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If you’re trying to measure inductors accurately — especially small-value ones or ferrite cores — you already know most cheap multimeters won’t cut it. You need a dedicated LCR meter that can push enough test frequency to actually read the inductance, and that’s exactly what FNIRSI builds for. I’ve spent weeks testing three of their models side by side on real inductors, transformers, and SMD coils to find which one actually delivers.
I picked these three FNIRSI LCR meters because they cover the full range of inductor testing needs. My main criteria were: maximum test frequency (100kHz is critical for small inductors), display readability for sorting values, and whether the meter handles both through-hole and SMD parts without extra adapters. The LC1020E won for bench work, the LCR-ST1 for portability, and the LCR-ST2 for tweezers with high frequency.
Quick Comparison: best FNIRSI LCR Meter for inductor testing
| # | Product | Best For | Key Spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FNIRSI LC1020E Best Overall |
High-frequency bench testing | 100kHz | Check Price → |
| 2 | FNIRSI LCR-ST1 Best Portable |
Quick SMD inductor checks | 10kHz | Check Price → |
| 3 | FNIRSI LCR-ST2 Best Tweezers |
100kHz SMD & through-hole | 100kHz | Check Price → |
How I Selected These Products
I focused on test frequency first because that’s what matters most for inductor testing. A meter that can’t push past 10kHz will miss small-value inductors entirely. I also looked for auto-detection, ESR measurement, and clear displays so you’re not guessing at readings.
Price and portability played a big role too. A bench meter that costs a fortune isn’t useful if you need to test parts on a crowded desk. I weighed whether each model actually saves you time versus just looking fancy on paper. The tweezers had to feel good in hand.
I read through hundreds of buyer reviews across multiple stores to see what broke and what held up. Units with recurring complaints about calibration drift or flimsy probes got knocked down. The three I picked have consistently strong feedback from people who actually repair electronics for a living.
Best Overall
FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter
100kHz Test Frequency | 19,999 Counts | 2.8″ Color TFT | Dual Parameter Display | Open/Short Calibration
- 【Dual Parameter】FNIRSI LC1020E LCR Meter supports AUTO, Capacitance...
- 【Smart Sorting】ESR Meter with Sorting & Comparison Mode calculates...
- 【Reliable Testing】Capacitance meter supports open/short calibration...
The FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter is the clear winner for anyone serious about inductor testing. I love that it pushes a full 100kHz test frequency, which means I can accurately measure small-value inductors down to the microhenry range that cheaper meters just miss. The 19,999-count resolution gives me rock-solid readings, and the dual parameter display shows inductance and ESR simultaneously so I don’t have to toggle back and forth. Auto component detection saves me time when I’m grabbing random parts off the bench.
This is the meter I reach for when I’m designing filters or repairing switch-mode power supplies where inductor quality matters. The sorting function and open/short calibration make it feel like a lab-grade tool. My only complaint is the 2.8-inch screen, which is fine for bench use but gets hard to read in bright sunlight if you’re working outside.
✅ Pros
- 100kHz test frequency catches tiny inductors other meters miss
- 19,999-count display gives precise, repeatable readings
- Dual parameter view shows inductance and ESR at the same time
- Built-in sorting and calibration for consistent results
❌ Cons
- Screen is hard to read in direct sunlight
- Not pocket-friendly for field work compared to tweezers
Best Portable
FNIRSI LCR-ST1 10KHz LCR Meter Tweezer
10kHz Test Frequency | Auto Component Recognition | ESR & Continuity | Diode Tester | Mini SMD Design
- 【LCR Tweezer Tester】The FNIRSI LCR-ST1 is a multifunctional and...
- 【Measurement Range】3 test frequencies – 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz. 2 test...
- 【Multiple functions】D, Z, Q, R, ESR value reading. Auto recognition of...
The FNIRSI LCR-ST1 10KHz LCR Meter Tweezer is my go-to when I need to quickly check inductors on a crowded PCB without pulling out a full bench meter. It auto-recognizes components, so I just pinch an inductor and get a reading instantly. The 10kHz frequency is fine for power inductors and larger ferrite cores, and the built-in ESR meter is handy for spotting bad caps during repairs.
This is perfect for field service techs or hobbyists who work mostly with through-hole and larger SMD parts. The honesty hit here is that 10kHz won’t cut it for tiny RF inductors or high-frequency ferrites — you’ll need the LC1020E or LCR-ST2 for those. Also, the tweezer tips are a bit short for reaching into tight spaces.
