The best thermal-imaging cameras in 2024

The best thermal imaging cameras allow you to explore the world in a whole new way. They let you see, measure, and capture temperature differences, accurately and from a safe distance. 

Beyond the visible spectrum, there is an unseen world of heat radiation. Arty infrared film photographs aside, the practical uses of thermal imaging devices – also known as infrared thermal imagers – traditionally belonged only to military and professional budgets. 

But now anyone can access thermal imaging, whether you want to spot heat sources in dark places – ideal for wildlife spotting – or identify where heat is being lost from your property. If you simply want to measure temperatures, you may prefer our guide to the best infrared thermometers, but for HVAC, electronics, and plumbing these are now essential.

Find out more about how thermal imaging cameras work at the bottom of this guide. Below are the best thermal-imaging cameras you can buy right now, which I have either personally tested or sought expert advice and first-hand experience of.

Our top picks

Adam Juniper headshot
Adam Juniper

With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a number of product categories. As well as being a drone fan, he's a DIY enthusiast (whether his family likes it or not!) That means installing a lot of tech – he even wrote The Smart Smart Home Handbook on the subject.

The best thermal-imaging cameras in 2024

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Best overall

(Image credit: FLIR)
The latest and best thermal-imaging camera for phones

Specifications

Resolution: 160 x 120 px
Sensitivity range: -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F)
Sensitivity: 70 mK
Dimensions: 37.5 × 35 × 149 mm (1.5 × 1.4 × 5.9 in)
Battery: 1.5 hours

Reasons to buy

+
Works on most phones
+
Measures up to 400°C (752°F)

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery life could be better
-
Not the cheapest option
Buy it if:

You want phone integration: By using wi-fi this works with your phone but doesn't need a physical connection
You want a rugged build: Despite the clamp, this is pretty solid:

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for the best value: If you can be a bit more careful, there are cheaper phone attachments.

The FLIR ONE Edge Pro is a wireless thermal-visible camera for camera phones and iPads. It's designed with a spring-loaded clip, which allows different users (or companies with several workers) to attach the camera to both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Unlike previous FLIR thermal imaging models that plugged into the bottom of the phone, the ONE Edge Pro doesn't actually have to be connected at all – and can be used up to 30 meters (100ft) away with a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection; something I found very handy.

It is a compact, easy-to-use imaging device for builders, mechanisms, building inspectors and even homeowners who want to see how much heat their home is leaking! It's also IP54-rated, so while it can measure temperatures up to 400°C (752°F) and has a maximum 1.5-hour battery life, it's also reasonably rugged – not usually true of phone attachments.

Teledyne FLIR promises that it's easy to recognize where problems are located and identify targets, thanks to FLIR's MSX (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging), 160 × 120 (19,200 pixels) thermal resolution and VividIR, which combines multiple image frames together to deliver a clearer image.

best for ruggedness

(Image credit: Future)
The best thermal imaging camera with a rugged body

Specifications

Resolution: 160 x 120 px
Sensitivity range: -20˚C to 400˚C (-4˚F to 752˚F)
Optical Resolution: 5MP
Dimensions: 138 × 84 × 24 mm (5.4 × 3.3 × 0.94 in)

Reasons to buy

+
3.5-inch touchscreen
+
Six thermal color palettes
+
Withstands 2m (6.6ft) drop

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricier than 128 x 96 C3 version
-
Turning on takes about 20 seconds
-
No GPS
Buy it if:

You want a rugged device: The whole camera is reassuringly drop-proof.
You want software integration: FLIR Tools lets you review the images retrospectively

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for modern connections: The C5 uses a Micro USB – old school.

The FLIR C3-X and FLIR C5 are good-looking compact thermal imagers that are well suited to DIYers and contractors. With a rugged body that’ll survive a bit of workplace rough-and-tumble, both have two cameras and a 5-megapixel optical lens. The IR maxes out at 160 x 120 on the pricier C5, allowing it to take advantage of Flir’s MSX technology. This patented method uses an edge-detection algorithm on the higher-resolution visual light image, overlaying this with the IR image to make the picture easier to comprehend.

