WiFi & USB Borescopes

A USB endoscope is simply an endoscope that connects via USB to a smart device, which then works as the screen. As USB cords are easy to find and use, they make a simple option for people who want to connect a camera to a smartphone or tablet. Device support depends on the model: the USB-C NTC30L and TD300 in this collection work with USB-C iPhones (iPhone 15 or later), supported USB-C iPads and Android devices with OTG, but not with Lightning iPhones, Windows PCs or MacBooks. Always check the supported devices listed for the model you choose.

The universal USB port gives you more options for screens. Either way, you will still get a device capable of inspecting with a camera and a built-in light. In addition, these flexible devices prevent you from needing to pull mechanical machines apart to diagnose the problem and help make repairs easily.

USB endoscopes can be used for inspection, such as with cars, boats, plumbing, and much more. Many mechanics will use an endoscope for visibility inside tight spots of vehicles, boats, motorcycles, and other equipment. People at home can use them for working on vehicles, plumbing, and many other tight areas where a lighted micro camera on a cord would be useful.

First, check that your phone or tablet is on the model's supported device list and, on Android, that OTG is enabled. Second, install the app named in the manual (Xscope for the NTC30L and NTC30TP, Smart Endoscope for the TD300), plug the camera into the device and allow camera access when prompted. Finally, because it is a direct, wired connection, there is no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to set up.

To use a USB endoscope, you will need to use the USB cord attached to a smart device like a phone or a tablet to visualize what the camera sees in tight spaces. The devices are very easy to use; simply plug the cable into the port and feed the long cord with the camera into the area you need to see. Once connected to the app, you can see the picture and begin the inspection.

An endoscope is a type of borescope. With a borescope, you can inspect a mechanical object, and with an endoscope, you can inspect living bodies. Do not use a borescope for human inspection, and it's best not to use an endoscope for mechanical inspections. Instead, choose a borescope to use with vehicle maintenance and an endoscope if you need to inspect inside the ears or mouth of a human or animal.

However, the terms endoscope and borescope are often used interchangeably as now some endoscopes are used for a mechanical inspection. In this case, borescopes are more rigid in movement, while endoscopes can move around more for more attention to detail and maneuverability. For more precision, an endoscope is what you will need for mechanical needs too. However, borescopes provide a better field of view, lighting, and price.

Check the model first. The USB-C NTC30L and TD300 in this collection are designed for phones and tablets, and their listed requirements exclude Windows PCs and MacBooks. If you want to use a laptop as the screen, confirm on the product page that the model you choose lists computer support before buying. Where it does, insert the USB cord into a USB port, open the application named in the manual, and use the computer as the screen while you feed the camera cord into the area you need to see.

Choose USB-C if your phone is on the supported list and you want the simplest setup: plug in, open the app and start inspecting. Choose Wi-Fi, such as the WF150D39L3 or WF200, if you have an older phone, a Lightning iPhone or simply want no cable between the camera and the phone; both list compatibility with Apple and Android devices.

The TD300 is the best fit when you need to look around corners: its joystick steers an 8.5 mm tip in two directions and you can hold the viewing angle. For straight-in checks the NTC30L's 10 ft semi-rigid cable holds its shape in an engine bay, and the Wi-Fi WF150D39L3's 3.9 mm probe fits the smallest openings.

A fixed-focus camera is sharp within a set distance — the NTC30L works best about 1.2–4 inches from the target. An auto-focus camera, like the 5 MP NTC125, adjusts to keep the image sharp from about 1.2 inches out to longer distances, which helps when you look down a pipe or across a cavity.