Our Editors independently research, test, and rate what we feel are the best products. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases.
Did you know that in the beginning stages of melanoma, it’s only possible to identify around half the time with the naked eye? This means that the assistance of special tools and techniques is necessary, with the most crucial being dermoscopy.
With the use of this technology, you can detect subcutaneous melanoma even in early stages, ensuring better results for patients. However, not every product is made to the same level of quality.
We’ve done research for over the past couple of months to bring you the best dermascopes money can buy. Also see this buyer’s guide, How To Choose A Dermascope.
Best Dermascopes
| 3Gen DermLite III DL3N Polarized & Fluid Dermascope | 3Gen DermLite Carbon Dermascope Microscope | 3Gen DermLite DL100 Dermatology Dermascope | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Special Features | Professional quality / solid construction | Polarization control & depth-dependent cross-polarization | Oil-free pocket epiluminescence microscopy |
| Customer Ratings | 4.6 / 5.0 Stars | 5.0 / 5.0 Stars | 4.3 / 5.0 Stars |
Also see: Dermascopes Comparison Table
Quick Answer: The 5 Best-Rated Dermascopes – [2020]
- 3Gen DermLite III DL3N Polarized & Fluid Dermascope
- 3Gen DermLite Carbon Dermascope Microscope
- 3Gen DermLite DL100 Dermatology Dermascope
- SKIARY Smartphone Dermatoscope Epiluminescence Microscopy
- Pro-Physician LED Dermatoscope
Best Dermascopes Reviews
#1- 3Gen DermLite III DL3N Polarized & Fluid Dermascope
Here is the first of a few different 3Gen products. The DermLite III DL3N Polarized & Fluid Dermascope is not the newest out there, but still offers excellent results. With refined optics you can expect a great visualization of vascular structure along with pigmented structure.
The solid structure is much more durable than the plastic scopes on the market, sure to last you for years of use but plan on paying a bit more for this sturdiness.
The aluminum body is lightweight, however, and very easy to use. The single button allows you to switch between various modes, also making it one of the most user-friendly options.
Use it with your camera for best results and expect little image distortion, high detail, and color correction.
Expand To See More The spacer along with a 10mm cover glass is also nice and tough with the compact size making it simple to transport with you anywhere you go and not take up too much room. While you’re using it, you can keep tabs on how much battery you have left with the low battery indicator in easy view. If that weren’t enough, the dermatoscope also comes with a 10-year warranty to ensure you will have it more than the time it takes for even newer technology to develop! Coming with a desktop charger, leather carry pouch, and an eyepiece, you have everything you need to get started.
#2- 3Gen DermLite Carbon Dermascope Microscope
There are various 3Gen DermLite Carbon Dermascope Microscopes out there, but our personal favorite is their Carbon version. Falling somewhere between the DL3N and the DL100 it’s an excellent option if you want a lot of features but a little more of a budget-friendly dermascope.
At first glance, you can see that the DermLite comes in a compact, black “Charcoal” form with one 2CR5 lithium battery and a silicone sleeve with a handy lanyard.
The shell is comprised of silicone but feels smooth and durable. Not only does it look cool, but it performs at an exceptionally high level, too.
Expand To See More Offering immediate toggle control over lesion visualization from superficial structures to deeper pigmentations, the device works to separately activate 2 groups of LEDs. Each group features a different polarization. The first produces cross-polarized light which is perfect for seeing deep structures while the second is linearly polarized and provides a clear rendition of the skin’s surface. The dial-activated, oil-free epiluminescent device is super easy to use, even if it’s your first time using one. Button-activated polarization control only aids in this. The pocket-perfect skin analysis product even comes with a 5-year warranty which is more than enough for most users.
#3- 3Gen DermLite DL100 Dermatology Dermascope
The third device on our list is a nice little pocket-sized, oil-free dermascope: the 3Gen DermLite DL100 Dermatology Dermascope to be specific.
This is the last DermLite, and we know we’ve had a lot but it’s because they really are some of the best out there.
If you want a DermLite or really just one of the top models out there but are shopping on a budget, then it’s hard to beat this one.
At just a fraction of the price of the aforementioned models, you still get a surprising amount of accuracy and included features.
Expand To See More With the DL100, you can easily detect melanoma at its early stages by revising the pigmented skin without the need of any oil. Using diode technology, you’ll experience some of the clearest dermoscopy images out there thanks to the white light boost. Color correction technology combined with minimized image blurriness only helps with the excellent quality. You’ll be able to use it for an array of purposes, including seeing pigmented lesions, hair transplants, varicose veins, and so much more. Finally, you’ll receive an impressive 10-year warranty on your device to give you extra peace of mind while buying and using it.
