Data and technology are evolving faster than ever since the advent of the 21st century. We can now employ devices that allow us to find faults in networks and their cabling in particular.
This is pretty useful since network integrity is one of the most important concerns for individuals and businesses in this era of growing technology.
Have you ever considered investing in a good, reliable Network Cable Tester? Are you looking for something that will help you test your USB cables, verify a fiber backbone, or map out a single copper run?. Regardless of whether you’re a technician or a homeowner, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top ten Network Cable Testers on the market out there! Not only will you learn more about the unique pros and cons of each Network Cable Tester, but you’ll also be exposed to useful information depending on your personal preferences and choices.
Table of Contents
- Best Network Cable Testers in 2020
- 10. Klein Tools VDV526-100 Network LAN Cable Tester
- 9. NetAlly LinkSprinter 300 Network Tester
- 8. BOOGIIO Multifunctional Wire Tracker
- 7. Fluke Networks MS2-100 MicroScanner2
- 6. GOCHANGE Visual Fault Locator, Fiber Optic Cable Tester Meter
- 5. TRENDnet TC-NT2 Network Cable Tester
- 4. iMBAPrice – RJ45 Network Cable Tester
- 3. Klein Tools VDV5 Scout Pro
- 2. Fluke Networks 26000900 Pro3000 Tone Generator
- 1. UbiGear Network Tool Kits (CAT6Kits500FT)
- Buying Guide:
- Conclusion
Best Network Cable Testers in 2020
10. Klein Tools VDV526-100 Network LAN Cable Tester
It is a basic and compact cable tester with all the necessary features for network cable testing.
This cable tester allows you to easily test most standard cable types such as RJ11, RJ12, and RJ45 telecommunication lines and CAT3, CAT5e, and CAT6/6A data cables.
One of the best things about this tester is that it simplifies use by providing quick LED responses for Pass, Miswire, and Open Fault. This way, it’s easier for the user to understand the status of his network.
- Single-button testing for a variety of cable types
- Fast and easy to read LED responses
- Auto-Power Saving feature activated after 10 minutes of inactivity
- Can test remote stores securely from inside the tester itself
- Functionality is basic, so complex networks will be problematic to diagnose
- Tester body is larger than most competitors
9. NetAlly LinkSprinter 300 Network Tester
The NetAlly LinkSprinter 300 is a particularly useful device that includes a boatload of features while still maintaining a slim and easy to carry form factor.
While it doesn’t allow you to test a variety of cables, it comes with a bunch of ease of use features to find network problems that are much simpler to use.
Firstly it allows you to connect the device to your phone to have full control of the device through an easy to use interface. It gives you access to a cloud storage service so that you can easily share data and results with your team and help you solve problems through effective collaboration.
- Provides a bunch of online services for ease of use
- Can debug a network easily with a few clicks
- Cannot test a large number of cable types
- Requires extra equipment such as phones and Internet access to make full use of features
8. BOOGIIO Multifunctional Wire Tracker
The BOOGIIO Wire Tracker is a powerful device for tracking a variety of wire types. It is mainly used to detect RJ12, RJ45, and ethernet wires, but it can also be used to detect electrical wires and speaker wires when they are powered off using alligator clips.
The primary function of the BOOGIIO Wire Tracker is to detect if a phone line is connected properly. The status of the wire connection can be easily detected. A special feature of this device is that it allows you to connect headphones to it to clearly hear the connection in a noisy environment. You can adjust the volume of the sound using a built-in knob
- Detect RJ12, RJ45, electrical and ethernet cables
- Test the connection of phone line
- Built-in headphone input and volume control
- Price is very affordable
- No graphical interface
- Can’t be used on a large variety of cable types
7. Fluke Networks MS2-100 MicroScanner2
The Fluke Networks MicroScanner2 is a powerful scanner that most network testers will find very intuitive to use. The key feature of this device is the LCD screen, which provides a graphical depiction of the network that you are analyzing, including graphical wire map, pair lengths, cable ID, and distance to the fault.
It allows you to test a variety of cable types including RJ11, RJ45, and Coax, without needing an external adapter. The cable length can be of up to 460 meters.
A unique built-in feature of this tester is the Intellitone digital and analog toning which allows you to detect any cable or wire pair even if it is on an active network
- Excellent Graphical interface with LCD backlight
- Allow you to test a vast range of cable types
- No external adapter needed
- Allows you to detect any cable
- More expensive than other devices on this list
6. GOCHANGE Visual Fault Locator, Fiber Optic Cable Tester Meter
This device is primarily used for detecting faulty fiber-optic connections.
It emits a strong red light into the fiber optic cable, which can be detected up to 30km away in the cable. The light can be used to visually detect and breakages or problems within the connection.
The manufacturer boasts that it can be used with ST, SC and FC interfaces and it can work with circular or even square bend shapes.
The device has an elegant pen-shaped form factor that allows for a good grip and ease of use. It is built from tough plastic and rubber and can survive strong impacts. It also sports a long battery life so that the device is reliable on the go.
- Intuitive to use
- Visual understanding of cable condition
- 30KM Working Distance
- Durable Build
- Long-Lasting Battery
- Usable only for optical fiber cables
5. TRENDnet TC-NT2 Network Cable Tester
This tester allows for a variety of cable to be tested, including Cat 7, 6, 6e, 6a, 5, 5e, 4, 3, 3e, Coax cable, USB, and 1394 cable (with TC-NTUF).
