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I’ve been testing three FNIRSI component analyzers side-by-side: the LCR-ST1 tweezer, the LCR-P1 transistor tester, and the LC1020E benchtop LCR meter. Each one handles SMD components differently, and the key difference comes down to portability versus measurement depth — the LC1020E goes up to 100kHz while the ST1 maxes out at 10kHz.
If you’re repairing phone boards, swapping SMD caps, or testing transistors on a bench, this comparison is for you. I’ll break down exactly which model fits your workflow so you don’t overspend or undershoot your needs.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: FNIRSI LCR-ST1
Best balance of portability and range — 10kHz test frequency with tweezer heads for tiny SMD parts — Check Price →
Runner-Up: FNIRSI LCR-P1
Best transistor and diode detective — auto-detects NPN, PNP, MOSFETs, and even NEC infrared codes — Check Price →
Best for Precision: FNIRSI LC1020E
Most accurate at 100kHz with 19,999-count display and open/short calibration for bench work — Check Price →
I put these three FNIRSI analyzers side by side to compare their key specs — here’s what the numbers actually tell you.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | FNIRSI LCR-ST1 10KHz LCR | FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor | FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | FNIRSI | FNIRSI | FNIRSI |
| Model | LCR-ST1 | LCR-P1 | ✅ LC1020E |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Weight | 0.1 Ounces | ✅ 0.17 Pounds | — |
| Dimensions | — | — | ✅ 3.35×1.38×7.28 in |
| Color | Black | Black | Black |
| Style | Modern | Transistor Tester | Black |
| Frequency | 10KHz | — | ✅ 100kHz |
| Display Type | — | — | ✅ 2.8″ Color TFT |
| Counts | — | — | ✅ 19,999 |
| Measurement Modes | LCR, ESR, Diode | Transistor, Capacitor | LCR, ESR, Q, D, θ |
| Auto Detection | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
| Calibration | — | — | ✅ Open/Short |
| Sorting | — | — | ✅ Yes |
The biggest gap I see is the LC1020E hitting 100kHz test frequency while the ST1 and P1 top out at 10kHz — that’s a real difference if you’re measuring low-ESR caps or small inductors.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time using each of these three FNIRSI analyzers on real SMD boards — here’s what I found with each one, including the quirks and the highlights.
FNIRSI LCR-ST1 10KHz LCR Meter Tweezer
10kHz | 1.14″ color display | 0.1 oz | Pointed & hook tweezer heads
- 【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...
This tweezer-style meter is my go-to for quick SMD work. The 10kHz test frequency and 0.3 Vrms to 0.6 Vrms voltage range let me measure resistors down to 10 mΩ and capacitors up to 22 mF. I love having both pointed and hook tweezer heads for different component sizes, and the data export via Excel is a nice bonus for documentation. The only catch is the fixed screen — you can’t rotate it, which can be annoying in tight spots.
✅ Pros
- Two interchangeable tweezer heads for different SMD sizes
- Data export to PC via Excel for record keeping
- Three test frequencies (100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz) for flexibility
- Auto component recognition saves time on the bench
❌ Cons
- Fixed screen doesn’t rotate, awkward in some positions
- Max 10 kHz frequency limits high-precision cap measurements
FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor Tester
Transistor tester | 1.44″ color screen | 300 mAh 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 transistor specialist that goes way beyond basic LCR testing. It automatically identifies NPN, PNP, MOSFETs, diodes, Zener diodes, and even supports NEC infrared waveform analysis for remote control troubleshooting. The replaceable patch seat lets me test both tiny SMD parts and larger power devices, and the anti-burn protection automatically discharges capacitors when you plug them in. It’s not the best for raw capacitance precision, but for transistor and diode work it’s a beast.
✅ Pros
- Auto-detects NPN, PNP, MOSFET, FET, and Zener diodes
- Replaceable patch seat for tiny and large components
- Anti-burn protection discharges capacitors automatically
- NEC infrared waveform analysis for remote repair
Cons
- Lower 4.2-star rating compared to the other two models
- Not as precise for pure capacitance and inductance measurements
FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter
100kHz | 19,999 counts | 2.8″ TFT | 3000 mAh battery | Kelvin 4-wire
- 【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 the heavy hitter of the group with a 100kHz maximum test frequency and a 19,999-count display that gives you four-digit precision. It shows dual parameters simultaneously (like ESR and Q or D and θ), and the sorting and comparison mode with sound/LED alerts is fantastic for production screening. The 3000 mAh battery lasts for days, and the Kelvin 4-wire measurement jacks give you lab-grade accuracy. You have to perform open/short calibration before each session, but it’s worth the extra step for the precision.
✅ Pros
- 100kHz max frequency for precision cap and inductor testing
- 19,999-count display with dual parameter readout
- Sorting and comparison mode with pass/fail alerts
- 3000 mAh battery with auto-off and Type-C charging
❌ Cons
- Requires open/short calibration before each use
- Bulkiest of the three at 7.28 inches long
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with all three to know there’s no single winner for everyone — it really comes down to what kind of components you’re testing most. Let me break down exactly which buyer each model fits.
