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7 Best Thermal Cameras for iPhone in 2023

Article By: Ava Olivia Published On: January 30, 2023 , Last updated on : February 1, 2023
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7 Best Thermal Camera for iPhone in 2023

Thermal cameras are invaluable in engineering and medical science, often used in electrical wiring maintenance, security, and healthcare. But they aren’t just expensive but bulky and troublesome to carry around. Thankfully, some accessories offer a cheaper and more portable alternative. Thankfully, finding the best thermal camera for iPhone isn’t as hard as you might think.

The cameras on iPhones are much better than your average thermal camera. It is only natural that some want to combine that with a thermal camera. An app can’t replicate what such a camera does, so an accessory is in order. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place to find the best thermal camera for iPhone.

What to look for in a thermal camera for your iPhone?

So, what makes a thermal camera to be the best? We looked into three factors to find the best thermal cameras for iPhone devices. Those three things are thermal sensitivity, battery efficiency, and image resolution.

Thermal Sensitivity

Alongside the color range, you need thermal sensitivity to capture the infrared radiations and process them into an image. With a sound color palette, you can even better depict the temperature of what’s on screen. If you’re one of those ghost-hunting types, this is the one factor you need to look out for.

Battery Efficiency

Hard as it may be to believe, these add-on accessories need batteries to work. What batteries do the thermal cameras use, and how long do they last? If not batteries, if they use the phone’s internal batteries, how much of the battery does it use up?

Image Resolution

Despite using the iPhone’s camera, the resolution of these thermal cameras’ output varies. Most people just care about how well it can measure infrared and determine the temperature. Wouldn’t it be better if the images didn’t look like they came out of a toaster from the 50s? The better the resolution, the better the thermographic images will look.

FLIR ONE Pro

FLIR ONE Pro

The best thermal camera for iPhone developed by FLIR and our top pick for the list. As efficient and thermally sensitive as the ONE Gen 3 thermal camera, it does not share its affordability. But this is merely one of many excellent thermal cameras brought to you by FLIR.
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Seek Thermal CompactPRO

Seek Thermal CompactPRO

Though not the best iPhone thermal camera, it has excellent thermal sensitivity and image quality and is waterproof. The thermal camera doesn’t need batteries while taking thermographs on your iPhone. Seek Thermal’s CompactPRO shows you don’t need to be big to be one of the best.
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FLIR ONE Gen 3

FLIR ONE Gen 3

The best thermal camera in terms of image quality and the second one made by FLIR. With an impressive thermal range and good image quality, you can get it for an affordable price. The best thermal camera in terms of image quality and the second one made by FLIR. With…
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Seek Thermal CompactXR

Seek Thermal CompactXR

The second thermal camera is to be made by Seek and used outdoors. From its image resolution to durability, this thermal camera is designed to take thermal images outdoors. The perfect camera to take when looking for a pipe malfunction outdoors or visiting a haunted mansion.
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FLIR ONE Pro LT - iOS

FLIR ONE Pro LT - iOS

A more approachable and casual-friendly entry of FLIR’s thermal imaging cameras. It has the thermal range and MTX technology that it shares with the other thermal cameras on this list. Despite falling short in some aspects, it still has what makes the FLIR brand synonymous with quality imagery.
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Klein Tools TI1222

Klein Tools TI1222

Though not as good as FLIR’s lineup, it holds massive potential to be the best thermal camera attachment for iPhone. Sporting excellent thermal range, battery life, and image quality, it’s a criminally underrated device. Despite its shortcomings, Kleins Tools stands as a benchmark for the best thermal camera for iPhone.
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Perfect Prime IR203

Perfect Prime IR203

A thermal camera with an impressive thermal range and image quality, held back only by how much energy it drains. Regardless, Perfect Prime’s Infrared thermal imager camera is a decent thermal camera for those who don’t mind bringing a portable power source.
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Best Thermal Camera for iPhone | Top 7 Picks

You need a thermal camera with the best image resolution and excellent thermal range, and compatible with iPhone no less. We’ve pinpointed what qualities to look for and narrowed down every thermal camera you can attach to iPhone devices. Now it’s time to look for the best thermal camera for iPhone devices.

