An electrician without a multimeter is just like a soldier without weapons in midst of a battlefield. Whether one has to troubleshoot complex electronic circuits to detect problems or check batteries, automotive equipment, and many other electric applications you must need a best multimeter for accurate results.
A multimeter is actually a modern combination of an ampere meter, volt meter, and ohm meter. Today world’s digital multimeter history goes back to early 20th century when scientists tried to combine ohm, volt, and amp meters. As far as the purpose of a multimeter is concerned, a multimeter that can perfectly assist you in fault finding and monitoring process by giving error free readings would be best for you anyhow.
Now question is that how can you check which is best of all when you got a bunch of multimeters available in the market? The answer is simple and it varies according to your requirements.
If you are an industrial electrical professional, your needs would be different from a DIY enthusiast or an auto or Hvac technician.
After deep research and analysis, we picked top 10 multimeters according to different fields and applications. All of these multimeters are checked and passed by our team, you can trustfully pick one from the list if you are running short of time.
Comparison table of 10 Best Multimeters
Image
Name
Ratings
Area of uses
Price
Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter
CAT III 600 V AC DC VOLTS 600 AC DC AMPS 10A Resistance 40 MΩ Capacitance 10,000 uf
Choosing a multimeter is all about the science of accuracy, precision, and the right selection. Today when almost every one of us has little bit of knowledge of electric equipment and its parameters testing we don’t need to become a pro for multimeter usage.
It’s obvious that we should regularly check household and general electric appliances for sake of their good condition and maintenance.
Every field of electrical and electronics has its own demands and requirements. Detecting very sensitive low magnitude plc and electronics dc signals will really need an extremely sensitive multimeter that can read up to mili or micro level linear and non linear signals.
On the other hand, a hobbyist needs the best multimeter for home use for checking ac voltages of household supplies and amperes of electric appliances.
As we are a team of electircal professionals, we know the requirements of different electrical and instrumentation fields so we segregate the list according to them for your ease. We tested and verified different multimeters available in the market and sorted a list for these 10 best multi meters.
You can trustfully pick one of them that can cover your requirements.
The reasons why we placed this multimeter at top of our list are its extreme precision, technical credibility, safety measures, and state of the art composition. It is one of the finest, high rated digital multimeter equipped with almost all basic functions of DMM.
Intelligently operated by true rms technology which ensures accurate results while examining non linear loads of industrial and other applications. Highly compatible with tough weather conditions, it can be easily operated from -10 °C to + 50 °C.
The fluke 115 comes with 6000 count LCD with a backlight which can be helpful in reading multimeters in dimly lighted areas. Its min/max/avg function can record signal behavior for you throughout the time. Which can be helpful for industrial installation and commissioning process, maintenance and signal quality checking.
It’s built with an impressively compact design, having a holster for your ease to carry it anywhere freely. CAT 3 safety ratings and multi tasking abilities really make it a worth buying product. You can trustfully consider it for applications with versatile power systems.
Like in avionics, solar systems, motorhomes, and many other power systems you have to confront diverse signals like 120 or 240v AC with 12v, 24v dc at the same time. For these types of tasks, a best fluke meter like this with a high accuracy rate and durability would be a must keep thing.
We noted that its LCD display has a limited angle for the perfect view, this thing can be annoying for some people.
What we found in this Multimeter?
CAT III 600 V AC DC VOLTS 600 AC DC AMPS 10A Resistance 40 MΩ Capacitance 10,000 uf True RMS Holster Continuity,diode test Min/max/avg record
Pros
3 year warranty
LED backlight
Safety rated
Precise measurements
Weather resistant
Durable
Cons
Limited LED display angle may be annoying for some people.
It is one of the finest multimeter available in the market having true rms(root mean square) or TRMS technology. Due to trms technology, it is capable of detecting both sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal ac currents up to 600 amps accurately.
With its gorgeous slimmer body this clamp meter is an auto range meter so you don’t need to set range every time. It can also be used to check resistance, continuity, capacitance, temperature, and diodes testing.
Another awesome feature we found in it is low impedance mode, by which stray or ghost voltages can be easily identified.
Its plastic body and buttons seem very sturdy and of good quality, covered with dual rubber coating which gives extra safety insulation. Lcd with bright backlight is ranged up to 6000 counts.
After testing many multimeters and comparing their features we found that this one is really a multi tasker with higher reading ranges than others.
If you are an industrial technician you will love its features with an impressively lower price than other multimeters which meet its characteristics.
What we found in this Multimeter?
Auto range with true rms technology AC DC voltage range 1000v Current 600 amps LoZ mode Can test Resistance , continuity , capacitance , diode testing and frequency Easily accessibe battery compartment. Operating temperature “32-degree F to 104-degree F” Operating altitude 6562-feet (2000m) Auto off backlight
Electronics or electrical work has no mercy for errors and false readings. It always needs reliable accurate measurements to take the next step during troubleshooting. So there will be space for the best multimeters in the market always.
