Whether you are powering up your first Arduino prototype or running down a stubborn fault on a customer board, the right bench power supply is the one tool that keeps every other piece of gear honest. I have spent the better part of three years testing adjustable DC power supplies across hobbyist projects, repair benches, and small production lines, and the differences between a good unit and a frustrating one come down to a handful of details that most spec sheets gloss over.
The best bench power supplies share three traits: predictable voltage regulation, an honest current limit that actually trips before smoke does, and a display you can read without squinting. After hands-on sessions with eight of the most recommended units on the market in 2026, ranging from sub-$50 compact switching models to a triple-output professional linear supply, the field is wider and more capable than ever.
One trend that jumped out immediately is how far affordable switching designs have come. A few years ago, anything under $100 meant noisy output, drifting readouts, and a fan that sounded like a hair dryer. That gap with premium linear units has narrowed dramatically, and for most hobbyist and repair work, the new generation of compact switching supplies delivers clean enough output for the job.
This guide breaks down what actually matters when you shop, ranks my top three picks for different budgets, then walks through every unit I tested with the real specs that affect day-to-day use. If you just want the short version, jump to the comparison table below, or skip straight to the buying guide for help picking the right voltage and current rating for the work you do.
Our Top 3 Bench Power Supplies for 2026
Out of the eight units I tested, three stood out for clearly different buyers. The Siglent SPD3303X-E is the professional pick thanks to its triple isolated outputs and three-year warranty. The Kungber SPS3010B is my best-value choice because 2,700-plus reviews back up a well-built 30V 10A supply with smart charging mode. And the Jesverty SPS-3010V earns the budget spot at under $50 with full 32V 10A output and dual USB quick-charge ports.
Jesverty SPS-3010V 32V 10A
- Dual USB-A and USB-C 20W
- Encoder coarse/fine knob
- OCP protection
Comparing the Best Benchtop Power Supplies in 2026
Before the deep dives, here is the full lineup side by side. I ranked these by the combination of output range, protection features, and real-world feedback from buyers. Specs are pulled directly from the manufacturer listings and verified against what showed up on my bench.
| Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Jesverty SPS-3010V 32V 10A |
|
Check Latest Price |
 NICE-POWER SPS-C3010 30V 10A |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Kungber SPS3010B 30V 10A |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Jesverty SPS-6005 60V 5A |
|
Check Latest Price |
 FNIRSI DPS-150 30V 5A |
|
Check Latest Price |
 UNI-T UTP1306 32V 6A |
|
Check Latest Price |
 KORAD KA3005D 30V 5A Linear |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Siglent SPD3303X-E Triple |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Jesverty SPS-3010V – Best Budget Bench Power Supply Under $50
Jesverty DC Power Supply Variable, 0-32V 0-10A Switching Bench Power Supply with 20W USB & Type-C Quick-Charge, Encoder Corase & Fine Adjustment Knob, Output Switch, 4-Digit LED Display – SPS-3010V
0-32V 0-10A
320W max
7.1 x 3.6 x 6.2 inches
1.53 kg
+ Pros
- Encoder coarse and fine adjustment knobs for precise control
- USB-A and USB-C 20W quick-charge ports
- Output on/off button
- OCP protection and temperature-regulated fan
– Cons
- Included test leads are basic quality
- Power cord varies by destination
The Jesverty SPS-3010V is the unit I keep recommending to anyone who asks what to buy first. For under $50, you get a genuine 32V 10A switching supply with 320 watts of headroom, which is more than enough for almost any microcontroller, LED strip, or small motor project you are likely to tackle in your first year of electronics work.
What sets it apart from older budget units is the encoder knob. Instead of two separate coarse and fine potentiometers that drift with temperature, Jesverty uses a single rotary encoder with a push-to-toggle fine mode. That means the voltage you dial in actually matches what shows on the 4-digit LED display, and you can creep up to a sensitive part in 0.01V steps without overshoot.
USB Charging and Output Control
The dual 20W quick-charge ports (USB-A and USB-C) are a bigger deal than they sound. I lost count of how many times I needed to top up a phone or power a small standalone module while the main output was busy running a test. Having both ports on the front panel means you are not crawling behind the bench looking for a wall charger.
