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The Best Borescope Will Make You See Things You Can Not Reach

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 17 Mar 2023

When it comes to troubleshooting, inspecting, and repairing things that you can’t see, you need the right kind of tool. Enter the borescope, the essential tool that will help you get to the bottom of some of the most difficult tasks. This article will help you find the most reliable borescope of 2023, so you can finally troubleshoot and repair whatever you need quickly and easily.

Borescopes come in a variety of styles and sizes, and it’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs. We’ve done the research for you and rounded up our top picks for the perfect borescopes of the year. Whether you need a handheld device or a cable-attached model, you’re sure to find the perfect borescope to suit your needs.

Best Overall
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Oiiwak Borescope
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Best Value
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DEPSTECH Borescope
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Most Intuitive
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Teslong Borescope
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Easiest to Set Up
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NIDAGE Borescope
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Most Versatile
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T TAKMLY Borescope
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Borescope Buying Guide

When it comes to selecting the right borescope for your needs, there are a number of important factors to take into consideration. Here is a buyer’s guide that covers all the key product features and what to look for before you make an informed decision.

Things to Look For Before Buying A Borescope

Quality

Quality construction and reliable performance should be your first considerations when purchasing a borescope. Look for robust materials, durable construction, and reliable performance. Ask the manufacturer about testing procedures, certifications, and reviews.

Resolution

Resolution is another key feature of a borescope. This refers to the level of detail provided by the image from the lens of the borescope. Choose a model with enough resolution to give you a clear picture of what’s inside whatever device you are inspecting. A higher resolution will ensure a better view of any issues at hand.

Length

When inspecting objects that are deep or hard to reach, the length of the borescope is important because it determines how far into the object you can actually see. Consider how long your object is and make sure your borescope is long enough to reach it. 

Light source

Adjustable lighting can greatly enhance the image quality and make it easier to identify any issues inside difficult-to-reach areas. Look for models that offer adjustable lighting in order to give you complete control over how much or how little light is being used during an inspection. 

Image quality

If a borescope has good resolution but poor image quality, then it won’t be very useful for making accurate assessments of an object’s condition. Look for a model with clear and sharp images as well as good contrast and brightness levels for maximum visibility. 

Flexibility

Having a flexible probe allows you to easily inspect objects in tight spots and spaces that are otherwise hard to reach. This can be especially helpful when inspecting delicate or small objects where accuracy is crucial. 

Operating system compatibility

Many modern borescopes connect wirelessly or via USB connection. Make sure yours is compatible with your device or operating system before making a purchase so that you can access information without any issues. 

Accessories

Some borescopes come with additional accessories such as cleaning kits, carrying cases, extra probes, and more, so be sure to check what is included with your product before committing to a purchase. These accessories can help extend the life of your tool and provide additional functionality when needed. 

Warranty 

Different manufacturers offer different levels of warranty coverage on their products so make sure you research which one offers the best protection for your money. A longer warranty typically means more coverage and peace of mind that you are covered in case any problems arise with your product down the road. 

Price

Borescopes can range from very affordable models up to more expensive high-end versions so do your research and compare prices across different models before making a decision on which one is right for you. The best value will usually be found when comparing specifications side by side so take some time to research what options give you the most bang for your buck before purchasing.

Comparing the Top Borescopes of 2023

1

Oiiwak Borescope

– Best Overall
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The Oiiwak Borescope is a high-tech industrial endoscope with a range of impressive features. Its 4.3-inch IPS screen offers excellent detail and clarity, allowing for quick inspections. It’s 5.5mm camera scope uses ultra wide-band CMOS technology for smoother, 1080P video with plenty of pixel capacity, allowing for crisp images even when enlarged on a computer. The IP67 waterproof rating also makes it useful for nondestructive inspection in hard-to-reach places, such as pipes or walls.

The package includes a 3.5m semi-rigid cable, micro USB cable, 8GB TF card, hook, magnet, side mirror, and user manual. With its one-click function for taking photos and recording videos, this inspection camera is perfect for applications like car repairs and industrial mechanical inspections. It even has the ability to explore underground caverns and inspect sewer drains, which is why it is our top pick for the best overall borescope. 

Pros
  • Shows clearly what is visible through camera 
  • Takes clear photos and videos 
  • Super easy to use 
  • Micro SD card included 
Cons
  • USB connector can loosen and disconnect
2

DEPSTECH Borescope

– Best Value
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Buy on Amazon

The DEPSTECH Borescope is an innovative and powerful inspection camera. It features a revolutionary HD 5.0MP resolution that gives you the ability to see into hard-to-reach places with extraordinary clarity. The advanced Bluart technology illuminates the darkness and adjusts its six LED lights to reduce overexposure. This borescope provides a 16-inch focal distance, allowing for more convenient usage while eliminating the strain on your eyes. 

Designed with a 2200 mAh battery power module, this device allows more time for an inspection and ensures long-lasting performance. It has a special WiFi box that broadcasts a WiFi signal, making it compatible with iOS 9.0+ and Android 9.0+ devices as well as iPads. It is also IP67-waterproof, meaning it can be used in water tanks or other wet environments without any problems. Overall, this wireless endoscope is an impressive and reliable device for anyone in need of inspecting hard-to-reach areas.

