The 10 Best Multimeters
Special Honors
ITM Instruments This company stocks just about every sort of metering and measuring equipment you can imagine, and multimeters are clearly no exception, as there's hundreds of options to choose from. Their tech support isn't always the promptest or most helpful, but their prices are quite competitive. Just be wary if you're the sort of person who's prone hoarding gadgetry: you may find it hard to make it off the website without stumbling across something else that you immediately "need." itm.com
Fluke Meters The Swiss Army knives of testing equipment, multimeters like the ones on this list are a multipurpose solution that can tackle an incredible number of problems. However, they do have their limitations, and depending what you're up against, there may come a time when you need some additional, specialized equipment on your side. Fluke has been driving innovation in this space for years, and makes some of the best gear on the planet, but prepare yourself... because they know it and aren't afraid to charge good money for their wares as a consequence. fluke.com
Editor's Notes
May 05, 2021:
After a fairly thorough overhaul last year, and without much innovation in the space since then, it was an easy round of updates this time around, with all of our previous picks still seeming to be available and in good standing.
I did, however, take issue with the inclusion of two CAT II models at the bottom of our list, which seemed to me to be about one too many. Including a single category-two model as an option for budgeted hobbyists who have limited ambition for this purchase was fair enough, but allotting 20% of this list’s real estate to arguably subpar equipment just seemed like too much.
It drives me crazy that the leads in the Triplett 2030-C are hardwired, as anybody who knows anything about multimeters knows that their leads will typically go well before the meter itself, so my original instinct was to eliminate it from the list. However, after some more consideration, I decided that the integrated case on this unit was likely to contribute positively to its longevity, as well as the longevity of its leads, making it a respectable enough pick for casual and occasional use. Considering that, and the relatively good reputation of its brand name, I wound up retaining the 2030-C and removing the Innova 3320 instead.
In its place, I added the Klein Tools ET920, which isn’t a typical multimeter (if you’re looking for something more standard issue from the company, check out the Klein Tools Kit or Klein Tools MM700 that are included higher up on our list), but a USB-specific meter that comes in handy when diagnosing USB-A and USB-C ports. It isn’t intended to be an alternative to our higher-ranking options, but rather an additional gadget that we thought some gearheads browsing through this page might be interested in.
For more metering equipment, you might want to check out our lists of clamp meters and voltage testers.
January 28, 2020:
During this round of updates, in order to make room for a number of high-end selections that will appeal to electrical contractors and other serious tradespeople and hobbyists, we eliminated the Neoteck 8233D Pro, Mastech MS8268, Amprobe AM-560 and Extech EX330. We also removed the iDVM 510, due to availability issues. Some of our new additions include The Klein Tools MM700, the company’s top-end model that’s built tough and comes in a convenient carrying case; the Triplett 9055, which sets itself apart with a host of environmental sensors that allow it to measure noise, brightness, temperature and humidity; and the Fluke 279FC, a notably-expensive choice that’s loaded with features, including a built-in thermal-imaging camera and an adapter that allows it to function as a clamp-on ammeter.
A few factors worth metering as you shop:
Overvoltage Categories: This is a very important consideration. So, for your safety’s sake – pay attention. All electrical metering equipment is awarded an overvoltage-category score between one and four (sometimes simply referred to as a safety score). You’ll often see this denoted using the industry-accepted shorthand “CAT I, CAT II, CAT III or CAT IV.” While it would be easy for me to recommend that everybody purchase a CAT IV tester, and be ready for anything, the cost difference between a CAT I and CAT IV unit can be massive and, depending on your intentions for the meter, an inexpensive CAT II model might be just fine for you.
A basic breakdown of the categories is as follows:
CAT I: This designation is given to testers that are strictly intended for metering protected electronic equipment, and are not suitable for working on any electrical systems. CAT I options were not deemed acceptable for the purposes of these rankings.
CAT II: This designation is given to testers that are intended for metering unprotected electrical equipment and single-phase branch circuits (under certain circumstances). This is a limiting designation, and one that we tried to avoid for the purposes of these rankings. However, we did decide to include the inexpensive Innova 3320 – recognizing that it would be suitable for some users, and Triplett 2030-C – admiring its compact design.
CAT III: This is likely the most common designation for multimeters, and one that leaves them fairly well equipped. Devices of this category are suitable for most electrical contractors, and are suitable for three-phase distribution work, as well as everything downstream from there. Two solid CAT III options we ranked that are reasonably affordable are the Klein Tools Kit (which comes with the Klein Tools MM300) and the Triplett 9007-A.
CAT IV: This category is on the top of the pile, ready to go up against just about anything you throw at it, including “point of origin” metering, which happens upstream of your main overcurrent protection for any electrical system. While the Fluke 279FC is, in my humble opinion, the most impressive option we ranked, its price tag is likely to send most running. If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly CAT IV option, you should check out the Eevblog Brymen BM235, which comes at nearly a tenth of the cost of the Fluke 279FC.
Connectivity: This is a capability that most will have no practical use for. However, for the scholarly electrician who’s working on complex systems or chasing harmonic distortions, modern models in this category have begun to incorporate the ability to connect to smartphone and desktop applications, to better track and distribute data. While the Greenlee DM-820A can connect to a PC via USB cable, the Fluke 279FC connects wirelessly to its proprietary smartphone app.
