Last Updated: July 25, 2020 (Refresh Now)
Seek Thermal Compact All Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera for iOS
Last Updated: July 25, 2020 (Refresh Now)
6.5
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
998
Old Reviews
584
Unverified
83
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12 meters
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Review Analysis - 331 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Software Platform
56android, seek, location, permissions, thermal
+21%
-79%
" ... However, I haven't been able to use it for more than two years now due to the change in their software. ... "
" ... I did not get the Compactpro for iOS instead I received the one for Android. ... "
" ... The device itself is great, however, the REQUIRED app only cares about having your location data ALL OF THE TIME. ... I have uninstalled the app, destroyed the device, and tossed it in the garbage. ... "
" ... After research, Seek Thermal did not update to Android 10, now it REQUIRES full access to GPS and Microphone, before the app will work. ... I am posting where I can for people to not buy Seek Thermal devices, or use their devices until this is repaired, the app is now spyware. ... I am also asking Google to please consider this a violation of terms, and the app and related links should be removed from the Play Store. ... "
" ... This was NOT for iOS but was for android. ... "
" ... Great camera, but the apps unneeded tracking permissions are disturbing. ... "
" ... My phone - a Samsung Galaxy S3 - WAS included in the list. ... When I clicked on the SEEK THERMAL app for details , hoping to begin downloading it, I received only a RED TEXT NOTICE informing me that "YOUR DEVICE ISN'T COMPATIBLE WITH THIS VERSION!" ... The PRODUCT DESCRIPTION is incomplete in that it fails completely to indicate the need for a specific application which much be downloaded and installed on the user's smart phone in order for the Thermal Imaging Camera to function. ... Miniature optical sensor technology optimized to use with most android devices running 4.3 or higher. ... "
" ... Either the software for this is too buggy or the iPhone 7 and older phones are too slow for this imager. ... "
Apps
42seek, location, android, permissions, thermal
+24%
-76%
" ... The next thing that happens is it says it cannot find device (you know, the one plugged into the phone so the app would start) There are literally four lines of instructions which were followed to the letter. ... "
" ... After 20-30 days the Android application stops working unless you grant it permissions to keep track of your position _all_ the time. ... "
" ... When I clicked on the SEEK THERMAL app for details , hoping to begin downloading it, I received only a RED TEXT NOTICE informing me that "YOUR DEVICE ISN'T COMPATIBLE WITH THIS VERSION!" ... There was only that one version of the application available for download from the Play Store . ... "
" ... Android app REQUIRES full time access to your location. ... They don't need that permission, even Facebook doesn't require that permission for their app. ... "
" ... App originally required you to register an account, but they backed off after a lot of complaints. ... The app then requested permissions it doesn't need, (most notably your location), but you could just deny the permission and the app would still run. ... Then they updated the app. ... "
" ... It won't work on my husbands Android at all, it only works on mine for a few seconds. ... "
" ... When I clicked the 'create account' button on my Samsung phone to use the camera the app would crash. ... To test, I deleted the app on my onplus6 (that was working) and reinstalled the app on it . ... "
" ... So I can't talk about the actual camera at all as I refuse to use their app. ... (I don't believe this should be needed or required) As I am unwilling to give them my data for free their app wont function so now the camera is useless. ... "
Device Compatibility
38phones, android, recognized, compatible, list
+37%
-63%
" ... There is a list of compatible phone which they never disclose that. ... "
" ... Even with an adapter it does not work on my IPhone. ... "
" ... Does not work with galaxy s8!!!!! ... "
" ... Tried two different devices. ... "
" ... Didn't work, plugged it in, booted up the app and "device not detected". ... "
" ... I tried this imager on an iPhone 6s and an iPhone 7. ... "
