Last updated on March 25, 2021

FLIR ONE PRO REVIEW

If you are a smart home enthusiast, you will agree that a thermal imaging camera is as essential as a flashlight or tape measure.  In fact, an infrared camera is more valuable since it can help you save a lot of money that you would otherwise spend on repairs. 

FLIR is by far one of the top manufacturers of thermal imaging cameraa globally. Also known as FLIR systems, this manufacturer has been in the business of creating thermal imaging solution for over 50 years.

The company boasts of being the world’s sixth sense with its innovative technologies in the making of thermal imaging infrared cameras. One of their most popular and most affordable camera attachments is the FLIR One Pro. It is an update of the FLIR One with improvements such as the VividIR image processing technology that enables you to see components with full details even from a far distance.  

Why Buy the FLIR One Pro?

The FLIR One Pro is designed to help you find invisible problems around the home fast. It’s one of the most powerful compact thermal cameras on the market suitable for residential, commercial and industrial use.

FLIR’s One Pro has optimal high resolution and it can detect temperature differences immediately. So if you’re looking for a versatile thermal smartphone attachment with many powerful metering and adjustment options then the FLIR One Pro is the perfect device for you. 

FLIR ONE PRO Specifications

  • 1440 x 1080 visual resolution
  • 160x 120 thermal sensor resolution
  • 12μm with a spectral range of 8 to 14μm
  • Features the MSX VividlR image and video enhancer
  • Rugged and durable design with a casing
  • Choise of USB C, USB Micro and Lightining connectors
  • ±5% accuracy
  • 150 mK thermal sensitivity
  • 1-hour battery life
FLIR ONE Pro Thermal Imaging Camera for Android USB-C

Design

The FLIR One Pro is designed to be plugged into your SmartPhone. The overall design is slightly more rugged than most thermal camera attachments on the market. The thick lines and frame give it a hardy appearance.

FLIR One Pro may have the same width has your SmartPhone but the camera part is thicker. 

FLIR’s One Pro connector is located in the middle of the device so that the edges don’t protrude when you connect it to your SmartPhone. The output can be extended by an extra 0.3" by using the wheel adjustment located below the One Pro. This allows you to connect the FLIR One Pro to almost any supported iPhone or Andriod SmartPhone even if you are using a thick case. 

FLIR ONE Pro Thermal Imaging Camera for Android USB-C

On the side of it there’s a power button and a USB C input so you can charge the device. It has an independent internal battery so it won’t drain your SmartPhone’s battery life while you’re using the camera.

The FLIR One Pro has two cameras: a thermal core and a visual camera. The thermal imaging camera is what detects temperature differences while the visual camera allows you to snap pictures and videos.

FLIR’s One Pro comes in a black with a robust construction that protects the internal parts from damage. The durable construction ensures that your One Pro camera doesn’t shatter on impact so you’re prepared in case the device is accidentally dropped.

Since this attachment for smartphone is light and compact you can store it in your pocket or in a small pouch when you’re traveling. 

Thermal Image Quality

Flir one attachment
Flir One Pro attachment

The thermal imaging camera offers a 160x120 resolution sensor that’s designed to measure temperatures through infrared emission. FLIR’s One Pro standard visual camera has a resolution of 1440x1080. The paired cameras allow you to take pictures and videos in higher resolutions through the MSX feature which overlays the thermal image on the visual image allowing you to see more details.

FLIR’s One Pro has a 19,200-pixel resolution which is four times as powerful as the Gen 3 VividIR and Pro LT cameras. The FLIR One Pro allows you to see more detail in the objects you’re looking at. To give you an indication of image quality, you can detect the body temperature of a person standing 30m away from you with the FLIR One Pro with the utmost clarity. 

Build quality:

The FLIR One Pro is rugged and durable enough even for harsh environments. It can survive a drop of about 5.9 inches plus it comes with a tough build quality and a protective case. 

The FLIR App

In order for the FLIR One Pro to operate you’ll need to install the compatible app for your SmartPhone. The app is compatible with any Android or iOS SmartPhone. Once you have the app installed you can plug your device into your phone and start inspecting areas with your thermal camera.

FLIR’s One Pro app has a main interface where you can select which filters to use and you can browse through all the options it gives you. Use the MSX (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging) to snap higher resolution images and videos.

The function of the MSX feature is to refine the contours of objects the visual camera detects. These contours will then be shown as transparent lines over the thermal image so you can clearly identify what you’re seeing through the camera. 

Applications

FLIR ONE Pro Thermal Imaging Camera for Android USB-C

There are many ways to put the FLIR One Pro to good use. First of all, in terms of performance, this smartphone attachment produces an image sharp enough to point out heat signatures. 

A camera is an essential tool for home owners and who love to handle the mechanical side of any task at home.

However, if you are going to rely on its batteries, you will have to compromise a bit as the batteries only last about 45 minutes unlike the 1 hour as claimed by FLIR.  Furthermore, the battery takes time to get to full charge which can be an inconvenience for off-grid applications.

Furthermore, the app is not compatible with Google Pixel 2 XL, the Nokia 8, Samsung S9 and S8, the Sony XZ, Xiaomi Mi and the OnePlus 5T.

Available Versions

There are three versions of the FLIR One Pro designed for different inputs. The FLIR One Pro comes with either a USB-C, micro USB or lightning connector.

