A handheld video magnifier with a black body, side buttons, an orange camera button, and a screen showing flight details.

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.

Setup with instructions The device works out of the box for basic magnification with minimal setup — zoom buttons are intuitive. However, getting the most benefit (optimal contrast mode, menu-based customization, TV output) requires exploring settings beyond the obvious controls. A family member with the manual could configure it well in under 30 minutes, making this guided setup rather than self-serve. Professional input is recommended but not required for standalone use.

Last verified September 20, 2026 · classified June 8, 2026

What it is

Summary

AI-generated from vendor-published content · June 8, 2026

The Explorē 5 is a handheld video magnifier with a 5-inch HD screen that enlarges text and images from 2x up to 22x. It's designed for someone with low vision who needs to read mail, labels, menus, or price tags while on the go — the retractable handle folds sideways for one-handed use like a traditional magnifier, or opens vertically to stand the unit upright on reading material for hands-free viewing. You get five high-contrast display modes built in (including white-on-black and yellow-on-black), plus additional color combinations accessible through the menu, which matters because different lighting conditions and eye conditions respond better to different contrast settings. This is a complete, self-contained device — no phone, tablet, or computer required — though the included USB cable supports charging and the unit can output to a TV via HDMI (cable sold separately). At under 5 inches, it's genuinely pocketable, but the 22x optical range won't replace a desktop CCTV for extended reading sessions.

Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
Age range
ComplexitySetup with instructions
Price$859.00
Funding
  • AT Act lending
  • Medicaid waiver
  • Out of pocket
  • Vocational rehab
VerifiedSeptember 20, 2026
ClassifiedJune 8, 2026 · confidence: high

What Setup Looks Like

  • Out of the box
    1. Charge the device via the included USB cable.
    2. Power on, point the camera at reading material, and use the zoom buttons to adjust magnification.
  • With a guide
    1. Explore the contrast and color mode settings through the menu to find combinations that work best for your specific vision condition.
    2. Set a preferred contrast mode as default so it powers on ready to use — takes about 10–15 minutes with the manual.
  • With professional help
    1. A low vision specialist (optometrist or occupational therapist with low vision training) can recommend the optimal magnification range and contrast settings for your specific diagnosis.
    2. If integrating with a TV or desktop workflow, a low vision rehabilitation specialist can help configure the full setup. 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

Independent Living Aids Visit
$859.00

This is the vendor WhatCanHelp tracks for this product — it may also be available from other retailers or a local supplier, and prices vary.

Some links may be affiliate links — WhatCanHelp may earn a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you. More on affiliates →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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 20, 2026.

Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on June 8, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.