Working with a good non contact voltage tester is crucial to ensuring that electricity is exactly where you think it is.
This is one piece of equipment that you do not want to cheap-out on. Spending an extra $10 on a good voltage pen is not only a huge time saver – but significantly decreases your chances of getting an electric shock.
To make sure you’re getting a high-quality non contact voltage detector – we’ve reviewed the Top 6 Non Contact Voltage Testers of 2025.
Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best non-contact voltage testers on the market. Let’s dive straight into the reviews.
Contents
Top 6 Best Non Contact Voltage Testers
Preview | Product | Key Features | |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Klein Tools NCVT-2 Voltage Tester, Non-Contact Dual Range Voltage Tester... |
| CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice | Fluke 1AC II VoltAlert Non-Contact Voltage Tester, Pocket-Sized, 90-1000V... |
| CHECK PRICE |
Excellent Value | Greenlee GT-12A Non-Contact Voltage Detector |
| CHECK PRICE |
| Milwaukee 2202-20 Voltage Detector with LED Light |
| CHECK PRICE |
| Southwire 40126N NCV Non-Contact Voltage Dual Range Pen Type Detector with... |
| CHECK PRICE |
| FLIR VP50 - Non-Contact Voltage Detector - with LED Flashlight - 24-1000V... |
| CHECK PRICE |
Klein Tools Voltage Tester
- Voltage Tester automatically detects and indicates low voltage (12-48V AC) and standard voltage (48-1000V AC) allowing broad application
- Non-contact detection of standard voltage in cables, cords, circuit breakers, lighting fixtures, switches, outlets and wires
- Non-contact detection of low voltage in security, entertainment, communications, environmental control, and irrigation systems
Klein stands out as a top-tier brand revered by electricians for its commitment to excellence. The NCVT-2 Non-Contact Voltage Tester epitomizes this quality, marrying high standards with Klein’s trusted reputation. This tool isn’t just another item to own; it’s an investment in precision and reliability, crafted for professionals who demand the best.
Designed with a striking yellow and black color scheme, this tester’s slightly larger size isn’t a drawback but a feature, offering a firmer grip for steady use. Its user-friendly design is epitomized by the accessible red button on top, ensuring quick activation and seamless operation.
The device will immediately start working and if it detects live current, it will make beep sounds and LED flashes. The LED light is quite bright and can be seen even when you are working under the sun.
The tool is quite easy to use and with its prolonged tip you can easily access even the thinnest outlets. As mentioned in its specifications, it has a dual range and can measure voltages between 12 to 1000 volts and 48 to 1000 volts.
The NCVT 2 requires normal AA batteries to work and a single battery pair easily lasts three to four months, if you are using the unit daily.
Pros
- Auto power-off feature conserves and extends battery life
- Dual Range testing, select 12-1000V AC or 48-1000V AC
- Automatically detects and indicates low voltage (12-48V AC) and standard voltage (48-1000V AC) allowing broad application
- CAT IV 1000 V rating
- Durable
- Comes with a Pocket clip
Cons
- Slightly bulky
Fluke Voltage Tester
- Be aware of voltage easily - the tip glows red and a beeper sounds when voltage is detected
- Continuous self-test so you always know it’s working
- Voltage detection range for wide application use - 90 V to 1000 V AC or 200 V to 1000 V AC
Fluke is a premier manufacturer of electrical hardware and tools. They are extremely popular with electricians and I am certainly a big fan of their products. After having used several of their tools, I have come to an understanding that they are all reliable and innovative.
The Fluke non contact voltage tester is made from strong plastic, which can take on a few drops without showing any marks or breakage. It comes in a yellow and black color scheme, much like the Klein product I reviewed above.
The detector has a pair of LEDs inside the tip that signal you, depending on the presence of voltage. When you press the start button on the mid rim of the tool and put it against a live wire, the tip will glow red and a beeping sound will be released. While not in use, the tool produces random LED flashes to signal that the battery is charged and the device is working properly. The pen like device will make sure that you are made aware of the potential danger while at work.
