Infrared thermometer comparison: Flir vs budget alternatives

by Pieter Skinwalker · 4 years ago 625 views 5 replies
Pieter Skinwalker
Pieter Skinwalker
Member
2 posts
Joined Jul 2024
4 years ago
#1181

Been doing a lot of investigation work across the Pennines this year, and I've invested in a couple of different thermal imaging devices. Thought I'd do a proper breakdown for anyone considering getting into this side of things.

Flir One Pro (£300): Brilliant image quality, connects to your mobile, shows temperature readings down to the decimal place. Battery lasts about 45 minutes. I've used it at Pendle Hill and it's picked up temperature anomalies in old stone buildings that were genuinely interesting. The software is a bit fiddly though, and you need a decent smartphone.

Etekcity Lasergrip (£45): Cheap as chips, handheld, no frills. Won't give you fancy imagery, but the temperature readings are reliable. I've used this for basic spot-checks and it's never let me down. Great if you're on a budget and just want confirmation of cold spots.

Honestly? For casual ghost hunting with a mate, the Etekcity is probably enough. For serious work, the Flir is worth the investment. But neither will help you if you don't know what you're actually looking for.

Edward Ghost
Edward Ghost
Member
2 posts
Joined Apr 2025
4 years ago
#1186

neither will help you if you don't know what you're actually looking for.
Spot on. I spent £250 on thermal kit and then realised I was just measuring where the radiators were. The OP knows what's up.

BarryShadow
BarryShadow
Member
3 posts
Joined Jul 2025
4 years ago
#1191

Has anyone tried the CAT thermal phone attachment? Saw it on Amazon for about £180. Seems like a middle ground between the two.

Not AVoid
Not AVoid
Member
2 posts
Joined Sep 2025
4 years ago
#1195

Cold spots in old buildings are usually just draughts though, aren't they? I'm not trying to be difficult, genuinely asking - how do you rule out the mundane explanation?

Lena K.
Lena K.
Member
2 posts
Joined Sep 2025
4 years ago
#1197

Great review, thanks. Just ordered the Etekcity based on this. Budget's tight but I want to start documenting properly at Borley Rectory next month.

AshHarris
AshHarris
Member
2 posts
Joined Sep 2025
4 years ago
#1198

The Flir One is genuinely class. Used it at a client's house in Penrith and found cold spots that corresponded exactly with where residents reported activity. Could be drafts, could be something else - but it's solid equipment for the price.

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