This article will discuss multimeters and the various types of products currently available in the market.
Additionally, the article will also highlight several pros and cons of a particular product when discussing it.
The main focus is to highlight the best multimeters for electricians, mention the budget multimeters if you don’t want to spend excessively, and the best multimeters for DIY electronics if you’re a hobbyist.
However, before proceeding, there are a few things you should be wary of before beginning.
The buyers’ guide below lists them out.
Buyers Guide
When buying a multimeter, there are a plethora of things you should keep in mind.
All of these have the potential to either make your experience good or downright awful.
Hence, when going out to buy a multimeter, it’s recommended that you keep them in mind.
Purpose
For starters, it’s very important to designate a purpose to why you’re buying a multimeter. This will essentially dictate all the other factors on the list.
To put things in perspective, if you’re a student, there is less reason to invest in a multimeter that is very expensive or on par with the equipment used by professionals.
Hence, define a purpose before buying one.
Price and Cost
The pricing and cost of the multimeter will pay a significant role in your decision.
Is your project long or short-term?
Such factors should be considered when surfing through the appropriate price ranges of the multimeter.
It’s likely that the more you invest, the multimeter is to have higher accuracy and versatility.
Accuracy
As mentioned above, accuracy is a very detrimental feature of multimeters. The more accurate your equipment is, the more it is likely that your reading will be on point.
This will ensure that your projects run parallel in efficiency with the predicted results and readings.
Safety Standards
In simple words, getting electrocuted is the last thing you want.
If you’re going to be spending time around circuits with an output greater than 30V, it’s better to consider multimeters which follow a good safety protocol.
Features to look out for are insulated and sharper probes.
Design
In the end, it all comes down to design. The aesthetical value of your model can either make or break your experience.
A good design will enhance your experience and make it more enjoyable for you.
However, this should normally be the last thing that you should be considering.
Analog vs. Digital
If your budget allows, digital multimeters are the right choice in virtually all scenarios. This is due to the display feature, which directly read off the value measured.
Compared to the pin-method in analog multimeters, the former is more reliable and likely to provide better readings.
Top 15 Multimeter for Electricians Reviews
Several factors have been accounted for in this review, such as accuracy levels and design.Again, it’s important to emphasize that you should have a clear-cut purpose before you set out on this journey.
The reviews are gathered from existing customers and users, and by our team of professionals.
1. Keenstone Digital Multimeter
The multimeter by Morpilot is one of the best in the market. With a 2-in-1 manual and auto-ranging feature, users don’t have to specify ranges for the measured value since the equipment takes care of it.
The count goes up to 6000, which ensures maximal accuracy. The Morpilot is also multivariable, measuring features such as AC/DC/voltages, resistance, and capacitance.
The Morpilot also turns off after 15 minutes of inactivity, conserving battery, and has a clear and big display.
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Pros
- Good battery timing
- Clear display
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners
- Probes don’t make good contact
2. INNOVA 3320 Digital Multimeter
The Innova is UL certified and is chiefly used for household and automotive problems, making it perfect for home-based users and enthusiasts.
The Innova 3320 is also auto-ranging, which means you don’t have to adhere to a particular scale when using it.
It comes with a protective guard, which makes the apparatus less likely to break on impact.
Additionally, the Innova comes with a large LED display.
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Pros
- Small and compact
- Easy to carry around
Cons
- Not many features included
- Not suitable for professionals
3. BT-39C BTMETER Digital Multimete Electric
This model is famous for its elegant design. The BT-39C has one of the best standards for accuracy in the market, along with a range.
The multimeter also comes with an added thermocouple feature, enabling the user to measure the temperature of something without any direct contact.
The temperature can be measured in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
With an LCD, the product comes in the color blue, which makes it stands out from its competitors.
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Pros
- Beautiful design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Temperature settings are not permanent
- Likely to break on impact
4. ETEPON Digital Multimeter
The Etepon is applicable for both automotive and DIY household usage, due to its simplicity and the versatile readings it can provide.
It can test AC/DC voltage, AC/DC, resistance, continuity, capacitance, and frequency, to a very accurate and reliable degree.
The model also has additional features such as date hold, Maximum Value hold, hanging Magnet, function shut-off switch and a kickstand.
