7 Best Multimeters in Australia in 2023: Reviews & Top Picks

Multimeters are important tools that can help you diagnose problems with the electrical system in your home and automobile, as well as many of the electrical components and devices that you use. However, it can be difficult to sort through all the different models to find the best one at the right price. If this sounds like your situation, keep reading, as we created reviews of several brands to help you see their similarities and differences. There’s also a buyer’s guide to help you know what to look for as you shop.

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		AstroAI Digital Multimeter AM33D	Easy to use Overload protection Backlit LCD	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		AstroAI Digital Multimeter DM130B	Multiple measurements Battery powered Backlit LCD	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		INNOVA 3340 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter	Temperature reading Auto-ranging scales Safe to use with automotive electronics	CHECK PRICE
		Tekpower Mastech MS8268	Backlit LCD Easy to use Sound warning	CHECK PRICE
		BSIDE Pocket Digital Multimeter	Large display Accurate measurements Carrying case	CHECK PRICE

The 7 Best Multimeters in Australia

1. AstroAI Digital Multimeter AM33D — Best Overall

The AstroAI Digital Multimeter AM33D is our pick as the best overall multimeter. It has 19 settings for accurately measuring voltage, DC resistance, diodes, continuity, etc. It’s easy to use and has overload protection on all ranges, so you won’t accidentally ruin it by choosing the wrong setting. The backlit LCD is easy to read even when lighting is poor, and the hold button enables you to retain the value until you can write it down. It also feels comfortable to hold and appears to be a durable construction.

However, the leads are a little thin, so you need to use them carefully.

2. AstroAI Digital Multimeter DM130B — Best Value

The AstroAI Digital Multimeter DM130B is our pick as the best multimeter in Australia for the money. There aren’t as many features as some other models, but you can still make multiple measurements, including AC and DC voltage, current, resistance, continuity, and capacitance. The backlit LCD ensures that your measurements are easy to read, and the two-fuse system provides plenty of overload protection so you don’t accidentally damage the equipment. It’s also lightweight and durable, with an attractive red colour.

The only downside of the low-cost AstroAI DM130B is that the screw holding the battery cover is quite small and easy to strip.

3. INNOVA 3340 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter — Premium Choice

The Innova 3340 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter is our premium choice because it has plenty of features packed into an easy-to-use box with an easy-to-read display. It has a low input impedance that makes it safe to use with your automobile’s electronic computer system, and it can also measure temperature and RPMs, which is rare for units in this price range. The automatic shut-off ensures that the batteries don’t die quickly, and it comes with a nylon pouch to keep it safe when you don’t need it.

While the number of features packed into the Innova 3340 is impressive, many users found certain measurements hard to capture, especially the DC.

4. Tekpower Mastech MS8268

The Tekpower Mastech MS8268 is a professional device loaded with features. Use it to test continuity voltage ohms and more. It also sounds an alarm if you have it set up wrong, so you won’t damage the equipment, and the automatic ranging helps make it easier to use. The backlit LCD is easy to read, and the auto power-off helps ensure maximum battery life.

While many people like the many features and durable build of the Tekpower MS8268, it’s quite large and can be hard to hold if you use it frequently. Also, many of the measurements are slow to update on screen compared to some other models.

5. BSIDE Pocket Digital Multimeter

The BSIDE Pocket Digital Multimeter is one of the easiest to read on this list due to its full-size front screen, which is similar to that of a modern smartphone. Measurements are accurate, and it has a smart mode that automatically adjusts itself for the measurements that you are trying to take, so it’s also one of the easiest to use. We like that it comes with a carrying case that will help you keep the large screen scratch free while you store it.

The downside to the BSIDE is that it can be difficult to change the batteries, which will add to your workload considerably if you like to remove the batteries every time you finish using it. Many people also complain that the probes are thin and unlikely to last more than a few uses.

6. CG Smart Digital Multimeter Tester TRMS 6000

The CG Smart Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 is a popular unit due to its slim design and bright LCD backlit screen, which make it easy to read at a distance, even in poorly lit conditions. It also has a smart mode that contains commonly used functions like voltage testing, resistance, and continuity testing, so it’s easier to use for beginners, but it also has many features that advanced users will enjoy, like capacitance testing and non-contact voltage testing.

However, the CG TRMS 6000 doesn’t arrive with batteries and doesn’t always default to the auto function, resulting in a poor user experience.

7. Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter

Fluke is one is one of the big names for multimeters, and the Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS multimeter highlights why. It has non-contact voltage detection to safely check your home’s wiring, and the brightly lit LCD screen is easy to see even at an angle. Its low input impedance makes it safe to use on an automobile, and it’s durable enough to use at a commercial worksite.

The downside to the Fluke 117 and other, similar models is that it’s extremely expensive, and while it’s dependable, it doesn’t offer much more than many brands costing half as much.

Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Multimeters in Australia

Analog versus Digital

While most of the multimeters that you find today are of the digital variety, it’s still possible to find an old analogue unit, especially if you frequent yard sales, antique stores, or other places that sell old electronics. Unlike the LCD screens of today, analogue units have a mechanical meter that moves from one side to the other when taking measurements. Some people find these meters easier to use because you can determine where the needle needs to travel before taking your measurement, but they are far less accurate. Many of these units are old and will be wearing out soon, so it’s best to stick to digital multimeters.

Auto or Manual Ranging

A multimeter equipped with auto-ranging will automatically detect what you are testing for and make the proper adjustments. These meters are beginner friendly because there’s no learning curve to using them. Manual ranging multimeters often have many settings that can be intimidating to a new user. However, these machines are usually more accurate and more dependable, so if you use them frequently, it will be well worth the effort to learn how to set them correctly to take your measurements.

Versatility

The versatility that you require from your multimeter will depend on what kind of work that you intend to do. Most users want to test for voltage, resistance, and continuity testing, and almost every multimeter will provide you with those measurements. However, if you need to test capacitors and transistors or find RPMs and temperature, you will need a more specialized machine. Since many of these features can be quite expensive, it’s important to know exactly what you need when planning your next purchase.

Accuracy

Many people use a multimeter to see if there’s voltage in a circuit or to check if a wire is making a good connection. In these cases, accuracy is not an extreme concern, but if you’re testing capacitors, resistance, or current, you want as accurate a reading as possible. Therefore, we recommend checking the reviews of any model that you are considering, to see what other people say about its accuracy.

Safety Features

Fuses

Many multimeters have fuses built into the leads and the machine to protect it from high voltage or improper settings. Since accidents can happen and even auto-ranging devices can malfunction, we recommend checking the packaging of any brands that you are considering for fuses that protect them.

No-contact voltage protection

No-contact voltage protection is a new feature in many multimeters that enables the user to test voltage in a circuit without directly contacting it, eliminating the risk of shock. If you intend to use your multimeter to test the voltage of any device stronger than a few volts, we highly recommend choosing a unit with no-contact voltage protection.

Durability

While many people only use their multimeter occasionally, it’s still important to check that it’s durable. Multimeters tend to fall because the user usually pays more attention to the leads. Therefore, you want something that can take a beating. Most modern units are up to the task, but many do have thin leads. Thin and flimsy leads will break much quicker than thick ones, and you will notice a difference after looking at several multimeter models.

Conclusion

For your next multimeter, we highly recommend the AstroAI Digital Multimeter AM33D. It’s packed with features, is easy to read, and is extremely accurate. Overload protection will ensure that you don’t damage the equipment if you make an improper setting. If you’re looking for something easier on the wallet, we highly recommend our pick for the best value. The AstroAI unit DM130B has similar features as our top choice and is just as accurate. It’s perfect for a beginner or someone who needs to take only simple measurements.

See also: 10 Best Multimeters in the UK – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Nor Gal, Shutterstock