Autel PowerScan PS100 Review: Is the Compact Circuit Tester Worth It?

Short answer: the Autel PowerScan PS100 is a very compact 12V/24V circuit tester aimed at fast fault-finding rather than bench precision. It scores highly with UK owners for size and convenience, and the honest catch is exactly that size — more than one reviewer admits it is “so small I nearly lost it in my toolbox”.

This review pulls together what the tool is, who it suits and what you get for the money, using the specifications and rating published on our UK product page (4.8 out of 5 from 300 reviews).

Build and everyday use

At 30 g the PS100 is built to live in a pocket, which is the whole point — owners who buy it tend to buy it because they will actually carry it. The fixed probe tip is designed for longevity, with adapters supplied in the kit for different connector types, and the integrated LED work light is a small feature that earns its keep in a dark bay.

What it measures

The display is a TFT colour panel (160 x 128) showing real-time voltage and resistance. It reads 0 to 65V, continuity to 200 kOhm and frequency to 10 kHz, covers 12V and 24V DC systems, and has a 10A thermal-trip breaker for safer live testing. A high-impedance mode is provided for sensitive ECU signal lines. It is powered from the vehicle battery, so there are no internal batteries to keep charged.

Strengths

• Genuinely pocketable at 30 g, so it is always to hand.
• 12V and 24V support in one tool.
• Clear colour readout plus polarity and continuity in a single device.
• 6-metre lead for real reach around a vehicle.

The honest trade-offs

It is a fault-finding tool, not a substitute for a precision bench multimeter when you need exact resistance figures — see power probe vs multimeter. The probe tip is fixed rather than interchangeable (adapters cover most connectors), and its small size, while the main selling point, means it is easy to misplace in a busy toolbox. For how it stacks up against bulkier probes, see the power probe alternative comparison.

Who should buy it

It suits mobile mechanics, fleet techs and confident DIYers who value carrying a capable tester at all times, and anyone replacing a probe that was too bulky. If you only need occasional bulb checks, a basic lamp will do; if you want one tool for polarity, continuity and voltage that lives in your pocket, this is the case for it.

The PowerScan PS100 at a glance

The Autel PowerScan PS100 is a 30 g circuit tester covering 12V and 24V DC systems, reading 0 to 65V, continuity to 200 kOhm and frequency to 10 kHz on a TFT colour display (160 x 128). It has an integrated LED work light, a 10A thermal-trip breaker, a 6-metre lead, a fixed probe tip with adapters in the kit, and a high-impedance mode for ECU-sensitive lines. It runs off the vehicle battery. It is GBP 212.49 inc. VAT (GBP 177.08 ex. VAT) with Free UK Delivery, a 30-day no-quibble returns policy and a 12-month warranty plus UK support, and is rated 4.8 out of 5 from 300 reviews.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Autel PowerScan PS100 any good?

It is rated 4.8 out of 5 from 300 reviews on our UK product page, with owners praising its pocket size and 12V/24V flexibility. The main caveat is that it is a fast fault-finding tool rather than a precision bench multimeter.

What does the PowerScan PS100 measure?

Voltage from 0 to 65V, continuity to 200 kOhm and frequency to 10 kHz, with polarity and ground checks, on a TFT colour display. It works on 12V and 24V DC systems and has a high-impedance mode for sensitive ECU lines.

What are the downsides of the PS100?

It is not a replacement for a precision multimeter when you need exact resistance figures, the probe tip is fixed rather than interchangeable (though adapters are supplied), and its small size makes it easy to misplace in a busy toolbox.

Does it need charging or batteries?

No. It draws power from the vehicle's own battery, so there is nothing to charge and it is ready whenever you clip it on.