Sign In

Our recommendations are made independently. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links.

Helect Infrared Thermometer Gun vs Smart Sensor AS530 Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Published

Helect Infrared Thermometer Gun

$14.99 from Amazon

Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer

Check Price on Amazon
Helect Infrared Thermometer Gun vs Smart Sensor AS530

Overall Verdict

The Helect H1020 is known for its precise temperature readings and user-friendly features, making it a go-to choice for many users who value reliability.

On the other hand, the Smart Sensor AS530, while sturdy and equipped with a bright laser emitter to help you aim the sensor precisely at the spot you wish to measure, falls short when it comes to accuracy. It struggles with making accurate temperature recordings on cold objects and surfaces, which can be a problem if you ever plan to use the thermometer to check on a frozen cut of steak or inspect the interior of your fridge and freezer.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Accurate IR sensor that produces very good readings
  • Decent build quality
  • Bright, single-dot laser emitter
  • Loud speakers
  • Well-built and rugged design
  • Textured handgrip for easier handling when hands are wet
  • Tactile trigger
  • Very bright laser emitter
  • The thermometer itself feels quite cheap
  • Lacks many measurement modes
  • The display panel is dim
  • Bad measurement accuracy
  • Doesn’t come with extra measuring modes

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4 x W1.7 x H6 inches
L3.74 x W1 .61 x H6 inches
Weight
5.73 ounces
5.43 ounces
Display type
Backlit LCD panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
0
0
Audio cues
Yes
Yes
Temperature range
-58 to 1,022°F (-50 to 550°C)
-26°F to 1,022°F (-32°C to 550°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$19.32
$20.07
$14.99 at Amazon
Check Price on Amazon

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.1
4.8

Cold Test with Ice

7.5
2.6
Helect Infrared Thermal Gun Cold Test with Ice Video
The Helect IR thermometer measuring temperature of an ice bath from 12 inches away. The screen displays 33.4°F.
The Helect IR thermometer measures the temperature of an ice bath from 16 inches away. The screen displays 34.5°F.
Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Smart Sensor AS530 measures the temperature of an ice bath from 12 inches away. The screen displays 37.9°F.
The Smart Sensor AS530 measures the temperature of the ice bath from 16 inches away. The screen reads 39.2°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
33.4°F
37.9°F
Temperature at 16”
34.5°F
39.2°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

8.4
6.2
Helect Infrared Thermal Gun Hot Test with Cooking Oil Video
The Helect IR thermometer measuring the temperature of boiling from away 12 inches away. The screen displays 367.5°F.
The Helect IR thermometer measures the temperature of boiling oil from 16 inches away. The screen shows 361.6°F.
Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The Smart Sensor AS530 measures the temperature of an oil vat from 12 inches away. The screen reads 372°F.
The Smart Sensor AS530 measures the temperature of an oil vat from 16 inches away. The screen reads 366.6°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
367.5°F
372°F
Temperature at 16”
361.6°F
366.6°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.0
8.6

In the Box

The Helect IR thermometer in the center, with its plastic sleeving to the left, manuals and battery to the right.
The Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer is in the center, with user manual and batteries to the left, and the plastic packaging to the right.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Helect IR thermometer. The length is 4 inches, width is 1.7 inches, and height is 6 inches.
The dimensions of the Smart Sensor AS530. The length is 3.74 inches, the width is 1.61 inches, and the height is 6 inches.
Weight
5.7 oz (162 g)
5.4 oz (154 g)
Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
3.7" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.7" (4.3 cm)
1.6" (4.1 cm)
Height
6.0" (15.2 cm)
6.0" (15.2 cm)

Build Quality

8.0
8.5
Helect Infrared Thermal Gun Build Quality Video
The Helect IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table, presenting its full side profile.
Smart Sensor AS530 Infrared Thermometer Build Quality Video
The side profile of the Smart Sensor AS530, including the top section, the trigger, and the top half of the handle. An orange label with the product’s name is visible.

Laser Emitter

9.0
9.5
The Helect IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer. The thermometer is in scanning mode and there’s a laser dot in the background.
The laser emitter on the Helect IR thermometer is very bright and can be easily tracked even in harsh studio lighting.
The Helect IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer. The thermometer is in scanning mode and there’s a laser dot in the background.
The red laser dot of the Helect IR thermometer gun’s laser emitter in a dark room.
A close-up view of the laser emitter and the sensor head of the Helect IR thermometer.
The red laser dot of the Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer’s laser emitter in a dark room.
The red laser dot of the Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer’s laser emitter in a dark room.
The IR sensor and the small laser emitter at the front of the Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

7.0
8.0
The LCD display panel of the Helect IR thermometer with the backlight turned off. The screen reads 28.7°C
The Helect IR thermometer’s screen with the backlight off.
The LCD display panel of the Helect IR thermometer with the backlight turned off. The screen reads 28.7°C
The LCD display panel of the Helect IR thermometer with the backlight turned on. The screen reads 28.7°C.
The backlit LCD screen of the Smart Sensor AS530. The screen currently reads 82.8°F.
Display Type
LCD
Backlit LCD
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.25
1.18

Battery Compartment

A view into the open battery compartment of the Helect IR thermometer. Inside is a label with the print “9V 6F22.”
The open battery compartment of the Helect IR thermometer.
The Smart Sensor AS530 with the battery compartment door opened and two AAA batteries to the right.
Battery Type
9V
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
5.3
5.8

Handling

7.5
8.5
The Helect IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer.
The bulbous handle can be uncomfortable to hold for people with smaller hands.
The Helect IR thermometer in the black-gloved hand of a reviewer.
A close-up of the curved, bulbous grip of the Helect IR thermometer.
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer to measure the temperature of a toaster oven.
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the Smart Sensor AS530 IR thermometer to measure the temperature of a toaster oven.
A close-up of the textured handgrip of the Smart Sensor AS530
A close-up of the textured handgrip of the Smart Sensor AS530

Measurement Modes

0.0
0.0
Emissivity
No
No
Average Mode
No
No
Min Mode
No
No
Max Mode
No
No
Calibration
No
No
Alarm Mode
No
No

Audio Cues

8.0
8.0