LCR Meter VS ESR Meter (Which one to have, 2024)

LCR meter and ESR are two different meters. ESR meter is best for in circuit capacitor testing only, while LCR can be used for capacitance, inductance, and resistance.

While I would love to have both of them in my lab. But what if someone is starting out with electronics repair and circuit prototyping? Then I would say start with the ESR meter. Then with time, if there felt a need for LCR, go for it.

Well, that was just a quick summary of LCR meter VS ESR meter. But if you want to have a detailed understanding, then this is what I have explained below.

At the end of this article, you should be able to know:

What are the LCR meter and ESR meter?
Where do we need an ESR meter and where do we need an LCR meter
A detailed overview of the LCR VS ESR meter
Major differences between the LCR and ESR meter.

Sounds interesting? Then I am sure you will enjoy the rest of this article as well.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

LCR Meter VS ESR Meter

You know, both LCR mad ESR meters are measuring devices. It is very fascinating to see how they save us a lot of useful time in labs.

First, let’s talk about these meters individually, and then we will look at the major differences.

LCR Meter

Every circuit has three major circuit components. These components are the resistor (R), inductor (L), and capacitor (C).

To properly place these components according to the circuit design values. We need to measure the values of these components.

To do so, we use a meter called the LCR meter.

The word LCR is short for Inductance Capacitance Resistance. Meaning this is an electronic device that we use to measure these three mentioned parameters.

In the R mode, it can be your resistance or OHM meter
In the C mode, it will be capacitance and ESR meter
In the L mode, it will be your inductance meter

An LCR meter of high accuracy saves you both time and money in quality control, product testing, and effecting repair of some expensive electronic units.

ESR Meter

ESR meter is a simple device that help us measure the ESR value of a capacitor

Why ESR meter?

When it comes to capacitors in circuit testing we need to measure the capacitor ESR value rather than the capacitance value.

ESR stands for equivalent series resistance.

ESR value helps us to test a capacitor on the circuit board directly.

What happens to a bad capacitor is that its ESR value changes. The change in ESR is totally helpful when determining with 100% sure if the capacitor is bad or good.

So you can now see that the ESR value is more about testing the capacitor rather than measuring its capacitance value.

How do we measure the ESR value?

The answer is simple.

To measure ESR value you need to have a decent ESR meter.

Differences between LCR meter and ESR meter

In quick summary, if you have an LCR meter then you don’t need an extra ESR meter. Unless you like to have an ESR meter just because you like to have options.

Let’s see some major differences between the LCR meter vs ESR meter.

1. ESR Meter is only for In-circuit testing

If you are just getting started with circuits. And you only need to test capacitors without desoldering them first. Then a good ESR meter is a good choice for you.

An ESR meter helps us to verify a capacitor if it is good or bad while the capacitor is still inside the circuit board. This makes our lives so much easy.

2. LCR Meter is a whole package

While ESR is good for capacitor testing. LCR meter is a complete package it can do what an ESR can do. And also it can do so much more than an ESR meter.

For example:

LCR meter measure capacitance, inductance, and resistance.

LCR meters have a series and parallel model for measurements. Because some measurements of Reactance need series models while some reactance needs a parallel model for high accuracy.

You will need these modes for the following situations:

Also, access to these models should be easy on your selecting LCR meter.

3. ESR is less expensive than the LCR meter

As ESR is just one operation device. It is less expensive than the LCR meter. But it is not the advantage of the ESR meter it is because it is designed only for one specific taste, that is to test capacitors.

4. ESR is best for beginner

If you are a beginner, I believe the ESR meter is a good starting point for you. It is less expensive. And because you may already have a multimeter. A multimeter and ESR meter are enough for most basic circuit design and repair.

5. Best buying options

Now there are a lot of options available on the market. You can do some online searches, and you will find a lot of meters. Choose the one that you like.

But…

In my experience following are the best LCR and ESR meters that I have found over the years.

Conclusion

In summary, you require both these meters in your lab. Because you will need to measure the ESR, capacitance, inductance, and resistance if you are working with electronic circuit boards (old or new).

But if you are just starting out with circuit repair then ESR is suitable for you. Along the way you will need more features, then you would upgrade to an LCR meter.

Alright!

Well…

That is it. That is all I have for you about the LCR meter Vs ESR meter. I hope you enjoyed it.

Thank you and have a grateful life.

3 Comments

Paul T says:

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Thanks for confirming an ESR meter isn’t going to add any capability it I already have an LCR bridge. I don’t do much in circuit testing.

1. Alfredo says:
  
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  YOU ARE THE BEST EXPLAINING. THANKS SAFE ME A LOT OF TIME SEARCHING
  
James B says:

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Great explanation. I need to test capacitors and resistors on a circuit board without desoldering. Garage door sensor voltage from board failed. Researching ESR and LCR devices.

Great work, thank you