The best microscopes for students should be a blend of both affordability and high quality optics that are feature-rich enough for learners to achieve their education objectives without spending a huge amount of money.
This, plus the limited time to spend researching what models are decent and which ones to avoid means it's easy for those in education to purchase inferior models and waste time and money. That's why we've put together this guide to the best student microscopes.
There are two types of microscopes available: simple and compound microscopes. A simple microscope is equipped with one lens but a compound microscope has both an eyepiece and an objective lens. There are also different features to consider like the field of view, its frame, lighting, how good the optics are and the microscope's resolution.
Younger students who may still be in school could benefit from a more basic, cost efficient model, whereas those in higher education or studying for degrees might find a more sophisticated model more appropriate. But for much elementary-age observers, it might be worth checking out our guide to the best microscopes for kids. Curious minds can also check out our guides to the best chemistry sets and best binoculars for kids too.
The quick list
Below is an overview of the very best microscopes for students for specific purposes. This curated list gives you a glimpse at the best of the best but more information and reviews can be found below or by clicking the 'Read more below' link in their descriptions.
Best microscopes for students we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Live Science Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best ones for you. Find out more about how we test.
Best microscope for students overall
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.
Best cheap microscope for students
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.
Best for home use
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.
Best for biology students
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.
Best camera microscope
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.
Best portable microscope for students
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.
How we test microscopes
All our microscopes for students reviews are conducted in a real-life setting. Students, scholars and keen amateur scientists get hands-on with the microscopes and test every feature, led by our own scientific expert writers.
A number of specimens are analyzed under the microscope and all focusing controls, objectives, eyepieces and stages are tested alongside the supplied lighting and any pre-prepared slides that may ship with them. They are also tested using a number of custom slides prepared by our scientific experts. Specimens range from onion epidermis, skeletal muscle, motor nerves, cheek swabs and blood smears.
If a microscope works on both battery power and via the mains they are tested both in the field and in the lab or classroom setting for a balanced view of its use across environments.
We always want to see if products live up to the claims of manufacturers, and we often source independent experts to get their opinions. We look carefully at factors like price, value for money, ease of use, and performance compared to competitors.
Through the combination of expert opinion, rigorous testing, and research, we're confident that we provide readers with reliable and transparent buying advice.
Microscope frequently asked questions
What is the best microscope for students overall?
We think the Swift SW380T is the best student microscope overall because of its ergonomic design features, large magnification range and excellent XY mechanical stage.
What is the best camera microscope?
While many microscopes can be upgraded with camera add-ons, we think the OMAX M83EZ-C02 is the best camera microscope for students as it ships with a USB connector to plug straight into a laptop or tablet.
What type of microscope should I buy?
We recommend you buy the best microscope you can afford. Simple microscopes work through the use of a single lens to focus a closer image for the observer, similar to a magnifying lens which uses a double convex lens. These are generally cheaper but give only one magnification when observing subjects.
Compound microscopes use two lenses: One for the eyepiece (i.e. closest to the eye) and one for the objective (i.e. closest to the object). The benefit of this microscope is that objectives can be swapped out for greater magnifications but they are more expensive.
What is the best beginner microscope?
We think the best microscope for beginners and new students is the AmScope M150C because it combines a durable metal body, glass optics and adjustable LED with good value for money.
What type of microscope is best for students?
The best type of student microscope is a compound microscope. Compound microscopes have multiple objective lenses and allow for a greater range of magnification to study specimens prepared on slides.
