7 Best Klein Tools Borescopes (October 2026)
The best Klein Tools borescopes include the Klein Tools ET19 Wi-Fi Pro Borescope for flexible, shared viewing, the Klein Tools ET20 Wi-Fi Borescope for wireless phone viewing, and the Klein Tools ET17 Utility Borescope for a screen-first kit.
On this page (4 sections)
The best Klein borescope for most buyers is the ET19 Wi-Fi Pro, because it has a built-in screen, Wi-Fi app sharing, a dual-lens camera and a 9.8 ft armored snake. Choose the ET18 for close plumbing work, the ET16 for direct Android connection, or the ET30 when you need a camera that works with fish rods.
Klein's handheld models differ most in how you view the image, how far the snake reaches and whether the camera connects to a phone. This roundup compares those practical choices using the features and specifications for each model.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for flexible, shared viewingKlein Tools ET19 Wi-Fi Pro Borescope
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
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3
- 4
Check itKlein Tools ET18 Plumbing Borescope
Best for close plumbing checks - 5
Best for direct Android connectionCheck it - 6
Check itKlein Tools ET21 Wi-Fi Borescope
Best for compact wireless checks - 7
Check itKlein Tools ET30 Wireless Inspection Camera
Best for rod-based reach
Which Klein borescope is the best fit for your inspection?
The ET19 is the most flexible pick because it combines a screen, Wi-Fi sharing and a long snake. The other models trade some of that flexibility for a specific connection style, plumbing focus or reach setup.
We compared camera size, cable reach, viewing options, lighting and included attachments against common inspection needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Camera | Snake length | Viewing | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klein Tools ET19 Wi-Fi Pro Borescope | flexible, shared viewing | 5.5 mm dual-lens | 9.8 ft | 4.3 in LCD and Wi-Fi app | 8.4 |
| Klein Tools ET20 Wi-Fi Borescope | wireless phone viewing | 9 mm | 6 ft | Wi-Fi app on phone or tablet | 8.0 |
| Klein Tools ET17 Utility Borescope | a screen-first kit | 5.5 mm | 9.8 ft | 4.3 in LCD | 7.9 |
| Klein Tools ET18 Plumbing Borescope | close plumbing checks | 5.5 mm | 4.9 ft | 4.3 in LCD | 7.7 |
| Klein Tools ET16 Borescope | direct Android connection | 8 mm | 10 ft | Compatible Android device and app | 7.4 |
| Klein Tools ET21 Wi-Fi Borescope | compact wireless checks | 5.5 mm | 5 ft | Wi-Fi app on iOS or Android | 7.2 |
| Klein Tools ET30 Wireless Inspection Camera | rod-based reach | Wi-Fi app | 6.8 |
Klein Tools ET19 Wi-Fi Pro Borescope: Best for flexible, shared viewing
- Dual-lens camera
- 4.3 in color LCD
- 9.8 ft armored snake
- Wi-Fi app sharing
A built-in screen and Wi-Fi app give you two ways to view and share inspections. The dual-lens camera and long armored snake suit checks in pipes, walls and HVAC systems.
Pros
- Dual-lens camera
- Built-in LCD screen
- Hook and magnet attachments
Cons
- Phone sharing requires the ET19 app
- Not a long-reach sewer camera
The ET19 is the strongest all-around option if you want a screen for immediate viewing and a phone app for saving or sharing files. Its dual-lens camera captures views from multiple angles, and the 9.8 ft armored snake reaches farther than most short handheld probes.
A 4.3 in color LCD has adjustable brightness, so you can view the camera without keeping a phone connected. The included hook and magnet help retrieve small objects, while adjustable LEDs light dark inspection areas.
Choose the ET19 for mixed plumbing, HVAC, automotive or behind-wall checks where you value both local viewing and file sharing. For a narrower model comparison, read Klein ET17 vs ET19.
Klein Tools ET20 Wi-Fi Borescope: Best for wireless phone viewing
- Wi-Fi to smartphone or tablet
- 9 mm waterproof camera
- 6 ft armored snake
- Rechargeable battery
The ET20 sends images and video to a phone or tablet over Wi-Fi. Its 6 ft snake is shorter than the ET19's, but the app can display, record and share inspection files.
Pros
- Works with smartphones and tablets
- Adjustable camera LEDs
- USB-C rechargeable battery
Cons
- Shorter snake than several picks here
- Viewing depends on a compatible app
The ET20 suits you if phone or tablet viewing is your preferred setup. Its Wi-Fi connection can transmit images and video up to 30 ft away, and the app can display, record, store and share the files.
The 9 mm waterproof camera has six adjustable LEDs, while its armored snake measures 6 ft. A rechargeable battery powers the unit, with a status indicator to show its charge level.