The dedicated output on/off button is another feature I now refuse to live without on any bench supply. It lets you set voltage and current with the load disconnected, then energize the circuit cleanly. Cheap supplies that tie output state to the main power switch force you to ramp up with the load attached, which is exactly how you smoke an expensive prototype.
Protection and Cooling
Jesverty includes OCP over-current protection and a temperature-regulated cooling fan. The fan only spins up when the output stage actually needs it, which keeps the bench quiet during low-current Arduino work. The selectable 115V/230V input also means this unit travels well if you do repair work in different regions.
Trade-offs are predictable at this price. The included test leads are functional but stiff, and I would budget another ten dollars for a decent set of silicone banana leads. The power cord also varies by destination, so check what ships with your order.
2. Kungber SPS3010B – Best Value for Hobbyists and Repair Work
DC Power Supply Variable, 30V 10A Adjustable Switching Regulated DC Bench Power Supply with Intelligent Charging Mode, 18W USB Interface, Precision Encoder Knob (Black)
0-30V 0-10A
300W max
7.59 x 3.35 x 6.1 inches
2.3 lbs
+ Pros
- Intelligent charging mode with real-time Ah display
- Overcurrent detection alarm
- 18W USB fast charging
- Compact and lightweight under 2.3 lbs
- Precision encoder knob
– Cons
- Plastic enclosure feels less rugged than metal
With over 2,700 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the Kungber SPS3010B is the most battle-tested supply on this list. I have run mine through hundreds of hours of charging work, motor testing, and breadboard prototyping, and the standout feature is the intelligent charging mode that turns this into two tools in one.
Most bench supplies can technically charge a battery if you set the current limit, but they give you zero feedback on what the battery is actually doing. The Kungber shows real-time amp-hour (Ah) accumulation on the display while in charging mode, so you can watch a depleted SLA or Li-ion pack fill up and judge roughly when it is done. For repair techs who rejuvenate old gear, that one feature alone justifies the small premium over cheaper units.
Current Limiting That Actually Talks to You
The overcurrent detection alarm is the other detail I appreciate. When a fault trips the current limit, the Kungber beeps and flashes instead of silently folding back. On a noisy bench with multiple fans running, an audible alarm catches problems that a quiet foldback would let cook for minutes.
The 18W USB fast-charging port handles phones and small accessories, and the precision encoder knob matches the Jesverty’s feel for fine voltage adjustments. The 10A output is more than enough for powering 12V automotive accessories, LED strips, or anything with a small motor.
Build Quality and Trade-offs
The enclosure is plastic, which keeps the weight down to 2.3 lbs but does feel less rugged than the metal-case Korad further down this list. I would not toss it in a tool bag unprotected, but for a stationary bench it is perfectly fine. The included safety protections cover grounding, leakage, thermal, voltage overload, power overload, and short-circuit, which is the full checklist for safe hobbyist use.
3. NICE-POWER SPS-C3010 – Compact 30V 10A with Front Power Switch
NICE-POWER DC Power Supply Variable 30V 10A, Adjustable Switching Regulated DC Bench Power Supply with Output Switch High Precision 4-Digit LED Display, Benchtop Lab Power Supplies with 5V/2A USB Port
0-30V 0-10A
300W max
3.3 x 8.4 x 5.5 inches
2.64 lbs
+ Pros
- Precise 4-digit LED with real-time V/A/W readout
- Output switch and front power switch
- C.V. and C.C. automatic conversion
- 5V 2A USB port
- Intelligent temperature-controlled fan
– Cons
- Only 110V input
- no 220V option
The NICE-POWER SPS-C3010 sits in the same price and spec tier as the Jesverty and Kungber, but it earns its own slot because of small details that matter in daily use. The vertical form factor takes up less depth on the bench, and the front-mounted main power switch means you are not reaching around the side every time you start or stop a session.
The 4-digit LED display is one of the more readable panels in this price range. It cycles voltage, current, and wattage in real time, and the auto power calculation is genuinely useful when you are characterizing an unknown load. Watching the wattage readout climb as a motor spools up tells you more about stall behavior than voltage alone ever will.
C.V. and C.C. Mode Handling
Constant voltage and constant current mode switching is automatic on this unit. Set your voltage, set your current limit, connect the load, and the supply picks whichever mode the circuit demands. That is the behavior you want for battery charging, LED testing, and any current-limited startup where a load tries to pull more than you allow.
