Sign In

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

SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs. Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Sovarcate HS960D Digital

$18.99 from Amazon

Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer

$29.99 from Amazon
SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs. Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

The result is tight between the Sovarcate HS960D manual thermometer and the Mecurate IRT600A. While the Sovarcate did better in the performance test, the Mecurate has a much better usability score. The two thermometers tie in terms of design.

Both models have solid construction and feature good-to-haves like colored LCD panels, extra measurement modes, and a 13-point laser emitter.

But in light of their similarity, you should focus on the most important thing for an IR thermometer: measurement accuracy. In this case, it’s the Sovarcate HS960D that takes the cake.

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
  • Solid build quality.
  • Has several measurement modes.
  • Practical laser emitter with 13-point patterning.
  • Easy to handle with a clicky, tactile trigger.
  • Bright, colored VA display panel.
  • Comes bundled with a meat thermometer
  • Doesn't come with many measurement modes
  • Unreliable readings. Multiple continuous scans are required before the thermometer re-calibrates itself and output more accurate results.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4.3 x W1.81 x H6.3 inches
L3.75 x W1.75 x H5.5 inches
Weight
5.58 ounces
5 ounces
Display type
Color LCD VA panel
Colored LCD VA panel
Measurement modes
1
3 (EMS, Average, Max)
Audio cues
Yes
Yes
Temperature range
-58°F to 1112°F(-50℃ to 600℃)
-58 to 1,122°F (-50 to 600°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$24.03
$25.61
$18.99 at Amazon
$29.99 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
6.9

Cold Test with Ice

8.4
8.6
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.
Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer Cold Test with Ice Video
The Mecurate IRT600A is being used by a reviewer to measure the surface temperature of an ice bath. The display shows 30.7°F.
A reviewer using the Mecurate IR600A to measure the surface temperature of an ice water bath. The screen displays 32°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature12
30.2°F
30.7°F
Temperature16
30.7°F
32°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

5.6
5.8
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.
Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer Hot Test with Cooking Oil Video
The Mecurate IRT600A is used to scan the temperature of boiling oil in a pan from 12 inches away. The screen reads 373°F.
The Mecurate IRT600A is used to scan the temperature of boiling oil in a pan from 16 inches away. The screen reads 365°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature12
373°F
373°F
Temperature16
369°F
365°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.5
9.5

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 content of the Mecurate IRT600A’s shipping box, which includes the IR thermometer, a meat probe, batteries, and paperworks.

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 Mecurate IRT600A. The height is 5.5 inches, the length is 3.75 inches, and the width is 1.75 inches.
Weight
5.6 oz (158 g)
5.0 oz (142 g)
Length
4.3" (10.9 cm)
3.8" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.6 cm)
1.8" (4.4 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
5.5" (14.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
9.0
SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer Build Quality video
The Sovarcate HS960D lying on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.
Mecurate IRT600A Digital Infrared Thermometer Build Quality Video
The side profile of the Mecurate IRT600A. The thermometer is lying on a dark grey concrete table.
The front profile of the Mecurate IRT600A while it’s lying on a dark grey concrete table.

Laser Emitter

9.5
10
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 Mecurate IRT600A laser dot pattern in a dark room.
The Mecurate IRT600A laser dot pattern in a dark room.
The Mecurate IRT600A is scanning the temperature of the top of its shipping box, showcasing the 13-dot laser emitter.
The large infrared sensor and the active laser emitter on the Mecurate IRT600A IR thermometer. The laser emitter is lit up.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
13-point
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

9.5
10
The colored LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS960D. The screen reads 27.3°C and is in HOLD mode.
The colored VA-type display panel at the back of the Mecurate IRT600A IR thermometer. The screen is showing 28°C.
The colored VA display panel of the Mecurate IRT600A displays data very clearly and vividly.
Display Type
Color LCD VA panel
Colored LCD VA
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.3

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 internal battery compartment of the Mecurate IRT600A thermometer. Two AAA batteries are already in place.
The battery compartment of the Mecurate IRT600A, with the batteries in place.
Battery Type
AAA
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
7.2
7.9

Handling

9.0
9.0
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 Mecurate IRT600A is being tested by a reviewer. The IR thermometer measures the surface temperature of a dark grey table.
The Mecurate IRT600A is being tested by a reviewer. The IR thermometer measures the surface temperature of a dark grey table.
A close-up shot of the textured portion of the back of the Mecurate IR thermometer’s handle.
A close-up shot of the indents at the front of the Mecurate IR thermometer’s handle.

Measurement Modes

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

Audio Cues

9.0
8.0
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.