The 4 Best Multimeters (2024)

Best for Electricians and Advanced Users

Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS

Auto-Ranging: Yes | True RMS: Yes

The Fluke 117 is a highly technical meter for highly technical work. Offering plenty of advanced features and functions, this DMM is designed with electricians in mind — especially when it comes to taking AC measurements. We love that it features an integrated non-contact AC probe and comes with a clear and intuitive interface. This true-RMS meter also has a low-impedance input that can automatically detect the type of voltage being measured and choose the appropriate range. Additionally, you can purchase a current probe separately if you need to measure anything above 10 amps.

The Fluke 117 offers a wide range of technical measurement functions, but it is geared more towards those working on home or commercial wiring rather than a hobbyist playing around with DC circuits. The unit also costs significantly more than an amateur may want to spend, and it lacks dedicated NPN/PNP transistor testing. Still, this is an excellent professional-grade multimeter — it's just a little bit more specialized than many people's electrical projects require.

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Why You Should Trust Us

We spent hours comparing and scoring these products side-by-side, completing several electrical projects along the way. We checked the resistance, capacitance, and gain of a plethora of electrical components, as well as the voltage of just about every outlet and battery we could find. Our testing gave us important insight (and some strong opinions) about the included probes and each meter's overall functionality and user-friendliness.

The overall score for each multimeter comes from testing across five key metrics:

• DC Measurements (30% of overall score weighting)

• AC Measurements (30% weighting)

• Other Functions (15% weighting)

• Ease of Use (15% weighting)

• Included Probes (10% weighting)

Our expert multimeter tester, David Wise, has well over a decade of experience designing electronic circuits and building electromechanical systems. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Ocean Engineering from MIT in 2014, he worked on the electronics systems for deepwater ocean gliders, electric Formula-style race cars, and developed hands-on electronics curriculums for local schools. He is a published author in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' Young Engineers Paper contest for his work on the design and prototype of an electromagnetic gallium pump. He also has a broad background in digital and power electronics. He is an avid DIYer, undertaking plenty of electrical projects and improvements on his home — with only the occasional unexpected spark. David has spent more hours than he would like debugging and testing various systems with practically every type of multimeter imaginable, bringing extensive experience to this review.

Joining David are Research Analyst Jessica Riconscente and Review Editor Ross Patton. Jessica attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obisbo, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology. A third-generation scientist, she is no stranger to uncovering the intricacies and subtle differences in data that differentiate a top-notch product from one that is better left on the shelf. Ross graduated with a Bachelor of Environmental Science from the University of Nevada, Reno. During his five years as part of the GearLab team, he has reviewed dozens of technical products ranging from electric skateboards to WiFi extenders. Between the three of them, you can be sure that their findings will guide you to the best multimeter for your needs and budget.

Analysis and Test Results

To determine which multimeters are the cream of the crop, we tested them head-to-head to score and rank all of their different functions. We compared their electrical testing abilities, ease of use, and operation. We also included probes with our side-by-side analysis in the following sections. Lastly, we divided electrical measurement capabilities into DC and AC voltage and current, as well as other functions for ease of understanding. While a few features can fall into multiple categories, we've left these in the most commonly used category for clarity.

Value

If your budget is limited and you are doing your best to balance performance and cost, we highly recommend the Crenova MS8233D. This auto-ranging multimeter has most of the common measurement functions and is very easy to use, all at a relatively affordable price. The AstroAI AM33D is another excellent option if you are shopping on the tightest of budgets, but the lack of auto-ranging makes it a bit more difficult to use.

These less expensive multimeters will typically have a reduced set of measurement capabilities compared to the top-tier models. For example, the Crenova and the AstroAI AM33D can't directly measure the gain of an NPN or PNP transistor like the AstroAI 6000 can or lack a non-contact voltage probe, as the Fluke 117 has. However, these budget meters typically cover all the basic measurements a typical DIYer or homeowner will likely ever need. You should think carefully about the projects you have in mind and make sure you aren't paying for an overly technical or complex meter that your electrical projects might not require.

DC Measurements

This metric considers each device's Direct Current (DC) measurement abilities. Most electronics hobbyists get started with low-voltage DC circuits, given they are less risky and much more forgiving in nature. We rated and compared the DC voltage and current measuring abilities of each product and any other unique DC-specific features for each model.

The AstroAI 6000, Crenova MS8233D, Etekcity MSR-C600, Klein Tools MM400, Greenlee DM-45 600 Volt, and Fluke 117 all impressed us in this regard. When taking a DC voltage, all of these meters are auto-ranging, making them very easy to use. We found the Crenova and the Fluke 117 to be very accurate, having a listed tolerance for most ranges of plus/minus 0.5%. However, when measuring current with the AstroAI 6000 and the Crenova, you'll need to set the correct range — something you don't need to do with the Fluke 117, which can automatically select the range for you.

The AstroAI AM33D is rated to measure up to 500V with a Category II insulation rating. However, it isn't auto-ranging, so you need to set the appropriate scale for your measurement, choosing between 0-200mV, 0-2000mV, 0-20V, 0-200V, 0-500V, with the precision (number of decimal places) of each measurement changing for each range.

