Top 10 Best Capacitor Testers
for June 2023

MOOZ's editors independently choose recommendations. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.

Capacitors are essential components in many electrical and electronic devices, and like any other component, they can fail over time. Without proper testing and diagnosis, it can be difficult to identify faulty capacitors, causing problems in the appliances they are used in. To diagnose capacitor issues, a capacitor tester can come in handy. Capable of testing the capacitance value and condition of a capacitor, such testers can save time and money by helping determine which capacitors are in good condition and which need replacement. In this article, we will share our top picks for the best capacitor testers available.

Our top picks for the best capacitor testers include both analog and digital testers. Digital testers offer more accuracy and convenience, making them ideal for professionals. They come equipped with features such as transistor and diode testers, capacitance measurement, and auto-ranging, which makes them ideal for testing not just capacitors but also resistors, transistors, diodes, and more. Analog testers, on the other hand, are simple to use, and their visual displays make them easy to read. They are ideal for personal use or for those working on small electronic devices.

When considering a capacitor tester, it is essential to look at key features such as accuracy, display, and range. Our top picks include testers that offer high accuracy levels, easy-to-read displays, and an extensive range of capacitance values. Additionally, many of these testers come equipped with auto-identification features that can detect the type of component being tested and select the appropriate measuring range automatically.

In conclusion, a capacitor tester is an essential tool for anyone working with electronics or electrical appliances. Whether you are a professional technician or a DIY enthusiast, a good capacitor tester can make all the difference in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining your devices. With our top picks for the best capacitor testers, you can find a reliable and accurate tester that fits your needs, whether you prefer analog or digital testers.

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Multi-function Tester, Longruner 1.8 inch Colorful Display Pocketable Multifunctional TFT Backlight Transistor LCR-TC1 Tester for Diode Triode Capacitor Resistor Transistor LCR ESR NPN PNP MOSFET LW21

Longruner Multi-function Tester

by Longruner
What We like

One key operation, Auto Power Off(Timeout Settable). Can also press the multi-functional button to close the detector.

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Product Features

  • After detection, align the infrared remote control with the "IR" light, then press the button in the remote control, if the detector successfully decode it, it will display the data code and infrared wave form.
  • Put the pins of component in corresponding area, then dial the little handle and the detector will test it automatically, finally the results will display on the back light TFT screen clearly. ( Use 12864 liquid crystal display with green backlight).
  • For detecting NPN and PNP transistor, capacitor, resistor, diode, triode, N-channel and P-channel MOSFET, IGBT, JFET, triac and battery, resistor and capacitor and other components, etc.
  • Measurement results represent by TFT graphic display(160x128). Support Chinese and English.
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9.8
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UCTRONICS High Precision Handheld LC Inductor Capacitor Tester, Inductive Capacitance Meter Kit, 1pF-100mF, 1uH-100H

UCTRONICS High Precision Handheld Inductor LC Capacitor Tester

by UCTRONICS
What We like

Easy to Calibrate: just press the button "ZERO" to calibrate, open circuit calibration in capacitance measuring mode, short circuit calibration in inductance measuring mode.

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Product Features

  • Applications: This portable and handheld tester 1handheld LC meter, 1 pair of alligator clip test leads, 1LCR Kelvin alligator clip test lead, 1mini USB cable, 1manual
  • High Precision: Accuracy 1% of capacitance range 1pF~1uF, 5% of range 1uF~100mF; 1% of inductance range 1uH~1H, 5% of range 1H~100H
  • Power Supply: The meter can be powered by included 5 DC power supply cable and mini USB cable. You can also install 4AA batteries. Each way makes the meter work. Note: the AA battery is not included.
  • Measuring Range: Capacitance 0.01pF-100mF, inductance 0.001uH-100H, frequency 500KHz/500Hz-50KHz.
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LCD Digital Meter XC6013L Capacitance Capacitor Tester mF uF Circuit Gauge Capacitance Meter Tester

NEWCASON LCD Digital Meter XC6013L Capacitance Capacitor mF Tester uF Circuit Gauge Capacitance Meter Tester

by Newcason
What We like

After Sale Service Available

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Product Features

  • With LCD Display Screen
  • Probe Included
  • 100% Brand New, Tested before Shipping.
  • Removable Battery Powered(Included)
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Clamp Meter, CM05 Clamp Multimeters, 6000 Counts,AC/DC Voltage Tester, AC Current Detector, AC Signal Frequency, VFC, NCV, Resistor, Capacitor, Diode, Duty Cycle, Continuity Tester

