Impedance Rating: To ensure that your SWR meter can check readings for given standing wave ratios, it is quite important to ensure that it supports impedance values accordingly. Fortunately, most SWR meters are rated for 50 or 52 ohm impedance which is perfect for compatibility while using an SWR meter. Frequency Range: Another factor that can affect the compatibility of your SWR meter is its frequency range. This is due to the reason that your SWR meter also needs to support the frequencies being used by your radio. For the same, you can find all kinds of frequency ranges which simply need to match that of your radio. SWR Range: Once you have made sure that your SWR meter is compatible with your radio, you should also check its SWR range which tells you about the kind of values you can check using it. As for the options that you will find, it primarily includes a 1:1 to 1:3 SWR range which is more than enough for most users.
Surely these features are one of the most important ones to consider while going with SWR meters. But to make sure you are going with the right one, make sure to check all the best SWR meters given down below and their important factors and specifications as well as the complete “Buying Guide” given down below to choose the best SWR meter for your needs.
Best SWR Meters 2023: List
Best ESR Meters
Best SWR Meter Reviews
1. Workman SWR METER
Workman is one of the oldest and a fairly popular brand of testing equipment and meters that you can consider if you are looking for something affordable like its SWR meter given here. The Workman SWR2T SWR meter comes at the 1st position of this list since this can be a great entry-level option for many users. For starters, this affordable SWR meter offers an impedance rating of 52 ohms. This is combined with an SWR range of 1:1 to 1:3 which is on par with other premium options. However, its given frequency range is quite limited at just 27 MHz which means that it might not be the most versatile pick for a lot of users. Thankfully, since Workman is quite popular and reputable, you still get a 1 year long warranty with it. Best Features:
Offers an impedance rating of 50 Ohms Rated frequency range of 27 MHz Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Quite an affordable SWR meter Solid built with a decent warranty High impedance rating for good compatibility
Cons:
Very limited frequency range rating
2. Astatic SWR Meter
Even though Astatic might not be as popular as some other brands of testing equipment like SWR meters, it can still be a great option if you want great performance without paying a premium for the same. Astatic’s 302-PDC2 SWR meter comes at the 2nd position of this listicle as it is the cheapest option given here making it perfect for those who are on a tight budget. Considering its highly budget-friendly price tag, the given impedance rating of 50 ohms is quite good. You also get an SWR range of 1:1 to 1:3 with this SWR meter which is always great to have. And to ensure that this SWR meter offers great compatibility, Astatic has offered a frequency range of 1.7 Mhz to 150 Mhz with it which is pretty great. Although, despite having a decently long 1 year warranty, the build quality of this SWR meter leaves the user wanting more in terms of its durability. However, its given frequency range is quite limited at just 27 MHz which means that it might not be the most versatile pick for a lot of users. Thankfully, since Workman is quite popular and reputable, you still get a 1-year warranty with it. Best Features:
Offers an impedance rating of 50 Ohms Rated frequency range of 1.7 MHz to 150 Mhz Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Highly affordable and budget-friendly SWR meter Quite great performance for the given price Compatible with a wide range of radios and antennas
Cons:
Build quality and strength could have been better
3. Mcbazel SWR Meter
Surecom is another viable pick for those who want something powerful and highly compatible without paying a premium when it comes to SWR meters and other related radio accessories. This Surecom SW-33 Mark II SWR meter comes at the 3rd position of this article because this is one of the most accurate and a highly reliable SWR meter. Unlike most other options at its given price tag, this SWR meter happens to be a digital one that offers an impedance rating of 50 ohms which should be quite good for a lot of users. Since this is a digital SWR meter, you get a superb frequency range of 125 MHz to 525 MHz with it which is one of the largest out there. However, being a fairly new and entry level brand, it does not offer any warranty to the user. Best Features:
Offers an impedance rating of 50 Ohms Rated frequency range of 125 MHz to 525 Mhz
Pros:
Highly precise and accurate SWR meter Uses a digital display instead of an analogue indicator Fairly high value for money with an entry level price tag
Cons:
Lacks any form of manufacturer warranty
4. Pro Trucker Driver’s SWR Meter
Similar to the previously mentioned Workman SWR meter earlier in this listicle, Driver Product also offers simpler SWR meters which are ideal for older radio models. Driver’s Products’s SWR meter is primarily made for older or entry-level radio models which may not use a high-performance SWR meter. Because of this, its given specifications and performance numbers are accordingly which includes things like an impedance rating of 52 ohms along with an SWR range of 1:1 to 1:3 allowing for good compatibility. That being said, its compatibility gets a bit limited due to the given frequency range of 27 Mhz which is much lower than most other SWR meters. Fortunately, this SWR meter does happen to be a highly durable and reliable option thanks to its superb build quality and a 1-year warranty. Best Features:
