LRC meters are multi-functional measuring instruments for electrical engineers and technicians. As the name suggests, these instruments can measure inductance (L), capacitance (c), and resistance (R). Clearly, their names originate from what these devices can do.
The ability of the LCR meter to measure multiple parameters makes them the best choice. Instead of buying different instruments for each function, you choose one compact, multi-functional device. However, making the right decision when you get to the market can prove challenging.
Different LCR meter models and brands exist. These vary in measuring accuracy and range, which also determines what you buy and what not to buy. Fortunately, you have come to the right place where you will get professionally recommended LCR meters for every purpose.
We will look at the best LCR meters we compiled after extensive market research and testing. After considering all possible factors, we came up with a list of the 8 best LCR meters you can consider. But before we get into the details, let’s highlight the main differences among the chosen products.
Top 8 Best LCR Meters in 2024
Are you in the market for a new LCR meter? If yes, you don’t have to look any further because we have the best picks for you. The products presented here are sampled from different categories and are the best.
| Product | Product Image | Test frequency accuracy | Primary measurements | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. De-5000 Handheld Lcr Meter |  | 100 / 120 / 1k / 10k / 100k Hz (±0.25%, ±0.5%, ±1%, ±2%, ±5%, ±10%) | L, C, R, quality factor, dissipation factor, phase angle. | |
| 2. Extech 380193 Passive Component LCR Meter |  | 122.8Hz (±4Hz) and 1kHz (±4Hz) | L, C, R, quality factor, dissipation factor | |
| 3. B&K 880 Handheld LCR Meter |  | Up to 100kHz (0.1%) | L, C, R, and Z | |
| 4. East Tester ET430 Handheld Digital LCR Meter |  | 100Hz, 120Hz, 1KHz, 10KHz, 40kHz, 100KHz; Basic accuracy: 0.30% | L, C, R | |
| 5. PEAK Atlas LCR45 LCR and Impedance Meter |  | 1kHz, 15kHz or 200kHz | L, C, R, impedance, admittance | |
| 6. CAMWAY LCR Meter |  | Not specified | L, C, R, continuity, diode tester | |
| 7. ICQUANZX LCR-T7 Transistor Tester |  | Not specified | L, C, R, diode and transistor tester | |
| 8. LCR Research Elite2 - 10KHz LCR Meter |  | R: 0.2%, L: 0.4%, C: 0.2% with test frequency up to 10kHz | L, C, R, D, Q |
1. De-5000 Handheld LCR Meter [Our Best Overall]
De-5000 Handheld LCR Meter tops our list because of its high accuracy and versatility. Apart from measuring inductance, capacitance, and resistance, this instrument is reliable in measuring other factors. They include quality factor, dissipation factor, phase angle, and others.
This instrument is adaptable to different parameters and conditions. It has a feature that allows you to specify the tolerance range of various components. De-5000 is also effective as an ESR meter. Additionally, it has a high-frequency range from 100 Hz to 100 kHz.
Other features of the De-5000 LCR meter include low battery indication and a multi-functional LCD screen. Overall, this instrument is ideal for professionals, technicians, and DIYers who like designing and testing electronic devices. It is also affordable compared to other products of its capabilities.
Pros:
- Multi-functional – measures more than three parameters
- Multi-functional display screen with high display count
- Wide range of testing frequencies
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Short test leads
- Customer support services are relatively poor
2. Extech 380193 Passive Component LCR Meter
Extech 380193 LCR meter is another high-quality measuring instrument with many applications. It is commonly used by electrical engineers, technicians, and quality control officers in manufacturing facilities. But you can also buy it for DIY projects. Also, its lightweight build makes it the best choice for field technicians.
Extech 380193 LCR meter is not for measuring resistance, inductance, and resistance. This device is also handy in-circuit testing and measuring other parameters such as quality and dissipation factors for different components in series or parallel networks.
This product features a dual-display screen that displays all measured parameters. Additionally, you can interface Extech 380193 LCR meters with your computer for detailed data analysis.
Extech 380193 LCR meter has additional functions that can return minimum value, maximum value, and average value in a data set of up to 3,00 records.
Pros:
- Relatively high-test frequency range
- Dual display screen
- Multi-functional measuring instrument
- Easy to interface with PC for data transfer and analysis
Cons:
- Limited secondary functions
3. B&K Precision 880 Handheld LCR Meter
Our third best LCR meter is the B&K 880 Handheld LCR Meter. This instrument features on our list because of its high-resolution LCD screen. The primary display section has up to 40,000 counts, while the primary has 10,000 counts. These are all you need to get accurate readings of the measured parameters.
B&K Handheld LCR Meter is known for its accuracy in measuring resistance, capacitance, inductance, and impedance. However, you can also use it for measuring secondary parameters such as Q, D, Theta, ESR, and DCR. Also, it features an auto-range feature that makes it fast and easy to use.
B&K LCR meter provides multi-option for test frequencies. You can choose 100Hz, 120Hz, 1kHz, and 10kHz for its 0.6Vrms test signal. This handheld device also depends on the battery to power it, making it an ideal choice for field technicians.
This handheld LCR meter has a good accuracy needed when sorting components.
One of our favorite brands that specializes in the manufacturing of electronic test and measurement equipment and instruments is B&K Precision. Another LCR product of this brand you should check out is B&K Precision 879B. This model has dual display on its screen and comes with backlit display which is important to work in dim light.
Pros:
- Good control and easy to use
- Fast and accurate
- Multi-functional instrument for measuring multiple parameters
- Good frequency range
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- No backlit display – unusable in dark places
4. East Tester ET430 Handheld Digital LCR Meter
East Tester ET430 LCR meter is another worthy option if you have the budget. It is relatively affordable but comes packed with many features and functions. You will notice its USB port for interfacing with a PC. This instrument has adjustable measuring speed, manual and automatic range, and short circuit correction ability.
East Tester ET430 LCR meter has a wide testing frequency range and different options. You can set 100Hz, 120Hz, 1KHz, 10KHz, 40kHz, or 100KHz and still get an accuracy of 0.03%. It also automatically identifies the measured component.
This product also features a TFT color screen you only find in some digital LCR meters. It can display 5 bits of data for primary and secondary parameters.
Pros:
- Multi-functional LCR meter
- Automatic recognition of component
- Screening and deviation measurement support
- Adjustable measuring speed
- Short circuit correction
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
5. PEAK Atlas LCR45 LCR and Impedance Meter
PEAK Atlas LCR45 LCR meter is one of the best LCR meters on the market today if you are after portability. It is compact, lightweight, and easy to use. You can carry this versatile measuring device in your pocket to where you want to use it.
PEAK Atlas LCR45 LCR is for measuring inductance, capacitance, and resistance. But those are not the only functions of this device. You can also use it to get the impedance of various components and sensors. The PEAK Atlas LCR45 LCR can also measure the admittance, magnitude, and phase angles.
You can set the PEAK Atlas LCR45 LCR meter in an auto mode to automatically detect components. This instrument chooses an appropriate frequency for more accurate results.
A distinguishing feature of the PEAK Atlas LCR45 LCR meter is its continuous reading and hold functionalities. These capabilities make it ideal for alignment operations and measuring individual components.
The product has a wide automatic or manual test frequency between 1kHz and 200kHz.
Pros:
- High-frequency range
- Very accurate and high resolution
- Measures impedance and admittance
- Continuous and hold measurement capabilities
Cons:
- Overly simplistic interface
- Challenging to use
- Small display
6. CAMWAY LCR Meter
CAMWAY LCR Meter is a special digital instrument for measuring multiple parameters. You can rely on it to accurately measure inductance, capacitance, and resistance. Additionally, the meter doubles as a continuity and diode tester.
This LCR Meter boasts a wide measuring range compared to other instruments in its category. It can measure the capacitance from 200pF to 2000uF with an accuracy of ±(2.5%+5). Similarly, it measures inductance and resistance of 200uH-20H and 200Ω to 200MΩ with high accuracy.
This measuring device is easy to use and versatile. It also has other features that make it more reliable. They include auto power off when idle, data ho9ld function, low power indication, and large screen.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Wide measuring range
- Multifunctional and a host of features
- Easy to use
- Auto power off and data hold
- Large, visible display screen
Cons:
- Feels bulky in the hand
7. ICQUANZX LCR-T7 Transistor Tester
ICQUANZX LCR-T7 Transistor Tester is a handy measuring instrument for any DIYer and electrical technician. This device is versatile yet affordable. If you are low on budget and need an LCR meter, choose ICQUANZX LCR-T7 Transistor Tester.
You can use ICQUANZX LCR-T7 Transistor Tester for testing transistors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, triodes, and other components. It may not be as accurate as other LCR meters on this list, but choose it for affordability and versatility.
ICQUANZX LCR-T7 Transistor Tester is easy to use. Its user interface only includes a screen and one button for changing test modes and shutting it down or turning it on. With this tester, you can determine the component values in no time.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Reliable and durable
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
- Backlit TFT screen for use in darkness
Cons:
- Small screen
- Idle time is too short
8. LCR Research Elite2 – 10KHz LCR Meter (SMD Tweezer)
LCR Research Elite2 LCR meter is the newly released measuring instrument in the Elite series. This product has been redesigned and engineered for accurate measurements of the intended parameters.
LCR Research Elite2 features on our list because of its unique design. It is compact with replaceable gold-plated tips for one-hand use during LCR measurements. By design, this instrument is meant to last for many years. It has a protective feature that shields it against damage by components.
Elite2 LCR meters are easy to use. It comes with an intuitive user interface and buttons for navigation. Additionally, the tip features tweezers for measuring surface mount components. It is the best choice for electronic circuit technicians.
LCR Research Elite2 has the following features:
- High accuracy – R: 0.2%, L: 0.4%, C: 0.2%
- 4 test frequencies – 100Hz, 120Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz
- Wide measurement range – R: 20mΩ to 10MΩ, C: 0.1pF to 5mF, L: 0.3uH to 1H
- Rechargeable LiPO battery with USB charging
- Small size – 151 x 19 x 14.5mm
- OLED display screen – 0.91″, 128 x 32 resolution
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Multi-functional measuring instrument
- Has a wide range of frequencies
- Backlit OLED display screen
Cons:
- Relatively expensive
Conclusion
We have presented our best picks of the best LCR meters in different categories. It is now upon you to make the right decision depending on your budget and where you will use your measuring device.
Our overall best is the De-5000 Handheld LCR Meter. This measuring device is multi-functional, accurate, and has a wide range of test frequencies. These features make it more versatile and adaptable than other options on this list. Additionally, it is easy to use.
The second best option you can also consider is the Extech 380193 LCR meter. Like the first choice, this meter is accurate and easy to use. But it can also measure other parameters such as quality and dissipation factors. Lastly, you can interface it with your PC for data transfer and detailed analysis.
Option one and two may not be the best for you. Fortunately, we have a third recommendation. B&K 880 Handheld LCR Meter is a worthy option for versatility. Apart from the primary parameters, it can measure secondary parameters such as Q, D, Theta, ESR, and DCR. It also has a wide frequency range and is accurate.
But if you are low on budget, you can consider budget-friendly options on this list. They are equally accurate and reliable!