Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees
by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I’ve been testing the FNIRSI LCR-P1 transistor tester and the FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR meter tweezer side-by-side, and they’re both solid options for SMD work. The LCR-P1 is a versatile all-in-one tester with 600+ bought last month, while the LCR-ST2 brings a precision tweezer design with a 100kHz full-range scan.
If you’re repairing circuit boards or testing tiny surface-mount components, this comparison is for you. The real trade-off is between the LCR-P1’s broader component support and the LCR-ST2’s dedicated tweezer form factor for quick SMD testing. Let me break it down so you know exactly which one fits your bench.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: FNIRSI LCR-P1
Best seller with 600+ bought last month, tests transistors, capacitors, and batteries with auto-discharge protection — Check Price →
Runner-Up: FNIRSI LCR-ST2
Precision tweezer design with 100kHz test frequency and auto-sort for SMD parts — Check Price →
I put the FNIRSI LCR-P1 and LCR-ST2 side-by-side in a specs table so you can see what each one actually brings to the bench.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor | FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | FNIRSI | FNIRSI |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Style | Transistor Tester | ✅ LCR-ST2 + Kelvin Clip |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Item Weight | ✅ 0.17 Pounds | 0.14 Pounds |
| Measurement Type | Transistor Capacitor | LCR ESR |
| Frequency | — | ✅ 100kHz |
| Component Support | Mosfet, Diode, Triode | SMD & Through-Hole |
| Auto Sort | — | ✅ Yes |
| Voltage Measurement | — | ✅ Yes |
| Continuity Test | — | ✅ Yes |
| Full-Band Scan | — | ✅ Yes |
The biggest difference I see is the LCR-ST2’s 100kHz test frequency versus the LCR-P1’s broader component coverage, so your choice depends on whether you need high-frequency precision or a versatile all-in-one tester.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with both testers on my bench, checking how they handle SMD components, through-hole parts, and real-world repair jobs. Here’s what I found with each one.
FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor Tester
Transistor, capacitor, diode, battery tester | 1.44-inch color screen | 300 mAh battery | 0.17 lbs | 715 ratings
- 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 powerhouse for anyone who needs to test transistors, capacitors, diodes, and even batteries with a single device. I love that it automatically identifies component pins and parameters, and the anti-burn protection automatically discharges undischarged capacitors the moment you plug them in. It also supports NEC infrared waveform analysis, which is a nice bonus for remote control repairs. The only catch is that it doesn’t have a dedicated tweezer form factor for SMD work, so you’ll need to use the included patch test board for tiny parts.
✅ Pros
- Tests transistors, capacitors, diodes, batteries, and more in one device
- Auto-discharge protection for undischarged capacitors prevents accidental damage
- #1 Best Seller in Capacitance & Resistance Meters with 600+ bought last month
- Includes replaceable patch seat for tiny precision components
❌ Cons
- No tweezer form factor — requires patch board for SMD parts
- Upper temperature rating only 40°C, not ideal for hot workshop environments
FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer
100kHz test frequency | SMD & through-hole | Auto-sort compare | 0.14 lbs | 1.47-inch HD display | 77 ratings
- 【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 built specifically for SMD work, and the tweezer design makes grabbing tiny components feel natural. I really appreciate the 100kHz full-range scan with four RMS test levels (0.1 / 0.3 / 0.6 / 1.0 V) and series/parallel mode to reduce parasitic effects. The auto-sort feature quickly identifies abnormal components, and the primary/secondary display shows R/C/L/Z plus X/D/Q/θ for thorough analysis. My only complaint is that it doesn’t test transistors or batteries like the LCR-P1 does, so you’re limited to R, C, L, diodes, voltage, and continuity.
✅ Pros
- Tweezer design is perfect for grabbing and testing SMD components quickly
- 100kHz full-range scan with four test levels for precise measurements
- Auto-sort compares and identifies abnormal components automatically
- Includes Kelvin clips, gold-plated tweezer tips, hooks, and a storage pouch
Cons
- Does not test transistors, batteries, or Zener diodes like the LCR-P1
- Higher price point for a more specialized tool
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both testers to know that the right pick depends entirely on what you’re fixing. Here’s how I’d match each one to a specific buyer.
FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor Tester is right for you if…
- You need a single tool that tests transistors, capacitors, diodes, Zener diodes, batteries, and even infrared remotes — it’s the most versatile option here.
- You work with both tiny precision components and high-power devices, thanks to the replaceable patch seat design.
- You want an auto-discharge safety feature so you don’t accidentally blow up your tester when grabbing an undischarged capacitor.
FNIRSI LCR-ST2 100kHz LCR ESR Meter Tweezer is right for you if…
- You do a lot of SMD rework and want a tweezer form factor that lets you grab and test tiny components in seconds.
- You need the 100kHz full-range scan with four RMS test levels (0.1 / 0.3 / 0.6 / 1.0 V) for precise measurements on RF parts and large electrolytics.
- You want auto-sort comparison that flags abnormal components and shows primary (R/C/L/Z) plus secondary (X/D/Q/θ) parameters on a single display.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only need a basic continuity tester or you’re measuring large through-hole components in a production line, you’d be better off with a dedicated multimeter or a benchtop LCR bridge. These are handheld testers for hobbyists and repair techs, not lab-grade instruments.
For most electronics repair folks, I’d grab the LCR-P1 because it covers transistors, capacitors, diodes, and batteries in one box — it’s the Swiss Army knife of component testers. If you exclusively do SMD work and want speed, the LCR-ST2’s tweezer design is worth the upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for SMD component testing — the LCR-P1 or LCR-ST2?
For pure SMD work, I’d pick the LCR-ST2 every time. Its tweezer design lets you grab tiny surface-mount parts directly without needing a separate patch board like the LCR-P1 requires. The 100kHz full-range scan with four test levels also gives you more precise readings on small capacitors and inductors.
Is the LCR-ST2 worth the extra money over the LCR-P1?
It depends on what you test most. If you work with transistors, batteries, and Zener diodes, the LCR-P1 covers all that plus capacitors and resistors in one device. If you only test R, C, L, and diodes on SMD boards and want faster workflow, the LCR-ST2’s tweezer form factor and auto-sort feature justify the difference. Check current prices on Amazon to see how they compare today.
Does the LCR-P1 test batteries?
Yes, it does. The LCR-P1 specifically lists battery testing in its feature set, along with transistors, capacitors, diodes, resistors, and inductors. The LCR-ST2 does not test batteries — it’s limited to resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, voltage up to ±30 V, and continuity.
Which tester has better safety features for capacitors?
The LCR-P1 has a clear edge here with its anti-burn protection mechanism. It automatically identifies undischarged capacitors and discharges them the moment you plug them in, which prevents accidental damage to the tester or your components. The LCR-ST2 doesn’t mention any automatic discharge feature in its specs.
Can the LCR-ST2 test transistors like the LCR-P1 can?
No, it cannot. The LCR-ST2 is designed for resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, voltage, and continuity only. If you need to test NPN, PNP, MOSFETs, or field-effect transistors, you’ll need the LCR-P1, which automatically identifies pin definitions and parameters for those components.
Which one has a better display for reading results?
Both have similar-sized screens — the LCR-P1 uses a 1.44-inch full-color display, while the LCR-ST2 has a slightly larger 1.47-inch HD display with adjustable brightness. The LCR-ST2 wins on readability because it shows primary parameters (R/C/L/Z) and secondary parameters (X/D/Q/θ) simultaneously, so you get more data at a glance without scrolling.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the FNIRSI LCR-P1 Transistor Tester. It tests transistors, capacitors, diodes, batteries, and even infrared remotes in one device, has an auto-discharge safety feature, and is the #1 Best Seller in Capacitance & Resistance Meters with 600+ bought last month. The LCR-ST2 is a fantastic runner-up if you exclusively work with SMD components and want a dedicated tweezer with 100kHz test frequency.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you need to test transistors and batteries, or just SMD caps and resistors? The LCR-P1 covers more ground for the money, while the LCR-ST2 is faster for surface-mount-only work. You really can’t go wrong either way.
Winner: 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 anyone who wants one tool that tests transistors, capacitors, diodes, batteries, and more. The auto-discharge protection and #1 Best Seller status make this an easy choice for general electronics repair.
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-focused techs who want a fast tweezer form factor with 100kHz full-range scan and auto-sort comparison. The included Kelvin clips and storage pouch add real value for field work.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.