8 Best Multimeters In Canada In 2023: Reviews & Top Picks

The number of multimeters on the market can be overwhelming. They range from cheap foreign tools that have sketchy track records to professional-grade units that cost hundreds of dollars. Finding a multimeter that is right for you can be tricky, and no one wants to make the wrong decision and end up with a purchase they regret.

That is why we compiled a list of the 8 best multimeters available in Canada today. These multimeters range from simple tools for the average guy to tools designed specifically for professional HVAC technicians. All of the multimeters on this list come with a ton of excellent ratings and reviews and represent our top picks.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Klein Tools MM600 Multimeter	Tons of features make this multimeter versatile Built-in kickstand CAT IV safety rating	CHECK PRICE
Best Multimeter On a Budget		AstroAI 2000 Count Digital Multimeter	Extremely lightweight A ton of features for less money than the competition Stand and case included	CHECK PRICE
Best Multimeter For Professionals		Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter	1000V limit CAT IV safety rating for the biggest jobs Tons of features geared towards technicians	CHECK PRICE
Best Multimeter For HVAC		Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter	Super comfortable to hold for long periods Bright screen Excellent safety rating	CHECK PRICE
Best Battery Powered Multimeter		KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 Counts Voltmeter	Full-fledged multimeter that runs on AA batteries Great price CAT III safety rating for added peace of mind	CHECK PRICE

The 8 Best Multimeters In Canada

1. Best Overall Multimeter – Klein Tools MM600 Multimeter

The Klein Tools MM600 Multimeter is the best combination of features, price, and reliability on the market. This multimeter packs professional-grade features and is available on a regular homeowner’s budget. Most basic multimeters have an upper voltage limit of 600V and super basic temperature functions. The Klein MM600 has a 1000V limit, a temperature gauge that can reach 538 C, and 40M resistance. Those ratings are all well above average.

This unit also includes a CAT IV safety rating up to 600V, so you can safely use this in professional settings without fear. It has a handy built-in stand that allows you to prop the unit up in seconds for convenience. It can even survive a fall from two meters up, so you don’t have to worry about knocking it off a table and breaking it.

The Klein MM600 Multimeter is the perfect tool for average homeowners, at-home mechanics, professional technicians, and hobbyists alike. It is affordable enough to consider on most occasions and professional enough to beat out nearly every competing unit on the market.

2. Best Multimeter On a Budget – AstroAI 2000 Count Digital Multimeter

Not everyone wants or needs to shell out hundreds of dollars for a multimeter, some people just want one to have around the garage in case they need it. The AstroAI 2000 Count Multimeter is the best unit you can buy on a budget. This multimeter has all of the features you could want out of a basic unit without the steep price tag that others come with.

This multimeter can measure voltage, current, and resistance. It comes with a case to keep it safe as well as a stand for comfortable usage. It is also able to give readings on continuity, transistor, and diode testing. It is the perfect tool to have in your toolbox.

The biggest drawback is that this unit is only 2000 count whereas most units are 6000 count. That means less granular readings. That will be fine for the average person, but the lack of detail might hinder someone who needs to use their multimeter in a serious or professional capacity.

3. Best Multimeter For Professionals – Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter

There is no better multimeter on the market made especially for electricians and technicians than the Fluke 179 Multimeter. This unit has every feature imaginable for multimeters that will give any professional the range of tools they need to get the job done day in and day out. This unit includes 1000V AC/DC, resistance to 50 MΩ, capacitance to 10,000 μF, frequency to 100 kHz, and temperature measurements from -40 C to 400 C. The 1000V AC/DC range is nearly double the typical limit of 600V.

Fluke also knows that technicians often have to deal with high voltage situations more than the average person, which is why this unit is rated with a CAT IV safety rating, the highest available. It also features manual and automatic ranging, which gives professionals the best flexibility on the job site. This could be the last multimeter you ever need to buy.

4. Best Multimeter For HVAC – Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter

If you are someone who needs a multimeter for HVAC work there is no better unit than the Fluke 116. This multimeter was designed from the ground up with HVAC technicians in mind. It has an ergonomic design that allows it to be used with one hand, it has a bright backlit LED display that is perfect for low light areas and it features a low input impedance system that prevents ghost readings that may prevent getting important accurate readings. It is also CAT III safety rated so you can use it without worrying about blowing the unit in your hand.

Fluke has also included a 4 mm silicone test lead set, 80BK Integrated Temperature probe, and holster for ease of use. Other multimeters might work fine but they are cumbersome to carry around and use day after day. This unit was designed with the working person in mind, and it is specifically made for technical AC work.

5. Best Battery Powered Multimeter – KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 Counts Voltmeter

The KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 Counts Voltmeter is the perfect multimeter for people looking for something they can power with batteries from around the house. Some multimeters have to be plugged in or run on weird batteries that are hard to find. This unit runs on two simple AA batteries and comes chocked with a ton of great features. That means no scrounging around for the one 9-volt battery you thought you saw in the basement that one time, just grab easy-to-source AAs to recharge your unit.

The KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 Counts Voltmeter comes with a durable case, user-friendly LED lights, light-up terminals, and a CAT III safety rating. All of that adds up to a multimeter that is super safe and easy to use. This multimeter is also extremely affordable, especially considering that it comes with the batteries and a case included. The one downside is that this multimeter is a little bulky and a bit on the heavy side.

