Dropometer
US$4,990 base kit, checked 23 October 2026
Contact angle goniometer comparison
Dropometer vs KRÜSS DSA100 and DSA25
The KRÜSS DSA100 is the drop shape analyzer the Dropometer was validated against, and the DSA25 is its smaller sibling. Both are premium benchtop systems for contact angle, surface free energy and surface and interfacial tension. This page compares them with the Dropometer on price, accuracy, automation, temperature control and portability, using KRÜSS's own figures.
VS
KRÜSS DSA100 and DSA25
New price on request. Refurbished DSA100S €23,864 and DSA25S €13,311 excl. VAT (KRÜSS shop, selected European countries), checked 23 October 2026
Written by
Abhimanyu Bhandankar
Holds an MBA from Schulich School of Business and a BE in IT. He joined Droplet Lab in July 2019 and now leads sales and marketing.
CEO at Droplet Lab
Read More
Technical Review by
Gurdeep Singh Saini
Holds a BASc in Mechanical Engineering from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) and an MASc from York University. He develops the automatic edge and baseline detection behind the Dropometer's analysis.
COO at Droplet Lab
Read More
The short answer
Buy a KRÜSS DSA100 or DSA25 if you need temperature control, high speed video, surface tension above 75 mN/m or automated multi liquid series. Buy the Dropometer (US$4,990) for static and dynamic contact angle, pendant drop surface tension and surface energy at room temperature: its accuracy was validated against a DSA100E.
When a KRÜSS DSA100 or DSA25 is the better choice
- Temperature studies. Peltier chambers from −30 to 160 °C and electric chambers from 50 to 400 °C.
- Higher stated accuracy. 0.1° instrument based accuracy and a 0° to 180° contact angle range.
- Liquids beyond water. Surface and interfacial tension from 0.01 to 2,000 mN/m by the pendant drop method.
- Automation. Software controlled dosing units, the Liquid Needle and, on the DSA100E, 4 liquids as standard and up to 8 with the optional multi dosing system.
- Fast dynamics. High resolution camera up to 2,300 fps, or 3,450 fps with the CF10.
When the Dropometer is the better choice
- Price. US$4,990 new, against €23,864 excl. VAT for a refurbished DSA100S on the KRÜSS shop.
- Validated against the DSA100E. 0.35° contact angle accuracy in peer reviewed papers.
- The everyday measurements. Static, advancing and receding contact angle, pendant drop surface tension up to 75 mN/m and surface free energy in one app.
- Portable. Battery power for up to 8 hours, 1 kg, set up in about 2 minutes, analysis offline on the phone.
- Support. 5 year warranty and 5 years of software updates; refurbished KRÜSS units carry 12 months.
When not to buy a Dropometer
- You need measurements below room temperature or above 45 °C: KRÜSS offers Peltier and electric chambers from −30 to 400 °C; on the Dropometer a chamber is a built to order upgrade, so ask for its range and lead time.
- You need 0.1° stated accuracy rather than 0.35°, or contact angles below 10° or above 175°.
- You study fast wetting with high speed video: the DSA100 camera reaches 2,300 fps (3,450 fps optional).
- You run unattended series with several liquids: the DSA100E doses 4 liquids under software control, up to 8 with the optional multi dosing system.
- You need audit trails or electronic signatures, which the Dropometer does not support.
Executive summary
Both instruments measure wetting from drop shape, and the Dropometer's contact angle method was checked against a KRÜSS DSA100E in peer reviewed papers. The difference is class. The DSA100 is a 24 kg premium solution for a central lab: software controlled dosing of several liquids, temperature chambers and high speed optics. The Dropometer is a portable kit that covers the measurements most labs run every day, at room temperature, for US$4,990.
Where they overlap
Static, advancing and receding contact angle of a sessile drop from a side view image.
Surface free energy calculated from the contact angles of several test liquids.
Surface and interfacial tension by the pendant drop method with a Young–Laplace fit.
Where they differ and why it matters
Price and class
KRÜSS does not list new prices; its refurbished shop listed a DSA25S at €13,311 and a DSA100S at €23,864, excl. VAT. The Dropometer is US$4,990 new.
Accuracy and range
KRÜSS states 0.1° accuracy over 0° to 180°. The Dropometer's 0.35° accuracy, measured against a DSA100E, covers 10° to 175°.
Automation and environment
The DSA100 adds software controlled dosing, optional multi liquid dosing, tilting from 0° to 90° and chambers from −30 to 400 °C. The Dropometer works at room temperature as standard, with an optional auto dropper, tilt stage and built to order chamber.
Where you can measure
The DSA100 weighs 24 kg and the DSA25 10 kg, both on mains power. The Dropometer runs on battery and goes to the sample on a line or at a supplier.
A deeper look at the criteria that decide it
Which KRÜSS models we compared
- DSA100B, DSA100S, DSA100E: the full size drop shape analyzer in basic, standard and expert configuration; S and E add software controlled dosing, E adds a second dosing unit and the Liquid Needle for 4 liquids, with up to 8 on the optional multi dosing system. Brochure.
