beads or lenses that serve as objectives, each with a different magnification power.
To use them, select the appropriate magnification level bead and insert it into the microscope's plastic housing until the housing and bead are flush.
Make sure your lens is properly positioned so that you don't have any focus issues, which will be much more noticeable when looking at your camera.
If you still see blurry images or dark spots after multiple adjustments, try rubbing the bead with alcohol to clean it. If that doesn't work, take out the bead and replace it.
Magnification
If you're new to using smartphone microscopes, begin with a low magnification power, such as 100x magnification with 3mm glass beads or lenses.
Acquaint yourself with the microscope's control knobs, allow your eyes to adjust to the viewing field, experiment with what you inspect, and then progress to higher magnifications when you're ready.
Remember that higher magnification levels, particularly those beginning at 1000x, are much more sensitive, making it more difficult to find the right focus point, image clarity, and brightness required to view the point of interest in proper detail.
Best iPhone Microscopes - FAQ's
What Can You See With A 400X Microscope?
This magnification is useful for inspecting cells. If you have prepared cell division slides, you can see the individual chromosomes reasonably well.
The depth of field is now shallow, and you must constantly turn the fine focus knob. Bacterial shape is now clearly visible.
What Can You See With A 1000X Microscope?
You can see a lot of things that are invisible to the naked eye such as microscopic cells if you use a 1000x microscope. This also makes it much easier to understand them.
How Much Does An iPhone Microscope Cost?
It is difficult to pin down an accurate price as these microscopes can vary a lot in quality and accessories which plays a big part in how much they will cost.
Generally, you can expect to pay between $20 and $200 for an iPhone microscope.
Keep in mind that you will get what you pay for this equipment so if you are serious about your microscopes, you should think about paying that bit more.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of iPhone microscopes out there that all promise different things which can make it quite overwhelming when picking the right one for you.
However, now that you have read through this list of some of the best iPhone microscopes, you should have a better idea of what you want.
You should also pay attention to the buyer’s guide as well as this will help tell you what you should look out for depending on what you want to use the microscope for such as to travel with or to use in the comfort of your own home.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by science. Every holiday I would ask for the newest science kit, and spend weeks learning with it.
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