Both versions have a 3-inch touchscreen and can store around 500 images onboard to transfer via Micro USB. The ability to type notes via a touch keyboard can be handy, too. If you can stretch to it, the FLIR C5 model adds more analysis features and Wi-Fi so you can get images to your phone and to your software. 

FLIR’s analysis software, FLIR Tools, allows you to change the color palettes and take readings from 4,800 measurement points in the image files, a little like using the eyedropper in Photoshop.

Read my full FLIR C5 review for more details

Best compact option

(Image credit: Future)
Best compact option for Android and iPhone

Specifications

Resolution: 256 x 192 pixels
Sensitivity range: -20˚C to 550˚C (-4˚F to 1022˚F)
Sensitivity: ±2°C or ±2% (whichever greater)
Weight: 9g (0.02lbs)
Dimensions: 27 × 18 × 9.8mm (1.1 × 0.7 × 0.4 in)
Battery: Power from phone

Reasons to buy

+
Very portable
+
High refresh rate of 25Hz
+
Thermal self portraits possible
+
Macro lens option

Reasons to avoid

-
Must choose Lightning or USB-C when buying
-
Doesn't align with camera (no hybrid images)
Buy it if:

You want something portable: The whole device is very small.
You want a high refresh rate: 25Hz gives good quality video

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for a rugged device: The phone connector is, by nature, a little vulnerable.

This amazingly compact device nevertheless beats more expensive alternatives in a number of ways. It only works when connected to a phone, and the connector – a lightning or USB-C plug – must be specified at purchase. But the app is good and offers a choice of easy or pro modes.

Another stroke of genius is the magnetically attachable macro lens, which is ideal for those examining circuit boards or other electronics, making this a very versatile tool. I worry that for some the connection might be delicate, but it is reversible (both USB-C and Lightning ports are on offer) and you can see the level of detail in which I tested the device against simple insulation, plumbing, and electronics situations.

Check my full InfiRay P2 Pro review

Best for construction

(Image credit: Bosch)

4. Bosch GTC400C

Rugged pistol-grip thermal imaging camera for the jobsite

Specifications

Resolution: 160 x 120 pixels
Sensitivity range: -40˚C to 400˚C (-104˚F to 752˚F)
Sensitivity: 50 mK
Dimensions: 95 x 63 x 233mm (3.7 x 2.5 x 9.2 inches)
Battery: 5 hours with lithium ion rechargeable pack; 2 hours with AA cells

Reasons to buy

+
Uses worksite rechargeable 12V batteries or 4xAA
+
Rugged build with built-in protective cap
+
Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity
+
Manual focus

Reasons to avoid

-
Bigger investment than less rugged devices
-
Micro USB for data transfer, not charging
-
Accuracy +/- 3˚C (At this price 2 would be better)
-
No SD Card slot
Buy it if:

You want connectivity: Wi-Fi and bluetooth means you'll be able to transfer your images.
You want images in context: Optical images places the thermal ones in context.

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for maximum storage: 600 is great, but some manage more.

This thermal-imaging camera is easy to use in the workplace but fully equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to share data with a phone. Held with a pistol grip, the image can be frozen with a trigger and saved using the camera icon below the screen. The design, with a built-in lens cover and rubber guards to protect the 3.5-inch screen, is strong and IP53 dustproof. 

The device includes a picture-in-picture context function, which places the thermal image in the centre of a frame with a visual image around the outside providing context. Also useful on-site is the lock feature which fixes the minimum and maximum temperature (like an exposure lock). 

Bosch also provides a supporting app so you can transfer images beyond the 600 the device will hold. This is great for additional analysis and report creation, and the radiometric data is there for later analysis (but it’d still be nice to store more onboard).

