Are you searching for the best microscopes for students? Do you get tired of looking through seemingly endless options with little guidance? If so, we understand. Being a student is challenging. Between loads of homework and hours of studying, there’s not enough time left in the day for much else. Educators and parents often find themselves in similar situations, making the hunt for the right equipment a tough one.
However, the search is worth it. With the proper microscope, science projects that were once boring become engaging and entertaining — letting students learn in a more hands-on way. Because of their ability to connect directly with whatever they are looking at, from things as small as cells to something larger like a leaf, students can get a better look at the world around them.
There are two types of microscopes available that can assist students with these hands-on projects: simple and compound microscopes. While a compound microscope has both an eyepiece and an objective, a simple microscope is equipped with one lens. As you’re selecting the best option for you or your student, don’t forget to look at the specific features like the field of view, lighting, frame, optics, and resolution.
The type of microscope you select is dependent on the age of the person using it. A younger student may need simpler equipment with basic features, while an older adolescent or college student could benefit from more complex and high-tech capabilities. Our list of the best microscopes for kids is a great place to start your search if you’re looking for easy options for elementary-age children. Curious minds can also check out our guides to the best chemistry sets and best binoculars for kids too.Best microscopes for students
(Image credit: National Geographic) 1. National Geographic Ultimate Dual Microscope Best microscope for students overall.
Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab) ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ SpecificationsAge range: 8-12 Microscope type: Dual LED Max magnification: 50X Carrying case included?: No Dimensions: 7.6 x 6 x 14.7 inches Weight: 3.8 lbs Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Lightweight + Includes box of prepared slides + Budget friendly Reasons to avoid- Doesn’t come with a carrying case – Requires some adult assistance
The National Geographic Ultimate Dual Microscope is just the tool your aspiring scientist will need to start investigating the world around them. It includes everything students need to get an introduction into biology, including 35 pre-prepared slides, a storage box, tools for slide prep, a petri dish, and more.
For those interested in live specimens, the kit also comes with brine shrimp eggs and a hatching station. LED lights assist users in being able to see objects on the slide clearly, along with glass lenses that can get 20X or 50X magnification levels. For those looking to find a microscope on a budget, this is a great option for beginners looking for an all-inclusive experience.
(Image credit: Swift) 2. Swift SW380T Binocular Compound Microscope Best premium microscope for students.
Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab) ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ SpecificationsAge range: 13+ Microscope type: LED Compound Max magnification: 2500X Carrying case included?: No Dimensions: 13.4 x 9.5 x 17.7 inches Weight: 12.9 lbs Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Offers six different magnification levels + 30 degree tilt to reduce neck strain + Upgraded for camera compatibility, but… Reasons to avoid- …camera not included – Over $350
If you’re looking for a microscope that is perfect for students and advanced scientists alike, then the Swift SW380T is the microscope for you. It features four different DIN achromatic objectives, six different magnification levels (40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X, and 2500X), and an ultra-precise focusing system – ensuring that you’ll always be able to see what you need to.
You won’t have to worry about straining your neck either, as this model has a 30 degree tilt. With a fully rotatable base, it’s easy to concentrate during projects. Along with the microscope, you will also get a 10X and 25X eyepiece, sample immersion oil, blue filter, dust cover, spare fuse, and user manual.
(Image credit: AmScope) 3. AmScope M150C-MS Compound Monocular Microscope Best cheap microscope for students.
Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab) ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ SpecificationsAge range: 13+ Microscope type: LED Achromatic Compound Max magnification: 400X Carrying case included?: No Dimensions: 15 x 10.2 x 6.7 inches Weight: 4.75 lbs Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Under $150 + 360-degree rotation capability Reasons to avoid- Not dual voltage
AmScope microscopes are known for being some of the best on the market for affordability and versatility. The M150-MS is a budget-friendly option for students that comes with many features, including a monocular viewing head that has a 45-degree vertical inclination and 360-degree rotation capability. Because the M150-MS model has a diascopic Brightfield illumination, light appears upwards through the slide rather than shining down on it.