Pros
  • Provides 1080P and higher resolution for video files
  • Durable and solid build quality
  • Can record photos and videos on phones for easy sharing 
  • Bright LEDs that can be controlled easily 
Cons
  • Limited control over exposure settings 
3

Teslong Borescope

– Most Intuitive
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The Teslong Borescope is an impressive inspection tool designed to make it easier to investigate hard-to-reach places. With dual lenses offering a total of 140-degree view, this product is an ideal addition to any professional or DIY project. The 5” IPS screen and 1.5x digital zoom provide a much larger viewing area as well as a clear resolution for the user’s convenience. 

The inclusion of seven adjustable LED lights ensures that users can view even the darkest areas. These lights are further supported by a waterproof and drop-resistant body reinforced with metal, making this endoscope perfect for outdoor work scenarios. Overall this dual-lens inspection camera provides professionals and DIYers with a quality tool for inspecting tight areas with exceptional clarity and lighting regardless of the environment. This tool is sure to be invaluable for any inspection project.

Pros
  • High-quality image produced with adjustable lights 
  • Simple and intuitive operation 
  • Replaceable battery 
  • Includes 32GB USB card 
Cons
  • Longer cord, which can be cumbersome 
4

NIDAGE Borescope

– Easiest to Set Up
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Buy on Amazon

The NIDAGE Borescope is a highly advanced inspection camera that offers a range of features and specifications that make it an ideal choice for many applications. For starters, its mini 5.5mm probe is armed with a bendable semi-rigid cable that makes it easier to access those hard-to-reach and dark areas for inspections. It also has a distinct 1080p inspection camera with 6500K sunlight LED technology which ensures that images and videos remain clear even in dark conditions. 

Besides this, it also boasts a premium camera chip that offers up to 30fps velocity for smoother videos and images, even in cases of vibration. The device further supports convenient WiFi connection and wide compatibility. This ensures considerable ease of use with devices running on both iPhone iOS and Android systems. With its powerful features and capability, the device is sure to become a favorite amongst professionals across many industries.

Pros
  • Long cable to reach upwards of eight feet 
  • Capability for still and video recording  
  • Easy to use and connect WiFi via set password
  • Can be used to inspect inside ceilings and behind walls
Cons
  • Difficulty connecting to app 
5

T TAKMLY Borescope

– Most Versatile
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The T TAKMLY Borescope is a versatile and convenient tool for accessing narrow and enclosed spaces. Featuring a 0.21-inch diameter camera, it is perfect for inspecting hard-to-reach places such as vents, engines, and other tight locations. It also has a semi-rigid cable that makes navigation around awkward corners much easier than with a soft cable model. 

With 720p HD resolution and adjustable LED lights, this endoscope offers excellent image quality. The lights can be adjusted to provide precision illumination in dark areas. The best observing distance is between three and ten centimeters, which is perfect for inspection in hard-to-see spots. This endoscope is also IP67 waterproof certified, so don’t worry about using it in wet environments such as bathtubs or pipes filled with water up to three meters deep. Other than that, the USB Endoscope’s compatibility with all these devices makes it extremely versatile and easy to use. 

Pros
  • Can see inside your wall after placing a small hole
  • Waterproof and suitable for use in wet pipes
  • Semi-flexible tubing to help with routing the camera 
  • Multiple plug types available for compatibility with various devices
Cons
  • Poor picture quality with Mac iOS devices or PCs

People Also Asked

Q: What is a borescope?

A: A borescope is an optical device that is used to look inside boreholes, machinery, or other inaccessible areas to inspect for damage or defects. It typically consists of a tiny camera at the end of a long flexible shaft, which is connected to a viewing device such as a monitor or display.

Q: How does a borescope help me see things I can't reach?

A: A borescope helps you see things beyond what can be seen with the naked eye. It allows you to look inside inaccessible areas in order to inspect for damage or defects that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to detect.

Q: What features should I look for when choosing a borescope?

A: When choosing a borescope, you should look for features such as waterproofing, adjustable lighting, and digital recording capabilities. Many high-end models offer image enhancements such as color and thermal imaging, as well as wide-angle lenses to accommodate wider spaces. These features will allow you to examine objects more thoroughly and accurately than with a basic model.

Q: What are the benefits of using a borescope?

A: Using a borescope offers many advantages over traditional inspection methods such as inspecting walls and components from a distance or getting into hard-to-reach places without dismantling large portions of machinery or structures. It also allows you to clearly see fine details or imperfections that may not be visible to the naked eye and helps diagnose problems without having to physically open up components or machines. 

Q: Are there any safety considerations when using a borescope?

A: Yes, there are important safety considerations to keep in mind when using a borescope. To ensure safe operation, always use protective eyewear and comply with the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper use and maintenance of equipment. This will help ensure accuracy when conducting inspections or other tasks that require precision results

Q: Can I use a borescope on my own or do I need help from a professional?

A: The type of work being done will determine whether it’s possible for you to use a borescope on your own or if you need help from a professional. Generally speaking, complex tasks such as diagnosing structural damages or examining intricate machinery require expertise in order to achieve accurate results. In these cases, it’s best to consult with an expert before attempting any task yourself. 

Q: Does a good borescope come with any accessories or extras?

A: Some borescopes do come with several accessories and extras depending on the model and brand chosen. Common accessories include replacement parts such as batteries, carrying cases, connecting cables, cleaning supplies, mounting brackets, and extra lenses for additional flexibility and resolution options.

Q: How long does it take to learn how to use a borescope?

A: The amount of time needed to learn how to use a borescope will depend on your level of experience and comfort with technology but it generally shouldn’t take longer than an hour or so for someone who is familiar with operating electronic devices. Most models are designed for ease of use so that even beginners can quickly learn how to operate them properly. 

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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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