Best value thermal drone

(Image credit: Future)
A flying option with portability and resolution

Specifications

Resolution: 640 x 512 pixels
Sensitivity range: -20˚C to 500˚C (-4˚F to 932˚F)
Sensitivity: 50 mK
Dimensions: 221 x 96 x 90mm / 920g

Reasons to buy

+
Long-range pro controller with built-in screen
+
Two optical cameras including tele with 162mm EFL to check
+
Portable and quick to get in the air

Reasons to avoid

-
Drone's weight requires qualifications.
-
Folding design has short legs, needing a landing pad or flat surface.
-
If you are a US  government organization, you might need to check rules
Buy it if:

You want integrated cameras: The drone has a 4K main camera, telephoto camera, and the thermal one.
You want an easy setup: As far as pro drones go, DJI's software is right up there for usability.

Don't buy it if:

You don't want to register: Sadly no thermal camera drones exist under 250g. Yet.

If you're looking for a thermal drone, then the Mavic 3T Enterprise is a great choice, combining good value and portability with a good quality camera block and software. I had a lot of fun testing the drone because – while I wasn't able to have a real search and rescue scenario – my family were able to try hiding from me and the drone's high-resolution thermal sensor made it difficult, while the telephoto optical one finished the deal.

A certain amount of training or practice is needed to get to grips with this device compared to the most basic consumer drones, and some US government agencies aren't allowed to buy DJI, but if you're able to get in the air you get side-by-side thermal video next to optical.

The thermal video is 30Hz, too, which makes it easy to locate people or wildlife – as well, of course, as survey buildings for inefficient thermal properties. Price-wise the Enterprise series isn't cheap, but the controller is good quality too, and it is competitive with other brands like Autel while holding the edge on usability grounds.

Best for spot measurement

(Image credit: Adam Juniper)
Handy laser to highlight spot measurement

Specifications

Resolution: 160 x 120 pixels
Sensitivity range: -20˚C to 550˚C (-13˚F to 716˚F)
Sensitivity: 40 mK
Dimensions: 190 x 58 x 86mm (7.5 × 3.4 × 2.3 in)
Battery: 8 hours Rechargeable

Reasons to buy

+
Rugged choice for workshop use
+
Laser spot measurement
+
One-handed operation

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the best recording options
Buy it if:

You want sensible prices: By leaving out frivolous reporting tools, this keeps its price down.
You want spot measurements: A laser pointer helps you take spot temperatures.

Don't buy it if:

You make a lot of reports: The lack of Wi-Fi feels a bit old-fashioned for busy surveyors.

Hikmicro's E1L shows a good, rugged workshop thermal camera – with a laser spot for taking targeted measurements – doesn't need to be excessively costly. When I tested it I found the simple trigger operation makes it well suited for straightforward work, while the 25Hz refresh rate is judder-free making it smooth to operate.

Officially IP54 rated, and convincing in the hand this felt like a good choice, especially as it comes in for a lower price than some competitors. I wouldn't choose this for its built-in software or if you need to make frequent reports that include visual images (there is no optical camera), but in a workshop or with clients where the work is more immediate and you need to see the issue and get the reading this is quick and feels good in the hand.

You can also store images to a memory card and copy to computer later, so those features are there – they simply aren't at the sophisticated level that FLIR's EX-series has reached (but that costs twice as much).

 

Best for hunting

(Image credit: Flir)

7. FLIR Scout TK

Excellent value long range thermal scope

Specifications

Resolution: 160 x 120 pixels
Sensitivity range: -20˚C to +40˚C (-4˚F to 104˚F)
Sensitivity: 50 mK
Weight: 170g
Dimensions: 152 x 51 x 51mm (6 x 2 x 2in)
Battery: 5 hours rechargeable

Reasons to buy

+
Waterproof
+
Good-quality optics
+
Can store images & video

Reasons to avoid

-
Range restricts tasks
Buy it if:

You want ease of use: Works just like a telescope

Don't buy it if:

You want very long range: The resolution limits range to a bit under 100m.

