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7 Best Multimeters

Updated: Feb 20, 2024 4:19 PM
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The best multimeter we researched was easily the Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter. This multimeter accurately measures true root mean square (RMS) voltage, resistance, continuity, frequency and capacitance, with a CAT III 600 V safety rating and a bright LED backlight for working in dimly lit areas. A multimeter is a top-rated tool that all electricians or DIY enthusiasts should have in their tool box.

To help you find the best multimeter for electricians and the measurement of electronics, we have researched a multitude of top products, researching to ensure they make accurate measurements across a wide variety of metrics, including continuity, frequency, capacitance and diode functionality, among others. We also liked durable models made with high quality components. Keep reading to learn more about the Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter and the other products on this list.

Top 7 Best Multimeters

 #1  Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Accurately measures true RMS voltage, among other useful metrics, with a CAT III 600 V safety rating and a large backlight, for working in basements and other poorly lit areas.

Pros
  • Bright backlight for working in poorly lit areas
  • CAT III 600 V safety rated
  • Monitors true RMS voltage and several other metrics
Cons
  • Hard point test lead set sold separately
  • Does not measure microamps

The Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter is the best multimeter for electronics that we researched, thanks to accurately measuring a number of important metrics, including true RMS, resistance, continuity, frequency and capacitance, among others. We also loved the CAT III 600 V safety rating and the high durability, as the Fluke multimeter has been shock, drop and humidity tested. We also found the bright LED backlight to be of particular use, especially while conducting measurements in poorly lit areas, such as basements. If you want to measure the moisture in your home then take a look at the best moisture meter.

Though we were impressed by the large number of measurements the Fluke multimeter was able to accurately display, we did notice that it is not equipped to measure microamps. Additionally, it can conduct a hard point test lead measurement, but the set is sold separately. If you like this multimeter you might also want the best plasma cutter.

 #2  Etekcity Digital Multimeter

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Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: Accurately measures AC/DC voltage, resistance, diode functionality and continuity, with a protective rubber sleeve for drop protection and a built-in support stand that allows for hands-free use.

Pros
  • Best on a budget
  • Protective rubber sleeve for drop protection
  • Built-in support stand for hands-free use
Cons
  • Does not measure AC current
  • No global safety certifications

This Etekcity Digital Multimeter is a budget-friendly multimeter that doesn’t skimp on the high end features, as it includes a protective rubber sleeve for drop protection and a built-in support stand that allows for hands-free use. We found this to be one of the best multimeters at a low price, thanks to accurate AC/DC voltage ratings, in addition to accurately measuring resistance, diode functionality and continuity, among other metrics.

While this multimeter accurately measures DC current, it does not do the same for AC current, though it does measure AC voltage. Also, this multimeter is not UL listed and features no global safety certifications, unlike our top pick. For the rest of your DIY projects, be sure to read our best grease gun buying guide as well.

 #3  AstroAI Digital Multimeter

Award: BEST BATTERY LIFE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Range of included features designed to increase battery life, including a low battery indicator and an auto-shutdown functionality, with a data hold feature to record measurements and a bright backlight for use in dimly lit areas.

Pros
  • Data hold feature to record readings
  • Accurately measures AC/DC voltage and AC/DC current
  • Bright backlight and kickstand for ease of use
Cons
  • Does not ship with a carrying case
  • Cannot measure hFE

This AstroAI Digital Multimeter ships with a 9V battery and includes multiple functionalities intended to maximize battery life, including a low battery indicator and an auto-shutdown feature that powers down the unit after 15 minutes of inactivity. We also loved that it accurately measures both AC/DC voltage and AC/DC current, among others useful metrics, and that it features a bright backlight and kickstand.

Though we were impressed by the durable exterior on this multimeter, it does not ship with a carrying case, so we’d advise caution. Additionally, this multimeter does not measure hybrid parameter forward current gain, common emitter, otherwise known as hFE, so it is not useful for measuring the DC gain of a junction transistor. While you’re thinking about your next project, you may want to discover the best duct tape you can buy today.

 #4  KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter

Award: BEST SAFETY FEATURES

WHY WE LIKE IT: Built with safety in mind, featuring multiple certifications, a double ceramic fuse and a thermistor protection circuit, with the ability to conduct measurements tailored to automobile owners, including battery checking.

Pros
  • Conducts useful readings for car owners
  • LED backlit screen and built-in flashlight
  • Measures both AC/DC voltage and AC/DC current
Cons
  • On the heavy side, at nearly 1.5 lb
  • Does not ship with a carrying case

This KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter is the best multimeter under $100, thanks to a number of safety features, including a double ceramic fuse, a thermistor protection circuit and a highly durable temperature-resistant silicone case. To that end, it features multiple safety certifications, as it is IEC Rated CAT III 1000V, CAT IV 600V, CE and RoHS certified. We also loved the automobile-centric readings this multimeter can conduct, including battery checking and liquid temperature reading, in addition to standard measurements, such as AC/DC voltage and current, resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance and diode.

Though we appreciated the built-in kickstand, for hands-free operation, we did notice that this multimeter is heavier than most on this list, clocking in at 1.3 lb. Also, this multimeter does not ship with a carrying case, so we’d advise that you purchase one separately. If you’re working in your yard too, you may want to grab a new best axe.

 #5  Crenova MS8233D Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter

Award: MOST DURABLE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Extremely durable, thanks to a removable rubber holster that minimizes damage from accidental falls, shipping with a suite of useful accessories, including a carrying case, test leads and alligator clips.

