If you are operating a large private LANs, then your trust in the integrity of the network is important. Here is where the testers are playing an important role. There are different types of testers available in the market.
It helps to check the damaged USB cables, mapping from a unique copper run and establishing the fiber spine. The network error is not a water slipping problem in the system and it normally comes with the faulty cabling.
Tester for a network technician is similar to rifle for a hunter. It also benefits the homeowners to test their household networks. They can easily solve the network issues using testers without calling technicians.
The tester helps to test the error connection, data transmitting problem, and find fiber harms. The main purpose of the network tester is testing the cable length and connectivity which cover the performance of a mainframe cable.
Contents
10 Best Network Cable Testers of 2022
| PRODUCT | PRODUCT NAME | BATTERY LIFE | CABLE TESTS |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fluke Networks MS2-FTK Tester | 20 hours | Twisted Pair UTF |
| NetAlly LRAT-2000 Tester | 6 hours | Pair Lengths |
| Fluke Networks CIQ-FTKSFP Tester | 20 hours | UTP, STP, FTP, SSTP |
| Fluke Networks MS-POE Tester | 20 hours | Verifies Wiremap |
| Fluke Networks CIQ-KIT Tester | 20 hours | Ethernet Port Test |
| Tripp Lite Tester | 8 hours | Visual Fault Locator |
| Noyafa NF-8601W Tester | 6 hours | Telephone Cable |
| Klein Tools VDV501-825 Tester | 5 hours | Coaxial Cable |
| Southwire Tools M300P Tester | 6 hours | Cat 7, Cat 7a |
| TRENDnet TC-NT3 Tester | 8 hours | Crossed Wire |
Best Network Cable Testers – 10 Testers Reviewed
1. Fluke Networks MS2-FTK MicroScanner2
The award-winning product in our list of Best Network Cable Tester is the Fluke Networks MS2-FTK MicroScanner2.
This Fluke Network FTK has fiber optic wire analysis and it begins with SimpliFiber Pro Optical Energy Meter which clarifies the cable functioning and network installation.
Main Features
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Display: Monochrome LCD
- Cable tests: Twisted pair UTF, FTP
- Dimensions: 3 in x 6.4in x 1.4 in
- Operating temperature: 32 °F to 113 °F
What Makes These Cable Testers Stand Out
- Simple to use
- Good troubleshooting work
- Excellent for cable inspection
It concurrently transfers 1300nm and 850 wavelengths for wire confirmation in different modes of fiber systems which have correct length calculating capacity.
The combined Tone Generator provides both the analog and digital wave which accurately determines the wire sets. The tester has individual characteristics; it can collect 1000 of test result arrivals from various test runs.
Fluke Networks MS2-FTK MicroScanner2 network cable tester has a rubber wrap-around holster, it is the right tool for the hardest jobs of the network technicians.
Analog mode clarifies the voice-grade cabling, security, alarm, and speaker wiring. The inner memory is enough to give the storage convenience. You can download the saved documents by using the USB interface.
LinkWare technology used to test the fluke Ethernet cable. This tester shows the cable length, graphical wire map, distance to fault and cable id. Check this post from WikiHow to know how to test the ethernet cable using a network cable tester.
The toner tester provides a digital and analog signal to wires or cable. The digital tone discovers high-grade cabling, it also covers cat5e, cat6, and cat 6a switches and patch panels.
Read the full Fluke Networks MS2-KIT Review here.
2. NetAlly LRAT-2000 LinkRunner
The Second best tester in our list is the NetAlly LRAT-2000 linkRunner. The NetAlly LRAT-2000 is an auto tester that has a rugged design.
It is quick and completely a copper fiber connectivity tester. This tester can be tested automatically and do the network connectivity test in 10 seconds.
And it can find the network connectivity problem than to solve the issues fast and accurately.
Main Features
- Battery life: 6 hours
- Display: 2.8 in color LCD
- Cable tests: Pair lengths,cable ID,crossed
- Dimensions: 3.5 in x 7.8 in x 1.9 in
- Operating temperature: 32 °F to 113 °F
What Makes These Cable Testers Stand Out
- High-performance
- Quick network issue recognition
- High reliability
The NetAlly linkRunner features are cable length measurement, fault type, multiple user autotest, USB cable, link runner manager software, and cable fault location.