Combining a 160x120 pixel sensor with a 640 x 480 pixel LCD display means the Scout TK has the resolution and tech to identify a mammal – a person or a deer, say – hiding at around 100 yards (91m) away while being no harder to use than a traditional scope. That’s not a stunning level of detail, but without the scope your eyes might well not make out targets at a much shorter distance, giving this device a broad range of security and hobby uses.

The compact size and rechargeable battery boost the practicality; there will be no trouble fitting this into a decent coat pocket. The USB image download is convenient, and there's a cable included too, although no wireless transfer.

With a fixed field of view (20˚), the controls are not challenging: just brightness and the option to switch the color palette (White Hot, Black Hot, InstAlert, Graded Fire, and others). A single button handles recording, with a short press for a still and a long press for video. The 9Hz refresh rate is fast enough to make hand-holding practical.

Best thermal-imaging smartphone

(Image credit: CAT)
An elegant looking thermal-imaging smartphone

Specifications

Resolution: 160 x 120 pixels
Sensitivity range: -20˚C to 400˚C (-4˚F to 750˚F)
Sensitivity: 150 mK
Weight: 248g
Dimensions: 158 x 77 x 12mm
Battery: 4000mAh (Up to 2 days general use)

Reasons to buy

+
Super rugged construction
+
Fully waterproof
+
Full-feature Android smartphone
+
Indoor air quality monitoring

Reasons to avoid

-
Average visible-light camera
-
No 5G
Buy it if:

Super convenient: Camera, phone, and thermal camera all in one device.
Nice styling: Elegant-looking styling for a handset with an antenna bulge.

Don't buy it if:

You want the latest Android: The handset has been around since mid to late 2020.
You want long battery life: The battery is a relatively modest 4000mAh.

The CAT S62 Pro is designed to take serious abuse, with the construction that means that it can be dropped without having to worry about dents or cracking its Gorilla Glass 6 screen. With an IP68 rating, CAT phones can be submerged in 3m of water, too, without fear of ingress. And this industrial design also comes with some useful additional features that you don't find on a phone – including a very capable thermal imaging camera built on the FLIR 3.5 sensor (160 x 120). 

This is useful because it reduces the things you need to carry and avoids any connecting with IR cameras via Bluetooth or cables. The phone, too, is a perfectly serviceable affair with a 660 Octo Core 2GHz CPU that will run your favorite apps and 6GB storage for them. Even if it may lack some of the refinements of the top camera phones, it has a 12MP Sony sensor, comes with Android 10, and supports the Android Enterprise feature set. 

Note: the older CAT S61, still available in places, had a lower resolution IR camera, but offered laser measuring, offering an alternative with even more flexibility.

Best professional handheld

(Image credit: Adam Juniper)
A pair of professional handhelds

Specifications

Resolution: 160 x 180 / 320 x 240 pixels
Sensitivity range: -20˚C to +550˚C (-4˚F to 1022˚F)
Sensitivity: 50 mK
Weight: 570g
Dimensions: 94 x 244 x 140mm (3.7 x 9.6 x 5.5in)
Battery: 5 hours rechargeable

Reasons to buy

+
High resolution (for the higher price)
+
Extended temperature
+
Wireless data sharing

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Visible light camera only 640 x 480
Buy it if:

You need a solid build: This is a very rugged device.
You want a protected camera: There is a built in camera shield as well as a case supplied.

Don't buy it if:

You want a good optical camera: The optical camera is disappointingly low res.
The 'cheaper' version is still pricey: And you pay with lower resolution.

FLIR’s rugged E-series, of which the E8-XT is the top of the line, and I have reviewed the E5-XT, which has a similar build but half the thermal resolution. It offers the advantages of the company’s image enhancement, which merges visible light with the IR thermograph for easier-to-understand imagery. At this price, it seems a little unfair that the visible light camera is only 640x480, but in this context, it works well enough.

Of more concern to a working professional is the combination of Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and the FLIR Tools app, which enables timely delivery of your assessment, with imagery, to clients. This is well-realized, easy to operate, and can also be used, via screen recordings, to capture video from the camera.

