Kids have a curious mind. If you have kids that love exploring the world around them, a pocket microscope might be a great gift for them.
I bought my kids one just for laughs, but I found them using it for examining everything under the sun! From bugs in the backyard to insects and even small things like dust and algae, everything was being put under the lens!
Contents
I have selected below some of the best pocket microscopes for kids out of many options available online. Many of them are from Carson, a famous brand based in Chicago. I can personally recommend the first one which I bought for my kids.
I have added some pros and cons at the end of each product to help you get a complete picture (and not just the sales pitch you get in the ads).
OUR TOP PICK
Carson is a famous brand that manufactures pocket microscopes of all ranges. These small tools help kids and adults to inspect objects anywhere or anytime. Kids love to know about the world around them, and tiny things make them amazed. If your kid is a nature-lover, you can present him or her with this pocket microscope.
The magnification power of the Microbrite Microscope makes it a great choice among amateur and professional scientists to carry about with them. With a resolution power of 60X to 120X, it becomes easy to inspect everyday objects.
MicroBrite Plus is a portable, lightweight, yet durable microscope. There is a lever located below the eyepiece of the microscope. It lets you change the magnification range of the microscope. This pocket microscope includes a button that enables you to turn on or off the LED light.
It flaunts an aspheric lens that produces a sharp, clear and distortion-free image. For better results, you need to set the magnification level at 60X. Once you get a clear image, increase magnification to the desired level.
Pros
- The aspheric lens produces a sharp, clear and distortion-free image.
- It has a resolution power of 60X to 120X.
- It is compact and lightweight.
- It has an in-built LED Light.
Cons
- Must be entirely stationary to get clear images.
EDITORS CHOICE
The Carson Micro mini 20X LED microscope is an excellent option for budding explorers. Both grown-ups and kids are fond of the MicroMini Pocket Microscopes. With a dimension of fewer than 2 inches, this tool fits in almost all outdoor gears.
The Portable and compact design is one of the plus points of the pocket microscope. It comes with a key chain attachment so that you can attach it to a keychain or backpack.
The field microscope has a 10X image resolution. However, that doesn't stop it from being a robust optical tool.
It comes with an in-built stand-alone UV and LED Flashlight. You can use the built-in LED light to get the subject matter illuminated under the microlens.
To use the UV Flashlight, you need to press and hold the UV button on the side of the microscope. It makes the Flashlight activated. You can use it for detecting nectar mapping, counterfeit currency and much more.
Additionally, it contains a smooth focusing knob. Just turn the focusing dial, and you'll get a sharp and clear image. The user-friendly microscope is available in blue, orange and green color options. Though it's small-sized and has low magnifying power, it's popular among the students, professionals and hobbyists.
Pros
- It includes an in-built stand-alone UV and LED Flashlight.
- It comes with a key chain attachment.
- It has a portable and compact design.
Cons
- It doesn’t include any cover case.
- It doesn’t include AAA batteries.
BEST VALUE
A quality child-friendly microscope doesn't require you to get bankrupted. Are you planning to give a budget-friendly microscope to your 8-year-old child? You can go for this T TAKMLY Handheld Pocket Microscope.
It's used by students, adults, teachers, kids, collectors and testers. Especially inquisitive kids who get fascinated by the microscopic world will find it interesting. Since it weighs just 7.8 ounces, it is easy to carry. It is portable, you can take it anywhere along with you.
It comes with a USB charger. You can connect it to your Windows, Laptop, PC and Notebook. The microscope flaunts a magnification scale of 50X to 1000X. Thus it's able to satisfy most of your needs. The Dimmable built-in LED light provides adequate illuminance when working.
It isn't just a microscope, it doubles as a camera to capture photos and videos. The ability to record still images and videos makes it popular among professionals and hobbyists. What's more, this handheld microscope works with Windows, iOS, and Android 7/8/10 OS.
You need to download the software via Google Play or App Store. The microscope includes an in-built wifi connection that lets you connect devices of your choice.
Pros
- It weighs just 7.8 ounces.
- It doubles as a camera and microscope.
- This handheld microscope works with Windows, iOS, & Android 7/8/10 OS.
- It comes with a USB charger.
Cons
- The app connection process is time-consuming.
RUNNER UP
Are you looking for a high-resolution pocket microscope? If yes, Carson Microflip is the perfect stop. It's specially designed for the kids, yet it's widely used by both professionals and researchers.
