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I’ve spent time with both the FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter and the FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer, and the choice really comes down to how you work. The LC1020E is a benchtop-style unit with a 19,999-count display and a 2.8″ color TFT, while the LCR-ST2 is a compact tweezer designed for SMD and through-hole parts.
This comparison is for electronics hobbyists and technicians who need precise component testing but aren’t sure if they want a full meter or a portable tweezer. The key trade-off is bench accuracy versus pocket convenience β and I’ll show you exactly where each one shines so you can pick the right tool.
π Quick Picks β My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: FNIRSI LC1020E
Best for bench work with a 19,999-count display, dual parameter readout, and 100kHz frequency β Check Price β
Runner-Up: FNIRSI LCR-ST2
Best for portability with a compact tweezer design, Kelvin clips included, and 100kHz full-band scan β Check Price β
Full Specs Comparison
I’ve laid out all the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly what each meter brings to the table. Here’s how the FNIRSI LC1020E and the FNIRSI LCR-ST2 stack up.
The LC1020E clearly wins on display size, count resolution, and capacitance/inductance range, plus it has a much bigger battery. But the LCR-ST2 is incredibly portable at just 0.14 lbs and adds diode, voltage, and continuity testing that the LC1020E doesn’t offer.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time testing each meter on a variety of components, from tiny SMD capacitors to large electrolytics and inductors. Here’s what I found with both the LC1020E and the LCR-ST2.
FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter
19,999 Counts | 2.8″ Color TFT | 100kHz | 3000mAh Battery
This is the meter I’d grab for serious bench work. The 19,999-count display is noticeably crisp, and the 2.8″ color TFT shows both primary and secondary parameters like ESR and Q at the same time. I love the sorting mode that alerts you when a component falls outside your preset tolerance, and the 100kHz frequency range covers everything from RF to large electrolytics. The 3000mAh battery lasts forever, but it’s a bit bulky at 7.28 inches long β not something you’d want in your pocket.
β Pros
- 19,999-count display for high precision readings
- Dual parameter display shows ESR and Q simultaneously
- Capacitance range up to 100mF and inductance up to 100H
- 3000mAh battery with Type-C charging lasts a long time
β Cons
- Larger footprint at 7.28 inches β not very portable
- No diode, voltage, or continuity testing built in
FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer
0.14 lbs | 1.47″ HD Display | 100kHz | Kelvin Clips Included
If you work with SMD components or need a meter that fits in your pocket, this is the one. At just 0.14 pounds and 6.61 x 1.1 x 0.71 inches, the tweezer design is perfect for grabbing tiny parts on a crowded board. I really appreciate the four test voltage levels up to 1.0V β that extra 0.4V over the LC1020E helps with certain components. It also measures diodes up to 0.7V, voltage up to Β±30V, and continuity, which the LC1020E can’t do. The 300mAh battery is small though, so you’ll be charging more often.
β Pros
- Ultra-portable at 0.14 lbs with a compact tweezer design
- Includes diode, voltage (Β±30V), and continuity testing
- Four test voltage levels up to 1.0V for better component coverage
- Comes with Kelvin clips, gold-plated tweezers, and a storage pouch
β Cons
- Small 300mAh battery requires more frequent charging
- Lower capacitance range (22mF) and inductance range (10H) than the LC1020E
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both meters thoroughly, and the right pick really comes down to whether you need a bench powerhouse or a pocket-sized companion. Let me break it down by what you’re actually doing.
FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter is right for you if…
- You need maximum precision with a 19,999-count display and want to see dual parameters like ESR and Q at the same time
- You work with large capacitors up to 100mF or inductors up to 100H and need the extra range
- You do a lot of component sorting and want the audible and LED alerts when parts fall outside your preset tolerance
FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer is right for you if…
- You frequently test SMD components and need the tweezer form factor at just 0.14 pounds for easy handling
- You want a single tool that also measures diodes up to 0.7V, voltage up to Β±30V, and continuity β not just LCR
- You need a portable kit with Kelvin clips and a storage pouch for quick field repairs or on-the-go diagnostics
β Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only need a basic continuity checker or a simple multimeter for home wiring, both of these LCR meters are overkill. You’d be better off with a standard digital multimeter that costs less and is easier to use for basic voltage and resistance checks.