The network connectivity result is updated automatically. It provides a highly protected link live result after completion of the test.
The portlight along with the analog and digital cable toning help to find the twisted pair cables comfortably. It has an auto-test button and a zero-touch long live cloud service.
The cloud service automatically transfers network connectivity results to the like live cloud service to address and program management.
NetAlly LRAT-2000 linkRunner network cable tester is used to change the Ethernet connection and Switch port connections and it also has a large LED display.
This NetAlly linkRunner has a great battery life which will last long up to six hours. The LinkRunner has a Ping or a TCP port open test to check the connectivity.
The reflector mode is used to test the LAN and WAN connection. The relation up to 10 user-defined destination devices, servers or services tested using Ping or a user-defined TCP port number.
The result has response time, the IP address in a URL has used as a destination.
It has packet reflector mode which is used in the remote device to the end to end network path and it verifies LAN and WAN capability up to 1Gbps. It configured to MAC and IP address.
The consistency of the NetAlly linkRunner network cable tester may lack sometimes which may slow down the overall testing process still the chances are very rare.
Read the detailed review of NetAlly Network Cable Tester here.
3. Fluke Networks CIQ-FTKSFP
CIQ-FTKSFP from Fluke is our third choice for this list of best network cable testers. The first-ever tester used by the network technicians is used to test the cabling bandwidth.
The Fluke Networks CIQ-FTKSFP has manager fiber and cobber network. The tester solved the problem on-the-spot. This tester gets planned to develop for the future.
Main Features
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Display: LED
- Cable tests: UTP, STP, FTP, SSTP
- Dimensions: 7 in x 3.5 in x 1.75 in
- Operating temperature: -10º C to 50º C
What Makes These Cable Testers Stand Out
- Test wires in fast time
- User-friendly
- High on performance
The qualification tester can fastly test the cable at one time which can test the cable connected to the PC. The CableIQ test the distance, pair length, and remote ID number for various measured cabling links and it gives the wiremap.
The tester designed to work on a live network and identify an ethernet switch and machine structure.
CableIQ qualified tester has great troubleshooting capability and it used by frontline professionals to recognize the wide variety of troubleshooting. The natural interface identifies the problem in your infrastructure.
The cable and network test functions support you to separate connectivity difficulties. The tester helps the network technicians resolve a broad scope of problems fast.
This Cable-IQ qualified FTKSFP network cable tester works on live network connections and providing machine arrangement and Ethernet switch disclosure.
This Fluke Networks CIQ-FTKSFP has a great battery life which will last long up to 20 hours. It is equipped with a lightweight product and also very compact that makes it comfortable to carry.
The CableIQ tester’s ‘original wiremap’ feature tests length, shorts, and split sets.
It prepares and performs tests with an automatic graphical interface where a defect is established.
The tester displays a sequence of numbers for a wiremap, then unit shows, a simple-to-read design including distance to issues that are related to the cable length.
Fiber optic wire test tools including SimpliFiber Pro meter covers power and loss confirmation of cabling in fiber networks. You can easily identify the unused switch port for Reallocation.
This Fluke Networks CableIQ FTKSFP network cable tester has compatibility issues, particularly for Windows 8, so this is not a good choice for Windows 8 Users.
4. Fluke Networks MS-POE MicroScanner
Your PoE installation can be quite easy with the help of swift as well as simple PoE verification; micro scanner is the major reason for avoiding the PoE setup confusion.
The tester identifies the possible PoE class in accordance with the most advanced PoE models and represents the voltage from quiet PoE sources.
Main Features
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Display: Monochrome LCD with backlight
- Cable tests: Measure length, verifies wiremap
- Dimensions: 3 in x 6.4 in x 1.4 in
- Operating temperature: 32 °F to 113 °F
What Makes These Cable Testers Stand Out
- Excellent for cable testing on multiple wiring
- Comfortable
- Easy to understand
This tester helps to face the Industry economics challenges by providing fast and perfect connection testing. This tester saves you valuable time.
User interface and combined multimedia help to increase service disclosure capabilities. MicroScanner PoE provides professionals with the ability to complete their jobs quicker.