After unboxing the voltage tester, you will be required to charge the device to get it running. It uses an inaccessible AA battery to power itself. The model can check for voltage between the range of 90 to 1000 volts or 200 to 1000 volts (dependent on model), which is more than sufficient for most electricians. The manufacturer warranties that the battery will last for two years minimum and shall replace it if it fails before this period.
Pros
- Voltbeat technology
- Both audio and visual indication (tip glows and beeper sounds on detection )
- 90 V AC to 1000 V AC
- CAT IV 1000 V Safety Rating
- Yellow color with high visibility
- 2 years warranty
Cons
- A bit more expensive than alternatives (although well worth the money)
Greenlee Voltage Tester
- Patented automatic self test
- Bright LEDs flash and audible alarm sounds if AC voltage is present
- Silent mode for use in quiet areas
Greenlee, a renowned American brand, crafts electrical tools that professionals trust. The GT-12A Non-Contact Voltage Tester is a standout, favored by electricians for its reliability and innovation. Selected as my top choice, this model exemplifies what makes Greenlee a go-to for quality tools.
The GT 12A voltage detector has a black and green plastic body. It has a compact design and easily fits most hand grips. The device comes with LED flashing and an alarm mechanism to alert you, when it detects live current.
However, the alarm mechanism can be switched off if you want to work quietly. This is a feature that is not commonly found in most voltage testers.
The tool automatically checks if it is working properly every two seconds, through a patented Greenlee verifying system. It is a smarter device than most listed on this list and can turn itself off after five minutes of no usage, to conserve battery charge and extend battery life. (Two AAA batteries included in the pack).
The tester can check for voltages between the range of 50 to 1000 volts. It comes with a CAT IV rating and has a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Automatic self test
- Bright leds flash
- Audible alarm
- Automatic shut off extends battery life
- Lifetime Limited Warranty (see terms & conditions)
Cons
- Bulky
- Battery life doesn’t last as long as we’d like
Milwaukee Voltage Tester
- Voltage Detector W/Led Light
- The product is easy to use and easy to handle
- The product is highly durable
Milwaukee is an American hardware tools manufacturer. It is a popular choice of several electricians and I understand why, considering its products are of high quality and quite durable. The company has a range of non contact voltage testers and I found the 2202-20 to be the best one from them all.
Milwaukee’s 2202-20 model showcases their iconic red and black colors on a durable ABS plastic body, engineered for resilience. The device’s simplicity belies its effectiveness, with a bright, easily visible red LED light that illuminates to signal live currents. The intuitive rear button activation complements the visual alert with a clear audible alarm, ensuring maximum awareness and safety.
The voltage tester is quite easy to use and has a thin metal probe to conveniently check outlets, without awkward trying to angle it in. The specified range of detection for this tool is between 50 to 1000 volts and it is rated CAT IV 1000 volts. You will need a pair of AAA batteries to run the tool and might require to replace it every six months, if you use the unit regularly.
Pros
- Good alert system
- Easy to use
- Easy to handle
- Highly durable
- Ideal for dark environment
- Pen clip
Cons
- Sensitivity issues
- Not the fastest
Southwire Voltage Tester
- Southwire Pen style voltage tester
- AUDIBLE AND VISUAL INDICATION of AC voltage on two ranges: 24 to 600v and 100 to 600v
- QUICKLY CHECKS for the presence of live Voltage on outlets; wiring; circuit breakers; Lighting Fixtures and switches
Southwire is a leading manufacturer of industrial and electrical machinery and OEM products. It has grown incredibly since it was founded several decades ago, and now is seen as an authority brand by several electricians.
The 40126N non contact voltage tester is one of the fine options in the company’s list of voltage testers. It has a unique brown and black color body, which makes it stand apart from other detectors in this list. The plastic body is incredibly robust and has been designed ergonomically to allow you to use the tester without losing grip.
