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I’ve been testing two very different LCR meters from FNIRSI side by side: the LC1020E (a full-sized bench unit with a 2.8″ TFT display and 19,999 counts) and the LCR-ST2 (a compact tweezer-style meter built for SMD and through-hole components). Both hit 100kHz but their designs couldn’t be more different.
If you’re trying to decide between a dedicated bench component tester and a pocket-sized tweezer for quick diagnostics, you’re in the right place. I’ll break down exactly where each one shines and where you’ll feel the trade-offs.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: FNIRSI LC1020E
Best for serious bench work with 19,999 counts, dual parameter display, and fast 4 readings per second — Check Price →
Runner-Up: FNIRSI LCR-ST2
Best for SMD work and portability with its tweezer design, Kelvin clips, and 300mAh battery — Check Price →
Here’s how the FNIRSI LC1020E and FNIRSI LCR-ST2 stack up side by side on the specs that actually matter for bench testing.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR | FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | FNIRSI | FNIRSI |
| Model | ✅ LC1020E | LCR-ST2 |
| Frequency | ✅ 100kHz | 100kHz |
| Display Type | ✅ 2.8″ Color TFT | — |
| Counts | ✅ 19,999 | — |
| Dimensions | ✅ 3.35×1.38×7.28 in | — |
| Weight | — | ✅ 0.14 lbs |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Measurement Functions | R, L, C, ESR, Q, D, θ, X | R, L, C, D, V, Continuity |
| Auto Detect | ✅ Yes | — |
| Sorting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Calibration | ✅ Open/Short | — |
| Style | — | ✅ LCR-ST2 + Kelvin Clip |
The biggest difference I see is the LC1020E’s massive 19,999-count display and 2.8″ TFT versus the LCR-ST2’s 1.47″ HD screen — that extra real estate makes a huge difference when you’re staring at readings all day.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with both meters on my bench testing capacitors, resistors, and small SMD components to see which one fits different workflows better. Here’s what I found.
FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter
19,999 counts | 100kHz | 2.8″ TFT | 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 the clear winner for dedicated bench work. That 19,999-count display with dual parameter readout (showing ESR and D/Q side by side) is a big improvement when you’re analyzing capacitors and inductors. I love the smart sorting mode — you set a nominal value and tolerance between 0.1% and 99.9%, and it beeps with a green LED when parts pass. The 2.8″ TFT is bright and easy to read from across the bench, and the 3000mAh battery lasts forever. My only gripe is that it’s not great for quick SMD grabs since you need the Kelvin clips or sockets — it’s a bench tool, not a pocket tool.
✅ Pros
- 19,999-count dual parameter display shows main and secondary readings at once
- Smart sorting with sound/LED alerts for pass/fail component screening
- Five test frequencies including 100kHz for deep component analysis
- Large 3000mAh battery with Type-C charging and 10-level brightness
❌ Cons
- Not as portable for quick SMD grabs — it’s a bench unit at 7.28 inches tall
- Requires open/short calibration before each session for best accuracy
FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer
100kHz | 1.47″ HD display | 300mAh battery | 0.14 lbs
- 【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 LCR-ST2 is the meter I grab when I’m sorting through a pile of SMD components or doing quick checks on a crowded board. It weighs just 0.14 pounds and the tweezer tips with Kelvin clips make testing tiny 0402 parts effortless. I really like the four RMS test levels (0.1V to 1.0V) for reducing parasitic effects, and the full-band scan from 100Hz to 100kHz is handy for catching resonant behavior. The 1.47″ HD display is smaller than I’d like for detailed analysis, and the 300mAh battery means you’ll charge it more often than the LC1020E. It’s perfect for field work or quick checks, but it’s not a replacement for a full bench meter.
✅ Pros
- Tweezer design with Kelvin clips makes SMD and through-hole testing a breeze
- Four adjustable test levels (0.1V to 1.0V) for reducing parasitic effects
- Ultra-portable at 0.14 pounds with a built-in magnet for workspace organization
- Includes diode, continuity, and voltage testing up to ±30V
❌ Cons
- Small 1.47″ display makes detailed dual-parameter reading harder on the eyes
- 300mAh battery is small — plan to charge it after a few hours of heavy use
- Only 1µH to 10H inductance range vs LC1020E’s 1µH to 100H
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these meters to know that neither is “better” in every situation — it really comes down to how and where you do your component testing. Let me help you figure out which one fits your bench.
FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter is right for you if…
- You do serious bench testing and need the 19,999-count dual parameter display showing ESR and D/Q simultaneously
- You sort through batches of components and want the smart pass/fail sorting with sound and LED alerts at tolerances down to 0.1%
- You need the widest inductance range (1µH to 100H) and a 3000mAh battery that lasts through long sessions
FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer is right for you if…
- You work with SMD components and need the tweezer tips with Kelvin clips for grabbing tiny parts
- You want a pocket-sized meter at just 0.14 pounds that also tests diodes, continuity, and voltage up to ±30V
- You need the four adjustable test levels (0.1V to 1.0V) to reduce parasitic effects on sensitive components
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only test a handful of components a month and just need basic capacitance or resistance values, a cheap multimeter will do the job for less money. Neither of these makes sense if you’re just checking if a battery has voltage or testing a light bulb.
For most people setting up a proper electronics bench, I’d grab the FNIRSI LC1020E every time. That 19,999-count display with dual parameters and sorting features is worth the extra space on your desk, and the 3000mAh battery means you’re not hunting for a charger mid-project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for bench testing — the FNIRSI LC1020E or the LCR-ST2?
For dedicated bench testing, the LC1020E is clearly better. That 19,999-count display with dual parameters showing ESR and D/Q side by side is exactly what you need when you’re analyzing components on a workbench. The LCR-ST2 is a great tool, but its 1.47″ screen and 300mAh battery make it better for quick checks, not deep analysis.
Can the LCR-ST2 measure inductors up to 100H like the LC1020E?
No, it can’t. The LCR-ST2 tops out at 10H for inductance, while the LC1020E goes up to 100H. If you work with larger inductors or transformers, the LC1020E is the only choice here.
Which meter is better for SMD components?
The LCR-ST2 wins hands down for SMD work. Its tweezer tips and included Kelvin clips let you grab tiny 0402 parts without bending leads or using test leads. The LC1020E can test SMD parts too, but you’ll need to use the 5-slot jacks or Kelvin clips — it’s just not as quick for grabbing small parts off a reel.
Is the FNIRSI LC1020E worth the extra money over the LCR-ST2?
If you’re doing serious bench work and need the 19,999-count resolution, smart sorting with pass/fail alerts, and the 2.8″ TFT display, then absolutely yes. The LC1020E also has a 3000mAh battery compared to the LCR-ST2’s 300mAh, so you’ll charge it way less often. But if you mostly grab components for quick checks and want something pocket-sized, the LCR-ST2 gives you solid 100kHz testing for less.
Do both meters test diodes and continuity?
Only the LCR-ST2 does. It measures diodes up to 0.7V, continuity, and even voltage up to ±30V. The LC1020E is strictly a resistor, capacitor, and inductor tester — it doesn’t do diodes, continuity, or voltage at all.
Which meter has faster readings for production sorting?
The LC1020E is the speed king here with its fast mode hitting 4 readings per second. You can also slow it down to 2 or 1 readings per second for more stable measurements. The LCR-ST2 doesn’t advertise a readings-per-second spec, but in my testing it feels slower — more like 1-2 readings per second on auto mode.
My Final Verdict
The FNIRSI LC1020E is my clear winner for bench testing. That 19,999-count dual parameter display with smart sorting at tolerances down to 0.1% and a 3000mAh battery makes it the proper bench tool serious electronics work demands. The LCR-ST2 is the runner-up — perfect if you primarily test SMD components and want something that fits in your pocket, but its 1.47″ screen and 300mAh battery can’t match the LC1020E for deep analysis.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need to grab a meter and test parts on a crowded board, or sit at a bench and analyze components in detail? The LCR-ST2 is for the grab-and-go crowd. The LC1020E is for everyone else who wants real resolution and sorting power.
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...
Best for anyone who needs a proper bench LCR meter with 19,999 counts, dual parameters, and smart sorting. The 2.8″ TFT and 3000mAh battery make it the tool you’ll reach for every day.
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...
Best for SMD and field work where portability matters. The tweezer design with Kelvin clips and four test levels makes quick component checks effortless.
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