10 Best Capacitance Meters

A capacitance meters is usually utilised to find out the capacitance of discrete capacitors. You can find standalone units in the market as well as units integrated with other measuring devices like a multimeter.

Check out these 10 best capacitance meters that you can buy right now!

Elike Capacitance Meters ($15.99)

This is Elike’s capacitance tester having nine measuring ranges from 200pF to 20mF. The unit has the capability to hold the measured values and a backlight function to assist in dark places. The rubber padding protects against drops and shocks, and the support stands to allow for handsfree use.

Technical Specifications By The Manuacturer:

1. Accuracy:200pF/2nF/20nF/200nF/2uF/20uF/200uF/ ±0.6% readings +2-2000uF ±1.2% readings +2-20mF ±2.5% readings +3
2. Max Display: 1999 digits
3. Protection: 0.1A fuse
4. Meter Size: 5.8*2.8*1.4inch / 147*70*35mm

Available here.

B&K Precision Capacitance Meters ($85.00)

This is B&K’s precise and highly accurate small capacitance meter. The unit features direct plug in test sockets and test lead jacks. A zero adjustment knob is also provided to “zero” test lead capacitance. The capacitor test sockets are fuse protected, and you can find the technical specifications below.

Technical Specifications By The Manufacturer:

1. Range (best resolution): 200pF (0.1pF), 2nF (1pF), 20nf (10pF), 200nF (100pF), 2 microfarad (1nf), 20 microfarad (10nf), 200 microfarad (100nf), 2000 microfarad (1 microfarad), 20mF (10 microfarad).
2. Accuracy: +/-(0.5 percent reading + 1 digit + 0.5pF)

“Excellent piece for the electronic technician or advanced hobbyist. Has slightly recessed test slots where you can plug in most capacitors after being removed from a PCB. Also includes a pair of the short alligator clip, test leads.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

Elenco Capacitance Meters ($44.95)

This is Elenco’s digital capacitance meter which measures capacitors from .1pF to 20,000uF. It has a 3 1/2 inches digit LCD readout with unit indicator and a zero control for test lead compensation. It comes with a banana jack and special insertion jack as well as test leads. It comes with the battery and has a tilt stand.

“I don’t get some of the negative reviews for this price, do you expect to see Fluke quality of construction? This capacitance meter is fantastic for the work bench! It does exactly what it is advertised to do, and is plenty durable for regular electronics bench use in every way. And it’s VERY accurate. I tested it on almost every range using “known value” high-tolerance lab-grade capacitors and it’s SPOT ON in accuracy. Great meter – for the home or shop work bench it’s perfect at what it’s supposed to do” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

Uxcell Capacitance Meters ($12.99)

This is Uxcell’s digital multimeter with inbuilt functions for measuring quantities like voltage, current, resistance and capacitance. This unit has been specially designed to troubleshoot a variety of household applications and lab projects. It has auto power off capability, and data hold function along with backlit LCD. It comes with a 42 strands copper wire test lead (20A) and can measure resistance, continuity, diode, AC voltage, DC voltage, DC /hFE/capacitance test. 

“I’m currently evaluating one of these that I bought on 2bay for about four dollars more than the on I expect to receive from the seller via Amazon purchase later this week. I love this meter. It compares very favourably when compared to my Fluke 179, in fact, for my usages (building EEG laboratory gizmos), the only place where the Fluke outshines it is in current measurement precision when evaluating DC currents at the low end where the Fluke gives .01mA (10uA) resolution. It is much better than the cheaper Flukes (-15, 17, etc.) and has many more features that work for one-tenth the cost. I ordered a second one because of this. In my opinion, this is the best <$120 multimeter I’ve ever used and heartily recommend it.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

Newcason Capacitance Meter ($17.90)

This unit by Newcason’s is a capacitance testing meter with a large LCD display screen. It is powered by a removable battery and has a capacitance range of 200pF ±2%, 2000pF, 20nF, 200nF, 2uF, 20uF, 200uF, 2000uF, and 20mF. It comes with 2 testing probes and has a built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing. 

“Even though this tester has multiple functions, I only purchased it for one, which is to test Capacitors. When I received it, I tested it on three different Capacitors two separate size Capacitors and one bad one; the bad one gave a zero reading, and the other two displayed their accurate UF numbers! This will save me a lot of guess work on HVAC units being that this is usually the most common thing that fails.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

Excelvan Capacitance Meter ($28.99)

This unit by Excelvan is a digital, auto-ranging capacitance meter with a measurement range from 0.01pF to 470mF. This device has a dot-matrix LCD and can use micro-USB as external power. 

