Children's microscope test & comparison »top 10 in january 2020

The 10 best microscopes for children at a glance.

Microscopes for children introduce nature and scientific thinking in a playful way. In the foreground child-friendly operation and processing: Microscopes for children from 3 to 7 years should be small, light and made of plastic. For schoolchildren from 8 years old there is already one at least 400 times magnification and stable processing with precise adjustment important.

Now see in our children’s microscope test or comparison table which products not only reliable in use, but also safe and robust enough for children’s hands are and give your child a gift, with the Learning becomes child’s play!

The quality management for our test and comparison procedure is TÜV-certified according to ISO 9001

5 permanent preparations
18 permanent preparations
5 permanent preparations
4 permanent preparations
3 permanent preparations
2 permanent preparations
6 permanent preparations
3 permanent preparations
24 printed object foils
5 permanent preparations

Children’s microscope comparison
Illustration *	Compare winner			Price-performance winner
Model *	Bresser Junior microscope set	BUKI MR600	TELMU microscope 40X-1000X	BUKI MS907B	Bresser National Geographic 300x-1200x microscope	Clementoni 69804 – nature under the microscope	EDU Toys microscope set	Kosmos 635213 – microscope for nature explorers	Kosmos 634032 – my first microscope	Omano Juniorscope
valuation at Amazon *	242 reviews	40 reviews	47 reviews	11 reviews	34 reviews	227 reviews	8 reviews	69 reviews	29 reviews	331 reviews
target group	schoolchildren	schoolchildren	schoolchildren	Beginners from primary school	Beginners from primary school	Beginners from primary school	Beginners from primary school	Beginners from primary school	Kindergartners	Beginners from primary school
Age recommendation from the manufacturer	no information	from 8 years	no information	from 8 years	from age 6	from 9 years	from 8 years	from 8 years	from 4 years	from 8 years
Max. Magnification From a 400x magnification, cells and unicellular organisms are clearly visible. A higher resolution makes cell structures visible. A magnification above 1,300 is not useful for home use with light microscopes. For kindergarten children, a very small enlargement is enough to amaze them.	1,024 times	1,000 times	1,000 times	1200-fold	1200-fold	600-fold	900-fold	750-fold	8x	400-fold
Material microscope	metal stable and durable	metal stable and durable	metal stable and durable	metal stable and durable	plastic shatterproof and easy to care for	plastic shatterproof and easy to care for	metal stable and durable	metal stable and durable	plastic shatterproof and easy to care for	metal stable and durable
Material slide and accessories	Glass high transparency	Glass high transparency	Glass high transparency	plastic shatterproof and easy to care for	plastic shatterproof and easy to care for	plastic shatterproof and easy to care for	plastic shatterproof and easy to care for	plastic shatterproof and easy to care for	plastic shatterproof and easy to care for	plastic shatterproof and easy to care for
Incl. slides	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Incl. finished preparations number
Incl. manual	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Other accessories	USB camera lenses cover slip pipette tweezers Cultivation set for microorganisms	cover slip Petri dish pipette tweezers dye Test tubes guillotine paraphernalia Labels for preparations	cover slip Holder for the smartphone 5 color filters	cover slip Petri dish pipette tweezers Test tubes paraphernalia	cover slip pipette tweezers dye Petri dish paraphernalia	cover slip Petri dish pipette tweezers Test tubes magnifying glass paraphernalia	Test tubes sample tins protective goggles Labels for preparations magnifying glass paraphernalia Cultivation set for microorganisms	slides coverslips tweezers pipette dissecting cutting aid sample containers	Picture book with hands-on story	cover slip pipette tweezers Test tube Petri dish dye
Operation over	batteries	batteries	batteries	batteries	batteries	batteries	batteries	batteries	batteries	batteries
Weight	1.2 kg	1.8 kg	1.7 kg	0.9 kg	0.9 kg	1.1 kg	1.9 kg	0.6 kg	0.9 kg	1.4 kg
benefits	Connection to PC via USB possible LED lighting very extensive set with case for storage	high quality workmanship very extensive set	particularly high quality workmanship Optics and mechanics in laboratory quality LED lighting non-slip carrier plate	high quality workmanship very extensive set	completely unbreakable and also suitable for younger children	particularly suitable for beginners completely unbreakable and also suitable for younger children	very precise lens made of glass very extensive set	well suited for beginners very easy to use Mirror with battery operated lighting	especially good for small children suitable Lens can be used as a magnifying glass	very high quality workmanship very precise lens made of glass very extensive guide book
Questions and answers about the product	Questions and answers about Bresser Junior microscope set	Questions and answers about BUKI MR600	Questions and answers about TELMU microscope 40X-1000X	Questions and answers about BUKI MS907B	Questions and answers about Bresser National Geographic 300x-1200x microscope	Questions and answers about Clementoni 69804 – nature under the microscope	Questions and answers about EDU Toys microscope set	Questions and answers about Kosmos 635213 – microscope for nature explorers	Questions and answers about Kosmos 634032 – my first microscope	Questions and answers about Omano Juniorscope
To offer *	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "
Available at *

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Children microscopes Buyer’s Guide:
How to choose the right product from the children’s microscope test or comparison above

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Children’s microscopes are a playful introduction to microbiology and should be processed safely and easy to be handled. Most junior microscopes are recommended for ages 8 and up, but can also be used under adult supervision.
Microscopes and mini microscopes made of plastic are particularly easy to care for and safe for younger children to use. Metal products, on the other hand, are more precise and of higher quality, but require careful use.
A comprehensive set of accessories and instruction booklet makes it easier for children to get started. Note that glass slides and covers are more accurate to use, but not toys. Plastic accessories are unbreakable and especially ideal for smaller children.

