The Best Thermal Cameras to Identify Issues and Avoid Drilling Holes

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A thermal camera can help you find problems with your electrical, HVAC, or plumbing system without having to cut unnecessary holes in your walls.

Thermal cameras can help detect potential issues in your home, such as a termite nest in the wall or a leak from a pipe. These devices detect and measure a heat signature, which is the infrared energy given off by most objects. The thermal camera converts this heat signature data into an electronic image for the human eye to view on a digital display.

Often used by electricians, building inspectors, exterminators, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, many of today’s thermal cameras are designed to be easy for nonprofessionals to operate. Our favorite is the Hti-Xintai HT-19 Thermal Imager. We chose it as our top pick based on its high-resolution screen, comfortable gripped handle, and built-in 3GB memory. Take a look at this list of some of the best thermal cameras to get an idea of which product suits your needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Hti-Xintai HT-19 Thermal Imager
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Flir One Gen 3 Thermal Camera for Smart Phones
3. BEST FOR HOME: Flir MR160 IGM Moisture Meter
4. BEST MIDRANGE: Flir TG267 Thermal Camera
5. BEST WITH WI-FI: Flir C5 Handheld Compact Thermal Camera 
6. BEST FOR ELECTRICAL CHECKS: Hti-Xintai HT-18 Thermal Imager
7. BEST FOR LEAK DETECTION: Seek Thermal RevealPro Imaging Camera 
8. BEST SMARTPHONE ATTACHMENT: Flir One Pro LT Pro-Grade Thermal Camera

How We Chose the Best Thermal Cameras 

Finding a leak, electrical error, or HVAC problem can prevent disastrous issues easily with the right thermal camera. Selections for the best thermal camera depended upon temperature range, resolution, weight, screen size, and other special features included.

These picks vary between handheld and smartphone types for lightweight, portable, and versatile use. The above list also prioritizes thermal sensitivity by detecting temperatures of -4 to 752 degrees Fahrenheit for observing electrical, HVAC, mechanical, or plumbing systems. As for visibility while you are checking for high temperatures, the above thermal cameras have high resolutions of up to 320-to-240 pixels. Plus, large LED screens on select products allow for even more clarity.

If you need to share your readings and heat detections, USB and mini USB cables or Wi-Fi connectivity allow users to save thermal images or permit photo-sharing. Finally, some of these picks are made with long battery life, included memory cards, and/or built-in secondary cameras.

Our Top Picks

Considering price, quality, and other important features described in detail later, this guide recommends the following products for detecting issues behind your walls.

Best Overall

Hti-Xintai HT-19 Thermal Imager

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Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld
• Temperature range: -4 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution: 320 by 240 pixels
• Weight: 0.85 pounds

What We Liked

• High resolution screen provides clear images that are easier to read than on some models
• Good for extended use; gripped handle increases comfort during use
• Built-in 3GB memory or option to transfer to another device

What We Didn’t Like

• Cannot be mounted on a tripod; limits its usability for longer projects
• USB cable does not project to big screen; requires purchase of additional cables

To ensure clear image quality of your housing system or your vehicle’s engine, a very high thermal resolution would be beneficial. This handheld thermal camera has a high resolution of 320 by 240 pixels and a 3.2-inch color display screen. A comfortable, lightweight grip makes it easy to use without hand fatigue.

Use this infrared camera for home inspections, firefighting, or even archaeology, and save pictures with the built-in 3GB memory card. The camera can also be connected to a laptop, television, or other compatible device using the micro USB cable to display photos or transfer files between devices. The infrared camera has a -4 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit temperature range and measurement accuracy of 2.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

Get the Hti-Xintai HT-19 thermal imager at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Flir One Gen 3 Thermal Camera for Smart Phones

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Product Specs 

• Type: Smartphone attachment
• Temperature range: -4 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution: 80 by 60 pixels
• Weight: 0.76 pounds

What We Liked

• Wi-Fi and mobile access enable instant photo and video recording and sharing
• Built-in secondary camera creates a blend of thermal and visual images
• Carrying case and USB cord included for neat and organized storage
• Versatile; compatible with a wide range of popular smartphone brands

What We Didn’t Like

• Some users report limited battery life and some software issues

Unless you are regularly taking thermal image scans, you probably don’t necessarily need a handheld thermal camera. Instead of emptying your wallet for a tool that you will rarely use, you can get this inexpensive smartphone thermal camera attachment to capture thermal readings from -4 to 248 degrees Fahrenheit. The attachment connects directly to the base of your smartphone, allowing you to use your smartphone as a thermal camera.

The thermal imager has an 80-by-60-pixel thermal resolution. It comes with a secondary camera that captures visual details to help create a blend of thermal and visible images. This feature makes it easier to identify the object that you are viewing. The connection with your phone provides immediate access to Wi-Fi or your mobile network so that you can send photos or videos from the thermal camera. This model also comes with a USB to USB C cord and carrying case for added ease of use and portability.

Get the Flir One Gen 3 thermal camera at Amazon.

Best For Home

Flir MR160 IGM Moisture Meter

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Product Specs

• Type: Handheld
• Temperature range: 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution: 80 by 60 pixels
• Weight: Unspecified

What We Liked

• Flexible tool that includes multiple accessories, including moisture meter and laser crosshair display
• Robust materials provide good build quality; feels solid in the hand
• Condensation feature on the tool comes in handy in wet environments

What We Didn’t Like

• Temperature range is more limited than that of other options on this list
• No weight provided

Use this 80-by-60-pixel thermal resolution camera from Flir at home to capture the thermal images that can help to identify problem areas inside walls. The kit also comes with a thermal imaging moisture meter that can be used with the included hammer and wall moisture probes to provide an accurate measurement of moisture in the selected area of the home.

