The best thermal cameras let you see things invisible to the human eye. They reveal poor insulation, fire risks, and even dampness. And they come in many shapes and sizes. So we’ve selected the best thermal camera across styles and price ranges.
Our top pick is a great all-rounder. The TOPDON TC002 has an impressive temperature range, excellent refresh rate and sensitivity, and is compact and simple to use.
What Is the Best Thermal Camera?
The best thermal camera is the TOPDON TC002. It attaches to your phone via Lightning or USB-C, delivers a 256 x 192 resolution and 25 Hz refresh rate, and works well for both home inspections and professional use.
Below, we look at our choices in detail, along with a buying guide to help you weigh up features.
8 Best Thermal Cameras
Now let’s look in more detail at our recommended thermal cameras. Jump to our buying guide at the end if you need some help sorting out features to consider. Or it may answer some questions you may have.
1. FLIR ONE Gen 3 Thermal Camera
| Brand |
Brand
FLIR
|
| Resolution |
Resolution
80 x 60 pixels
|
| Sensitivity Range |
Sensitivity Range
-4 to 248 F (-20 to 120 C)
|
| Thermal Sensitivity |
Thermal Sensitivity
150 mK
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
MSX technology for quality, enhanced imaging, iPhone and Android USB-C versions
|
| Best For |
Best For
Finding electric, insulation, or water problems around the house
|
FLIR is a pretty dominant brand in the thermal imaging camera sector. There is a wide range of FLIR cameras that cater to many budgets. And this is one of their cheaper ones.
Like the PerfectPrime, the FLIR ONE Gen 3 attaches an IR camera to the bottom of your phone. But it has its own battery that needs to be charged. So this could limit long sessions.
FLIR supplies an adapter to connect to Android handsets equipped with USB-C ports. Rather handily, you can adjust the connector. This means it should cope with a wide range of cases. So you don’t have to remove the case before using the thermal camera.
FLIR is a popular manufacturer because of its MSX (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging) technology. Many thermal imaging devices allow you to see either thermal or visible light images.
Often cameras blend them to show more precisely where the hotspots (or coldspots) are. Remember, the thermal image is a much lower resolution than the visible light image. So having the detail from the visible light camera is a bonus.
MSX technology is slightly different. It takes the visible light images and uses them to emboss the thermal imaging. This can be very useful if you’re looking for a heat signature in a tangle of wires or pipes.
What the Gen 3 doesn’t do is allow infrared or visual images to be shown on their own. But this is their entry-level device, so the features are limited.
The FLIR app allows you to record stills and videos and organize the files. If you’re one of several users in an organization, there is a cloud option to store and access everyone’s images.
2. TOPDON TC002 Thermal Imaging Camera
| Brand |
Brand
TOPDON
|
| Resolution |
Resolution
256 x 192 pixels
|
| Sensitivity Range |
Sensitivity Range
-4 to 1022 F (-20 to 550 C)
|
| Thermal Sensitivity |
Thermal Sensitivity
40 mK
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
25 Hz frame rate, available for USB-C Android and iPhone
|
| Best For |
Best For
Reaching awkward places with the extension cable
|
The TOPDON TC002 is an impressive thermal imaging camera. First of all, it’s neat and compact. It attaches to the bottom of your phone via Lightning or USB-C. And it comes in a handy zippered pouch for safekeeping.
There is also a short extension cable. So if you need to get into a space that’s too big for your phone, you can use the TC002 remotely. It’s very handy.
The TC002 can be plugged in facing towards or away from you, which is handy. When you connect it, the phone will automatically ask you if you want to launch the Topinfrared app.
The app is very to use. You can choose a live view of what you see and take a photo or video of it. You can also choose to monitor a spot, line, or plane.
What I love about the TOPDON TC002 is that it is simple to use for a complete beginner. And it is also a very sophisticated piece of kit for the advanced user. I actually keep mine either in my camera backpack or take it with me when I’m traveling.