Microflip gets converted to a field microscope with a base for slides. The slide base remains flush against the back of the microscope till you're prepared to use it.
The child-friendly microscope has image resolution varying between 100X to 250X. With a dimension of 2.4 inches, this tool fits in almost all outdoor gears. Additionally, it includes a built-in UV Flashlight. You can use the built-in UV LED light to get the subject matter illuminated under the microlens.
Microflip comes included with a universal digiscoping clip that attaches your mobile devices to the microscope. It doubles as a camera and enables you to capture images via the default photo app.
With the smartphone adapter clip, you can save and send your images via Social Media. You can even compare specimens collected over time. Thus it's handy for researchers, students and inquisitive kids.
Pros
- This microscope has image resolution varying between 100X to 250X.
- It lets you save and send your images via social media.
- It has a built-in UV LED light to get the subject matter illuminated.
- The smartphone digiscoping clip will work with iPhone, Samsung, HTC, LG smartphone models.
Cons
- The optical ring keeps on moving.
RUNNER UP
Kids love exploring the world around them. They get inclined to the microscopic world, so a pocket microscope would probably be the best present for them. Pocket Microscopes are designed to keep curious kids engaged. Skybasic Mini Pocket is available for those who are keen to know about tiny objects and micro organisms.
This innovative microscope wirelessly streams footage to 33 FT and more. The resolution power varies from 50X to 1000X. Apart from photo and video shooting, this pocket microscope supports file storage.
This pocket microscope includes a 1080P 2MP (powerful) camera that gives a clear image of your observation.
Since it weighs just 7.8 ounces, it is easy to carry. Your child can carry it to it's school or to play with friends. This handheld pocket microscope comes with a 360° rotatable flexible snake tube bracket for reduced shaking and clear image capture.
It comes with built-in wifi connections that let you connect mobile devices to the microscope— the USB interface of the mini-microscope helps it connect with the PC. Use the wifi or PC button to switch onto the corresponding button.
This pocket microscope is perfect for learning and exploration. If your kids get attracted to nature and creatures, they will find it interesting.
Pros
- The resolution power of the microscope varies from 50X to 1000X.
- It weighs just 7.8 ounces.
- It comes with a 360° rotatable flexible snake tube bracket.
Cons
- The pocket microscope has no button for clicking photos.
RUNNER UP
Young minds often love observing miniature objects. A pocket microscope would probably be the best gift to encourage these little explorers.
The SE 30X pocket microscope is a child-friendly microscope that has a compact design. It weighs only 1.58 ounces, so you can carry it wherever you go.
With up to 30X, this portable microscope provides you with the most delicate details of any object of interest.
It comes with an in-built stand-alone UV and LED Flashlight. The LED light is adjustable. It lets you change the angle of the light up to 45 degrees. Thus, it ensures that you see your object in the optimal illumination. To use the UV Flashlight, you need to press and hold the UV button on the side of the microscope. It makes the Flashlight activated.
The pocket microscope houses a button that lets you switch from Flashlight to LED modes.
Additionally, it contains a smooth focus wheel. Just turn the focusing dial, and you'll get a sharp and clear image.
The accurate magnification of the object makes it popular among jewelers, collectors and students.
Pros
- It weighs only 1.58 ounces.
- It lets you change the angle of the light up to 45 degrees.
- It has a button that lets it switch from Flashlight to LED modes.
Cons
- The battery compartment may become loose.
- It is challenging to set the focal point.
RUNNER UP
If you have a smaller child at home (3 to 6 years old), then probably introducing them to full-fledged microscopes is not a great idea.
I saw this fun toy on Amazon, and I thought this might be an exciting way to introduce the concept of a microscope to a toddler. When I read the description, what I loved most was that this is not just a dumb toy that looks like a microscope - it works!
Its got an 8X magnification and a flashlight, with which you can examine some specimens. They've even put in a fake lizard and spider, which I'm sure will bring out the giggles in toddlers. But the best thing is, you don't have to limit yourself to these sample specimens. You can go out and get something on your own for your kids to analyze!
What you get with the toy microscope is a petri dish, a tweezer to pick up creepie crawlies, a scalpel (for minor operations), and a pretend spider and lizard specimen.