This allows darker images to show up better through the lens, making it easier to see what you’re examining. You’ll have three objective choices: 4X, 10X, and 40X. The package also comes with a widefield 10X eyepiece, two stage clips, and a dust cover.
(Image credit: AmScope) 4. AmScope B120C Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope Best microscope for biology students.
Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab) ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ SpecificationsAge range: 13+ Microscope type: LED Achromatic Compound Max magnification: 2500X Carrying case included?: No Dimensions: 20.3 x 12.6 x 9.4 inches Weight: 3.25 lbs Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Under $300 + Lightweight + Optics are clear and bright Reasons to avoid- Does not come with slides – Manual not included
The AmScope B120C Siedentopf Microscope is recommended for clinicians on a budget and students in medical school or that are studying biology. It has all the features of a basic microscope, plus other necessary additions like a 1.25 NA Abbe condenser with an iris diagram and a 52-77 mm interpupillary adjustment – both of which can help provide a better quality experience.
The double-layer mechanical stage helps to keep slides in their place, along with rotating them around to see all sides of the specimen. All in all, the kit comes with 4 DIN standard objectives (4X, 10X, 40XS, and 100XS), a 10X and 25X eyepiece, a blue color filter, one bottle of immersion oil, and a dust cover.
(Image credit: OMAX) 5. OMAX M83EZ-C02 40X-2500X Digital Lab Trinocular Compound LED Microscope Best camera microscope for students.
Our expert review: Average Amazon review: (opens in new tab) ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ SpecificationsAge range: 13+ Microscope type: LED Trinocular Compound Max magnification: 2500X Carrying case included?: No Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.1 x 14.1 inches Weight: 8 lbs Today’s Best DealsCheck Amazon (opens in new tab) Visit Site (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Comes with a USB connecter to hook up to other technology + 5-year warranty + Includes digital camera Reasons to avoid- Expensive – Have to download software to use – Microscope slides sold separately
If you’re looking for a microscope that has more than the average features, the OMAX Digital Lab Trinocular Compound LED Microscope is an option for you. Although the microscope can be used without a computer, it does come with downloadable software so that you can connect it to outside technology – both Mac and Windows. This allows you to upload and share your findings. The digital camera produces true color 640 x 480 pixel images.
With a magnification capability of up to 2500X and widefield eyepieces capable of WF10X or WF25X, you won’t have a problem seeing your specimens. It also features an inclined head (45 degrees) and a trinocular mount that can rotate 360 degrees.
(Image credit: Omano) 6. Omano 40x-400x Compound Microscope Best portable microscope for students.
Our expert review: SpecificationsAge range: 11+ Microscope type: Compound Max magnification: 400x Carrying case included?: No Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 9 inches Weight: 1.94 lbs Today’s Best DealsView at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy+ Under $200 + Lighter than most comparable options Reasons to avoid- Only three magnification options – Carrying case is not included
The Omano Microscope for Students is a versatile option for students from middle school up to adulthood. It’s simple enough not to overwhelm a beginner, but has the professional features needed for more advanced projects.
Whether you’re examining a plant from your garden or analyzing specimens for a graduate-level lab, this tool can help you get it done with three levels of magnification — 40x, 100x, and 400x. Variable illumination and 0.65 N.A condenser also enhances the image quality. Weighing in at just under 2 pounds, this model is also lightweight enough to easily transport to different locations. Round up of today’s best deals (opens in new tab) National Geographic Dual LED Student (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) $79.64 (opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab) See all prices (opens in new tab) Swift SW380T (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) $399.99 (opens in new tab) $319.99 (opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab) See all prices (opens in new tab) AmScope M150C-MS (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) $109.99 (opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab) See all prices (opens in new tab) AmScope B120C (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) $249.99 (opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab) See all prices (opens in new tab) Omano Monocular Compound Microscope (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) $218 (opens in new tab) $159 (opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab) See all prices We check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by