Many children are fascinated by the details in their environment and look forward to their first own microscope at primary school age. It doesn’t even have to be expensive: many inexpensive children’s microscopes are perfect for a playful start suitable in the world of microbiology. It is usually sufficient for small researchers to examine leaves, hair and fly legs – highly scientific instruments can not only take the fun out here, but can quickly overwhelm small eyes and hands.

Even the smallest like to take a close look at everything. Microscopes from 3 years old are ideal for beginners.

After primary school age (in which 8x or 20x magnifications are completely sufficient), it is worth investing in higher quality models that enable strong enlargement and the precise manufacture of preparations, e.g. the top models from the manufacturer Bresser (including the Biolux series ).

In our children’s microscope comparison 2019/2020 on comparison.org we show you which features are negligible and which are crucial. Read in our buying advice, which criteria combine the best children’s microscopes and when it may already be a microscope for adults.

1.vergleich.org advises: microscopes for children should be easy to use and stable

1.1. What types of children’s microscopes are there??

Before you buy a new children’s microscope, you should compare the different possibilities and limits in the application.

Kindergarten and primary school children are less able to deal with more professional devices and lose interest so quickly. At that age, microscopes should be seen more as science games. So-called mini microscopes, which serve rather as high-grade magnifiers, and junior microscopes with a 400 zoom are ideal here.

A low resolution or inaccurate lenses frustrate older school children. You benefit from a solid learning microscope that supports you with your first scientific research and homework.

Experience has shown that microscopes for children in tests perform particularly well if they have some child-friendly features that set them apart from professional microscopes:

Battery operation: enables safe, wireless use and local freedom, e.g. B. when microscoping outdoors.
LED lighting: high illumination enables good visibility even with plastic materials and lower magnification values.
Low weight and simple microscope setup: children and adolescents can get started quickly

Here is an overview:

category	characteristics
Microscopes for kindergarten children (mini microscopes)

The first microscopes for children precision and high-quality brands and materials are less important: They should be easy to care for and easy to use. Light mini microscopes made of plastic, that also fall over or land on the muddy meadow are ideal. Microscopes from 3 years old do not yet carry slides, but instead approach the concept of object enlargement with printed foils. This way, the little ones can discover components of plants and animals and develop a feeling for microscope setup and use.

Our tip: High magnifications and technical settings lead to frustration and can quickly overwhelm. Products with 4x magnification and colorful "slides" with pictures to insert are ideal for the little ones.

Entry-level microscopes for elementary school students (junior microscopes)

Real microscopes with 400x magnification and higher are interesting even in primary school: To be able to see unicellular organisms, 400x magnification is necessary. One is important understandable instructions and simple structure, many functions are not necessary at all and complicate the application.

Our tip: Invest in one high quality plastic microscope, which, with a magnification of over 400 times, offers many opportunities for discovery. Then your offspring will enjoy it for several years. Blurred microscopes quickly become boring as soon as the comparison with the student microscope from the biology class can be made.

student microscopes

As soon as high-quality microscopes are used in biology classes from fifth grade onwards, many children want a more sophisticated model made of metal with precise glass lenses at home. A good microscope set for students should also have enough dissection tools included so that samples can be created. Note that small Accessories such as cover papers and glass pipettes break down more quickly and can lead to accidents. Plastic accessories can scratch and scratch Plastic cover sheets and slides cause slight blurring, for this, your child can work without constant parental supervision.

Our tip: To 1,000x magnifications and a stable position are ideal for student microscopes. This allows your child to concentrate on the correct settings without the microscope constantly slipping. Plastic models wiggle quickly here.

Microscopes for adolescents and adults:

Junior microscopes look confusingly similar to professional microscopes for adults.

For children and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 years comparison.org recommends the purchase of a microscope for adults, as long as your child is very interested in microscopy.

The products work more precisely, are of high quality and have a long-lasting mechanism, which enables many years of precision in application. Stereo microscopes also offer the possibility of digital recordings with software and USB connections. After all, connectivity is important for young people, so USB shouldn’t be missing.

So-called junior microscopes, cheaper microscopes for young people who resemble professional products, are a good alternative if the microscope should only be used for leisure time and not for further studies.

