Do it yourself, or DIY, is big business. Very popular with all sorts of people either wanting to save some money or have the satisfaction of making sure the job is done exactly as they want it. For DIY projects involving any form of electrical work, the best multimeter brands provide important safety information to do the job properly.
Whether automotive, home repair, or hobbyist, any time you’re dealing with electricity, safety should be a primary concern. That’s what a multimeter offers, information so you can handle the electricity safely.
What Is a Multimeter?
In the most basic terms, a multimeter is a test instrument that measures two or more electrical values. So, it’s a tool to let you know what is going on electrically in whatever it is you’re testing.
The most common values for a multimeter to measure are volts for the voltage, amps for the current, and ohms for resistance. Multimeters can be digital readout or analog. Analog meters display the readings with a pointer needle and a scale, digital meters generally show a numeric value and maybe graphs or symbols.
Who Needs a Multimeter?
If are working on anything electrical, a multimeter is a good idea. The main reason is because electrical properties are pretty much invisible. If you can’t see the results of what the electricity is supposed to be doing, then you won’t be seeing anything at all. This is because you can not see electricity, only the effects of some electrical property are visible.
In order to know what to repair, replace, or reprogram, you need to know what is or isn’t going on. This also helps keep you safe, since mistakenly thinking something is off when it’s on can cause harm to the item or injury to you.
It’s not just an on or off question many times. Otherwise a simple green light no light or red light would suffice. In order to see the entire picture, knowing the values of whatever is or isn’t happening is important. The better meters are usually more discerning and accurate, showing more exact values.
What Measuring Features to Look For
- Amperage – Amps show current flow. The most common way to measure amperage is to clamp the probe around a wire. If measuring alternating current, be sure to only measure one wire at a time.
- Voltage – Volts are easily measured with probes, but some meters are more discriminating in how small a fluctuation difference can be determined.
- Ohms – Ohms is a measurement of the resistance capacity of electrical equipment and can be measured with probes. For instance, if you wanted to know the resistance of a wire, you would place probes at either end of a wire. The meter gives the resistance of the entire wire.
- Analog Readout – A thin pointer moving across a scale is preferred by some people. A backlight on the scale makes it easier to read.
- Digital Readout – LED or LCD is the main choice differentiating digital readouts. A digital readout can display very exact values. Some digital readout meters have a memory which can also calculate averages.
Top 15 Best Multimeter Brands for DIY & Trades
1. Fluke
One of the top brands among professionals who work in electrical fields, Fluke is easily noticed on job sites with its bright yellow casing. Fluke 115 True RMS Digital Multimeter is a one-hand operation full-featured multimeter that measures resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and diode test.
Founded in 1948 in Washington, USA, Fluke multimeters are one of the top choices for working professionals due to their features and qualities. You can purchase them online direct as well as at electrical supply stores and the big box stores.
Their quality is the main reason for their popularity. If you work with electricity somehow, as an electrician, a repairman, a mechanic, you probably use a Fluke multimeter.
2. Amprobe
Also one of the most common multimeters in the toolboxes of pros. Amprobe makes many fine meters, including the Amprobe AMP-210 Clamp Meter.
Established in New York in 1948, Amprobe makes a lot more than amp probes. Even the AMP-210 mentioned above does multiple functions that include voltage as well as frequency, capacitance, and phase rotation. Found online and at most tool stores and the big box stores.
Very well made, Amprobe meters are relied on by professionals working daily in electricity. Any DIYer or hobbyist would be well served by one as well.
3. Klein Tools
With a name synonymous with a type of pliers used by electrical linemen, you would think that they probably make multimeters, too. And you would be right. The MM700 Multimeter is a good example of Klein Tools’ electrical testing and measuring equipment.
Started in Chicago in 1857, Klein has made test equipment since around the 1960s. You can buy Klein Tools online direct and from a wide variety of brick and mortar stores such as electrical supply stores and the big box stores.
Very high quality, if you work with electricity and industries surrounding it, then you likely already have some tools from Klein. Choose your Klein multimeter based on the specific industry you’re involved with.
4. Brymen
Considered by many in the field to be a low-cost alternative to Fluke multimeters, Brymen is also known as the brand Greenlee in the US. A multimeter such as the EEVblog BM235 does a great job for what multimeters are supposed to do.
Made in Taiwan since 1993, you can find Brymen or Greenlee meters online and at electrical supply stores. Also available regionally at discount stores and big box stores.
Well made, Brymen tools do a good job but are definitely considered mid-range compared to the top of the line Fluke meters. Perfect for beginners in the work field and for DIYers and hobbyists.
5. Extech
Extech EX330 Autoranging Mini Multimeter is one of the better low-cost multimeters that would be trusted by skilled workers.
Extech is a New Hampshire company that has been a huge range of measuring instruments since 1971. Sometimes better known for their temperature probes, air quality and airflow meters, and sound meters, Extech makes instruments for several levels of expertise.