" ... When I select "Connect Your Camera", I get the message: "Oops! ... "
" ... Galaxy S9+ phones will not work ... "
Camera
38thermal, image, access, seek, flir
+63%
-37%
" ... All the pics and videos are deposited in my Photos, so easy to find. ... "
" ... This is one of the easiest cameras to operate! ... I'm so glad that I found this camera. ... "
" ... The camera and app are easy to use. ... "
" ... Seek did a nice job on this camera. ... This is not a $10,000 camera, so don't expect it to be, but I'm certainly pleased with the quality of the image I'm seeing on this $270 gadget. ... "
" ... I am very happy with the camera. ... "
" ... Or a thermal camera. ... "
" ... It’s actually a pretty good thermal camera with decent image quality. ... "
" ... I cannot say how elated I am to have come across this thermal imaging camera. ... "
Price
29money, cost, waste, worth, dollars
+76%
-24%
" ... For the price I think it is well worth the money. ... "
" ... Ok for the price , don’t expect a lot of detail ... "
" ... Seems to be a good product for the price. ... "
" ... I think for the price there isn't anything comprable from competitors in terms of specs. ... "
" ... It's beyond me how they can make something work this well for this cost. ... "
" ... For the money savings it suits me fine. ... "
" ... worth the cost l-could have better quality but great quality for the price you pay. ... "
" ... I bought this as it seemed to have a decent review compilation and due to it being under $200. ... "
Ports
26adapter, micro usb, usb, adapters, usb c adapter
+38%
-62%
" ... I noted that there was apparently a need for an adapter since the Thermal Imager was fitted with a "micro" USB which was NOT the same as the "micro" USB on my phone. ... "
" ... This device won't connect unless I remove the phone case, because it needs to plug into the USB charger to the extent that it sits firmly against the phone. ... "
" ... The company does NOT have a USB-C interface. ... I tried several adapters . ... "
" ... My only gripe is that it is not USB-C, as my primary device has that. ... It can sometimes take up to 30 seconds for the USB connection to the imager to be re-established, so be patient! ... "
" ... I receive 'this email is already registered' for every single email I have on 3 different devices with this plug port. ... "
" ... Adapter seems to be a little loose when connected in a usable direction (i.e. ... "
" ... So I purchased an adapter and it doesn't work at all with the adapter but works just fine on a device with the same style of Micro-usb ... "
" ... Also, I guess I have to get a USB port extender. ... "
Ease of Use
25easy, user friendly, app, use, set
+80%
-20%
" ... Small compact easy to use. ... "
" ... It is really easy to install it and start the app. ... "
" ... The camera and app are easy to use. ... "
" ... Very small, very easy to use, has so many features and functions, photos and videos share straight from smartphone no need to upload files to a computer from flash drive or sd card. ... "
" ... Compact easy to operate and able to have the two formats of picture with same click ... "
" ... User interface is easy to learn but not all modes function equivalently. ... "
" ... Just playing with it easy to figure out modes. ... "
" ... Plain and simple. ... "
Returns
21amazon, returned, refund, seek, returning
-100%
" ... got an opened one, not sure it was used or returned, but definitely not a new one. ... "
" ... I have to return it. ... "
" ... I am now beyond the return period and stuck with it. ... "
" ... Returned it to Seek. ... "
" ... to return this item. ... "
" ... There seems to be no way you can get help with this product that's why I'm returning it doesn't do what they say and I can't get help to fix it ... "
" ... This one goes back. ... "
" ... I believe I will return the item before and give the Seek Shot a try. ... "
Product Reliability
20seek, months, working, years, two years
+50%
-50%
" ... Non-functional unit out of the box! ... "
" ... After 4 months and used 6 times it is no longer recognized by my smartphone . ... still not recognized. ... "
" ... I used the app for about a minute with the camera and everything was working fine, then all the sudden it crashed/froze. ... "
" ... However, I haven't been able to use it for more than two years now due to the change in their software. ... But then they changed it again about a year and a half ago. ... "
