Selecting the best thermal camera for home inspections, especially when this gear is a significant investment, is never easy. To help you simplify your purchase process, our experienced reviewers have listed the 6 top-rated options on the market. Check it out!
Here are the best thermal cameras for home inspections you can buy in 2024:
- Long Battery Life (Pocket-Sized Camera): FLIR C3-X
- Budget Option (Pocket-Sized Camera): FLIR ONE Pro LT USBC
- For Quick Results (Pocket-Sized Camera): Hti-Xintai HT-A2
- Highest Resolution (Handheld Camera): Hti-Xintai HT-19
- Sturdy (Handheld Camera): HIKMICRO B20
- Widest Temperature Range (Handheld Camera): PerfectPrime IR0280
| 6 Best Thermal Cameras For Home Inspections | ||
|---|---|---|
Long Battery Life | FLIR C3-X
| |
Budget Option | FLIR ONE Pro LT USBC
| |
For Quick Results | Hti-Xintai HT-A2
| |
Highest Resolution | Hti-Xintai HT-19
| |
Sturdy | HIKMICRO B20
| |
Widest Temperature Range | PerfectPrime IR0280
| |
Long Battery Life: FLIR C3-X
- Suitable for complex tasks – super-long battery life
- Multipurpose - a normal thermal camera/LED floodlight/visual inspection camera
- Ultra-sharp image quality – patented technology
- The power button is difficult to use
- Hard to determine the battery level
The FLIR C3-X is a wonderful thermal camera with an emphasis on super-long battery life. Depending on the frequency of use, it can last up to 72 hours per charge, which is perfect for complex tasks.
You can use it as a normal thermal camera, a LED floodlight, or a visual inspection camera. What a multi-purpose device!
In addition, it has passed a 2m drop test and is IP54 rated waterproof, so you can use it outdoors with no worries.
The C3-X is also renowned for its super-sharp image quality with embossed visual details, thanks to the use of patented technology.
| FLIR C3-X Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 0.54 x 0.33 x 0.09 inches |
IR Resolution | 128 × 96 (12,288 pixels) |
Temperature Range | 14-122 Degrees F |
Highlight Features | super-long battery life a normal thermal camera/LED floodlight/visual inspection camera patented technology |
In terms of long battery life, the FLIR C3-X takes our top position.
Budget Option: FLIR ONE Pro LT USBC
- The most affordable option
- Flexible – adjustable connector
- Good image quality - the VIVIDIR image processing technology
- Lower resolution than the more expensive models
- Limited battery life
For light-duty tasks such as circuit hot-spot detection or home cold-spot detection, the FLIR ONE Pro LT USBC works perfectly.
It is powerful, accurate, and produces high-quality images thanks to the VIVIDIR image processing technology.
The app works well.
One notable feature is its connector is adjustable up to 4mm to fit almost mobile devices while staying in its protective case.
No complaint about the price when compared to any other pocket-sized thermal cameras; we would say this one is 40-50% more inexpensive.
| FLIR ONE Pro LT USBC Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 2.7 x 0.6 x 1.4 inches |
IR Resolution | 4,800 pixels |
Temperature Range | -4F to 248F |
Emissivity | 1 |
Measurement Accuracy | ±3°C or ±5% |
Highlight Features | adjustable connector the VIVIDIR image processing technology |
In search of the best budget option? Look no further than the FLIR ONE Pro LT USBC
For Quick Results: Hti-Xintai HT-A2
- Produce the sharpest image quality - up to 76,800 pixels of resolution
- Offer a wide image view - a 56°×42° wide field angle
- Quick results
- The battery life could be better
- The charging port cover is hard to open
If you want a thermal camera that can quickly and accurately detect the smallest temperature differences in your home, our favorite pick is the Hti-Xintai HT-A2.
Its resolution is upgraded up to 76,800 pixels, which is among the highest on the market.
