Klein ET17 vs ET19 Borescope: Which Is Better? (October 2026)

On this page (10 sections)

1. Klein ET17 vs ET19: what changes?
2. Which model suits your inspection?
3. How do the screens and camera views compare?
4. How do the ET17 and ET19 snakes compare?
5. What do the included accessories help you see or retrieve?
6. Which file-transfer setup fits you?
7. Can either borescope inspect plumbing or HVAC?
8. How should you set up and care for a borescope?
9. What mistakes should you avoid when choosing?
10. Verdict: Klein ET17 vs ET19

Choose the ET19 for dual-lens viewing and Wi-Fi file sharing; choose the ET17 for its mirror, kickstand and PC transfer. In this Klein ET17 vs ET19 comparison, both have a 5.5 mm camera, a 9.8-foot snake and a 4.3-inch color screen.

The main differences are how each handles viewing and saved files. The ET19 has a dual-lens camera and an app for sharing images and video, while the ET17 includes a mirror attachment and a self-storing monitor kickstand.

Klein ET17 vs ET19: what changes?

The ET19 offers multiple camera angles and Wi-Fi sharing; the ET17 includes a mirror and hands-free screen support. Both capture images and video, so consider how you'll view and use the inspection record.

The ET19's dual-lens design captures views from multiple angles. Its Wi-Fi Borescope ET19 app can share images and video by text or email, and you can download files through USB-C.

The ET17 includes a mirror attachment to change the view around the camera head. It captures images and video for reference, with a USB-C interface for transferring files to a PC.

Both screens measure 4.3 inches and have adjustable brightness. The ET19 screen resolution is 1920 x 1080, while the ET17 screen resolution is 854 x 480.

The ET17 also has a self-storing kickstand. You can set its monitor on a level surface for hands-free viewing while guiding the snake.

Which model suits your inspection?

Choose based on the task, viewing angle and file workflow. The ET19 is described for plumbing, HVAC and automotive inspection, while both models are made to show hard-to-reach areas.

Klein ET17 vs ET19: who should choose the ET19?

The ET19 fits people who want to capture multiple angles or send inspection images and videos from the ET19 app. Its dual-lens camera and sharing tools support those tasks.

The armored snake is 9.8 feet long, and the camera is 5.5 mm. The ET19 also includes a hook to grab and retrieve items and a magnet for magnetic items.

The app is available through Google Play and the App Store. You can also download photos and video through USB-C.

Skip the ET19 if you specifically need a mirror attachment or prefer a screen that can stand on its kickstand while you guide the camera. The ET19 includes a hook and magnet, but no mirror or kickstand is described for it.

Klein ET17 vs ET19: who should choose the ET17?

The ET17 fits people who want a mirror attachment to change the camera's view. It also includes a hook and magnet for grabbing or retrieving items.

Its monitor kickstand can hold the screen on a level surface while you guide the camera. That can help when you need both hands for positioning the snake and do not want to hold the monitor.

The ET17 transfers files to a PC through USB-C, and you can view captured images and video on its display. Skip it if dual-lens viewing or app sharing is central to your routine.

How do the screens and camera views compare?

Both have a color screen and a 5.5 mm camera, but the ET19 screen has higher resolution. The ET19 display is 1920 x 1080; the ET17 display is 854 x 480.

Both screens have adjustable brightness, and both cameras have adjustable LEDs. The ET19 has 3x zoom and 180-degree screen rotation; those features are not specified for the ET17.

The ET19's dual-lens design captures views from multiple angles. The ET17's mirror attachment offers a different way to inspect a target without relying on that camera design.

A sharper screen can make saved details easier to review, but the view also depends on how close the camera is, where it points and how much light reaches the target. Adjust the LEDs and move the camera slowly when a surface is hard to see.

How do the ET17 and ET19 snakes compare?

Both snakes reach 9.8 feet, but the ET19 uses an armored snake and the ET17 uses a flexible nylon snake. Pick based on the route and the way you'll guide the camera.

The ET19's armored design is intended to pass through twists, turns and bends. The ET17's flexible snake also reaches hard-to-access areas.

Before buying, trace the path you need to inspect and check the opening where the camera must enter. A handheld borescope is suited to close-up checks within reach of its snake; for a long drain run, see our guide to choosing a drain camera.

Avoid forcing a snake around a tight turn. Guide it with small movements and pull back if it catches, since pushing harder can make positioning more difficult.

What do the included accessories help you see or retrieve?

The ET17 includes a mirror, hook and magnet; the ET19 includes a hook and magnet. Choose the mirror if it suits the viewing angle you need.