" ... I did computer work for 25 years and never, ever, witnessed this behavior, it’s completely bizarre. ... "
" ... Piece of junk. ... "
" ... The software said I signed up but the sign-on said there was an error. ... "
" ... Broke after 1 week of use ... "
Picture Quality
17image, pictures, works, images, grainy
+59%
-41%
" ... works good needs better picture. ... "
" ... Picture quality could’ve been better ... "
" ... Easy to use and good picture ... "
" ... Making and saving pictures is easy. ... "
" ... Actually provides a viewable useable image. ... "
" ... Upon setting up, picture quality was great. ... "
" ... The image quality is surprisingly good. ... "
Marketplace
17amazon, works as described, works, image, seek
+59%
-41%
" ... works good needs better picture. ... "
" ... Unit works as described. ... "
" ... The picture shows where I stood for just a few seconds! ... "
" ... The product is OK .AMAZON service is as good as usual. ... "
" ... Works as stated. ... "
" ... The product is good as described. ... "
" ... Works as advertised ... "
" ... The Seek imager works as described. ... The Application works as described. ... The Seek imager also focuses as described. ... "
Capacity
14walls, spot, leaks, heat, insulation
+86%
-14%
" ... I kept telling my fiance she has air leaks in her house. ... "
" ... Been very helpful finding insulation gaps in exterior walls. ... "
" ... Picked up my dog OK in the yard. ... "
" ... Got this one to use for Night sailing, Night time search for our cats as well as house fixing. ... "
" ... Easily make out houses 1000 feet away. ... "
" ... Used to look for a/c leaks or hot spots in my house. ... "
" ... I bought this unit to look at our house and cottage to see if we were loosing heat around the exterior of the house. ... "
" ... I bought this to test this unit out and to see if I could determine where I was getting heat escape from the house. ... "
Lens
14focus, defects, thermal, image, focusable
+79%
-21%
" ... The focus/clarity leaves a little to be desired but still extremely functional. ... "
" ... Lo único que hay que mejorar es que no tiene modo macro. ... "
" ... If you use the lens' focus it improves the quality a whole lot. ... "
" ... It's easier to focus the lens using the black / white image mode first before going to the color filter to show the thermal image. ... "
" ... It has a manual focus adjust (rotating adjustment around the lens) that allows for crisper pictures at different distances, which is important. ... "
" ... The carrying case still had the protective film on where the lens is supposed to go. ... "
" ... However, for everything outside, the lens I have works great. ... "
" ... Only problem is that thermal image is quite a bit telephoto as compared to my standard Note 8 camera magnification and the two images are off-center relative to one another as the thermal camera is mounted on the opposite end of the phone (top) as compared to the Seek device plugged into the USB-C port via an adapter at least 6-inches away from the Note 8 camera lens. ... "
Fit
14adapter, seek, imager, connector, thick
+21%
-79%
" ... Only small annoyance is that the camera cannot be used with a phone case, the connector is too short. ... "
" ... This will not fit a phone with a case. ... Also, it sucks to have to remove the phone case every time I want to use the imager. ... "
" ... It then fell apart and didn’t work. ... "
" ... This is poorly designed and it does not fit the iphone. ... "
" ... At first, the Phone could not find the camera /at all/ until I removed the slim phone case. ... "
" ... When I pulled on that it came loose and now wobbles. ... Also don't like that I had to take my iPhone out of its case so the Seek would fit in the lightening connector. ... "
" ... The description said it is for an Android but the cord adapter doesn't fit my phone. ... "
" ... Removing the case is very hard on the phone (it's a good, if slim, case . ) ... "
Display Clarity
12thermal, screen, ratio, preferences, pixels
+92%
-8%
" ... The resolution was what made me want to keep it ... "
" ... Not as high resolution and clear and "great" as they claim. ... "
" ... I wouldn't claim that the on-screen temperature numbers are super accurate, but it gives a pretty good reference within what appears to be maybe 5% accuracy. ... "