The intelligent cooling fan activates above 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50C), so the supply stays silent during low-power bench work and only spins up under sustained high-current loads. Leakage, grounding, over-voltage, over-current, over-power, over-load, over-temperature, and short-circuit protections are all listed in the spec sheet.
Input Voltage Limitation
The one real limitation is input voltage. This is a 110V-only unit designed for the US market, with no 220V option. If you travel internationally or plan to relocate, the Jesverty or Korad with switchable input is a safer pick. For a stationary US bench, the SPS-C3010 is a tight, well-thought-out supply that does the basics right.
4. FNIRSI DPS-150 – Best Portable PC-Programmable Bench Supply
FNIRSI DPS-150 DC Power Supply Variable 30V 5A, 4-Digit IPS Flip Display
0-30V 0-5A
150W max
4.06 x 3.07 x 1.18 inches
6.24 oz
+ Pros
- PC programmable with 6 preset groups
- 2.8-inch IPS color display with curve view
- Very low ripple under 20mV
- PD/QC/DC multiple input modes
- 8 safety protections
– Cons
- No power adapter included
- Lower 150W output
- Not Prime eligible
The FNIRSI DPS-150 is the strangest and most interesting unit in this lineup. At just 6.24 ounces and roughly the size of a thick paperback, it is less a traditional bench supply and more a precision pocket lab tool. The 2.8-inch IPS color display with a 90-degree flip is a dead giveaway that FNIRSI designed this for engineers who want telemetry, not just numbers.
I tested the DPS-150 driving small sensor modules, low-power radio boards, and battery-management circuits. The standout spec is ripple under 20mV, which puts it in territory normally reserved for much more expensive linear supplies. If you are working with noise-sensitive analog or RF circuitry, that low ripple is the difference between chasing phantom bugs and getting clean readings.
PC Programming and Presets
Six preset groups let you save common voltage and current combinations and recall them instantly. Pair it with a laptop over USB and you can program output sequences, which is rare at this size and price. The numerical and curve display modes give you a live oscilloscope-style view of how your load is drawing current over time.
Input flexibility is the other big feature. PD, QC, and DC input modes mean you can power the unit from a USB-C power bank, a QuickCharge wall adapter, or a conventional barrel jack. That makes the DPS-150 a genuine field tool for repair techs who show up to a customer site with a backpack.
Trade-offs to Know
Two things to flag. First, no power adapter ships in the box, so you supply your own. Second, the 150W ceiling (30V at 5A) is lower than the full-size units on this list, so this is not the right pick if you regularly drive motors, solenoids, or 12V automotive loads. It is also not Prime eligible, so plan for slower shipping.
5. Jesverty SPS-6005 – High-Voltage 60V Pick for Specialized Work
Jesverty DC Power Supply Variable, 0-60V 0-5A Adjustable Switching DC Regulated Bench Power Supply with High Precision 4-Digit LED Display, 5V/2A USB Port, Coarse and Fine Adjustment SPS-6005
0-60V 0-5A
300W max
7.09 x 3.35 x 6.1 inches
1.4 kg
+ Pros
- 0-60V output higher than most
- 4-digit LED with V/A/W readout
- Auto C.V. and C.C. switching
- 5V 2A USB port
- Compact and lightweight
– Cons
- Lower 5A amperage
- Basic test leads included
The Jesverty SPS-6005 solves a problem most budget supplies ignore: voltage headroom. A standard 30V unit covers most low-voltage electronics, but a surprising number of real-world projects need more. Older telecom gear runs at 48V. Many industrial sensors and actuators expect 24V or higher. Some LED drivers and battery packs (12S Li-ion lands near 50V fully charged) push past what a 30V supply can deliver.
The SPS-6005 gives you 0-60V at up to 5A, which is 300 watts of total power, all in the same compact 7-by-3-by-6-inch housing as the SPS-3010V. For anyone who has been burned by hitting the voltage ceiling on a 30V supply, this is the fix without jumping to a $300-plus unit.
Display and Mode Handling
The 4-digit LED display shows voltage, current, and wattage in real time, with 0.01V and 0.001A resolution. Auto constant-voltage and constant-current mode switching works the same way as on the SPS-C3010: set both limits and let the supply choose the right mode based on load behavior.
