Stereo Microscopes (also known as Dissection Microscopes) are used for inspection and "hands under" work usually involving specimens such as coins, insects, electrical and machine components, rocks and gems, etc. They are often referred to as "low power microscopes".

Compound Microscopes (also known as Biological Microscopes) are made with education in mind and generally offer higher magnification than stereo microscopes. Primarily used for viewing specimens such as cells, cell structures, bacteria, microscopic creatures, etc. They are often referred to as "high power microscopes".