Using an automotive borescope to further diagnose your car is highly advised and they have vastly improved over the years. The device use a semi-rigid flexible cable to pass through tight spaces with ease and a high quality camera at the end to provide clear imagery.
The best automotive borescope is Teslong NTS500, which is designed for professional and comes with a large 5.5 inch screen. If you require an affordable alternative for occasional use, the Oiiwak inspection camera is the best option.
Choosing between a borescope that uses a standalone tool or a wireless connection is often dependent upon your budget. The standalone tools are more expensive but often have more functionality and doesn’t require a complex connection setup.
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Automotive Borescope Comparison
| Automotive Borescope | Type | Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Teslong NTS500 | Standalone Tool | 5.5 mm x 3 Meters |
| ScopeAround 1080P | Standalone Tool | 8.0 mm x 3/5 Meters |
| Teslong NTS300 | Standalone Tool | 7.6 mm x 5 Meters |
| Oiiwak Inspection Camera | Standalone Tool | 5.5 mm x 3.5/5/10 Meters |
| Autel MV108 MaxiVideo | Scan Tool Connection | 8.5 mm x 3 Meters |
| DEPSTECH Snake | Smartphone Connection | 8.5 mm x 3.5 Meters |
| Seesi Wireless | Smartphone Connection | 5.5 mm x 5 Meters |
The use of one of these tools allows you to inspect engine cylinders, hydraulic components and any other automotive components. The benefit of this is that you don’t need to dismantle the components, which is not only costly but also very time consuming.
Below is a list of the best automotive borescopes that enable you to further inspect your vehicle and output crystal clear imagery.
The Best Automotive Borescope
1. Teslong NTS500 Automotive Borescope
TesLong are a brand that produce a wide range of automotive borescopes and this is a model designed for professionals. It’s an expensive option but it provides a 1280 x 720 crystal clear image upon the large 5 inch LCD screen.
Included with the complete kit is the dual lens borescope, 16G TF card, micro USB cable, hard plastic case and the user manual.
Other features of the Teslong NTS500 include:
- Takes photos and videos
- 1280 x 720 HD
- Mirroring rotation
- 5.5 mm probe
- Large 5 inch LCD screen
- IP67 waterproof design
- Flexible metal gooseneck
- Adjustable LED lights
- Tempered glass
For professionals that use an automotive borescope, the battery life is an important feature. This NTS500 model uses a built-in 3500mAh lithium ion battery that provides up to 4 to 6 hours of battery life for extended use.
The Teslong NTS500 is a highly rated borescope that is ideal for working on cars and other applications. Although expensive, it excels in all aspects and is highly versatile.
Check it Out2. ScopeAround Adjustable Automotive Borescope
The ScopeAround automotive borescope is another premium option that is available with either a 9.85 or 16.5 foot long cable. Its the brands new and improved model that features a dual lens to provide clearer images at more angles.
Lighting can be a real issue when using a borescope but this model has 6 adjustable LED lights that helps to provide HD images in poor lighting conditions.
Other features of the ScopeAround Camera include:
- 1280 x 720 HD resolution
- 4.3 inch LCD screen
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 2600 mAh battery for 6 hours of use
- Micro USB, 16G TF card, accessories and instructions included
- Includes a durable hard plastic case for storage
The ScopeAround borescope is an excellent all-round option for mechanics that combines performance and value for the money. The long battery life, choice of cable lengths, adjustable LED lights and large display ticks all the boxes.
Check it Out3. TesLong NTS-200 Automotive Borescope
Another automotive borescope by the TesLong brand is the NTS-200 model, which is very similar to the ScopeAround alternative above. It features the same 4.3 inch LCD screen and 6 LED lights but is only available with a 5 meter cable.
Compared against previous models produced by the brand, this borescope uses an improved anti-glare micro camera for clearer imagery.
Other features of the TesLong NTS200 include:
- 5 meter cable
- 5 to 6 hours battery life
- 4.3 inch LCD screen
- IP67 waterproof rated
- Metal gooseneck cable
- Hard plastic tool box included
- 1.0 megapixel camera
- 7.6 mm camera diameter
Compared against the brands flagship model (NTS500), this has a smaller screen and slightly thicker camera diameter. However, it’s much cheaper and perfect for those that cannot stretch their budget but still require performance.
