Have you plugged in a home appliance yet it didn’t turn on or turned your car’s ignition but it didn’t start? Your first thought will be that the thing’s broken or the battery’s dead but you don’t know for sure. This is where the best voltmeter comes in!
Basically, a multimeter measures the amount of voltage passing between two points, namely, the positive and negative input of voltage. It’s then usually used in checking the power in home appliances, electronic gadgets and batteries, among other things. It’s a common device used by electricians for this reason.
10 Best Voltmeters
1. Field Guardian
This is likely the finest digital multimeter for watchmen and farmers who want a portable, easy to use and sturdy device for measuring the voltage in their fences. It has its own storage pouch so it can be quickly stowed in a bag or in a glove compartment.
Quick Summary
- Range from 10V to 9,900V
- Black case
- Operates on 9V battery
- Black pouch for storage
Its readings can range from just 10 volts (V) to 9,900 kilovolts (KV) so it’s a suitable device for a wide range of uses. It can be used for high-voltage electric posts, too, and for home installations (120-220V). It’s a multimeter that removes the second guessing from the process.
Its 9V battery can also be replaced quickly since it’s available in electronics stores.
1. Great for field use
It’s specifically designed for field use with its sturdy design so dropping it on the ground occasionally won’t cause permanent damage. It’s also quite easy to carry in your right hand while attaching the probe to an appropriate area.
2. Safe and easy to use
The only thing required to make it work is connecting the metal short probe to a section of the fence, or an electrically-charged pole, or the ground. It can then be used in making accurate diagnosis of potential issues, particularly in narrowing down the specific areas where the issue may be coming from.
3. Versatile uses
Its wide range makes it suitable for getting precise calculations on both electrified uses and off-label applications, such as in home appliances and electronics.
- Sturdy materials and build
- Straightforward to use on and off the field
- Good range for wide range of applications
- Digital calculations
- Replaceable battery
- Design isn’t ergonomic
2. USMEI Dual USB Outlet 4.8A with 12V/24V
This is arguably the excellent car multimeter because of its useful features for car owners, even for motorcycle owners. It comes with a built-in high visibility LCD screen that shows the battery’s voltage when its 12V USB socket is plugged in. Its LCD screen also displays the output current when USB devices are being charged.
Quick Summary
- Efficient charging of battery and compatible devices
- Comes with numerous safety features
- Real-time charging monitoring
- Ease of installation
- No slippage
In short, it not only shows your car’s battery voltage but the speed with which your smartphone is being charged. The supported devices include Apple iPhone, iPad, and Samsung Galaxy, among others.
1. Fast charging
It’s designed such that simultaneous charging of two devices is possible and at full speed, too. Each USB port has 2.4A so charging is fast and easy, and in case of a single charging in one USB port only, the maximum speed can even come up to 4.2A! The current and battery voltage are shown on the red LCD screen, too.
2. Easy to install, secure once installed
It can be quickly installed on nearly all vehicles, from cars and motorcycles to boats and tractors. Once installed, it will hold fast, thanks to its sturdy plastic housing and nut.
3. Safe to use
Its high-strength housing is a safety measure against overheating, overloading and short circuiting in the multimeter. It can even be used as a replacement of a cigarette lighter socket; be sure that it’s mounted per instructions. It’s also designed to resist water and dust so it can be used in many instances.
- Double charging
- Multiple uses in land and sea vehicles
- Easy to install and use
- Weak energy consumption
- Compatible with most devices
- Not dustproof and waterproof as advertised
3. INNOVA 3320 Digital Multimeter- Best HVAC Multimeter
This is widely considered as the best hvac multimeter because of its auto-ranging feature, among others. It’s also a great choice for professional electricians and hobbyists who want a versatile mini multimeter in their toolkit. Its versatility lies in the fact that it can be used for both highly sensitive calculations for electrician’s projects and for do-it-yourself repair jobs.
Quick Summary
- Large digital display
- Singe-setting resistance function
- Sturdy construction
- Versatile uses
Plus, it’s a versatile device because it measures not just the voltage but the frequency, current and capacitance, among others, in electrical devices and batteries. The large digital display shows the precision calculations for these measurements, too, while the battery tester checks both the battery’s voltage and level.
1. Wide range
It can measure up to 10 amps in direct current (DC) and 200MA in alternating current (AC), an unusually wide range considering its basic mini multimeter functions. It’s then a versatile digital multimeter since it can measure both AC and DC values. It’s also a consistent multimeter because of its wide range, a must when you’re a professional electrician.