List of the best thermal cameras for iPhone

  • FLIR ONE Pro
  • Seek Thermal CompactPRO
  • FLIR ONE Gen 3
  • Seek Thermal CompactXR
  • FLIR ONE Pro LT
  • Klein Tools TI1222
  • Perfect Prime IR203

FLIR ONE Pro

FLIR ONE Pro Thermal CameraDeveloped by FLIR, this thermal camera delivers the best image quality. High image resolutions, MSX technology giving crisp image quality, and top-of-the-line thermal imaging. Though expensive, this thermal camera more than makes up for it with its crisp image quality and impressive durability.

If you have the cash and want high-quality thermographic images, this camera is the one for you. What’s more, you can use the OneFit Connector to reach and take pictures of places your iPhone can’t go.

Pros

  • Hi-Res & crisp image quality
  • Clear thermal image processing
  • Very durable
  • Adjustable height with OneFit Connector

Cons

  • Clunky interface

Despite being the best thermal camera for iPhone, the one thing holding it back is its interface. The long startup and difficult interface might be too cumbersome for some. Able to produce the best images in the highest resolution, the FLIR ONE Pro thermal camera is our certified top pick. If you have the chance and the money, don’t pass up on the FLIR ONE Pro thermal camera.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
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Seek Thermal CompactPRO

Seek Thermal CompactPROThis thermal camera combines thermography with common photography techniques developed by Seek Thermal. It also comes with a free Seek Thermal app to help capture thermal images. So, if you want to take thermograms wherever you go, Seek Thermal CompactPRO is the thermal camera for you.

Despite its small and compact design, the camera can take high-resolution images with a wide thermal range. Moreover, Seek Thermal’s CompactPRO easily fits in and takes thermal readings with your iPhone camera.

Pros

  • High-resolution images
  • Impressive thermal range
  • Does not require batteries or charging
  • Comes with a waterproof case

Cons

  • Very expensive

It may not have the firepower and high-quality images like FLIR’s ONE Pro, but it can make no mistakes save for one. It is the most expensive thermal camera on the list, probably more than one can afford. Despite this and its small size, Seek Thermal’s CompactPRO is the best thermal camera for iPhone in terms of portability and design.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
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FLIR ONE Gen 3

FLIR ONE Gen 3 Thermal CameraFLIR’s Gen 3 thermal camera is considered by many to be one of the best thermal cameras for iPhone. And once you pop it into your iPhone, it’s hard not to see why. Using MTX technology, this camera can produce accurate thermography in high quality. Moreover, for all the amazing features the thermal camera sports, it comes at an affordable price.

Of all the thermal cameras made for iPhone, it is one of the most budget-friendly ones. However, the thermal camera isn’t compatible with most iPhone cases. If you don’t mind that minor hiccup, this thermal camera has earned its place as one of our top picks.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Hi-Res thermal images
  • Supporting app provides extra features

Cons

  • Not compatible with every iPhone covers

Lightweight and easy to handle, FLIR’s ONE Gen 3 thermal camera produces the best thermal images, despite compromising image quality. If you can’t see it with your naked eye, try taking the FLIR ONE Gen 3 for a spin, especially if you’re on a budget.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Uniqueness: 9/10
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Seek Thermal CompactXR

Seek Thermal CompactXRThe Seek Thermal’s CompactXR is the best thermal camera for iPhone made for outdoor photography. It is Seek Thermal’s second thermal camera that we’ve featured on this list. Though it shares its design with the CompactPRO, it doesn’t share its image quality.

Since the camera doesn’t need a battery, this thermal camera is perfect for the great outdoors. Along with your endoscope for iPhone, you can use it to find underground pipe malfunctions and wiring issues. On the other hand, it’s also perfect for ghost-hunting in a remote forest, thanks to its wide thermal range and image resolution.