The tester checks the cable verifier, remote classifier, wiremap adapter, RJ45 cord, and magnetic strap, IntelliTone Pro 200 Probe.
Nowadays network technicians have many issues in network cabling.
Where the wires are separated? Are all the cables correctly terminated? is PoE possible?
This tester helps network technicians to clarify the voice, data, and services.
It can test all communications types similar to Coax, RJ45, RJ11 externally with the help of adapters and it represents the cable ID, graphical wiremap, period, and distance to mistake on the screen.
The micro scanner has digital and analog toning, built-in IntelliTone to accurately locate and effectively test the cable or wire.
It used digital mode to discover high-grade data wiring in packages, or at switches, application panels, and outlets. The analog mode used for voice-grade wiring, coaxial cable, safety alarm, and speaker cabling.
The tester arrives with a vinyl carry container for enhanced security and comfort. The unrestricted MAG-KIT presents a strong magnetized band that makes you execute your Scanner from racks, cable trays, or designer.
Fluke Networks MS-POE MicroScanner network cable tester has the switches that need careful handling. So the users have to be cautious while using the switches.
5. Fluke Networks CIQ-KIT
The CableIQ Advanced IT Kit is created to maximize the performance of any cable requirement work. This Tester is fast and effectively used the intellitone200 probe even to work.
The smart cable id has the ability to conduct a long or easy wiremap test without a patch panel.
Main Features
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Display: LED
- Cable tests: Ethernet Port Test, PoE Detection
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 7 x 1.8 inches
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +50°C
What Makes These Cable Testers Stand Out
- Long-lasting
- Affordable
- Easy to access
The Fluke Networks CableIQ tester will be restoring different tools for testing, troubleshooting audio, data and manipulate wiring. The CableIQ is perfect for private cabling operations.
This tester provides a result in seconds by implementing light work, easy test button, tones, and interface switch.
CableIQ has secure caps and wiremap adapter, it secures the boot and makes tester smooth and long-lasting.
The tester has a kind of ideal applications and user-friendly features; the tester has extra USB port permits uploading requirement tests.
This tester has the potential to test all copper wiring, media audio, coaxial and twisted-pair cables also has capable of finding the cables with the help of digital toning technology.
The user interface and multimedia help to detect the capabilities of its expanded services, Micro scanner PoE provide network professionals the ability to complete their works quicker and more precisely.
The battery comes with 7 LED lights to designated wiring connections on both primitive and master unit grounding tests.
The rj45 and rj11 cable tester is a connector, it test network cable and telephone. This connector has an automatic on/off button with compact and long-lasting design.
This tester can easily detect your cable whether it is good or bad and show the result in a few minutes. It contains a lamp and earphones to work even at a noisy atmosphere and night times.
Fluke Networks CableIQ-KIT network cable tester sometimes displays the high voltage error continuously and the overall function is not suitable for Windows 8 OS.
6. Tripp Lite Multi-Function Cable Tester
Tripp Lite Multi-Function Optical Fiber Cable Tester is another best and in-expensive cable tester that you can choose. It is used by a cable installer or anyone who works in the LAN telecom environment.
The fiber optic tester is the combination of the light source and vision fault locator.
Main Features
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Display: LED
- Cable tests: Visual Fault Locator (VFL), Light Source
- Dimensions: 2.3 x 6.1 x 7.6 inches
- Operating temperature: -50°C to +550°C
What Makes These Cable Testers Stand Out
- Easy to operate
- Comfortable
- Easy to access
The LED interface shows the status of battery charger, frequency, measurement of data loss, and wavelength.
The tester supports 850 nm to 1550 nm wavelength and it supports 1310nm to 1550 nm light source. It has a different frequency setting for fault visual locator for continuous flashing mode.
Using this it is easy to understand the pin configuration, and it helps to change the rj45/rj11modular cables and token ring cable, etc. It is used to compares sending end and receiving end.
The Tripp Lite Multi-function network tester tests and shows the optical faults in the wire with various frequency frameworks using continuous and flashing methods.
This network cable tester has great battery power, it includes AA rechargeable battery. The automatic off switch helps to saves energy. This tester continuously saves the test results and it can check the fiber optic wires up to 20km.