2. Battery tester
Its battery tester is slightly different from many car multimeters. It not only checks a battery’s voltage but it also checks its state by placing it under a light load. Its three LED lamps, colored green, yellow and red, indicate the battery’s level so it’s easy to determine the possible issues.
- Ergonomic design
- Compact dimensions for easy carrying
- Automatic shutoff
- Low battery warning
- Precise calculations
- Poorly designed kickstand
4. AstroAI Digital Multimeter
This is a professional digital multimeter suitable for use in commercial projects by electricians and technicians, as well as by do-it-yourself enthusiasts. It can be used in running tests on diode and transistor devices while measuring voltage, current and continuity, as well as capacitance and frequency. It’s even suitable for measuring current and voltage in AC.
Quick Summary
- Wide range from 0.1 to 1.00
- 12-point circle for accurate calculations
- Automatic shutdown function
- Digital infrared thermometer
- Auto-ranging capability
You will find it easy to use, too, thanks to its numerous features. These include a large LCD backlit screen, a hanging magnet and an automatic shutoff. You should have an easy time taking measurement records, too, thanks to its functional kickstand.
1. Double protection
With its explosion-proof ceramic fuse tubes, it has double protection that prevents overloading, even when it’s used on its highest range. It’s among the safest and most reliable multimeters on our list for this reason.
2. Wide range of applications
It’s a popular digital multimeter for professional jobs, particularly in troubleshooting electrical problems and for electronics training among students. The information is clearly displayed on the large digital display with a high-visibility LCD technology that makes it easy to see in dim lighting. It even has a data hold function that freezes, so to speak, the information on the screen.
You can also use it in measuring both transistors and capacitors, thanks to its multifunction socket. There’s also a temperature function to determine possible overheating issues.
- Overload protection
- Handy to use
- Precise calculations
- Multiple uses for professionals and DIY enthusiasts
- Measures numerous electrical aspects
- Battery not included
5. BTMETER BT-39C True RMS Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter
Yet another quality multimeter for home use is this BTMETER digital multimeter since it provides accurate calculations. It has a 600 counts display that shows the calculations for both AC DC voltage, as well as for currents up to 6,000V and 600mA. It has numerous useful features, too, such as a continuity beep, automatic backlight for dim lighting conditions, and automatic shutoff.
Quick Summary
- Auto-ranging feature up to 6,000 DC voltage
- Overload protection
- Data hold (freeze)
- Low battery indicator
- Switchable true RMS
This is an affordable digital multimeter that can be used for several years, thus, it gives great value for the money. It even has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold in one hand while testing voltage and current with the other hand. It even has a thermocouple feature, a useful function when you want to measure temperature without making direct contact with the object.
1. Accurate readings
Keep in mind that precise calculations are a must in troubleshooting electrical issues and this multimeter delivers on it. Its sampling time is fast, between two and three seconds, while its readings are in the high range. It can give precise measurements up to 600.0mV – 600V in DC voltage and 6.000V – 600V in AC voltage, aside from measurements for resistance and capacitance.
2. Manual and auto ranging feature
You can zero in for more precise readings and, thus, get more accurate testing results. It’s a particularly useful feature when testing micro-reading devices, thanks to its relative value testing and zeroing feature; juts press the REL button.
- 600 counts display for easy readings
- Wide range for AC and DC measurements
- Easy to use
- Comes with numerous useful features
- Affordable price
- Not as sturdy as other options
6. Fluke 115 Compact – Best Fluke Multimeter for Electronics
This is widely considered as the best multimeter for beginners because it’s so easy to use. There’s no need to set the range since it does so automatically; manual setting of the range can damage a multimeter, especially when done by a beginner. There’s even an audible warning beep when its mode isn’t set correctly.
Quick Summary
- Package includes the multimeter and carrying case
- Multiple measurements including diode, capacitance and frequency tests
- Measures 20A
- CAT III 600V safety rating
- Easy-open case
It has a few safety features, too, such as the low battery indicator and the automatic shutoff. The former is useful in notifying you when it’s time to charge the unit or change its battery. The latter is a must in emergency situations as well as in saving battery power.
We love that it has a thick and tough body that can withstand daily use, even the occasional drops. The solid rubber casing makes it not only sturdy but also easy to hold, even in rough conditions.
1. True RMS technology
This multimeter provides accurate readings at all times due to its RMS technology. Basically, it can read both AC sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal waves and, thus, converts them into their equivalent DC values. It’s then a preferred multimeter among professionals who repair PC circuits, electronic ballasts and HVAC applications, to name a few examples of sensitive electronics.
2. Clear display
The large 6000-count display makes it easy to read the readings from any angle and in low-light conditions. There’s also a data hold option where the information displayed can be frozen; just press the “Hold” button.
- Affordable
- Compact and lightweight design filled with useful features
- Large display
- Accurate readings for professional use
- Multiple functions
- Backlight only stays on for a short period
7. Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter
With several Fluke digital multimeters in this list, it’s fair to assume that Fluke is the best multimeter brand when it comes to performance and price. The Fluke 87-V digital multimeter is the brand’s flagship unit, the go-to device for professional electricians and technicians who want precision performance from a robust unit.
Quick Summary
- Gives accurate frequency measurements
- Measures up to 1000 VAC
- 2000 meters operating altitude
- Built-in thermometer
- Dual display resolution
- Captures intermittent as fast as 250 µS
This is among the top models in the 80 series, the fifth version according to the company. It’s designed for troubleshooting household and commercial electrical systems, particularly with its handling of currents up to 20A and complex signals.
1. True RMS multimeter
Aside from giving accurate readings, it can measure all the test ranges for high-performance, precision electronics, such as capacitance, frequency and voltage. This is possible due to its world-class RMS technology combined with low pass filter, a combo that allows for precise measurements on both current signals and AC voltage.
Due to its RMS technology, it’s a great instrument for handling both industrial applications as well as for home-based and lab-based work, such as auto repair tasks. It provides measurements for both nano-Farad capacitance and micro-amps ranges, with an impressive range of resolutions. It even gives conductance measurements, yet another reason for its status as the best multimeter for electronics.
2. Comes with auto-ranging feature
While it has a manual switching feature, it also has an auto-ranging feature that makes it easy to choose which one suits your style the best. The response times are fast and there are warning beeps for incorrect plugging into inputs.
- Durable build
- Reliable accurate readings
- CAT IV-rated
- Fast and responsive displays
- Excellent battery life
- Slightly expensive price
8. Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter- Best Automotive Multimeter
The Fluke 117 is arguably the best compact multimeter with its small size and ergonomic chassis. You should be able to hold it easily and securely in your hand so there’s little to no risk of it slipping to the ground.
Quick Summary
- Low input impedance
- True RMS technology
- 400 hours of battery life (without use of backlight)
- Non-contact voltage detection
- Automatic AC/Dc voltage selection
- Comes a very generous 3-year warranty
It has the basics of Fluke digital multimeters including measurements for AC/DC voltage and amperage, continuity. Frequency, capacitance and resistance. The unit has a CAT III safety rating with a 600V ceiling, a useful feature for analysing appliances, switch gears, outlets and control panel boards.
1. True RMS meter
Keep in mind that it’s a true RMS meter so it always gives accurate readings even when there are erratic square wave and sign wave situations. In case of a constantly fluctuating signal, it still gives fairly accurate readings by averaging out the minimum and maximum measurements. It’s a practical feature for professional tasks, such as repair work on precision instruments.
Other features include sensitivity of 1mA in increments up to 6A as well as 10mA increments between 6A and 10A. The diode check is limited to just 2V and the resistance ranges from 0.01 ohms (Ω) to 40MΩ.
2. VoltAlert detector technology
This feature allows for quick determination of the voltage through a wall or cable, as if you’re actually using a voltage stick. This is possible through its sensor on the tester’s head, an extra feature that makes it easier to test voltage without using a separate equipment.
- Accurate readings under nearly all situations
- Special features including auto-volt and non-contact voltage detection
- Measures non-linear loads
- Portable and compact design
- Large backlit screen
- Doesn’t come with carrying case
9. Proster Digital Multimeter – Best Budget Multimeter
This is the best budget multimeter if you’re looking for a low cost multimeter for your hobby or as a spare unit for your professional jobs. It has an auto-ranging feature that measures all the criteria for voltage and current, as well as measures temperature range. It can also be used for testing transistors and, thus, it gives more value for the money.
Quick Summary
- Auto-ranging multimeter for measuring AC/DC testing ranges
- Comes with test leads, temperature probe and carry bag
- Overload protection
- Low battery indicator
- LCD display
Keep in mind that this is a full-sized multimeter with several modes and ranges so it performs well under most conditions. But it’s best suited for lower energy work, mainly because of its low category rating. It comes with glass fuses for this type of job, too.
1. Max/Min modes
This feature allows the user to see a signal’s high and low points. There’s also a relative mode that displays the difference between a present value and a stored value, as well as a data hold for freezing the values displayed on the screen. The unit also comes with a range button swap for changing between manual ranging and auto ranging.