With double fuse protection and a bright LCD, the Etepon is a good choice.
In darker environments, the backlight is blue, which makes reading the values easier.
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Pros
- Accessible in the dark
- Versatile in usage and features
Cons
- Likely to break on impact
- The design isn’t too appealing
5. AstroAI Digital Multimeter
This model is focused on a more professional audience with features such as Auto-Ranging and True RMS values for measuring both AC Current and Voltage.
The model is built to be worked under harsh and hard conditions and is extremely durable.
Additionally, this model is very secure and was built with keeping user-safety in mind.
The AstroAI is the best choice for you if your career requires the use of a multimeter!
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Pros
- Durable and strong
- Best suited for professionals
Cons
- Inefficient magnetic holdings
- Might beep irregularly if damaged
6. Neoteck Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter
The Neoteck is famous for its accuracy, which is why you’re likely never to go wrong with it.
It can measure quantities such as AC/DC Voltage, Current, Resistance, Capacitance, and Frequency.
The LCD screen is also easy to read with a bright display and adaptable backlight, making it more accessible in the dark.
The covering is non-slip and protects from impacts and collisions.
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Pros
- The cover provides good protection
- Good for home usage
Cons
- The user manual isn’t elaborative
- Unappealing design
7. Etekcity Digital Multimeter
The multifunctional Etekcity combines smart design with good usage that can measure currents, voltages, resistance, continuity, and diodes with a high level of accuracy.
The model is easy to use with a bright LCD, making it easier to make measurements.
The Etekcity also comes with rubber protections and will inform the user if the battery is low!
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Pros
- Stronger than other models
- Good for home usage
Cons
- Fuses hard to find
- Liable to break down if the hookup is bad
8. Gardner Bender GMT-318 Multimeter
This model is more on the ideal range of things and provides the basic services of the multimeter.
The analog display might mean you’ll have to squint to see and get very precise readings.
However, the color display makes the readings easier to note.
Additionally, this model has been Agency approved with fuse overload protection circuitry incorporated.
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Pros
- Good to use if you’re starting out
- Strong and robust
Cons
- Taking readings might be hard
- Functionality is becoming obsolete
9. Tekpower TP7244L Multimeter
This model provides high accuracy and is optimal for use in low DC and voltage settings.
The model also includes zero adjustments, which can help the user remove any errors (optimal for learning).
Additionally, this model adheres to several standards and comes with a strong protective casing.
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Pros
- Optimal for beginners
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not built for automotive usage
- Not suitable for high voltages
10. Mastech MS8268 Digital Multimeter
The Mastech is a simple, lightweight multimeter if you’re looking for a product that you can easily carry around.
With an LED display and an included battery, the Mastech is optimal for carrying around in your pouch, making it available on the go!
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Pros
- The auto-ranging function is available
- No delay in readings
Cons
- Poor design
- Probes act up occasionally
11. Eventek Digital Multimeter
This model accurately and effortlessly measures AC/DC current, AC/DC voltage, resistance, frequency, capacitance, and continuity.
With double insulation and safe design technology, this product is good to use if you’re dealing with higher voltages.
The model also has several ranges available and is suitable for usage in all fields of electronics!
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Pros
- Best for students and beginners
- Lightweight
Cons
- Incomplete manual
- No temperature control
12. Power Probe CAT-IV Digital Multimeter
The power probe is optimal for streamline testing. The digital display provides a bright screen, which makes it easier for users and taking values.
The model also has a nice design, which gives it an edge over its competitors.
The power probe was also built with keeping safety considerations in mind and is built for heavy impacts.
Additionally, the model has a high safety rating, making it a good option in dangerous working environments.
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Pros
- Compact size
- Amazing lead quality
Cons
- The auto-ranging feature is quite slow
- The battery compartment is not easily accessible
13. Topone LCD Digital Multimeter
The Topone is one of the heavier products on the market, weighing up to 8 ounces.
Though this might sound less compared to daily objects, in the open market, multimeters are known for being lighter.
It comes in a black casing and requires alkaline batteries.
The Topone also has decent accuracy and serves well for generally all purposes highlighted for a multimeter.
