Expert Reviews and Buying Guide on the Best Budget Multimeter for Pros and Newbies

Got a busted electrical appliance, but not quite ready to toss it in the dumpster just yet? Consider yourself at the right place, as we bring you a few great options for best budget multimeters.

Whether you’re a hobbyist, DIY-er, mechanic, newbie electrician, or someone who likes to tinker and putter around with electronics, the best multimeter under 200 deserves a solid spot in your tool case. This device is helpful when checking for a broken circuit or shorts, so you can get your appliances performing the way they should.

Once you know what’s up with your broken appliance, then you don’t need to get elbow deep into something without even having a single clue about what you’re doing.

Spare yourself from hours of research and costly mistakes because we’ve got you covered right here. Our top recommendations for the best value multimeter can get you started with your search for the perfect item you need.

Check out our best cheap multimeters reviews and buying guide before you shell out some serious cash for this tool.

10 Best Cheap Multimeters Reviews for Pros and Newbies

1. Neoteck- Best Multimeters Under $ 50

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Fumble in the dark no more, because this best budget multimeter under 25 with beefed up features is perfect to use in low light conditions – all in a nifty package. 

The Neoteck Pocket 8233D digital mini multimeter appeals to budget-conscious shoppers out there who look for a user-friendly, but highly dependable meter that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. With a clear LCD display and backlight, you may be stuck on the road at night doing some mechanical or automotive trouble-shooting without the pitch-black sky getting in the way. May seem like your average meter, but it offers accurate measurements of voltage, current, resistance, and diodes, along with a continuity buzzer, auto-ranging functions, and maximum results over time.

Conclusion

Diagnosing electrical problems is easy-peasy.

What we like about the Neoteck Pocket 8233D digital multimeter is how user-friendly it is. Newbie electricians will find this device a no-brainer to work around with, which makes it an awesome companion for those trying to get their feet wet on troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues. You don’t have to set the voltage range, plus there are clips and probes that you can hook to ground whenever you take multiple readings using the positive probe.

But wait, there’s more!

We think the case is sturdy enough to give this multimeter excellent drop protection. It also has a built-in stand, so you can set up the meter at an angle that makes it easy for you to view the screen and go hands-free whenever you use this tool.

2. Tacklife DM07 True TRMS -Best Affordable Multimeter

Looking for the best cheap multimeter that can make your test works faster and simpler without any room for mistakes?

You want it, you got it! This DM07 digital multimeter boasts of its True TRMS 6000 counts function, which eliminates the need for selecting test ranges with its full range accurate measurement. When performing a continuity test, you’ll hear a long beeping sound accompanied by lighted a green LED sensor for below 40Ω resistance. But with resistance ranging from 40Ω to 60Ω, you’ll see the red LED light up. It’s all elementary!

Conclusion

It claims to be functional for commercial and residential uses. But how exactly does it fare when it comes to more rigorous electrical troubleshooting?

Technically, we can qualify this tool as hands down the best budget multimeters home use when it comes to functionality and price tag. It’s something that beginners folks dabbling in electronics, housewives, and students can use without a glitch. But at the same time, the information it provides is not that extensive for tests in industrial settings.

For the purpose it serves, there’s no doubt this bad boy works. But just a little note on the probes, though. These come with short leads with small and somewhat stubby ends that can be a little tough to stick into your standard 110/ 120V AC power outlet. Nevertheless, its price, ease of use, and safety features make it worthy of our nod of approval.

3. INNOVA 3320 – Best Multimeters for the Money

When on a tight budget, spending over $50 on a digital multimeter is highway robbery! But what if you can get the best cheap multimeter that gets the job done at a fraction of the cost?

Yep, you got that right. This is what the Innova 3320 digital multimeter offers. At a dirt-cheap price of under $25, you just shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to get this baby in your toolbox. Sure, it’s easy on the budget, but there’s no way you’ll end up groaning and complaining about getting ripped off in the end. It’s an auto-ranging DMM, comes with just one resistance function setting for the DC and AC voltage, and so easy to use, which eliminates the steep learning curve in getting started.

Conclusion

Got no clue how to use a complex-looking digital multimeter? We feel you there, that’s why we think this tool is perfect for you.