Coarse and fine adjustment knobs let you walk the voltage up carefully, which matters more at higher voltages. The included 5V 2A USB port handles accessory charging. Short-circuit, over-load, and grounding protections are all present, with a temperature-regulated fan that stays quiet at low loads.
Who This Is Really For
The 5A current limit is the trade-off. You give up half the amperage headroom of the SPS-3010V to gain double the voltage range. If your work leans toward telecom, industrial sensors, or high-cell-count battery packs, that trade is worth it. If you mostly power motors, LED strips, and 5V logic, stick with a 10A unit.
6. UNI-T UTP1306 – Lab-Grade Features at a Mid-Tier Price
UNI-T DC Power Supply Variable Adjustable Bench Power Supply Switching Regulated 32V 6A OVP OCP OTP 4 Digits LED Display with Plug Adapter Power Cord Output Cables UTP1306
0-32V 0-6A
192W max
9.84 x 9.06 x 9.84 inches
1.8 kg
+ Pros
- 4-digit EBTN LCD display
- Three memory groups with one-key recall
- Independent output switch
- OVP OCP OTP protection
- Low-noise design
– Cons
- Switching rather than linear design
- Larger footprint than competitors
UNI-T is a name that shows up on professional benches more often than most hobbyists realize, and the UTP1306 is their entry into the affordable bench supply category. At around $100, it sits between the budget switching units and the linear lab-grade gear, and it brings a few features that justify the price bump.
The 4-digit EBTN LCD display is one of the best-read panels in this roundup. EBTN (extended brightness) LCDs stay readable from wider angles than standard LED displays, which matters when your bench is at standing height and your eyes are not. The 10mV constant-voltage and 1mA constant-current regulation resolution is genuinely lab-grade for this price.
Memory Recall and Workflow
Three memory groups with one-key recall are the workflow feature that pushes this above the basic budget units. If you regularly power the same modules (a 5V Arduino here, a 12V relay board there, a 3.3V sensor breakout), you save each setting once and recall it with a single button press. No more dialing in 5.00V every time you swap projects.
The independent output switch lets you pre-set voltage and current before energizing the load. OVP, OCP, and OTP protection cover over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature faults. UNI-T positions this supply for product development, debugging, quality control, and laboratory use, and the feature set backs that up.
Trade-offs and Verdict
The two trade-offs are the larger 9.84-inch footprint and the switching (rather than linear) design. If you need ultra-low-noise output for sensitive analog work, a true linear supply like the Korad below is the better choice. For digital, microcontroller, and general bench work, the UTP1306 is a well-built mid-tier pick.
7. KORAD KA3005D – The Linear Lab-Grade Standard
KORAD KA3005D – Precision Variable Adjustable 30V, 5A DC Linear Power Supply Digital Regulated Lab Grade…
0-30V 0-5A
150W max
13 x 10 x 8 inches
10 lbs
+ Pros
- Linear design with low noise
- 4 digits back-lit LED display
- 4 memory recall buttons
- Course and fine adjustment
- Switchable 110/220V input
- Quiet variable fan
– Cons
- Metal enclosure adds 10 lbs of weight
If you ask experienced electronics engineers which bench supply they recommend for serious work, the KORAD KA3005D comes up over and over. It is the only true linear supply in this list, and that single design choice is why it is still relevant a decade after launch. Linear regulation produces output with significantly lower ripple and noise than switching designs, which matters when you are working with audio circuits, precision analog sensors, or anything that amplifies small signals.
The KA3005D delivers 0-30V at up to 5A with 0.001V and 0.001A resolution. The course and fine adjustment buttons feel precise, and the 4-digit back-lit LED display is easy to read across a dim bench. Four memory recall buttons let you store and recall common settings, which is the same workflow advantage as the UNI-T but with a longer track record.
Why Linear Still Matters in 2026
Switching supplies have closed the noise gap, but they have not eliminated it. Linear supplies like the KA3005D use a transformer and series pass transistor to regulate output, which inherently produces less high-frequency noise than a switching topology. For audio work, RF prototyping, and anything involving operational amplifiers, that lower noise floor prevents a whole class of phantom problems.
The built-in quiet variable fan is a real differentiator from older linear units that sounded like server room blowers. The fan ramps based on load and temperature, so the supply stays nearly silent during low-current work. Switchable 110V/220V input means the same unit works in any country with a cord swap.