- DSA25B, DSA25S, DSA25E: a compact 10 kg version with the same 0° to 180° and 0.01 to 2,000 mN/m ranges. Data sheet.
- DSA30: a 10 kg model with internal tilting for roll off angles.
- MSA (Mobile Surface Analyzer): KRÜSS's portable 0.85 kg instrument for contact angle and surface free energy of solids, with 0.8° stated accuracy; it also measures surface tension by constrained sessile drop. Compare page.
Accuracy you can cite and accuracy you need
KRÜSS states 0.1° instrument based accuracy; the Dropometer's figure is 0.35°, and it was measured against a KRÜSS DSA100E. For most coatings and cleaning checks, test your own samples: real spread can exceed either figure. If your decisions turn on fractions of a degree, the DSA100 is the safer choice. Our advanced research buying guide covers that case.
Portability is not the deciding factor on its own
KRÜSS also makes a portable instrument, the MSA, for surface free energy on large parts. So the real question is which measurements you need where. The Dropometer carries contact angle, pendant drop surface tension and surface energy to the sample; the MSA measures contact angle and surface free energy of solids; the DSA100 and DSA25 stay on the bench and do everything, with options.
What the money buys
The KRÜSS price pays for chambers, motorised dosing, high speed cameras and a wide tension range. If you would use them, they are worth it. If your work is wetting and adhesion at room temperature, a validated US$4,990 kit leaves budget for samples, a second unit at another site, or the optional tilt stage and auto dropper.
Specification and capability matrix
| Criterion | Dropometer | KRÜSS DSA100 (B, S, E) | KRÜSS DSA25 (B, S, E) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (checked 23 October 2026) | US$4,990 base kit (phone and lifetime licence included) | On request; refurbished DSA100S €23,864 excl. VAT | On request; refurbished DSA25S €13,311 excl. VAT |
| Contact angle | 10° to 175°; 0.35° accuracy vs a KRÜSS DSA100E (peer reviewed); 0.01° resolution | 0° to 180°; 0.1° accuracy; 0.01° resolution | 0° to 180°; 0.1° accuracy |
| Advancing and receding angles | Advancing and receding in the app | Yes | Yes |
| Sliding or roll off angle | Optional tilt stage, US$700 (0° to 60°); auto tilt US$1,500 | Tilting option, 0° to 90° | External tilting option, 0° to 90° |
| Surface and interfacial tension | Pendant drop, up to 75 mN/m; 0.01 mN/m resolution | 0.01 to 2,000 mN/m | 0.01 to 2,000 mN/m |
| Surface free energy | Equation of State, Fowkes, van Oss Chaudhury Good in the app; OWRK in our free calculator | In KRÜSS ADVANCE software | In KRÜSS ADVANCE software |
| Dosing | Manual Hamilton syringe; optional auto dropper, US$2,000 (from 0.05 µL) | B manual; S software controlled; E two units plus Liquid Needle, 4 liquids; optional multi dosing to 8 | B manual; S and E software controlled; Liquid Needle optional on B and S, included on E |
| Camera | Pixel 7a phone camera, 10 fps, 4x zoom, manual focus; high power LED backlight | CF04 up to 2,300 fps; CF10 up to 3,450 fps | CF04 up to 2,300 fps; CF10 optional |
| Temperature control | Operates 10 to 45 °C as standard; temperature and humidity chamber available as a built to order upgrade (ask for range and lead time) | Peltier −30 to 160 °C; electric 50 to 400 °C | Peltier −30 to 160 °C; electric 50 to 400 °C |
| Weight and power | 5 V, battery up to 8 h; 1 kg; sets up in about 2 minutes | 24 kg; mains 88 to 264 V | 10 kg; mains 88 to 264 V |
| Software and platform | Android app on the included phone, or your own iPhone (iOS 15 or later); analysis offline; lifetime licence | KRÜSS ADVANCE on a PC | KRÜSS ADVANCE on a PC |
| Data and records | TIFF images, CSV results; no audit trail or electronic signatures | Not compared | Not compared |
| Warranty | 5 years (phone and syringe excluded as consumables), plus 5 years of software updates | Not published for new units; 12 months on refurbished | Not published for new units; 12 months on refurbished |
Checked 23 October 2026. KRÜSS figures come from the DSA100 brochure and compare pages, the DSA25 technical data sheet and the KRÜSS refurbished shop (prices excl. 19% VAT, selected European countries only). KRÜSS does not publish new instrument prices. Dropometer figures come from the Dropometer specification.
How we built this comparison
The Dropometer's accuracy figure comes from published side by side measurements against a KRÜSS DSA100E: Review of Scientific Instruments (2018) and Colloids and Surfaces A (2017). Everything else on this page comes from KRÜSS's published data sheets and shop, read on 23 October 2026.
Disclosure: Droplet Lab makes the Dropometer, so read this page knowing that. Every competitor figure links to the maker's own page or datasheet, and where a figure is not published we say so. The verdict changes as soon as temperature control, high speed video, surface tension above 75 mN/m or unattended multi liquid series is on your requirement list: then a KRÜSS instrument is the right buy.
