Budget thermal camera?

moneysaver1978

I have been on the hunt for a thermal camera but couldn't justify paying a lot of money and I am not sure a mobile phone attachment is a good long-term purchase (e.g. the phone stops working, or the app is no longer updated).

I was thinking about an handheld version and found this https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0D91XRJLK or https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CF28BNNX/ - what has your experience been like? Were they useful enough to find cold spots on walls, doors, and windows?

I did manage to use a FLIR from Octopus last winter (not available this year) and I was hoping to use a thermal camera again for more analysis around the house to find cold spots and fix. I am also keen to use one for my parents' house over Christmas (and relatives will probably use it too!).

saveallmymoney

I'm on my third phone attachment thermal camera, currently have a TopDon TC002 and it's the best yet (previous were a FLIR and Seek Thermal). I don't want another device that I need to keep charged, it's handy just to clip it on and check what I need to check and everything goes into my phone photo library automatically.

I've had one for years, and have improved the comfort of my house immensely over the time. Recommended.

moneysaver1978

saveallmymoney said:

I'm on my third phone attachment thermal camera, currently have a TopDon TC002 and it's the best yet (previous were a FLIR and Seek Thermal). I don't want another device that I need to keep charged, it's handy just to clip it on and check what I need to check and everything goes into my phone photo library automatically.

I've had one for years, and have improved the comfort of my house immensely over the time. Recommended.

Just curious, how come you are on third? Was it due to phone compatibility or..?

I remember looking at TopDon but ruled it out as it was almost as expensive as a FLIR - although it is now on Black Friday for £209 so a decent deal!

The big question though is.. should I consider a phone attachment for £209 or should I save £50 for a budget handheld one? Does resolution matter that much (240x240 vs 256x192)?

saveallmymoney

Upgraded to seek thermal for better resolution, then iPhone connector changed so i swapped to the TopDon. Each time it got a lot better, this tech has moved pretty quick. Secondhand prices are good so upgrading isn't expensive.

i'd imagine the handheld one would be much less convenient, but i can't speak from experience. My original FLIR had a battery in it and it was ALWAYS flat when i needed it which was frustrating.

Grenage

I have a FLIR, it's pretty good, although something I only use about once a year.  Worth asking if anyone has one you can borrow unless you know you'll be using it a lot.

starving_artist

You can loan them if you have a local LIbrary of Things.  There might be a waiting list as they are popular especially at this time of year.

silvercar

saveallmymoney said:

Upgraded to seek thermal for better resolution, then iPhone connector changed so i swapped to the TopDon. Each time it got a lot better, this tech has moved pretty quick. Secondhand prices are good so upgrading isn't expensive.

i'd imagine the handheld one would be much less convenient, but i can't speak from experience. My original FLIR had a battery in it and it was ALWAYS flat when i needed it which was frustrating.

Where are you seeing them second hand? I can’t see any on eBay. I love the idea of one of these, but not no library of things near me and I would probably only use once or twice a year so hard to justify. I just want to identify leaky areas of my house.

moneysaver1978

Thank you all, looks like a handheld thermal camera doesn't seem to be popular and as there's a good deal with TopDon, I decided to go for it!

@starving_artist, while there's a Library of Things nearby it does cost £15/day (plus travel + parking charges) so it doesn't seem practical especially when I want to use not just for my house but for relatives too through the winter. I also like to take my time when applying insulation solutions and then reassess.

@silvercar, I agree, it was a struggle to find one with a good discount. If you are with Octopus, it would be worth keeping an eye on this page https://octopus.energy/blog/flir-thermal-cameras/ and register as soon as it is open for 2025/26.