3. FLIR C3-X Compact Thermal Camera
| Brand |
Brand
FLIR
|
| Resolution |
Resolution
128 x 96 pixels
|
| Sensitivity Range |
Sensitivity Range
-4 to 572 F (-20 to 300 C)
|
| Thermal Sensitivity |
Thermal Sensitivity
70 mK
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
MSX technology, LED light, and robust case
|
| Best For |
Best For
Demanding everyday use
|
The FLIR C3-X comes in a robust case designed to survive two-meter drops. The touchscreen display is 640 x 480 pixels. It’s low by phone and camera standards but adequate for the task. And there is an LED light to help the f/1.1 aperture on the visible-light camera in poor light.
This thermal camera offers good flexibility for viewing images. You can view what the IR sensors see or what the normal camera sees. Also, you can see the MSX or a picture-in-picture IR image on top of the visual image. The refresh rate is 9 Hz.
The FLIR C3-X uses a rechargeable battery. It should give you about 2 hours of use in normal circumstances. And as with all FLIR IR cameras, the software is key to making the most of the thermal images. It also allows easy sharing.
This rugged, no-nonsense thermal imaging device meets most needs very well. I haven’t included a separate entry for the FLIR C5. It is very similar to look at but has an upgraded sensor.
It also has a higher top limit of temperature detection of 752 F (400 C) and a better resolution of 160 x 120 pixels. This is a 50% increase. Both have IP54 weather ratings.
4. PerfectPrime IR202 Infrared Thermal Camera
| Brand |
Brand
PerfectPrime
|
| Resolution |
Resolution
80 x 60 pixels
|
| Sensitivity Range |
Sensitivity Range
-40 to 752 F (-40 to 400 C)
|
| Thermal Sensitivity |
Thermal Sensitivity
150 mK
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
15 Hz frame rate, available for USB-C Android and iPhone
|
| Best For |
Best For
Keeping in the toolbox for occasional use
|
The PerfectPrime IR202 is our best budget thermal imaging camera. And it makes you feel like James Bond. It attaches to the bottom of your Android smartphone via the USB-C socket or the Lightning port if you have an iPhone.
And it uses your phone’s battery and screen. So you don’t have to worry about the screen resolution. The idea is quite simple. Plug the infrared (IR) camera into the phone. Then use the phone’s processing power, battery, and screen to do the rest.
This is a very small unit. It adds a shade over an inch (2.5 cm) to the length of your phone. You can easily carry it in a bag or even in your pocket. And it comes with a pouch to protect it.
The refresh rate of the image is 15 Hz or 15 frames per second (fps). This is adequate if you’re looking for heat leaking from your house. If you want to identify prey on a hunt, then look elsewhere. A moving image with this low frame rate is tiring on the eyes.
It’s unlikely a daily building inspector would buy this. Not all industry people believe the product’s temperature range and sensitivity claims.
But it’s worth considering this thermal imaging camera if you have an occasional need. Or maybe you just fancy having a nifty thermal gadget to add to your collection.
There is another version available. It’s a pricier, higher-resolution thermal scanning camera.
5. Seek Thermal CompactPRO Thermal Imaging Camera
| Brand |
Brand
Seek Thermal
|
| Resolution |
Resolution
320 x 240 pixels
|
| Sensitivity Range |
Sensitivity Range
-40 to 626 F (-40 to 330 C)
|
| Thermal Sensitivity |
Thermal Sensitivity
70 mK
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
15 Hz frame rate, available for Micro USB, USB-C, and iPhone
|
| Best For |
Best For
Multi-function indoor and outdoor use
|
Another thermal imaging phone attachment is the Seek Thermal CompactPRO. It helps you see everything from building problems to animals in the dark.
But be aware that the frame rate of the Seek Thermal CompactPRO could land you in trouble if you try to leave the US with it! There are restrictions on IR devices above certain specifications. This is put in place in case they’re used for military purposes.
So this is not an international travel option. Consider other options if your needs are linked to finding the best thermal imaging camera for travel.
