Best Digital Multimeters of 2018: Top Products & Full Buying Guide

Are you passionate about tools, gadgets, appliances and just techy stuff in general? If so, then you have come to the right place friend. 

We share this passion, and we would like to share some best digital multimeters of our knowledge as well.

Digital multimeter honestly, is an excellent tool that will make your life a lot easier. Now, we are sure that you already know what a multimeter is (otherwise you wouldn’t be here, now, would you?), and so don’t worry, we won’t bore you with the basic definition of one. This not a guide of a multimeter for beginners, though.

Here you will find some advanced and intermediate information about these tools, as well as our expert pick of the ten best digital multimeters you can get.

1. Klein Tools MM5000 Electricians TRMS Multimeter

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Are you’re looking for an ideal multimeter that won’t let you down even after you’ve been using it for years? Well, then you should take a closer look at the Klein Tools MM5000 Electricians TRMS Multimeter. This device truly has a lot to offer.

This multimeter is suitable for general electric and electronics purposes and offers a variety of options for use. This is what separates it from other multimeters, as it can measure different kinds of inputs instead of the usual- just one. Yes, this includes amps, voltage, and continuity.

Another great thing about it is its compact size which lets you carry it everywhere with no problem. It allows for more convenient storage, too.

A worry with multimeters like this one is mixing up commands due to the fact that DC and AC voltage and amperage share units. This can be said about other device features too. But there’s no need to worry because you can easily maneuver between settings thanks to the Function button.

 Conclusion

As you can see this is one reliable and durable multimeter for anyone who accepts nothing but the best but isn’t an expert. This is a device meant to be used at home, and it’s most suitable for lighter electrical work. The fact that it’s so basic and its prize really make it a multimeter which everyone can use with no trouble.

2. DT830B LCD Digital Voltmeter Ammeter Ohm Multimeter

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Hungry for another high-quality multimeter? It’s a good thing we’ve got the DT830B LCD Digital Voltmeter Ammeter Ohm Multimeter next!

Usually, when people see a multimeter that looks like this one, they assume it’s garbage and opt for something more expensive. This is because the price makes it too good to be true. Well, this isn’t the case with the second multimeter on our list.

It’s affordable but that doesn’t mean the quality suffered. In fact, the connectors for the wires make for a snug fit and they don’t lose connection even if you tug the cords by accident. What’s more, the unit is made entirely out of plastic but the build is still strong. The connectors and the probe handles are durable and tough, too.

Another great thing about this device is the wide LCD screen. It’s big and easy to read, with a bold print to make it even easier. The control setting indictor’s font may be smaller, but the light contrast enhances the ability to read it. Even those with poor eyesight will find the screen readable.

If you’ve never used a multimeter before, the controls might be a bit confusing. This is mostly due to the unfamiliar symbols of “AC” and “DC”. The symbols for these two currents are used to indicate voltage measurement controls in the normal ranges of the currents.

Luckily for those who haven’t encountered such a multimeter yet, it comes with a handbook and you get to learn something new in the process.

Conclusion

All in all, this is a top-notch multimeter which will serve its purpose without flaw every time. If you need a general and reliable multimeter which does its job well but doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, then you’re looking at the right one.

3. Etekcity Digital Multimeter, MSR-A600 Electrical Volt Amp Ohm Voltage Tester

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Oh, so you’re looking for a cheap multimeter which works without flaw and is of great quality?

Then keep reading, because the Etekcity Digital Multimeter is one of the best selling multimeters on the market. And that’s not without a reason!

First of all, this device is great if you’re a beginner or a hobbyist as much as if you’re a professional. It’s easy to use and has all the advanced features a professional would need. This is because we’re dealing with a versatile and superior multimeter which is capable of dealing with anything you throw at it. It’s even capable of extended troubleshooting use, depending if you need it for industrial, household, or automotive use.

An important feature with these kinds of devices is, of course, safety. That’s why the multimeter has overload protection, which is essentially an advanced thermal meter.  There’s no need to explain why you need to be safe when working near electricity, but you should know that the overload protection here is highly developed and that the corners are reinforced for drop protection. The thermal meter does 3 readings per second precision sampling.

As far as the performance is concerned, this device gives out precise readings every time and takes but a second to respond. The current is foolproof, making it reliable and trustworthy.

What’s more, the device has diode testing and a transistor, all for the most convenience possible. Also, it has a god and consistent voltage as well as those much-needed resistance readings. Oh, and let’s not forget about the fail-safe continuity.

Conclusion

All in all, this is a great multimeter which will give accurate readings and which won’t bug or break easily. If you’d like a cheap but reliable multimeter which you can use regardless of your experience with multimeters, then this is the device for you.

