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SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs SOVARCATE HS980E Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

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Sovarcate HS960D Digital

$18.99 from Amazon

SOVARCATE HS980E Digital

Check Price on Amazon
SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs SOVARCATE HS980E Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

When it comes to measurement accuracy, the Sovarcate HS980E outshines the HS960D in our comprehensive performance tests, earning a solid score of 7.1 out of 10. Conversely, the HS960D falls slightly behind with a score of 6.7.

In terms of design, both models bear a striking resemblance. However, our meticulous reviewer observed that the HS980E possesses a slight advantage with a brighter colored LCD screen and laser emitter. Consequently, it achieves a higher design score of 9.8, surpassing the HS960D's 9.5 rating.

The most significant disparity between these two thermometers lies in their usability. Although they offer a similar handling experience, the Sovarcate HS980E takes the lead with three distinct measurement modes, whereas the HS960D is limited to only one.

As such, the Sovarcate HS980E is a well-rounded upgrade to the HS960D.

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
  • Fairly accurate and reliable temperature readings.
  • Rugged, industrial design
  • Extremely bright laser emitter
  • Color LCD VA screen panel
  • Comes with a good selection of measurement modes
  • Very loud speakers
  • Doesn’t come with many measurement modes
  • Measurement accuracy can be better.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4.3 x W1.81 x H6.3 inches
L3.74 x W1.77 x H6.3 inches
Weight
5.58 ounces
5.5 ounces
Display type
Color LCD VA panel
LCD VA panel
Measurement modes
1
3
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
$19.19
$18.99 at Amazon
Check Price on Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.7
7.1

Cold Test with Ice

8.4
7.0
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.
The Sovarcate HS980E from 12 inches away from the ice bath displays a temperature of 34.2°F on the screen.
The Sovarcate HS980E measuring from a distance of 12 inches from the ice surface, producing a reading of 34.2°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E from 12 inches away from the ice bath displays a temperature of 34.2°F on the screen.
The Sovarcate HS980E from 16 inches away from the ice bath displays a temperature of 35.1°F on the screen.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
30.2°F
34.2°F
Temperature at 16”
30.7°F
35.1°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

5.6
7.2
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.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer measuring the temperature of cooking oil from 12 inches. The screen reads 36.5°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E measuring the boiling oil from a distance of 12 inches. The reading is 36.5°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer measuring the temperature of cooking oil from 12 inches. The screen reads 36.5°F.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer measuring the temperature of cooking oil from 16 inches. The screen reads 37°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
373°F
370°F
Temperature at 16”
369°F
365°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.5
9.8

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 Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer is in the center. The shipping box is to the left, and the right are the batteries and the user manual.

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 Sovarcate HS980E. The length is marked as 3.74 inches, the width is 1.77 inches, and the height is 6.3 inches.
Weight
5.6 oz (158 g)
5.5 oz (156 g)
Length
4.3" (10.9 cm)
3.7" (9.5 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.6 cm)
1.8" (4.5 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
9.5
SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer Build Quality video
The Sovarcate HS960D lying on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.
The Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer on its side on a slate grey concrete table top.

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 13-dot laser pattern of the Sovarcate HS980E on the wall of a dark room.
The 13-dot laser pattern of the Sovarcate HS980E on the wall of a dark room.
The bright red laser emitter and the IR sensor on the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
13-dot
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 LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS980E. The screen currently reads 26.8°C, and the EMS setting is 0.95.
Display Type
Color LCD VA panel
LCD VA panel
Backlight
Yes
Yes
Display Size
1.18
1.37

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 Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer with its battery compartment opened and one of the AAA batteries slotted in. A spare battery is to the left.
Battery Type
AAA
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
7.2
8.3

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 gloved hand of a reviewer holding onto the grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.
The gloved hand of a reviewer holding onto the grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.
The textured grip of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer from the side.
The backside of the textured grip of the Sovarcate HS980E 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
Yes

Audio Cues

9.0
10
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.
The control panel and the speaker holes of the Sovarcate HS980E IR thermometer.