Choosing a surface roughness tester for dimensional metrology and machine inspection often comes down to one question: do you need a numeric readout or a physical pass/fail reference? The four options here cover both approaches, from a USD 72.28 comparator with 30 specimens to a USD 299.00 used Starrett 3800 that reports Ra and Rz. Two GOYOJO digital profilometers sit between those prices, offering different trade-offs in portability, Bluetooth, and measurement scope.
Quick take
If you want a four-parameter digital reading with 0.01 μm stated accuracy, the GOYOJO Portable Profilometer is the most complete choice. If Bluetooth transfer matters more, the GOYOJO Handheld Tester costs less but does not include a battery. The used Starrett 3800 is a compact Ra/Rz tester, while the comparator with 30 specimens gives you fast, low-cost shop-floor checks without a digital display.
Listed-price comparison
| Product | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| GOYOJO Portable Surface Roughness Profilometer | USD 279.99 | |
| GOYOJO Handheld Surface Roughness Tester with Bluetooth | USD 239.99 | |
| Starrett 3800 Surface Roughness Tester | USD 299.00 | |
| Industrial Surface Roughness Tester with 30 Specimens | USD 72.28 |
Decision matrix
| Use case | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Fast visual/tactile pass-fail checks | Industrial Surface Roughness Tester with 30 Specimens |
| Digital four-parameter readings on the bench | GOYOJO Portable Surface Roughness Profilometer |
| Wireless transfer from a small handheld | GOYOJO Handheld Surface Roughness Tester with Bluetooth |
| Compact used Ra/Rz tester from Starrett | Starrett 3800 |
Product notes
GOYOJO Portable Surface Roughness Profilometer
This is the most complete digital option in the group, measuring Ra, Rz, Rq, and Rt with a stated indication accuracy of 0.01 μm. It uses a high-speed DSP processor, one-button measurement, and includes a standard calibration block in the package. The measuring range covers Ra 0.05-10.0 μm and Rz 0.1-50 μm, which suits a wide range of machine inspection tasks. Choose it when you need a self-contained numeric meter with full parameter coverage. The limitation is that it does not offer the Bluetooth connectivity found on the smaller GOYOJO handheld.
GOYOJO Handheld Surface Roughness Tester with Bluetooth
This handheld model is the one to pick if you want a pocket-size profilometer that can transfer readings over Bluetooth. It covers the same four-parameter set and the same Ra and Rz ranges as the portable GOYOJO. The sensor uses a guide head pressure of ≤0.5N and a stylus static force of ≤0.016N. It includes a calibration block and manual, and the power supply is a lithium-ion battery. Choose it when wireless logging is important. The limitation is that no battery is included, and the 6 mm stroke length is shorter than bench-style options.
Starrett 3800 Surface Roughness Tester
This used Starrett 3800 is described as in good working condition and capable of checking Ra and Rz. The description notes it ran close on the roughness standard. It comes with the tester, charger, master, and a locking case. It is made in the United States. Choose it if you want a compact used tester from Starrett. The limitation is that the description covers Ra and Rz; Rq and Rt are not detailed.
Industrial Surface Roughness Tester with 30 Specimens
This unit is a comparator rather than a digital meter. It comes with 30 physical specimens representing six processing methods: horizontal milling, vertical milling, turning, plain grinding, flat lapping, and external grinding. It is a new unit and is listed with a 1-year warranty. Choose it when you need fast visual and tactile pass/fail checks without using a digital interface. The limitation is that it provides no numeric Ra/Rz readout, so it can't generate the kind of documented measurement records a profilometer can.
Final recommendation by use case
- For full numeric profiling: GOYOJO Portable Surface Roughness Profilometer
- For Bluetooth logging from a small handheld: GOYOJO Handheld Surface Roughness Tester with Bluetooth
- For a compact used Ra/Rz tester from Starrett: Starrett 3800
- For low-cost physical surface comparison: Industrial Surface Roughness Tester with 30 Specimens