Etekcity is not so old in the world of electric tools but they come with many nice additions to them, One among them is ETEKCITY DIGITAL MULTIMETER MSR-C600.
A multimeter that can give ac dc voltage up to 600, can read resistance, continuity testing and diode test, and still in this price is really the best multimeter for money. Its outer surface is made up of abs plastic material, comes with an easy to hold hand carry pouch.
Its clamps can encircle wire up to gauge 26mm for checking ac current without interrupting current flow. You can hold data to check reading in its relatively large lcd.
There is also another worthy feature we notice which was max reading. During test of the locked rotor in HVAC compressor or any other scenario, you can check maximum reading drawn by the meter during test time.
One flaw we notice in it is that it can’t read dc currents, but it is not so bothering as we rarely need that.
What we found in this Multimeter?
Voltage AC/DC 600v AC current 400amps Reistance upto 20MΩ Continuity testing with audio alarm Count range = 2000 600V CAT II 400 AC Auto range Auto off after 15 min inactivity
Pros
Best in budget
Hand carry pouch
2-year warranty
150 hours battery time
Cons
No dc amps reading
Fluke 117/323 Kit Multimeter and Clamp Meter Electricians Combo Kit
Everyone in the electrical or electronics field is familiar with fluke, as they are providing extremely precise tools for years. Here is another good product of fluke which is 117/323 combo kit.
It includes a digital multimeter and general purpose clamp meter with true rms technology having a range up to 400 amps AC and AC/DC voltage up to 600v.
323 multimeter has a bright LED backlight which is helpful In poor light areas. It can give noise free readings for resistance, frequency, continuity, and capacitance as well.
There is a min/max/avg record option available so you can check signal fluctuation with time. Another nice addition we found in it is it has volt alert technology to detect voltages contact free.
With the passage of time as we had automated almost every piece of industrial equipment to saving time and human effort. Now is the time that our tools should also be smart enough to automatically distinguish between different signals.
Following advancements in tools, world fluke is also bringing nice add ons to their products. In this multimeter you don,t need to change ac/dc voltage selection from the button every time as it can intelligently differ between AC and DC voltages.
You also got min/max volt feature, true rms, vlot alert and low impedance mode technology.
If you don’t want them both, you can buy fluke 117 and 323 separately.
What we found in this Multimeter?
2 in 1 combo kit DMM 600V AC/DC current 10 A (20A max for 30 sec) clamp meter 400 Amps ac 600v AC DC CAT III 600 V Alkaline 9v battery LoZ prevents ghost readings TRUE RMS Optional magnetic hanger
If you want to have a multimeter for household use checking small equipment, testing batteries or you want to sort out dc electrical issues in your car, boat, or RV this one will be your first choice.
Innova 3340 comes with a huge number of useful features at such an affordable price that you may think of it as a replacement for fluke or other expensive ones.
A wider display, enclosed in a nylon pouch with rubber guards and proper leads laying place, auto range ability, rpm reading, alternator testing, and many other features forced us to love it and include it in our list.
Apart from rpm reading capacity which makes it a tachometer as well, we notice one other exceptional functionality of this meter which is duty cycle or pulse width record capability.
You can deeply analyze the activity of your motor or other machinery by checking the duty cycle easily. That when and for how much time it was on or off when it achieved peak power and lowest power throughout the time. It’s really an impressive function it gives.
It’s a UL certified product that has a wrist strap, making its hands free use possible.
It could perform better for test alternator diodes, circuit breakers, electronic relays, wiring, safety switches, dc circuits, plc, and many more.
We notice that unfortunately there is no backlight in its display, it would be perfect if there was in it. Also, ac amperes range is low.
What we found in this Multimeter
AC/DC 600v DC amps 15, AC 400mA Resistance 40MΩ Temp. -50 to 400 Celcius Frequency up to 2Mhz Duty cycles Rpm up to 10000 Cont. testing Min/max data record auto power off Overload protection
Whether you are a DIY hobbyist or industrial professional you certainly had experienced that we must have the right tool for the right job to get the task done. Especially if your workplace has versatile equipment and applications your tool needs will also increase accordingly.
But If you need a simple DMM for your home electronics, checking batteries, car circuits and other medium level uses then this one is really made for you.
Covered by a tough rubber sleeve, having data holding button, backlit LCD with large digits which is extremely helpful in dark areas, impressively high resistance range, and its 2 year warranty are really unique features that made it the best multimeter at such a low price.