#4- SKIARY Smartphone Dermatoscope Epiluminescence Microscopy
The SKIARY Smartphone Dermatoscope Epiluminescence Microscopy is another excellent budget-friendly choice. This one is a bit different than the others, though.
Perfect for those who already regularly use smart devices, this dermascope works with smartphones and iPads.
So, how exactly do you use it?
Simply clip it onto your smartphone and start taking images – it really is that easy! The incredibly small, portable model is ideal for travel or if you don’t want to carry a lot of gear with you.
What’s also cool and convenient is that you don’t need to download any special apps to use it!
Despite what many may think regarding use with smartphones, it takes incredibly high-resolution images.
Clarity and sharpness are the rule, no matter whether it’s running in polarized or non-polarized modes and with/without skin contact. This is in part thanks to the optimized lens and high-powered LED lighting.
Expand To See More Charging is no problem at all, as the battery can be recharged from any USB port, the included AC charger, or even your own smart device! If you’re not a huge fan of the idea of using it with your smartphone, you can also use it on its own so you have quite a bit of versatility.
#5- Pro-Physician LED Dermatoscope
Last but certainly not least, is the Pro-Physician LED Dermatoscope which is notably different from the rest. You can see this right when it arrives on your doorstep, looking very distinct from the others.
It has a more traditional-looking form that definitely looks like it belongs in a doctor’s office. However, you can use it just about anywhere you’d like. The chrome-plated brass not only holds up well but looks beautiful, too.
What’s great about this one, is that you never have to worry about a burned out bulb again. Producing a bright white light through a proprietary Full Spectrum Diode technology similar to that of the DL100.
The included LED lights have a whopping 100,000-hour lifetime which is going to be pretty hard to even reach, essentially giving it an eternal lifetime.
Expand To See More The full-spectrum LEDs aren’t like the halogen bulbs that most others used, while they also use a very low amount of battery power to make it more eco-friendly for you and the planet. With an adjustable optical quality lens with 10x magnification and variable focus, it provides you with excellent optimal quality. Coming with a lifetime warranty as well, this one simply can’t be beat on many levels.
Dermascopes Comparison Table
| Price | Special Features | Customer Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3Gen DermLite III DL3N Polarized & Fluid Dermascope | $999.00 | Professional quality / solid construction | 4.6 / 5.0 Stars | |
| 3Gen DermLite Carbon Dermascope Microscope | $474.00 | Polarization control & depth-dependent cross-polarization | 5.0 / 5.0 Stars | |
| 3Gen DermLite DL100 Dermatology Dermascope | $289.00 | Oil-free pocket epiluminescence microscopy | 4.3 / 5.0 Stars | |
| SKIARY Smartphone Dermatoscope Epiluminescence Microscopy | $198.99 | High-resolution images & USB charging | 4.4 / 5.0 Stars | |
| Pro-Physician LED Dermatoscope | $89.99 | Bright-white, natural illumination & 10x variable focus | 2.9 / 5.0 Stars |
How To Choose A Dermascope
Now that you’ve had a chance to read all about the best dermascopes on the market today, have you decided which one is just right for you? If you haven’t, then there’s no need to worry.
We know that it can be difficult to decide on just one when there are so many options available and being that it’s such a technical product, can get confusing.
That’s why we’ve decided to write up the buying guide, below. This guide takes you through each step of the selection process to ensure that by the time you’re finished, there will be no doubt which one is the one for you.
Size
Before you check anything else, you should probably figure out the size that would work best for you. This can be determined by the size of your hands but also the kind of place you’ll be using it in.
If you’re going to be using it at home or a clinic then you can opt for a larger dermascope that will often come with more features.
If you’re going to be doing home visits then getting a pocket-sized model that you can easily transport around will be the best option.
Polarized vs. Non-Polarized
You may have noticed that throughout the reviews, we’ve mentioned both polarized and non-polarized dermatoscopes.
These are essentially two different categories of models, and depend on how they operate at their very core.
Non-Polarized
These can only work if they actually make contact with the skin’s surface to visualize the form of the skin lesions with the light produced from diodes.
Polarized
These do not require contact with the skin.
While both work well at identifying melanoma in the early stages, non-polarized versions simply don’t perform as well in terms of spotting deap-seated structures, such as those which lie below the dermal-epidermal joint.
Vision
Obviously, it doesn’t matter how portable a model is or what type of methodology it uses if you don’t even have a clear vision when using it.