TACKLIFE Clamp Meter

by TACKLIFE
What We like

POWERFUL FUNCTION: Clamp meter can be used to measure AC and DC voltage, AC current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, diodes, continuity testerlightweight and full-featured. It is an ideal tool for the majority of users to carry around

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Product Features

  • EASILY RECORD AND READHigh resolution, backlit LCD display, flashlight function, and data retention features ensure that the meter can perform measurements in dark places;Low battery indication,please replace the battery immediately when the battery is low.
  • OFFICIAL CONFIGURATION:Tacklife CM05 Clamp Meter, Test Leads (Pair), 2*1.5V AAA Batteries, Screwdriver, Black Storage Bag, User's Manual, 24-Month Service Card
  • NCV SENSITIVE DETECTION: When the clamp head is close to the measured object about 0-5CM , the instrument will emit a different rhythm of the buzzer sound according to the different voltage intensities. At the same time, the NCV light flashes to distinguish the intensity of the voltage.
  • SAFETY AND STABILITY: Complies with overvoltage CATCAT III 600V and Pollution Level 2 safety standards,full-scale overload protection;Pliers head mounting defensive equipment, double insulation, providing you with safer service;Energy saving, the instrument will "automatically shut down" (sleep state) if the function keys and the functions selector dial without any operation in 15 minutes .
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BTMETER BT-770N TRMS Auto Manual Ranging Multimeters, 6000 Counts Digital Multimeter AC DC Amp Ohm Volt Meter hFE LED Capacitor Tester to 99.99mF with Thermometer Backlit

BTMETER BT-770N TRMS Manual Auto Ranging Multimeters

by BTMETER
What We like

Multipurpose Professional ClassFor the small-electronics hobbyist,household, automotive,HVAC, automobile, industrial and field applications:voltmeter, ammeter, ohmmeter, conductivity checker, LED light,capacitor and resistor testerit, it has all the features you could ever need.

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Product Features

  • PROFESSIONAL MULTI-TESTER 6000 Counts Display, Test for AC DC voltage current resistance, Diode continuity capacitance Temperature , Frequency, Duty Cycle, NCV, Ture RMS, hFE, capacitor, Relative Value , Data Hold, Auto Back Light, Auto Power off,
  • Mechanical Protect SystemIn the daily usage, user often inserts the test leads into the wrong port because of confusion or carelessness which would burn down the multimeter, cause unnecessary loss.The system blocks the unused ports to prevent misoperation or mis-plug the test leads
  • Wider Measuring RangeLarge Tall Reading, Measure AC Voltage Max 750V, DC Voltage Max 1000V. 20A Current, 60M Resistance, 99.99mF Capacitance, -4 to 1832 Temp, 9.999MHz Frequency, 99% Duty Cycle, Sampling rate 3 times/second delivers high precision readings.
  • Auto Backlit & Dial Indicator LampAutomatically turn on bright backlight and indicator light on the dial, so you can see the range and reading clearly. Nice and quick response for Continuity Test, Data Hold, Relative Value,Max/Min display, NCV, TRMS, Support Auto Manual Power Off. "
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HOLDPEAK HP-770T Digital Multimeter 6000 Counts TRMS DMM CATIII 1000V,Auto Ranging,Data Hold,NCV,AC/DC Amp Ohm Volt Meter hFE Diode LED Capacitor Tester with Thermometer and Backlit

H HOLDPEAK HOLDPEAK HP-770T Digital Multimeter Counts 6000 TRMS DMM CATIII 1000V

by H HOLDPEAK
What We like

Digital Multimeter with Temperature TestMultimeter comes with a Extensible Thermocouple for Temperature Measurement (-4 ~ 1832 ). Professional Multitester for troubleshoot a variety eletrical problem during your daily life problems.

