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The world is full of hidden beauties — wonders that the naked eye can only dream of seeing.
Thankfully, microscopes help us see these micro-marvels up close. Pocket microscopes bring the same benefit to the table but unlike conventional microscopes, these don't nail you down to one place. This makes them the perfect gifts for dynamic kids and their wanderlust.
Check out our in-depth microscope toys and real microscopes comparison for more information.
Children are naturally adventurous, and a handheld microscope fits best to their calling. Pocket microscopes are simple tools that kids can carry to support the exploration. But not every portable microscope for kids is the same so we're here to help you choose which one you should get.
Below, we rounded up the 10 best pocket microscopes!
RELATED: 15 Best Microscopes for Kids in 2021: Review and Buying Guide
Top 10 Best Pocket Microscopes: Comparison and Review
1. The STEMscope Portable Microscope
The device is perfect to accompany kids on their outdoor adventures. Wherever kids may runoff, they won’t notice the extra weight of carrying this device on hand. The non-slip grip ensures that it won’t be falling off any time soon even with their small hands. But even if they do, the shatterproof build prevents fall damage.
Exploring micro mysteries has never been more exciting, from seeing blades of grass up-close down to the teensiest tiniest pixels on your phone. A helpful tool to support kids learning science while they have fun. Children as early as three can enjoy using this easy-to-use magnifying tool.
The free base platform lets children use the STEMscope indoors like regular microscopes. The package comes with free microscope slides too, which are cool additions so kids can get the “real” microscope experience.
Partner the STEMscope with the complementary microscope slide kits to see beetles, snake scales, brine shrimp eggs up close and personal!
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2. Carson MicroBrite Plus Pocket Microscope
Next on the list of best pocket microscopes is Carson MicroBrite. Aside from being handheld, these gadgets also double as mini microscopes.
They come at only 3.9 inches in length, a great size for the miniature hands of kids. The rubber body adds extra grip to the touch that helps keep children from dropping it. It also has LED to allow usage even in dimly lit areas.
The banner features of this portable microscope are the lenses and magnification. MicroBrite Plus boasts of a commendable 60x to 120x magnification that is chart-topping for the price. Carson also made use of aspheric lenses that result in clearer images overall.
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3. Science Can Microscope for Kids
Science Can made it to the list of pocket microscopes with their outdoor portable mini microscope. The plain white finish of the microscope is attractive and the minor green highlights further accentuate the aesthetics.
The microscope itself looks and feels good. Similar to the STEMscope, it is also made of tough ABS plastic. The magnification can range from 60x-120x which is powerful enough for its class. And some might say this is the best pocket microscope with all the perks you get from the package.
Along the microscope comes a free base platform that acts as a stand, a cellphone holder for users who wish to capture microscopic images with their phones, 12 prepared slides for the kids, and a velvet bag as storage.
The package inclusions and on-paper specifications are great, although it is not free from compromises in real-life usage.
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4. KINGMAS Mini 60x Microscope
The rendition of KINGMAS is unlike other pocket microscopes. The design architecture is pretty unique for its class.
KINGMAS Mini is composed of two main parts that are connected by a hinge. The first tube is the microscope itself, capable of up to 60x zoom. While at the opposite side of the hinge is the LED. The hinge lets users adjust the lighting at the appropriate angle.
The body of this small microscope is entirely made from plastic, while the screw holding the pieces together is metal. They decided to color the device with a silver coat although it only made the pocket microscope look cheap. The best feature that comes with it is the free faux leather bag as storage.
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5. Carson MicroFlip Pocket Microscope
Another offering from Carson enters this pocket microscope review with the MicroFlip. This pocket microscope follows the same design language of the MicroBrite Plus but comes with more vertical real estate.
The MicroFlip is also made from plastic, although not declared if shatterproof or not. Its flagship feature is the powerful 100x-250x magnification that tops the charts. Out of the box, you also get a digiscoping adapter clip if users wish to clip the microscope to smartphones.
