The Best Network Cable Testers

A network cable tester is a revolutionary device specifically made for testing the capability and reliability of cable connections. Thus, this gadget is a must for network technicians, network testers, cable verification testers, and other related work fields.

Aside from the said lines of work, this tool is also essential for homeowners, as it can primarily help prevent network problems and aptly maintain household cord connections.

Now, a dependable cord network tester is capable of troubleshooting and helping you identify cable problems and connectivity issues. To help you find the best network cable tester for your use, I’ve outlined and listed some of the testing products that I’ve worked with.

Best Network Cable Tester Reviews

1. iMBAPrice Network Cable Tester

This network cable tester is among the best there is in the product market. I hold this cable tester in high regard, as I’ve also got to work with this spectacular product in my past projects.

You can use this best LAN tester in a variety of ways, as it features multi-functional capabilities. For instance, this product is pre-programmed to run a full cable connection diagnostics test. It can administer complete continuity, shorted, open, and crossed cable tests without any performance issues.

I also love that this product is compatible with a lot of cable connections. In particular, this tester can accommodate RJ11 and RJ45 cable types. It also fully supports CAT 5, CAT 5e, CAT 6, CAT 7, LAN RJ11, and RJ45 cable connector types. Evidently, compatibility won’t be an issue with this branded LAN cable tester.

Notably, the tester can also be carried around anywhere without any hassle, as it’s designed ergonomically to be easy to carry. If there’s one thing that I also like about this network product, it is that it’s portable enough that you can slide it in and take it from your work bag without any trouble and difficulty.

The LED display of the product also makes it much easier to use. You can easily identify and track any cable issues just from looking at the simplistic yet helpful tester display. It’s bright enough that you can clearly discern the LED lights even if you’re outdoors.

2. Klein Tools LAN Explorer Data Cable Tester

Upon inquiring with my colleagues regarding a dependable network cable tester, they aptly recommended me Klein Tools’ product. Thus, I also wholly endorse this cable gadget among the pile of networking testers flooding the market.

To start, you can efficiently perform a wide variety of connection tests with just a single press of a button. Hence, you can easily do cable tests without complicated device configurations. This is especially helpful for beginners who only want to perform simple connection diagnostics.

Moreover, the output of the network tester features a bright and easily discernible LED display. Thus, you can clearly identify whether the cable you’re testing has any issues or problems down the connection line without any hassle and difficulties.

In the same vein, the LED display comes with a quick feedback system that rapidly shows the connection test results without any delays. The display distinctly reveals the status of the connections.

Consumers can perfectly use the handheld network cable tester for RJ11, RJ12, RJ45, CAT 3, CAT 5e, CAT 6, CAT6a cable types seamlessly. Evidently, the broad compatibility of the tester won’t hamper your job of meticulously analyzing cord connections.

What I like more about this product is its battery-saving feature. The device automatically turns off after 10 minutes of dormancy, ensuring that your tester’s battery won’t die from idleness.

3. Klein Tools VDV501-851 Network Cable Tester Kit

Klein Tools’ network line tester is a reliable piece of equipment, perfect for either work or household connection maintenance.

I like that this kit is readily compatible with RJ11, RJ12, RJ45, and coax video cables. This multi-connection feature makes it an essential piece of hardware for every electrical engineer working in the field. The device can seamlessly work on multiple cables without any issues.

I also absolutely recommend this apparatus for people who are working on diverse cable connections. Aside from the product’s ability to work on longer distances (2000 ft. / 610 m), it can also quickly test for any flukes and issues along the connection line.

For instance, the device can easily identify whether a connection has issues regarding cable short, miswire, open, or split faults. This feature makes working with bungled cable connections easy and straightforward.

The testing device also features a battery-saving mode for idleness. This feature prevents battery discharge due to dormancy. I like that the tester’s designers included this minuscule component, as it showcases their attention to detail.