4. Etekcity MSR-R500 Digital Multimeter

 More photo & price on amazon.com 

Do you agree that safety is the most important factor when handling electricity? Of course, you do, and that’s why you will get how good this multimeter is.

Don’t believe us? Well, then just check out the specs that we will list down below. An excellent and affordable Multimeter that has safety above all. Sure, it does everything its supposed to, like giving you accurate measurements of voltage, currents, resistance, continuity, and much more. But, let’s check out the features a bit more in detail.

Conclusion

Not convinced yet?

Well, we will get into more detail then. A practical tool for both pro electricians and hobbyists, this multimeter can be set up, modified and adjusted whenever you want. So it doesn’t matter if you majored in electrical engineering, or are just a hobbyists who want to do some work around the house, you will definitely fix it up in a way that you like.

And here is probably the most important part of this whole thing – overload protection and a rubber casing. While the rubber sleeve can keep it safe and sturdy in case you drop it, it also helps make it a bit more electricity resistant. But the overload protection can save anyone. Mistakes happen, even to the best of us, and luck is not a lady every night. That’s why this overload protection unit can save you from a ruined meter, a burn or even something much more serious.

It also has a couple of other features that make it a high-quality product. Namely, it has a continuity buzzer that signifies and traces whether your electrical components and elements still work. It also has test lead extension caps that are fully removable, as well as a low battery indicator.

A great product for people from all walks of life.  An excellent digital automotive multimeter as well, you can use it to test fuses, wiring and to even check up on your car’s battery.

5. Etekcity MSR-C600 Digital Clamp Meter & Multimeter

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Energy conservation and ease of use – this is the name of the game for this handy little meter. For all of you who care about conserving energy, as well as having something that is simple and practical, well, you have come to the right place.

Yup, not only is it all about conservation but it’s practical and useful too. It’s not one of those “one trick pony” gadgets, no sir. This is because you can use it like any other multimeter, with the added benefit of saving up on batteries, protecting your wallet, and the environment, all at the same time. Also, it has a couple of nice features that make it quite simple to navigate and use.

 Conclusion

Let’s get into some more detail and see what we think about this one.

So, first of all, we touted and spoke a lot about energy conservation, and with good reason. Namely, batteries don’t really last long, can really add up if you use this gadget for work, and lets not even speak about what drained batteries do to the environment. And trust us, going green is the new cool now. And after, your battery drains because you simply forgot to turn this thing off.

Well, this meter turns off after 15 minutes of being inactive. This means that essentially, you won’t waste any of the batteries if you forget to turn it on. Also, its pretty easy to use. Its huge LCD screen will relay all the information and data you need, without forcing you to squint and waste your eyes.

But, it has other great features. You get a nice carrying pouch that makes it easy to lug the gadget around. Also, it’s autoranging. Now, if you continue reading, you will find out just how much we love autoranging meters. They do the most boring of work for you, with minimal hassle. And this is one of them. It’s jaw opening measures AC current of up to 26mm conductor, without interrupting the circuit, and you can test voltage, resistance, diodes, and continuity.

6. Fieldpiece HS26 Original Stick Digital Multimeter

 More photo & price on amazon.com 

The professional’s tool, made for the pro, and the novice. Paradoxical perhaps, but please, stay with us, and you’ll find out why this makes sense.

This has the professionals build all over it. It is portable, tough, and has modular expand-ability. So, it can be modified and expanded to your heart’s content (and your skill and education level). But, it is also practical for however handles it, though it does shine in the hands of a professional. But, don’t let that discourage you. Proper modular expand-ability can be utilized correctly when some experience is acquired, and you can still use this until you learn (if needed).

Conclusion

Let’s solve the paradox from above, won’t we?

As we have already mentioned, this gadget has functionalities and features that really shine when you have experience. When properly utilized, you can really do a lot with this. First, the build. It’s quite slim, and so fits snugly and easily inside your pocket or belt. Next, it is useful for everyone because it reads most, if not all, of the electrical parameters that you will need to use on a daily basis. This includes microamps DC for flame rectifier diode tests, but also capacitance for capacitors that are both motor-run and motor-start.

Not only that, but you also have removable tip test leads, which allow for safe and secure one-handed testing, with no added issues or problems. Also, because of its modular expandability, it really gives room for a professional or expert to experiment and to practically do whatever he or she wants.

It also possesses MAX and Data Hold, so you will be able to read and preserve some info if needed. Finally, with a solid 400AAC and a microamps DC, this sleek and slick electronic multimeter has, essentially, everything you need.

7. UNI-T AC/DC Modern Digital Auto Ranging Multimeter

A gadget that does your work for you? Yes, it exists, and it’s here. Read on to find out how.