Pick the ET20 for shorter inspections where wireless viewing matters more than a built-in screen or a longer cable. If you'd rather avoid a phone-based display, compare it with screen models such as the ET17.
Klein Tools ET17 Utility Borescope: Best for a screen-first kit
- 4.3 in color LCD
- 9.8 ft snake
- Hook, magnet and mirror
- Self-storing kickstand
The ET17 pairs a long snake with a built-in screen and three attachments. Its kickstand can hold the monitor on a level surface for hands-free viewing.
Pros
- Long 9.8 ft snake
- Built-in LCD screen
- Includes mirror, hook and magnet
Cons
- Not a Wi-Fi phone-viewing model
- Monitor needs a level surface for kickstand use
The ET17 is a screen-first choice with more reach than the ET20. Its 9.8 ft snake and 4.3 in LCD suit checks where you want to guide the camera and see the image on a separate monitor.
A self-storing kickstand lets you set the monitor on a level surface for hands-free viewing. The included mirror, hook and magnet give you options for viewing around an edge or retrieving a small item.
Choose the ET17 if you want a long handheld snake and do not need Wi-Fi phone viewing. The ET17 vs ET19 comparison explains what the extra lens and wireless features add.
Klein Tools ET18 Plumbing Borescope: Best for close plumbing checks
- 5.5 mm camera
- 4.9 ft armored snake
- 4.3 in LCD
- Hook, magnet and mirror
The ET18 is aimed at plumbing checks and includes a screen plus retrieval and mirror attachments. Its shorter 4.9 ft snake fits closer inspections better than runs that need more reach.
Pros
- Plumbing-focused design
- Built-in LCD screen
- Includes three attachments
Cons
- Shortest snake in this group
- Fixed-focus camera
The ET18 is the plumbing-focused pick for close checks in drains, pipes and other plumbing systems. Its 4.9 ft armored snake is shorter than the ET17 and ET19, which makes it a better fit for nearby inspection points than long runs.
The 4.3 in color LCD includes adjustable brightness, and the camera has adjustable LEDs. A mirror, hook and magnet come with it for viewing and retrieval tasks.
Choose the ET18 when the plumbing focus and built-in monitor match your work. If your inspection also involves larger drain lines, our best inspection cameras for plumbing work covers camera types built for different access needs.
Klein Tools ET16 Borescope: Best for direct Android connection
- 10 ft armored gooseneck
- USB Type-C connection
- No separate battery
- Six adjustable LEDs
The ET16 connects directly to compatible Android devices over USB Type-C and draws power from the device. Its 10 ft cable offers the longest reach in this roundup.
Pros
- Longest snake here
- No separate battery required
- Adjustable LED brightness
Cons
- Requires a compatible Android device
- No built-in screen
The ET16 is the pick for buyers who want a direct connection to a compatible Android device. It plugs into a USB Type-C or Micro-USB connection, displays through the ET16 app and draws power from the connected device.
Its 10 ft armored gooseneck is the longest cable in this roundup. Six adjustable LEDs surround the 8 mm camera, and a hook attachment and carrying case are included.
Check your phone or tablet's connection and Android compatibility before choosing it. For an HVAC inspection, see our guide to using a borescope for HVAC checks.
Klein Tools ET21 Wi-Fi Borescope: Best for compact wireless checks
- 5.5 mm camera
- 5 ft waterproof snake
- Wi-Fi to phone
- iOS and Android app
The ET21 sends images and video to a smartphone over Wi-Fi and has adjustable LEDs. Its 5 ft snake works for compact checks where a longer cable is unnecessary.
Pros
- Wi-Fi phone viewing
- Works with iOS and Android
- Compact 5 ft snake
Cons
- Short reach for deeper inspections
- No built-in screen
The ET21 is a compact wireless option for buyers who want to view inspection images on a phone. It connects through the ET21 app on iOS or Android and transmits video and images to a smartphone up to 30 ft away.
Its 5 ft waterproof snake and 5.5 mm camera suit tighter, nearby checks. Adjustable LEDs help light the inspection area, while the Wi-Fi setup avoids a direct cable connection to the phone.
Choose the ET21 for short inspections where a phone view and compact cable are more useful than a built-in screen. For longer reach, look at the ET19, ET17 or ET16.
Klein Tools ET30 Wireless Inspection Camera: Best for rod-based reach
- 1080p photos and video
- Wi-Fi app viewing
- Autofocus
- Fish rod compatible
The ET30 is built around a compact wireless camera that can attach to Klein Tools fish rods and other brands. Included attachments support retrieval and wire-pulling tasks.