4. Fluke Networks MS2-100 Network Cable Tester

This Fluke Network cable tester run by AA batteries is yet another product that is positively regarded among my coworkers. I heard of the Fluke Networks MS2 when I started conducting cable management projects.

I’m confident that this product is among the best network testing tools with an ample battery life currently available in the market. This device comes with some remarkable features that could immensely help you with your connections management projects.

For instance, the tester boasts utmost compatibility with common cable types. I can connect Coax, RJ11, RJ45, and CAT cables without the need for adapters. This feature is useful for workers regularly exposed to a variety of cable types in their workplace.

I also love that the tester comes with a graphical LCD. The screen provides a visual wire map of the entirety of the cable you’re testing, capable of even showing the cable ID and your distance away from faulty connection lines. This feature allows you to check whether the lines you’re working on have flawed open, short, split-pair, and cross wires.

The device also seamlessly performs as a continuity tester. The product can do stable and reliable connection checks securely. I whole-heartedly recommend this product if you’re looking for a tester that’s durable and dependable in the field.

5. Optimal Shop Network Cable Tester

Ensure that your cable network connections are in top shape with this branded cable tester. I love that this tester can consistently provide an accurate and diligent reading of cable connections’ integrity.

One of the main things I like about this line tester is that it features an easy-to-read LED indicator display with markings that correspond to the connection test result. I assure you that it won’t be a problem fixing and analyzing connections with this tester because of this feature.

Adding onto this, the product can also reliably detect any connection mishap, be it crossing wires or shorts.

Additionally, I also love that this product is portable and can be carried almost virtually everywhere. Thanks to its simple build, you can fit this device right into your bag without any hassle.

And before I forget, the tester is also compatible with a wide range of cable varieties. This tester can connect to RJ11, RJ12, RJ45, CAT5, CAT6, and much more to enumerate. If you’re looking for a device that can reliably connect to cables, then you may want to consider this ethernet connection tester.

6. Noyafa Advanced Multi-functional Cable Tester

Easily the best CAT6 cable tester in the market, Noyafa’s tester is ideal for conducting thorough and rigorous connection analysis and reviews, as it’s among the best cat 6 cable testers that are available.

I like that the product comes with a wide compatibility range with cable types. It can test RJ45, CAT5, and CAT6 types with ease and proficiency. The device can also reliably test cable lengths up to 200 meters.

True to its name, this multi-functional cable tester indeed comes with some impressive features. For instance, it can test the current, power, PoE voltage and verify cables with acute precision. Solely for this reason, I recommend this product to workers exposed to a variety of cable connections on a daily basis.

Additionally, this advanced cable tester can also probe and track faulty wires through its various modes. In particular, it has three modes: analog, PoE, and AC filter mode, which makes it an ideal device for cable engineers subjected to a diverse working environment.

I also love that the manufacturers made the product with an easy-to-read and bright LCD. Thus, working in dark environments shouldn’t be an issue with this device. The monitor is discernible and can be easily observed even from afar.

7. Tempo Communications PA1574 Network Cable Tester

Tempo Communications’ product is a dependable piece of tech often praised by my coworkers. Their review of the tester is a testament to the product’s reliability in conducting connection tests and analysis.

I love how compact and small the device is. The design of the tester allows it to be lugged and carried everywhere without hassle. You can either slide it down your trousers pocket or place it safely in your work bag.

Additionally, the product can competently perform continuity checks, identifying cable breaks along the connection line. It can steadfastly detect open, cross-connections, and shorts throughout the entire wire. I like how dependable the product is in the work field, as it can reliably sort out bad connections from good ones.

The device can also securely adjudge the strength and connectivity of LAN, RJ45, RJ11, and RJ12 cables. This cross-compatibility with other wires makes it an excellent tester capable of performing scans with reliable results.

Moreover, the tester can also test cables up to at least 500 meters in length. Aside from that, it can automatically perform a diagnostic test of wires inserted into the product’s connector pins.

8. Zoostliss Network Cable Tester

If you’re concerned about keeping your network cables in top shape, then having this network tester tool is a must.