While making excellent measuring devices for other fields, their electrical multimeters decent lower budget tools suitable for beginner workers or DIYers.
6. Keysight
Keysight makes meters from very good to almost perfect, the latter including the U1253B Handheld Digital Multimeter. Also known by the brand name Agilent.
Spun off in 2014 from Hewlett Packard, Agilent/Keysight quickly became popular among electrical workers seeking the best measurement tools available. You can purchase them online and from stores that sell professional equipment. Besides their virtually perfect meters, they also make very good lower-cost meters.
One of the best multimeter brands on the market, you would use these if your business depends on having great tools or if you just like having top end samples of anything.
7. Innova
Very budget-friendly, multimeters like the 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter are great for hobbyists and for workers needing basic measurements.
Headquartered since 2004 in Irvine, California, Innova makes a wide range of inexpensive multimeters. Many are available online and at discount retailers.
For their price point, these meters are quite well made. Great meters for amateur and hobby use.
8. Mastech
If you want a lot of features in a multimeter at a decent cost, Mastech is a good brand to look at. Mastech MS8268 Series Digital AC/DC Auto/Manual Range Digital Multimeter is one of the best models to choose from.
Founded in Pittsburg in 1986, Mastech makes a huge variety of quality, inexpensive tools in China for many different crafts. Found in discount retailers and online, Mastech is one of the better budget-priced multimeters.
Well made and durable plus packed with usable features, Mastech is well-liked among DIYers and hobbyists.
9. Tekpower
Tekpower TP8260L Analog Multimeter With Back Light, and Transistor Checking dock is a full-featured meter with extra features and a backlit analog display that brings to mind classic multimeters from the recent past.
Made in China and distributed through its California outlet, Tekpower makes a lot of different items for various industries. Found in discount stores and online, Tekpower is reasonably priced, sometimes even downright cheap, compared to their competitors.
Good quality, great prices is what Tekpower is all about. Great tools for hobby use but DIYers attempting heavier jobs should probably shop around.
10. Etekcity
The Etekcity Digital Measure Up Multimeter barely costs more than a good burger and yet brings all the basic features needed in any multimeter.
Founded in China in 1986, Etekcity makes a little of everything needed for general household use. Sold in discount stores and online, Etekcity also makes items for other brand names.
The quality is pretty good for how low the prices are, but you wouldn’t want to rely on one for professional use. For a hobbyist or a student, however, they are just fine.
11. Uni-Trend
Budget-priced but with all the features expected, Uni-T makes tools that pros trust and DIYers love. Items like the UNI-T UT61E have great pricing and quality construction.
Made in China, Uni-T is good enough to use on jobs for lighter duty work and great for teaching newcomers in how to use multimeters. Sold under its own brand and others, you can them online and in various discount retailers and the big box stores.
Good quality at attractive prices makes these meters desirable for workers, beginners, and hobbyists or students.
12. Gossen
A major brand name in professional photographic light meters, Gossen Metrawatt multimeters such as the M248A are extremely useful for professionals in other fields.
Founded as a photographic company in Germany in 1919, their multimeters business came into existence in 1997. Gossen multimeters are relatively exclusive, being found in specialty electronics stores and online.
Extremely high quality and quite expensive, Gossen meters are sought after by those who love German engineering and excellent manufacturing.
13. Megger
Used in power plants and electrical infrastructure, Megger multimeters are the tip of the iceberg for heavy-duty industrial applications. The AVO800 series of digital multimeters are some best multimeter brands anywhere but are very expensive.
Founded in London in 1889, Megger continues to make items used almost exclusively in heavy industry and infrastructure. Sold only through authorized dealers primarily to professionals, you can find a way to purchase exactly what you need by talking to qualified reps.
Extremely high quality, Megger meters and other equipment is meant for heavy use by professionals, but they are available to the general public, too.
14. Electronic Specialties
Analog multimeters for automotive and small engine mechanics are the primary tools made by ESI. The 530 DVA Multimeteris are very useful for mechanics and repairmen.
Made in Chile since 1967, Electronic Specialties Inc meters are available in discount stores, the big box stores, and auto parts stores.
Really good quality at reasonable prices, ESI meters are great for the lower voltage applications of automobile and small engine repair work. Whether a professional mechanic or a self help DIYer, these meters are one of the best multimeter brands for this type of work.
15. General Technology Corp
General purpose and automotive repair are what GTC makes meters for. The GTC CT8022 Ergonomic Autorange Digital Multimeter is full-featured and reasonably priced, having all the capabilities needed for car repair work.
Made in Canada since 1988, GTC multimeters are available in auto parts stores and discount retailers.
Very good meters for reasonable costs, GTC multimeters are made for automotive and motorcycle engine repair. To learn more about the top brands in any given industry, checkout out my posts here.
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