This tester has USB cables and fiber optic cables. The Tripp Lite Multi-Function tester is used to test the high-speed channels, routers servers, and digital symbols.
It’s made in compliance with severe RoHS specifications, repeating Tripp Lite’s dedication to environmental accountability.
Tripp Lite network cable tester has multiple functions and perform a variety of testing but still, these testers can’t be used for a wide range connection and not limited to the probe.
7. Noyafa NF-8601W
The next tester in our list is Noyafa NF-8601W Network Cable Tester. It is a multifunction electronic cable tester. It tests the cable length, cable tracking, and PING functions as well it catches the cable voltage.
Main Features
- Battery life: 6 hours
- Display: LED
- Cable tests: Telephone, coaxial cable
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 3.6 x 1.3 inch
- Operating temperature: 0°C to 70°C
What Makes These Cable Testers Stand Out
- Affordable
- Durable
- Excellent for Troubleshooting
The technicians can easily use this device and check the results from the 3.7-inch color shield which is mainly used for computer networks, telephone systems, and other circuits.
It’s easy to identify the breakage and short position cables, and it detects the PoE presence and ping testing.
The tester displays the crosstalk checking on the network cable to find the solution for the inherent problem of slow speed.
This cable tester can import and exports the data with the help of TF functions. The tester finds a short position and a broken cable efficiently.
Noyafa NF-8601W Network Cable tester directly traces 5e, 6e telephone cable, coaxial cable, and USB cables. The hub provides a blinking portlight on the wire for establishing network port.
The cable tester discovers the PoE appearance of the network cable and checks the PING testing. This tester detects the voltage from 90 to1000v and it contains the primitive identifier. This tester displays the result on the high LED screen. It alerts you when the tester is running on low voltage and the tester has an automatic on or off for power delay.
Coaxial cable is uniquely made from a variety of copper cable with metal protection and different elements managed to prevent signal interruption. Sometimes coaxial cable used in telephone organizations to connect interior services to telephone posts near their clients. It begins with the central unit to work standalone diagnostics and a detached unit for the wire testing. It has great battery life.
LED lights attached with this Noyafa NF-8601W cable tester sometimes failed to indicate few functions and these network cable tester has too light construction to get broken.
8. Klein Tools VDV501-825 Cable Tester
The Klein tester is an electronic device which detects the network cable problem. This tester is capable of testing the voice, data, and video, also it helps to identify the coaxial cable and telephone cables.
Main Features
- Battery life: 5 hours
- Display: LED
- Cable tests: Coaxial cable, twisted pair cable
- Dimensions: 12 x 9.2 x 2.2 inches
- Operating temperature: 0°C to 50°C
What Makes These Cable Testers Stand Out
- Great battery life
- Separated connectors
- Excellent build
If you’re searching for the network cable tester to diagnose cable problems or to possibly improve your home network, then you can choose this Klein Tools VDV501-825 Cable Tester.
It works well in industrial applications, and it can help to find the test limitation of different operators.
You can get a clear idea about crosstalk, speed, IP protocol, signal strength or, inference of the cable tester.
By using the separate Id remotes, you can test the long-distance network.
The tester indicates the low battery level and individually stores the location of the network.
The tester maintains the tone functionality that helps to work with pair and individual cables. It helps to identify 2 pairs of cable in CAT6.
Klein Tools VDV501-825 Network Cable Tester has the functions and ability to test different cables simultaneously and it has several remote connectors to test the cable effectively.
It requires only a single process to check the measuring, mapping, and recognizing the location to store the time to the test-n-map remote. This kit is used to find quick access and perfect installation for all time.
The tone generator is used to identify the Trace wires, cable pairs, and single conductor wires. It alerts you when the tester is going to the low voltage and the tester has an automatic power off.
Connection measurement is very useful with RJ45 and RJ11 as it quickly recognizes the cable. The unit is accurate to move nearby, with grippy surfaces and a hardcover. The F connectors are the push-on type which is more useful.
Klein Tools VDV501-825 Cable Tester does not identify the length of the network cables and it has only a few connectors compared to other testers on its row.