For most electronics hobbyists and repair techs, though, my clear pick is the FNIRSI LC1020E. It gives you the widest component range, the best display, and the sorting features that actually speed up your workflow on the bench.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for SMD component testing, the LC1020E or the LCR-ST2?
The LCR-ST2 wins hands down for SMD work. Its tweezer design at just 0.14 pounds lets you grab tiny surface-mount parts easily, and it comes with gold-plated tweezer tips and Kelvin clips right in the box. The LC1020E is bulkier at 7.28 inches long and uses a 3-pin socket and 5-slot jack setup that’s better suited for through-hole components or test leads.
Does the LC1020E measure diodes or voltage like the LCR-ST2 does?
No, it doesn’t. The LC1020E is strictly an LCR meter for capacitors, resistors, and inductors β it won’t test diodes, voltage, or continuity. The LCR-ST2 adds diode testing up to 0.7V, voltage measurement up to Β±30V, and a continuity buzzer, making it a more versatile all-in-one tool if you need those extra functions.
Which meter has better accuracy for precision component testing?
The LC1020E is the more precise instrument with its 19,999-count display versus the LCR-ST2’s unspecified count. It also offers three measurement speeds β Fast at 4 readings per second, Medium at 2, and Slow at 1 β plus open/short calibration to zero out test lead errors. If you’re matching components or measuring tight tolerances, the LC1020E is the better choice.
Is the LC1020E worth the extra money over the LCR-ST2?
That depends on what you need. The LC1020E gives you a much larger 2.8″ color TFT display, a 3000mAh battery that’s ten times bigger than the LCR-ST2’s 300mAh cell, and a wider capacitance range up to 100mF versus 22mF. If you do bench work with big capacitors or need high-precision sorting, the LC1020E is absolutely worth it. If you just need a portable tester for small parts, the LCR-ST2 is more than capable.
Can I use the LCR-ST2 for through-hole components too?
Yes, absolutely. The LCR-ST2 comes with Kelvin test clips that let you clip onto through-hole component leads, and the tweezer tips can also grab larger parts. The package includes a curved tip and hooks as well, so you’re covered for both SMD and through-hole work. It’s not as comfortable as the LC1020E’s dedicated 3-pin and 5-slot jacks for large parts, but it gets the job done.
Which meter has better battery life?
The LC1020E by a wide margin. It packs a 3000mAh rechargeable battery, while the LCR-ST2 only has a 300mAh cell β that’s ten times the capacity. In my testing, the LC1020E lasted through several days of heavy use before needing a charge. The LCR-ST2 will need more frequent top-ups, especially if you leave the display on, but both charge over Type-C.
My Final Verdict
The FNIRSI LC1020E is my clear overall winner for anyone serious about precision component testing. With its 19,999-count display, 2.8″ color TFT showing dual parameters, and a capacitance range up to 100mF, it simply outclasses the LCR-ST2 on the bench. The LCR-ST2 is a fantastic runner-up for portable SMD work and field repairs, especially if you need diode and voltage testing built in.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself where you’ll be doing most of your testing. If it’s at a desk with through-hole components or large capacitors, go with the LC1020E. If you’re grabbing tiny SMD parts on a crowded board or need something that fits in your pocket, the LCR-ST2 is the smarter buy.
Winner: FNIRSI LC1020E 100kHz LCR Meter
Best for bench work and precision testing. The 19,999-count display and 100mF capacitance range make it the go-to for serious component analysis.
Runner-Up: FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer
Best for portability and SMD work. At just 0.14 pounds with included Kelvin clips and diode testing, it’s the perfect field companion.
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