Offers an impedance rating of 52 Ohms Rated frequency range of 27 Mhz Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Ideal for older and entry-level radios High impedance rating for good compatibility Offers a great construction with a decent warranty
Cons:
Frequency range is quite poor compared to other SWR meters
5. DAIWA SWR Meter
Daiwa is a highly premium brand of SWR meters which is known for its premium offerings that are ideal for heavy-duty and industrial usage because of its given specifications and performance numbers. The Daiwa CN-501H SWR meter can be a great pick for applications where you need something highly precise and ideal for high-end usage. Starting with its impedance rating, you get a standard rating of 50 ohms. But the best thing about this SWR meter is that you get a superb power rating of up to 1.5 kilo watts which is much more than what you will ever need. When combined with its given frequency range of 1.8 MHz to 150 MHz, you can also expect this SWR meter to be highly versatile in terms of the radios it supports. Being such a high end SWR meter, its included 1 year long warranty as well as the sturdy build quality is to be expected. Best Features:
Offers an impedance rating of 50 Ohms Rated frequency range of 1.8 MHz to 150 Mhz Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Quite an affordable SWR meter Solid built with a decent warranty High impedance rating for good compatibility
Cons:
Quite bulky and large in size
6. Youmei SWR Meter
Even though Youmei might be a fairly new brand of SWR meters, it can still be a great option for all those who are looking for something highly precise and accurate for using with their radios. Youmei’s RS-50 SWR meter is the most accurate and the best performing option present here. To make this possible, this 50 ohm SWR meter uses a digital meter which is much better than analogue ones. In fact, it even comes with multiple controls and a backlight for ease of use with this display. Since this is a digital SWR meter, you also get an excellent frequency range of 125 MHz to 525 MHz with this SWR meter. In fact, it even features a superb build quality and a 1-year long warranty which is to be expected at its given high-end price tag. Best Features:
Offers an impedance rating of 50 Ohms Rated frequency range of 125 MHz to 525 Mhz Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Excellent performance and compatibility numbers Various controls and options with digital display Small and compact for portable usage
Cons:
A bit on the expensive side
7. Daiwa CN SWR Meter
Daiwa also offers even larger and more powerful units when you are talking about SWR meters that are ideal for heavy-duty usage with high-end performance accordingly. This Daiwa CN-901HP SWR meter can be a great option for scientific usage thanks to its given performance numbers and specifications. For starters, you get a standard impedance value of 50 ohms with this SWR meter. This is combined along with an excellent power rating of up to 2 kilo watt for great performance at all times. Other than offering high-end performance numbers, this SWR meter is also quite versatile thanks to its given frequency range of 1.8 MHz to 200 MHz. As you saw with the previous Daiwa SWR meter, this one also comes with a 1-year long warranty and a highly sturdy build quality. Best Features:
Offers an impedance rating of 50 Ohms Rated frequency range of 1.8 MHz to 200 Mhz Backed by a 1-year long warranty
Pros:
Superb performance numbers for high-end usage Highly compatible and versatile SWR meter Solid construction with a long warranty
Cons:
Not a budget-friendly SWR meter Pretty large and bulky in size
8. Accessories Unlimited SWR Meter
Accessories Unlimited makes all kinds of accessories for all kinds of products including radios which means that they also offer an SWR meter which can be a great entry-level option. The Accessories Unlimited AUSWR Mini SWR meter is one of the most affordable options available out there. However, since this is an affordable unit, you do not get any impedance rating with it which can be a bummer for many. Fortunately, it does offer a decent frequency range of 26 MHz to 30 MHz which is to be expected at the given price tag. Although what you won’t expect is its given 1-year long warranty and a fairly durable construction. Best Features:
Rated frequency range of 26 MHz to 30 Mhz Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Quite a decent frequency range rating for the price Highly affordable and budget-friendly SWR meter Decent warranty with a durable construction
Cons:
Lacks an impedance rating for compatibility
9. Tenq SWR Meter
Tenq can be another great option if you are looking for high-end testing and measuring equipment that offers great performance similar to its SWR meter mentioned here. The Tenq RS40 SWR meter happens to be one of the best options out there in terms of its performance and compatibility which is only made possible thanks to its specifications and features. Starting with its impedance rating, this SWR meter is rated for 50 ohms which is on par with most other options. Moving over to the best features of this SWR meter, you will be glad to know that it offers a superb frequency range of 140 MHz to 450 MHz. And since this SWR meter is ideal for heavy-duty usage, its build quality and construction is also quite solid. Unfortunately, Tenq does not offer a warranty for its SWR meters which can be a bummer for many. Best Features:
