5 Best Multimeter You Need To Try Your Hands On
A multimeter is a great tool that all of us must know how to use and have one at our home in case of any emergency. But to a layman, a multimeter can look like an extremely complicated piece of hardware. It is easy to get intimidated by a large number of buttons and functions in the multimeter.
However, working with a multimeter is easier than you think, provided you know what you are doing. In this article, we will be talking about some of the best and widely used multimeters in the market.
Product Name | Product Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | A- | $ | 85 % Quality | |
  | A+ | $$$ | 97 % Quality | |
  | A+ | $$$ | 93 % Quality | |
  | A- | $ | 85 % Quality | |
  | A | $ | 90 % Quality |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
More...
But before we talk about the best multimeter, we should know what a multimeter actually is and what all factors can be measured by it.
What Is A Multimeter?
If you have already worked with electronics or electrics, you must already know about the large number of devices and instruments that you use. You need something to measure the current, the voltage, the resistance and the likes.
A multimeter is a tool that can be used to measure all aspects of electricity. This makes it an indispensable tool to work with if you are working with electricity.
Factors That A Multimeter Can Measure
All basic multimeter has to be capable of measuring at least three parameters of electricity. These are:
Voltage
Voltage is the electromotive force or potential which is expressed in terms of volts. In other words, it is the amount of force with which the current is being pushed through the circuit. This forms an essential parameter that your multimeter should be able to measure.
Check the video below to know how to test voltage with a multimeter:
Current
Current is defined as the flow of electricity which results in a unidirectional ordered moving of the charged particle in the circuit. In other words, it is the amount of current flowing through the circuit.
Most multimeters available in the markets today are capable of measuring current flowing through the circuit.
Check the video below to know how to test current with a multimeter:
Resistance
The resistance of a circuit is the amount of opposing force the circuit provides to the flow if the current through it. A higher resistance means that less current can flow through the circuit.
Check the video below to know how to test resistance with a multimeter:
Continuity Check
Most multimeters available today in the market also come with continuity check and diode check. Continuity check is an important tool which can be used to check if two components are connected or not.
It is especially useful when you are building a circuit as you can check if all the components are connected and have not come loose. You can also use it to check if there is any short circuit due to a connection which shouldn’t be there.
Check the video below to know how to test continuity with a multimeter:
Diode Check
A diode is a special component that only allows the flow of current in one direction. If you are using a diode and cannot understand which direction it conducts, or check if the diode is working properly, then you can use your multimeter to determine it.
The diode check function is different for different multimeters. Be sure to read the manual before using your multimeter.
Check the video below to know how to test diode with a multimeter:
There are other advanced versions of multimeters that can be used to measure more parameters of current and the different components. These include the function for checking capacitor or transistor. But these are not of much need to us and thus we will be skipping those.
Things To Look for While Choosing A Multimeter
In addition to the above mentioned pointers, it is highly recommended to look for the following factors while choosing a multimeter:
- Check that your chosen multimeter provides accurate readings.
- Determine the number of digits up to which the strength of a certain signal can be measured.
- Further, you should also know the maximum transient voltage that your multimeter can handle without errors.
- It is highly recommended to choose a multimeter which has high input impedance in order to get correct and accurate readings.
Now, that you know the basics of the multimeter, let’s have a quick look on the best multimeters you can rely upon.
Product Name | Product Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A- | $ | 85 % Quality | |
| A+ | $$$ | 97 % Quality | |
| A+ | $$$ | 93 % Quality | |
| A- | $ | 85 % Quality | |
| A | $ | 90 % Quality |
**Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
Our Top 5 Best Multimeter
The Innova 3320 Digital Multimeter is a great tool for all your automotive and household electrical problems. The device is UL certified and designed for maximum safety and accuracy.
via Amazon.com
Its auto-ranging capability eliminates any need for dialing in the correct range for taking the measurement. The multimeter also has a large digital screen and color coded LED for battery level, making it easy to read and convenient to use.