This is probably one of the best auto-ranging digital automotive voltmeter (or rather, multimeter) on this list. First, its auto-ranging, which means that you won’t need to input various ranges, parameters and other information into the thing. No, it will detect everything by itself. Trust us, this one needs minimal calibration and tinkering to work perfectly. And that’s not mentioning all the other positive characteristics it has. Namely, being a true RMS meter as well.

Conclusion

Auto-ranging, tough, and affordable – a tool that is to be reckoned with.

So, let’s start with just how tough this meter is. It can function, with no loss of quality or performance, in temperatures ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to 40. So if you’re in the freezing cold, or in the sweltering heat, it will still work as intended. Also, it comes with a durable adapter that can measure capacitors, so that’s another headache you won’t have to think about.

It can measure AC/DC voltages, as well as current, diode, continuity, capacitance, and resistance. However, these are mainly typical features. What really sets it apart is that it gives out temperature readings as well. The auto-ranging feature will do a lot of the work for you, and the thing even has a USB serial port, so that you can tinker with it some more if you have the know-how.

Finally, this is a true RMS multimeter. This means that it if you need it, it will be able to read, accurately, specified waves. So, in other words, if you need to calculate the power dissipation of a resistive load found in an AC power system, or if there is some sort of PWM signal present, well, no worry, this bad boy will be able to read it. To get a bit more technical, you will be able to measure RMS values of square waves, half-wave rectifier outputs, or even more complex stuff.

8. Ulincos Digital Multimeter UNI-T UT33D

 More photo & price on amazon.com 

Portable, safe, affordable and easy to use – the perfect teaching and beginner multimeter.

Yup, we have some stuff for the novices as well. But that doesn’t mean that you professionals should take the backseat. No, you are along for the ride and are still quite welcome. Now, essentially, this tool has the standard reading features and options, and may not perhaps have anything new when compared to other meters here. But, its affordable price and practicality really made it earn its spot.

Conclusion

So, what’s our verdict here? Well, simple, elegant, easy to use.

We mentioned that this is, in a way, a teaching tool. And for good reason. Its incredibly affordable price, as well as a host of features, and an overload protection factor, truly all add up to the fact that it can be used anywhere. No matter if it’s a school, laboratory, factory, or wherever else it needs to be. And here is why.

First, the size of this thing fits neatly in the palm of your hand. Its ergonomic, very light and so minimizes the risk of you dropping and breaking it. Furthermore, it doesn’t tire you out after repeated usage. Also, it has a very clear backlit LCD screen. So if you ever find yourself in a dimly lit area, with no torch or light sources, you can still use this multimeter. It gives clear and concise readings, with large digits, so you won’t have to worry about misreading anything.

Next, it has overload protection. It uses a specialized PTC protection circuit that measures frequency and resistance. This is great since everybody makes mistakes, especially beginners. This can turn a grave and serious mistake into, simply, a dumb and safe one.

9. ELIKE T-92 Self-Recovery Digital Multimeter

 More photo & price on amazon.com 

Overload protection on any and all levels and ranges under 220V. With extra protection features, an excellent meter.

Another meter on this list that is all about protection. But, not only is it safe, protective and strong but is also an excellent transmitter tester and checker. It even has a nice built-in support stand that will make it easier to use and will give you an extra level of protection and safety.

All this safety also pretty much makes it the best automotive multimeters for the money. And what price it is! It’s incredibly affordable, when taking into account the price.

Conclusion

Safety standards, safety equipment, protection and supports stands –you can afford to be careless with this gadget!

While what we said above is a joke, it is not without merit. It has so many safety features and additions that you truly can get away with sloppiness that would be lethal with other meters. This is because you will get overload protection on any and all ranges, as long as they don’t go above 220V. Furthermore, they fulfill all safety standards and has a range of certifications.

The ELIKE T-92 Self-Recovery Digital Multimeter possesses the IEC61010 standards, as well as a CAT II 600V certification. These are all serious and important standards that serve as proof of its quality and build. And since its so durable and safe, you can use it to test your car equipment with no worries, making it a pretty good automobile multimeter.

Next, it has an Infrared detector that can check any and all IR transmitters (like remotes, or things like that) and test them to see if they work. Finally, it also measures the standard parameters, like capacitance, current, resistance…

10. Topone LCD Digital Ohm VOLT Meter

For an amazing price, being the most affordable multimeter here, it’s truly worth every cent, and more. From the rotary selector to the screen, to the solid build, this one really is worth much more than its humble price. But don’t tell that to Topone, at least not yet. We don’t want them to realize they undervalued this meter, at least, not yet.

Conclusion

Affordable, solid and dependable – three words that really sum up the Topone LCD Digital Ohm VOLT Meter.

