Test & Tag Software Comparison 2026

Software compatibility can vary between tester models, connection methods and software licence levels. If unsure, always confirm compatibility with your exact PAT tester before purchasing software.

WinPATS Software

WinPATS is Wavecom’s dedicated test and tag software platform, with its main strength being how closely the Wavecom test and tag machine, Android tablet and software work together.

Technicians can complete testing in the field, record appliance information, store results and generate reports through the same system. Testing can also continue offline, with results uploaded to the cloud once an internet connection becomes available.

For sole operators, WinPATS provides a straightforward way to manage customers, sites and testing records. However, it becomes particularly useful for businesses with multiple technicians.

The optional Manager WebApp allows managers or office staff to access the testing database through a browser. Depending on the plan selected, they can allocate sites, schedule work, review completed testing and monitor technician activity.

The greatest advantage is the connected workflow. A technician can complete testing in the field and make the results available to office staff or managers without relying on separate spreadsheets or manually transferring files.

What to consider

WinPATS only works with compatible Wavecom test and tag machines. That close integration is one of its biggest strengths, but it also means users are committing to the Wavecom software ecosystem. 

The main field-testing application is Android-based, with no equivalent native application for an iPhone, iPad or Mac.

There is also a one-off company registration cost, while cloud storage, multiple users and the more advanced management functions require an ongoing subscription.

Who is WinPATS best for?

• Wavecom PAT tester users
  
• Organisations with multiple technicians
• Businesses managing many customers or sites
• Managers wanting to allocate and monitor testing work
• Users wanting a closely integrated tester and software workflow

PATGuard Cloud Software

Seaward PATGuard Cloud is a browser-based test and tag record-management platform developed by Seaward.

It replaces the older PATGuard desktop software previously covered in this article.

Unlike WinPATS, PATGuard Cloud is not restricted to one tester manufacturer. It supports selected models from Seaward, Metrel, Megger, Wavecom and other manufacturers.

In practice, PATGuard Cloud is likely to appeal mostly to Seaward test and tag machines, although its broader compatibility can be useful for businesses using more than one tester brand.

PATGuard Cloud Plans Comparison

The table belows summarises the main PATGuard Cloud features relevant to test and tag users.

What to consider

PATGuard Cloud is subscription-based, so there will be an ongoing cost.

The direct tester-download, scheduled reporting and more advanced management functions are also only available through the higher package levels. The platform though can be accessed through a web browser, making it very easy for users to log in from different locations without installing the main system on every device. 

Although the platform works with several brands, users should not assume that every tester connects in the same way. Compatibility and download requirements need to be confirmed before choosing a plan.

Who is PATGuard Cloud best for?

• Seaward PAT tester users
• Professional test and tag operators
• Multi-site organisations
• Businesses wanting cloud access and centralised records
• Users requiring retesting reminders and scheduled reports
• Organisations using or considering different tester brands
  

Metrel PAT Software

Metrel’s software offering is more fragmented than WinPATS or PATGuard Cloud, with different applications used depending on the level of reporting required.

The main options include:

• PATLink Android - a basic app that can be used as a remote keyboard for entering appliance information and controlling tester functions
• aPAT - a more capable and advanced Android app that can scan appliance codes, remotely operate your Metrel DeltaPAT 3309 BT, initiate tests and produce reports.
• Metrel Electrical Safety Manager (MESM) - windows software used to download, organise and export results (supports excel only)

aPAT and PATLink do not replace the Metrel PAT tester itself - the electrical tests are still performed by the portable appliance tester. However, they allow the user to control parts of the testing process through an Android phone or tablet rather than relying entirely on the tester’s keypad.

The main advantage of Metrel’s software is that the mobile applications generally use a one-off licence rather than an ongoing subscription.

For an individual user, aPAT can make testing easier by allowing appliance details to be entered through an Android device rather than entirely through the tester keypad.

MESM can also be useful where the main requirement is to download results, store records and export information through a Windows computer.