So, we’ve mentioned that this device is pretty much straightforward when it comes to how it’s used. There are color-coded brilliant LEDs that make it quick and easy to check your household batteries. For instance, when you see the green light is on, that means your batteries are good. Red means “replace” and yellow means “weak”. It’s a doddle to get it to work and figure out what’s up with your wiring, automotive circuits, fuses, outlets, and so on. This is why we’re not exaggerating when we say this is perhaps the best multimeter under $100 for beginners who want a cheap, reliable, and user-friendly tool for the home, garage, and their glove compartment.

Now really, is it all THAT awesome?

Well, we can’t really say the Innova 3320 has it all. Sure, it’s safe to consider it as the best multimeter under $100 for electronics hobbyist, and folks with zero background on how to use a DMM won’t get bummed out when dealing with this tool. But we’ll ding a star (or maybe a half-star) for the chintzy leads that makes zeroing out quite a pain. If you go for the full Monty, throwing in some decent leads will make the cut. But if you intend to use it just once in a while and expect accurate readings, we have no problem recommending this meter right out of the box.

4. Fluke 87-V -Best Budget Multimeter for Electronics

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Troubleshoot and check for signal problems on the fly to avoid getting your electronics in a critical status.

Fluke has become a household name for superior quality electronic testing tools – and all for a good reason. This reputable company has been in the industry since 1948, and we doubt it’s going anywhere in the next decade or so. It’s why we think the Fluke is the holy grail of newbies and pros in the electronic industry. This best budget multimeter for electronics certainly doesn’t need any introduction because of its designed to provide world-class quality, functional design, versatility, and accuracy.

Conclusion

No complex problem is ever too complicated with the Fluke 87-V.

The Fluke certainly has its bragging rights when it designed to provide to top-notch performance and consistent accuracy of readings. The best multimeter HVAC, automotive repair, and just around the house purposes, the Fluke 87-V can identify simple to complex issues with your electrical systems before you get elbow deep into the problem. In a commercial setup, this DMM works for loud equipment including variable speed motor drives. As it’s equipped with a thermometer, you can take accurate temperature readings when working with your air-conditioning unit or refrigerator.

Hardworking digital multimeter that does much of the work for you.

Right out of the box, the Fluke 87-V is ready to go. There are gator clips, test leads, and a pre-installed 9V battery. It even comes with a test lead storage and a removable holster for added convenience. But if we could just hope for some enhancements to this product, it would be better with an on and off button, perhaps buttons that glow in the dark when the backlight is switched on, and a rain-proof covering for outdoor uses. Other than these tiny details, there’s no reason for us to pick up this DMM in a heartbeat. We think other cheap Fluke meters are cool, too, but the Fluke 87-V just got us thoroughly impressed.

5. AstroAI- Best Value Multimeter

Need an ever-dependable tool for solving problems in a snap when productivity and safety are on the line?

What if we just reveal to you that for the price three or four times lower than those high-end multimeters, this tool can do nearly everything expensive ones can offer? We’re not pulling your leg here, and we say you just HAVE to try this to believe it. It can measure voltage, resistance, current, transistor, diode testing, and continuity. Is your car charging system a little glitchy? Or you need to know whether your battery is still good or might as well be replaced? This AstroAI- Best Value Multimeter takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting electrical and automotive problems – and you don’t need to break the bank to get a hold of this device.

Conclusion

Forget complexity. It’s the little things that count.

Okay, so we all know that the common denominator of digital multimeters is the ability to test and troubleshoot electrical systems. But what gives the Astro A1 a spot in our list is the simplicity of its functions that makes it great for inexperienced electricians and perhaps even the best budget multimeters for engineering students who are dabbling in the field of electronics and automotive repair. Simple and user-friendly details we like about this tool include the data hold, built-in stand, protective corner guards, and accurate readings. Plus, it’s got a low-bat indicator, so you know when to replace it and spare yourself from running out of juice in the middle of your tests.

Sounds pretty good so far. But what’s the catch?