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Product Features

  • High Precision Multimeter Multimeter with 6000 counts can be used to measure DC voltage up to1000V,AC voltage up to 750V, DC/AC current up to 20A, Resistance up to 60M, Capacitance up to 99.99mF.
  • Multifunction Multimeter Automatically turn on bright backlight and indicator light on the dial,Continuity Test, Data Hold, Relative Value,Max/Min Display, NCV, TRMS, Diode,hFE Test,Come with Auto Manual Power Off.
  • NCV Sensitive Detection Full-scale overload protection, if let the top of the instrument close to the conductor, when the live voltage 90V AC rms, the NCV red LED light and green LED light will light up alternately together with buzzer sound.
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Sealed Unit Parts MFD10 LED Display Digital Capacitori Tester

Sealed Unit Parts Co Inc Sealed Unit MFD10 Parts LED Display Digital Capacitori Tester

by Sealed Unit Parts Co Inc
What We like

Country of Origin: China

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Product Features

  • SEALED UNIT PARTS CO INC
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Digital Capacitance Meter UYIGAO UA6013L Professional Handheld Capacitor Tester High Precision Multimeter LCD Display, 0.1pF - 20000μF

Walfront Digital Capacitance Meter UYIGAO UA6013L Professional Handheld Tester Capacitor High Precision Multimeter LCD Display, 0.1pF

by Walfront
What We like

COMPACT STRUCTURE WITH SAFETY JACKET----The instrument structure is compact, with a safety jacket, easy to operate and carry

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Product Features

  • WIDE MEASURING RANGE 0.1pF-20,000F----Accurate measurement, covering 9 measurement sections, ranging from 0.1pF to 20,000F
  • PROFESSIONAL CAPACITANCE METER----It is a professional capacitance meter with wide measuring range, stable performance and accuracy result
  • ACCURATE READINGS EASY OPERATION----Easy to operate, display numbers on large LCD screen, accurate readings and low power consumption
  • MULTI CAPACITANCE DATA MEASUREMENT----It can be used to test error tests, numerical analysis, select capacitors, measure unknown capacitances, match capacitances, and measure capacitance of cables, switches and printed circuits
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Digital Transistor Tester, DROK Mosfet Transistor Capacitor Tester with Mini Test Leads for Automatic Check NPN PNP Transistor Diode Triode Capacitor Resistor Transistor MOS SCR ESR LCR Meter

huiqixian Digital Tester Transistor

by huiqixian
What We like

Features: Measurement speed is fast, the time of each test is about two seconds. Double-key operation, automatic shutdown to prevent waste. Powered by battery (included).

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Product Features

  • Measure MOSFET: It can detect the protection diode inside the MOSFET and display it on the screen. It measures the threshold voltage and gate capacitance of the MOSFET. It can display the sign of the correct direction for the two diodes and display the forward voltage drop.
  • Bipolar Transistor Measurement: A bipolar transistor can be detected and displayed on the screen. It measures the current amplification factor (B) of the bipolar transistor and the turn-on voltage (Uf) of the emitter junction.
  • Automatic Identification: Automatic identification of NPN and PNP, N-channel and P-MOSFET channels, various transistors (resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, FETs, thyristors, etc.), transistor pin definition and measurement resistance , inductance, capacitance and capacitance ESR values.
  • LCD Color Display: Transistor tester type partition display, display color distinction: yellow word is the transistor type, green is the transistor detailed parameters, pink is the graphic display.
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AideTek VC97+ Digital Auto Range Multimeter Tester Capacitor Amp Voltage AC DC Temp Diode Buzz Frequency

AideTek VC97+ Digital Auto Range Multimeter Tester Capacitor Voltage Amp AC DC Temp Diode Buzz Frequency

by Syncont Inc
What We like

Very easy to read, Relative value, frequency/duty cycle measuring, data hold

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Product Features

  • Auto Range max 4000 multimeter large LCD compared with FLUKE 15B
  • Test DCV ACV DCA ACA Resistance Capacitance Frequency Centigrade Temperature
  • Strong antimagnetic and anti-jamming performance, Full function protection, Unit symbol display

As a science enthusiast with a degree in history, I've always been fascinated by the evolution of technology and how it has continuously transformed various industries to shape our daily lives. One such technology that has significantly contributed to our technological advancement is the capacitor tester.

Capacitors, as we know today, are essential components used in various electronic devices for storage and release of electrical energy. However, testing the performance and quality of capacitors was a cumbersome task until the invention of the capacitor tester.

The first capacitor tester dates back to early 1900 when Charles Dally and Frederick Rhodes invented the "Dally-Rhodes" electrostatic voltmeter. The device used the electrostatic capacity of its electrodes to measure the capacitance of a capacitor. Although the invention was a major breakthrough, it was limited to testing only high-capacity capacitors.

With the dawn of the radio age, capacitor testers became more common as radio technicians faced the need to test and troubleshoot different capacitors. In 1924, Robert Blatt of the Weston Electrical Instrument Corporation introduced an improved tester that included a built-in external power source, making measurements more accurate and efficient.