This tool is made of sturdy material, suitable for rugged environments and tough weather. This type of multimeter can last for years without being damaged if operate and maintained properly. Some flaws we noticed in it during the examination, but actually, those were not flaws when it comes to money. Who can give you an auto range digital multimeter at such price.
Concluding all the factors we can say it is a “best multimeter for money” so far.
What we found in this Multimeter?
AC/DC voltage 500v Dc amps 10 A Resistance 200 mega ohm Max display 1999 Continuity test, diode test Rubber sleeve guard CE & RoHS Certified
Fluke multimeters are well known for their pinpoint accuracy and durable characteristics. They are very precise, sturdy and heavy duty taskers. In industrial troubleshooting where electrical or electronics circuits and systems are so complex that there is no space for false readings or errors, fluke 87-v is the ultimate solution.
We found its outer is constructed of very fine plastic, a gorgeous color scheme, stylish buttons with splendid rubber covering, and large rotary switch so you can set it to different parameters you need to measure.
It has both auto and manual range options so one can set with its ease. This multimeter can measure voltages up to 1000 volts AC and DC.
If we talk about applications, it can be reliably used for plant automation, electromechanical equipment, adjustable speed drives or VFD , soft starters, motor circuits and many other industrial applications.
Fluke 87-v digital multimeter has another unique function of an annual bar graph, which can give you a record of unstable and quickly changing signals in your system.
This super tool can withstand voltage spikes up to 8000 volts. It’s also surprisingly robust enough to survive adverse weather.
Measuring the frequency of a stable system can be done by any ordinary multimeter with much accurate results but when we want to take readings for non sinusoidal systems like variable speed drives or VFD, you will need this fluke-87 as it has a low pass filter for accurate vfd measurements.
It is really one of the standard industrial digital multimeters available in the market. And also can be used for home electronics, solar and battery equipment, autos circuits testing and many other applications.
What we found in this Multimeter?
CAT III 1000V, CAT IV 600V safety rated 1000V AC DC AC DC current 10A Resistance 50 MΩ Frequency 200 Khz Operating altitude 2000m Low pass filter Built in thermometer Temperature -200 to 1090 celcius True rms Analog bar graph Duty cycles
If you are really in search of a perfect home use multimeter or a tool that will accompany you in your backyard mechanics then your search probably ends here. Here is Klien MM400, it is an American made multimeter having almost all the features of an ideal digital multimeter at price just under 50.
After the revolutionary invention of electricity in the early 19th century, we were gradually surrounded by electrical appliances and equipment around us everywhere.
In this scenario, home electronics have become an essential skill for us, why do we have to pay bills for minor checkups of our household items when we can easily test and fix them by using these types of multimeters.
It was a surprise for us that in this range this auto range meter has plenty of unique functionalities like reading duty cycles and temperature are really impressive for this type of tool. Along with default features it can also be used for testing capacitance, frequency, diodes, and continuity.
For continuity testing, it has a light indication also with a beeper. In noisy places this light indicator becomes so useful when you can,t hear your own voice.
Although plastic material quality of it seems not so good. But it’s ok if you handle it with care and prevent it from falling. At this affordable price, you certainly will not get some abs type thing. On other hand realizing some more positive aspects of it are built in space for test leads and a stand also so during work, you can place it before you on the table and see readings.
Overall we found it good for use at business, residential and small level industrial applications. You can have it as a backup of your fluke or other expensive multimeters.
What we found in this Multimeter?
CAT III 600V 600v AC DC 10 A current AC/DC Resistance 40MΩ Operating Altitude: 6562 ft. (2000m) Capacitance 200uf Frequency 50Khz Temperature -18 to 538 celcius Duty cycle 4000 count LCD
We got a broad sturdy red color multimeter with a big wide display of backlit LCD, guarded by a rubber outer body for drop protection. There is a large rotary type switch to change data selection with circles of yellow and white bright ranges in numbers. One can easily understand and use this multimeter for general purposes.
Its outer is made up of quality abs material, also the test leads are finely shaped with long naked pins to ease contact making for deeper electric sockets and switches.
One good thing we found it has lithium ion battery which is supposed to last longer than other alkaline 9v batteries. It has anti burn system with a dual fuse which prevents it from damage if accidentally connected to wrong or higher magnitude circuits.
A DIY hobbyist or freshly graduated electrical engineer will love to use it for learning purposes due to its low price still with awesome quality.
You can use it for detecting problems to your home electronic appliances, cars, tractors, and other automotive , batteries and also for general industrial equipment.
What we found in this Multimeter?
AC DC Voltage 500v DC current 10 amp Resistance 200MΩ Transistors, diodes testing Dual fuse protection Backlit LCD Rubber guard Abs material
Here we got an elegantly designed heftier multimeter with a dark color scheme. It,s slightly bigger in size than average multimeters, built with solid material.