" ... Resolution is more than adequate for hobbist/home use. ... "
" ... Decent resolution and very easy to use. ... "
" ... On the plus side, the extra pixels are GREAT! ... "
" ... with the app showing a solid black image on the capture screen. ... "
" ... High thermal resolution for less money than a lot of pistol grip cams with measly 32x32 or 60x60 pixels? ... Having your phone with its large screen as a thermal imaging monitor? ... "
Size
12small, seek, imager, comes, case
+92%
-8%
" ... Also it's tiny and comes with a great little protective case. ... "
" ... Portable and handy to use. ... "
" ... I have the compact, and it does work. ... It's been very handy in many situations. ... "
" ... What I did instead was cut a larger slot out of the box the imager came in so I can store and carry the imager with USB-C adapter always attached. ... "
" ... It’s nice and compact. ... "
" ... Small compact easy to use. ... "
" ... I have the compact pro. ... "
" ... One thing I like about Seek is the portability and ease of handling, it is not chunky like ThermApp. ... "
Product As Described
11works as described, works, image, seek, images
+82%
-18%
" ... works good needs better picture. ... "
" ... Unit works as described. ... "
" ... The picture shows where I stood for just a few seconds! ... "
" ... Works as stated. ... "
" ... The product is good as described. ... "
" ... Works as advertised ... "
" ... The Seek imager works as described. ... The Application works as described. ... The Seek imager also focuses as described. ... "
Build Quality
9broke, thick, thermal, seek, plastic carrying case
+22%
-78%
" ... Broke after 1 week of use ... "
" ... When I pulled on that it came loose and now wobbles. ... "
" ... So basically this is a useless $160 dollar piece of plastic on your desk. ... "
" ... Fell apart at about 3 months. ... "
" ... The Seek Thermal CompactXR camera has a non-adjustable connector, which required my very slim case to be removed. ... Removing the case is very hard on the phone (it's a good, if slim, case . ) ... "
" ... It then fell apart and didn’t work. ... "
" ... The few I have tried either arrived dead or broke after only a couple of uses. ... "
Overall performance
7thermal, job, fast, slow, seek
+57%
-43%
" ... This was so worth it, fast shipping, very excellent. ... "
" ... For that price point, Seek Thermal get the job done. ... "
" ... All in all, for home use the thermal cimager does its job well. ... "
" ... (Maybe the newer iPhones are fast enough???). ... "
Heating
7something, see, heating, cold, wall
+86%
-14%
" ... Apparently this is due to the fact that something in the thermal imager body heats up during operation. ... "
" ... Shows where attention is needed to stop heat/cold transfers. ... "
" ... Used it check my electrical panel for any signs of heating. ... "
" ... It worked great for finding the hot/cold spots on my grill. ... "
" ... I saw where all the heat was coming in while the AC was running. ... "
Setup
6instructions, easy, demo, works, use
+83%
-17%
" ... It is really easy to install it and start the app. ... "
" ... Haven't used it on a car or anything else yet but very impressed with it and ease of setup and use! ... "
" ... However, I read a lot of the reviews and watched some demo videos on Youtube and it looked pretty cool. ... "
For Fun
6thermal, much, ton, camera, 200
+100%
" ... I use this thermal camera mostly just for fun. ... "
" ... This was purchased to be a fun thing our family from 7 to 87 could enjoy together over Christmas. ... So much for the thermal imaging fun . ... "
" ... Fun to check it heat signatures. ... "
" ... And, it is very fascinating and fun, too. ... "
" ... If you get a good price under $200 it's great for a homeowner looking for trouble or just for fun. ... "
Cooling
6cold, spots, hot, cools, cooling
+83%
-17%
" ... This is very cool. ... "
" ... They help me quickly know where I need cooling in projects. ... "
" ... It was pretty cool technology . ... "
" ... As the weather cools down, I’ll use it further chase down energy leaks around the house. ... "
" ... Cool gadget to have as a homeowner. ... "
Resolution
5want, better, pro, price, could
+80%
-20%
" ... The resolution was what made me want to keep it ... "
" ... Not as high resolution and clear and "great" as they claim. ... "
" ... The resolution could be better, but for the price you can't beat it. ... "