FLIR One Pro vs. FLIR One Pro LT

FLIR One Pro

FLIR One Pro LT

FLIR ONE Pro - iOS - Professional Grade Thermal Camera for Smartphones - with VividIR and MSX Image Enhancement Technology
FLIR ONE Pro LT - Android (USB-C) - Pro-Grade Thermal Camera for Smartphones - with VividIR and MSX Image Enhancement Technology

Thermal resolution:

160 x 120

Thermal resolution:

80 x 60

Thermal sensitivity:

70mK

Thermal sensitivity:

100mK

Thermal pixel size:

12µm

Thermal pixel size:

17µm

Temperature range:

-4°F - 752°F

Temperature range:

-4°F - 248°F

The FLIR One Pro has many advanced features that the FLIR One Pro LT lacks. There’s a major difference in resolution since the FLIR One Pro gives you 160x120 whereas the Pro LT offers 80x60 thermal image resolutions.

Another major difference between the two FLIR devices is thermal sensitivity. The FLIR One Pro offers higher sensitivity than the Pro LT with 70mK. Pro LT only has a thermal sensitivity of 100mK which is significantly lower.

Other subtle differences include thermal pixel size because the Pro One has a 12µm thermal core that produces more compressed pixels which result in sharper image quality. The Pro LT has 17µm which produces a lesser quality image.

Even though there are differences there are also some similarities between the FLIR One Pro and LT devices. These cameras both offer an MXS feature and they have the exact same frame rate of 8.7Hz. The One Pro and Pro LT have the same emissivity adjustments and a drop test of 1.8m.

Overall they have the same rugged design and outputs as well as connectivity features. Both devices can be connected via Wi-Fi. They also have the same thermal accuracy of ±3°C or ±5% which gives you precise temperature variations of objects. 

FLIR One Pro vs. FLIR One Gen 3

FLIR One Pro

FLIR One Gen 3

FLIR ONE Pro - iOS - Professional Grade Thermal Camera for Smartphones - with VividIR and MSX Image Enhancement Technology
FLIR ONE Gen 3 - Android (USB-C) - Thermal Camera for Smart Phones - with MSX Image Enhancement Technology

Thermal resolution:

160 x 120

Thermal resolution:

80 x 60

Thermal sensitivity:

70mK

Thermal sensitivity:

150mK

Thermal pixel size:

12µm

Thermal pixel size:

17µm

Temperature range:

-4°F - 752°F

Temperature range:

-4°F - 248°F

FOV:

50°x38.6°

FOV:

55°x43°

VividIR Image Enhancement:

yes

VividIR Image Enhancement:

no

Unlike the FLIR One Pro LT, the GEN 3 is very close to the One Pro thermal camera with only slight differences in design and specs. The FLIR One Pro Gen 3 is more elegant with its lighter color construction but the USB output and power button are located in the same position as the One Pro.

Let’s go through the difference between the two FLIR thermal cameras first. The IR sensor on the One Pro is 80x80 but the Gen 3 has a slightly higher IR sensor of 160x120. The field of view on the One Pros is slightly smaller with 50°x38.6° whereas the Pro Gen 3 has a wider FOV of 55°x43°.

The FLIR Gen 3 offers the VividIR Super Resolution feature but the One Pro camera doesn’t. There are also slight differences in the thermal camera sensors because the One Pro offers 12µm and the Gen Pro 3 has 17µm.  

Now for the similarities. As mentioned before the Gen 3 and One Pro offer more of the same features than the standard LT version. Here are the similarities of the GEN 3 and One Pro thermal cameras: 

  • Refresh Rate: 9Hz to improve frequency selectivity.
    Thermal sensitivity: 70mK which measures the smallest temperature differences so you can detect objects more effectively.
  • OneFit connectors: The connector adjusts so that you can plug the device into various inputs. 
  • Focus: Both the Gen 3 and One Pro have a fixed focus to produce clear images even when your hand moves slightly while snapping images.
  • Video recording: You can take high-resolution thermal imaging videos with the Gen 3 and One Pro camera. 
  • Battery life: Both cameras offer one hour of battery life per charge. The cameras have an independent battery so it doesn’t sap the power from your phone.
  • Camera light: These devices have a camera light so you can take clear images in low light scenarios. 
  • Visual resolution: 1440x1080 on both visual cameras for additional picture clarity
PROS:
  • Protective casing available
  • An upgraded FLIR one app
  • Professional level image renderring for clarity
  • Durable rugged build quality
  • Comes with an adjustable connector to fit with most phone cases
  • Faster performance
CONS:
  • It is not compatible with all android phones
  • The app is buggy in some cases
  • Battery life is short

Final Thoughts

The FLIR One Pro thermal image camera is designed for homeowners, construction workers, and plumbers. It’s ideal for those who are looking for a powerful compact device to detect gas and water leaks throughout a building.

Another advantage of the FLIR One Pro is its rugged and robust construction. It has a drop rate of 1.8m so if the device accidentally falls out of your hand, it won’t break on impact.

Overall the FLIR One Pro is an upgrade from the FLIR One thermal camera with a higher resolution, sensors, and FOV. But if professionals are looking for a handheld thermal camera that doesn’t connect to a SmartPhone opt for the FLIR E6 or E8.

The FLIR E6 and E8 are bigger devices with smaller screens than your SmartPhone but they have improved infrared technology & more options to pick from.

We hope our Flir One Pro review helped you with your buying decision. The FLIR brand offers various designs and specs for any type of professional. But if you’re looking for a powerful thermal camera on a budget then the FLIR One Pro device could be what you’re looking for. 

5/5 (1 Review)

About the author 

Randy Angwin

Randy Angwin is an avid outdoor enthusiast and has been with TICR since the beginning. He helps create new articles and reviews latest infrared and night vision devices for the site as well as staying on top of the latest trends in the thermal industry. When not working, Randy likes to hunt and spend time with his two German shepherds.

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