How to choose a tachometer or stroboscope
By Grant, Inspection Tool Specialists. Published November 2026.
Three things decide which speed instrument you need: whether you must measure speed (revolutions per minute) or freeze a moving part to see it, whether you can touch the part, and how far away it is. Answer those first.
Tachometer or stroboscope?
A tachometer measures rotational speed. A laser tachometer reads a reflective tape or the shaft itself from a distance, and a contact tachometer needs its tip touching the shaft. A stroboscope flashes light at an adjustable rate, so a rotating part appears still when the flash matches its speed. Use a stroboscope to see a moving part or check its timing, and a tachometer when you need a number.
Which instrument?
| Application | Suggested starting point |
|---|---|
| Basic RPM checks, tight budget | M8906 digital tachometer |
| Non-contact laser speed measurement | PCE-DT 50 laser tachometer |
| Contact and non-contact in one instrument | AT-10 contact and laser tachometer; PCE-DT 65 |
| Stroboscope for checking moving parts | AT-135 digital stroboscope |
| Condition monitoring stroboscope | PCE-DSX 100 stroboscope |
| High-output stroboscope for large or distant machines | PCE-LES 350 stroboscope |
Checks that make readings usable
For laser tachometers, the reflective tape must be firmly attached and the beam kept square to the surface. For stroboscopes, the flash rate must be checked against a known speed before you rely on the reading, and the work area must be safe for a rotating or high-speed machine. Keep the record of the check.
Price guide
As a guide to our current range, including VAT: basic tachometers from about R1,700; laser and contact tachometers from about R3,400 to R8,500; stroboscopes from about R5,300 to R23,700. Prices change, so check the product pages and confirm the accessories each quote includes.
Questions we will ask you
Tell us what rotates or moves, its speed range, how far away it is and whether you can touch it, whether you need a number or a visual check, the environment, and the records you must keep. With that we can recommend an instrument and provide pricing.