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SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs. Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Infrared Thermometer Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Sovarcate HS960D Digital

$18.99 from Amazon

Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Infrared Thermometer

$28.99 from Amazon
SOVARCATE HS960D Manual vs. Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Infrared Thermometer

Overall Verdict

When comparing the Sovarcate HS960D and the Etekcity LaserGrip 800, it's important to note that the latter offers higher measurement accuracy. Our benchmark awards the Etekcity a commendable total performance score of 7.0, surpassing the HS960D's score of 6.7.

Beyond accuracy, the Etekcity LaserGrip 800's superior D:S (distance-to-spot) ratio is worth considering. With a ratio of 16:1 compared to the Sovarcate's 12:1, the Etekcity enables precise measurements from a greater distance.

However, in terms of design and usability, the Etekcity thermometer falls short compared to the Sovarcate. The Sovarcate boasts a colored LCD screen and a more vibrant and intricate 13-point laser emitter. Additionally, while both thermometers exhibit rugged build quality, the Sovarcate HS980E receives a higher score thanks to its use of superior materials.

Usability is an area where the Etekcity LaserGrip 800 lags behind the Sovarcate HS960D. Its irregularly shaped handle makes it less comfortable to hold and lacks additional measurement modes, significantly limiting its applications. Furthermore, it lacks a speaker, which further diminishes its functionality.

In contrast, our reviewer reported that the Sovarcate HS960D provides a comfortable grip even during prolonged use, offers an additional measurement mode, and includes a speaker for added convenience.

If you prioritize measurement accuracy and desire a higher D:S ratio, the Etekcity LaserGrip 800 is suitable. However, if you seek durability and versatility, the Sovarcate HS960D is an excellent option that should not be overlooked.

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
  • A 16:1 distance-to-spot (D:S) ratio, which allows the user to measure objects from farther distances.
  • Bright laser emitter.
  • The display panel is brightly lit and readable even under harsh studio lighting.
  • Battery is included and already installed when taken out of the box.
  • Doesn’t come with many measurement modes
  • Don’t come with any extra measurement mode.
  • Loose battery compartment door.
  • Don’t have any speaker or audio cues.

Key Specs

Dimensions
L4.3 x W1.81 x H6.3 inches
L5 x W2.75 x H7 inches
Weight
5.58 ounces
6.8 ounces
Display type
Color LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD
Measurement modes
1
0
Audio cues
Yes
No
Temperature range
-58°F to 1112°F(-50℃ to 600℃)
-58 to 1,382°F (-50 to 750°C)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$24.03
$25.52
$18.99 at Amazon
$28.99 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
7.0

Cold Test with Ice

8.4
6.6
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.
Etekcity Lasergrip 800 Infrared Thermometer Cold Test with Ice Video
A reviewer is using the Etekcity Lasergrip at a distance of 12 inches to measure the surface temperature of an ice bath. The screen reads 28.4°F.
The Etekcity Lasergrip 800 is being used by a reviewer to measure the surface temperature of an ice bath from a distance of 16 inches. The screen displays 29°F.
Ice Temperature
32°F
32°F
Temperature at 12”
30.2°F
28.4°F
Temperature at 16”
30.7°F
29°F

Hot Test with Cooking Oil

5.6
7.3
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 800 Infrared Thermometer Hot Test with Cooking Oil Video
A reviewer is using the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 to measure the surface temperature of a vat of hot cooking oil from a distance of 12 inches. The screen reads 369.4°F.
A reviewer is using the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 to measure the surface temperature of a vat of hot oil at a distance of 16 inches. The screen reads 367.4°F.
Oil Temperature
361°F
361°F
Temperature at 12”
373°F
369.4°F
Temperature at 16”
369°F
367.4°F

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.5
8.0

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 800 IR thermometer lying on a dark grey table in the center, with its user manual to the left and its plastic box 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 800. The length is 5 inches, the width is 2.75 inches, and the height is 7 inches.
Weight
5.6 oz (158 g)
6.8 oz (193 g)
Length
4.3" (10.9 cm)
5.0" (12.7 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.6 cm)
2.8" (7.0 cm)
Height
6.3" (16.0 cm)
7.0" (17.8 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.
A close-up view of the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
A close-up view of the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
A close-up view of the grip of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
The control panel with four buttons on the Etekcity Lasergrip 800.

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 Etekcity Lasergrip 800’s laser emitter in a dark room.
Laser Pattern
Single-dot
Single-dot
Brightness
Good
Good

Display Panel

9.5
9.0
The colored LCD VA display panel of the Sovarcate HS960D. The screen reads 27.3°C and is in HOLD mode.
A close-up of the LCD screen panel of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800. The screen displays 84.3°F.
A close-up of the LCD screen panel of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800. The screen displays 84.3°F.
The LCD screen panel of the EtekCity Lasergrip 800 with the backlight turned on. The screen currently displays 81.9°F.
Display Type
Color LCD VA panel
Backlit LCD
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 door of the battery compartment is opened on the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer, revealing the 9V battery cell inside and connecting wires.
The IR thermometer comes with the battery pre-installed inside. The battery is a standard 9V cell.
Battery Type
AAA
9V

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
7.2
3.8

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 is pressing on the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
The black-gloved hand of a reviewer is pressing on the trigger of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.
A close-up view of the grip of the Etekcity Lasergrip 800 IR thermometer.

Measurement Modes

3.0
0.0
Emissivity
0.10-1.00
No
Average Mode
No
No
Min Mode
No
No
Max Mode
No
No
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.