Technical Specifications By The Manufacturer:

1. Accuracy: Up to 1%
2. High Resolution: 5 digit
3. Measuring Voltage: <0.8V
4. Clamping Voltage: ~1.25V (Open voltage)
5. Battery 2x AA 1.5V battery (Not included)
6. External Power: 5V micro USB
7. Operating Current: 0.02A
8. Battery Life time: >80 Hours

“I got both the Jingyan capacitance meter and the ESR meter at the same time for $80 total. Both are excellent products I’m using to service my LCD TV that went out. I’m a retired electrical engineer and see real value for both these products. I did extensive web research to see what is available and these seemed the best bang for the buck. After I’ve used them for a while, I’ll update this review. They are dirt simple to use and even have a switchable backlit LCD. I’m very impressed with this product. I am not at all associated with this manufacturer.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

UNI-T Capacitance Meter ($32.22)

This is a clamp meter with a capacitance tester; an ultra portable and advanced tool for electricians, hobbyists and lab engineers. It is capable of measuring actual RMS response for AC and can measure up to 100A with 1mA resolution. It can also measure resistance, diode, continuity testing as well as capacitance functions. You can measure non-contact voltage detection with LED indication and has a display backlight for assisting in dark areas. You can hold data as well as find min/max values etc.

Technical Specifications By The Manufacturer:

1. AC Current (A) 2A/20A/100A (±2.5%+5)
2. DC Current (A) 2A/20A/100A (±2%+3)
3. AC Voltage (V) 2V/20V200V/600V (1.0%+3)
4. DC Voltage (V) 200mV/2V/20V200V/600V (±0.7%+3)
5. Resistance (?) 200?/2K?/20K?/200K?/2M?/20M? (±1.0%+2)
6. Capacitance (F) 2nF/20nF/200nF/2?F/20?F/200?F/2mF/20mF(±4%+5)

“This meter should not be possible. It is smaller and more accurate and way less expensive than every other meter I have purchased. My typical everyday pocket meter is the Amprobe PM55A Pocket Multimeter. My tool bag meter is the Fluke T5-600 and my “Let me double check this with my best meter” is the Klein Tools CL2300 600A TRMS AC/DC Clamp Meter. These are all sound meters, but this tiny package combines the ability to measure capacitance, continuity/ohms, amp clamp readings to the third decimal point, voltage readings and noncontact voltage detection with a backlit screen. All of this and something that fits in my pocket invaluable!” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

Honeytek Capacitance Meter ($16.07)

This is Honeytek’s capacitance tester with 9 measuring ranges from 200pF to 20mF. The unit has an LCD backlight and can auto discharge capacitors for below 1000V. The LSI circuit provides high reliability and durability along with input overload protection. You get to know when the circuitry is over a range and you can also hold the measured values. 

“The Honeytech A6013L Capacitor Tester worked as advertised. I have used it to measure capacitors used in older radios which were unmarked (built into IF transformers). It also will measure any capacitor to compare to its marked value. I have a Heath kit IB-2A Impedance Bridge which I can also use for measuring capacitors and inductors. It provides a double check on capacitor values. The two instruments agree on measurements. The best thing about the Honeytech A6013L is that it is so small and portable while the Heathkit is large and requires AC power. I would recommend this product to anyone who needs to measure capacitors in any environment frequently.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

Fluke Capacitance Meter ($139.11)

This unit by Fluke is an incredibly accurate digital multimeter allowing you to view true-RMS measurements for non-linear loads as well. It has a bright large backlit LED and can check the frequency and diode tests of your circuits. You can measure true RMS voltage and current readings with 600 count resolution, continuity and capacitance, making it perfect for quick verifications and field service use. Compact ergonomic design. 

“I too replaced several old Craftsman meters with this one. I should have gone with Fluke several years ago: Accurate, simple, and ‘does everything’ including measure capacitance. Also, the DC ma range can handle all the way from 200ma to 1A, while most can’t handle above 200ma which is a range I need. This is the one to own.

July 2016 update: this meter is still going strong. I have blown the (big) fuse a couple of times due to (stupidly) turning the dial with the probes connected to voltage. But it sailed on and worked perfectly after eight years. Never had a cheaper meter do that.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

Mastech Capacitance Meter ($23.79)

This is Mastech’s auto/manual digital multimeter packed with many nice features such as sound and light warning for the jacks and back-lit LCD screen. This meter powers on three AAA batteries. Accessories include test leads and user manual. You can also get LED/sound warnings when incorrect banana jacks are used for function switch setting. A good buy!

“In general, this is a great device for this cost range. It has all features required for daily usage. Description of multimeter can be found on the internet. Here are some specific features: In any range, two terminals to be used are illuminated with red LEDs (see foto). LED is switched off when the lead is pushed into the terminal. If lead is pressed into the wrong terminal for this range then correct terminal blinks and beeps. Automatic range; manual range selection with a button. An extensive set of fields, including 400.0 mV and 400.0 uA. Relative measurements and display hold. White backlight (5 seconds). Resettable fuse for current ranges (non-resettable for 10A range). Display data refresh 3 per second.

Imperfection:  Frequency measurement accuracy is low: 2%. In accordance with manual, the package must contain “Special Multi-Function Socket” (required for hFE measurement). There was no such device in my package.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

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