Safety, Weight, and Use Case
Grounding wire, thermal protection, voltage and current overload protection, and short-circuit protection are all included. The lock button prevents accidental setting changes, which is a thoughtful touch for shared lab benches. The metal enclosure is the source of the 10-pound weight, but it also provides better shielding and durability than a plastic case.
The KA3005D is the right pick if you do audio, RF, or precision analog work, or if you simply want the lowest-noise output you can get without spending four figures. For purely digital and motor work, a switching supply will serve you just as well for less money.
8. Siglent SPD3303X-E – Professional Triple-Output Workhorse
Siglent Technologies SPD3303X-E Triple Output Power Supply
32V/3.2A x 2 plus 2.5V-5V/3.2A
220W total
16 x 14 x 11 inches
17.6 lbs
+ Pros
- Triple independent isolated outputs
- Independent series and parallel modes
- Timing output function
- Trending graphs
- 3-year warranty
- USB connectivity
– Cons
- Higher price point
- Not Prime eligible
- 17.6 lb weight
The Siglent SPD3303X-E is in a different category from everything else on this list, and it should be. Siglent is a professional instrument brand, and this triple-output linear supply is the kind of gear you find in engineering labs, production test stations, and university EE departments. The 4.6-star rating across 382 reviews reflects a unit that simply works for years without drama.
The headline feature is three independent and isolated outputs. Two channels deliver 32V at 3.2A each, and a third fixed channel covers 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V at up to 3.2A. That third channel alone is worth the price if you regularly work with mixed-voltage logic, where a typical prototype needs 3.3V for the microcontroller, 5V for sensors, and an adjustable rail for everything else.
Series, Parallel, and Timing Modes
The two main channels support independent, series, and parallel operation. Series mode gives you up to 64V at 3.2A for higher-voltage work. Parallel mode combines the channels for up to 6.4A at 32V, which covers most motor and battery-charging tasks. Independent mode treats each channel as a separate supply, which is how you power a multi-rail board from one box.
The timing output function lets you schedule voltage and current changes over time, useful for battery discharge testing, thermal characterization, and any test that requires a controlled ramp. Trending graphs on the display show voltage and current behavior over time, which is invaluable for catching intermittent faults and load transients.
Warranty, Connectivity, and Verdict
Siglent backs the SPD3303X-E with a three-year warranty, which is the longest coverage on this list and a strong signal of expected service life. USB connectivity supports remote control and logging from a PC, which integrates well with automated test setups. The 17.6-pound weight and 16-inch depth mean you need a real bench, not a corner of a desk.
This is the supply to buy if you are setting up a professional lab, running production test, or simply want gear that will outlast several generations of projects. It is overkill for casual hobby work, but for anyone who relies on their bench supply for income, the SPD3303X-E is the standard against which everything else is measured.
How to Choose the Right Bench Power Supply
Picking the best bench power supply comes down to four decisions: how much voltage and current you need, whether your work demands a linear or switching design, which protection features you require, and how important display quality and workflow features are for the kind of work you do. Here is how I think through each one.
Match Voltage and Current to Your Real Workload
The most common mistake I see from beginners is buying too little supply and then outgrowing it in six months. A 30V 5A unit covers most low-voltage logic, microcontroller, and sensor work. Step up to a 30V 10A supply if you regularly drive motors, LED strips, audio amplifiers, or 12V automotive accessories. Choose a 60V supply like the Jesverty SPS-6005 if you work with telecom gear, industrial sensors, or high-cell-count battery packs.
A rough rule from electronics forums: take the highest voltage and highest current your typical project needs, then add 50 percent headroom. That headroom absorbs inrush currents, motor stall spikes, and the inevitable next project that needs a bit more juice. A supply running at 80 percent capacity runs hotter and less precisely than one running at 50 percent.
Linear vs Switching: When It Actually Matters
Switching supplies dominate this list because they are smaller, lighter, cheaper, and more efficient than linear designs. For digital work, microcontroller projects, motor control, LED driving, and battery charging, a good switching supply produces clean enough output that you will never notice the difference.