Check it Out4. Oiiwak Borescope Inspection Camera
The Oiiwak is a popular automotive borescope that has a compact and unique design with a 4.3 inch LCD screen. Compared against many of the alternatives, it uses a 2 megapixel camera with adjustable zoom modes.
Included with the automotive borescope is the camera, cable, micro USB, 8G TF card, accessories, instructions and travel bag.
Other features of the Oiiwak Borescope include:
- 4.3 inch full-view IPS screen
- 1920 x 1080P resolution
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 6 adjustable LED lights
- Flexible and semi rigid cable
- 5.5 mm diameter cable
- Cable lengths of 3.5, 5 or 10 meters
- 2800 mAh battery for 3 to 4 hours working time
The Oiiwak is a highly rated automotive borescope that provides crystal clear imagery using the 2 megapixel camera. The brand also offer the longest cable length (10 foot), which allows you to pass the cable from one end of the car to the other.
Check it Out5. Autel MaxiVideo MV108 Inspection Camera
The MaxiVideo MV108 by Autel is a unique borescope that is designed to be used with a supported Autel automotive diagnostic scan tool. This model in particular is their new and improved camera, which features far more superior performance.
Autel state that their inspection camera provides up-close and high resolution images confined areas such as engine cylinders, spark plugs and much more.
Other features of the Autel MaxiVideo MV108 include:
- Super bright LED lights
- Small 8.5 mm diameter head
- Takes photos and records videos
- Requires a compatible scan tool
- Waterproof up to 10 feet
This particular model is suitable for MaxiSys 906 scanners but they brand produce multiple alternatives that are suitable for other models.
For those that already have the compatible Autel scanners, the MaxiVideo MV108 is the best option. The complete package includes the camera, hook, magnet, mirror and imaging body, which will allow you begin using it straightaway.
Check it Out6. DEPSTECH Wireless Automotive Endoscope
DEPSTECH are another brand that produce a wide variety of inspection cameras and this is their wireless model. It will require you to connect to either an Android or Apple iOS device via a wireless connection in order to view the imagery.
It’s the brand latest wireless borescope that uses a 2nd gen chip and a 2 megapixel camera for 30 FPS, which is up to 200% faster than the older generation.
Other features of the DEPSTECH Wireless Camera include:
- Suitable for Android 2.3/iOS 6.0 and above
- 6 adjustable blue LED lights
- Cable measures up at 3.5 meters in length
- Cable diameter of 8.5 mm
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Flexible and rigid cable design
- 1600x1200P resolution
For those that wish to use their compatible smartphones, the DEPSTECH camera is one of the best options. It’s a high performing wireless borescope that provides crystal clear images and connects to the brands unique smartphone application.
Check it Out7. SEESI Waterproof Inspection Borescope
Another borescope that connects to smartphones via a wireless connection is by the SEESI brand. It’s a more affordable alternative that uses a 5 meter semi-rigid cable and a range of accessories to suit a range of applications.
Unlike the DEPSTECH alternative, the camera diameter of this model is only 5.5 mm, which makes it easier to inspect narrower spaces.
Other features of the SEESI Borescope include:
- Takes photos and video
- Semi rigid 5 meter cable
- 6 adjustable LED lights
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Mirror, magnet and hook included
- 640 x 480 resolution
- Can also be used with a windows or Mac PC
Overall, it’s an excellent all-round automotive borescope that’s affordable and won’t disappoint. It’s important to note that it may not work with Apple iOS smartphones, therefore you may want to choose the DEPSTECH alternative above.
Check it OutConclusion
An automotive borescope is a relatively new addition to most mechanics tool chests. They allow you to thoroughly inspects tight areas that you otherwise have to strip down to gain access too. Dependent upon how frequently you use it should reflect your budget.
All of our recommendations are suited to a range of budgets and types, which include standalone tools or a wireless connection. To avoid disappointment, we advise that you avoid the cheaper options and choose a cable with a diameter less than 10 mm.