2. Excellent display
The display features clear numbers while its resolution comes up to 6000 counts. It’s a responsive multimeter with a refresh rate of 3x per second, too, and an analog-type bar graph. The display is set within a sturdy rubber boot and the unit itself has a stand for hands-free use.
- Full-sized multimeter
- Good set of features
- Measures micro-amps
- Has temperature probe
- Comes with protection features
- Low category rating
- Slow continuity tests and auto range on capacitance
10. Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter Pocket- Best Electronics Multimeter
This is a basic pocket multimeter that can be used for basic electrical tests in the home and office. As such, it’s a quite excellent device for making standard electrical measurements like resistance, voltage and continuity as well as frequency and capacitance. But it doesn’t have range for amps and milliamps, so it’s a fine device for commercial and residential electricians but not for industrial tasks.
Quick Summary
- Basic Dc accuracy of 0.5%
- CAT III 600V rating
- Rugged design with durable materials
- Compact and lightweight
- Measures duty cycle, frequency and capacitance
- All testing ranges possible
This is a traveller multimeter because it’s smaller than a full-sized multimeter and larger than a pocket-sized multimeter. While it’s affordable, it’s still a Fluke multimeter and, thus, it still ranks well in terms of overall performance. It’s a CAT III-rated multimeter, after all, so it’s suitable for use in testing both load-side single and three phase installations.
1. Good design and build
This has a nice, solid feel to it even when it’s smaller than a full-sized multimeter while its dial selector makes it easier to use with just one hand on it. It has the standard banana jack plug leads instead of hardwired probe leads but it has its merits, too. It doesn’t have a kickstand but you can buy a magnetic soft stand as an aftermarket accessory.
2. Good overall performance
There are seven positions on the dial, including resistance and frequency sharing, as well as a “Select” button for changing the range and a “Hold” button for freezing the reading. It has an automatic shutoff feature, which turns off the unit after 20 minutes of idle time. Its battery typically lasts for 200 hours while its readings are fairly accurate.
- Fairly durable
- Reliable readings
- Tests most ranges
- Affordable
- Hold function
- Slightly slow auto ranging and continuity
Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Right Voltmeter: Your Questions Answered
What’s The Difference between a Voltmeter and a Multimeter?
A voltmeter measures only voltage but a multimeter measures most, if not, all of the testing ranges. These include voltage as well as current, resistance, frequency, inductance, capacitance and even humidity and temperature.
Digital Multimeters are obviously the more useful device between the two measurement tools because of its multiple uses. But a voltmeter also has its uses so you may also consider getting it.
What Voltmeters Are Capable Of
Keep in mind that volts are a unit of measure representing the difference in potential between the negative and positive nodes of an electric current. As such, multimeters measure said difference in potential and provide the result in terms of volts.
Emphasis must also be made that some multimeters can work with both alternating and direct currents. But there are also some voltmeters that work only in alternative current and some multimeters designed exclusively for direct current. The best multimeters are obviously the ones that work with both types of current.
multimeters measure voltage through a fine wire coil that carries current, the heart of these devices, if you will. This wire coil hovers above an external magnetic field.
When the clamps or leads on a multimeter is connected to a power source, such as a plug or a battery, the current from it flows through the wire coil. The current then reacts with the magnetic coil resulting in its spinning motion. The rotation can result in either a needle moving, as is the case for an analog multimeter, or shows a reading in the case of a digital multimeter.
What Are The Main Differences When Using A Digital Versus An Analog Multimeters?
The main difference between a digital and an analog meter lies in the way the readings are presented. With a digital meter, the numbers are displayed on an LCD screen, which may or may not have backlights for easy reading in low-light conditions. With an analog meter, the values are indicated on a scale and deflection pointer.
Emphasis must also be made that digital meters are less likely to be affected by external magnetic interference. These also aren’t made with wire coils since these can increase damage. These are, however, less responsive to quick voltage changes because these update more slowly than their analog counterparts.
But in terms of accurate readings, digital multimeters give more precise measurements than analog meters; the latter are prone to error due to their pointer-based technology. The readings on a digital meter are stated in numeric form while on an analog meter, it’s on a scale against a pointer.
As for calibration, digital meters have automatic calibration systems that make it faster and easier to make measurements. With analog meters, it’s manual calibration only. This is true for setting the range wherein most digital meters have an auto-ranging feature while analog meters require manual setting.
Other differences include:
ADC requirement
Analog meters don’t require analog-to-digital converters while digital meters require it. The ADC requirement is for displaying the readings on the screen.
AC frequency
Digital measures can measure higher AC frequency than analog meters.
Power supply
Digital meters require power supply while analog meters don’t.