Bells and Whistles: While most the units we’ve ranked share a basic set of capabilities, there are many models that have one or more standout features, as well. The Eevblog Brymen BM235 and Greenlee DM-820A are both capable of single-lead voltage detection, and the Klein Tools Kit comes with a receptacle tester and non-contact voltage tester. The Fluke 117 boasts a 400-hour battery life, and (for a small additional charge) the Klein Tools MM700 can be had with a handy magnetic hanger, giving you a “third-hand” during metering. Although we’ve already mentioned the thermal-imaging camera that comes with the Fluke 279FC, and the environmental sensors that are built into the Triplett 9055, gearheads like me will certainly agree they’re worth mentioning twice.
A note on safety:
Electrical work is dangerous at the best times and, even in the context of some small around-the-house jobs, it can cause fires that lead to serious injuries or even death. If you aren’t a qualified professional, for the sake of your and your family’s safety (as well as local bylaws, in some cases) ensure that any work done on your home or business is completed by a reputable, licensed electrician.
Multifunctional Measurements All In One
Because digital multimeters offer an increased level of accuracy and precision, they have become more common than their analog counterparts.
Whether you're a professional electrician or engineer, you know someone who is an electrician, or you just enjoy having gadgets around the house to help you assess and solve electrical problems with your appliances, then a multimeter is an integral tool to include in your arsenal.
Also referred to as a VOM (volt-ohm meter or volt-ohm-milliammeter), a multimeter is an all-in-one instrument that is capable of measuring several properties of an electrical circuit, mainly voltage (volts), current (amps), and resistance (ohms). Multimeters are available in either analog or digital types and are often designed for handheld use. An analog multimeter leverages the use of both a microammeter and moving pointer to display its readings. The microammeter is simply an instrument that measures small electrical currents.
By contrast, a digital multimeter (also known as a DMM or DVOM) features an easy-to-read numeric display that may also include a graphical bar representing the measured values. Because digital multimeters offer an increased level of accuracy and precision, they have become more common than their analog counterparts. However, analog multimeters are still useful, particularly if you're concerned about a rapidly-changing measurement that is more easily visualized using the analog display and pointer.
In addition to the meat and potatoes properties for voltage, current, and resistance measurements, some digital multimeters also contain circuits for continuity testing, diodes, and transistors. They are also capable of measuring additional electrical attributes such as capacitance and frequency.
Digital multimeters typically have three built-in sockets on their faces to which a test lead attaches. Although this may sound complicated, test leads are simply flexible, specialized, and fully-insulated black and red wires used to connect the multimeter to the circuit that's actually being tested or measured. The black test lead will always connect to the black socket (labeled COM for common), while the red test lead can plug into either of the remaining red sockets for measuring voltage and resistance or for measuring electric currents.
One of the most practical applications for a digital multimeter is determining electrical faults, which are defined as abnormal electrical currents. An abnormal current could take the form of a short circuit, so you'll know if that toaster you just bought could be problematic or if there is an underlying problem with your household wiring system and power supplies.
Additional functions for specialized multimeter applications include temperature measurements with a thermocouple probe, inductance, connectivity to a computer, and even the capability for the multimeter to speak a measured value aloud.
Safety First, Hazards Need Not Apply
Always exercise caution when dealing with electricity of any kind. I know this sounds rudimentary and simplistic, but remaining informed about the multimeter you choose (including its limitations and hazards) will help to keep you safe. Many multimeters are designed with varying levels of protection against common electrical hazards. When making a choice, one must be sure to understand the test equipment, its requirements, and how the equipment works.
For that reason, ensuring the leads are properly insulated is definitely a good idea.
It's vital to know the maximum voltage rating of the circuit, which is an evaluation based on research and experimentation that helps to determine how much voltage can be safely utilized by a particular device or form of wiring over its life. This is especially important when investing in a multimeter to ensure your testing does not exceed its maximum voltage limit.
Making sure your multimeter includes high-quality test leads is also an important factor to consider, since you will be handling them quite often and you don't want to risk electric shock. For that reason, ensuring the leads are properly insulated is definitely a good idea.
Many digital multimeters also feature bright, backlit screens, which come in handy if you have to work in dark places. Additionally, extra-long battery life should be a given if you're a professional electrician and plan to do a lot of testing.
Finally, while compact size comes with the territory of many digital handheld multimeters, finding one with a folding design can also provide additional protection for its sensitive sockets and components during transport.
A Brief History Of Multimeters
Invented in 1820, the galvanometer was the first moving-pointer, current-detecting device used to measure voltage and resistance with a Wheatstone bridge. However, the galvanometer was considered to be too slow and too delicate.
Dissatisfied with being forced to carry so many separate instruments required for the maintenance of telecommunications circuits, post office engineer Donald Macadie invented the first multimeter capable of measuring amps, volts, and ohms. At the time, it was referred to as an avometer (or AVO). Macadie brought this invention to the attention of the Automatic Coil Winder and Electrical Equipment Company (AWEEC) where it was put on sale in 1923. The best known model of the AVO series was the Model 8, which has remained virtually unchanged since its inception.
Today's digital multimeters have a strong focus on multifunctional use that includes computer connectivity and voice communication.