When you’re regularly working in rough environments, the E8 represents the kind of reliability you need. The autofocus makes it easy to use and the lenses and 3-inch screen are well-shielded in a drop-proof IP54 enclosure. I must admit that I'd have hoped for more modern connectivity.

I have reviewed the E5-XT

Best for leak detection

(Image credit: FLIR)

10. FLIR MR277 Moisture Meter

A very useful tool for for building inspectors

Specifications

Resolution: 160 x 120 pixels
Sensitivity range: 0˚C - 100˚C (32˚F-212˚F) Temp | 30˚C to +50˚C (-22˚F to 122˚F) Dew point
Sensitivity: 60 mK
Weight: 340g
Dimensions: 160 x 85 x 44 mm (6.2 x 3.3 x 1.7in)
Battery: rechargeable

Reasons to buy

+
Moisture hygrometer
+
Higher-res FLIR camera 

Reasons to avoid

-
MR160 might be more cost effective
Buy it if:

You're measuring damp: Moisture meters are a specialised tool, but it's handy to combine them.

Don't buy it if:

You only need to measure temperature: As a specialised device, it'd be a waste of cash.

This is a pro device for surveyors, so the chances are you'll understand if you'll need it, but if you didn't know about it, isn't it useful to combine your thermal camera and a hygrometer to test air humidity? Yes (well, if you don't mind swapping the sensor in the field).

The benefits of MSX-enhanced IR imagery are clear in any scenario, but especially when you just want to get the job done. Here the extra contrast from the natural light camera combined with the detail (in line with FLIR’s patent) makes identifying moisture problems, air leaks, and insulation issues a relative breeze for anyone in the field. 

The 8GB of internal memory will store up to 15,000 images, and their associated hygrometer readings and measurements from the laser measure, the beam of which is directed from a lens near the cameras.

How thermal imaging cameras work

For the most part, the best thermal-imaging cameras work like regular ones, except that the image sensor detects invisible IR light and it is translated to a visual “thermogram”. This is what you see through the creature’s perspective views in The Predator and Prey.

Like visual cameras, these images are made of pixels but start at lower resolutions such as 80x60 pixels, or 0.003 megapixels. That sounds limited, but it's enough detail to pick out hotspots in wiring, for example.

See also Best thermal drones

Higher resolutions are always better, allowing you to work at a distance, which is especially important in security and rescue scenarios. Digitally overlaying the thermal image with a high-resolution, visible one can make understanding the picture easier, and many devices on this list do that.

The sensors are also of varying detail (150mK sensitivity means each pixel takes readings to the nearest 0.15˚C, so lower numbers are better). Meanwhile, refresh rates aren’t always high; 9Hz is typical, which is fine for locating hotspots, but not exactly cinematic.

Read more: Best indoor security cameras or Best outdoor security cameras

Thermal imaging works in the dark, or through smoke, but can be fooled by the reflectiveness (emissivity) of a surface. Because IR is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, like visible light, it also has similar properties when it encounters lenses or rain. For professional use, it pays to read up a bit on understanding thermograms, but you’ll understand the basics the moment you power on your thermal camera. Depending on the software, you can also take retrospective measurements from the thermal JPEGs. 

How we test thermal cameras

Although there are several of us on the team, including me (Adam Juniper). I test thermal cameras by using them in day-to-day tasks like inspecting ventilation/insulation, heating equipment (radiators, boilers), plumbing (hot water pipes and taps), and electronics including gaming devices. I am looking for detail in the image, and the extent to which any optical cameras align with the thermal camera. Latency (the speed of response) and accuracy are also significant issues I test.

We also test any special claims made by the manufacturer about individual products, as well as the overall experience. That means trying processes like downloading images, what any apps are like (and testing whether they are secure).

You might also like the best inspection cameras and borescopes and the best night vision goggles.

Adam Juniper
Managing Editor

With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones. 


Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 


He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook