Are you looking for precision multimeters that can be used for a wide range of applications? You’ve come to the right place because we have the 10 best multimeter brands that can be found in stores! You can use our guide, too, in choosing the best multimeter for your needs.
10 Best Multimeter Brands
1. Fluke Multimeter
Fluke is undoubtedly the leading company of digital multimeter because it fits the bills in all aspects – reliability, durability and precision measurements across numerous testing ranges. In 1948, John Fluke established Fluke Corporation.
Quick Summary
- Allows for non-contact detection of voltage (VoltAlert technology)
- Automatic AC/DC voltage selection
- Low input impedance
- True RMS technology
Among the best Fluke meters for electronics and general purpose applications is Fluke 117, a true RMS multimeter.
Maintains its precise readings over time
Its true RMS technology allows Fluke 117 to give correct readings even after several years of regular use; proper use is obviously a must. It has a CAT-III 600V safety rating, as well as a capacity to measure either a 20 amp overload or a continuous 10 amps for 30 seconds. Its low input impedance prevents ghost readings, too.
Automatic voltage switch and detection
There’s no need to actually touch the probe to the outlet since it can automatically measure the voltage through a barrier (e.g., wall). It can even switch between AC and DC – and vice versa – voltages automatically.
- Precision equipment
- Durable casing and design
- Heavy-duty use
- Multiple applications
- Ergonomic dimensions
- No magnet
2. Amprobe Multimeter
Founded in 1948 in New York as Pyramid Instrument Company, Amprobe is aptly considered as the superior clamp digital multimeter brands partly because it’s been in the business for such a long time. In fact, among its first products was the “Amprobe”, an inductive clamp meter and the name became synonymous with clamp meters. By 1960, the company changed its name to Amprobe Instrument Corporation for this reason.
Quick Summary
- CAT IV 600V/CAT III 1000V rating
- Built-in non-contact voltage analyzer
- 10 A amperage
- 60MΩ resistance
- Test Leads included
Today, the Amprobe AM-570 is among the best multimeters in its product lines.
Easy to use yet offers accurate readings
The screen and control panel allows for the measurement of numerous testing ranges, such as amperage, ohms and voltage. It’s easy to use, too, since everything’s laid out on the control panel.
Affordable price
Beginners and DIY enthusiasts will find this digital multimeter sufficient for their needs, especially when it comes to the budget-friendly price. But with its affordable prices comes a few compromises, such as its long-term durability.
- Budget-friendly unit
- Reasonable accuracy
- Multiple measurements
- Low input impedance
- Comes with LED flashlight
- Easy to use and carry
- Slightly slower response time
3. Klein Tools Multimeter
Currently based in Lincolnshire, Illinois, Klein Tools was founded by Mathias Klein in 1857 in Chicago, Illinois. Its company is also synonymous with linemen pliers, which are often simply called Kleins. With the outstanding reliability of its test leads, the Klein multimeter company is considered as the greatest voltmeter brand for electricians, too.
Quick Summary
- Auto ranging voltage
- Measures 600V in AC/DC voltage and 10 amps in AC/DC current
- Measures capacitance, frequency and temperature
Klein Tools MM200 is a top-rated digital multimeter that meets the brief in terms of accuracy and reliability. Plus, it has a CAT III safety rating at a low-cost price.
Safe for a large range of applications
This is the quintessential electrician’s tool that can be used for residential and commercial applications. With its precision readings, it’s a useful tool for diagnosing the issues in numerous electronic appliances, among others. It can even be used in conducting diode tests.
Auto-ranging Multimeter feature
With its auto-ranging multimeter feature, it’s a convenient tool to use since there’s no need for manual adjustments. It can also measure nearly all testing ranges.
- Gives fairly precise readings
- Low-cost
- Easy to use
- Multiple applications
- Fairly chunky to use
4. Brymen Multimeter
The Brymen is known as the finest handheld voltmeter, not to mention that it’s a more affordable alternative to the pricier Fluke multimeters. In 1993, a group of entrepreneurs founded Brymen Technology in Taiwan and it has since then been known for its test and measurement instruments.
Quick Summary
- Measures voltage up to 1000V and up to 10A current
- Data hold functions
- Frequency and duty cycle
- Min/Max crest modes
- True RMS features
The BM869s is among its best handheld multimeters and here’s why.
Ergonomic design
With a slimmer center, it’s easy to hold because of the natural shape. It even has a rubber texture for better grip while its plastic holster provides protection against accidental drops. It’s a good thing, too, since the multimeter feels less durable than it looks so added protection is welcome.
Useful in industrial applications
With a CAT 4 safety rating, it’s a best digital multimeter for a broad range of residential, commercial and industrial applications. Its LCD display shows the reliable readings in a clear way, too.
- Great functionality
- Dual, high-resolution screen
- Fairly correct readings
- Inexpensive
- Good test leads
- Short battery life
5. Extech Multimeter
Founded in 1971 and currently based in Nashua, New Hampshire, Extech Instruments is a full-line manufacturer of handheld electronic testing and measuring equipment. Thanks to its decades of experience, its products are known for their overall quality as well as for their ease of use across levels of expertise among customers. It’s also the best budget multimeter due to the cheap price and reliability of its multimeters.
Quick Summary
- Built-in non-contact voltage tester
- Data hold function
- Measures numerous testing ranges
- CAT III safety rating
Its Extech EX330 Auto ranging Digital Multimeter is a great example of such a dependable and durable product.
Automatic voltage detector
In cases when the probes don’t have outlets to test, this multimeter’s non-contact AC voltage detector makes the job easier. Just hold it near a power source, wait a second or two, and then look at the screen for the voltage reading.
large range of measurements
Despite its cost-effective price, it’s a useful tool in measuring frequency, voltage, resistance, capacitance and current, even temperature. The readings are accurate, too.
- Easy to use and read
- Measures multiple ranges
- Comes with impact-resistant case
- LCD screen is easy to scratch
6. Keysight Multimeter
This is among the supreme brands for multimeter due to its multimeters being sturdy in design, accurate in its readings and useful in its applications. Keysight, an American company, is also known as Agilent since it was spun off from Agilent Technologies in 2014. Its products are popular among technicians, electricians and other professionals.
QUICK SUMMARY
- True RMS feature
- LED screen
- AC/DC measurements
- Manual/Auto ranging Digital Multimeter
The Keysight U1253B is arguably the best multimeters in its line. It’s an eye-catching multimeter with a high-resolution screen and eay-to-use control panel.
Measures several testing ranges
It’s useful in measuring voltage and current in both AC and DC, as well as resistance up to 500MΩ, frequency up to 20MHz and capacitance up to 100mF. It can be used in measuring conductance and temperature, too, as well as in conducting diode and continuity tests.
Reliable readings
With its true RMS feature, it gives true readings for sine, square and triangle waves. It also has duty cycle, dynamic record readings and peak hold, among others.
- Highly accurate readings
- Comes with several features
- Wireless data logging
- Rechargeable battery
- Fast capacitance range
- Slightly slow continuity range
7. Innova Multimeter
The Innova is the go-to brand for affordable multimeters that can be bought online and in physical stores. But don’t dismiss it as being an inferior company just because of its discounted prices! If you’re looking for the foremost automotive multimeter, then this is the one you’re looking for.
Quick Summary
- Measures current, temperature and vehicle RPM
- Automatic ranging, shut-off, and zero adjustment
- CAT II safety rating
- Data hold functions
The Innova 3340 is proof that affordable doesn’t mean inferior quality.
Useful for engine technicians and electricians
The Innova 3340 is actually tailored for the needs of the automotive industry but it’s just as useful in non-automotive needs. It’s a dependable tool for accurate measurements, too, for AC/DC voltage, milliamps and resistance, among others. Its vehicle-specific tests include RPM checks, alternator output checks, and tacho checks.
Sturdy build
With its protective rubber boot, sturdy construction and contoured design, it’s easy to hold in the palm of your hand and easy to use in the field. The dial’s 16 input selector stations are easy to use, too.
- Functional car test features
- Auto ranging Digital Meter
- Reasonable price
- Clear display
- No backlight for screen
8. Mastech Multimeter
The Mastech is well-known for its budget-friendly yet better high quality multimeters. Mastech was founded in Pittsburgh in 1986 but its manufacturing facilities are mostly in China. Its product lines including a broad range of inexpensive yet functional tools for different professions including technicians and electricians.
Quick Summary
- Measures both micro-amps and milliamps
- Measures frequency and capacitance
- Tests up to 10A
- Comes with manual/auto ranging function
- Has diode checker
If you’re looking for an affordable multimeter with extra functions, the Mastech MS8229 is a good choice. It’s great for do-it-yourself work as well as for some commercial-level jobs.
Measures several testing ranges
Despite its cheap price, it doesn’t skimp on the features! It can measure capacitance and frequency as well as temperature, humidity, sound and light. It’s useful for testing electronic circuitry, too. Its extra features include backlit screen, jack socket warning lights and manual ranging option.
Comes with relative mode
It’s a feature that’s useful for comparisons between values, usually by zeroing the meter and comparing the displacement.
- Plenty of practical features
- Fairly precise readings
- Good battery charge life
- Clear display
- Easy to use
- Slightly slow continuity
9. Tekpower Multimeter
Like Mastech, Tekpower multimeters are made in China but these are distributed in its dedicated outlet in California. It’s also among the excellent analog multimeter brands, a distinction that serves it well in a sea of digital multimeters.
Quick Summary
- True RMS features
- Smartphone compatible
- Measures multiple testing ranges
- CAT III rated
- Manual/Auto ranging
We recommend the Tekpower TP8260L Analog Multimeter because of its budget-friendly price and high quality. It’s suitable for use in hobby and commercial applications, too.
Precise readings
The measure of a multimeter is the precision of its readings and the Tekpower TP8260L delivers. Thanks to its true RMS feature, it precisely measures AC signals with a disrupted sine wave. Plus, it has both automatic and manual ranging options for beginner and expert users.
Extra features
It’s compatible with numerous smartphones, as well as comes with Bluetooth connectivity for data logging and transmission. It’s also useful for measuring voltage, current and duty cycles, among others.
- Correct readings
- Easy to operate
- Multiple user functions
- Cheap price
- Backlit display
- Slow rate of refresh
10. Etekcity Multimeter
Yet another Chinese-made multimeter company is Etekcity, a brand known for its inexpensive multimeters for general household use. Most of its multimeters have basic features that DIY enthusiasts, electricians and technicians can use in numerous applications.
Quick Summary
- CAT I rated up to 600V and CAT II to 300V (AC/DC)
- Illuminated display
- Manual ranging
- Diode range and common continuity
The MSR-R500 is a mini digital multimeter used in the measurement of voltage, current and resistance. It’s also useful in testing and diagnosing issues in the home, circuit boards and car audio installations.
Durable build
While it’s an inexpensive multimeter, it looks and feels sturdy and steady in your hands. Its large dial makes it easy to see the readings while its rubber holster protects it from frequent use. It has hold and backlight buttons, as well as a poo-out kickstand for hands-free operation.
Multiple applications
It’s best suited to professional electricians who want a multifunctional meter for multi purpose work and for backup purposes. It’s easy to use, too, partly because of the clear instructions.
- Lightweight, hands-free use
- Fairly precise measurements
- Low battery indicator
- Hold feature
- No auto ranging
Buyer’s Guide: Things You Should Know
Common Problems Which Are Handled By the Multimeter?
Both analog and digital multimeters have numerous applications by virtue of their design for measuring current, voltage and resistance, among other testing ranges, in electric devices, parts and appliances. These are then vital in diagnosing a wide variety of technical issues including but not limited to the following:
- Determining the possible issues in electrical outlets, particularly if an AC outlet has sufficient output voltage necessary for the efficient operation of electrical devices
- Identifying issues with circuit breakers, such as when there’s no voltage when a breaker is in its “on” position
- Deciding whether lamps and light bulbs have an underlying electrical issue or these have to replaced already
- Testing the resistance on appliances, such as washing machines; the resistance reading should be near zero
- Determining the presence of faulty fuses in electronic instruments; set the multimeter to its continuity for the test
- Checking the batter life on electronic gadgets and car parts
- Measuring the resistance in capacitors; choose the ohms setting for this test
- Identifying the hot and neutral wires; be sure to wear rubber gloves when testing for the “hotness” of the black wire
- Inspecting thermostats; if the reading is near zero for the upper thermostat, it needs repair while the lower thermostat reading should be around 120 volts
- Repairing laptops and desktops for issues like start-up warnings, unexpected shutdowns and overheating
These are just a few of the applications that a multimeter can be used in. Many multimeters can also be used for industrial applications, as is the case for CAT IV safety rated multimeters used in measuring the primary sources of low voltage electricity.
Due to the hazardous nature of electricity when it’s handled improperly, we strongly advise getting appropriate training before using a multimeter.
What Is a Multimeter Probe?
There are actually two probes in a multimeter with each probe connected to specific ports or places. The COM probe, typically black in color, is either connected to Ground or to the negative end of a circuit. The other probe, usually red in color, is connected to the positive side of the circuit.
There are several types of probes including:
- Banana to alligator clips, which are suitable for pins and large wires. These are also great for conducting longer tests since there’s no need to hold the probes in place.
- Banana to tweezers, a handy type for testing SMD parts.
- Banana to IC hook, which work great on legs of ICs and on smaller ICs.
- Banana to test probes, a cheap alternative to the other probe types.
What to Look for in a Multimeter Brand
The first thing to look for is the track record of the company since it’s an excellent indicator of the overall quality of its multimeters. Fluke, for example, is well-known for the high quality of its voltmeters and multimeters and, thus, their popularity with professionals.
You should also look into the warranty and guarantee provided by the company. As a general rule, the longer the warranty period, the better for the consumer. Be sure to look into the guarantee of quality, too, since it’s a vital factor in your choice.
Picking the Ultimate Multimeter Brands for You
We consider Fluke 117 as the ultimate multimeter and Fluke as among the perfect multimeter brands because of the outstanding quality of its products. Customers can look forward to dependable, durable and affordable multimeters that will last for several years of regular and proper use.