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SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Sovarcate HS960D Digital

$18.99 from Amazon

ThermoPro TP-30 Digital

$19.99 from Amazon
SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

Although the ThermoPro TP-30 has the advantage of being the IR thermometer we used in the lab for months, even before the review project started, our reviewers and our benchmark still lean in favor of the Sovarcate HS960D being the better thermometer.

In the performance test, for example, the Sovarcate HS960D scored higher overall, scoring 6.7 out of 10. Meanwhile, the ThermoPro TP-30 only stops at 6.3.

In terms of design, the Sovarcate HS960D is the clear winner with its colored LCD screen and bright, 13-point laser emitter. The build quality of the Sovarcate is also much better.

The Sovarcate is also better in terms of usability, with a more comfortable user experience and a broader array of extra measurement modes. It also comes with a speaker, which the ThermoPro TP-30 doesn’t have.

Overall, the Sovarcate HS960D will be a more value-packed purchase than the ThermoPro TP-30.

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
  • Relatively affordable
  • Bright laser emitter
  • The display panel is bright and does a good job of displaying data
  • Comes with a variety of measurement modes
  • Doesn’t come with many measurement modes
  • Overall measurement accuracy is mediocre
  • Handling experience could be better

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4.3 x W1.81 x H6.3 inches
L4.13 x W1.65 x H5.9
Weight
5.58 ounces
5 ounces
Display type
Color LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD panel
Measurement modes
1
3
Audio cues
Yes
No
Temperature range
-58°F to 1112°F(-50℃ to 600℃)
-58°F to -1,022°F (-50°C to 550°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$24.03
$22.92
$18.99 at Amazon
$19.99 at Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.7
6.3

Cold Test with Ice

8.4
6.8
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.
ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer Cold Test
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of an ice chest from 12 inches away. The screen reads 34.7°F.
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of an ice chest from 16 inches away. The screen reads 35.4°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
30.2°F
34.9°F
Temperature at 16”
30.7°F
35.4°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

5.6
6.0
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.
ThermoPro TP-30 Digital Infrared Thermometer Hot Test
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of boiling oil in a pan from 12 inches away. The screen reads 372.2°F.
The ThermoPro TP-30 is used to scan the temperature of boiling oil in a pan from 16 inches away. The screen reads 368.4°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
373°F
372.2°F
Temperature at 16”
369°F
368.4°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.5
7.9

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 ThermoPro TP-30 stands upright on its handle on a dark grey concrete table top. To its left are the shipping box and user manuals named “ThermoPro” in front.

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 ThermoPro TP-30. The length is 4.13 inches, the width is 1.65 inches, and the height is 5.9 inches.
Weight
5.6 oz (158 g)
5.0 oz (142 g)
Length
4.3" (10.9 cm)
4.1" (10.5 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.6 cm)
1.6" (4.2 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
5.9" (15.0 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
7.5
SOVARCATE HS960D Infrared Thermometer Build Quality video
The Sovarcate HS960D lying on its side on a slate 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 single-dot, red laser produced by the laser emitter of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer.
The single-dot, red laser produced by the laser emitter of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer.
The laser emitter and the IR sensor of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

9.5
8.5
The colored LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS960D. The screen reads 27.3°C and is in HOLD mode.
The ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer’s display with the backlight off (left) and on (right). The screen reads 84°F.
The ThermoPro TP-30’s display 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.
Battery Type
AAA
AAA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
7.2
5.0

Handling

9.0
7.0
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 ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer in the white-gloved hand of a reviewer, who’s using it to measure the internal temperature of a toaster oven.
The ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer in the white-gloved hand of a reviewer, who’s using it to measure the internal temperature of a toaster oven.
The indented handle of the ThermoPro TP-30 IR thermometer being gripped by the white-gloved hand of a reviewer.

Measurement Modes

3.0
5.0
Emissivity
0.10-1.00
No
Average Mode
No
Yes
Min Mode
No
Yes
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.