Along with that, it features high thermal sensitivity, an extra-large color display screen, and a 56°×42° wide field angle to take an ultra-wide image view, making the home inspections simpler.
| Hti-Xintai HT-A2 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 5.5 x 3.1 x 1.1” |
IR Resolution | 320 x 240 (76800 Pixels) |
Temperature Range | -4°F to 572°F |
Emissivity | 0.1-1.0 |
Highlight Features | up to 76,800 pixels of resolution a 56°×42° wide field angle |
We highly recommend the Hti-Xintai HT-A2 for those who want a high-quality pocket-sized thermal camera that can produce quick results.
Highest Resolution: Hti-Xintai HT-19
- The most versatile - 300,000 pixels of resolution
- Easy to read - a 3.2 inches-size color screen & 5 different color scale palettes
- Great value – including a carrying bag and a 3GB built-in memory card
- Unable to connect to a Window 10 PC
With 300,000 pixels of resolution and an accuracy of up to 2%, the Hti-Xintai HT-19 is among the highest resolution options we found at a reasonable price.
Combining a 3.2"-size color display screen and 5 different color scale palettes, this device is super-easy to read and can meet different needs such as home inspections, archaeology, studying traffic, and more.
The price also includes a carrying bag and a 3GB built-in memory card.
The battery life is not the longest but it charges fast to ensure consistent performance.
| Hti-Xintai HT-19 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 10.79 x 7.4 x 4.53 inches |
IR Resolution | 300,000 pixels |
Temperature Range | -4°F to 572°F |
Emissivity | Adjustable from 0.01 to 1.0 |
Measurement Accuracy | ±2% / ±2℃ |
Highlight Features | 300,000 pixels of resolution a 3.2"-size color screen 5 different color scale palettes |
With 300K pixels, the Hti-Xintai HT-19 becomes the highest resolution handheld thermal camera in our list this year.
Sturdy: HIKMICRO B20
- Sturdy build
- Ample storage space – a 16GB built-in memory card
- Flexible & convenient - 4 image modes & a 2MP visual light
- The instruction could be clearer
- Buttons are hard to use
This thermal camera from HIKMICRO doesn't produce as high-quality images as the previous option, as its resolution is only 49,152 pixels.
In turn, this device looks sturdy and well-built. It provides wider temperature ranges (from -4°F to 1022°F), a larger capacity memory card (16BG), and longer battery life (up to 6 hours).
Also, it offers 5 color palettes and 4 image modes, along with a 2MP visual light for better image quality. You can connect it to three of your mobile devices or track all the work-based features through the HIKMICRO Viewer App via Wi-Fi.
| HIKMICRO B20 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 12.13 x 7.09 x 4.65 inches |
IR Resolution | 256 x 192 (49,152 pixels) |
Temperature Range | -4~1022°F |
Measurement Accuracy | Max (±2 °C, ±2%) |
Highlight Features | a 16GB built-in memory card 4 image modes & a 2MP visual light Sturdy build |
Seeking a sturdy, reliable handheld thermal camera for home inspections? The HIKMICRO B20 should be your best bet.
Widest Temperature Range: PerfectPrime IR0280
- The most affordable in its field
- Able to accurately detect the most temperature differences - -22 to 1832 °F of temperature ranges
- Easy to use – a touch screen
- Low resolution
The PerfectPrime IR0280 is the most affordable option in its field without compromising the quality.
In fact, this model offers the widest temperature ranges even when compared to higher-end thermal cameras. And, it can detect temperature differences accurately up to 2%.
The IR0280 has a touch screen, as a great plus.
| PerfectPrime IR0280 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 11.26 x 7.68 x 3.31 inches |
IR Resolution | 1024 Pixels |
Temperature Range | -22~1832°F |
Emissivity | 0.1 – 1.0 |
Measurement Accuracy | +/- 2 % or +/- 2 °C |
Highlight Features | -22 to 1832 °F of temperature ranges a touch screen |
The PerfectPrime IR0280 features the widest temperature ranges without leaving a hole in your wallet.
