FAQS
A borescope inspection camera is a digital imaging tool with a small LED-lit camera mounted at the end of a flexible or rigid probe, designed to see inside spaces that are too tight, deep, or dangerous to inspect with the naked eye. Modern borescopes either connect to your smartphone, tablet, or computer via USB or WiFi, or operate as standalone units with their own built-in screen and battery. They capture HD photos and video, making it easy to document, diagnose, and share what you find — without any disassembly or guesswork.
Borescopes are used across a huge range of applications, including:
- Automotive: Inspecting engine cylinders, spark plug holes, exhaust systems, and hard-to-reach components without removing the engine
- Plumbing & sewer: Checking drain lines, pipes, and underground sewer systems for clogs, cracks, or root intrusion
- HVAC: Inspecting ductwork, heat exchangers, and coil systems
- Firearms: Examining the inside of rifle and pistol barrels for fouling, wear, or damage
- Home inspection & DIY: Looking inside walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces without destructive access
- Industrial & manufacturing: Performing visual inspections of machinery, welds, and hard-to-reach mechanical components
The biggest advantage of a borescope is the ability to diagnose problems non-invasively — saving time, money, and preventing unnecessary disassembly.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they come from different fields. Endoscopes are precision medical devices used in surgical procedures — they're built to extraordinary clinical standards and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Borescopes (also called industrial endoscopes) are designed for mechanical, plumbing, and structural inspections. Teslong does not manufacture medical-grade products. When we say "industrial endoscope" or "inspection camera," we mean the same thing as a borescope — a tool built for tough, everyday inspection tasks.
Teslong has been designing and manufacturing inspection cameras for over a decade, and we've used that time to listen to our customers and refine our products. Here's what sets us apart:
- Complete product range: We make WiFi borescopes, USB borescopes, articulating scopes, models with built-in screens, sewer inspection cameras, rifle borescopes, and ultra-slim probes — one of the broadest lineups available anywhere.
- Real-world durability: All Teslong camera probes are IP67 waterproof rated and built for regular professional use.
- Universal compatibility: Our USB and WiFi models work with iPhone, Android, Windows PC, and Mac — no proprietary ecosystems.
- Transparent pricing: From $50 entry-level USB scopes to professional articulating units, we offer options for every budget without hidden upgrades.
- Proven track record: Thousands of verified reviews across Amazon and our own store, backed by a dedicated customer support team.
USB borescopes connect directly to your device via a USB cable. They work with Android phones, Windows PCs, and Macs — and are typically more affordable, with no lag and no battery required on the scope itself. They're ideal for stationary work where you're set up next to your device.
WiFi borescopes create their own wireless hotspot and stream video to your phone or tablet over WiFi. This gives you more freedom of movement and works with both iPhone and Android. WiFi models are better when you need to move around or work in positions where a cable would be awkward.
Both types record HD photos and video through the Teslong app. If you're an iPhone user, a WiFi model is your best option since Apple's Lightning/USB-C ports don't natively support USB camera input.
An articulating borescope has a camera tip that can be steered — typically up, down, left, and right — using a control dial or joystick on the handle. This means you can navigate around corners, look back at surfaces, or angle the camera precisely without repositioning the entire probe.
You need an articulating borescope if:
- You need to inspect around bends or corners inside a machine or structure
- You want to look at a surface from multiple angles in a single insertion
- You're doing professional-grade inspections where accuracy matters
For simpler tasks like looking straight down a pipe or into an engine cylinder, a standard flexible borescope is usually sufficient and more cost-effective. Teslong offers both 2-way and 4-way articulating models, as well as dual-lens articulating scopes for maximum coverage.
A sewer inspection camera (also called a drain camera or pipeline inspection camera) is a borescope built for plumbing use — typically with a longer, semi-rigid probe designed to push through drain lines and sewer pipes. They're used to locate blockages, identify pipe damage, check for root intrusion, and inspect underground lines without digging.
Teslong's plumbing borescopes feature waterproof probes, bright LED illumination, and long cable lengths suitable for residential and light commercial drain lines. They're a practical alternative to calling a plumber for an initial diagnosis.
A stand-alone borescope has its own integrated screen, rechargeable battery, and built-in storage — no phone, tablet, or computer required. You simply turn it on and start inspecting. These are ideal for professional use in the field, situations where you don't want to risk damaging your phone, or environments where you need both hands free.
