Its that time of year again, to ask the age-old question that we get asked too many times to count – what is the best tester out there?
The answer; there isn’t a one size fits all. It really depends on your situation, like your budget and frequency of testing you are planning on doing. Even the industry you are in will determine what’s the best answer for you.
It will also depend on a core question; are you after a compliance tester or a compliance and safety tester?
Here are our picks for 2026 based off of real world experience from our own test and tagging that we do, right down to our customers who come back to us year after year. Of course, we aren’t without biases, so your list or others may look different than ours.
What Went into Our Choices?
Before we get into our top picks, there are several factors based on our experience that led us to make our choices for 2026.
We evaluated PAT testers based on:
Compliance versus Safety
All PAT models meet relevant compliance testing standard AS/NZS 3760:2022 and offer core tests like insulation, earth continuity, and leakage, with weight put on earthbond over earth continuity testing for several that made the list.
We also want to think a little more about being able to record and keep results since the AS/NZS3760 has been updated.
Reliability and Repairability:
Using our own hands-on testing and tagging, service and repair experience to see which testers are still in use after a long time in service. All testers like anything need to be maintained, but when a fault occurs, whichever brand of tester, can you get it repaired.
Usability in the Field:
Is the tester easy to use? Does it have battery operation, portable. An intuitive user interface is critical when working onsite.
Data Handling:
As mentioned above, storage capabilities, wireless integration, and PC/reporting support reduce administrative workload.
Value for Money:
We assessed features versus price — not just specifications, and are you really getting value for money with a compliance versus safety tester?
Workflow Fit:
Each tester was evaluated based on suitability for occasional users, busy professionals, or large-scale test and tag teams.
There are of course more things to consider than just these, but these are some core areas to consider when thinking about which is the best tester for you. Below are our choices in no particular order as each is unique in its features.
1. EasiPAT 10 — Best All-Round Entry-Level Performer
The EasiPAT 10 is a well-balanced, beginner-friendly PAT tester that delivers essential functionality without unnecessary complexity. Theres a reason for the ‘Easi’ being in the name. Its quick to pick up for beginners and advanced users alike.
Why It’s Great
- Perfect for beginners and small business operators
- Clear PASS/FAIL display and straightforward operation
- Battery-powered for true portability
- Fast automated testing procedures
- Very strong safety features, including flashing red and green lights for powered up tests.
- It is more than just compliance testers, having a 10Amp Earthbond test rather than just a 200mA earth continuity test.
Best For
Mobile Safety and compliance teams in small to medium sized businesses. Perfect for school caretakers or builders or plumbers looking at doing their own testing. Its also great for cleaning or service companies with a compact size and strong reliability.
Upgradability:
The EasiPAT holds its own with others on this list for having advanced options, being able to be upgraded to pair with a tablet for larger data storage capability and used with a thermal transfer printer.
Uniquely, it allows for a 3-phase testing capability that really opens it up for the commercial test and tagger.
It’s a really safe bet if you are wanting to start with the tester and upgrade later on.
The Kyoritsu 6205PRO offers advanced features in a compact, hand-held format, including wireless connectivity and app integration for asset tracking. It is real step up from the older designed tester, the Kyoritsu 6201A, which had a slight problem of blowing up if you put the wrong lead in the wrong socket.
A solid PAT that allows for some advanced user functionality with some practicality to it. Like others on this list, it has an intuitive use of basic auto procedures that can be selected depending on the class of item you are testing.
It’s simplified button selection for recalling and printing tests can also feel less intimidating for the new user.
Key Features
- Can function with app and printer, but will need to consider the Pro version.
- Stores up to approximately 999 records
- RCD, insulation, earth continuity and leakage testing
- Colour backlit PASS/FAIL display
- Very portable and what we would actually consider hand-held
- USB connectivity
- Bluetooth option for the Pro version
Best For
IT workers or staff and compliance officers who just want to get the job done have the option of more advance IT capabilities for a very affordable cost. Unfortunately, it can’t do a 10Amp Earthbond test, so if your testing a lot of IT equipment at 200mA it can be a sound choice. It’s important to note, the Pro allows for Bluetooth connectivity. so if you are wanting the option of application use and wireless printing, make sure you get a version that is Bluetooth capable.
