Sign In

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

SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs. Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Sovarcate HS960D Digital

$18.99 from Amazon

Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer

$19.99 from Amazon
SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs. Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

From the start, the Sovarcate HS960D stands out as the best choice. Not only does it offer superior measurement accuracy, but it also boasts a better design and provides a more user-friendly experience.

To be more specific, our benchmark awards the Sovarcate HS960D a score of 6.7 out of 10. While it may not be the highest score in our database, it certainly surpasses the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080, which received a failing score of 4.1 out of 10.

The Etekcity thermometer failed the hot test with oil due to its wildly inaccurate measurements. It got an abysmal score of 1.63 out of 10 in that test segment.

In terms of design, the Sovarcate HS960D excels. With its rugged construction, colored LCD panel, and bright laser emitter, it easily outshines the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080, which is made from less durable, smooth plastic.

Regarding usability, both models offer the same number of measurement modes. However, the Sovarcate HS960D has the advantage of a built-in speaker, unlike the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080. The Etekcity thermometer has some build quality issues that can affect its usability, such as a metallic clicky noise in the trigger.

If you have to pick one thermometer out of these two, pick the Sovarcate HS960D: it’s better in almost every respect than the Etekcity.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Decently accurate and reliable performance
  • Rugged and well-built housing
  • Bright, single-dot laser emitter
  • Brightly-lit colored LCD VA screen panel
  • Has a speaker
  • Textured handgrip and tactile trigger make the thermometer easy and comfortable to use
  • The handle is textured and has indents that improve the user’s grip
  • Doesn’t come with many measurement modes
  • Poor accuracy on the hot test with cooking oil
  • Metallic clicky sound in the trigger seems to suggest a manufacturing defect

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4.3 x W1.81 x H6.3 inches
L3.9 x W1.57 x H6.3 inches
Weight
5.58 ounces
4.59 ounces
Display type
Color LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
1
2
Audio cues
Yes
No
Temperature range
-58°F to 1112°F(-50℃ to 600℃)
-58°F to 1,130°F (-50°C to 610°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$24.03
$26.13
$18.99 at Amazon
$19.99 at Amazon

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

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.7
4.1

Cold Test with Ice

8.4
7.8
SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Sovarcate HS960D measuring the temperature of an ice chest from 12 inches away. The screen reads 30.2°F.
The Sovarcate HS960D measuring the temperature of an ice chest from 16 inches away. The screen reads 30.7°F.
Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 measures the surface temperature of an ice chest from 12 inches away. The screen reads 33.4°F.
The Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 measures the surface temperature of an ice chest from 16 inches away. The screen reads 34.3°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
30.2°F
33.4°F
Temperature at 16”
30.7°F
34.3°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

5.6
1.6
SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The Sovarcate HS960D measuring the temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 12 inches away. The screen reads 373°F.
The Sovarcate HS960D measuring the temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 16 inches away. The screen reads 369°F.
Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The reading of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 from 12 inches away from a hot pan of cooking oil: 374.7°F.
The Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 measures the surface temperature of a pan of cooking oil from 16 inches away. The screen reads 381.2F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
373°F
374.7°F
Temperature at 16”
369°F
381.2°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.5
7.3

In the Box

The Sovarcate HS960D in the center of the frame. To the left of the IR thermometer are the user manual and the batteries, and to the right is the plastic packaging.
The Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 is in the frame's center. The user manual and the warranty card are to the left, and the plastic packaging is to the right.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Sovarcate HS960D. The height is 6.3 inches, the length is 4.3 inches, and the width is 1.81 inches.
The dimensions of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080. The length is 3.9 inches, the width is 1.57 inches, and the height is 6.3 inches.
Weight
5.6 oz (158 g)
4.6 oz (130 g)
Length
4.3" (10.9 cm)
3.9" (9.9 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.6 cm)
1.6" (4.0 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
7.0
SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer Build Quality video
The Sovarcate HS960D lying on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.
The black-and-yellow Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 on its side on a dark grey concrete table top.

Laser Emitter

9.5
8.0
The bright red single-dot laser beam of the Sovarcate HS960D IR thermometer in a dark room.
The bright red single-dot laser beam of the Sovarcate HS960D IR thermometer in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Sovarcate HS960D IR thermometer.
The red laser dot of the laser emitter on the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 in a dark room.
The red laser dot of the laser emitter on the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 in a dark room.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

9.5
7.0
The colored LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS960D. The screen reads 27.3°C and is in HOLD mode.
The backlit LCD display panel of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 with the backlight off (left) and on (right). The screen shows 78.9°F.
The LCD display panel of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 with the backlight off (left) and on (right.)
Display Type
Color LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD Panel
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.18

Battery Compartment

The battery compartment of the Sovarcate HS960D is opened. The user manual is to the right of the IR thermometer. Both are lying on a slate grey concrete table top.
The inside of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080’s battery compartment, with two triple-A batteries and a pull tab.
Battery Type
AAA
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
7.2
5.5

Handling

9.0
7.5
The SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer in the gloved hand of a reviewer against a blurry blue backdrop with a pitcher.
The SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer in the gloved hand of a reviewer against a blurry blue backdrop with a pitcher.
The indents on the textured handgrip of the Sovarcate HS960D IR thermometer.
The black, textured plastic backside of the Sovarcate HS960D’s handgrip.
The black-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 IR thermometer.
The black-gloved hand of a reviewer holding and using the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 IR thermometer.
The indents at the front of the handle of the Etekcity Lasergrip 1080 IR thermometer.

Measurement Modes

3.0
6.0
Emissivity
0.10-1.00
0.10-1.00
Average Mode
No
No
Min Mode
No
No
Max Mode
No
Yes
Calibration
No
No
Alarm Mode
No
No

Audio Cues

9.0
0.0
The control panel and the speaker holes on the Sovarcate HS960D IR thermometer. The button reads “°C/°F”, “EMS”, and symbol for the laser light.