Pros
  • Ships with carrying case, test leads and clips
  • Accurately measure AC/DC voltage and current, among other metrics
  • Auto-shutdown functionality to conserve battery life
Cons
  • No safety certifications
  • Backlight not as bright as some models

This Crenova MS8233D Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter comes with a removable rubber holster, significantly increasing this multimeter’s durability rating, as this holster is designed to prevent against shock and accidental drops. We also loved this multimeter’s measurement capabilities, which include AC/DC voltage and current, resistance, frequency and continuity, among other metrics. The auto-shutdown functionality, which helps to preserve battery life, was also appreciated.

Though this multimeter has some built-in features to further increase safety, such as overload protection, it does not boast any safety certifications. Additionally, the included back-light is not as bright as some models we researched, though it was adequate in most situations. This multimeter will have you completing any project at your best workbench.

 #6  INNOVA 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter

Award: MOST COMPACT

WHY WE LIKE IT: Compact and light design, weighing just 8 oz, with a range of useful features, including color-coded LEDs, for checking the battery and other metrics, and protective rubber corner guards for drop protection.

Pros
  • UL-certified for added safety
  • Protective rubber corner guards for drop protection
  • Color-coded LEDs
Cons
  • No kickstand
  • Does not ship with carrying case

This INNOVA 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter is an extremely light, 8 ounces, and compact multimeter that absolutely excels with one-handed use. We also appreciated the auto-ranging scales, which eliminate the need for dialing in the correct range when conducting measurements, and the high quality protective rubber corner guards.

Though we loved this multimeter’s light form factor, we must note that it does not include a built-in kickstand, for hands-free operation. Additionally, there is no carrying case included with this multimeter.

 #7  Klein Tools 69149 Multimeter

We’re sorry, this product is temporarily out of stock

Award: BETS MULTIPACK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Complete testing kit that ships with multiple items, including a multimeter, a non contact voltage tester and an outlet tester, with a built-in receptacle tester to identify problems with wiring.

Pros
  • LED screen changes colors in different use scenarios
  • CAT III 600V safety certification
  • Built-in receptacle tester can identify wiring problems
Cons
  • Does not come with a case
  • Built-in kickstand is somewhat flimsy

This Klein Tools 69149 Multimeter ships with a number of highly useful accessories, including a non contact voltage tester and an outlet tester, both of which come in handy while conducting home-based tests. We also loved the built-in receptacle tester, which can identify wiring problems, and the bright and easy-to-read LED screen, which changes colors depending on a number of use scenarios. For instance, it is green when everything is in working order, but flashes red when you run into a voltage problem.

Despite shipping with several useful testing kits, this multimeter does not come with a carrying case, and we’d advise purchasing your own so you can keep track of all of the parts. Also, though this multimeter does have a built-in kickstand, for hands-free operation, we found it to be somewhat flimsy when compared to similar models.

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How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we focused primarily on multimeters that provide accurate measurements across a broad range of metrics, including AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, continuity, frequency, capacitance and diode functionality, among others. Some multimeters simplify use by including auto-ranging scales, which eliminate the need for dialing in the correct range when conducting measurement.

We also liked multimeters with built-in features designed to enhance ease-of-use, including bright LED backlights, which are great for conducting measurements in dimly lit areas, and built-in kickstands, which allow you to complete tests without actually holding the multimeter, freeing up your hands for other uses, such as plugging in test leads and the like.

Safety was also a paramount concern, as you’ll be interacting with electricity as you conduct measurements. To that end, we looked for multimeters with multiple safety certifications and those with built-in features designed to enhance safety, such as overload protection and durable rubberized components, to prevent damage associated with accidental drops. Finally, we appreciated multimeters that shipped with accessories, such as batteries, test leads and carrying cases.

Best Multimeter Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

  1. Measurement Metrics
    Not all multimeters are created equal when it comes to the measurements they can accurately conduct. Look to maximize the number of metrics your chosen multimeter can provide readings of by making sure it can read both AC/DC voltage and AC/DC current, in addition to metrics such as continuity, frequency, capacitance and diode functionality, among others. You may want to also go for a multimeter with auto-range capabilities, which should eliminate the need for dialing in the correct range when conducting measurements.
    • And, keep in mind if your multimeter isn’t working and you have a Klein product, you can always tap the Klein tools warranty for a potential replacement.
  2. Backlights and Kickstands
    In order to maximize ease of use as you go about conducting measurements, make sure that your chosen multimeter comes with a bright LED backlight, which can allow you to conduct tests in dimly lit areas, such as basements. Additionally, look for multimeters with built-in kickstands, so you can set it down on a flat surface, freeing up your hands to apply test leads and perform other useful tasks.
  3. Safety
    You are going to want to make sure that your chosen multimeter is as safe as possible, so as to reduce risk of accidental injury while operating near active currents.
    • To that end, look for multimeters with overcharge protection and related safety-forward features and try to find a product with multiple safety certifications.
    • Also, you might want to choose a multimeter with a durable rubberized exterior, to protect against both shock and accidental drops.
    • In short, be safe when using your multimeter with various electrical devices, including a Ryobi One 10-lithium chain saw.
  4. Additional Accessories
    Multimeters come with all manner of additional accessories and features. These include carrying cases, batteries to power the unit, and a range of tools to help maximize testing effectiveness, including lead kits and related items. Our number six pickups the ante by including a non-contact voltage tester and an outlet tester.

7 Best Multimeters Questions (FAQ)

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