If you’re shopping for an instant-read thermometer, Thermapen ONE and ThermoPop 2 are two of the most popular options from ThermoWorks.
Both are waterproof and accurate, but they differ significantly in speed, usability, design, and cost. Thermapen ONE is positioned as the premium option and ThermoPop 2 as the budget-friendly alternative—but is the Thermapen ONE worth double the price?
To answer that question and find out which one actually performs better, I tested them side by side in boiling water, a 124°F sous vide bath, and an ice bath. I also evaluated screen visibility, waterproofing, battery access, and how easy each one is to use in real cooking conditions.
In this comparison of Thermapen ONE vs. ThermoPop 2, I’ll break down the differences that matter most and give you my honest take on which to buy.
Key Takeaways
Speed: Thermapen ONE consistently reads temperatures 3-4 seconds faster than ThermoPop 2.
Accuracy: Both hit target temperatures perfectly—no difference in final readings.
Usability: Thermapen ONE has automatic features (backlight, wake-up) and customizable settings. ThermoPop 2 requires more button presses and manual activation.
Design: Thermapen ONE’s folding probe and ergonomic grip beat ThermoPop 2’s fixed probe and lollipop shape, especially when holding your hand over hot steam.
Price: ThermoPop 2 costs significantly less while delivering the same accuracy—you’re paying extra for speed and convenience with the Thermapen ONE.
Compare the current prices at the links below:
- ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE (ThermoWorks.com, Amazon)
- ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 (ThermoWorks.com, Amazon)
Use the links below to navigate the comparison:
- Comparison Chart
- Speed and Accuracy Tests
- Design
- Controls and Features
- Durability
- Bottom Line: Should You Buy the Thermapen ONE or ThermoPop 2?
Comparison Chart
| Feature / Test | Thermapen ONE | ThermoPop 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $$$$ (ThermoWorks, Amazon) | $$ (ThermoWorks, Amazon) |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
| Waterproof Rating | IP67 (submersible) | IP67 (submersible) |
| Screen Rotation | 4-way | 4-way |
| Backlight Activation | Auto in low light | Manual button press |
| Boiling Test Avg. | 1 sec, 212°F | 4 sec, 212°F |
| Sous Vide Test Avg. | 5 sec, 124°F | 7 sec, 124°F |
| Ice Bath Test Avg. | 4 sec, 32°F | 8 sec, 32°F |
| Storage Features | None | None |
| Battery Type | AAA (1) | CR2032 (1) |
| Battery Compartment Access | Screw with gasket | Small screwdriver |
| Probe Length | 4.25 inches | 4.5 inches |
| Passed Drop Test | Yes | Yes |
| Where It’s Made | England | China |
| Top Reason to Buy | Fastest and most accurate with excellent usability | Budget-friendly and highly accurate |
| Top Reason to Not Buy | No magnet or hanging loop; higher price | Slower response time and awkward fixed-probe design |
Speed and Accuracy Tests
To compare speed and accuracy, I tested each thermometer in three controlled scenarios: a boiling water test, a 124°F sous vide bath, and an ice bath calibrated to 32°F.
Before running the boiling test, I used ThermoWorks’ online Boiling Point Calculator to determine the precise boiling point for my location based on elevation and atmospheric pressure. My actual boiling point was 212°F, which I confirmed using the calculator at the time of testing.
Each thermometer was tested three times in every scenario to rule out anomalies and confirm consistency. I recorded every test on video and reviewed the footage using editing software to measure how long it took each thermometer to stabilize.
