REVIEW – If you’ve ever wondered what’s really going on under the surface, whether it’s your walls, your gadgets, or even your car, the TOPDON TC002C Duo thermal camera might be the tool you need. This little gadget plugs right into your smartphone and lets you “see” heat, helping you spot problems like air leaks, overheating electronics, or even hidden water damage in seconds. Let’s take a look.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $240.00
Where to buy: TOPDON and Amazon
What is it?
The TOPDON TC002C Duo is a specially designed portable thermal imaging camera for smartphones that have a USB-C port.
What’s included?
- TOPDON TC002C Duo thermal camera
- USB-C to USB-C cable with a USB-A adapter on one end
- USB-C female to Lightning cable
- Lens polishing cloth
- Carrying case
- Quick start guide
Tech specs
Camera resolution – 256 x 192 pixels
Thermal Image Super Resolution (TISR) – Supported
Frame Rate: 25 Hz
Spectral Range – 8-14µm
Pixel Size – 12µm
NETD – < 40 mK
Object Temperature Range – -20°C-550°C (-4°F-1022°F)
Accuracy – ±2°C or ±2% of reading, the larger value shall prevail
Resolution – 0.1°C
Compatible systems: iOS, Android, and Windows
Design and features
The TOPDON TC002C Duo thermal camera is a small module with an aluminum housing, a tiny lens on one side, and a USB-C plug extending out of the center top edge.
The model does not have any buttons, or switches. It also does not have an internal battery that requires charging before use.
Installation and usage
All you need to do before using this camera is to install the TopInfrared app. The packaging even has an NFC tag that you can tap to automatically go to the app in the Apple or Google Play app store.
I did all of my testing of the TOPDON TC002C Duo thermal camera with my iPhone 16 Pro Max. But, I’m showing it above plugged into a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. In the image above, it’s oriented with the camera facing forward, but you’ll most likely use it with it turned around and pointed out the back.
That’s because you’ll be using the app as the camera’s viewfinder. The TopInfrared is easy to navigate and I was very happy to find that I didn’t have to create an account in order to use it.
Once the camera is connected and the app is launched, you’re ready to start using it.
The app will display multiple temperature points as you point it towards objects. The 256 x 192 resolution sensor provides clear, detailed thermal images that are easy to interpret.
By default, the temperature units are set to Celcisius, but you can easily switch it to Fahrenheit if you’re in the US like I am. You can also change the color gradient style if you like.
There’s a handy feature called Dual Light that allows you to use the phone’s camera to insert a small, normal image that floats on top of the thermal image.
This makes documenting your readings much easier for future reference because you can see exactly what you were trying to measure.
I found the image quality to be sharp enough for everything from checking for air leaks to documenting heat patterns in gadgets. The higher resolution really helps when you need to zoom in or see small temperature differences.
While most people use a thermal camera like the TOPDON TC002C Duo to check for heat and cooling air leaks, pests, and water leaks, I wanted it to also show heat signatures/temperatures for gadgets that I might be reviewing. For example, if I review a product that becomes extremely warm while in use or while charging, I’ll be able to capture that data in a useful image that I can include in the review. With its extensive temperature range from -4°F to 1022°F (-20°C to 550°C), it will be very useful for any type of temperature measurement task that I throw at it.
Final thoughts
The TOPDON TC002C Duo thermal camera really impressed me with how simple it is to use and how quickly you can get started. There’s no battery to worry about charging, no confusing setup, and best of all, you don’t have to create an account just to use the app. That’s a nice change from a lot of tech gadgets these days.
The camera’s compact design makes it easy to toss in your bag or pocket, and the included carrying case keeps everything organized. I love the Dual Light feature, which lets you overlay a regular image on top of the thermal view. This makes it much easier to remember exactly what you were measuring, whether you’re checking for air leaks around your house or capturing the heat signature of a gadget during testing.
With its wide temperature range and support for both iOS and Android, the TC002C Duo is a handy tool for homeowners, DIYers, and gadget reviewers like me. It’s especially useful if you want to document temperature changes or troubleshoot issues around your home or workspace.
Honestly, I couldn’t find anything that needs improving. The price feels fair for the features you get and the higher resolution compared to budget thermal cameras. If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use thermal camera for your smartphone, the TOPDON TC002C Duo is a solid choice.
What I like about TOPDON TC002C Duo thermal camera
- Very easy to use
- Doesn’t need to be charged
- Don’t need to create an account to use the app/camera
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing
Price: $240.00
Where to buy: TOPDON and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by TOPDON. They did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
Check out these other thermal camera reviews!
- Xinfrared One XH09 thermal camera review – see like an enhanced ninja!
- HIKMICRO Pocket 2 Thermal Camera review – Super fun and crazy useful!
TOPDON Exclusive Smartphone Holder for TC001 & TC002 Thermal Cameras, Fits Phone Securely, Ease of Use
$39.99 (as of July 14, 2025 07:00 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
