10 Best Budget Multimeters of 2023 – Top Picks & Reviews

Multimeters are a great tool around the home. From testing batteries to finding a bad switch, multimeters are a staple for home improvement. With that being said, many people think that they can’t afford multimeters because some models cost as much as $1,000.

To show you that everyone can afford a multimeter, we have created this list of the 10 best budget multimeters. In this article, we offer reviews of the best models and provide a convenient buyer’s guide for added assistance.

Let’s get started.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		AstroAI WH5000A Digital Multimeter	Provides a wide range of tests Easy to use Suitable for commercial use	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Innova 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter	Easy to use Features auto-ranging scales Features digital display	CHECK PRICE
		Etekcity MSR-R500 Multimeter	Includes a sampling speed of 3 times per second Includes multiple safety features Made from high-quality materials	CHECK PRICE
		Crenova MS8233D Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter	Auto-ranging tester design Tests a variety of electrical items Comes with additional features	CHECK PRICE
		Meterk MK06 Digital Clamp Meter Multimeter	Suitable for multi-purpose use Features a non-contact voltage protection function Lightweight design	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Budget Multimeters – Reviews

1. AstroAI WH5000A Digital Multimeter – Best Overall

There are very few negatives that we can say about the AstroAl WH5000A Digital Multimeter, which is why we have selected it as our overall best budget multimeter pick. Because of its professional-level features, its wide range of capabilities, and ease of use, it is ideal for home or commercial settings.

The AstroAl WH5000A includes professional-level features. These features include auto-ranging capabilities and True RMS for measuring both AC current and voltage. More so, this model provides a wide range of tests for voltage, current, resistance, continuity, and more. It can even be used as a school supply for students.

Another key aspect of the AstroAl WH5000A is that it is very easy to use. It is made with convenient features like a data hold, LCD backlit screen, auto shutoff, hanging magnet, and kickstand. These features make taking and recording measurements easy and enjoyable.

2. Innova 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter — Best Value

Another good budget multimeter to check out is the Innova 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter. This multimeter is great for a variety of personal automotive and household electrical problems, making it suitable for beginners and hobbyists.

Notably, the Innova 3320 is UL certified, meaning that it has been tested and certified by Underwriter Laboratories, a third-party certification company that’s been working for nearly a century. This certification ensures that you can safely and accurately troubleshoot a number of electrical problems.

Additionally, the Innova 3320 is very easy to use. It comes with an auto-ranging scale that eliminates the need to manually dial in the correct range when making measurements. It also comes with a large color-coded LED display with a battery quick check.

The only reason that the Innova 3320 is ranked number two on our list, as opposed to number one, is that it is not suitable for as many professional uses as the AstroAl WH5000A Digital Multimeter.

3. Etekcity MSR-R500 Multimeter

The Etekcity MSR-R400 Multimeter is one of the most user-friendly and affordable multimeters on this list. It is great for hobbyists and at-home-improvers because of its ease-of-use, safety features, and intuitive design, but it is not suitable for those who need to test AC current.

The first notable feature of the Etekcity MSR-R400 is that it is highly accurate and safe. It has the ability to test AC/DC voltage, DC current, resistance, diode, continuity, and more. It even has a sampling speed of three times per second. At the same time, this model is safe to use because of its CE & RoHS certification (a European economic area mandatory conformity mark).

Additionally, the Etekcity MSR-R400 is easy to use. It has a data hold button that holds a reading, a backlit LCD display screen, and a built-in support stand. These features make this model easy to use, even for hands-free use.

4. Crenova MS8233D Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter

The fourth budget multimeter on our list is the Crenova MS8233D Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter. This device is accurate, powerful, safe, and easy to use. This makes it suitable for most automotive or electrical measurement needs.

The Crenova MS8233D is an auto-ranging tester. It accurately measures AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, frequency, continuity, diode, and more. It also includes a built-in double fuse and overload protection on all ranges, which makes this model safe as well as powerful.

Additionally, the Crenova MS8233D  includes several additional features, such as a backlight display, data hold, maximum value hold, function switching, and auto power-off feature. With this purchase, you will also get a carrying bag, test leads, alligator clips, and a 9V battery.

However, we did find that the leads were short and there was no auto-beep for a continuity test.

5. Meterk MK06 Digital Clamp Meter Multimeter

Another good budget multimeter to check out is the Meterk MK06 Digital Clamp Meter Multimeter. This model is a multi-purpose clamp meter that is both safe and easy to use and read, making it great for at-home purposes.

The Meterk MK06  provides accurate AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, frequency, duty cycle, diode, capacitance, and resistance measurement. It even comes with a non-contact voltage detection function that allows you to test voltage while avoiding electric shock and wires.

Additionally, the Meterk MK06 is easy to use because it is lightweight and comes with a variety of additional features. Some of these features include high-resolution backlit LCD screen, a flashlight, extra batteries, and a user manual in five languages. On the negative side, we found that it was not quite as durable as we had hoped, and the customer service is poor.

6. Klein Tools MM400 Multimeter

The Klein Tools MM400 Multimeter is a great tool for measuring automotive and home electrical problems. It is strong enough for some commercial and industrial uses, but it is also easy enough for hobbyists and beginners to use as well.

Notably, the Klein Tools MM400 is an auto-ranging tool that measures up to 600V AC/DC voltage, 10A AC/DC current, and 40-meter resistance. More so, it measures temperature, capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, diode, and continuity. Despite its strength, it also has a CAT III 600V safety rating.

Another great feature of the Klein Tools MM400 is that it is easy to use and convenient. It is built to withstand a 3.3-foot drop, comes with a low battery indicator, and has an easily accessible battery compartment. More so, the purchase of this tool comes with test leads, a thermocouple with adapter, batteries, and a user manual for added convenience.

We have to admit that the instructions were not all that easy to follow, and this device tends to default to AC when being used.

You may also like: Best Analog Multi-meters 

7. Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter

If you are interested in a lightweight, one-handed design multimeter, you will be interested in the Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter. This model is designed for hobbyists or beginners, ensuring that it is easy to use, intuitive, and lightweight.

The Fluke 101 measures AC/DC currents, diode, and continuity. The basic DC accuracy is 0.5%, and it comes with a CAT III 600V safety rating. More so, the diode and continuity test include a buzzer and rugged design.

Additionally, the Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter is easy to use and suitable for beginners. It has a small, lightweight design that makes it perfect for one-handed use. It also comes with automatic shut down, ensuring that you don’t accidentally leave it on and waste the battery. When the battery does die, it is very easy to replace.

However, it wasn’t a perfect product. We found it was not a winner when it came to troubleshooting large electrical problems, and we had issues with stiff probes and wires. Lastly, there’s no warranty.

8. Neiko 40508 Digital Multimeter

If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest digital multimeter on our list, you’ll be interested in the Neiko 40508 Digital Multimeter. This model is highly affordable, portable, and easy to use, making it perfect for hobbyists.

The Neiko 40508  is a great general-purpose digital voltmeter. The meter is suitable for AC/DC voltage, diode, and transistor testing. It is suitable for testing wires, batteries, cells, fuses, and other small electrical components.

Additionally, this model is easy to use and safe. The Neiko 40508 Digital Multimeter includes a large LCD screen, making it perfect for those with impaired eyesight. It also comes with a built-in overload protector that prevents the meter from any damage.

At the same time, the Neiko 40508 comes with a few downsides as well. Notably, the model does not last very long because of its cheap products. More so, the leads fall apart very quickly.

9. Tacklife DM01 Digital Multimeter

Another budget multimeter to check out is the Tacklife DM01 Digital Multimeter. This model is multi-functional with wide applications, is easy to read, and safe to use.

Notably, this model has a manual range that is stable and controllable. It can measure AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, diode test, continuity test, and temperature. These features cover most electrical troubleshooting issues.

Unfortunately, the Tacklife DM01 comes with downsides. For example, the range and mode selector dial have a paper overlay which is not durable and likely to breakdown quickly. Additionally, changing the batteries of this model is incredibly difficult, and the lead sockets are loose and inaccurate.

10. Cen-Tech 98025 Digital Multimeter

The last budget multimeter on our list is the Cen-Tech 98025 Digital Multimeter. This multimeter is suitable for testing amps, ohms, and AC/DC volts. It has a very basic design, making it suitable for beginners or hobbyists. It also has an easy-to-read LCD display.

That is about all of the positives we can say about the Cen-Tech 98025. This model is extremely cheap. Although it will be suitable for very lightweight use, it will not withstand much and break easily.

Additionally, the Cen-Tech 98025 is not very accurate. In fact, you have to measure multiple times before landing on the correct measurement, which is inaccurate and annoying. Even if you test a measurement multiple times, you may never land on an accurate reading.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Budget Multimeter

We hope that our reviews have made selecting a budget multimeter easier. If you are still unsure which model to choose, we’re here to help. Here are the top factors to consider when buying a multimeter. These factors will help you to determine what model is best for your needs.

1. Accuracy

The most important factor to consider when selecting a multimeter is accuracy. If you purchase a multimeter that is not accurate, you will not receive true results or measurements. Depending on your needs, you may need more accuracy than others. Many hobbyists, for example, do not need as accurate ratings as professional mechanics or electricians.

2. Safety

Another factor to consider when selecting a multimeter is safety. Since multimeters deal with high voltages, you need a model that is designed with safety in mind. If not, you could get injured. Look for models with internal blast shields, highly rated fuses, and isolation slots. For further safety, consider models with no-contact features.

3. Auto-Ranging vs Manual Ranging

The third factor to consider when purchasing a multimeter is whether or not you want an auto-ranging or manual ranging model. Auto-ranging models recognize what you are trying to test, which means you don’t have to input the range yourself, saving you time and energy.

Manual ranging, on the other hand, requires you to input the range of values you are measuring. Manual ranging can be more stable and accurate if you know what you are doing, but it can be difficult if you are a beginner.

• See Also: 8 Best Multimeters In Canada

Conclusion

After considering all of our reviews, we recommend the AstroAl WH5000A Digital Multimeter as our best overall pick. This model has the most professional features of all ten options on this list, and it is highly functional, accurate, and safe to use.

If you are not sold on the AstroAl WH5000A Digital Multimeter, then we recommend our second choice, the Innova 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter. This model is easy to use and extremely safe, making it perfect for hobbyists and beginners.

After considering all of our suggested models and buyer’s guide, we hope to have made selecting a budget multimeter easier and less stressful.