3. iPat 2 — For the Serious Test and Tagger or Third-Party Provider
The iPat 2 is designed for fast-paced testing environments, particularly where high-volume tagging and compliance tracking are required with advanced admin features needed for asset management and tracking. Several larger third-party test and tag providers, including Metrotest use this tester on a daily basis for large volumes of testing.
Why It Stands Out
- Fast automated testing procedures
- Reliable data storage and retrieval, wirelessly and through USB
- Clear display interface suited to rapid workflows
- Very strong safety features, including 10 and 25Amp earthbond testing capability
- Battery-operated – rare for a tester in this range.
- Multiple logo selection for printing options different tag selections and dual tagging
- Advanced features including testing of 3551 Medical testing applications.
- Custom creatable testcodes for advanced users needs.
- 3 Phase capable testing.
Best For
For those really serious about testing for safety and compliance in a commercial manner for customers where speed and efficiency come into play. When it comes to features this tester isn’t missing much. Compared to the others on this list it is quite a bit pricier and has a steeper learning curve than the other testers. However, if you plan to use it for testing often its features you will feel are an advantage not a drawback.
Upgradability:
Can be used as a standalone tester or upgraded to a SupaPAT version.
4. Seaward Primetest Pro — Best Mid-Range with Mid-Tier Professional Features
The Seaward Primetest Pro is an excellent mid-range option, offering professional-grade features without moving into full diagnostic kit pricing that you would find with the iPat 2. A solid Seaward tester, the Primetest Pro has a hefty memory of 10,000 results if that’s a feature you are looking for.
Key Highlights
- Intuitive colour screen and responsive menu system
- Large test result memory with export capability
- Compatible with PC software for detailed reporting
- Printer and scanner capable.
Best For
Health and safety managers and Electricians transitioning from basic testers to more advanced features sort in a tester without breaking the bank. As it is a Seaward product, there is a considerable amount of support that can be found from providers if you get in a pinch too.
Why This Matters:
Full reporting support and expandability allow it to function as both a daily testing device and a long-term compliance record system, pretty important as records need to be kept.
5. Metrel DeltaPAT — Best Professional Standalone Tester
A well-know tester in the space, the Metrel Delta PAT is used by a range of companies from single tradies to third-party test and tag providers across NZ.
Top Features
- Operates on battery or mains power
- Built-in isolation transformer for safer RCD testing
- Advanced and simplified operating modes including testcodes like several others on the list.
- Standard testing capabilities but you won’t be able to go crazy with advanced testing capabilities and administration features.
Best For
Trade professionals, facility managers, and high-volume compliance teams testing a wide range of equipment. May not be suitable for several industries if you doing a lot of extension leads as it can only do a 200mA earth continuity test rather thana 10Amp earthbond test, a small difference but with big ramifications that sets the EasiPAT10 and Delta PAT apart.
Upgradability:
Definitely upgradable to a printer and scanner option at a reasonable price point. Again though, don’t expect to be able to do anything crazy with this tester.
Buyer Tips Before You Choose
Here are important considerations before investing in a PAT tester.
- Match Your Workload – Light or occasional testing may justify an entry-level model. Frequent or high-volume work supports investing in wireless capability and expandable data systems.
- Consider Wireless Capability – Wireless result transfer and app integration significantly reduce manual reporting errors and administrative time.
- Think Long-Term – Mid-range and professional testers often pay for themselves through time savings and improved compliance management. How upgradable is the tester in the long term?
- Calibration and Repairs Matter – Ensure the PAT tester can be calibrated regularly. Annual calibration maintains testing accuracy and compliance credibility. Is the tester you are looking at repairable within New Zealand when something inevitably goes wrong. You don’t want to be waiting around for your tester to be repaired for six months overseas.
- Think Compliance Versus Safety – Are you after a tester that just performs the tests required for compliance with the standard or real safety testing? At Metrotest, we believe you can achieve real safety without it costing any more than performing testing for compliance. A good indicator is, can it do more than just a 200mA earth continuity test?
Final Verdict — Which PAT Tester Should You Buy?
Well, that’s up to you and depends on your situation and what you may be thinking long-term for your testing requirements. At the end of the day Metrotest can only help guide you through the process in helping you choose the best fits for your needs but we do encourage you to do your own research as a tester on our top picks might not still be the right fit for you.
Got questions or need some expert advice on what tester is the best fit for you so you don’t get stuck with a lemon?
Call us today on 0800 638 768 and one of our friendly team will be happy to help further.
Safe testing everyone!