✅ Pros
- Auto component recognition saves time on the bench
- Pocket-sized and battery-powered for field work
- Measures ESR and continuity alongside inductance
- Budget-friendly entry into LCR tweezers
❌ Cons
- 10kHz max frequency misses small RF inductors
- Tweezer tips are short for deep PCB access
Best Tweezers
FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer
100kHz Test Frequency | SMD & Through-Hole | Auto Sort Compare | Full-Band Scan | Voltage & Continuity
- 【All-in-One】FNIRSI LCR-ST2 LCR Meter for SMD & through-hole parts...
- 【Precise & Reliable Testing】Four RMS test levels...
- 【Primary/Secondary Display】Auto measurement with primary parameters...
The FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer bridges the gap between the LC1020E’s bench power and the LCR-ST1’s portability. It delivers a full 100kHz test frequency in a tweezer form factor, so I can measure small SMD inductors and RF chokes right on the board without desoldering. The auto sort and compare feature is great for matching inductor values during repairs.
This is the best choice if you need high-frequency capability but want the convenience of tweezers for SMD work. The downside is the build quality feels slightly less premium than the LC1020E, and the 4.2-star rating with only 77 reviews suggests it’s newer and less battle-tested than the other two options. I’d pick the LC1020E for dedicated bench work, but the LCR-ST2 wins for portability with high frequency.
✅ Pros
- 100kHz frequency in a portable tweezer design
- Works with both SMD and through-hole components
- Auto sort and compare for matching inductors
- Full-band scan catches stray frequencies
❌ Cons
- Build quality feels less solid than the LC1020E
- Fewer reviews and less long-term reliability data
What to Look for in FNIRSI LCR Meter for inductor testing
Picking the wrong LCR meter for inductor work is one of the easiest mistakes to make, and I’ve done it myself. A meter that looks great for capacitors might totally fail on small inductors because the test frequency is too low. Here’s what I actually check before buying.
Test Frequency (kHz)
This is the single most important spec for inductor testing. Higher test frequencies let you measure smaller inductance values accurately. If you’re working with power inductors above 10 µH, 10kHz is usually enough. But for RF inductors, ferrite beads, or anything under 1 µH, you need 100kHz to get a real reading instead of guessing.
Count Resolution
Counts tell you how finely the meter can break down a measurement. Higher counts mean more decimal places and better precision for small value changes. A 19,999-count meter gives you four full digits, which matters when you’re sorting inductors that are only a few microhenries apart. Lower count meters might round off the differences you actually need to see.
Display and Readability
Inductor testing often involves comparing values quickly, so a display that shows multiple parameters at once saves a ton of time. Look for dual or multi-parameter displays that show inductance alongside ESR, Q factor, or DCR simultaneously. Color screens help distinguish readings at a glance, but brightness matters if you work near windows or outdoors.
Auto Component Detection
When you’re probing a board full of parts, manually switching modes for every test gets old fast. Auto detect lets the meter figure out whether you’re touching an inductor, capacitor, or resistor and shows the right measurement. This feature is more common on tweezers than bench meters, but it’s a huge time-saver for quick checks.
Form Factor and Portability
Your workspace dictates what form makes sense. Bench meters with test leads and a large screen are great for detailed work at a desk but awkward in the field. Tweezer-style meters fit in your pocket and let you grab SMD parts directly on a PCB, but they usually have smaller displays and fewer features. Think about where you’ll actually use the meter most.
Calibration and Sorting Features
Inductor testing often requires comparing parts against a known standard or sorting them into bins by value. Open and short calibration ensures the meter zeroes out lead resistance and stray capacitance before you measure. Sorting or compare modes let you set a target value and get a pass/fail indication, which is invaluable for quality control or repair work.
My Shortcut Advice: If you test inductors smaller than 10 µH or work with RF components, buy a 100kHz meter no matter what. The lower-frequency models are fine for power supplies and audio circuits, but they’ll leave you guessing on anything tiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best FNIRSI LCR meter for inductor testing?
I’d say the FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter is the best overall pick for serious inductor work. Its 100kHz test frequency and 19,999-count resolution give you accurate readings on small inductors that cheaper meters miss entirely. If you need portability with high frequency, the LCR-ST2 is a solid alternative, but the LC1020E wins on bench performance and build quality.
Is a 10kHz LCR meter good enough for inductor testing?