At a glance, you can clearly see the visual and well-lit LED display of the product. I love that this tester comes with an easy-to-read display that lights up cable analysis results without any difficulty.

Aside from that, this tester is also beginner-friendly. Just plug the cables that you’re testing into the proper device connectors, and the tester will automatically conduct its connection tests. I recommend this simple product to anyone who requires a functional yet straightforward device that gets the job done aptly.

While the device may seem simple, it can still perform multiple cable connection tests reliably. For instance, you can efficiently perform continuity and pairing tests with this device without any trouble. Yet another reason why I wholly recommend this product to consumers looking for a performance-oriented tester.

Additionally, the connector is compatible with RJ45, RJ11, CAT6, CAT5e cable types. Thus, you could perform a thorough diagnostics test on either telephone or internet cords without any issues.

I also love that the company provides a generous return and replacement period for their customers. This shows how committed Zoostliss is to giving consumers the best service treatment, aside from selling high-quality testers.

9. Noyafa Multi-functional Network Cable Tester

I’ve had prior experience in using Noyafa’s handheld network tester. Suffice to say; this product is among the best testers I’ve used in the past.

I highly endorse this product to professional workers exposed to vast cable connections. For instance, the tester can test length connections up to 1999 meters—a stupendous length range for a handheld tester.

Additionally, the network tester comes with quite a generous product package. To enumerate, two lithium batteries, a durable carry case, an adapter for charging, a telephone and cable network adapter, a cable clip, and a TransFlash memory card are packaged together with the tester.

The display of the tester is also commendable. Unlike the previously stated cable testers, Noyafa’s product comes with a full graphic display screen. The small monitor can display the complete map of the wire connection, providing its users with an accurate chart representation of the entire cable link.

What I also love about this tester is its compatibility with a wide assortment of cable types. In particular, it can connect to coaxial BNC, ethernet, and telephone cables. Overall, I genuinely consider the product to be the best RJ45 tester in the market.

The tester can also work in different environments with humidity ranging from zero to seventy degrees Celsius. Thus, you don’t have to worry about the weather affecting this device.

10. Southwire Tools & Equipment Network Cable Tester

If you’re tired of using cheap and flimsy network testers, then you may want to check this product out. My coworkers’ commendable network cable tester review of the product made me realize that this may be the best cat5 cable tester available in the market.

The feature which first piqued my interest is the astounding LCD it comes with. Unlike regular LED light displays with other products, this tester happens to have a full-fledged mini-monitor. I love that this tester can visually provide discernible feedback of the connection lines, even in the dark.

Additionally, I like that this professional cable tester can easily detect the most common wiring errors consistently. Prominently, the tester can detect split pairs effortlessly. This feature is beneficial for workers that are always assigned to network cabling projects.

The tester also guarantees accurate cable tracing readings that are on par with other much more expensive devices. This is essentially a reasonably-priced product that can substantially perform network cable analysis and related troubleshooting.

Also, the device feels tough and durable to handle. Evidently, quality itself won’t be a problem for this product. To substantiate my claim, the tester comes with a hard-wearing and robust housing mold that covers the device’s entirety.

I also appreciate that the Rj11 and RJ45 connector tips of the tester come with port covers, protecting them from damage caused by debris and particulates.

11. TRENDnet Network Cable Tester

TRENDnet’s ethernet port tester is among the better testers in the market. My colleagues have used this product in the past, and they all have good experience utilizing the said tester tool in their arsenal.

You can precisely and rigorously check connection stability and integrity with this product. In essence, the tester provides users with a diverse list of tests that can distinctly detect wiring errors and the cables themselves. This is especially helpful for electrical workers who need to check their projects carefully.

What I also like about the product is that it can test long cables without problems. The only caveat is that the tester is limited to only up to 300 meters. This is enough if you’re only working on small and mid-sized wiring projects.

Aside from that, you can also perform remote testing with the device. The unit allows loop tests to be conducted even if you’re away from the testing device itself. This feature is a game-changer for those who find themselves often working away from the connection installations.