This particular model comes with quite a few features that most professionals require, including two different scanning modes: The Continuous and Manual scan. It can also test large lengths of cable up to 300m
This device comes with a handy feature of being able to test for faulty pins. It can check for proper, severed, short circuit, and cross-connected pins in any cable.
- It can test a huge variety of cables
- It gives the user multiple modes of testing for cables
- More complicated to use than most other devices
- Cannot be used on live wires because it may be damage the device
4. iMBAPrice – RJ45 Network Cable Tester
The device supports a multitude of cable types including but not limited to RJ11 Telephone cable, RJ45 LAN cable, Ethernet Cat 5, Ethernet Cat 5e, Ethernet Cat 6, Ethernet Cat 7, RJ11 6P and RJ45 8P.
For each cable, it also supports a multitude of tests such as Line DC detecting, cathode determination, and detection of open, short, and cross circuits.
While not graphical, the interface shows a multitude of LEDs so that the user can accurately detect any problem that the network has.
And even though this device has all these features, it comes at only a fraction of the cost of the others. We highly recommend this product.
- Supports many cable types
- Includes many network tests for accurate debugging
- Very cheap compared to competitors
- No graphical user interface
3. Klein Tools VDV5 Scout Pro
The Klein VDV5 Scout Pro is a feature-rich tool that can be used by professionals and hobbyists alike for a variety of tasks. The Scout Pro comes with all the features you would expect from a cable tester: It includes testing for RJ11, RJ12, RJ45, F-connector, and coax connections.
It can also test for open, closed, short, and cross circuits like other testers. Like the others, it can also detect individual wires and wire pairs by generating a tone.
But it also includes some unique features. Firstly it utilizes the 5 LanMap and 5 CoaxMap location remotes to identify cable runs. Secondly, it is compatible with Test-n-Map Remotes. These devices test, map, and ID multiple cable runs.
The device also has a small form factor and a sturdy build, making it optimal for everyday use in the field.
- Compatible with all standard cable types
- Performs multiple tests
- It can detect cables using tones.
- Special features for identifying cable runs.
- No real cons
2. Fluke Networks 26000900 Pro3000 Tone Generator
The device is designed to generate up to five different tones in order to detect precisely different pairs of wires. It boasts a detection range of up to 16km.
The loud tone is played on a large built-in speaker. This is intended to send sounds through drywall and concrete so that detecting cables in such places unmaneuverable places can be made easier.
It also allows connections to terminated and unterminated wires through the use of a variety of connectors and alligator pins.
- Has five distinct sounds for pair detection
- Cable lengths of 16km can be detected
- Large built-in speaker
- Very cheap compared to other products
- Does Not support direct connection of many cable types
- Cannot be used for detection of correct pin configuration
- No LCD interface for easy use
1. UbiGear Network Tool Kits (CAT6Kits500FT)
The UbiGear Network Tool Kit is an all in one set of tools for networking. While the main component of this kit is the UbiGear Cable Tester, the package also comes with a variety of tools for normal networking use. These include the CAT6 network cable, UbiGear Network Crimper, and UbiGear Gold Plated Network Plugs.
The tester is a very standard yet reliable cable tester that can perform all the standard connection tests such as detection of open, closed, short and cross circuits for the RJ11 and the RJ45 cables.
But the real benefit of this kit is the value that it provides. It gives you a network cable, crimper, network plugs, and a cable tester for such a low price that most cable testers on this list cost more alone. Therefore this package is a must buy from us.
- A large bundle of frequently bought products at a low price
- Standard and reliable cable tester
- Performs a variety of tests on multiple cables
- Low cost to buy
- Less feature-rich than more expensive products
Buying Guide:
Network testing is usually a simple experience. However, it can easily go wrong if your equipment isn’t up to the mark. With that in mind, this buying guide focuses on what we think is the right option for you based on a variety of criteria.
All in all, it depends on the network you’re testing, how big the network is, how experienced you are, and your personal preferences.
Best price
Our pick for the best price you’ll get is the iMBAPrice – RJ45 Network Cable Tester, which will cost you around $9.55. It’s simple, compact, and easy to use. With a price like that, it won’t set you back!
Best features
This one has to go to the UbiGear network cable tester with its remarkable build, construction, and other unique features. There’s a reason why it’s our top pick, and now you know why.
Best brand image
Klein Tools has been consistently featured throughout our list, and the reason is because of their amazing brand image and brand value, which they’ve built by consistently putting out amazing products.
We hope this section helped you assess your specific needs in a better, more comprehensive, and detail-oriented fashion!
Conclusion
The primary goal we had in mind when writing this article was to help both novice and experienced tech enthusiasts understand the market and their equipment in a better way.
Network cable testers are one of the most fashionable and innovative ways to check and evaluate your network integrity, so you need to be well-informed about the choices that are available out there and which ones would be perfect for you.
With that said, we’ve provided you a list of our top ten picks, with honest reviews of both their plus points and drawbacks. We hope you took something positive away from this article.
If you need more help, do reach out to us!
Last update on 2020-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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