The refresh rate of 15 Hz is higher than the FLIR ONE. And the IR image resolution is significantly higher. But you have to consider that there is no visual image blending or overlay. So the 320 x 240 resolution is the highest you get. This could be a deal breaker for you.
The CompactPRO is available in several different models. So it’s a consideration if you might change your phone soon. It also comes in a cheaper Compact XR version.
6. Hti-Xintai HTI-19 Infrared Thermal Camera
| Brand |
Brand
Hti-Xintai
|
| Resolution |
Resolution
320 x 240 pixels
|
| Sensitivity Range |
Sensitivity Range
-4 to 932 F (-20 to 500 C)
|
| Thermal Sensitivity |
Thermal Sensitivity
50 mK
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
High maximum temperature and 3 GB memory
|
| Best For |
Best For
Users needing a higher temperature range
|
The Hti HT19 is another pistol-grip camera for thermal imaging. It has 3 GB of onboard memory and a rechargeable battery. It should give you about three hours of recording thermal images.
The conventional camera records as usual. The refresh rate is 9 fps.
The menus allow you to adjust the position of the images. This is because, like any similar camera, there is some parallax error. This varies according to the distance from the subject.
The 50 mK sensitivity is impressive. So is the high maximum temperature of 932 F (500 C). This might be a major selling point for you at this price point.
In other ways, there are some shortcomings. There’s no tripod mount. There is no wireless option, so you must transfer images via USB. And there’s no target laser for easy target pointing.
The 320 x 240 resolution is a plus. And combined with the high maximum temperature range, it’s worth a look.
7. Bosch GTC400C 12V Thermal Camera
| Brand |
Brand
BOSCH
|
| Resolution |
Resolution
160 x 120 pixels
|
| Sensitivity Range |
Sensitivity Range
14 to 752 F (-10 to 400 C)
|
| Thermal Sensitivity |
Thermal Sensitivity
50 mK
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Runs on Bosch 12V Max battery platform, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi image sync, IP53 rated
|
| Best For |
Best For
Bosch tool owners who want thermal imaging on their existing battery platform
|
The Bosch GTC400C is a professional-grade thermal camera built to slot onto Bosch’s own 12V Max battery platform — a genuine advantage if you already own Bosch cordless tools, since you can skip carrying a separate charger.
For tradespeople who need to document a job rather than just eyeball it, the GTC400C’s 160 x 120 sensor and picture-in-picture blending of the thermal and visual cameras make it easy to show a client exactly where an insulation gap or air leak is. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi sync gets images onto a laptop for a report without a cable.
Sensitivity runs from 14 F to 752 F (-10 to 400 C) with under 50 mK thermal sensitivity, and the IP53 rating means it can handle dust and light splashes on a jobsite. It stores up to 500 images internally.
At around $1,199, it costs roughly double the FLIR C3-X above for the same 160 x 120 resolution, and that price mostly buys Bosch battery compatibility rather than a resolution upgrade. If you don’t already run Bosch 12V tools, the FLIR C3-X or Hti HT19 above gets you the same resolution for less.
8. FLIR MR277 Moisture Meter & Thermal Camera
| Brand |
Brand
FLIR
|
| Resolution |
Resolution
160 x 120 pixels
|
| Sensitivity Range |
Sensitivity Range
32 to 212 F (0 to 100 C)
|
| Thermal Sensitivity |
Thermal Sensitivity
70 mK
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Built-in pin and pinless moisture meter, hygrometer, MSX imaging, 8 GB storage
|
| Best For |
Best For
Water-damage and dampness inspections
|
The FLIR MR277 is a hybrid tool — a moisture meter and hygrometer built around a 160 x 120 MSX thermal camera — aimed at building and water-damage inspectors rather than general heat-hunters.
This roundup’s buying guide flags dampness as one of the main reasons people buy a thermal camera in the first place, and the MR277 is the one camera here built specifically for that job. Point it at a wall, and the thermal image highlights the cold, damp patch before you confirm it with the built-in pin or pinless moisture probe.