Although it doesn't come with a dedicated base platform like the MicroBrite and the STEMscope, it has an integrated slide base. It moves via a hinge and acts as a stand once you flip them. Like other pocket microscopes, it comes with LED light and the unique UV light is a nice touch.
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6. Carson MicroMax Pocket Microscope
The Carson MicroMax is the minimalist from the bunch. It's slender, tall, and does not have many exposed parts which aid in overall durability.
The magnification is adjustable from 60x to 75x, powerful enough to see objects up close. The body aesthetics matches that of the MicroBrite with the black and gray colorway. Although it is also made from unidentified plastic so the shatter resistance is unsure of.
You get an LED light integrated into it, along with the batteries needed to power the portable microscope up.
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7. Educational Insights GeoSafari Pocket Scope
Like the KINGMAS, the GeoSafari model is unique from other pocket microscopes in the list. The pocket scope comes in a sleek design that resembles a pen.
The design is retractable, stretching it out increases the magnification. While wen not in use, kids can hang it by their shirts like a regular ballpoint pen. Education Insights advertises this gadget as a microscope and telescope. Reportedly, it can work to magnify small objects and use for bird watching.
This field microscope has 8x telescope zoom and 30x microscope magnification. One of the most versatile pocket microscopes on the list.
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8. Carson MagniScope
This portable device from Carson is one rugged-looking field microscope. The design resembles that of a rifle scope, which adds to its aesthetic feel. Among the microscopes the feel and looks are unique, but the build quality is yet to be desired.
It comes with a plastic body that is very much acceptable for the price. Although many users express their disappointment in the seemingly cheap material used. It has a hinge-powered stand that doubles as a chamber to focus on samples. The concept is good but the execution has its downsides. For one, the threading on the hinge is a bit flimsy.
The magnification goes up to 25x and it packs 4 bright LEDs to aid users in dark environments.
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9. Yinama Wireless Digital Microscope
Yinama resolves most of the problems encountered with conventional pocket microscopes. Although, like other handheld tools, they come with their drawbacks.
First, Yinama belongs to the portable digital microscopes category which means that it requires a phone or laptop to operate. This pocket gadget uses WiFi to connect with the device. Instead of peeking through the lens like other pocket microscopes, the external monitor becomes the screen, while the microscope acts as a camera. It can go from 50x to 1000x zoom and is advertised to capture pictures and videos at full HD resolution (1080p).
The microscope comes with 8 LEDs and a tripod that keeps users from holding the microscope. You may connect the pocket microscope to your device using the micro-USB bundled. Although micro-USB is no longer commonly used in 2021.
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10. Celestron 5MP Digital Microscope Pro
The Celestron entry is by far the most premium in this list of pocket microscopes, but it also comes with a hefty price. In many ways, it offers better value than Yinama, but those features also come at a higher cost.
First off, the Celestron 5 MP, while branded as a pocket microscope, can only be used indoors. This is due to the necessary connections needed before using the device. It can connect to both Windows and Mac via a USB-A cable.
The magnification can range from 20x to 200x and although that is less than half of what Yinama offers, it comes with a 5MP camera. This ensures high-resolution images with every shot. The 8 LEDs also add extra illumination to dark environments.
The stand it comes with is high quality, featuring a dedicated slot for the microscope itself along with stage clips to keep specimens intact. Essentially, Celestron 5MP is one of the best portable digital microscopes.
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Best Pocket Microscope for Kids
This pocket microscope review features some of the best portable devices in the market. But that doesn't mean that everyone listed here may suit your child. Look for which is appropriate based on the use of the microscope and your goals for your kid.
Aside from the suitability, when looking for the best pocket microscope, always consider the gear triad:
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Light
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Cheap
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Durable
Your pocket microscope must hit the three to qualify as a good buy. Among the list, the STEMscope is one of the pocket microscopes that can offer such perks, on top of being a kid-friendly option. Children can bring this tool wherever their feet bring them, with great build-quality to survive as many drops and awesome optics to support kids in their adventures, it is indeed a must-have this 2021.
The
STEMscope pocket microscope is a great value for money. Visit our full
science toys catalog to check other excellent gifts for your little scientists!