Nothing, really. Sure, it doesn’t have sophisticated add-on features such as a built-in thermometer or smartphone compatibility, but for a best multimeter under 50, it’s got plenty of what we need it for. Measure diode, DC current, voltage, resistance, continuity, and AC current, and get accurate results all the time. But be careful not to drop it, though. Sure, it’s got those rubber corner guards for protection. But it’s best not to bank on it considering how it does not seem to take much for you to mess this device up once it’s dropped.

6. Crenova MS8233D -Best Low Cost Multimeter

You probably thought you’ve found the cheapest – but highly reliable – digital meter in the market. But have you heard about the Crenova MS8233D that totally deserves your thumbs up?

People say that the price matters. But don’t get sold out to the idea that you need to spend more to get more from your purchase. In fact, the Crenova MS8233D is a solid proof that cheap price and quality DO mesh well. For just under $25, you can get yourself this dependable unit that never fails to impress a smart shopper. It has multiple functions, overload protection, and an array of special features you only thought possible for devices over $50. Sounds like a sweet deal? You’re darn right, it is!

Conclusion

The Crenova has plenty to prove – enough to knock your socks off.

Perfect as a general measurement and trouble-shooting tool, this device is the best multimeter under 200 for electronics repair in various settings whether it is at home, in school, the lab, or several social fields. Reliable and safe to use, it features an auto-ranging function for selecting the accurate measurement range whenever you deal with multiple components such as small or even major electrical sources. The labels and the screen are both easy to use, so you can choose your preferred tests and view precise results all the time.

Can’t get any better than this – cheap price and quality meter in one!

It’s a no-brainer to use this meter, that’s for sure. If you’re completely new to multimeters, holding this baby in your hand won’t make you feel totally lost. It’s pretty straight-forward, acutally. Stand it up to go hands-free, read the results on the bright and clear display, then once the unit automatically shuts off during the idle time, just hit any button and the light’s back on. Want to check for continuity? Don’t sweat it, because this meter buzzes loud enough even when you’re out in a busy environment. You’d find it hard to believe all that sound coming from a tiny device like this. Sure, it lacks the frills and killer features of pricier models out there, but those are not what you pay for with this DMM. For general work in the garage and around the house, it almost never disappoints.

7. Uxcell DMiotech -Best Cheap Digital Multimeter

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So you need the best cheap dmm for home use and maybe one that can be a great pal when working with electrical systems in the garage? 

Look no further, because for a skimpy budget under $50, the DMiotech makes the cut for best multimeter under 50 for sale – and one that’s a real keeper. It’s perfect for engineering students, electricians, hobbyists, or those constantly tinkering around with electronic projects. It’s got a nice holster and fine ergonomics for the handle, so you can bring this bad boy around and have a good grip on it as you work. With multiple functions and safety features, seems the jury is out on the pure awesomeness of this multimeter.

Conclusion

Your go-to meter at home and elsewhere.

The DMiotech digital multimeter comes with a rugged and robust build, which adds to the beauty of this tool. It’s cheap alright, but the quality is there without a doubt. With a streamlined design, it won’t feel like a pain holding and carrying this device around at home or while you’re doing some trouble-shooting in the factory or garage. As a bonus, you can measure temperature with this tool, which makes it a fine add-on to what this basic meter can do.

Some may like it, but others might not care less about a few specs of this meter…

So we’ve told you that it’s a standard meter with a few extras. We rave about the basic functions and the overall build. But then again, you can bet on the fact that reading resistance is impossible to do while the unit is in the continuity mode (and vice-versa). You’ll have to fiddle with the selector switch when the circuit’s resistance is detected with poor continuity. Unless you’ve got a third hand available, this might not be an issue at all. There were also some quirks with the hold and on/off backlight button combo, so it may be better to go with the sound control for activating the backlight.

8. Etekcity MSR-P600 -Best Inexpensive Multimeter

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A solid bet as an entry-level meter for budding electricians and a gem for general automotive and household use.

Cheap, portable, and a breeze to setup, all for a price that won’t hurt your budget– now, you absolutely can’t argue with that! It’s a multi-purpose meter for measuring current, frequency, diodes, capacitance, duty cycle, DC/AC voltage, and resistance, plus it fits neatly in your pocket or your palm. Always on the go? Slip it into the carry case and pack it in your glove compartment or toolchest. This lightweight and ever-reliable meter should come in handy for those emergency electrical problems.