The toy has easy-to-turn focus wheels, which the kids can use to mimic an actual microscope. It has soft-frame eyecups that are large enough to be comfortable for children to look through. The makers have added an activity book to help your kids along with their adventures.
Pros
- Fun for kids aged 3 to 6 years old.
- Actual 8X zoom and Flashlight, so that toddlers can learn to use it.
- Loads of accessories - fake lizard and spider, petri dish, scalpel.
- Kid-friendly design.
- Durable.
- Free guide and activity book included.
- Kidzlane is a trusted brand for toddler toys.
Cons
- You need to put in 3 AAA batteries that don't come along with the microscope.
- The Flashlight could have been a bit more powerful.
Buyer’s Guide
Focus And Amplification
For kids, excessively complicated optics might be counterproductive. It would be best if you got pocket microscopes with minimum magnification for the kids. Get microscopes with magnification somewhere in the range of 5X and 400X for kids under 10.
For more seasoned investigators, consider microscopes with powerful optics.
Keep in mind that monocular microscopes have magnifications of 1000X. Binocular microscopes have magnifications of 1000X or more.
Source of light
All types of microscopes require a light source. Some of the commonly-used ones are LED fluorescent and halogen when it comes to microscope hardware. LED lights are popular owing to their brightness and longevity.
If you're using microscope bulbs, you need to ensure that they are replaceable. It's because some bulbs are more cumbersome to replace than others.
High-Power Versus Low-Power
Stereo or Low-power pocket microscopes are useful for viewing opaque objects.
The light source gets partitioned into two separate ways to produce a 3D image. A high-power pocket microscope helps in viewing transparent materials like plant cells or microscopic organisms. It uses a single light source to produce a level plane view.
Size, Shape, And Quality
You need to look for durable materials like heavy-duty plastics and aluminum alloy. If your kid is below 10-years old, you will likely need one that's resistant to wear and tear. Some pocket microscopes get explicitly designed for kids, and the rest gets used by people of all ages. Go for microscopes with features like rubberized construction, rounded edges, and cushioned eyepieces for five-year-old kids.
Additional Highlights And Adornments
Some microscopes have essential parts. But the best pocket microscope incorporates accessories like carrying cases, activity books, specimen slides, and relevant science tools.
FAQs
What Can You See With A 1000x Image Resolution Microscope?
With a 1000x Microscope, you will see up to 2mm or 0.180mm thick objects. It implies that a microscope with 1000x amplification will enable you to see up to approx 180 microns.
A microscope with 40x magnification lets you see up to 5mm. With 400x amplification, you can catch up to 450 microns.
What Is The Best Pocket Microscope For Kids?
As per our inspections, Carson Microbrite is the best pocket microscope. It is a portable, lightweight, yet durable microscope. There is a lever located below the eyepiece of the microscope that lets you change the magnification range. This pocket microscope includes a button that turns on or off the LED light. With a resolution power of 60X to 120X, it is widespread among amateur and professional explorers.
What Are The Types Of Pocket Microscopes Available In The Market?
There are two types available:
- 30x Pocket Microscope: These microscopes produce clear and distortion-less pictures. It's of the most commonly-used pocket microscope. It is affordable and costs about $10 or less. You can use them for learning activities. They are lightweight and run on batteries. It is explicitly designed for youngsters. They also help in inspecting crystals and jewelry.
- LED Pocket Microscope: They have a built-in LED light, which makes them more useful. It is less expensive, and offers ease of use. They have an image resolution of 45x and produce clear pictures. SE Mini enlightened pocket microscope is one of the most commonly used types. It is relatively small and meets all requirements for pocket use.
Wrap Up
My kids love the Carson MicroBrite that I bought for them a few months back. With a 60X zoom, this is the most powerful pocket microscope on the market right now. But I do rue the LED light! I have to make sure that the microscope does not go under the sheets every night before tucking them in, or they end up waking up till late doing their little experiments.
If you're not looking to spend a lot of money on this, then the Carson Pocket Microscope is perhaps your best bet! Overall, these are fun toys and tools for kids to learn a bit of biology and physics by experimentation, instead of just reading about them from a book.
As a parent of a five-year-old inquisitive boy, I have gained a lot of experience finding fun activities and toys to help him understand science and understanding our world in general. On this blog, you’ll find an extensive amount of tutorials, guides, and toys about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math based on my personal experience to help your child develop critical STEM skills.