It has an 8-hour battery, 8 GB of onboard storage, a pinless probe reading 0-100 on its own scale, and a pin probe reading 7-30% moisture content in wood. Thermal sensitivity is under 70 mK.
At around $1,849, it’s the most expensive camera on this list, and its 32 F to 212 F (0 to 100 C) temperature range is far narrower than the FLIR C3-X’s 572 F ceiling above. Buy this one because you need the built-in moisture meter and hygrometer, not because you need extreme heat range or a bargain price.
Buying Guide for Thermal Cameras
Here are some answers to a few FAQs. We hope they help you in your buying decision.
How Do I Choose a Thermal Imaging Camera?
Thermal cameras are used to detect and visualize thermal radiation. This is emitted by all objects based on their temperature. Thermal cameras are often used in industrial and engineering applications. But they have become more popular for personal use in recent years.
Thermal cameras come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are small handheld cameras to large-format ones you can mount on drones.
There are many factors you should consider when purchasing a thermal camera. These include the resolution, spectral range, and image processing capabilities.
How Does a Thermal Imaging Camera Work?
Light is one tiny segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. Imagine visible light as one octave on a piano. And the whole electromagnetic spectrum would stretch from Earth to the Sun. Thermal imaging cameras work by “seeing” the infrared (IR) section of that spectrum.
Heat produces IR. And a thermal imaging camera uses this infrared radiation to tell you how hot something is. Like a normal camera, a thermal imaging camera has a lens and a sensor. In this case, those sensors detect IR radiation.
Like a conventional camera, they present that information on a screen and save it to a memory device. You can then see the various temperatures of everything displayed in the image.
What Are the Important Features of a Thermal Camera?
These are the key features to look out for when buying thermal imaging cameras:
- Resolution: Like a normal digital camera, this is how many pixels there are. Pixel count isn’t nearly as crucial as it is in digital photography. You don’t need to see the pattern on your brickwork. You just want to know how warm it is. So the best thermal cameras have better resolution than cheaper ones. It just might not be as crucial as we are used to.
- Sensitivity Range: This is the scope of max and minimum temperatures the thermal cameras can “see.” Our review’s cheapest camera is very sensitive. The PerfectPrime IR202 range is -40 F to 752 F (-40 to 400 C). The extreme ranges are cold enough for most and hotter than your pizza oven. But it’s not quite hot enough for the fire brigade!
- Thermal Sensitivity: This is the smallest detectable temperature difference between two measurement points. Thermal sensitivity is measured with the cutest measurement unit in science. It is the milli-Kelvin (mK). Again, using our list’s cheapest camera as an example, it has 150 mK sensitivity. That means every pixel can tell the temperature difference between areas—of as little as 0.15 C! The lower the number, the more sensitive the sensor. But 150 mK is way more than sufficient to find where heat is escaping.
- A Visible Light Camera: This helps us see conventional and infrared images. After an illness and eye surgery, Claude Monet could see IR light. But we can’t. So overlaying the IR images on a normal photo helps us see where the hotspots are.
- Style: You either have it, or you don’t! But here, I’m referring to the body that houses the thermal imaging camera. Some camera bodies are like barcode scanners. And others are like small, chunky mobile phones. And speaking of mobile phones, some attach via the USB or Lightning port on the base of your phone.
- Screen Resolution: Does the thermal imaging camera use your phone? Then the screen resolution will be good. Otherwise, check the camera itself so it won’t disappoint.
Conclusion: Best Thermal Cameras
The best thermal camera is the TOPDON TC002. This is due to its impressive temperature range, excellent refresh rate and sensitivity, and simple, compact design. It offers a reliable and accurate way to detect temperature differences and is perfect for both professional and amateur use.
Its Lightning and USB-C connectors mean it works with both iPhone and Android. And its compact, pouch-ready design makes it easy to carry around. It’s the best choice for a reliable and accurate thermal camera.