6. Best Digital Screen Multimeter – Rocomoco Super Full Screen Multimeter

Many multimeters ship with a small LED screen that can have readability issues. When you are trying to test for very specific numbers, having to squint at a tiny screen can be frustrating. Rocomoco has eliminated this issue in their Super Full Screen Multimeter by providing all of the relevant information on a large, easy-to-read screen. The screen itself is 4.7 inches and provides enhanced readability over standard multimeter screens.

This multimeter comes in two different colors, red and black, which is a nice touch. It also comes with a non-slip protective cover designed to keep your multimeter safe on rugged job sites or from clumsy accidents. It features auto range detection, resistance testing, temperature measuring, and live wire detection. This multimeter is available for a fair price but the batteries are not included, which seems like a cheap way to save a buck. The cords also make it, so this multimeter does not stand well and works best in a flat position which can be somewhat annoying.

7. Best 4000 Count Multimeter – AstroAI TRMS 4000 Count Multimeter

Not everyone needs a 6000 count multimeter but some people do not want to drop down to a 2000 count multimeter. The middle ground is a reliable 4000 count multimeter. AstroAI has the upper hand when it comes to that middle ground. This AstroAI TRMS 4000 count multimeter gives you everything you could want in a modern multimeter without breaking the bank. 4000 count multimeters are great for home use by typical homeowners, and this one offers all of the features of a professional unit at a reasonable resolution.

This multimeter by AstroAI offers AC/DC voltage readings, AC/DC current readings, resistance testing, frequency, and temperature modes, as well as test diodes. It is very lightweight, has an easy-to-read screen, and runs off a single 9-volt battery. All in all, this is one of the best values on the market when it comes to 4000 count multimeters.

8. Best PC Enabled Multimeter – Greenlee DM 200-A

Most multimeters simply display the information on the LED screen during use. This works in most situations, but the inability to store data can be a hindrance for people who need to keep consistent logs of accurate information over time. That is where the Greenlee DM 200-A thrives. This multimeter comes with a USB RS-232 cable and recording software. Once you install the program onto your PC, you can hook the multimeter up to a laptop and record data straight to your PC. This allows you to store and manage data without a pen and notepad.

In addition to PC capability, the Greenlee DM 200-A multimeter also boasts a 6000 count resistance mode and is extremely lightweight. It has a maximum voltage of 600 which is more than enough for most people’s needs. It also runs on two AAA batteries which makes it easy to keep your multimeter charged up and ready to go.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Multimeters In Canada

Automatic vs. Manual Ranging Multimeters

Many multimeters have automatic ranging features. That means that the unit will detect what kind of current you are measuring and adjust itself for the most accurate reading. This eliminates having to manually tune your multimeter to the proper settings in order to get a reading.

However, not all multimeters are automatic ranging. Many units are still manual which means you will have to have a little bit of extra knowledge and work to get the multimeter tuned properly. Manual ranging multimeters are fine for people who have experience using these types of products before but if you are looking into buying your first multimeter you should consider looking for one that is fully automatic.

Extensive Use vs. General Use

There are some multimeters that are designed for general use and then there are some that are designed for daily use. Before making a final decision keep in mind how often you need to use your multimeter. If you only have to use it for sporadic projects or every few weeks then you can get a more basic unit at a better price. However, if you are a professional or hobbyist that needs to use your unit on a daily basis, you are going to want to invest some extra money in getting a higher-grade multimeter.

Many of the low-cost multimeters are geared toward general homeowners that do not need to use their multimeters very often. People who overuse low-cost multimeters often complain that the readings stop working after a few months. This is due to the poor quality of certain diodes in the units. If you try to save a buck by getting a homeowner-grade multimeter and use it every day, do not be surprised if the unit burns out faster than you would like.

Safety Is Important

If you are going to be using your multimeter in high voltage situations, make sure that the unit you are considering meets certain safety standards. There are safety ratings that run from I to IV that ensure that your unit will be safe for use in specific situations. For example, you do not want to use a basic multimeter with a low safety rating on a high voltage outdoor electrical meter. Doing so could cause the unit to burst in your hand and can lead to electric shock and in extreme cases even death.

If you are going to be using a multimeter in an advanced capacity be sure to check the safety ratings. The safety ratings need to cover the use that you want in order to ensure that you remain safe and healthy during use. Electrical work can be tricky and dangerous if you do not cover all of your safety bases properly.

Multimeter Safety Ratings

Source: Digikey

Check The Range

Another pitfall to look out for is picking a multimeter that does not operate in the range that you need it to. Similar to the safety ratings, some multimeters are designed to operate within specific ranges. Some high-range multimeters won’t pick up on low power objects. Low range multimeters won’t be able to give you accurate readings on high voltage objects. Make sure that you are checking and double-checking the ranges of the multimeters you are looking at so you do not accidentally purchase a unit that you cannot use because it does not fall into the range you need.

Conclusion

There is a multimeter on this list for you whether you are a professional HVAC contractor looking for a new multimeter to replace your old ailing unit or a first time buyer looking for a great deal. There are affordable options for people who only need to use it a few times a year and there are beefier options geared toward people who need to use a multimeter every day. With this list and buyer’s guide, you will be able to find the perfect multimeter for you no matter your budget or profession.

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

Featured Image Credit: kritsadaj, Pixabay