Expert perspective
Prof. Steven Abbott reviewed the Dropometer independently and was not paid. His point is the one that matters on this page: the test of a lower cost instrument is whether it returns the same values as the established benchtop systems.
Checked against the high price devices
"Producing an OK prototype was one thing. The real challenge was to create a package that delivered reliable values, using standard, challenging test cases to compare results to those from well-known high-price devices."
What this means here: the Dropometer's 0.35° figure is not a claim in isolation. It comes from published measurements against a KRÜSS DSA100E, which you can read in full.
Recommendations by scenario
Temperature studies, high speed video or tension above 75 mN/m
Pick: KRÜSS DSA100 (or DSA25 if bench space matters). See the advanced research guide.
Automated multi liquid surface energy series
Pick: DSA100E with multi dosing. See the regulated high throughput QC guide.
Contact angle, surface tension and surface energy at room temperature
Pick: Dropometer. Validated against a DSA100E, US$4,990. See the under US$5,000 guide.
Measuring on the line or at a supplier
Pick: Dropometer, or the KRÜSS MSA if surface free energy of solids is the main need. See the field and on site guide.
Bottom line
The KRÜSS DSA100 is the more capable instrument and the DSA25 a more compact one; both are the right buy when your work needs temperature control, high speed optics, very high surface tension or automated series. The Dropometer is the right buy when it does not: static and dynamic contact angle, pendant drop surface tension and surface free energy, validated against a DSA100E, for US$4,990. Book a 15 minute demo and bring a sample you have measured on a KRÜSS.
Frequently asked questions
Is the KRÜSS DSA100 more accurate than the Dropometer?
On paper, yes: KRÜSS states 0.1° instrument based accuracy and the Dropometer 0.35°. The Dropometer's figure was measured against a KRÜSS DSA100E in peer reviewed studies, so the two were compared directly on the same test cases.
What is the difference between the DSA100S and DSA100E?
Both are the same drop shape analyzer. The S has one software controlled dosing unit; the E adds a second dosing unit with the Liquid Needle for 4 liquids; an optional multi dosing system takes either to 8.
How much does a KRÜSS DSA100 cost?
KRÜSS does not publish new prices. On 23 October 2026 its refurbished shop listed a DSA100S at €23,864 and a DSA25S at €13,311, both excluding VAT and sold to selected European countries only.
Can the Dropometer replace a DSA100?
For static and dynamic contact angle, pendant drop surface tension up to 75 mN/m and surface free energy at room temperature, yes. For temperature chambers, high speed video, tension above 75 mN/m or automated multi liquid series, no.
Does KRÜSS make a portable instrument?
Yes, the Mobile Surface Analyzer (MSA). It weighs 0.85 kg, measures contact angle and surface free energy of solids with 0.8° stated accuracy, and measures surface tension by constrained sessile drop.
Other instrument comparisons
How the Dropometer compares with other contact angle goniometers and surface screening tools.
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DIY ImageJ vs Dropometer
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Dropometer vs DataPhysics OCA series
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Dropometer vs Biolin Scientific Attension Theta
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Dropometer vs ramé-hart goniometers
Benchtop range with published prices
Dropometer vs Brighton Science Surface Analyst
Handheld water contact angle for production
Dropometer vs dyne pens and test inks
Pass or fail surface energy screening
All contact angle goniometer buying guides
Best instrument by budget and use case
Validated measurement approach
Where the Dropometer's accuracy figure comes from.
Benchmarked against a KRÜSS DSA100E
Dropometer contact angle and pendant drop surface tension were compared with a KRÜSS DSA100E in two peer reviewed papers: Review of Scientific Instruments (2018) and Colloids and Surfaces A (2017).
Used in 52 customer publications
Customers have cited the Dropometer in 52 peer reviewed papers, theses and conference papers, listed with links.
References
1.
KRÜSS: Drop Shape Analyzer DSA100 brochure
Configurations, cameras, dosing and temperature options, checked 23 October 2026.
2.
KRÜSS: DSA100B technical data
0.1° instrument based accuracy, 24 kg, 88 to 264 V.
3.
KRÜSS: DSA25 technical data sheet
10 kg compact drop shape analyzer.
4.
KRÜSS: MSA One Click SFE technical data
0.8° accuracy, 0.85 kg mobile surface analyzer.
5.
KRÜSS refurbished shop: DSA100S
€23,864 excl. VAT, 12 month warranty, checked 23 October 2026.
6.
KRÜSS refurbished shop: DSA25S
€13,311.20 excl. VAT, checked 23 October 2026.
7.
KRÜSS: DSA30 technical data sheet
10 kg, internal tilting 0° to 90°.
8.
Chen, Muros-Cobos and Amirfazli (2018). Contact angle measurement with a smartphone. Review of Scientific Instruments 89, 035117
Peer reviewed validation of the Dropometer's contact angle method against a KRÜSS DSA100E.
9.
Droplet Lab: Dropometer technical specification
Dropometer price, ranges, accuracy, add-ons and export formats, checked 23 October 2026.