Pros

  • High-resolution images
  • Measures temperatures of up to 330°C
  • No batteries or charging needed

Cons

  • Various technical difficulties, such as image freezing

However, one problem holding this camera back is its myriad technical difficulties. The camera has been known to suffer from issues that range from annoying to system breaking, such as image freezing. If you can get around this setback though, Seek Thermal’s CompactXR is the ideal thermographer for the great outdoors.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 9/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
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FLIR ONE Pro LT

FLIR ONE Pro LTFLIR ONE PRO LT iOS Pro-Grade Thermal isn’t the best thermal camera for the iPhone, but it’s good enough. This thermal camera works especially well for iOS devices. However, it’s also worth mentioning that this thermal camera is the more casual-friendly addition to FLIR’s lineup.

Thanks to its being more affordable than some of FLIR’s thermal cameras, it is also more approachable. As standard for FLIR thermal cameras, it has an impressive thermal range, from -20°C to 120°C. It also comes with a OneFit Connector to adjust the height and peek into hard-to-reach spots. Moreover, the camera’s portable nature makes it decent for outdoor purposes.

Pros

  • Impressive thermal ranges from -20°C and 120°C
  • High thermal sensitivity
  • OneFit Connector allows for height adjustments

Cons

  • Difficult to change the battery

When compared to all the other entries on this list, the camera’s battery is a major setback. Though the battery is quite decent, changing it is a nightmare. With its thermal range and connector, the FLIR ONE Pro LT has the making of a capable and affordable thermal camera.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
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Klein Tools TI1222

Klein Tools TI1222Klein Tools are a relative newcomer regarding thermal cameras for the iPhone. Despite lacking FLIR’s pedigree, Klein Tools is a family-run business that has been running since 1857. So, they have experience in the field. With that said, it has a long way to go before it can be considered the best thermal camera for iPhone.

Klein Tools Thermal Imager has a wide thermal range, from -20°C to 400°C, which isn’t half-bad for a portable thermographer. It also has three color palettes for measuring temperature changes: rainbow, iron bow, and greyscale. Speaking of temperature change, it can also take time-lapse videos so you can keep track of those changes.

Pros

  • Good temperature range of -20°C to 400°C
  • Good image quality
  • Works with the free Klein Tools App
  • Can take time-lapse videos

Cons

  • Must remove the iPhone case to work in most cases

A minor complaint with the camera is that it isn’t compatible with most iPhone covers, especially bulky ones like Otter. Though not the worst, Klein Tools’ thermal camera has the potential to be the best thermal camera for the iPhone. It won’t be long before we see them improve on this to stand at the top of our future lists.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 7/10
Uniqueness: 8/10
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Perfect Prime IR203

Perfect Prime IR203If you’re looking for a good and affordable thermal camera, Perfect Prime IR203 is the one for you. Though not as highly placed, there is a good reason we chose this as one of the best thermal cameras. Sporting the widest thermal range on this list, the Perfect Prime IR203’s cheap and compact design hides its amazing performance.

As compact and portable as the Seek Thermal’s CompactPRO, this thermal camera has the best thermal range. It could even rival our top pick when it comes to thermal sensitivity.

Pros

  • An impressive thermal range of -40°C to 400°C
  • Offers high performance at a low price
  • Powerful 80 x 60 thermal sensor

Cons

  • Poor battery life

With an impressive thermal range and high performance, you’d think this would put it at least fourth. Well, because it drains battery life very quickly, it holds back what could’ve been an overall decent thermal camera. Regardless, Perfect Prime’s IR203 thermal range and affordability have earned it a coveted position in our list.

Quantitative Measurement

Durability: 8/10
Material: 8/10
Design: 7/10
Uniqueness: 7/10
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Thermographer in your pocket

Now that you’ve found the best thermal camera, grab your iPhone and start taking thermal images. Also, on the off chance you see something out of the ordinary, like a ghost, for example, best of luck. We hope you found our list of the best thermal camera for iPhone devices helpful.

If you liked our list, check out our review for the best camera lens protectors for your iPhone. You can also check out our tutorial on removing water from your iPhone camera.

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