Here the Advantages and disadvantages of a junior microscope compared to professional "adult" microscopes:

lower weight and simple construction for easy use
cheaper and sufficient for leisure use
battery operated: use in nature possible

less durable
Lenses, mirrors and lights are often of lower quality
less application possibilities

2. Purchase criteria for children’s microscopes: slides and petri dishes are part of the basic equipment

Number of eyepieces

Standard microscopes are light microscopes with an eyepiece (viewing tube). So-called stereomicroscopes have two eyepieces through which one can look with both eyes. This creates a spatial representation of the specimen. Disadvantage: Stereo microscopes for children (that is, with two eyepieces) usually only allow a maximum magnification of 100 and a cell view is not possible.

Children’s microscopes are less for scientific precision and more for trying out the working method and handling thought of microscopes. Accordingly, different purchase criteria apply to microscopes for children than to professional types of microscope. they should easy to use, safe and stable processing his.

Children’s microscope tests often show that sensitive small parts such as accessories made of glass and expensive lenses are more likely to lead to resentment because they require the support of an adult. An independent way of working and easy-care materials can not only awaken the spirit of research, but also strengthen self-confidence.

2.1. Material: metal and glass are high quality, plastic is childproof and easy to care for

Microscopes for children from the age of 6 and their accessories are usually made of easy-care, child-safe plastic.

Children between 6 and 8 years old can handle metal horoscopes and glass lenses well with the help of adults. Metal guarantees a firm stand and minimal blurring when looking at objects.

Glass lenses in optical quality help to get particularly sharp images, However, they are also more sensitive and should be carefully cleaned with a soft, dry cloth.

Independent experimentation is particularly important for many children, therefore it is worth buying a microscope with accessories made of plastic.

2.2. Magnification: it should be between 400 times and 1,300 times

For kindergarten children is a double or triple magnification exciting from small photographs.

For real microscopic viewing you need at least a 400x resolution: Cellular organisms such as amoebas or slippers from the puddle in front of the front door, the cuticle layer on hair or the structure of an onion membrane are visible.

At a magnification of 1,000 times structures such as chloroplasts and mitochondria can be recognized very well.

Important: Many manufacturers advertise with particularly high magnification values. From a magnification above 1,300, however, the value changes to negative. While higher magnifications are useful for laboratory examinations and measurements, in microscopes for household use they tend to blur and thus worsen the result.

3. Accessories: slides and pipette are part of the basic equipment

Experiment sets for children with permanent preparations and utensils can also be purchased separately.

Most microscope sets for children include extensive equipment. So that your offspring can start microscoping right away, the enclosed preparations are ideal. Creating your own preparations is part of the fun of microscopy, guarantees a lot of variety and promotes children’s creativity.

An included experiment set with the following accessories is therefore particularly helpful for beginners:

Manual: with help is used to get started and gives many tips and tricks
Slides: made of glass or plastic, it is the base for fresh or permanent preparations
Cover papers / coverslips: The preparation made of glass or plastic is covered with it before it can be placed under the microscope
Pipette: for wetting with water, saline or colored solution
Tweezers: for picking up and placing the specimens (e.g. leaves, cat hair)
Petri dish: Analysis of living cells, e.g. B. Amoeba in fresh water sample

Additional accessories are not absolutely necessary to get started, but increases the number of possible experiments. Especially experienced schoolchildren can try it out more comprehensively:

Saline: for creating permanent preparations
colorants: makes transparent elements visible, e.g. B. Cell walls in the onion cuticle
Scalpel: for the exact snow >

Tip: Even children’s microscope comparison winners can have few accessories. Do not make the purchase dependent on it alone. Permanent preparations and all utensils are also available separately.

4. Popular objects for the children’s microscope: you have the best at home!

Children’s microscopes give young explorers fascinating insights into nature.

Microscopes train in how to perceive small details in the environment and nature. You can take a close look at almost everything. Particularly suitable for beginners and easy to recognize:

Freshwater samples: Some pond or puddle water contains microorganisms such as amoebas and slippers that move in the water.
onion epithelium: The cell walls are stained particularly well visible.
Leaves: The leaf structure of different tree species can be compared very well.
Hair: Whether dog, cat or your own hair: hair cells lined up and the surrounding cuticle are fascinating.

5. Questions and answers about the subject of children’s microscope

5.1. Pocket microscopes are a worthwhile alternative?

The pocket microscope or mini-zoom microscope is less suitable as a learning microscope because its structure differs from that of a standard light microscope and it can achieve lower magnifications. Pocket microscopes are, however, a good addition for young researchers who prefer to take their microscope with them on trips into nature.

5.2. What is a nicer gift for beginners: experiment kit or microscope?

Microscopes for children as well as experiment kits (e.g. in the field of chemistry) and play kits can fascinate children, have scientific added value and train fine motor skills and understanding of nature. While experiment sets for children are more extensive in the type and number of experiments, they are also more general in the implementation and type of experiments. Children’s microscopes in comparison are more specific and go deeper into the subject of microbiology, but cover fewer interests.

Attention: As the Stiftung Warentest warns in its 2011 toy test, every sixth toy contains dangerous small parts or pollutants. Children’s microscopes and accessories should never get into the hands of children under the age of 3, and individual parts and solutions should never get into their mouths.