The Thermapen ONE was the fastest across all tests, but both were consistently accurate. Here are the full results:
Boiling Water Test (Target: 212°F):
| Reading | Thermapen ONE | ThermoPop 2 |
| 1 | 1 sec, 212°F | 4 sec, 212°F |
| 2 | 1 sec, 212°F | 4 sec, 212°F |
| 3 | 1 sec, 212°F | 4 sec, 212°F |
Sous Vide Test (Target: 124°F):
| Reading | Thermapen ONE | ThermoPop 2 |
| 1 | 5 sec, 124°F | 7 sec, 124°F |
| 2 | 5 sec, 124°F | 7 sec, 124°F |
| 3 | 5 sec, 124°F | 7 sec, 124°F |
Ice Bath Test (Target: 32°F):
| Reading | Thermapen ONE | ThermoPop 2 |
| 1 | 4 sec, 32°F | 8 sec, 32°F |
| 2 | 4 sec, 32°F | 8 sec, 32°F |
| 3 | 4 sec, 32°F | 8 sec, 32°F |
Both were accurate in terms of final temperature, but the speed gap was clear. In real cooking scenarios—especially when working over heat or checking multiple items—the extra seconds matter. A slower response increases the time your hand is exposed to steam or splatter and can slow down your workflow when precision and timing count.
Design
The Thermapen ONE features a folding 4.25-inch probe and an ergonomic, slightly curved body that feels secure and comfortable in your hand. The matte finish adds grip, even when your hands are wet or greasy.
It powers on instantly when you open the probe and shuts off when closed. The design is simple but deliberate, clearly built for speed and ease of use.
The ThermoPop 2 has a fixed 4.5-inch probe and a compact, rounded body about the size and shape of a lollipop. It also comes in an 8-inch version for deeper pots or fryers.
Since the probe doesn’t fold, the ThermoPop 2 includes a protective sheath with a clip for storage. That adds an extra step every time you use it; you have to remove the sheath, press and hold the power button to turn it on, then re-sheath it after use. There’s no real handle to grip—just the small circular housing—so it’s harder to manage near steam or high heat, especially with gloves.
Neither thermometer includes a magnet or hanging loop. But the Thermapen’s folding design makes it easier to store safely and use quickly without fumbling with a sheath.
Controls and Features
Power and Display: The Thermapen ONE powers on automatically when opened and wakes when picked up. Its screen rotates automatically in four directions and lights up in low-light environments without manual activation.
The ThermoPop 2 requires you to press and hold a button to power it on and off. If you forget to turn it off, it enters sleep mode after 10 minutes but doesn’t wake automatically. You must press a button on the back to activate the backlight, which stays on for 11 seconds.
Settings: The Thermapen ONE offers extensive customization through two small buttons (M and S) inside the battery compartment. You can switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius, toggle decimal points, control screen rotation (360°, 180°, or locked), and adjust the sleep timer from 10 to 180 seconds or turn it off completely.
ThermoPop 2’s settings are minimal—you can only switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius using an external button. Backlight timing, screen rotation, and sleep mode are all fixed.
Battery Access: Both require a screwdriver to access batteries. The Thermapen ONE uses a standard AAA battery with a gasket-sealed cover that’s harder to reseal. The ThermoPop 2 uses a CR2032 coin cell that’s easier to access but sits deep and can be tough to remove.
Durability
To test durability, I dropped each thermometer twice from counter height onto a hardwood floor, simulating the kind of impact they’d experience in a typical kitchen accident. I then checked for damage, malfunctions, or any performance issues. Both the Thermapen ONE and ThermoPop 2 passed without a hitch—no cracks, no screen failures, and no problems reading temperatures afterward.
I also tested water resistance. Both thermometers are rated IP67, meaning they’re fully dustproof and can withstand immersion in water up to one meter deep for 30 minutes.
I submerged each for 20 minutes to verify that claim. Neither showed signs of moisture intrusion or functional issues afterward.
Bottom Line: Should You Buy the Thermapen ONE or ThermoPop 2?
If you want the fastest, easiest-to-use thermometer ThermoWorks makes, get the Thermapen ONE. It’s accurate, intuitive, and built for real-world cooking. Yes, it costs more, but the extra speed and better usability are worth it if you cook often.
If you just want something reliable on a budget, the ThermoPop 2 still performs well. It’s slower and clunkier to use, but the accuracy holds up. Just know what you’re giving up to save a few bucks.
Read more reviews and compare the current prices at the links below:
- ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE (ThermoWorks.com, Amazon)
- ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 (ThermoWorks.com, Amazon)