Conclusion

For such a small device, you’d be surprised how much of a workhorse this meter actually is.

Don’t be deceived by the size. Sure, it’s a handy meter that fits nicely in such a small space in your pack or even your pocket, but it gets the job done right. Compare measurements of two currents or voltages on the fly by calculating the difference between readings, then press the hold button to take down notes. Plus, there are testing probes built into the unit, and these are long enough to extend 22 inches from the unit to the item to be tested. With a large screen, you can easily view the readings. And did we mention it’s pocket-friendly? Yep, just thought we’d stress that feature out again.

Still a little skeptical?

It’s a startup meter anyone without prior background in using such device could definitely deal with. Switch the knob and take measurements accurately. We would surely love it more, though, if there’s a sound feature. An audible tone of some sort is much easier than checking for the digits displayed on the screen (guess we’re also thinking on behalf of newbies out there). But hey, it does the basic stuff. Not bad for a tiny device that you can simply throw into your pocket, right?

9. UNI-T UT61E-Best Budget Digital Multimeter

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The super clear LCD screen and measurement accuracy of this multimeter give it every reason to stand up against the big names in the industry.

Sure, it’s not a Fluke or an Innova, so how can the Uni-T UT61E digital multimeter give you a run for your money? Right, we knew you’d ask. So we’ve got the lowdown on this meter model, which we know would impress you. The major selling point of this tool is the high-res LCD screen, and seriously, it’s THE best we’ve seen for this price range. No matter which angle you look at the screen, the high contrast display gives you the clearest image you could imagine. Measure resistance, continuity, frequency, hFE, temperature, and diode with this nifty little tool. Need one for your garage? Get this baby with you, as it’s hands down the best automotive multimeter at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

Straight-forward and easy to work around with – perfect for newbies and pros.

It’s got an impressive host of features, but still within a price range that’s light on the budget. We like how it offers a 0.1% DC voltage accuracy, which makes it relatively dependable. No more guesswork necessary when you test and troubleshoot your car’s charging system, batteries, or just about any electronics you have at home and elsewhere. Compliant with the IEC safety standards, this meter is a must-have in the industrial service, automotive industry, household, schools, commercial settings, and in your garage. Need we say more?

But then again, just something we thought you’d like to know, though…

For measuring voltage, this meter works perfectly fine. We also think the PC interface is definitely handy. But the fuse is not exactly that reliable for current measurement. Also, you may want to get better leads since the ones included get tangled easily. The length is fine, but they’re just a little thin and somewhat have a flimsy feel.

10. Fluke 101-Best Multimeters Under $100

When it comes to a name that doesn’t require you to second-guess, Fluke has to be it. 

You’ve probably heard so much about Fluke multimeters, and it’s absolutely not a hype. This is why the Fluke 101 gets its spot in our list of highly recommended multimeters because of simply what it is – practical, dependable, and accuracy that’s all for an affordable price. Whether you’re an HVAC technician, residential electrician, automotive specialist, or a DIY-er who’s into electronics, this professional-grade multimeter is your best bet.

Conclusion

Electrical pros don’t settle for anything second-best – and neither should you.

When the demand for accuracy and precision in your job is high, you know well enough that you should go straight to a highly reliable multimeter right from the start. This is why the Fluke 101 never fails to impress seasoned electricians who know exactly what they need in this measuring tool. After all, why spend a few bucks on an inferior product that’s as good as trash in a matter of weeks? Perfect for commercial and residential uses, this DMM model from Fluke is your companion in keeping all your electrical systems and appliances in excellent working condition.

It’s in the bag, baby.

This smart little meter got everything you’ve ever wanted in a high performing device with all the stunning looks. The packaging is flawless, but wait ’till you see what’s inside the box. Slim, indescribably amazing ergonomics of both the body and the dial, and fine test leads – what more can you ask for? What about the accuracy, you may ask? Test within one to two counts on virtually all of your reference sources, and that eliminates the need to even have a tinge of doubt about this Fluke. Set the device to the audible setting, and it makes testing for shorts a cinch! We’ve never seen all that good stuff in a single meter, but then again, not every meter is a Fluke, right?

