AmScope: student, stereo and biological microscopes from Irvine

Shopping at AmScope? See all current AmScope promo codes and deals, checked regularly.

AmScope is the microscope brand of United Scope, a company based in Irvine, California, that designs and sells its own instruments online. Most company profiles date it to 1996, and it covers almost every level of microscopy, from student and hobby scopes to stereo microscopes for electronics and jewellery work, biological microscopes for labs, cameras, lighting and lab supplies.

It suits parents and teachers buying a first proper microscope, hobbyists who want a stereo scope for soldering, coins or insects, and small labs that need a dependable compound microscope without a big-name price. The model names are long and technical, but they spell out what you get: magnification, head type (monocular, binocular or trinocular) and the light source.

What's worth a look

Six microscopes from the homepage, from a classroom stereo model up to a biological scope with its own screen, all at the prices shown when we checked.

For a first microscope, the EduPro range is the place to start. The EDU2L stereo microscope is $229.99 and has lighting from above and below, which is what you want for looking at solid objects such as leaves, rocks and insects. The EDU3L at $299.99 adds a 10X to 30X range.

For slides and cells you need a compound or biological microscope instead. The B250C is a binocular model with up to 2500X magnification and a mechanical stage for $289.99, while the B120C-R-DMH18070 at $628.99 swaps the eyepieces for a 7-inch digital display head and charges by USB-C, which makes it easier to share what you see with a group. The SZ750TP is a trinocular zoom head on its own, for people building or upgrading a setup.

If you're buying for a child, a stereo model is usually the more rewarding first scope, because you can put almost anything under it without making a slide. Older students working towards biology exams will get more from a compound microscope such as the B250C or the EDU550M, which has a 3W LED light and a mechanical stage for moving slides precisely.

Current offers

We list several AmScope deals, all with free shipping on US orders: savings on stereo, student, darkfield and bundled microscopes, and up to 70% off microscope cameras and digital microscopes. Some models on the homepage, such as the B120 series, were also showing a reduced price when we checked. AmScope's own site gives free shipping on orders over $149 and a 30-day returns policy.

How to save more

• Pick the type before the model. Stereo microscopes are for solid objects and compound microscopes are for slides, and buying the wrong one is the most common mistake.
• Look at the bundles. A microscope with a camera, slides and accessories in one order can cost less than buying them separately.
• Keep orders above $149 for free shipping, and check the camera deals if you want to photograph what you see.

Products, prices and offers checked on the store's own website on 7 Nov 2026. Prices and stock can change.

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