The thermal camera measures a temperature range of 32 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit and has an accuracy rating of just 3 degrees, while the moisture meter has both a pin and pinless function. This allows users to probe the target surface or simply scan the top layer. The thermal camera also has a laser crosshair display to better identify the area being scanned.

Get the Flir MR160 thermal camera at Amazon or B&H. 

Best Mid-Range

Flir TG267 Thermal Camera

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Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld
• Temperature range: -13 to 716 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution: 160 by 120 pixels
• Weight: 0.86 pounds

What We Liked

• Stores over 50,000 images; ideal for frequent use on large projects
• Bluetooth connectivity enables easy file transfer, no cable connection is required
• Built-in laser pointer helps users focus on what they’re seeing inside the wall

What We Didn’t Like

• No carrying or storage case included; requires separate purchase or increased care during transport

The Flir TG267 Thermal Camera has a range of uses, from typical household inspections to measuring body temperature without needing to make contact. This contactless body temperature measurement ranges from 89.6 to 108.5 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the full temperature range is from -13 to 716 degrees Fahrenheit.

This handheld thermal imaging camera has an accuracy measurement of 3 degrees Fahrenheit, storage for up to 50,000 images, and Bluetooth connectivity for file transfers. The thermal resolution is 160 by 120 pixels. The camera has a thermocouple probe that can extend the sensor into the ventilation ducts or behind the walls. A built-in laser pointer displays a circle on the area you are measuring to identify where you are looking inside the wall.

Get the Flir TG267 thermal camera at Amazon or B&H.

Best With WiFi

Flir C5 Handheld Compact Thermal Camera

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Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld
• Temperature range: -4 to 752 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution: 160 by 120 pixels
• Weight: 6.72 ounces

What We Liked

• Compatible with a USB or micro USB cord; enables easy laptop transfer
• Wi-Fi capability offers automatic backup to the cloud; files are securely backed up
• Built-in LED display and great 160-by-120-pixel resolution
• Durable construction; comes with an IP54 rating against moisture and dust

What We Didn’t Like

• Flir Ignite account required for image sharing; might be a dealbreaker for some shoppers
• Fixed 3-foot range; may not be suitable for circuit-board use

Instead of relying on a handheld thermal sensor’s internal storage and transferring files through a USB or micro USB cord, this thermal imager can connect to Wi-Fi for automatic file backup on the cloud. This allows easier file transfer, file storage, and file sharing. The handheld thermal camera has a thermal resolution of 160 by 120 pixels for a detailed thermal image on its LED display.

This IP54-rated visual inspection camera has a visual light image enhancement floodlight to help identify objects and present them in a combined view. The camera can measure a temperature range of -4 to 752 degrees Fahrenheit with an accuracy rating of 4 degrees Fahrenheit and has a 3.5-inch integrated touchscreen for simple, effective control.

Get the Flir C5 thermal camera at Amazon, Walmart, or B&H.

Best for Electrical Checks

Hti-Xintai HT-18 Thermal Imager

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Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld
• Temperature range: -4 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution: 220 by 160 pixels
• Weight: 0.83 pounds

What We Liked

• 3.2-inch full-color screen with 5 color scales and high resolution
• 3GB memory card stores up to 20,000 thermal images, which is more than enough for most users
• Carrying case included to keep everything neat, protected, and organized

What We Didn’t Like

• Takes 2 hours to fully charge; not ideal for extended use

The electrical system in a home can be problematic if the wiring has many splices. Thermal imaging can show issues where the electrical resistance traveling through the wires has begun to build up in the system. This buildup can indicate a potential problem and can lead to a short in the wiring and dangerously hot electrical circuits.

This handheld thermal imager has a temperature range of -4 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit and a 220-by-160-pixel thermal resolution. This high resolution is displayed on the 3.2-inch full-color screen that has a choice among five color scales, including rainbow, iron red, cold color, black and white, or white and black to shift the color of the image.

This thermal imager has a measurement accuracy of 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit and a 3GB memory card to store up to 20,000 images, which users can transfer with the included USB cable.

Get the Hti-Xintai HT-18 thermal imager at Amazon.

Best for Leak Detection

Seek Thermal RevealPro Imaging Camera

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Product Specs

• Type: Handheld
• Temperature range: -40 to 626 degrees Fahrenheit
• Resolution: 320 by 240 pixels
• Weight: 6.25 ounces

What We Liked

• High-resolution device with MicroSD card; ideal for detailed images
• Capable of reading temperatures at a 500-foot distance; great for large projects
• 4-hour battery life is long enough for most workdays
• 32-degree field of view allows the user to view multiple objects easily

What We Didn’t Like

• Despite a high resolution, the small screen provides limited visibility

For the construction site, plumber, or home, a small and light thermal camera that fits in your pocket and can withstand wear and tear is ideal. Use the ample 320-by-240-pixel thermal sensitivity to capture the thermal images that can help to identify problem areas inside your walls. Though the 300-lumen LED screen is small, it requires less charging time than typical thermal cameras and provides a 4-hour battery life.

This model can also save thermal images to its MicroSD card and it is capable of reading a temperature range of -40 to 626 degrees Fahrenheit from a 500-foot distance. It also comes with a 32-degree field of view, which aids in seeing multiple pipes and plumbing fixtures easily. Finally, this model comes with a USB cable and rubberized casing for abrasion and damage resistance.

Get the Seek thermal camera at Amazon.

Best Smartphone Attachment