While this is not a multimeter with clamps, or having some advanced features, it’s still a steal at the price it is. You can get and do all you need, quick and easy. You have the standard measures and rates, as well as all the basic features a meter is wont to have.

The build is good, with the rotary selector have a nice click and pull to it. It’s also pretty precise and clear. The LCD screen is resistant and will stay where it is for a long time. But what really makes it stand out is the price. Being the most affordable meter on this list, it really has a lot that goes for it.

The Buying Guide– What to consider when buying best digital multimeters

So, now that you’ve seen our top picks for not only the best digital multimeters but the best in general, we would like to turn your attention to some features and specifications you should keep in mind when getting a multimeter. Not only that, but we will dive into some of the different types of multimeters, as well as explaining some features that you will not find in a basic guide.

Types Of Multimeters

You can get an analog multimeter or a digital one. Analogue meters are also known as VOM’s, because of their various measuring functions: ohmmeter, milliammeter, and voltmeter. On the other hand, digital meters are called DMM (digital multimeters). Now, these two types differ in various ways, and may just be a matter of preference which one you will use.

So, first of all, the analog multimeters have an advantage in that the analog needle they have on their screen makes it much easier to see trends and variances in the changing values is currently measured. So in a way, it makes it a bit more difficult to judge just how fast and with how much stability something is changing. Now, of course, some digital multimeters have tried to circumvent this problem, by having actual digitals needles and graphs present on the screen. Still, their effectiveness and aesthetic appeal depend greatly on the brand.

Still, this doesn’t mean that analog multimeters are better (or worse). One disadvantage analog multimeters have is that their input impedance is much lower than the input impedance found in digital multimeters. With a digital reader, you will get more specific and detailed information, with a more precise sensitivity spec.

Another issue is that digital multimeters have a lot more functionality when compared to analog meters. The latter is limited exclusively, by their very name, to volts, amps and ohms readings, while the former has many more options and features.

Then, we have bench top multimeters. Now, these meters are very specific, and that’s why we gave them their own section. Before, bench top multimeters were used exclusively in the lab, by serious engineers. Now, though, with advances in technology, new handheld multimeters are as good as old bench top multimeters. Still, if you want, you can get one of these, but for a hefty price. This is incredibly precise and are essentially better in every way a handheld meter is. However, they are more expensive, and budget multimeters are no good since you might as well get a handheld one.

Features to look for

Depending on whether you are looking for the best digital multimeter, or maybe searching for a high-quality electrician’s multimeter, you will need different features. You will need various levels of calibration, durability, accuracy, extra features….. Still, some are universal and should be present in almost any type.

So, let’s start with build quality. Depending on what you’re testing, you will need to get appropriate multimeters. So, for example, if you’re testing circuits that have more than 30 V, you will, for safety reasons, need to get a meter that is all about safety. So, first, check out the appropriate measurement category. Then, check out the actual build. How good is the fit? Is it ergonomic? See if the whole multimeter is isolated with silicone, or are they using PVC. Is the dial clunky, smoothe? Does it stay in place, or does it wobble?

These are all the things you need to keep in mind, depending on how dangerous your job is.

Next, accuracy. Now, as we mentioned before, these things matter, or they don’t, depending on what you need. Sometimes all you need is to tell whether something is working or not. Now, if you need to, you really should get a meter that is as accurate as possible. However, keep in mind that this meter cannot be uncalibratable. If you can’t have it regularly calibrated, then you will have no way of guaranteeing its accuracy and will have no way of knowing whether what you are doing is precise or not.

Next, getting extra functions. You can get multimeters with various options and measurement features. Some give out capacitance measurement, some allow for diode testing. You can even find meters that, besides their regular functions, give out temperature readings. Some have oscilloscopes that let you record readings over time. This can be quite useful if you want to check out fluctuations that happened for some longer period of time You can get this feature for both analog and for digital readers. Some differ in just how large their screens are, other have different display rates.

You should also consider whether you are getting a True RMS multimeter or an Average Responding type. True RMS is much more complex, precise, but also more expensive than the average reasoning type. Also, keep in mind what the resolution is. A multimeters resolution means a change in the output signal which can be affected by a change made in the input signal. So you should probably get one multimeter that has a range that is suitable for you.

Cat Labels

As far as CAT labels are concerned, here’s a quick summary. There are four CAT labels, CAT I, CAT II, CAT III and CAT IV. They depict what level of power your multimeter can handle. So, a CAT I multimeter can handle circuits that are not connected directly to a power supply. Better stay around smaller, 24V circuits. CAT II can handle electronics that are under 100A, ideal for 110V to 240V systems. CAT III can handle everything except the direct power source that comes from a transformer. So this means three phrase motors or even refrigeration systems.

Finally, CAT IV can handle everything that does not require specialized high tech dedicated equipment.

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