Thermal Monoculars

Comparison of Thermal Monoculars: FLIR , Pulsar , iRay , AGM and Guide

When comparing thermal monoculars from FLIR, Pulsar, InfiRay (iRay), AGM, and Guide, key factors to consider include:

• Sensor Resolution – Higher resolution provides clearer images.
• Refresh Rate – Higher Hz (50-60Hz) ensures smoother imaging.
• Detection Range – Longer range helps with spotting distant targets.
• Software Features – Includes WiFi, recording, and mobile app support.
• Price-to-Performance Ratio – Determines value for your budget.

Brand-by-Brand Breakdown

Key Feature Comparisons

Best Choices Based on Use Case

• Best for Professional & Law Enforcement Use – Pulsar, FLIR
• Best Image Quality & High-End Performance – InfiRay (iRay)
• Best Budget-Friendly Thermal Monoculars – AGM, Guide
• Best Software & App Integration – Pulsar
• Best for Industrial Applications – FLIR, Guide

How to choose the best thermal monocular?

Every user has their own unique needs and circumstances. The best thermal monocular for you is the one that best suits the range of applications in which you expect to use your monocular. Here are some features to keep in mind as you carryout your research.

Thermal sensor resolution

Because a thermal monocular detects objects by their heat signatures via its sensor, the resolution of this sensor needs to be of good quality to produce satisfactory images. Most of the high-resolution thermal scopes on the market come with a detector that has 480 x 640 pixels. This is the minimum standard that you need to look at in a thermal scope if you want some sharp high-quality images.

Display resolution

To convert the heat signature into an impression that is easy to visualize for a human, a thermal monocular must also come with a decent display resolution as well. Again, a device that comes with 480×640 pixel resolution will work well.

Refresh rate (Hz)

A high refresh rate means that the images produced by a device will be at a quicker rate and will provide more data about the current status of the object or scene under observation. Normally, anything over 30 Hz is considered to be sufficient.

Detection range

Detection range is a very subjective criteria. For certain types of hunting, super long distances are needed. For general outdoorsmanship, these long ranges are excessive and unnecessary. Consider your specific plans before deciding which range suits you.

Operating temperature

Out in the field, you never know what the weather will throw at you. Even the most rugged thermal devices have their limits when it comes to operating temperatures.

The best thermal imaging devices can handle both subzero temperatures as well as high temperatures that exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Durability

It is important to consider the overall durability of your monocular. Field conditions can be bumpy! Your device will be more delicate and vulnerable with bigger objective lenses. Most manufacturers make waterproof and shockproof appliances to make them safe. If you are looking to move around a lot, consider more rugged options instead of heavy-duty optics.

Color modes

Thermal monoculars come with various color modes as well. Darker shades represent the objects that are emitting lesser energy while the brighter ones are emitting more. Some people find it difficult to see different colors and for them, there are a range of options. Varied color modes are useful features, so make sure that the option you go with has a color palette that doesn’t strain your eyes too much.

Battery life

As with most gadgets, battery longevity is a major consideration. Thermal monoculars come with a vast number of integrated features that run out of battery very quickly. For instance, Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity eat up the battery extremely fast. Therefore, if you are going to use these features, go for a battery that can reach at least 10 hours of backup time. 

Monocular extra features to look for

Thermal imaging technology is constantly evolving. As the technology develops, more and more manufacturers are introducing new features that weren’t there in the past but are now considered to be must-haves. Here is a list of some the features that the best monocular would have.

Rangefinder

A rangefinder is a convenient feature that has become a popular addition to many recent models of thermal monoculars. With a rangefinder, you can measure the distance between you and the target. Including a rangefinder with a thermal monocular is especially useful for hunters who have one less optical tool to lug around.

Wifi and bluetooth

WiFi and Bluetooth features are helpful for users who intend to capture photographs and videos through their thermal monocular. With these features, you can directly share the files or can store them on the cloud to access later. This is a must-have feature for researchers or people who are gathering data on their fieldwork. 

Compass

A compass speaks for itself. Outdoorsmen should always carry a compass, so having one built in saves space and lightens the load.

Zoom

Most thermal monoculars have some amount of magnification available. At long ranges, a high zoom is a great way to get that extra bit of detail. Some tools even come with variable zoom capabilities!