Best Magnifying Glasses: See Small Things More Clearly
These top handheld magnifiers will make reading tasks easier to complete
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BY Daniel Rika , Jovan Nikic , Mike Knott , Noelle Talmon / LAST UPDATED ON July 27, 2021
As you get older, it can be more challenging to read small print or see the finer details on certain items. A good solution and an alternative to reading glasses is a handheld magnifier. The best magnifying glasses make it easier to do day-to-day things, such as reading a menu. The products in our buying guide below provide just enough magnification to help you when you have a difficult time deciphering small print.
This magnifying glass includes two interchangeable lenses and comes with a carrying pouch and cleaning cloth. It's not too big or heavy, and you can switch the lenses depending on the application.
The LED lights on the underside provide focused illumination, and the small 10x lens is large enough to use for reading. The lenses are easy to change and are secure when attached. The handle also has a good grip.
It can be hard to get the back off to change the batteries. Also, the light switch may stop working after a few months of use.
The LED lights may not work, and the batteries are not included. It may also be hard to open the battery compartment. The lens has been known to be defective.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
The iMagniphy LED Illuminated Magnifying Glass Set is an aptly named option that could have derived its brand name from a variation of the French translation of “magnificent." In any case, this option provides magnificent results that earn its top honor on this list. The iMagniphy contains two easily interchangeable lenses, allowing for easy installation for any reading task. The magnifying glass comes equipped with a carrying pouch & cleaning cloth to keep your lenses smudge-free. The iMagniphy proves invaluable in helping seniors whose distance vision may be compromised. It contains energy-efficient LED lights on the handle to project the perfect amount of light for nighttime reading. This option offers a lifetime warranty that will replace your magnifying glass free of charge with no questions asked. The iMagniphy helps magnify the world you want to see.
Those looking for efficiency and value in their magnifying glasses need to look no further than the Insten Magnifying Glass 5X Handheld Reading Magnifier. This option provides crystal clear vision of all print and other microscopic items. Its five-fold magnifying power brings even the most microscopic print into full view. Insten provides a lightweight and compact magnifying glass that is easy to carry and fits into all carrying bags. This option also contains an anti-scratch lens that will continually maintain the integrity of your lens during everyday use. This magnifying glass is shatterproof, offering protection against cutting yourself with broken glass. This option can be used by kids for observation projects, seniors for reading microscopic print, as well as general use. Fortunately, Insten offers a safe, efficient, and valuable option that brings crystal clear clarity when you need it most.
The MagniPros 3 Magnifying Glass earns its position on our list for a variety of reasons. Its unbreakable ABS construction solidifies the sturdiness and lightweight characteristics this option contains. This product from MagniPros contains three super bright LED lights designed to last over 25,000 hours. These lights are powered by three AAA batteries (not included) that fully illuminate the viewing area. Its ergo dynamically designed handle allows the user to hold the glass comfortably without tiring. MagniPros provides three distinct magnifications for specific usage. This option’s strongest magnification measures objects at 25x normal visibility, making it invaluable in reading the fine print on maps or coins. Every stamp or coin collector needs this option to read the fine print on every stamp and coin for authentication. MagniPros provides the perfect magnifying glass for all your small print viewing needs.
The AIXPI Magnifying Glass provides great value and versatility. This option magnifies objects up to 30 times its normal viewing size. The AIXPI magnifying glass is invaluable in providing views of microscopic print on in books, newspapers, magazines, photographs, maps, electronics, miniatures, jewelry, hobbies, models, and crafts of all kinds. It is especially handy in reading pill bottles and medications, ensuring that those taking medication can properly read medication bottles to ensure proper dosage. This option is also effective for seniors who may have trouble reading the fine print on a variety of items. AIXPI offers a reasonably priced option that serves in a variety of ways while providing the information you demand. Those characteristics solidify this option’s addition to this list.
The Gyanduly Large Magnifying Glass is proven to be a viable option on this list. This option contains an actual glass lens that provides users with a crystal clear view with no distortion. This Gyanduly magnifying glass contains a rubber constructed frame that protects the glass from shattering in case it drops. This option contains a 100mm, four-inch lens that allows users to view a greater amount of whatever print they’re reading. It also contains a handle made from a soft anti-slip rubber, making it very easy to handle and hold. This option is ideal for magnifying fine details in books, small prints newspapers, magazines, maps, electronics, miniatures, pill bottles, hobbies, and crafts. It is also useful for jewelers to magnify diamonds to test authenticity or flaws within the stones. Regardless of whether you need magnification for school projects or for professional use, Gyanduly provides a viable magnifying glass that serves any purpose.
Tips
- Make sure you have a lot of light when you use a magnifying glass. The more lighting you have, the easier it will be to see the finer details.
- If you really struggle with reading small print, consider a magnifying glass that comes with built-in lights. These types of magnifying glasses usually require batteries to operate, but some last longer than others.
- The proper way to use a magnifying glass is to hold it halfway between yourself and the object. Then move the tool back and forth between you and the object to focus it.
FAQs
Q: What is the best magnifier for reading books?
A: If you have a hard time reading small print, you should consider using a magnifying glass with bright LED lighting in combination with a large-print book.
Q: What size magnifying glass do I need?
A: The more powerful a hand-held magnifier is, the shorter the focal range is. Also, if you use a magnifying glass that is 8x or higher, you must keep it quite steady to retain focus.
Q: What is 2x magnification?
A: At 1x magnification, an object is increased in size by 100 percent, so a 1-inch item would appear to be two inches. With 2x power, the object would appear to be 3 inches. A 2x magnifying glass can be used to read menus or the labels on medication bottles.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick is the iMagniphy LED Illuminated Magnifying Glass Set. It comes with two lenses, LED lights, and is great for hobbyists, seniors, and others who want to see or read the fine details.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the small and portable Insten Magnifying Glass 5X Handheld Reading Magnifier.