Comparing PoE Testers

Why PoE Texas - Gen 2.5 Gets My Vote

A hands-on, no-nonsense look at today’s most popular PoE testers

Let’s be honest—if you’re dealing with Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices, a good tester isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential. Whether you’re setting up IP cameras, VoIP phones, or just want to make sure your new higher-power access points are getting the juice they need, a reliable PoE tester can save you a ton of headaches.

With so many options out there, how do you choose? I recently purchased five of the most talked-about testers: RTN PoE-T100, TrendNet RC-NTP1, Microsemi PoE Tester, ISP Supplies PoE Tester, and the PoE Texas PoE Tester Gen 2.5. After putting them through their paces, here’s what I found.

RTN PoE-T100

The RTN PoE-T100 is the kind of tester that gives you lots of details. It’s small, sturdy enough for everyday use, and tells you what you need to know: is PoE present, and how much voltage are you getting? But… It doesn’t show the type of PoE… but it does have a switch to set it AS a Powered Device (PD). At least it shows current draw as well as an DC option using a barrel connector. It would probably be my second choice.

TrendNet RC-NTP1

TrendNet’s RC-NTP1 offers a user-friendly interface and is portable enough to fit in your work bag without weighing you down. It confirms PoE availability and voltage, but you won’t find advanced testing features here. Its biggest strength is probably its price point and the fact that it’s basically a plug-and-play solution for quick checks. I found the two lines of output difficult to use since you had to wait for it to cycle through or click the step button. A bit of a pain, and the device just feels large going into my tool case.

Microsemi PoE Tester

This small unit has shockingly bright LEDs – so much I had to shield my eyes when trying to read the output. It is a simple ‘idiot light’ type unit showing 802.3 af and at – and how many pairs. But this old man’s eyes needed a magnifying glass to read the legend. But it is very small and light weight and easy to have in any tool case.

ISP Supplies PoE Tester

The ISP Supplies PoE Tester is all about portability and price. It’s one of the most budget-friendly options and small enough to fit in your pocket. If you just need to check if PoE is present or not, this is a no-brainer. However, don’t expect a ton of extra features or detailed diagnostics. It’s a solid backup to have in your toolkit, but probably not the only tester you’ll want if you’re doing more involved installs. It does, however, offer Passive PoE option as part of its simple light options. And like other smaller units, the legend was quite small for me to read.

PoE Texas PoE Tester Gen 2.5

Now, let’s talk about the PoE Texas PoE Tester Gen 2.5. This tester hits a sweet spot between price, features, and user-friendliness. It gives you all the essential info—voltage, current, power draw—and clearly indicates PoE presence and type (like 802.3af/at/bt compliance). The display is bright and easy to read, and using the tester feels intuitive even if you’re not a PoE expert. It just works. And easy to quickly find all the information you are looking for.

It’s sturdy enough for jobsite abuse but still compact enough for your tool bag. Though it is a bit bigger than the ‘led-only’ units, having the text display is worth the extra size.

Like the RTN tester, this also offers DC voltage testing via barrel connectors.

What really sets the PoE Texas option apart, though, is its versatility. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices, covers all common PoE standards, and the readouts are clear and reliable. I got the bundled option with a smaller “PoE Detector” that is useful for quick endpoint testing as well.

My Recommendation

After testing all five, my pick is the PoE Texas PoE Tester Gen 2.5. It manages to balance advanced features with straightforward usability, and the price is totally reasonable for what you’re getting. If you need a trustworthy, all-in-one PoE tester—whether you’re a seasoned installer or just getting into the world of PoE devices—this is the one I’d reach for every time.

Have you used any of these testers? Drop your thoughts or questions below—I’d love to hear your experiences!