The device has a bright LED that shines in red color when it detects a voltage signal, along with a pulsating beeping sound, that is bound to be recognized by you, even in a busy environment. You can start it by pressing the power button on the neck of the tester body and bring the device near the wire / outlet you want to test. It can detect voltage between 100 to 600 volts almost immediately and comes with a dual range of 24 to 600 volts to also detect low voltages in devices such as thermostat. You can use this unit for testing outlets, wirings, breakers, bulbs and anything else that you may encounter during your job.
One great add on that I found in this tester is that it has a flashlight embedded in it. This is pretty handy for electricians, especially in case of the professional flashlight malfunctioning.
Pros
- Fast readings
- 100-1000V AC
- Dual range
- Built-in flashlight
- Flashing red LED and pulsating beeper
Cons
- Sensitivity issues
FLIR VP50 Voltage Pen Plus Flashlight
- Safe CAT IV-1000V rating and toolbox tough with rubber reinforced case and buttons and low-profile detection tip
- Vibration and red LED alarms alert users to the presence of voltage in noisy areas
- Versatile High/Low sensitivity modes detect voltage on industrial equipment and low-voltage installations
The FLIR VP50 is the last non contact voltage tester in my list. I chose it because of its outstanding customer feedback and reputation, both online and in the hardware stores around my block.
The FLIR VP50 is a heavy duty voltage detector. It comes in an all black plastic body and feels very sturdy. In fact, it can take drops of up to three meters, without showing any signs of breaking.
If for some reason, your VP50 breaks within this distance, the company will replace it with a new one for you. The unit is quite easy to put to use once unpacked. Just put in the 2 AAA batteries and power it on. When it detects a voltage source, the device will alert you by flashing red LED light on either ends, releasing high pitched beeps and producing tactile vibration. With all these in motion, there is little chance that you can miss the presence of live electricity.
The voltage detector can check for two ranges of voltages, which are 90 to 1000 volts and 24 to 1000 volts, to allow you to test both low and high voltage systems. The manufacturer has upgraded the sensitivity and prolonged the probe, compared to previous generations of the product, which allows you to detect voltages quickly and stay safe at all times.
Besides the in job uses of this device, it also comes with some sweet add-ons such as slip resistant grip, anti-roll casing a flash light.
Pros
- Cat IV 1000 V Safety Rating
- Vibration and red led alarms
- High/low sensitivity modes
- Added Flashlight
- Slip resistant grip
- Anti-roll casing
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Delay having to hold the button for testing or light
- Sensitivity issues
Who Should Get A Non Contact Voltage Tester
All electricians must get themselves a non contact voltage tester. It is as simple as this. It does not matter if you are doing small scale or large scale jobs, if your work involves electricity, you must get this tool in your tool bag.
As you will learn, this is not an expensive device to own and as long as you get yourself a reliable model, you can use it for a couple of years without any worries.
How Did I Chose The Best Non Contact Voltage Testers
As I mentioned in the start, there is a great variety of voltage testers in the market. Therefore I had to make a solid procedure to decipher between these options and shortlist the best ones. Generally, most non contact testers work with only the standard voltages, but there are some which have dual ranges for greater versatility and flexible usage. Therefore, I decided to give preference to the testers with dual ranges.
Since all the testers are usually under 25 dollars, it really did not make a difference to priorities dual range testers. However, I have also covered standard voltage testers as well for the ultra-purist electricians.
I surveyed the products on online and offline market places and made a list of testers which had great customer feedback as well as outstanding specifications. From there, I narrowed my list and eliminated any similar products. Eventually, I was left with six excellent non contact voltage testers.
I tested these six testers at my home to see if the specified functionalities were actually on point or not. If you have read my previous reviews on this website, you would be aware that I like to get my products checked on hand by professionals and the non contact voltage testers were given the same treatment.
After getting the feedback from the professional electricians, I was quite satisfied and confident about my list.
Conclusion
Concluding my curated selection of top-notch non-contact voltage testers, this list, while not exhaustive, represents the cream of the crop in the market. It’s tailored to save you time and effort, steering you towards informed decisions with products from the most reputable brands. Rest assured, each item is a wise pick, embodying trustworthiness and peak performance.