I also love that the best network cable tester can conduct a continuous scan of the connections without miscalculations and inaccuracy. This feature design allows testing to be done on multiple cords from two entirely different locations.

12. ELEGIANT Cable Tester

With extensive experience working as an electrician, I can confidently say that Elegiant’s network cable tester is among the best tools to test cord connections. I came across this product while working on a LAN connection set-up for a local company.

Now, what I like about this cable tester is its ability to work with extreme temperatures. The tester can optimally perform from 0°C to 40 °C without any trouble. Likewise, you can safely store the network tester in either cold or hot environments (at a staggering -10°C – 50 °C) without it malfunctioning.

Additionally, one of the features that I especially love about this network testor is that users can also operate it at higher altitudes. Capable of performing the job at a maximum altitude of under 2 km, this tester is a testament to the engineering ingenuity that came into designing this product.

The cable testing range of this network tester is also impeccable. It is capable of emitting testing signals to cables up to 300 meters. Thus, if you’re looking for a product that could test longer cords, then this item is for you.

This user-friendly tester can also reliably work with CAT 6 cables and is perfectly compatible with RJ45 ethernet cable pins. I had reliably used this product for many cables throughout my career, and it didn’t fail me one bit.

What to Look for When Buying Network Cable Tester

Listed aptly below are essential factors that consumers must deeply consider before buying the best network cable tester. These aspects are imperative to note as they can either make or break the testers you’ll buy.

Moreover, taking note of these points will help you pick the most appropriate tester for your use.

Length Testing Capability

Knowing the maximum length of your cable tester is essential. This is because network cable testers have a limited range to adequately assess and inspect the cord connections’ integrity.

You may encounter incorrect readings or results from conducted network tests if you don’t adhere to the recommended maximum cable length prescribed by the product.

Cable Compatibility

Like with any other electronics, some design builds may or may not suit other products’ technical requirements. Thus, you should carefully check whether the tester you’re about to buy is compatible with the types of cable you look forward to testing.

Suppose you’re in the work field of electronics and are regularly exposed to wires and cord connections. In that case, I recommend that you get a cable tester that’s fully compatible with almost every cable type.

Do note that some testers can be directly connected to different cable types, while others require a sort of adapter.

Tester Display

There are a plethora of network cable testers in the market that comes with a variety of displays. For instance, some testers only show the cord assessment result through light indicators and sound beeps.

However, the problem with these simple displays is that they don’t adequately show the exact numerical values and other essential testing units.

For example, you can get a cat6 cable tester with printable results. This type of tester shows the conducted test results by producing a physical receipt certifying the wire connection.

Thus, if you want to know your cable connections’ accurate reading, I recommend that you get a tester with either an LCD screen or LED display. Just make sure that the display of the tester you’ll be getting is clear and discernible enough.

Warranty Period

As network cable testers are delicate products that are often exposed to various extreme elements, I highly suggest that you get a tester with a long warranty period.

Customer Reviews

It also won’t hurt to check the customer reviews of the product you’re about to buy. The consumers’ reviews reflect the reliability and type of customer service the manufacturers provide to their buyers.

For example, suppose you’re looking for the best ethernet cable tester or even just an ethernet cable speed tester. In that case, you may want to check the ethernet cable tester reviews of previous buyers that attest to the product’s star rating.

Type of Testing

There is a range of testing that network cable testers are capable of performing. Standard connection tests include voltage check, continuity check, resistance check, cable length measuring, pin testing, and cord connection evaluation.

This factor must be highly considered, as some testers can only do one type of test, while others can perform multiple connection analyses. Kindly ponder what kind of tests you would conduct to get the best cable tester for your situation.

Durability

If you’re always on the field, then you might want to get a tester that’s tough and made with durable materials, preferably a tool made with materials that could withstand falling impact, dust, and surges of electricity.