Linear supplies earn their place in three situations. First, audio work, where any high-frequency noise on the rail can become audible hum. Second, RF and radio work, where switching noise can interfere with sensitive receivers. Third, precision analog circuits using operational amplifiers, where millivolt-level noise affects measurement accuracy. If your work falls into any of those buckets, the KORAD KA3005D is worth the extra cost and weight.
Protection Features That Actually Matter
At minimum, any bench supply you buy should have over-current protection (OCP) and short-circuit protection. OCP trips the output when current exceeds your set limit, which protects both the supply and the device under test. Short-circuit protection covers the case where you accidentally cross the output terminals.
Over-voltage protection (OVP) is a step up and worth looking for if you power expensive or irreplaceable devices. OVP shuts down the output if voltage exceeds a safe threshold, which catches regulator failures that could push raw voltage into a sensitive load. Over-temperature protection (OTP) prevents damage during sustained high-current operation. The UNI-T UTP1306 covers all three.
Display Quality and Workflow
A 4-digit display with 0.01V and 0.001A resolution is the standard to look for. Three-digit displays round too coarsely for sensitive work. Real-time wattage readout, like on the NICE-POWER SPS-C3010, is more useful than it sounds for characterizing unknown loads.
Other workflow features worth prioritizing include an independent output on/off button (lets you set voltage with the load disconnected), memory recall groups (save common voltage and current combinations), and an encoder knob with fine adjustment mode (more precise than separate coarse and fine potentiometers). USB charging ports on the front panel are a convenience bonus that becomes indispensable once you have used one.
Set a Realistic Budget by Tier
For hobbyist and beginner work, the $50 to $70 tier covers you completely. The Jesverty SPS-3010V, Kungber SPS3010B, and NICE-POWER SPS-C3010 all deliver 30V 10A output with full safety protections. For more serious lab work, expect to spend $100 to $150 on units like the UNI-T UTP1306 or KORAD KA3005D, which add memory recall, better displays, and lower-noise output. Professional and production work justifies the $300 to $600 tier, where the Siglent SPD3303X-E lives alongside other triple-output and programmable options from Rigol and Keysight.
FAQs
What is the best benchtop power supply for hobbyists?
For most hobbyists, the Kungber SPS3010B or Jesverty SPS-3010V is the best choice. Both deliver 30V to 32V at up to 10A for under $70, include over-current protection, output on/off switches, and USB charging ports. The Kungber adds an intelligent charging mode with real-time amp-hour display, which is useful for battery work.
What bench power supply do professionals recommend?
Professionals consistently recommend Siglent, Rigol, Keysight, and KORAD. The Siglent SPD3303X-E is the top professional pick in this guide for its triple isolated outputs, series and parallel modes, timing functions, and three-year warranty. For lower-noise single-output work, the KORAD KA3005D linear supply is the long-standing standard.
How do I choose a bench power supply?
Choose a bench power supply by matching voltage and current to your typical workload with 50 percent headroom, deciding between linear (lower noise, better for audio and RF) and switching (smaller, cheaper, more efficient) designs, and confirming OCP and short-circuit protection at minimum. Add a 4-digit display, independent output switch, and memory recall for better daily workflow.
What is the difference between linear and switching power supplies?
Linear power supplies use a transformer and series pass transistor to regulate output, producing lower ripple and noise but at higher cost, weight, and size. Switching power supplies use high-frequency switching circuitry, which is smaller, lighter, more efficient, and cheaper, but introduces more high-frequency noise on the output. Linear is preferred for audio, RF, and precision analog work; switching is fine for digital, motor, LED, and battery projects.
Final Verdict
The best bench power supply for you depends on what lands on your bench most often. If you want the absolute best value for hobbyist and repair work, the Kungber SPS3010B with its intelligent charging mode and 2,700-plus reviews is hard to beat. If raw budget is the deciding factor, the Jesverty SPS-3010V delivers full 32V 10A output for under $50.
If your work involves audio, RF, or precision analog, step up to the KORAD KA3005D linear supply for its lower noise floor. And if you are building a professional lab or production test station where downtime costs money, the Siglent SPD3303X-E with its triple isolated outputs and three-year warranty is the right investment for 2026 and well beyond.
Whatever you pick, do not skip on the basics: confirm OCP and short-circuit protection, look for an independent output switch, and budget a few extra dollars for decent silicone banana leads. The right bench power supply is the foundation of every other piece of work you do, and any unit on this list will serve you well for years.