Miniscope vs Tistar Cam
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Miniscope
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This application is only applicable to devices with Type-C ports. Miniscope is the official companion app for the Centauri Optics Miniscope microscope. View live microscopic images, zoom in on details, and capture high‑quality photos or videos directly to your device. Full Description Miniscope app by Centauri Optics Miniscope app is the dedicated viewing app for the Centauri Optics Miniscope series of microscopes, transforming your iPad into a high‑resolution digital microscope interface. Connect your Miniscope via USB‑C and start exploring the microscopic world instantly, no complicated setup required. Key Features: Live Video Feed – View real‑time images from your Miniscope with smooth, high‑resolution streaming. Zoom Function – Pinch to zoom or use on‑screen controls to examine fine details in your samples. Image and Video Capture – Take high‑quality still images or record full‑motion videos directly from the live feed. Time‑Lapse Recording – Document slow processes like crystal formation, microorganism movement, or plant cell changes. Simple Storage and Sharing – Save files directly to your device for easy access in reports, presentations, or archives. Plug‑and‑Play Simplicity – Just connect via USB‑C to start observing immediately. Ideal For: Classroom demonstrations and hands‑on STEM learning Student projects and science experiments Hobbyists exploring plant, water, or material samples Fieldwork and mobile microscopy setups The Miniscope app makes digital microscopy simple, portable, and precise, giving you a clear window into the hidden world.
Tistar Cam
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Tistar is used in conjunction with camera hardware, allowing you to easily view real-time videos and cloud recordings of places such as home, shops, and offices; You can receive immediate alarm notifications for abnormal events in the places you are concerned about and take safety measures.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Tistar Cam at every 2 weeks against Miniscope's every 2 months. Tistar Cam also leads on iOS requirement (15.5 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Miniscope ships an update every 2 months, Tistar Cam every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Miniscope | Tistar Cam |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.5 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 20 MB | 297 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Centauri Optics Limited | Hangzhou Denghong Technology Co., Ltd. |
In-app purchases
Miniscope
No in-app purchases
Tistar Cam
No in-app purchases