However, if you’re just looking for a product that you can use in your household, then I recommend that you just buy a tester that’s simple and straightforward enough.

As tougher testers tend to cost much more, I suggest that you get a device particular to your needs.

How Does Network Cable Tester Works

Basically, a cable tester works by sending a type of “signal” down the cable, relaying and checking whether the connection’s good or bad, based on the wire’s feedback.

In particular, testers can check the quality of cord connections by sending a current down a local area network connection, called a continuity check. Likewise, network cable testers can perform a resistance check by sending an electric current and voltage down the connection link.

Now, network testers are delicate devices that require utmost care. Always check whether the cable connection that you’re about to test is already primed for analysis so that the tester won’t accidentally receive an electric shock that may break the device.

How Do I Test My Network Cable

Connectivity issues are a constant plague for network connections. To test your network cable, you must first have a network cable tester that can aptly get the job done. Just connect the ends of the line to the tester so that you could get an accurate reading of whether your cord is properly working or not.

After that, you can test the cabling performance of your home network’s telephone cables and fiber optic cables by utilizing qualification testers.

Likewise, you can also check your cloud service’s data communication and data transfer by testing the connection’s stability by using a network cable tester.

To check USB cables, you can perform simple USB testing by connecting the ends of the USB cable to appropriate ports on the cable tester.

Which Tool is Most Network Cable Wiring

A network cable tester is the most practical tool for checking and evaluating network cable wirings. This is because testers can accurately identify and verify electric connections running through the cord network accurately.

Aside from checking the network’s cable wirings, cable testers can also conduct preliminary test runs for extensive connections. What this does is evaluate whether the cord is connected and running optimally.

Essentially, network cable testers help in further optimizing the overall connection performance.

What is a Level 3 Cable Tester

A level 3 cable tester is a measurement of the accuracy and reliability of the product. This “level 3” label is an exact electrical model that identifies the precision of the cable tests that it performs. Level 3 cable testers are vital for electronic engineers that need exactness in the tests they perform.

This is considered the most reliable cable tester, as it can produce the most accurate and precise test result. These types of devices are often the most expensive, so be wary before buying a level 3 cable tester.

How to Use Network Cable Tester

I’ve simply outlined the general steps that you can follow, so even if you’re a beginner, you can properly use a network cable tester:

• Carefully check if the cable you’re about to test is disconnected from any active electric link; this is to prevent a false reading, which is detrimental to your cable connection assessment.
• Aptly select the proper testing connection port on your network cable tester. If, for instance, the cord you’re about to connect is an f connector, you must aptly find an adapter or the proper socket for it.

After that, you should also connect the other tip of the cable to the tester’s remote end. Just make sure that the connection is solidly lodged in the pins of the device.

•  Properly turn on the product and select the type of test you want to perform. Or in other devices, ensure that the tester can automatically perform a basic diagnostic test of the entire connection line.

Carefully follow the steps above so that you could have an accurate and proper reading of your cable network connections.

But do note that these are only the general directions in using a network tester. Refer to the manual of your device for a more comprehensive and knowledgeable explanation.

Where to Buy Network Cable Testers

You can buy reliable and authentic network cable testers in Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and other reputable hardware retail stores. Moreover, you can also pick from the largest selection of cable testers on online shopping platforms.

Some of the most prominent brand names in the network cable tester market include Fluke Networks, LeCroy, and Tektronix. The testers these companies build are tough, durable, and proven to be of high quality.

Conclusion

Picking, choosing, and buying the proper network cable tester can be a complicated and challenging task. However, acquiring the right network cable tester can save you from heaps of inconvenience and problems. Thus, I hope this article can help you select the best network cable tester for your profession and work field.

As always, never forget to note that picking the proper network cable tester requires ample consideration of various details–which are aptly defined and explained in this article.

Edwin Jones

I am Edwin Jones, in charge of designing content for Galvinpower. I aspire to use my experiences in marketing to create reliable and necessary information to help our readers. It has been fun to work with Andrew and apply his incredible knowledge to our content.