Table of Contents
A thermal image camera is one of the most important tools you can have. You can use it to look for leaks or electrical hot spots. You need best thermal cameras that will help you find problems and pass inspections quickly.
The best thermal cameras are very useful in engineering and medicine. They are often used to fix electrical wiring, keep people safe, and help people with health problems. But they are not only expensive, they are also big and hard to carry around.
With the best thermal cameras, you can see things that can’t be seen with the naked eye. They are great for finding things in dark places. But there are a few things you need to think about when picking the right thermal camera for you.
Best Thermal Cameras Comparison Table
| Camera | Genre | Platform | Dimension | Width | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FLIR ONE Edge Pro | Thermal | iOS, Android | 2.7 x 1.4 x 0.7 in | N/A | Visit Website |
| Hti-Xintai Higher Resolution | Thermal | iOS, Android | 3.5 x 1.5 x 1.2 in | N/A | Visit Website |
| FLIR TG267 | Thermal | N/A | 7.5 x 3.2 x 2.4 in | 2.2 in | Visit Website |
| Flir One Gen 3 | Thermal | iOS, Android | 2.7 x 1.4 x 0.6 in | N/A | Visit Website |
| Seek Thermal CompactXR | Thermal | iOS, Android | 2.75 x 1.0 x 1.0 in | N/A | Visit Website |
FLIR ONE Edge Pro
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Thermal sensor resolution | 160×120 |
| Visual camera resolution | 1440×1080 |
| Temperature range | -20°C to 400°C |
| Accuracy | ±3°C or 5% |
| Frame rate | 15 Hz |
| Battery life | Up to 4 hours |
The FLIR ONE Edge Pro is best thermal cameras that you can use with your camera phone or iPad. It has a spring-loaded clip that lets users attach the camera to both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
Is a small, easy-to-use imaging tool for builders, mechanics, building inspectors, and even homeowners who want to see how much heat their home is losing. It has an IP54 rating, can measure temperatures up to 400°C, and can run for up to 1.5 hours on a single charge.
The Good
- Dual cameras provide clear visual and thermal images.
- Wide temperature range allows for a variety of applications.
- Long battery life.
The Bad
- Lower thermal sensor resolution compared to some other models.
- No built-in storage, must use a mobile device to save images.
Hti-Xintai Higher Resolution
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Thermal sensor resolution | 384×288 |
| Visual camera resolution | 640×480 |
| Temperature range | -20°C to 350°C |
| Accuracy | ±2°C or 2% |
| Frame rate | 50 Hz |
| Battery life | Up to 5 hours |
A very high thermal resolution would help you get a clear picture of your home’s system or your car’s engine. This best thermal cameras has a high resolution of 320 by 240 pixels and a 3.2-inch color screen.
The built-in 3GB memory card can be used to save the pictures. You can also use the micro USB cable to connect the camera to your laptop, TV, or another device that is compatible to show your photos or move files between devices.
The Good
- High thermal sensor resolution provides detailed images.
- Fast frame rate allows for real-time imaging.
- Good accuracy for precise measurements.
The Bad
- Narrow temperature range may not be suitable for all applications.
- Limited visual camera resolution.
FLIR TG267
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Thermal sensor resolution | 160×120 |
| Temperature range | -25°C to 380°C |
| Accuracy | ±1.5°C or 1.5% |
| Frame rate | 9 Hz |
| Battery life | Up to 5 hours |
Even though it costs less, this thermal imaging gun with a pistol grip has a couple of features that our top pick doesn’t have. It can read temperatures as low as -13°F and as high as 716°F. It also has a laser bullseye and an accessory mount in case you want to put it on a tripod.
This best thermal cameras has Bluetooth, which makes it easy to send files, but it also has 4GB of built-in memory that can hold up to 50,000 images if you want to keep them on your device until you get back to the office.
The Good
- Point-and-shoot functionality makes it easy to use.
- Accurate measurements need to be accurate.
- Can measure the difference in temperature between two places.
The Bad
- Low visual imaging capability.
- Compared to some other models, this one has a lower thermal sensor resolution.
Flir One Gen 3
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Thermal sensor resolution | 160×120 |
| Visual camera resolution | 1440×1080 |
| Temperature range | -20°C to 120°C |
| Accuracy | ±3°C or 5% |
| Frame rate | 8.7 Hz |
| Battery life | Up to 1 hour |
With its built-in wireless connection, the Flir One can be used with both iOS and Android devices. It’s a great size for the price, measuring only 1.3 by 2.6 inches and having a resolution of 80 by 60 pixels.
The more expensive One Pro model has more features, such as manual exposure, multiple measuring zones, sensitivity up to 400 C, and a higher resolution (160 x 120). The Flir One is powered by its own battery and has a separate on/off switch.
The Good
- Both visual and thermal images from the two cameras are clear.
- Point-and-shoot functionality makes it easy to use.
- Small and easy to carry.
The Bad
- The limited range of temperatures may not be good for all uses.
- Battery life is not long.
Seek Thermal CompactXR
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Thermal sensor resolution | 206×156 |
| Temperature range | -40°C to 330°C |
| Accuracy | ±2°C or 2% |
| Frame rate | 9 Hz |
| Battery life | Up to 10 hours |
The CompactXR from Seek Thermal is the best thermal cameras. This is the second thermal camera from Seek Thermal that we’ve put on this list. Even though it looks like the CompactPRO, it doesn’t take as good of pictures.
This thermal camera is great for use in the great outdoors because it doesn’t need a battery. You can use it with your iPhone endoscope to ind problems with underground pipes and wiring.
The Good
- Lasts a long time.
- Small and easy to carry.
- A wide range of temperatures.
The Bad
- Compared to some other models, this one has a lower thermal sensor resolution.
- Low visual imaging capability.
FAQs
Does it make sense to buy a thermal camera?
Thermal imaging is a great tool because it can see things that your eyes can’t. You’ll see where insulation is missing, where air is getting in or out of your house, and more.
How clear is the best thermal camera?
The Seek Thermal Compact has the highest resolution of the thermal cameras I tested. It can take pictures with a resolution of 206 by 156 pixels and a temperature range of –40 to 626 degrees Fahrenheit.
What’s better than looking at heat?
The images from night vision scopes are sharper than those from thermal scopes. They help you see in the dark by using the light around you or infrared light.