No matter what you’re going to be using it for, you need one which offers a great amount of magnification options.
The more you can zoom, the more detailed and clear the picture of the lesion will be. The better the photo, the better the identification of a possible issue will be.
Compatibilities
You may have noticed that some models are compatible with things like smartphones, apps, iPads, cameras, and so on. Think about which you would prefer, or if you would simply like to use the dermatoscope on its own.
Smartphone
Most of the most modern versions are going to be smartphone-compatible, working with iPhones, Android devices, and occasionally iPads and Tablets.
These are particularly convenient as you can simply clip/mount them onto the device and start examining.
They work by utilizing your phone’s camera, zooming it multiple times to make sure that you have solid, glare-free, detailed images that can actually be used for the purpose it’s intended for.
Apps
There are others which are made to be or can be used with particular apps.
These can usually connect directly to the app to help simplify the process and enhance the quality of results with dedicated software which can help to examine and make educated predictions about the state of the skin. In addition, the data can usually be stored and used in the future.
Sometimes people just don’t like messing with smart devices and feel that they’re a hindrance rather than a useful tool. In this case, you may just want to use the dermascope on its own.
Durability
You’ll want your dermascope to be nice and durable, to be able to use it for years to come with accuracy. The builds will vary, with some made of silicone and some made of metal.
The preference is really up to you. Silicone feels a bit nicer on the skin but is slightly less durable. However, also pay attention to the included warranty and the price it’s listed at.
Warranty
You’ll see that the products also vary quite a bit when it comes to warranty. Warranties aren’t only there to have you and your dermascope covered but are also a kind of testament to how long the manufacturers themselves think that their product is going to last.
You’ll see the shortest warranties on here coming in at 5 years, though most have 10-year warranties which is pretty solid considering the price.
There are a couple which even come with lifetime warranties, which are obviously the most attractive in that sense as you never have to worry about being without one.
Price
How much are you willing to spend on one of the best dermascopes on the market today? This is really important to figure out and make a budget for yourself before you start shopping around, as it can become easy to spend more than you’d intended to.
Not only that, but the models we’ve reviewed vary greatly in price – over $1000 in price, in fact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermascopes
Q: What is a dermascope or dermatoscope?
A: The dermascope is a non-invasive tool used to diagnose, visualizing clinical patterns of skin lesions and subsurface skin structures which aren’t normally able to be seen by the naked eye.
Q: When using the dermascope with a smartphone, should I turn on flash?
A: No, you’ll definitely want to turn your flash off for best results. Flash is just going to make things unclear and often causes glares and makes results too bright.
Q: Can these devices actually detect melanoma?
A: Although they definitely improve accuracy when it comes to discovering melanoma, we wouldn’t recommend using it to completely replace histopathologic exams as some lesions – particularly in the early stages – may lack certain dermoscopic features which make them difficult to diagnose.
Dermascope Buyer’s Tips
#1: If you’re planning on using the device with your smartphone, first make sure that they’re even compatible.
While most are compatible with most newer iPhone and Android models, not all of them work this way. You don’t want to spend money just to end up getting a model that doesn’t do what you want it to.
#2: If your camera has issues focusing, try new settings.
You should have this figured out before you start using your device. If it’s operating at a fixed distance to the skin, then you can pretty much always just use the same focus setting.
#3: If you’re brand-new at this, make sure your practice and read up.
There are various kinds of procedures and methods out there, so it’s a good idea to know what to look out for.
Summary
Now that you know just about everything you need to to make an educated choice here, which is the best dermascope for you?
No matter which one you choose, know that it’s going to be a high-quality option with excellent results. However, it’s most important that you select the perfect product for you and your requirements.
We hope that this guide has helped you do exactly that. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again soon!
Notice:
HealthWellness365 is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. HealthWellness365 earns fees from products sold through qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a commission on products sold through their affiliate links.In March 2019 Amazon announced that Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA) would be accepted as new forms of payment for eligible product purchases. Using HSA/FSA funds to purchase on Amazon can be a great way to reduce taxes and reduce overall healthcare costs for items not covered under medical insurance. Users of such medical savings plans are issued a debit card by their provider, which can be added to their payment methods in their Amazon account.
Whether items sold on Amazon are deemed as eligible for HSA/FSA plans remains the responsibility of the buyer and their particular health plan provider. It’s ultimately up to the IRS and participating health plan providers to deem which medical and health products are considered eligible for the payment plans.
But the eligibility is quite broad and inclusive of thousands of products that are sold on Amazon and considered Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts plan-eligible. See this IRS document for more information about Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf
