Those of you who work on electronics projects and devices quite often will know that it is highly important to ensure that you are using the right components while soldering. This can include components like capacitors, transistors, resistors, diodes, and various others. And while there are various ways to test these, you can consider using one of the best ESR meters given down below since it is perfect for checking small resistance values due to these features:
- Display: Since an ESR meter is a digital testing device, all of them use a digital display for showing you the readings. And to ensure that you can see detailed readings properly, almost all of them come with LCD displays except for a few budget options which may feature an LED display itself.
- Identification: As an ESR meter can be used to test a wide range of electrical components, changing the testing mode again and again can be quite frustrating. Due to this, many ESR meters come with an automatic identification function that automatically changes the testing mode according to the electrical component being currently used.
- Measurement Range: Because you will be testing all kinds of components, their measurement values may or may not come within the supported measurement range of your ESR meter. Hence, you should go with an ESR meter that offers as large of a range as possible for all of its testing modes like resistance, capacitance, inductance, and others.
While these are some of the most important features regarding ESR meters, these meters have much more to offer. Therefore, all the best ESR meters given here also have their major details and factors explained properly along with a complete Buying Guide which should be handy for you when it comes to picking the best ESR meters by the end of this article.
Best ESR Meters 2024
| Best ESR Meters | Display Type | Identification | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DROK Mosfet Transistor Capacitor Tester | LCD display | Automatic identification | --- | Check On Amazon |
| BSIDE ESR02 PRO Digital Transistor ESR Meter | LCD display | Automatic identification | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Aideepen Mega328 LCR-T4 ESR Meter | LCD display | Automatic identification | --- | Check On Amazon |
| AITRIP LCR-T7 Transistor Tester ESR Meter | LCD display | Automatic identification | --- | Check On Amazon |
| Cllena Transistor Component ESR Meter | LCD display | Automatic identification | --- | Check On Amazon |
| WERF Blue ESR Tester | LED display | --- | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Geevorks ESR Meter | LCD display | Automatic identification | --- | Check On Amazon |
| Signstek MESR-100 V2 ESR LCR Meter | LCD display | Automatic identification | 30 day long | Check On Amazon |
| GME Capacitor ESR Meter | LCD display | Automatic identification | --- | Check On Amazon |
| Akozon ESR Capacitance ESR Meter | LCD display | Automatic identification | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
Best ESR Meters Reviews
1. DROK Mosfet Transistor Capacitor Tester
DROK is quite a well-known option and brand of testing equipment that you can consider if you are looking for something versatile and feature-rich especially if you are in the market for a new ESR meter.
The DROK ESR meter comes at the 1st position of this list since this can be a great feature-rich option for many users. Starting with its display, it comes with a large 1.8 inch LCD display which even offers multiple colors. But the best thing about this ESR meter is that it supports automatic identification for various electrical components like transistors, MOSFETs, diodes, thyristors, resistors, capacitors, and various others.
As for its other functions and features, you also get an auto-shutdown function of up to 40 seconds with this ESR meter. With this, it can easily get a pretty good battery life out of its 9V battery which powers this unit. The only thing missing from this ESR meter by DROK is an included warranty which would have gone great along with its sturdy build quality.
Best Features:
- Uses an LCD display for showing its readings
- Supports automatic identification for electrical components
- Works with transistors, MOSFETs, diodes, thyristors, resistors, capacitors
- Offers an auto-shutdown function
Pros:
- Highly versatile and easy to use ESR meter with a large and high-quality LCD display
- Supports testing a wide range of electrical components for working on PCBs
- Pretty good and sturdy build quality for long term usage and peace of mind
Cons:
- Skips on a bundled warranty from the manufacturer for reliability
2. BSIDE ESR02 PRO Digital Transistor ESR Meter
Bside is a comparatively smaller and a fairly brand new brand of ESR meters which you can consider if you want to have something functional and practical without paying a premium for the same.
This Bside ESR02 Pro meter comes at the 3rd position of this article because it is one of the best value for money options available in the market thanks to its included features. Because you get a large LCD display with this ESR meter, it is able to offer decent information on it. But the best thing about this ESR meter is that with its automatic identification, it is able to test all sorts of electrical components like diodes, triodes, thyristors, MOSFETs, polarity, HFE, valve voltage, FET capacitance, and various others as well.
Because this ESR meter uses a standard 9V battery and you would want to get the most battery life out of it, this ESR meter also has a 20-second long automatic shutdown function. While you do get a 1-year warranty with it, Bside does not offer the best quality materials with this ESR meter resulting in a fairly average build quality when compared with others.
Best Features:
- Uses an LCD display for showing its readings
- Supports automatic identification for electrical components
- Works with diodes, triodes, thyristors, MOSFETs, polarity, HFE, valve voltage, FET capacitance
- Offers an auto-shutdown function
- Comes with a warranty period of 1 year long
Pros:
- Quite an amazing value for money with various features on a budget price tag
- Highly compatible ESR meter for being used with various electrical components
- Decently large and easy to read display with multiple readings and data
Cons:
- Not the best built ESR meter available out there due to poor construction materials
3. Aideepen Mega328 LCR-T4 ESR Meter
Aideepen and its ESR meters are quite different from all other options out there since most of its offerings are highly affordable and targeted towards buyers on a tight budget and looking for entry-level ESR meters.
The Aideepen Mega328 LCR-T4 ESR meter happens to be one of the cheapest options available out there when you are talking about ESR meters which is made possible thanks to its barebones design. Despite the given design, it still uses a 128 x 64 matrix LCD display which is on par with much more premium options. You also get the support for a large number of electrical components including but not limited to transistors, MOSFETs, diodes, thyristors, transistors, resistors, and capacitors using this ESR meter.
Unfortunately, it does not offer an auto-shutdown function which is quite important to have a long battery life. Talking about its battery, it uses a 9V battery which is user-replaceable for ease of use. As you would expect from such an affordable and barebones ESR meter, you do not get any warranty with it.
Best Features:
- Uses an LCD display for showing its readings
- Supports automatic identification for electrical components
- Works with transistors, MOSFETs, diodes, thyristors, transistors, resistors, capacitors
- Offers an auto-shutdown function
Pros:
- Pretty budget-friendly and affordable ESR meter for buyers on a tight budget
- Works with an excellent range of electrical components for testing
- Amazing display with decent size and resolution for the given price tag
Cons:
- Does not offer an automatic shutdown function
4. AITRIP LCR-T7 Transistor Tester ESR Meter
Aitrip may not offer the most powerful or feature-rich ESR meters in the market, but it still offers pretty great options since almost all ESR meters offered by it come as a bundle that includes various handy accessories for working on electrical circuits.
This Aitrip LCR-T7 ESR meter is the only option given in this list which includes a wide range of handy features like components, wires, testing equipment, charging cable, and much more. Taking a closer look at the ESR meter itself, you will find a fairly large LCD display at the front. With this display, you can test electrical components like transistors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, triodes, MOSFETs, IGBT, JFET, triac, battery, and a few more.
Similar to most other ESR meters, this one also comes with an auto-shutdown function where you can select a certain time for the same. For powering this ESR meter, you can use the included USB cable which means it has an inbuilt battery that is not removable. While Aitrip does not offer a warranty, its great build quality is more than enough if you want to be sure that it is a durable option.
Best Features:
- Uses an LCD display for showing its readings
- Supports automatic identification for electrical components
- Works with transistors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, triodes, MOSFETs, IGBT, JFET, triac, battery
- Offers an auto-shutdown function
Pros:
- Includes a wide range of accessories for getting the most out of this ESR meter
- Quite great support and compatibility for testing many kinds of components
- Allows the user to adjust its auto-shutdown function to improve battery life
Cons:
- User cannot remove its inbuilt battery for installing a newer one
5. Cllena Transistor Component ESR Meter
Cllena is a pretty brand new and a fairly minor brand of electrical testing components like its ESR meters which still manages to offer a large number of handy features while having a fairly entry-level price tag for budget-oriented buyers.
The Cllena ESR meter happens to be the best value for money option present here which makes it perfect for all those who want to get all possible features without paying a premium. Starting with its key features, you get a large and easy to read multi color 1.8 inch LCD display at the front. Thanks to this large display, checking its readings for electrical components like transistors, diodes, dual diodes, MOS, SCR, resistors, inductors, capacitors, etc should be fairly easy.
Because this ESR meter relies on a 9V battery for powering all its internals and functions, it even comes with an auto-shutdown function of up to 40 seconds to get the most battery life out of it. Although, if you want an ESR meter made for long term usage, then you should look elsewhere since this one lacks any form of warranty as Cllena is quite a small brand.
Best Features:
- Uses an LCD display for showing its readings
- Supports automatic identification for electrical components
- Works with transistors, diodes, dual diodes, MOS, SCR, resistors, inductors, capacitors
- Offers an auto-shutdown function
Pros:
- Superb value for money with large number of included features at a justified price tag
- Works great with a large number of electrical components with a large display
- Pretty good shutdown function for extending battery life as much as possible
Cons:
- Skips on a bundled warranty from the manufacturer for reliability
6. WERF Blue ESR Tester
In comparison to most other ESR meter brands and options out there, Werf is a highly premium and quite a high-end offering which is primarily known for its scientific and industrial grade testing tools.
Werf’s Blue ESR meter can be a great option for those who just want to test ESR readings with superb precision and accuracy since this is a scientific grade tool. Because you will be reading just ESR readings, its LED screen will be enough for most. Unfortunately, since this ESR meter only shows you the resistance reading, it does not come with an automatic identification feature either.
Thankfully, you do get an automatic power off function which is set for up to 3 minutes which is quite decent considering its given LED display. With this function, the internal 9V battery can last for a decently long time. Because this is a highly premium ESR meter made for industrial usage, its given 1-year warranty is to be expected.
Best Features:
- Uses an LED display for showing its readings
- Works with resistors
- Offers an auto-shutdown function
- Comes with a warranty period of 1 year long
Pros:
- Highly precise and accurate measurement readings for ESR and resistance values
- Pretty long battery life with an efficient display and an auto-shutdown function
- Decently reliable and ideal for long term usage with an included warranty period
Cons:
- Limited compatibility in terms of supported electrical components for testing
7. Geevorks ESR Meter
The Geevorks Capacitor Tester is a tool used for testing capacitors. It has a wide measuring range, allowing me to test capacitors larger than 1uF. What I find most impressive about the Capacitor is its accuracy. It can give you precise measurements with up to 1% precision. This means you can trust the results it gives you.
The Capacitor comes with a special clip called an SMD alligator clip. It helps me test surface-mount capacitors accurately, which is really great. Using the tool is easy, thanks to its dual terminal design that allows for quick and easy inspections. It has a useful printed ESR table, makes it easy for me to check and understand the results.
The versatility of the capacitor is a major advantage. This can check all kinds of capacitors, even the small ones used in electronic devices. No matter if you’re new or experienced, you’ll find the tester’s design super easy to use.
It’s totally worth it! With its amazing features and performance at such a low price. If you need a dependable and affordable capacitor tester that gets the job done, I highly recommend this one.
Best Features:
- It gives accurate and reliable results
- It offers top performance
- Super easy to operate
Pros:
- Exact readings with this tester
- Affordable Price
- Simple Operation
Cons:
- Fewer Extra Features
- Compatibility Limits
8. Signstek MESR-100 V2 ESR LCR Meter
Even though Signstek and its electrical testing devices are quite on the expensive side, they still make for great options for many users thanks to their performance numbers and includes features which is also true for its ESR meters.
Signstek’s MESR-100 V2 ESR meter comes at the 2nd position of this listicle as this can be a great option for heavy-duty usage and applications. With its 128 x 64 dot matrix LCD display, it is able to show highly precise and accurate readings over large measurement ranges. Even though it supports multiple and large measurement ranges along with an automatic identification function, you can only use it for resistors and capacitors.
Fortunately, you still get handy and standard functions like auto shutdown function with this ESR meter. A great thing about this ESR meter is that it uses AA batteries or USB power which are much better than a 9V battery. Being such an expensive and premium ESR meter, its included 30-day long warranty is to be expected.
Best Features:
- Uses an LCD display for showing its readings
- Supports automatic identification for electrical components
- Works with resistors, capacitors
- Offers an auto-shutdown function
- Comes with a warranty period of 30 day long
Pros:
- Quite amazing power functions for ease of use and a long battery life
- Solid build quality with a decent warranty for your peace of mind
- High-resolution LCD display with various readings and details
Cons:
- Only works with resistors and capacitors while working on electrical circuits
9. GME Capacitor ESR Meter
GME Capacitor Tester, and it exceeded my expectations. With its wide measuring range of 0.47µF to 2200µF and accuracy up to 1%, I was able to test various capacitors. It is so easy to use with its one-handed tweezer and long cable. Testing is also easy! The buzzer informs while testing, and the automatic discharge feature saves time. The tester’s intelligent automatic calibration eliminated the need for manual zeroing.
The versatility of the tester is great, as it allows to test both electrolytic capacitors in and out of the circuit. The non-polarity dependent test probe made it even more convenient. This tester is a winner. Its accuracy gave me peace of mind, and its affordability made it a practical choice.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy capacitor tester in affordable range, I recommend the GME Capacitor Tester. It has made a significant difference in my electronics repair tasks.
Best Features:
- Uses an LCD display for showing its readings
- It can test many different capacitors for various electronic things
- It tests quickly and saves time finding faulty capacitors.
- It’s small and lightweight
Pros:
- Accurate Results
- Made with quality materials, it lasts a long time.
- It works well with different capacitor types
Cons:
- Limited Advanced Features
10. Akozon ESR Capacitance ESR Meter
Akozon is another high-end option when you are considering ESR meters which are made for more specific applications instead of all-round usage which results in better accuracy and precision
This Akozon MESR-100 ESR meter is the perfect pick for all those who want a high performance and highly accurate option for checking ESR values. And to ensure that you can read all of its precise readings, you get a high-quality LCD display with it. Even though it only supports testing resistors and capacitors, it still features an automatic identification function which is always great to have.
Unlike most other ESR meters which are powered by 9V batteries, this one relies on AA batteries and also offers USB power options. For allowing you to get the most out of these power options, it also includes an auto shutdown function. You will also find a 1-year warranty with it which goes great along with the sturdy build quality of this premium ESR meter.
Best Features:
- Uses an LCD display for showing its readings
- Supports automatic identification for electrical components
- Works with resistors, capacitors
- Offers an auto-shutdown function
- Comes with a warranty period of 1 year long
Pros:
- Excellent accuracy and precision for its readings of resistance and capacitance
- Highly versatile and practical power options with an auto-shutdown function
- Quite a sturdy build quality with a decent warranty period for longevity
Cons:
- Quite limited in terms of its supported electrical components for testing
Buying Guide for the Best ESR Meters
Similar to many other electronics testing tools, an ESR meter can also be used for various applications and uses. Whether you want to test the resistance of components, switches, PCBs, or anything else, these can be great options.
As you can even test for short circuits with an ESR meter, we have already given some of the best ESR meters earlier in this listicle. With all of these ESR meters, you can also come across their important specifications and features which can be handy for picking the right one for you. Although, if you are still confused, consider checking this extensive buying guide for the best ESR meters:
1. Display
While it does not affect the performance of your ESR meter, its display can certainly affect the overall user experience. This is due to the reason that all of the readings that you are going to take with your ESR meter will be checked using its display. To ensure that you can easily and properly read all of the readings being shown by your ESR meter, most of them use an LCD display. Some of these may also include a backlit LCD display for easily seeing the readings even in the dark. Although, if you are going for budget-oriented ESR meters, then they may have an LED display instead.
2. Identification
One of the best things about an ESR meter is that it can be used for testing all kinds of electrical components. This includes components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, triodes, MOSFETS, and much more. For testing any one of these electrical components, you can simply select the testing mode corresponding to it. However, changing the testing mode again and again can be quite frustrating if you are working on a large electrical circuit. Due to this, almost all ESR meters available out there come with the support for automatic identification. This allows the ESR meter to automatically change the testing mode as you are testing your desired electrical components.
3. Measurement Range
Since you will be using your ESR meter for testing different kinds of electrical components, you will need to use a different measurement range for each one of them. Even if you are working on just resistors for a certain electrical project, different resistors may have completely different resistance values.
Due to this, it is highly recommended to go with an ESR meter which offers a large measurement range for easily and properly testing all kinds of electrical components. You need to make sure that not only does your ESR meter offer multiple measurement ranges, but all of these measurement ranges are also as large as possible for both small scale and large scale applications.
4. Testing Compatibility
As mentioned earlier, almost all ESR meters allow you to test a wide range of electrical components for high versatility. Although, not all ESR meters are going to be the same since not all ESR meters will be able to test the same number and types of electrical components.
Hence, checking the testing compatibility of your ESR meter in terms of the electrical components you can test with it is highly important. Some of the common electrical components which can be tested with ESR meters without any compatibility issues include options like resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, triodes, MOSFETS, and others where any ESR meter which supports as many of these as possible will be highly versatile.
5. Automatic Power Off
When you are working on large-sized electrical circuits, then it is highly likely that you are going to spend a long time on the same. Because of this, the 9V battery of your ESR meter may run out if your ESR meter is left turned on. Thankfully, you will not have to manually turn off your ESR meter in most cases. This is due to the reason that a lot of them come with an automatic power off function which turns off your ESR meter when you are not using it. Such a function will turn off your ESR meter after a certain period of time like 20 seconds or 30 seconds if you have not used any of its functions.
6. Warranty
Even though not all ESR meters available out there may feature a warranty, going with an ESR meter that offers the same is still highly important. This is due to the reason that any ESR meter which offers a long warranty period is going to be quite ideal for long term usage and your peace of mind. In general, any ESR meter which includes a 1-year warranty will last longer than options that may offer a 30-day warranty or even no warranty period at all. You should also check the build quality of your ESR meter since some of the barebones options come with an enclosure which might not be the most durable option made for long term usage.
FAQs for the Best ESR Meters
1. Can you properly see the LCD display of an ESR meter in the dark?
While it is not true for all ESR meters available out there, some of them come with backlit LCD displays. Such displays light up in the dark so that you can properly view all your readings and properly test circuits.
2. How does an ESR meter automatically detect electrical components?
In order to automatically check and identify the component being tested, an ESR meter sends multiple voltage signals to test them and compare them to its internal data to successfully identify the electrical component that you are currently testing.
3. How do you test a circuit with an ESR meter?
Similar to a multimeter or any other digital testing device made for electrical circuits, an ESR meter also uses red and black probes which come with fairly long cables so that you can test each and every component of your circuit with ease.
Conclusion
Just per the name, an ESR meter or an equivalent series resistance meter allows you to check the resistance of multiple components connected within a single circuit. Being digital testing equipment, they even offer more functions to the user for practicality and ease of use. Thus, we have already given a few of the best ESR meters up above in this listicle.
To help you in picking the perfect ESR meter for your needs and usage, all of these ESR meters have been given along with their significant aspects and factors alongside a detailed buying guide. And keeping all of these points and information in mind, here are some of our favorite picks for the best ESR meters:
- In comparison to most other ESR meters, the Cllena ESR meter is a great value for money option. Even with a fairly entry-level price tag, it comes with a colored and high quality 1.8 inch LCD display. You can use it with various electrical components like transistors, diodes, dual diodes, MOS, SCR, resistors, inductors, capacitors, and more thanks to its automatic identification function. You also get an automatic power off function with it so that its 9V battery lasts as long as possible.
- But if you are on an even tighter budget, then the Geevorks ESR meter is just for you since it is the cheapest option given above. While it comes as a barebones kit, it still offers various handy functions like an LCD display on the front, an automatic identification function, and an automatic shutdown function. It even supports various electrical components like transistors, MOSFETs, diodes, transistors, resistors, capacitors, and more.
- Unlike most other ESR meters, the AITRIP LCR-T7 ESR meter includes a wide range of handy accessories in the box. As for the ESR meter itself, it also includes a fairly large LCD display. This display is great for using its features like automatic identification, automatic shutdown function, and support for transistors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, triodes, MOSFETs, batteries, and much more.
