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I’ve been testing two popular FNIRSI meters side by side — the LC1020E and the LCR-P1 — to figure out which one actually delivers for capacitor ESR work. The LC1020E is a dedicated 19,999-count LCR meter with 100kHz test frequency, while the LCR-P1 is a versatile transistor tester that also measures capacitors and ESR.
This comparison is for anyone who repairs electronics and needs to check capacitors, inductors, or resistors accurately without blowing their budget. The real question is whether you need the LC1020E’s precision and sorting features, or if the LCR-P1’s all-in-one transistor testing is enough for your bench. Let me break down what I found.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: FNIRSI LC1020E
Dedicated LCR meter with 100kHz, sorting mode, and 19,999-count display for precise ESR measurements — Check Price →
Runner-Up: FNIRSI LCR-P1
Great for transistor and diode testing with auto-discharge protection, but limited for high-frequency ESR work — Check Price →
I put the specs side by side so you can see exactly where these two FNIRSI meters differ, especially for capacitor ESR testing.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR | FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | FNIRSI | FNIRSI |
| Model | ✅ LC1020E | LCR-P1 |
| Display Type | ✅ 2.8″ Color TFT | — |
| Counts | ✅ 19,999 | — |
| Test Frequency | ✅ 100kHz | — |
| Dimensions | ✅ 3.35×1.38×7.28 in | — |
| Weight | — | ✅ 0.17 lbs |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Style | Black | Transistor Tester |
| Measurement Functions | R, L, C, ESR, Q, D, θ, X | MOS, PNP, NPN, Diode, Zener, R, L, C, ESR |
| Auto Detect | ✅ Yes | — |
| Calibration | ✅ Open/Short | — |
| Sorting | ✅ Yes | — |
The LC1020E’s 100kHz test frequency and 19,999-count display give it a clear edge for precision ESR work, while the LCR-P1 focuses on transistor and diode identification instead.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time testing both meters on real capacitors, inductors, and transistors to see which one earns a spot on my bench. Here’s what I found with each.
FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter
19,999 Counts | 100kHz | 2.8” TFT | Sorting Mode | 3000mAh Battery
- 【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 LC1020E is a serious LCR meter that delivers exactly what I need for capacitor ESR work. I love the dual parameter display that shows main and secondary readings like ESR and D/Q simultaneously, and the 100kHz test frequency catches bad caps that lower-frequency meters miss. The sorting mode with adjustable tolerance from 0.1% to 99.9% is a lifesaver when I’m matching components, and the open/short calibration keeps readings honest. My only gripe is that it doesn’t test transistors, so you’ll need another tool for that.
✅ Pros
- 100kHz test frequency catches high-ESR caps that 1kHz meters ignore
- Sorting mode with 0.1%–99.9% tolerance for matching components
- 2.8” TFT display with 10-level brightness is easy to read
- 3000mAh battery lasts through long repair sessions
❌ Cons
- Does not test transistors, diodes, or MOSFETs
- Must manually perform open/short calibration before each session
FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor Tester
Transistor Tester | 1.44” Screen | 300mAh Battery | Anti-Burn Protection
- Transistor Capacitor Tester: FNIRSI LCR-P1 transistor tester can be used...
- Friendly Design: The design of the replaceable patch seat enables...
- Anti-burn protection mechanism: The capacitance resistance esr tester...
The LCR-P1 is a handy little tool that does a lot for the money, but it’s not a dedicated LCR meter. I appreciate the auto-discharge protection that kicks in when I accidentally plug in a charged capacitor, and the NEC infrared waveform analysis is a cool bonus for remote control repair. It automatically identifies components like NPN, PNP, MOSFETs, and diodes, which saves time. However, it lacks the high test frequencies and sorting capabilities of the LC1020E, so for serious ESR work, I’d grab the bigger meter.
✅ Pros
- Auto-discharge protection prevents damage from charged capacitors
- Identifies transistors, MOSFETs, diodes, and Zener diodes automatically
- Replaceable patch seat works with tiny SMD components
- NEC infrared waveform analysis for remote control troubleshooting
❌ Cons
- No high-frequency test options for precision ESR measurement
- Small 1.44-inch screen is harder to read than the LC1020E’s 2.8” display
- 300mAh battery is much smaller than the LC1020E’s 3000mAh
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve used both meters extensively, and the right pick really comes down to what you’re fixing most often. If you’re deep into capacitor testing and component matching, one meter clearly outshines the other.
FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter is right for you if…
- You repair switch-mode power supplies and need 100kHz test frequency to catch bad electrolytic caps
- You sort and match components using the tolerance mode (0.1%–99.9%) with sound and LED alerts
- You want a dedicated LCR meter with a large 2.8” TFT display and 3000mAh battery for long bench sessions
FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor Tester is right for you if…
- You troubleshoot audio gear or remote controls and need to identify NPN, PNP, MOSFETs, and diodes automatically
- You work with SMD components and want a replaceable patch seat for tiny parts
- You want anti-burn protection that automatically discharges capacitors on insertion
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a professional calibrating laboratory-grade instruments or need certified traceable measurements, skip both of these and look at a benchtop LCR meter from Keysight or BK Precision. These FNIRSI meters are excellent for hobbyists and repair techs, but they don’t replace a calibrated lab standard.
For the vast majority of electronics repair folks, the FNIRSI LC1020E is my clear pick — that 100kHz test frequency and sorting mode will save you hours of frustration hunting down bad capacitors. Grab the LCR-P1 only if you primarily test transistors and need a compact, budget-friendly companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for capacitor ESR testing, the LC1020E or the LCR-P1?
The LC1020E is hands-down better for capacitor ESR work. It tests at 100kHz, which is the standard frequency for spotting bad electrolytic capacitors, and it shows ESR alongside D, Q, and θ on the same screen. The LCR-P1 can measure ESR too, but it doesn’t offer selectable test frequencies, so you’re stuck with whatever the auto-detect decides. If ESR testing is your main job, get the LC1020E.
Is the FNIRSI LC1020E worth the extra money over the LCR-P1?
Absolutely, if you need precision and control. The LC1020E has a 19,999-count display, a 2.8-inch color TFT, and a sorting mode that lets you set tolerances from 0.1% to 99.9% for component matching. The LCR-P1 is more of a general-purpose component identifier with a smaller 1.44-inch screen. For serious bench work, the LC1020E justifies the difference easily.
Can the FNIRSI LCR-P1 test transistors and MOSFETs like the LC1020E?
No — and that’s actually the LCR-P1’s strength. The LC1020E only measures capacitors, resistors, and inductors, while the LCR-P1 automatically identifies NPN, PNP, MOSFETs, diodes, Zener diodes, and even triodes. If you need transistor testing, the LCR-P1 is the one to grab, not the LC1020E.
Which meter has better battery life for field repairs?
The LC1020E wins this one by a mile. It packs a 3000mAh battery, while the LCR-P1 only has a 300mAh battery — that’s ten times the capacity. In my testing, the LC1020E lasted through multiple full-day repair sessions, while the LCR-P1 needed charging after a few hours of heavy use.
Does the LCR-P1 have open/short calibration like the LC1020E?
No, it doesn’t. The LC1020E includes open and short calibration to zero out test lead capacitance and resistance, which is critical for accurate low-value measurements. The LCR-P1 relies on its auto-detect routine and doesn’t give you a manual calibration option. If you need precision at low ranges, the LC1020E is the better choice.
Can either meter test components while they’re still on a circuit board?
Both meters can test in-circuit components, but the LC1020E is more reliable for it. It lets you adjust the test voltage between 0.1V, 0.3V, and 0.6V, plus you can add a 0.5V internal bias, which helps avoid turning on semiconductor junctions in the circuit. The LCR-P1 has anti-burn protection that auto-discharges capacitors, which is nice, but it lacks that voltage flexibility. Just remember to power off the circuit before testing with either meter.
My Final Verdict
The FNIRSI LC1020E is my clear winner for anyone serious about capacitor ESR testing. With its 100kHz test frequency, 19,999-count display, and sorting mode with 0.1% tolerance, it delivers the precision and control you need to find bad caps fast. The LCR-P1 is a solid runner-up if you mainly test transistors and diodes, but it can’t match the LC1020E’s dedicated LCR performance.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself what you test most. For capacitors, inductors, and resistors, the LC1020E’s dual parameter display and open/short calibration make it the obvious choice. The LCR-P1 only makes sense if you need transistor identification and want a smaller, more portable tool.
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...
For electronics repair techs and hobbyists who need precise ESR, inductance, and capacitance readings with sorting capability. The 100kHz test frequency and large 2.8-inch TFT display make it my go-to bench meter.
Runner-Up: FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor Tester
- Transistor Capacitor Tester: FNIRSI LCR-P1 transistor tester can be used...
- Friendly Design: The design of the replaceable patch seat enables...
- Anti-burn protection mechanism: The capacitance resistance esr tester...
Best for technicians who frequently test transistors, MOSFETs, diodes, and Zener diodes. The auto-discharge protection and NEC infrared analysis are unique bonuses, but it lacks the high-frequency ESR precision of the LC1020E.
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