9. Southwire Tools M300P Tester
The Southwire M300p is a professional mapper for the network cable tester. It is a high-quality tester, which is used to recognize the shorts, split pair, and open lines.
You can easily understand LED-backlit and this tester shows the issues simply and thus works in dark as well as low light limitation.
Main Features
- Battery life: 6 hours
- Display: LED
- Cable tests: Shielded or Unshielded: Cat 7, Cat 7a
- Dimensions: 7.13 x 2.86 x 1.61 inches
- Operating temperature: 32°F to 122°F
What Makes These Cable Testers Stand Out
- No troubleshooting issues
- Simple-to-understand LCD
- Excellent build
This tester is used to identify the labeling and organize the structured wiring panel. The tester is simple to use and painless.
The mapper has port sheets that protect the RJ45 from dust particles and trash the data, cable tester has a built-in toner dynamo which is used to track the cable easily.
The tester instantly tests the voice, data and video cabling to avoid the basic installation faults which include split pairs and various cables run on the RJ45 and coaxial cable.
The snap-in remote is shock resistant which is made of durable material so its display lasts for a long day.
Southwire Tools M300P Tester protects the RJ45 from dust particles with the help of port sheets, and it is very comfortable and efficient while troubleshooting any information problems.
This tester performs ideal at the clear field use as it confronts unfavorable operation requirements and is secure for remote storage.
Data cable tester manages shielded or unshielded wires and coaxial wires. The telephone network professionals and other wiring persons mostly use this tester.
It comes with 2AAA batteries which have great battery life and ensures high quality. This tester checks the cables or wires connected properly and trace screen number.
When it goes to the low voltage, this tester alerts you and, if you use this tester in low voltage, it doesn’t give proper results.
According to a few customer reviews, this Southwire M300P cable tester needs two to three times of check to ensure the result. So you have to perform a test for twice or more.
10. TRENDnet Cable Tester
TRENDnet VDV and USB Cable Tester model is an extensive and efficient tester for the network technicians. This tester is user-friendly and comes with a lot of advanced features. The installation process is very simple to you.
Main Features
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Display: LED
- Cable tests: Crossed wires, Short circuit
- Dimensions: 8 x 3 x 5 inches
- Operating temperature: 32°F to 122°F
What Makes These Cable Testers Stand Out
- Inexpensive
- Strong and effective
- Great tester for field professional
This tester tests the configuration of multiple data and voice transmission cables or wires correctly.
The tester highlights a control interface that allows the machine to confirm the security of the wire by sending test signals to a similar remote terminator.
The device tests the connection and displays the cable arrangement of the wire investment up to 300 meters.
It begins with a single audio tone dynamo characteristic that recognizes damaged cables and troubleshoots the decent wiring and pin construction.
The tester has a kind of test pin arrangement that involves the coaxial cable, RJ11, RJ45, and Token Ring wires. TRENDnet VDV detects the low voltage wires and assures that the connection remains constant and useful.
The TRENDnet cable tester is excellent for measuring self-manufactured Ethernet wires. It produces a tone for obtaining cables and is helpful for coaxial cable.
The tester checks the pin to recognize the individual, accepted, cross circuit, and cross-connected pins.
A control unit helps for loop measurement, and a detachable remote terminal system provides for cable testing in areas away from the control unit.
This tester has continuous scanning mode which tests the cable ends in various areas.
The digital network cable tester is used to identify the connection problem and calculates the cable length, a manageable unit with long battery life.
It shows the cable problems in coaxial and telephone cables, reverse connection, and jumper wire.
The TRENDnet tester has high dependability over the extended period so the testing may take a long time to complete also sometimes the remote sensor failed to work properly.
How to Choose the Best Network Cable Tester
We have so many choices for cable testers. Every manufacturer has inserted some unique feature to their products to make it profitable to the consumers. So choosing the right one from this huge market is not so easy.
You have to consider a few specific features and functions before you choose the one.
Let’s have a look at some of the common features, functions, and types that a buyer must know about network cable tester.
Usability
While choosing the network cable tester, first you should consider the usability. You may need to measure large cables so the tester must be highly efficient. The tester allows you to understand everything without the necessity to toggle on different screens. Select the tester in which weight and build are easy to use.
