The 7 Best Electronic Video Magnifiers for Low Vision Readers, Ranked & Reviewed

Our verdict: A 12 inch anti-glare touchscreen and an FHD camera from a specialist low vision brand.

The Visolux Digital XL FHD has a 12 inch TFT LCD touchscreen with an anti-glare coating and a full HD camera, and the box includes a cleaning cloth. It is in the $500 and up range.

It wins on screen size. A 12 inch display lets you read a full line of print at a comfortable magnification, where a 5 inch device shows a few words, and for long reading sessions that difference is large. Anti-glare coating cuts reflections from overhead lights, and the FHD camera gives a sharp image. The cost is size and weight, which make it a desk device more than a pocket one.

Buy it if you read at a desk or table for long periods. Skip it if you need something to carry in a pocket or a handbag.

Screen

12 inch touch, anti-glare

Camera

FHD

Brand

Eschenbach

Bracket

$500+

Our verdict: HumanWare's pocket-size explorē 5, a long-running choice in the low vision community.

The explorē 5 is HumanWare's portable video magnifier for low vision, in the $500 and up range. The listing gives few specs, but the model is a long-established name in handheld magnifiers.

It ranks second because it comes from a company that specializes in low vision products, and the explorē line has a reputation for simple controls and solid build. A pocket-size screen suits shopping, labels and menus, and an easy interface matters to people who do not like technology. The weakness is the listing: it states no zoom range, color modes or resolution.

Buy it if you want a trusted portable magnifier for out-and-about reading. Check the maker's specification sheet before ordering.

Brand

HumanWare

Type

Portable video magnifier

Screen

5 inch class

Bracket

$500+

Our verdict: A 5 inch color HD portable magnifier in white, from the same maker as the 12 inch Visolux.

The SmartLux Digital 1650-2A is a 5 inch color HD portable video magnifier in white, priced in the $500 and up range.

It ranks third because it combines a specialist brand with HD display in a compact body. Five inches is a practical size for handheld use, and HD resolution means text edges stay clean at higher magnification. The listing gives no zoom range or color mode count, so those details need checking with the maker.

Buy it if you want a compact, high-quality portable magnifier from a low vision specialist. Skip it if you prefer a bigger screen.

Screen

5 inch color HD

Finish

White

Brand

Eschenbach

Bracket

$500+

Our verdict: An 8 inch touchscreen, 2X to 20X zoom, a 13MP auto-focus lens, 26 color modes, HDMI output and 16GB of storage.

The VEVOR is an 8 inch touchscreen video magnifier with 2X to 20X zoom, a 13MP auto-focus HD lens, 26 color modes, HDMI output and 16GB of storage. It is in the $500 and up range.

It places fourth because it offers the longest feature list for the money. An 8 inch screen sits between handheld and desk size, 26 color modes give a wide choice of high-contrast schemes, and HDMI output lets you display text on a TV for even larger reading. Auto-focus lens helps when you move between close text and distant objects. It ranks below the specialist brands because VEVOR is better known for tools, so support and low vision tuning are less proven.

Buy it if you want the biggest feature set for your budget. Skip it if you want a specialist brand's support.

Screen

8 inch touchscreen

Zoom

2X to 20X

Camera

13MP auto-focus

Extras

26 colors, HDMI, 16GB

Our verdict: An 8 inch electronic magnifier for visually impaired users, with little spec detail.

This unbranded 8 inch electronic digital magnifier is aimed at visually impaired users, in the $500 and up range. The listing says to see the current page for specifications.

It ranks fifth because the screen size is attractive and the specifications are missing. Without a stated zoom range, resolution or color modes, you must trust the product page. An 8 inch display is big enough for comfortable reading, which is the draw.

Buy it if you want an 8 inch screen and can verify the specs before buying. Skip it if you want a documented, branded product.

Screen

8 inch

Brand

Unbranded

Details

Not listed

Bracket

$500+

Our verdict: A 5 inch magnifier with a foldable handle, 2X to 32X zoom and 26 color modes, in the $200 to $500 range.

This 5 inch portable video magnifier has a foldable handle, 2X to 32X zoom and 26 color modes, priced in the $200 to $500 range, the lowest tier in this guide.

The foldable handle doubles as a stand, which lets you rest the device over a page and read hands-free. Color modes help people who need strong contrast or reversed polarity. It ranks sixth because it is an unbranded device, and a 5 inch screen limits sustained reading.

Buy it if you want a basic portable magnifier for a lower outlay. Skip it if you want a branded or larger device.

Screen

5.0 inch

Zoom

2X to 32X

Colors

26 modes

Handle

Foldable

Our verdict: A 5 inch handheld with a foldable handle, 4X to 32X zoom, 17 color modes and a TV connection.

This handheld video magnifier has a 5 inch screen, a foldable handle, 4X to 32X zoom, 17 color modes and a TV connection, aimed at low vision, color blind and elderly readers. It is in the $500 and up range.

The TV connection is the feature that stands out, because outputting to a large screen turns a small magnifier into a desk reading aid. It ranks last because it costs the same as better-supported models and offers fewer color modes than its cousin. The 4X minimum zoom is higher than 2X, which is less useful for gentle magnification.

Buy it if you want a handheld with a TV output. Skip it if a lower-cost 26 color mode device appeals more.

Screen

5 inch

Zoom

4X to 32X

Colors

17 modes

Output

TV connection