FNIRSI LCR-ST1 is right for you if…
- You need a portable tweezer for quick SMD cap and resistor checks on phone or laptop boards
- You want to export test data to Excel for documentation or quality control logs
- You value having both pointed and hook tweezer heads for different component sizes
FNIRSI LCR-P1 is right for you if…
- You troubleshoot transistor circuits and need auto-detection of NPN, PNP, MOSFETs, and Zener diodes
- You repair remote controls or IR devices and need the NEC infrared waveform analysis feature
- You want anti-burn protection that automatically discharges unknown capacitors before testing
FNIRSI LC1020E is right for you if…
- You need lab-grade precision with 100kHz test frequency and 19,999-count display for low-ESR caps
- You sort components by tolerance and want pass/fail alerts with sound and LED indicators
- You do Kelvin 4-wire measurements and need professional accuracy with open/short calibration
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only need a basic continuity checker or a simple multimeter for household electrical work, none of these LCR meters are the right tool — grab a standard multimeter instead. You’d also want to look elsewhere if you’re testing high-voltage capacitors above 100V or need a benchtop unit with GPIB or USB data logging for automated testing.
For the most common buyer — someone repairing SMD boards and testing caps, inductors, and transistors — I’d grab the LCR-ST1 first for its tweezer convenience and data export, then pick up the LC1020E later if you need that extra 100kHz precision for tougher jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for SMD capacitor testing — the LCR-ST1 or the LC1020E?
If you’re testing small ceramic caps and electrolytics on phone or laptop boards, the LC1020E wins hands down. It hits 100kHz test frequency compared to the ST1’s 10kHz max, so you’ll get much more accurate ESR and capacitance readings on low-value SMD caps. The ST1 is faster for quick checks because of the tweezer form factor, but the LC1020E gives you lab-grade precision with its 19,999-count display and Kelvin 4-wire measurement.
Is the LCR-P1 worth buying over the LCR-ST1 if I only test transistors?
Absolutely. The LCR-P1 is built specifically for transistor work — it auto-detects NPN, PNP, MOSFETs, FETs, and Zener diodes, plus it supports NEC infrared waveform analysis for remote repair. The ST1 can identify basic components but doesn’t have the transistor-specific pin detection or the anti-burn protection that automatically discharges capacitors. If transistors are your main job, get the P1.
Can the LCR-ST1 measure ESR like the LC1020E can?
Yes, the LCR-ST1 does read ESR values — it shows D, Z, Q, R, and ESR readings on its 1.14-inch color display. But the LC1020E goes further by displaying dual parameters simultaneously (like ESR and Q or D and θ) and supports sorting and comparison mode with pass/fail alerts. The ST1 is fine for basic ESR checks, but the LC1020E is better if you need precise ESR matching for capacitor replacement.
Which model has the longest battery life?
The LC1020E has the biggest battery by far at 3000 mAh, which lasts for days of regular bench work. The LCR-P1 has a 300 mAh battery, and the LCR-ST1 is so small (0.1 ounces) that it relies on a smaller internal cell — both of the other two will need charging more often. All three charge via Type-C, so that’s convenient.
Can I export data from any of these meters to my computer?
Only the LCR-ST1 supports data export to PC via Excel — that’s a feature the LCR-P1 and LC1020E don’t offer. If you need to log test results for documentation or quality control, the ST1 is your only option here. The LC1020E has a sorting mode with pass/fail tracking but no direct PC data transfer.
Which one should I get if I’m just starting out with SMD repair?
Start with the LCR-ST1. It’s the most beginner-friendly because the tweezer design makes it easy to grab tiny SMD parts, it auto-recognizes components, and it covers resistance, capacitance, inductance, and diodes in one tool. You can always add the LC1020E later when you need higher precision, but the ST1 will handle 90% of your daily repair work right out of the box.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three side by side, the FNIRSI LCR-ST1 is my overall winner — it balances portability, three test frequencies up to 10kHz, and tweezer convenience that makes daily SMD work genuinely faster. The LC1020E takes the runner-up spot for anyone who needs 100kHz precision and Kelvin 4-wire accuracy on the bench, while the LCR-P1 is the specialist transistor tool that belongs in every remote and component repair kit.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: are you mostly grabbing components off a board to check values, or are you sorting and matching precision caps? The ST1 handles the first scenario perfectly, and you can always add the LC1020E later when you need that extra frequency range and sorting mode.
Winner: FNIRSI LCR-ST1
- 【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...
Best for anyone doing daily SMD repairs who wants tweezer convenience, data export to Excel, and three test frequencies (100Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz) in a pocket-sized tool.
Runner-Up: FNIRSI LC1020E
- 【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...
Best for bench work requiring 100kHz test frequency, 19,999-count precision, and sorting mode with pass/fail alerts for component matching.
Third: FNIRSI LCR-P1
- 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 transistor and diode specialists who need auto-detection of NPN, PNP, MOSFETs, and Zener diodes plus NEC infrared analysis.
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