Treedix multifunction USB cable tester
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Treedix multifunction USB cable tester is available on Amazon for $42.
- This handy, pocket-sized USB cable can run a handful of tests, and has an easy-to-read display.
- It’s a niche gadget that won’t be necessary for everyone.
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If you’re anything like me, you have a box or bag (or maybe several) of cables you plan to one day sort through. Or maybe you need a quick and easy way to diagnose damaged cables. These jobs can be time consuming, but the right tool can take the stress out of the process.
Also: 10 DIY gadgets I never leave out of my toolkit (and why each one earns its spot)
For this job, the right tool is the Treedix multifunction USB cable tester. This pocket-sized gadget can tell you everything you need to know about a cable (probably more than you need to), and do it quickly and reliably.
The USB cable tester is a small box measuring 2.9 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches and features an array of ports. There are USB-C and USB-A output ports and corresponding USB-C, Lightning, miniUSB, and microUSB 2.0 and microUSB 3.0 input ports to testing cables. This means the tester can accommodate any cable with the respective output and input port.
And here are the corresponding input ports on the Treedix multifunction USB tester.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The unit is powered by a single AAA battery, or alternatively you can use USB-C input. There’s also a power switch and a function button to change what the unit displays on the screen.
Battery is a convenient way to power this tester, and a battery lasts for ages (months, possibly years — just check it every few months in case the battery begins to leak)
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Yes, it has a display, a 2.4-inch IPS color screen, which is where the action happens, giving you a deep dive into the cable that’s connected to the tester.
Also: This USB power meter I tested is shockingly accurate – especially for how cheap it is
The unit can handle a multitude of tests, from basic functions showing whether the cable can handle data and power transmission, along with that protocols, a printout of active lines in the cable, a resistance test, and an eMarker chip test (you scroll through the function using the function button).
The tester shows the pinout of the active lines in the cable.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
If the cable is equipped with an eMarker chip, the tester will show information such as the maximum current and voltage the cable can carry, the data transfer rate, the type of cable, and even the length of the cable.
The eMarker chip identifies this cable as being capable of 240W power transfer, and the latency test measures it as about 2 meters in length.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
And ir’s quick — just plug the cable in and you get the info immediately.
Using the tester to conform that this data block cable can’t carry data.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
ZDNET’s buying advice
Not everyone needs a USB cable tester, but if you do need — or just want — one, this one is a good buy. Right not you can pick up this Treedix multifunction USB cable tester for only $43. It’s a great tester that has earned a place in my toolbag!