Offers an impedance rating of 50 Ohms Rated frequency range of 140 MHz to 450 Mhz
Pros:
Highly versatile and precise SWR meter Great for heavy-duty usage Offers multiple range and function switches
Cons:
Misses out on an included manufacturer warranty
10. MFJ SWR Meter
MFJ is a high-end brand of SWR meters that you can consider if you are looking for high-performance units made for heavy-duty usage making them versatile for various radio models. This MFJ 842 VHF-UHF SWR meter is one of the most versatile and a high-performance option that you can consider for testing your radio. Unfortunately, it does not mention any impedance rating which can be a bummer for many users. Thankfully, you do get an excellent frequency range of 140 MHz to 525 MHz with this SWR meter which is much higher than other options. MFJ also includes a 1-year warranty with this SWR meter which goes great along with its premium construction. Best Features:
Rated frequency range of 140 MHz to 525 Mhz Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Pretty great frequency range for versatile readings Well built SWR meter with a standard warranty Works great with a wide range of radio types
Cons:
Does not mention an impedance rating
Buying Guide for the Best SWR Meters
SWR or Standing Wave Ratio can be a great way to check the performance of any given antenna or radio that you may use at your home. And if you also want to check the SWR value of your radio to ensure that it is powerful enough for signal transmission, then you can use something like the best SWR meters stated above. While we have already discussed their major features and details, some of you might be interested in knowing even more. In that case, consider checking out this detailed buying guide for the best SWR meters:
Impedance Rating
Before using any SWR meter, you have to be sure that it is compatible enough with your SWR meter. And to ensure the same you can consider checking its impedance rating and make sure that it is enough for taking SWR readings. In most cases, you will find SWR meters to offer an impedance rating of 50 or 52 ohms which should be plenty for most users.
Frequency Range
You should also check the frequency range rating of your SWR meter and check what different frequencies it supports before you can start using it. Thankfully, almost all SWR meters have a wide frequency range so that you can use them with most radios. This can include all kinds of frequency ranges like 1.8 MHz to 150 MHz, 140 MHz to 500 MHz, 26 MHz to 30 MHz, and much more. If you want to buy a compatible SWR meter, then you simply need to ensure that this frequency range is the same as your radio.
SWR Range
The SWR range of your SWR meter is also quite important to check before buying one for your radio and check its SWR values. By checking the SWR range you are essentially checking the various SWR values that it can read. As for the common SWR ranges that you will find with most SWR meters out there, almost all of them are rated for 1:1 to 1:3 SWR range which should be plenty for most.
Power Rating
You should also consider the power rating of your SWR meter to get an idea of the maximum power it can support for your SWR meter. While buying SWR meters you can find all kinds of power ratings like up to 100 watts, up to 150 watts, up to 200 watts, and even higher with some SWR meters. In general, it is advised to go with an SWR meter with a high power-rating if possible.
Warranty
Apart from the performance numbers and the compatibility of your SWR meter, you would also want it to be highly reliable and ideal for long term usage. To ensure that you are going with an SWR meter ideal for long term usage, you can consider checking its included warranty. And while not every SWR meter may come with a warranty, the ones that do come generally offer a 1-year long warranty for your peace of mind.
Conclusion
Whenever you are using things like radios, it is quite important to tune their antennas in a way that their transmission is highly efficient and perfect for high-performance use. To do the same, you will need to check its SWR values using the right tools. Thus, we have already discussed a few of the best SWR meters up above in this article. With these various SWR meters, we have also given their important factors and features along with a highly detailed buying guide so that you can easily pick the right one for your needs. However, if you are still confused, consider going with one of our recommendations for the best SWR meters:
In comparison to most other SWR meters given above, the Youmei RS-50 SWR meter offers the best performance. This is made possible thanks to its excellent frequency range of 125 MHz to 525 MHz. You also get a decent power rating of 120 watts with this SWR meter. Another great thing about this 50 ohm SWR meter is that you get a handy 1 year long warranty with it. If you are on a tight budget and you are looking for something highly affordable, then the Astatic 302-PDC2 might be just for you. Even though it is the cheapest option given above, you still get a decent frequency range of 1.7 MHz to 150 MHz with this 50 ohm SWR meter. Similar to more premium options, even this entry-level SWR meter features a 1 year long warranty. Unlike most other SWR meters out there, the Surecom SW-33 SWR Mark II meter happens to be a digital one making it highly accurate. As for its readings and compatibility, this SWR meter supports a frequency range of 125 MHz to 525 MHz which is one of the highest. This SWR meter also features a decent power rating of up to 100 watts which should be plenty for most.
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