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Pros
- Amazing battery timings
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Poor and cheap casing material
- Removing batteries is hard
14. OTC 3980 750 Series Multimeter
The OTC is well reputed for including powerful automotive test functions such as frequency duty cycle diode and continuity tests.
The whole package comes along with PC cable software and canvas case. This model also has auto-power off.
This means that you’ll essentially be saving potential battery-time since the model will turn off automatically if it detects no use for a particular amount of time.
The OTC also weights about 2.5 pounds, making it optimal for carrying around.
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Pros
- Good over-mold protection
- Easy to read the readings
Cons
- The refresh rate is very slow
- Twitchy readings in some cases
- Accuracy becomes doubtful
15. Etekcity MU600 Digital Multimeter
The Etekcity is an elegant design and provides good accuracy and measurement.
Weighing about 5.6 pounds, the model is easy to carry around and can be used frequently as well.
The battery timings are good, and the dual functionality of the model means you can measure several quantities.
The display is digital and provides reading to two decimal places, making it optimal for simpler calculations.
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Pros
- Elaborate instruction manual for easy usage
- Good accuracy
Cons
- Tough to remove batteries
- Not optimal for industrial usage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a multimeter used for?
A multimeter also referred to as a multitester, is electronic equipment that is used for measuring various electrical features of a circuit or machinery.
A multimeter generally serves as a collective unit for measuring all these features, such as Voltage, current and resistance.
The multimeter is standard equipment frequently used by electricians.
What is an auto-ranging multimeter?
An automatic ranging multimeter is a piece of electronic equipment that facilitates the determination of electrical components without the user having to specify the range of resistance, voltages, or currents.
The multimeter is programmed to do that on its own, saving the user from such hassles.
How do you read resistance on a multimeter?
First, you’ll have to set the multimeter on the mode that calculates the resistance.
This is done by adjusting the arrow towards the Greek letter omega, which denotes the standard unit for resistance.
Connect the two probes to the two separate ends of the resistor and read off the value on the screen.
Do all multimeter test continuity?
Generally speaking, not all multimeters have the facility to test continuity in a circuit.
Some multimeters have this feature, but not all.
However, the aforementioned features, such as measuring resistance, currents, and voltages, are features that are accessible in ALL multimeters.
What is the principle of multimeter?
The principles of multimeter dictate the potential uses, benefits, and feasibility of the different type of multimeters.
These are generally divided into two main categories, which are analog multimeters and digital multimeters.
What is the range of multimeter?
The typical range of multimeters available in the market is as follows.
It is normally 1000 VAC or VDC.
For current, it is about 10 Ampere for direct and alternative flow.
The resistance normally provides a range from 0 to about 50 Mega-ohms.
What is a digital multimeter?
The most widely used instrument used by electricians globally, a digital multimeter is an equipment used for measuring different electrical quantities.
These may include quantities such as current, voltage, resistance, and continuity.
What is the difference between a digital and an analog multimeter?
The main distinguishable feature between digital and analog multimeter is the display.
In digital multimeters, the readings are displayed on the screen, up to about one or two decimal places.
In analog multimeters, the readings are displayed via an arrow. The difference often accounts for accuracy.
What does ‘count’ mean on a multimeter?
On a multimeter, count refers to the general accuracy of the equipment.
They are a way to demonstrate full-scale resolution of the apparatus.
It is generally said that the higher the count, the more probable it is that your multimeter is accurate.
How accurate is a multimeter?
The accuracy of a multimeter normally varies from product to product, which is why the accuracy levels are normally dictated at the bottom of the apparatus.
The general accuracy level on the market accounts from anything value between 1-10%.
How much current will kill you?
Currents normally above the ten milliamps have the potential for providing a severe shock or burn to the recipient.
However, any dosage that crosses 100 milliamps is likely to result in life-threatening consequences.
Furthermore, this might also depend on the body mass of the recipient as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that you’re entirely responsible for choosing the multimeter of your choice.
The aforementioned pros and cons are the key-points which can facilitate your decision.
Nonetheless, it’s tantamount to ensure that you invest wisely and get the best bang for your buck. For that, you should always go for the technical aspects of the equipment.
Remember, the importance of multimeter cannot be underestimated.
Hence, make sure you get one that makes a difference in your arsenal.