Soft Buttons for main functions like Range for setting auto and manual range, select button, hold and light button for backlight are placed at top of its interface just under LCD. Options around the selector wheel are bright and fewer in number so a newbie or hobbyist does not get confused while testing basic parameters.
As we are not scientists or engineers to understand complex range selection and plenty of technical variables, because for routine and general needs we don,t use them. This multimeter gives you a simple understanding and accurate measurements for general use like testing your faulty microwave oven, a battery that goes out of power, motorcycle circuits checking, voltage and ampers readings, and other automotive and household applications.
What else do you expect from a best multimeter, that in the reasonable price range it should give trustworthy results, having all basic functions, solid material, and safety considerations. We found almost all these standards in it.
We found another nice feature of light and sound warning if you mistakenly used wrong banana jacks for relative function, that seems helpful for newbies.
Its backlight goes off after 5 sec automatically, this thing is annoying to some extent while working long hours you have to press the light button every time. After 15 mins of inactivity multimeter will power off to save battery, there is also an option to disable this function.
Being electrical and electronics workers we all know that power is all about number game of measurements and parameters, as much as high magnitude mechanical work is needed we had to give appropriate electrical power to achieve results.
You also know the fact that we have different types of measurements to conclude signal behavior and responses. For example, if you want to test battery health your first step would be to check its dc voltage.
If the reading is 11.5 to 13 volts that means the battery is perfect but if reading is 10 or 10.5 volts then it’s an indication that either battery runs out of charge or is damaged completely.
Similarly, we often check grid incoming AC voltages 120 or 240v whether the voltage is up to normal magnitude or down. Because all the electric appliances and accessories are designed to work at a certain level of voltage and frequency.
So the need for a good multimeter is always there to address these issues.
Now question is how to check which is the best multimeter for your use among all quality meters available in the market. The answer to this question is relative to the situation according to us.
It depends on whether you want a multimeter for checking general home electric items or you are a DIY enthusiast.
Your preference will be different when you are an industry professional who needs to solve complex programable logic controllers, HMI, ethernet systems, electric actuators, Motor control circuits, and electronic circuit problems.
A list of points to consider before buying a multimeter is,
Accuracy
Accuracy is always the first preference for selecting a multimeter. It,s our core need that our multimeter should give accurate and precise reading every time we conduct tests. Because readings are the most important part of troubleshooting electric issues.
Safety
There is a common saying that “safety comes first”, which applies with more consciousness toward electrical work. There is always risk of shocks and burning while playing with electrical components.
A multimeter should have safety standards like fuses that cut the circuit when encountered with high level signal fluctuations. Also, electricians should be trained for using multimeters and other tools before using them.
Multimeter outer body should properly insulate, also the test leads for their safe usage.
Multimeters are categorized into 4 levels according to safety standards and testing abilities, which are given below
Category I
These category multimeters are used for small level electronic use and examining small electric appliances.
Category II
CAT 2 multimeters are built for smaller electric equipment and low voltage household power.
Category III
These types of meters are designed for small to medium level industrial circuits and electric machinery. They have special safety features to withstand voltage spikes and fluctuations.
Category IV
This category is specific to heavy duty purposes. They are used for high voltage power lines, grids, and feeders.
Sensitivity
A meter that is designed for high level voltages and currents will not be suitable for detecting milli and micro level signals in basic electronic and automotive circuits.
Sometimes Every multimeter is not sensitive to very low amplitude signals, so you should carefully read from product details about your preferences.
Specifications
Before buying any product you should first read its specifications in depth which are usually given in manuals or in product details. There are many multimeters you will find with no ability to detect ac current or maybe to a certain level.
You should see according to your needs, whether it fulfills your required range of ac dc voltage, ac dc currents, capacitance, resistance, continuity, duty cycle, frequency, etc. If you want to test high loads for ac current you should go for a clamp meter.
Best in budget
Budget is another important factor when selecting a best multimeter. If you are using it for learning or hobby purposes then you may consider looking for a low budget good multimeter.
We will not recommend emphasizing budget if you are using it purely for technical work or industrial use. Most people will recommend fluke only for industrial or professional inspite of their high prices.
The reason is they are more precise and accurate than others. Also, they will survive for more years than cheaper ones.
Video tutorial of Basic Multimeter usage ( Courtesy “Amre supply”)
Leo Maxwell is basically an Electrical engineer and hobby tech writer, having 13 years of experience in the electronics and instrumentation industry. He has hands on experience working in various fields like Powerhouses, solar, automotive, and FMCG.
During his career, he has used many power tools and meters in electrical projects. Now his aim is to explain tools and troubleshooting in easy guides to help people. Other then it, leo loves traveling, reading books and DIY tasks.