The ET17 mirror can redirect the view toward a nearby surface. A hook or magnet may help retrieve an item when its shape and material allow the attachment to catch or hold it.

These attachments have specific uses. They do not make either camera suitable for retrieving every object, and a magnet only helps with magnetic items.

Which file-transfer setup fits you?

The ET19 supports app-based sharing, while the ET17 transfers files to a PC through USB-C. Both capture photos and video.

With the ET19, you can use the Klein Tools ET19 app to share images or video by text or email, or download files over USB-C. This fits a workflow where someone else needs to see a clip soon after an inspection.

The ET17 lets you view saved files on its display or transfer them to a PC using USB-C. If you plan to archive records on a computer, decide where you'll store them and make sure the computer has a compatible connection.

Think about who needs the inspection result. Choose the ET19 when phone-based sharing is useful; choose the ET17 when local viewing and PC transfer are enough.

Can either borescope inspect plumbing or HVAC?

Both models can show hard-to-reach areas, and the ET19 is described for plumbing and HVAC. Their built-in screens and flexible snakes make them handheld inspection tools for reachable spaces.

A borescope can help you look inside an accessible cavity, appliance or pipe section. Its camera shows the area it reaches, so it cannot show the full condition of a long drain run from one position.

For home heating and cooling equipment, our guide to using a borescope for HVAC checks explains how to approach an inspection. For other spaces around the house, see our inspection camera guide for attic checks.

If you're comparing handheld options, our best Klein Tools borescopes guide puts these models in the wider brand lineup. You can also compare a phone-connected option with a built-in display in our guide to Wi-Fi borescopes vs screen inspection cameras.

How should you set up and care for a borescope?

Set up the screen and file workflow before guiding the camera into a tight space. A clear view and a planned way to save images make the inspection easier to review.

For the ET17, extend the kickstand on a level surface and position the screen where you can see it while guiding the snake. For the ET19, decide whether you'll use the screen alone or connect through its app when you need to share files.

Start with the camera outside the opening, turn on the LEDs, and adjust brightness for the space. Move the snake in small steps so you can keep track of the camera's direction and avoid pushing it into a bend blindly.

Both cameras are described as waterproof to IP67. Follow the care instructions for the exact model, and keep the snake and camera head clean and dry before storing them.

What mistakes should you avoid when choosing?

The biggest mistake is buying for the feature list instead of the inspection route and file workflow. Check the opening, reach, viewing angle and how you'll save results before deciding.

Do not assume that a 9.8-foot snake can inspect every drain or pipe run. Measure the route and access points, and choose a purpose-built sewer camera if the job calls for a longer system; our sewer camera guide for home use explains the difference.

Do not treat the mirror and dual-lens camera as interchangeable. The ET17 mirror is a removable accessory, while the ET19 uses a dual-lens design to capture views from multiple angles.

Also avoid choosing based only on screen resolution. The higher-resolution ET19 display may suit people who prioritize image detail, but the ET17's kickstand and mirror may be more useful for hands-free or angled viewing.

Verdict: Klein ET17 vs ET19

For Klein ET17 vs ET19, pick the ET19 for dual-lens views and app sharing; pick the ET17 for its mirror, kickstand and PC transfer. Both capture images and video and suit close-up inspections where their snake can reach.

Choose the ET19 if you expect to share inspection files by text or email, or want its dual-lens camera. Choose the ET17 if you prefer a mirror attachment and a monitor that can stand on a level surface while you work.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between the Klein ET17 and ET19?

The ET19 has a dual-lens camera and Wi-Fi app sharing, while the ET17 includes a mirror and a monitor kickstand. Both capture images and video and have a built-in screen.

Choose based on whether app sharing or the ET17's viewing accessories better fit your work.

Can the Klein ET17 and ET19 record video?

Yes. Both capture video as well as images.

The ET17 lets you view files on its display or transfer them to a PC through USB-C, while the ET19 supports sharing through its app and downloading through USB-C.

Pick the workflow that fits where you need to review or share files.

Does the ET19 need a phone to show the camera view?

No. The ET19 has a built-in color LCD for viewing.

Its Wi-Fi app supports transferring or sharing images and video, so a phone is useful for that file workflow but isn't required as the only way to see the camera.

Which Klein borescope is better for HVAC checks?

Either can inspect hard-to-reach areas, and the ET19 is described for HVAC use. It offers dual-lens viewing and app sharing; the ET17 includes a mirror and kickstand.

See our guide to borescope checks for HVAC for inspection tips.