What to consider

The software is divided between Android and Windows applications, but the main advantage of Metrel’s software is that these applications use a one-off licence rather than an ongoing subscription.

Reporting through aPAT is relatively basic, while PATLink is mainly intended to assist with data entry and tester control.

Who is Metrel software best for?

• Anyone wanting to use the DeltaPAT 3309 BT
• Sole operators and individual technicians
• Users wanting an Android testing interface
• Businesses that want reliable reporting software
• Users wanting to avoid an ongoing subscription

FASTtag Software

FASTtag is a traditional Windows-based test and tag database.

It is not tied exclusively to one PAT tester manufacturer. Results from manual recording testers can be entered into the system, while direct tester connections are available through optional interfaces for selected equipment.

FASTtag offers broad traditional database and reporting functions without requiring the user to enter a particular manufacturer’s cloud ecosystem.

It can be useful for businesses using manual portable appliance testers, older equipment or a mixture of different testing methods.

It is also based around a conventional software licence rather than an ongoing cloud subscription.

What to consider

FASTtag has a more traditional Windows desktop workflow than WinPATS or PATGuard Cloud.

It does not provide the same real-time cloud access, remote job allocation or online management dashboards.

Users are also more responsible for managing backups, remote access and database sharing.

Although results from any manual tester can be entered, direct tester communication is not universally available for every brand and model.

Who is FASTtag best for?

• Businesses using manual PAT testers
• Users wanting traditional reporting and record management
• Businesses that prefer a one-off software purchase
• Users comfortable managing their own database and backups
  

Features to Compare Before Choosing Software

A long list of features does not necessarily mean a particular software platform will be right for you.

The more important consideration is how the software fits the way you actually work.

Tester Compatibility

Compatibility should always be checked first.

WinPATS is designed for compatible Wavecom testers, while Metrel’s applications are intended for selected Metrel equipment.

PATGuard Cloud and FASTtag provide broader record-management options, but direct communication still depends on the exact tester model.

Never assume software will work simply because it supports the same manufacturer. Confirm the tester model, connection method and required licence before purchasing.

Reporting

Basic software may provide a simple list of completed tests or an Excel export.
More advanced platforms can produce:

• Customer reports
• Site-based reports
• Failed-item reports
• Equipment histories
• Retesting schedules
• Invoices
• Custom-branded reports
• Automatically scheduled reports

Consider what your customers, managers or auditors will actually need to receive.
For occasional internal testing, a simple export may be sufficient. A professional test and tag operator willl need clearer customer reports and long-term testing histories.

Record Storage

Desktop software generally stores information on a computer, tablet or local network.
Cloud software stores records online, making them easier to access from different locations and reducing reliance on one physical device.

However, cloud plans may include storage limits or additional costs as the amount of stored data increases.

Regardless of the software selected, users should understand how their records will be backed up and what happens if a computer or tablet is lost, damaged or replaced.

Retesting and Scheduling

One of the most useful software functions is the ability to identify equipment approaching its next test date. Basic applications may record the next test date but leave the user responsible for finding it.

More advanced platforms can display upcoming testing, send reminders, allocate sites and schedule reports automatically.

This can become particularly valuable for professional test and tag businesses and anyone managing large numbers of customers or assets.

Subscription Software vs One-Off Payment Software

There is now very little genuinely free, full-featured test and tag software.

Most platforms use either an ongoing subscription or a one-off licence.

Subscription software

WinPATS cloud plans and PATGuard Cloud use ongoing subscription pricing.
The benefit is access to features such as cloud storage, remote access, centralised records and improved collaboration between technicians and managers.

The disadvantage is the continuing cost.

Businesses should also understand what happens to stored information and software access if the subscription is cancelled.

One-off payment software

Metrel’s Android applications and FASTtag are generally based around one-off purchases rather than ongoing cloud subscriptions.

For many users, avoiding an ongoing fee is a major advantage. A straightforward and reliable reporting platform may be all they need.

The trade-off is generally more responsibility for backups, limited remote access and fewer tools for collaboration between technicians or locations.

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