Pros
- Auto ranging scale eliminates the need for calibrating the range when measuring the current
- Large digital display and color-coded LED makes it easy to use
- The device has a protective rubber corner guard for drop protection
- Good customer support
- Good value for money
- Compact and easy to use
Cons
- The continuity beep is not instantaneous. There is no display for the function
- Smaller than the listed dimension
- The lead holder is hard to use due to the flimsy nature
- Battery tester is not up to mark
The Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter is a feature-packed tool that must be present in all our houses. It has the capability to check continuity, frequency, diode and capacitance along with the other major parameters.
via Amazon.com
It can be used to measure up to 20A, 30 seconds momentary and 10A continuous. It also has a good display and LED which makes it easy to use. The device is compact and has an ergonomic design made for one handed operation. It also comes with CAT III 600 V safety rating for increased safety and accuracy.
Pros
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Can be used to measure capacitance, frequency, and transistor along with current, voltage and resistance
- Great value for money with good accuracy, reliability, and performance
- The large display screen for easier reading and LED lighting for easier reading in dim light
- The auto ranging option is a bit slow but can be effective
Cons
- Overall build quality can be improved. The older Flukes were created in the USA, but now they are made in China
The Fluke 117 Multimeter is great and perfectly designed for easy one-handed operation and is ideal for commercial and home use. The device has a true RMS feature for accurate measurement.
via Amazon.com
The multimeter also comes with a good LED screen with backlight for easier reading even in dim condition. The multimeter can be used to measure frequency and capacitance along with continuity, resistance, voltage and current. The multimeter also comes with a CAT III 600V safety rating.
Pros
- Has no contact voltage detection function
- The low input impedance helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage
- Good value for money, worth the price even for non-pros
- Good LED display for easy reading
Cons
- Fluke used to be built in the USA but is now being built in China. This leads to a bit of reduction in the overall quality
- The display is not too good. The extremely small angle of view and the brightness is not enough
- The multimeter doesn’t come with a carry case or holster
The Dr. Meter Digital Multimeter is a perfect device when it comes to measuring voltage, current, capacitance, resistance, connectivity and diode among other functions.
via Amazon.com
The multimeter also has a non-contact voltage testing function allowing you to measure voltage without actually being in contact. The large display is suitable for reading even in the dimmest of the environment.
Pros
- NCV or Non-Contact Voltage Test
- Auto-ranging and auto-power off function make it a great tool. The Auto-power off function makes sure that you don’t lose battery when not in use
- Large Backlit LCD display for easier reading
- 12-month replacement warranty and lifetime support guarantee
- Solid build and rugged for durability
- Good value for price
Cons
- Fluctuating reading
- Not easy to use for common people
- Poor plastic
The Proster Digital Multimeter is a great tool that everyone should have in their home. The multimeter can be used to measure temperature, capacitance along with the other conventional parameters of current.
via Amazon.com
The multimeter has a wide range of functions including low battery voltage indicator, overload protection among others.
Pros
- The device has a good LCD display for easy reading
- Auto-ranging makes it easy to use
- Has a wide range of applications including measuring resistance, capacitance, frequency and even temperature.
- Rubber protection against knocks and bumps
- Built-in stand for hands-free use
- Comes with 2 AAA battery, pair of test lead and K type temperature probe
Cons
- The settings are a bit hard to read
- Stand is not of good quality
- Problem in precision and accuracy
Conclusion
There are a large number of multimeters available in the market with a wide range of functions. When choosing a multimeter, you should look for a good and durable device which can read all the parameters that you might require.
Choosing a single multimeter as the best in the market is not easy, but if you had to ask me for an opinion, I would go with the Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter as it is a great and complete tool for your household and automotive use. It takes care of all the needs and requirements of any user at a good and nominal price.
This doesn’t mean that any of the other multimeters in the list are any bad. In the end, the choice of which multimeter is dependent on what you need and require.
And finally, if you have any doubts and query on this topic, contact us through the comment option and we will get back to you as fast as we can. Also, share the article so others may also take advantage of the information.
