A handheld video magnifier with a black body, orange and grey side buttons, and a screen showing a flight gate display.

Explore 5 Handheld Electronic Magnifier

by HumanWare

$859.00

Price is what the vendor listed when last checked. Confirm it with the vendor before buying.

Ready to use The device is self-contained and can be used immediately for basic magnification out of the box, but getting the most value — preferred contrast modes, image freeze, TV connection, reading line overlays — benefits from reviewing the user guide. A family member or the user themselves can configure these in 30–60 minutes without professional help, making guided setup the right tier rather than self-serve or professional guidance recommended.

Last verified September 19, 2026 · classified April 26, 2026

What it is

Summary

AI-generated from vendor-published content · April 26, 2026

The HumanWare Explorē 5 is a handheld video magnifier with a 5-inch HD screen that enlarges text and images anywhere from 2x to 22x magnification — useful for reading price tags, restaurant menus, medication labels, or anything else with small print. It's designed for someone with low vision who needs a portable solution they can slip into a bag and use on the go, without being tied to a desktop. The unit ships as a complete, ready-to-use device with a retractable handle that folds out sideways for one-handed use or stands upright hands-free directly on reading material; it also connects to a TV via HDMI (cable sold separately) for larger-screen viewing at home. One honest tradeoff: battery life on handheld electronic magnifiers like this is typically limited to a few hours of active use, so heavy readers may need to plan around charging.

Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
Age range
ComplexityReady to use
Price$859.00
Funding
  • AT Act lending
  • Medicaid waiver
  • Out of pocket
  • Vocational rehab
VerifiedSeptember 19, 2026
ClassifiedApril 26, 2026 · confidence: high

What Setup Looks Like

  • Out of the box
    1. Unfold the retractable handle to your preferred orientation — sideways for one-handed use, vertical to stand the unit on a surface.
    2. Power on and point the camera at text or an image.
    3. Use the zoom buttons to adjust magnification (2x–22x) and press the contrast button to cycle through color modes.
  • With a guide
    1. Review the HumanWare Explorē 5 user guide to explore menu settings for preferred contrast combinations, horizontal reading lines, and image freeze.
    2. Connect to a TV using an HDMI cable (not included) for larger-screen use at home — guide covers TV setup steps.
    3. Budget about 30–60 minutes to explore and save your preferred settings. See manufacturer support resources for detailed instructions.

Getting it

Try Before You Buy

Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.

Where to Get It

LS&S Visit
$859.00

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How to Fund This

Equipment like this is often pursued through official state programs. These are common starting points — each program decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so the first step is always a phone call.

All funding programs, state by state →

Sources & fine print

Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from HumanWareview on vendor site; last verified September 19, 2026.

Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on April 26, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.