How To Choose The Best Thermal Camera For Home Inspections?
IR Resolution
The IR resolution of thermal cameras helps you figure out any potential problems and is measured in pixels. The higher the pixel count, the higher the image quality.
Lower IR resolution cameras still show the issues but they cannot pinpoint them.
For example, suppose that there’s a hot water leak in your house’s plumbing system and you are using a thermal camera to detect it.
With a low IR resolution camera, that leak will be vaguely shown on the screen as an increase in temperature that broadens outside of the pipe, but not the accurate spot.
With a higher resolution model, it can pinpoint this leak, its width, and the water flow. That results in a more precise and effective solution to stop that leak.
For home inspections, opt for a thermal camera that has at least 160x120 pixels.
Accuracy
The accuracy of a thermal camera tells you about the ability of this device to measure temperatures. It is measured in degrees F or degrees C.
It is recommended choosing a thermal camera that can detect temperature differences and show the accurate temperatures of the thing you are checking.
Temperature Range
The temperature range of a thermal camera is the minimum and maximum temperatures it can measure. For home inspection, the -13 to 700°F range is good enough if you are going to use a handheld camera and -4 to 250°F if that is a smartphone attachment.
Type
When it comes to thermal cameras for home inspections, there are two common types: handheld thermal cameras or thermal camera smartphone attachments. The choice depends on how long you are going to use it each time and your preference.
Handheld models provide better grip and comfort for extended use.
Meanwhile, thermal camera smartphone attachments are pocket-size, travel-friendly, and suitable for quick inspections. But take note that this type generally has lower IR resolution than the handheld.
Which Brands Make The Best Thermal Camera For Home Inspections?
Teledyne FLIR LLC
Founded in 1978, Teledyne FLIR LLC is the world's leading brand in thermal imaging infrared cameras. More than 30% of its revenues in 2020 were from the US federal government and its agencies. Now, it is a global brand with a total of 3,000 + dedicated employees.
Hti-Xintai
Started in 2009, Hti is dedicated to providing a wide range of digital measuring instruments and consumer electronics. Their big success comes from the strong R&D team that includes 40 personnel with over 8 years of expertise. Having 40+ invention patents, it's not strange when Hti products are leading in technologies.
HIKMICRO
HIKMICRO is a trusted brand for thermal imaging equipment and solutions. They have provided high-quality products for over 100 countries around the world since 2016. At the current time, they have had 11 international branches and 73 patents.
FAQs
What's the difference between thermal and infrared cameras?
The difference between thermal and infrared cameras is: thermal cameras utilize mid- or long wavelength IR energy while infrared ones utilize short wavelength IR energy.
Why is thermal imaging so expensive?
Thermal imaging is expensive for some reason:
- The materials used for converting infrared radiation into an electrical voltage signal are at high prices
- The material used for lenses is unique, distinct, and costly
Is thermal imaging worth it for a home inspection?
Yes, it is. Thermal imaging helps you detect all the potential damage in your home so that you can figure out a prompt solution and minimize the repair cost.
If you plan to sell the house, thermal imaging lets you make a quick scan of the home to fix all the serious problems, then sell it at the best price.
What thermal camera can see through walls?
There's no thermal camera that could see through walls. Walls are too thick for any infrared radiation to go through.
Can I use my phone as a thermal camera?
Yes, you can.
There are some thermal cameras built to suit certain smartphones and work as thermal cameras.
In most cases, you will need to attach this camera to your smartphone camera. They will allow you to take thermal videos or photos, share findings, and send for documentation.
Conclusion
Picking the best thermal camera for home inspections is a difficult task. That’s why we did this deep dive into the world of thermal cameras, so you do not have to. Hopefully, our suggestions are helpful for you. Thanks for reading!
Eugene WilliamsHi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!