" ... I might want to buy the pro version with better resolution. ... "
Color
5images, use, temperature, resolution, imagers
+60%
-40%
" ... The image has good resolution and the sensitivity is outstanding. ... "
" ... Actually provides a viewable useable image. ... "
Features
5different, auto, modes, cool, app
+60%
-40%
" ... many different settings. ... "
" ... It was pretty cool technology . ... "
" ... Enough different modes etc. ... "
Zoom
5manual focus, ring, image, grainy
+60%
-40%
" ... Focus is easy enough to use, similar to binoculars. ... "
" ... Focus wheel is a little odd to get used to, but after you figure it out, works pretty good. ... "
" ... Lots of the reviews say image is grainy, Im not sure they are using the manual focus properly. ... "
Design
5tool, tiny, price, look, hard
+80%
-20%
" ... In that regard it hasn't really paid for itself yet, but certainly looks like it will after a while (it's a comparison tool - compare a thermal picture of a known good board with a questionable failing board, so just takes time to establish a good baseline). ... "
" ... Sophisticated users might take a look. ... "
" ... Ok for the price , don’t expect a lot of detail ... "
" ... Also it's tiny and comes with a great little protective case. ... "
Comfort
5hands, fell apart
+20%
-80%
" ... It's gotten to the point of serious irritation. ... "
" ... Very uncomfortable with this. ... "
" ... It then fell apart and didn’t work. ... "
Charging
5usb, micro usb, charging, weduda, usb c connector
-100%
" ... I returned the unit and challenged the charge on my credit card only to be denied. ... "
" ... Second, the camera itself never initialized because it uses the Android devices micro-USB as the power source. ... "
" ... This device won't connect unless I remove the phone case, because it needs to plug into the USB charger to the extent that it sits firmly against the phone. ... "
" ... Also wish I could still be charging while in use that was very disappointing as well ... "
Wash Programs
4modes, different, easy, available
+100%
" ... many different settings. ... "
" ... Just playing with it easy to figure out modes. ... "
" ... Enough different modes etc. ... "
Sound Quality
4video, recalibration, make, annoying, noise
-100%
" ... The other one is the auto calibrating ie the clicking sound which makes the video feed stutter all the time, so annoying!!!! ... "
" ... The clicking sound is annoying though. ... "
" ... Biggest issue I had was the constant recalibration it did, where it would make audible noises and reset the high/low. ... "
USB
4usb c, worked, micro usb, camera, adapter
+25%
-75%
" ... The biggest problem I have had is with the USB plug. ... Don't know if it is the adapter or the camera USB. ... "
" ... None of them would recognize the camera as a USB device. ... "
" ... It is 2018 and usb-c is not an option. ... DO NOT ORDER IF YOUR PHONE IS USB-C. ... "
Network
4house, see, heat, connection
+50%
-50%
" ... The connection is flaky. ... "
For Travel
3case, adapter
+100%
" ... Love using it in the mountains while hiking around at night. ... "
" ... I plan on taking it camping to use at night ... "
" ... The Hermitshell Travel Case for Jabra Elite fits the storage case very well and provides room for for lightening adapter. ... "
GPS
3app, gps coordinates, running, run, data
+67%
-33%
" ... Its used to add GPS data to the exif info in a picture. ... "
" ... The white boxes were GPS coordinates that I erased. ... "
Lagging
3slow, second, freeze, annoying
-100%
" ... The camera continually readjusted itself, and would freeze for half a second each time. ... "
" ... The very frequent stuttering is very annoying. ... "
Band
3-100%
" ... Fell apart at about 3 months. ... "
" ... It then fell apart and didn’t work. ... "
ISP
3connection
-100%
" ... The connection is flaky. ... "
" ... The thermal does not work without internet connection. ... "
" ... It did not work on my ZTE Maven3. ... "
Call quality
3seek, phones, phone, bad, 5
-100%
" ... call company tomorrow 5/18/20 ... "
" ... Had a neighbor call with a possible sighting, so took this to search the area. ... "
Battery Life
3drain, runs
+67%
-33%
" ... I also love that it gets its power from your phones battery. ... "
" ... I just got this thing a few hours ago. ... "
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Specifications
Body
Size: 12 meters