10 Best Budget Multimeters of 2023 – Top Picks & Reviews

Multimeters are valuable tools to have in your home. From testing batteries to finding a bad switch, multimeters are a staple for home improvement. However, many people think they can’t afford multimeters because some models cost as much as $1,000.

We have created this list of the 10 best budget multimeters to show you that everyone can afford a multimeter. In this article, we have 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 issues with the AstroAl WH5000A Digital Multimeter, which is why we have selected it as our best overall budget multimeter pick. Because of its professional-level features, wide range of capabilities, and ease of use, it is ideal for home or commercial settings.

The AstroAl WH5000A includes professional-level features, including auto-ranging capabilities and True RMS for measuring AC and voltage. It provides a wide range of tests for voltage, current, resistance, continuity, and more.

Another critical 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 excellent for 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 several electrical problems.

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

The only reason the Innova 3320 is ranked number two on our list, as opposed to number one, is that it is unsuitable 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.

The first notable feature of the Etekcity MSR-R400 is that it is accurate and safe. It can test AC/DC voltage, DC, resistance, diodes, continuity, and more. It even has a sampling speed of three times per second. At the same time, it is safe 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 with a reading, a backlit LCD screen, and a built-in support stand. These features make it 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. It 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, diodes, and more. It also includes a built-in double fuse and overload protection on all ranges, which makes it safe as well as powerful.

The Crenova MS8233D  includes several additional features, such as a backlight display, data hold, maximum value hold, function switching, and an auto power-off feature. With this purchase, you get a carrying bag, test leads, alligator clips, and a 9V battery. However, we noticed 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. It is a multi-purpose clamp meter that is 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, diodes, capacitance, and resistance measurement. It even has 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 additional features. These features include a high-resolution backlit LCD screen, a flashlight, extra batteries, and a user manual in five languages. On the negative side, we found 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 excellent for measuring automotive and home electrical problems. It is strong enough for commercial and industrial uses, but it is also easy enough for hobbyists and beginners to use.

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. It also measures temperature, capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, diodes, 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, has a low battery indicator, and has an easily accessible battery compartment. It also comes with test leads, a thermocouple with an adapter, batteries, and a user manual for added convenience. Unfortunately, the instructions were not easy to follow, and the MM400e tends to default to AC when 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 can try the Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter. It is designed for hobbyists or beginners, ensuring that it is easy to use, intuitive, and lightweight.

The Fluke 101 measures AC/DC currents, diodes, and continuity. The DC accuracy is 0.5% and comes with a CAT III 600V safety rating, and the diode and continuity test includes 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 an automatic shutdown, ensuring you don’t accidentally leave it on and waste the battery. When the battery does die, it is very easy to replace.

However, the Fluke 101 isn’t a perfect product. We found it was not a winner when troubleshooting large electrical problems, and we had issues with the 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 affordable, portable, and easy to use.

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

Additionally, it 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 also has a few downsides. It does not last very long because of its cheap products, and the leads fall apart very quickly.

9. Tacklife DM01 Digital Multimeter

Another budget multimeter to check out is the Tacklife DM01 Digital Multimeter. It is multi-functional with wide applications, is easy to read, and is safe to use. It has a manual range that is stable and controllable. It can measure AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, diodes, continuity, 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 break down 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 fundamental design, making it suitable for beginners or hobbyists. It also has an easy-to-read LCD.

That is all the positives we can say about the Cen-Tech 98025. It’s constructed of cheap materials, and although it will be suitable for lightweight use, it will not withstand much.

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 frustrating. 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 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.

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 valid results or measurements. Many hobbyists 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 designed with safety in mind. If not, you could get injured. Look for brands 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, so you don’t have to enter the range yourself, saving you time and energy.

Conversely, manual ranging requires you to enter 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 our reviews, we recommend the AstroAl WH5000A Digital Multimeter as our best overall pick. It has the most professional features of all 10 options on this list and is highly functional, accurate, and safe to use.

If you are not sold on the AstroAl WH5000A Digital Multimeter, we recommend our second choice, the Innova 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter. It is easy to use and safe, making it perfect for hobbyists and beginners. After discussing our suggested models and buyer’s guide, we hope to have made selecting a budget multimeter easier and less stressful for you.