Compatibility & Construction
Cable testers have some moving parts, which perform not too hard to build sturdy. Some testers give protecting straps to check the drops, while others give strong waterproofing for testing in the area.
Most of the cable testers give the accurate results of rj45, rj11, and coaxial cables. The tester test the cable without the need for an adapter.
Budget
The next thing to consider is the price. The basic network cable tester has a Hub port, cross-connection and it quickly troubleshoots the problems. If your budget is under $100, then choose the basic unit.
$2300 – $3800:
The premium or advanced network cable tester measure the length, Remote ID and it quickly checks the capacity and installation. Accuracy of the result also high in these high-priced units. If your budget is between $2300 and $3800, then this range of cable tester is ideally suited to you.
Why Cable Certifier
After reading the above list of best network cable testers, you got to know the tool “Certifier”.
Cable certifiers are the tools for network testing that are widely used around the globe. It has particular features and functionalities. The high-quality cable certifiers for network testing makes the installation and maintenance easy for the professionals.
These Cable certifiers work with radio frequencies to measure the cabling performance based on ISO and TIA standards.
Typically, most of the network testing tools are expensive. But, as a buyer, you should know that they worth every penny with their features and functions.
Why Cable Verifier
Cable verifiers are the basic version of cable testers. It has used to check the very common issues like the pairing, cable or wire connectivity.
Remember, these cable verifiers will not provide any data communication details but they only check the issues.
To solve these problems, IP’s or Ethernet’s physical layer is used by the verifier. This layer has the physical components of cabling and electrical signaling with which the devices connected to networks.
But, recent high-grade professional verifiers have the features to check the cable length and fault distance. It also has troubleshooting functions. Few high-end verifiers also come with visual port blinking and audible tone generator features but it costs high.
Why Cable Qualifier
Using a Cable qualifier is easy if you are highly knowledgeable about the cable verifier. Because a cable qualifier does all the works that a verifier does.
Before you choose a cable qualifier tester, be clear if the task is about regular repair and maintenance of existing cables.
Again, the qualifiers offer data transfer using a cable facility. The main job of the qualifier is to ensure data transmission accuracy from point to point.
LinkSprinter vs Link Runner
LinkSprinter is portable and tests the PoE, gives hotspot connectivity to the mobile device, and uploads to the Link-Live.com cloud service.
It has 3 models such as 100, 200, and 300. When you compare 100 and 200 models, the 200 connects the hotspot to the portable device for the present result.
The 300 models test the ability to do a simple cable fault and it displays the cable length. The tester test the link-state, LLDP to the port and DHCP. It works without batteries at PoE.
Network technicians can easily identify the LikeRunner. The tester checks the RJ45 and SFP slots, and it does different tasks or tests.
It has Link-Live configuration cloud network that has four basic options such as tools, cable, switch, and autotest.
The tester is able to provide an infinite number of results. The Autotest checks the basic collection of network connectivity within 10 seconds.
Lan Tester: Wire Tracker – Cat6 Network Cable Tester
The below video gives you the clear idea about the CAT6 network cable tester so you can install it by yourself.
Cat5 Vs Cat6
The Cat5 wires are the majority of the world’s network foundation. Cat5 cable can handle 10/100 Mbps at a 100MHz bandwidth, the latest versions of Cat5 cables are more durable.
It is based on the old wiring method and it has a backbone of the residential foundation. Big scale application needs an extra powerful interface arrangement.
The Cat6 cables are the backbone of the system and it has more specifications which are crosstalk, noise, and it makes representation up to 250 MHz.
The Cat6 power has 10 gigabits and it has a high-cost compared to cat5. It decreases the crosstalk problems. 10 Gigabit Ethernet activities are possible while decreasing wire lengths fewer than 50 meters.
For the detailed review of Cat5 and Cat6 cables, their differences, the uses, and limitations check this YouTube Video.
Final words
The above are the top 10 best network cable testers audits in 2022. From the rundown, you can pick the best item that best suits your needs and spending plan.
Every one of them is of high caliber and they will go far in investigating issues with your network cable.
Whichever tester you go for, it will cut the expense of contracting an expert, subsequently setting aside your cash over the long haul.