Teslong's screen-equipped models feature 4.5-inch to 5-inch color displays, SD card recording, and rechargeable batteries. Some models also support USB or WiFi connectivity as a secondary option, giving you the best of both worlds.
The right borescope depends on a few key factors:
- Application: What are you inspecting? Engines and walls need a different probe than gun barrels or sewer lines.
- Probe diameter: Tighter openings need a smaller diameter. Teslong offers probes as slim as 3.9 mm (0.15 in) for confined spaces.
- Probe length: Match the length to the depth you need to reach. Teslong offers probes from 1 meter to 5+ meters.
- Screen or phone? Decide if you want a standalone unit with its own screen or a model that connects to your existing device.
- iPhone or Android? USB models generally work with Android and Windows; WiFi models work with both iOS and Android.
- Articulation: If you need to steer the camera tip inside a space, choose an articulating model.
- Budget: Entry-level USB borescopes start around $50; professional articulating units with screens range up to $500+.
Not sure which model is right for you? Use our comparison tool or contact our support team — we're happy to help you find the perfect fit.
Teslong borescopes range from around $50 for entry-level USB models to $400–500 for professional articulating scopes with built-in screens. The right price point depends entirely on what you need it for. For occasional home and DIY use, a $50–$100 USB or WiFi scope delivers excellent value. For regular professional use — automotive, plumbing, or industrial inspection — investing in a standalone articulating model with a built-in screen will save time and provide a significantly better experience. Unlike medical endoscopes (which can cost $10,000+), Teslong borescopes are priced for professionals and serious hobbyists alike.
Yes. All Teslong camera probes are rated IP67 waterproof, meaning they can be fully submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes without damage. This makes them suitable for plumbing inspections, drain lines, wet engine bays, and outdoor use in rain or mud. Note that the IP67 rating applies to the camera probe and cable — the main body or monitor unit should be kept dry.
Teslong offers both single-lens and dual-lens probe designs:
Single-lens probes have one forward-facing camera. When paired with a right-angle mirror attachment, they're excellent for side-viewing inside gun barrels and similar narrow cylindrical spaces — the mirror keeps the lens at the optimal distance for sharp focus on the barrel's inner surface.
Dual-lens probes combine a forward-facing camera and a side-facing camera in a single probe head. This eliminates the need for a mirror attachment and gives a wider field of view — better for general inspection tasks like looking into engine cylinders, walls, or pipe junctions. However, dual-lens probes are not ideal for gun barrel inspection, where the side lens sits too close to the barrel surface for clear focus.
For firearms use: choose single-lens + mirror. For general mechanical or structural inspection: dual-lens is typically the better choice.
Teslong has its own free app available for iPhone (iOS) and Android devices. The app allows you to view the live camera feed, capture photos and video, adjust settings, and save media directly to your phone's camera roll.
- WiFi borescopes: Compatible with iPhone and Android via the Teslong app
- USB borescopes: Compatible with Android devices and Windows/Mac computers (functions as a standard USB webcam — no additional app required on desktop)
- Stand-alone models: No app or phone needed — they have their own built-in screen and storage
The Teslong app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.
The side-view mirrors included with gun borescopes provide a 90-degree side-view for inspecting inside rifle and pistol barrels. Because the mirrors are very small and mounted at the tip of the probe, they can occasionally bend or get damaged — especially if the borescope is dropped. We include three mirrors so you always have a spare on hand. For the best inspection results across different calibers, consider our 5-Mirror Set, which includes mirrors sized for .22, .243, .30, .38, and .40 caliber barrels, giving you sharp focus and maximum coverage for each bore size.
Yes — Teslong's WiFi borescope models are fully compatible with iPhone. They create their own WiFi hotspot that your iPhone connects to, and you view the live feed through the free Teslong app on the App Store. USB borescopes are generally not compatible with iPhones due to Apple's hardware restrictions, so if you're an iPhone user, we recommend choosing a WiFi or standalone screen model. All WiFi models also work with Android, so they're a great choice if you use multiple devices.
If you regularly work on cars, do home repairs, own firearms, work in plumbing or HVAC, or simply take on DIY projects — yes, a borescope is absolutely worth it. The ability to see exactly what's going on inside an engine, a pipe, or a wall without any disassembly saves time, avoids unnecessary damage, and often prevents costly mistakes. Teslong's entry-level models start at around $50, making them one of the most cost-effective diagnostic tools you can own. Once you use one, it's hard to imagine working without it.