Also standing out in this metric with its series of common-sized built-in battery load testers is the Innova 3320. One of three LEDs will light up to let you know if the battery is charged, on the border, or depleted.

AC Measurements

Next, we compared how these products did with Alternating Current (AC) circuits. We rated and scored things like the voltage and current measurement capabilities and any other AC-related features, like a non-contact voltage sensor or current measuring clamp.

Two products immediately stand out when measuring AC voltage and current: the Fluke 117 and the Etekcity MSR-C600. The Fluke 117 is an electrician's True-RMS multimeter, featuring a series of advanced AC measurement tools, like an auto-volt feature with a low-impedance input and a non-contact voltage sensor. It is auto-ranging for alternating current and voltage and can measure frequency.

However, when measuring large alternating currents, even the Fluke 117 is outperformed by the Etekcity MSR-C600. While the Fluke can only measure up to 10 amps of current in its stock configuration, the Etekcity can measure up to 400 amps using its non-contact current clamp. Even better, you don't need to break the circuit and wire the meter in series when using a non-contact clamp. This feature works best when you only measure a single, unshielded wire at a time. However, you can buy a current clamp separately for other products, like the aforementioned Fluke or the AstroAI 6000, if you want to measure higher currents with other products.

It is also worth noting that, like the Fluke 117, the AstroAI 6000 is a True-RMS meter. This means they can more accurately measure complex electrical waveforms, like those found in HVAC systems or variable motor drives — particularly brushless motors and their electronic speed controllers.

Other Functions

While AC and DC measurement abilities are critical for any good multimeter, it is important not to disregard all of the other measuring capabilities these products have. All of the models we tested have a diode, resistance, and audible continuity check, with a few meters going even further. The AstroAI 6000 can also measure capacitance, transistor gain, duty cycle, and temperature using its K-type thermocouple.

The Neoteck NT8233D Pro, Fluke 117, and the Crenova MS8233D can also measure capacitance. The AstroAI 6000 can be helpful with its NPN/PNP transistor gain functions if you are doing lots of circuits with surplus transistors. While this isn't the most useful, it can be handy for getting a rough idea of the DC gain when using surplus parts or other semiconductors that you can't locate the datasheet for. We found the universal socket on the AstroAI 6000 to be a bit finicky, too, and see potential that we would lose it at some point.

While this isn't necessarily a measurement function, both the AstroAI AM33D and the Etekcity MSR-R500 have a dedicated square wave output, which is useful for testing amplifier circuits. These also have a diode check — handy if you are working with LEDs.

The Klein Tools MM400 has continuity and resistance under the same setting. It defaults to continuity, so you'll need to remember to press the select button until you see the resistance icon show up. In addition to measuring capacitance, frequency, and duty cycle, this model includes a thermocouple probe that is rated at 1000° F.

Ease of Use

After the electrical measurement tests, we rated and scored how easy it was to use each device. We considered how simple or challenging it was to set the range, if the device comes with a "Max," "Min," or "Hold" option, whether or not there is a backlight, the quality of the kickstand, and the overall user interface.

In terms of setting the range, you can't beat any of the auto-ranging meters. In our lineup, those are: the AstroAI 6000, Crenova MS8233D, Fluke 117, Neoteck NT8233D Pro, Etekcity MSR-C600, Greenlee DM-45 600 Volt, and Klein Tools MM400.

"Hold," "Min," and "Max" functions are also quite handy when diagnosing circuits, something the Fluke 117, Klein Tools MM400, Greenlee DM-45, and the AstroAI 6000 all have. Except for the Innova 3320 and the Etekcity MSR-C600, most of the tested products also have a backlight.

While most of these devices include a kickstand, the AstroAI 6000 also has a handy magnetic hanging strap. The Fluke 117 has this too, but it is sold separately. However, we do like the integrated probe holders on the Fluke 117, which keep the test leads nice and organized.

The Klein Tools MM400 features one of our favorite kickstands. The stand props the device up at a great viewing angle, and it stays in place, even when shaken or bumped. The hard rubberized bottom grips the surface on which it is placed so that it won't slide around. If you like the idea of being able to hang your multimeter, the Greenlee DM-45 has an integrated hook.

Included Probes

Finally, we assessed the quality of the included probes. Since you can always get higher-quality probes separately, it doesn't make a huge difference. However, there are a few standouts that are worth mentioning.

We like the safety covers included with some probes, such as the ones on the Fluke 117, Klein Tools MM400, Greenlee DM-45, and the Neoteck NT8233D Pro. These let you change the amount of conductive surface exposed to match the application. We also appreciate that the Neoteck NT8233D Pro and the Crenova MS8233D include the typical point probes and a pair of alligator clip probes.

The clip probes can be exceptionally convenient for measuring components or other circuits and give you a reliable way to get a good connection without holding the probes in position. This frees up your hands and reduces the likelihood of an intermittent connection.

Conclusion

Our review includes the information and details you need to narrow down the options to the perfect multimeter for your needs and budget. Remember, working on electrical circuits and systems can be extremely dangerous and should only be done if you have the proper knowledge and training. With that in mind, stay safe, and best of luck on your next DIY project.