Input signals
Analog meters can only display a single input signal value while digital meters can accept multiple inputs. The latter also has adjustable displays for showing different input signals.
Due to the number of components necessary in digital meters and their complexity of construction, these are also more expensive than analog meters.
The Top Things to Consider When Buying a Multimeter
The first factor that should be considered when choosing a multimeter is the choice between analog and digital. Keep in mind that each type has its pros and cons so it will boil down to your personal preferences.
On one hand, digital meters provide more precise readings and give better readouts through their LCD screens. These are also more compact, lightweight and portable aside from being equipped with more features for testing most, if not all, ranges.
On the other hand, analog meters have an old-school appeal to them that appeals to many professional technicians and electricians. These don’t require a power supply and can be used in rough situations.
The second factor is the choice between manual ranging and auto-ranging. The latter means that the multimeter can recognize the device being tested and, thus, there’s no need to input the range. You then won’t have to know the values beforehand since the multimeter will find them, in contrast with manual ranging where you must know the range of values.
Of course, you should look into the level of accuracy of the multimeter. In an ideal world, it should always give 100% accurate readings even after several years of use. This isn’t obviously the case in all multimeters and multimeters for many reasons, such as cheap components, imperfect processes and even user error.
In general, the more precise the digital multimeter, the more expensive it’s likely to be because of the state-of-the-art components used, among other reasons. You will want a more expensive digital multimeter if you’re a professional technician or electrician who wants precise readings every time. But if you’re a DIY enthusiast, a more affordable option is a better choice since precise readings aren’t necessary.
Other factors that should be considered are:
- The safety features, such as internal blast shields, wide flanges and shrouded banana plugs. Look into input protection and isolation slots, too. While these will add to the cost, these are essential for keeping your safe while working with electricity.
- The overall design and build should be ergonomic for ease of handling and sturdy for prolonged use in rugged conditions. Look for thick and tough casing and finish.
- You may also want to consider the brand since some brands are more reliable than others. Fluke, for example, is a brand well-known for its line of reasonably-priced yet high-precision multimeters.
How Do I Operate A Multimeter?
- Be sure to read the operations manual for the multimeter that you’re using as there may be differences between units. In general, however, these are the basic steps.
- Set the mode by using the dial.
- Insert the test leads on the appropriate colored slots (red and black)
- Be sure to check that your fingers aren’t in contact with the metal probes and the probes aren’t touching each other, too.
- Insert the metal probes into the wall outlet. Basically, the negative test lead (black) goes into the outlet’s larger vertical slot while the positive test lead (red) leads to the smaller vertical slot. This is applicable on a 120V 15A outlet.
- Check the reading, which should be 120V. But if the display shows “1” or “OL”, then it may be necessary to increase the range
What Do CAT Levels Mean For A Multimeter?
The CAT levels refer to the measurement category specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for live electric circuits used in measuring and testing installations, appliances and equipment. These categories consider the total continuous energy at the circuit’s given point as well as the presence of impulse voltages.
There are four CAT levels, namely:
- CAT I for measurements done on circuits that aren’t directly connected to the mains.
- CAT II for circuits directly connected to low voltage installations, usually in households.
- CAT III for measurements done on building installations.
- CAT IV for measurements done at the primary source of low voltage installations, such as electricity meters and ripple control units.
What Are The Functions Of The Digital multimeter?
The digital voltmeter’s main function is reading the actual voltage of components including appliances, outlets and installations. The voltage can be measured in both DC and AC.
Other functions include automatic range selection, high input impedance and micro controllers. These devices also have no parallax errors. These useful functions are among the reasons for the increasing popularity of digital multimeters.
Picking the Ideal Multimeter for You
The utmost multimeters will depend on your unique knowledge and skills in its proper use as well as on the actual uses you will have for it. But it must also be noted that you can’t go wrong with the best multimeters – if hundreds of users say that it’s a 4.6-star rated unit, then it likely is.
In this regard, Fluke 87V is the best multimeter in our books. While it’s among the most expensive multimeters in the market, it’s well worth the money, thanks to its precision, high resolution display and multiple uses. It also has a solid build, an ergonomic design and numerous safety features, as well as Fluke’s guarantee of quality.
We particularly liked its outstanding performance. It has an 8-position dial selector, which makes it easy to choose the desired measurement, and seven buttons for the power switch, min/max, range and auto-hold, among others. Its response time is just as exceptional while its 400-hour battery life is welcome news; the battery can sit for prolonged periods without being drained.
Of course, its accuracy cannot be questioned! It will be accurate for several years so there’s no need for second guessing the measurements even after it’s been in regular use for several years.