Pros
- 1080p image capture
- Works with compatible fish rods
- Includes mirror, magnet, hook and adapters
Cons
- No built-in screen
- Reach depends on a compatible rod
The ET30 makes sense when you need a compact camera that can attach to fish rods for more reach. It captures 1080p photos and video, connects over Wi-Fi, and uses autofocus to adjust the lens.
Its always-up viewing keeps the image oriented regardless of camera position. The package includes a mirror, magnet, hook, thread adapters and a flex rod for tasks such as wire pulling or item retrieval.
Pick the ET30 when rod compatibility is central to your inspection. Its reach depends on the rod you use, so it serves a different role from a self-contained armored-snake borescope.
What should you compare before buying a Klein borescope?
Compare the camera's reach, viewing method and access point before choosing a Klein borescope. Those details determine whether a handheld probe can reach the area and whether you can see the image in the way you prefer.
How much snake length do you need?
A 4.9 to 6 ft snake is suited to nearby checks where the camera only needs to pass a short distance through an opening. The ET18 has a 4.9 ft snake, while the ET20 and ET21 are 6 ft and 5 ft.
The ET16, ET17 and ET19 offer about 10 ft of reach. A longer snake helps reach farther into a space, but it does not turn a handheld borescope into a push camera for a long sewer lateral.
Do you want a screen or phone viewing?
A screen is useful when you want to inspect without connecting a phone. The ET17 and ET18 have 4.3 in LCD screens, and the ET19 combines a screen with Wi-Fi app sharing.
The ET20 and ET21 send images to a smartphone over Wi-Fi. The ET16 connects directly to compatible Android devices, while the ET30 uses Wi-Fi and can attach to a fish rod.
For a closer look at the trade-offs, read Wi-Fi borescope vs inspection camera with a screen.
How small is the access point?
Camera diameter can affect whether a probe fits through a small opening. The ET19, ET17 and ET18 have 5.5 mm cameras, while the ET20 has a 9 mm camera and the ET16 has an 8 mm camera.
The ET30 is designed to fit through certain openings, with fit depending on whether its accessory collar is used. Measure the opening and check the camera and accessory dimensions before you choose.
What attachments could help?
A hook can help retrieve a small object, and a magnet can pick up magnetic items. The ET19 includes a hook and magnet; the ET17 and ET18 include those plus a mirror.
The mirror attachment can change the viewing angle in a tight space. The ET30 also includes adapters and a flex rod, making its included setup more focused on rod-based reach and retrieval tasks.
Which Klein borescope is best for HVAC or plumbing?
The ET19 is the most versatile choice for mixed HVAC and plumbing checks, while the ET18 is the dedicated short-reach plumbing pick. The ET16 is also worth considering when your Android device is compatible and a 10 ft cable matters.
For HVAC access behind a wall or through an opening, compare camera diameter with the access point and decide whether a screen or phone view suits the job. Our best borescopes for HVAC checks looks at options by those needs.
For a drain branch near an accessible opening, the ET18's 4.9 ft snake may be enough. If you need to inspect farther into a main sewer line, use a purpose-built sewer camera, as explained in our sewer camera guide.
Which Klein borescope should you choose?
Choose the ET19 for a flexible mix of screen viewing, Wi-Fi sharing and nearly 10 ft of reach. Pick the ET18 for close plumbing checks, the ET16 for direct Android connection, or the ET30 for fish-rod reach.
If you need to inspect a long drain line, start with a sewer camera instead of a handheld borescope. Our best sewer cameras for home use compares those systems.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Best for flexible, shared viewing
Klein Tools ET19 Wi-Fi Pro Borescope
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
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3
Frequently asked questions
Which Klein borescope is best for plumbing?
The ET18 Plumbing Borescope is the most directly aimed at plumbing checks. It has a 5.5 mm camera, 4.9 ft armored snake, 4.3 in screen and mirror, hook and magnet attachments.
For longer reach, compare the ET17 or ET19, each with a snake close to 10 ft.
Is a Klein Wi-Fi borescope better than one with a screen?
A Wi-Fi model sends the view to a phone or tablet, which can make saving and sharing files convenient. A screen model lets you view the camera without relying on a phone connection.
The ET19 combines both options, while the ET17 has a built-in screen and the ET20 uses a phone app.
Does the Klein ET16 work with an iPhone?
The ET16 is described for compatible Android devices with USB Type-C or Micro-USB and the Klein ET16 app. It connects directly to the device and does not need a separate battery.
For wireless phone viewing, consider a Wi-Fi model that supports your phone's operating system.
Can a Klein borescope inspect a sewer line?
These handheld borescopes are suited to close checks through openings and short, flexible snakes. They are not the same as a push-camera sewer inspection system designed to travel through a drain line.
For a full sewer line, see our sewer camera buying guide and best sewer cameras for home use.