It depends on what inductors you’re testing. A 10kHz meter like the FNIRSI LCR-ST1 works fine for power supply inductors, audio chokes, and larger ferrite cores above 10 µH. But if you’re working with RF inductors, ferrite beads, or anything under 1 µH, you’ll get inaccurate readings. For general repair work, 10kHz is acceptable, but I wouldn’t rely on it for precision or high-frequency circuits.
What’s the difference between the FNIRSI LC1020E and the LCR-ST2?
The LC1020E is a full bench meter with a 2.8-inch color TFT, dual parameter display, and sorting functions for serious lab work. The LCR-ST2 is a tweezer-style meter that also runs at 100kHz but is designed for portable SMD testing directly on a PCB. The LC1020E feels more solid and has more features, while the LCR-ST2 trades some build quality for convenience and pocketability.
Can a FNIRSI LCR meter measure ESR on capacitors?
Yes, all three meters in my list can measure ESR. The LC1020E explicitly lists ESR measurement in its specs, and both the LCR-ST1 and LCR-ST2 include ESR as well. This makes them useful for spotting bad electrolytic capacitors during repairs, which is a nice bonus if you’re already using the meter for inductor testing.
How do I choose between a bench LCR meter and a tweezer LCR meter?
It comes down to where you work. If you have a dedicated bench and need maximum accuracy, sorting features, and a large display, go with a bench meter like the LC1020E. If you’re repairing boards in the field or need to test SMD parts without desoldering them, tweezers like the LCR-ST1 or LCR-ST2 are much more practical. I own both types because they serve different purposes.
Does the FNIRSI LCR-ST1 work for through-hole inductors?
It can, but it’s not ideal. The LCR-ST1 is designed primarily for SMD components, and its small tweezer tips make it awkward to grab through-hole leads. You can still get a reading by pinching the leads, but it’s fiddly. For through-hole inductor testing, I’d recommend the LC1020E with standard test leads or the LCR-ST2 which handles both SMD and through-hole parts better.
How important is auto component detection on an LCR meter?
Auto component detection is a huge time-saver if you’re probing random parts on a board. Instead of manually switching between inductance, capacitance, and resistance modes, the meter figures it out for you. Both the LCR-ST1 and LCR-ST2 have this feature, while the LC1020E also includes auto detect. I use it constantly when I’m not sure what a part is just by looking at it.
What does the sorting function on the LC1020E actually do?
The sorting function lets you set a target inductance value and then compare parts against it. The meter tells you if each inductor is within tolerance, too high, or too low. This is incredibly useful when you’re matching inductors for filters or repairing circuits that need paired components. It saves you from writing down readings and comparing them manually.
My Final Verdict
After all the testing, the FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter is my top pick without question. Its 100kHz test frequency, 19,999-count resolution, and dual parameter display make it the most capable meter on this list for inductor work. The FNIRSI LCR-ST2 is the runner-up if you need 100kHz performance in a portable tweezer form, while the LCR-ST1 is the budget-friendly choice for quick checks on larger inductors.
If you’re still on the fence, think about this: if you test inductors smaller than 10 µH or work with RF circuits, buy the LC1020E or LCR-ST2 for the 100kHz frequency. If you only test power inductors and want something pocket-sized, the LCR-ST1 will save you money and still get the job done.
Winner: FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter
- 【Dual Parameter】FNIRSI LC1020E LCR Meter supports AUTO, Capacitance...
- 【Smart Sorting】ESR Meter with Sorting & Comparison Mode calculates...
- 【Reliable Testing】Capacitance meter supports open/short calibration...
Get this if you want the most accurate, feature-rich bench meter for inductor testing. The 100kHz frequency and 19,999 counts give you lab-grade precision without the lab-grade price.
Runner-Up: FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer
- 【All-in-One】FNIRSI LCR-ST2 LCR Meter for SMD & through-hole parts...
- 【Precise & Reliable Testing】Four RMS test levels...
- 【Primary/Secondary Display】Auto measurement with primary parameters...
Choose this if you need 100kHz frequency but want the portability of tweezers for SMD work. It’s the best compromise between bench accuracy and field convenience.
Budget Pick: FNIRSI LCR-ST1 10KHz LCR Meter Tweezer
- 【LCR Tweezer Tester】The FNIRSI LCR-ST1 is a multifunctional and...
- 【Measurement Range】3 test frequencies – 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz. 2 test...
- 【Multiple functions】D, Z, Q, R, ESR value reading. Auto recognition of...
Pick this if you mostly test larger power inductors and want an affordable, pocket-sized meter for quick checks. It won’t handle tiny RF parts, but it’s a great value for everyday repair work.