Over the years, advancements in technology led to the development of more sophisticated capacitor testers that could test different types of capacitors, including ceramic, polarized, and tantalum capacitors. In the 1960s, the television industry saw the introduction of the ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) capacitor tester that could identify faulty capacitors by measuring their ESR values.

In recent years, digital capacitor testers have become more popular, offering both accuracy and convenience. They use microprocessors to measure and store the data from the capacitor, allowing for easy analysis of the results. Furthermore, some models can identify the polarity of the capacitor, measure the resistance of the capacitor, and test other electronic components such as transistors and diodes.

In conclusion, the evolution of capacitor testers has been an essential aspect of the development of the electronics industry. These devices have contributed significantly in testing and troubleshooting various capacitors while saving time and money for technicians and manufacturers. The technology has grown tremendously over time, allowing for more accurate and efficient testing, and it is exciting to see where it will go from here.

1. Detection accuracy: The accuracy of the detector is the most critical factor when it comes to identifying and testing electronic components. A high level of accuracy ensures that users can quickly and accurately identify the type of component and its parameters. This, in turn, helps users to diagnose problems or faults in their circuits efficiently.

2. Compatibility: The detector should be compatible with a wide range of electronic components, including NPN and PNP transistors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, triacs, and many others. Ensuring compatibility with a variety of components makes the detector a versatile tool and allows users to work with a range of circuits and devices.

3. Ease of Use: The device's ease of use is another key factor to consider when choosing an electronic component detector. A device that is simple to use ensures that novice users can use it without any issues. Ideally, the device should be able to automatically test the component and display the results in a clear and concise manner.

4. Display: The display on the detector is an essential factor to consider as it provides users with critical data about the component being tested. Ideally, the display should be easy to read, and the information should be presented in a clear and concise manner. A backlit display is highly recommended as it ensures that users can read the information even in low-light conditions.

5. Language Support: Language support is a crucial factor to consider, especially for users in non-English speaking countries. Ideally, the device should support multiple languages, including Chinese and English. This ensures that users can quickly and easily understand the results and instructions presented on the device.

In summary, the key decision-making factors when choosing an electronic component detector include detection accuracy, compatibility, ease of use, display, and language support. It is essential to choose a device that performs well in all these factors to ensure that users can work efficiently and effectively with a range of electronic components.

FAQ About capacitor testers

Q: What is the best capacitor tester?

A: There are various capacitor testers available in the market, but some of the best ones are the ESR meter (Equivalent Series Resistance), LCR meter (Inductance, Capacitance, Resistance), and digital multimeter with a capacitance measuring feature. The best one depends on your preference and budget.

Q: How do you test if a capacitor is bad?

A: There are a few ways to test if a capacitor is bad. One is by using a multimeter to measure the capacitance value. If the reading is significantly lower than the rated value, the capacitor is likely bad. Another way is by using an ESR meter to check the equivalent series resistance of the capacitor. If the ESR value is high, the capacitor is most probably bad.

Q: How do you test a capacitor to see if it's good?

A: The easiest and most accurate way to test a capacitor is by using an LCR meter or a digital multimeter with a capacitance measuring feature. Set the meter to the capacitance range and connect the capacitor's terminals to the meter. If the measured value matches the rated value of the capacitor, it is most likely good.

Q: What is the easiest way to test a capacitor?

A: The easiest way to test a capacitor is by using a digital multimeter with a capacitance measuring feature. Set the meter to capacitance range, and connect the capacitor's terminals to the meter. The meter will display the capacitance value, and if it matches the rated value of the capacitor, it is most likely to be good.

And more! One of the most versatile and advanced capacitor testers on the market is the infrared detector. This amazing device can detect and decode a variety of components, including NPN and PNP transistors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, triodes, N-channel and P-channel MOSFETs, IGBTs, JFETs, triacs, and batteries. It uses a 12864 liquid crystal display with a green backlight to display the measurement results, which are then represented by TFT graphic display (160x128). The infrared detector is a great tool for anyone looking to test and troubleshoot electronic components. If you're interested in purchasing the best capacitor tester for your needs, be sure to check out our top 10 picks for 2023 in 10 Best Capacitor Testers of 2023, or read our comprehensive guide and reviews of the best capacitor testers in Best Capacitor Tester Reviews: Guide & Top 10 Picks [2023].

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