Best Budget Multimeter Buying Guide

We know what you want – a reliable, well-made, accurate, and affordable multimeter that takes the guesswork out when measuring and testing glitchy electronics. Yep, we hear you there, and that’s what we’re here for. We want to make sure you get exactly what you need without making a couple of mistakes that can seriously hurt your pocket. And that’s mainly the point why we featured these top-performing bad boys for you.

Okay, so we gave you 10 options. Now you’re probably thinking – so which among these is THE best that I should get? Hold your horses, folks, and let’s first get into the features you should never compromise for when buying a budget multimeter.

1. Auto Ranging

In this world where so many things are automated, it’s about time multimeters join the bandwagon. With an auto-ranging multimeter, it can recognize straight up what you’re testing. Back in the day when all we had were manual ranging models, you had to input the range and find the value this way. We suppose for an experienced electrician, this is not much of a concern at all since they basically have done this hundreds of times. But for the sake of all newbies out there, an auto ranging device is probably more appealing since calculating ranges doesn’t even have to be a pain to do. And the bonus – you don’t need to know the different values involved such as the voltage, resistance, and capacitance. Imagine the amount of time and energy and thinking you can save using this kind of multimeter!

2. Multiple Ranges

So we all know that a multimeter measures resistance, voltage, and current. But move over the conventional type of meter, and get yourself a digital multimeter that goes beyond the basics. This fine little device includes a wide variety of ranges such as capacitance, frequency, continuity buzzer, temperature, and diode. But of course, different DMM models offer varied capabilities, so it’s up to you to decide what you want to get depending on the purpose you have in mind for this tool.

3. Safety

Tinkering around with electrical systems doesn’t really sound like a stroll in the park, right? Things can go wrong when you deal with live currents, and the last thing you want to happen is to come home with a body that needs fixing (aside from that busted appliance that’s still laying on your work table).

This is why we can’t stress this enough – ALWAYS go for a budget multimeter with an adequate and appropriate safety rating according to what you’re working on.

4. Accuracy

What’s the purpose of using a cheap meter when you can’t even vouch on its accuracy? Look, since you’re spending some cash on this device that your job – or even your life – depends on, then might as well go for a sure catch.

Sure, you can’t possible expect a budget meter to be 100 percent consistently accurate. You’re shooting for the moon by thinking that. But if you can, aim for 0.5 to 1 percent accuracy, as much as possible. A reasonable ballpark value should be in place even with a not-so-expensive startup meter. This way, you don’t have to use your fingers as probes for checking the voltage and temperature. You seriously won’t enjoy that, no doubt about it.

5. Other Features

We don’t want to overwhelm you, but there are a host of cool features that digital multimeters come with, which may be worth looking into when you shop for one. Are you often dealing with refrigeration systems or computer processors? Then perhaps you might want to consider getting a meter with a temperature sensor that eliminates the need for another instrument to carry around for measuring the device’s temperature. How about transistor testing circuits, which allow you to check integrated and digital logic circuits to make sure the transistor is properly functioning? There are also the add-on practical features you might want such as the hold function for taking notes of your readings and a large LCD screen with backlight for efficiency and convenience when working in low-light or dark environments.

6. Price

Since we’re focusing on budget DMMs here, we’re not even touching on meters in the three-digit price range. We understand you want value for the money, but you’re also not quite ready to blow up your wallet and take home a meter that would cost you an arm and a leg.

But maybe we’ll throw out this fact that when it comes to buying a multimeter, you can expect to shell out between $25 to as much as $450. Well, there are also advanced and top-of-the-line multimeters with a whopping price tag of $1000, but of course, we know you prefer low-key ones that offer features you need.

For an entry-level multimeter, it may be realistic to set a budget between $20 and $50. For instance, the Neoteck Pocket Digital Multimeter is best multimeter under 50 bucks, which may appeal to those with a limited budget. But at the same time, this is just a basic meter, so don’t expect it to have too much frills that are in higher end ones. If you want to stretch your spending power a bit more, there’s the Fluke 87-V, but with add-ons to the kit, you’ll have to really think first if you want all of the extras or just purchase them on an as-needed basis.

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