So I found an IR thermometer for $10 online, and gave it a try. So far it's the best tank thermometer I've owned, accurate against my $40 in-tank temp monitor.
Just wanted to recommend this to anyone looking for a tank thermometer, since you just point it at your water and push a button. Great for acclimating and WCs.
Yeah I had never heard about it either! Been doing aquariums for a while, but never found this until I saw one at a thrift store, on sale. And they're cheap online too