Most people don’t know how to recognize digital multimeters from regular ones. So they won’t understand whether they are being ripped off or are getting the bests deal possible.
That is why we have taken the liberty of outlining the 8 electronic multimeters on the market. Furthermore, our multimeter review will make it easier for you to decide which one to go for.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table: Best Multimeter for Electricians
Table could not be displayed.1. Best Overall: Fluke 115 True-RMS
If you are new to multimeters, we might forgive you for not having heard of the Fluke. Why is that? Because Fluke multimeters are some of the most famous multimeters on the market. They combine usability with several other features that ensure they provide you with the best performance.
The Fluke 115, for instance, features an accurate True RMS scale that will ensure you get more accurate results. The true RMS scale makes this multimeter adept at non-linear testing loads. The Fluke 115 is also safety-rated to ensure you are safe each time you use it on electronics.
When working in dimly lit areas, the Fluke 115 ensures you will have no trouble doing the readings by having a large display with a backlight. The backlight, however, only comes in handy in dimly lit areas.
The fluke 115 multimeter is also quite versatile. That’s because you can use it to do a variety of tests. One thing you will love is the rugged build of this multimeter. The incredibly tough construction will make it resilient even in challenging work environments possible. It will also serve you for longer, thanks to that.
Pros
- The large display has a backlight to ensure more straightforward readings even in the dark
- It has the max, minimum and average features that will record any fluctuations
- The true RMS scale makes it easier to test non-linear loads
- The safety rating of CAT III 600V proves its safety
Cons
- At times you have to tilt the angle of the display to do readings
2. Best Value: Fluke 117 Electricians
The Fluke 117 comes with volt alert technology, which enables it to do non-contact testing. Non-contact testing allows you to test for voltage without the multimeter having to contact the electronics you are testing on.
Additionally, the Fluke 117 also has automatic volt AC and DC selection. The DC millivolts range is up to 600.0Mv, which means you can see the slightest voltage changes when testing.
One thing you will love about this multimeter is that it has a low input impedance. Low input impedance works as a guard against false or ghost readings. That ensures that the readings are as accurate as possible.
Furthermore, it has the True RMS scale that provides precise measurements of non-linear loads. Moreover, it will be easier for you to do readings with the large display it comes with. That’s not all. The display also has a backlight which means you can do readings even in dimly lit work areas. That will come in handy since it isn’t all the time you will be working in well-lit areas.
The Fluke 117 also comes with a that serves two functions. First, you can use it to enable hands-free operation with the multimeter. Secondly, you can use it to store the multimeter. Together with the rugged build, this device will excite you with its reliability and accuracy.
Pros
- The rugged build means it can withstand the harshest work environments
- True RMS scale enhances accuracy when testing non-linear loads
- Low input impedance guards against false readings
- Magnetic hanger enables hands-free operation
Cons
- The backlight isn’t that efficient
3. Premium Choice: Klein Tools MM400
The Klein MM400 is another that will guarantee you quality multimeters with top-grade features. Thanks to its commendable safety rating and accuracy, the Klein MM400 is one of the best in its category.
It is relatively versatile and can measure capacitance, frequency, didoes as well as temperature. With the safety rating of CAT III 600V, you can be sure you will be safe using this multimeter to diagnose electrical problems.
The standout feature of the Klein MM400 multimeter is arguably the rugged build. It also has a relatively accessible battery compartment for when you need to change the battery.
Another thing we loved about this multimeter is the crisp, clear display. Its display also has a backlight which means you won’t struggle to make readings in the dark. In addition, the readings will be in a large font, which means you won’t work to make sense of them.
The auto-ranging feature is another thing you will love. You won’t have to struggle to range the multimeter manually. That adds to the degree of convenience this multimeter guarantees you.
In addition, the low battery indicator should tell precisely when to change the battery for continued use. The Klein MM400 features rank it among the top multimeters to try out if you work mainly with electronics.
Pros
- The rugged build makes it ideal for harsh work environments
- The low battery indicator helps you know when to change it
- Large and crisp clear display with backlighting
- It has an accessible battery compartment
Cons
- The automatic selection to AC isn’t the best if you want to test something else
4. Best For Electronics Hobbyist: Tekpower Mastech
Next on our list is the Tekpower Mastech multimeter. Although not as famous as some multimeters on this list. It also features automatic and manual ranging you have the best of both worlds. As much as the automatic ranging saves you time, there are times when only the manual ranging option will suffice.
Tekpower Mastech multimeter is also a safe device to use. That is especially important since you will be dealing with potentially dangerous electronics. For that reason, the LED warning when you have the test leads on the wrong terminals will come in handy.
The large display will not only enable you to do readings fast, but it also has a backlight that ensures easy readings in the dark. The display’s contrast will also come in handy whenever the sun’s angle brings up issues reading the results.
The Tekpower runs on a battery that might run out of power if you leave it for too long. That is why the automatic power-off feature is a welcome addition. As a result, you won’t ever have to return to a dead battery. Overall, this is an excellent multimeter, especially if you are a newbie, thanks to the simple design.
Pros
- The auto power-off function helps conserve the battery
- It is entirely safe to use thanks to overload protection
- It has both manual and automatic ranging feature
- Simple design makes it the best for newbies
Cons
- The backlight’s seconds-duration is too little help, someone
5. Best for Electrical Engineers: Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter
The 87-V is another multimeter in the Fluke series of multimeters that will excite you with its functionality. For example, it has the popular Fluke low pass filter to ensure that your results are as accurate as possible.
Furthermore, you can get these same accurate results on adjustable speed drives, which wouldn’t be possible with other multimeters on the market.
Fluke 87-V multimeter can also peak capture intermittent that will be as fast as 250 µS. That further shows you how reliable this multimeter can be relative to other devices on the market.
Additionally, the Fluke 87-V also features a switchable display with a resolution that will allow 6000 to 20000 counts. You will consequently be able to see even the slightest changes when doing readings.
When getting a multimeter, one of the things to look out for is the safety rating. That’s because it could be the difference between you getting an electric injury and being safe. Fluke 87-V multimeter has a safety rating of CAT IV 600V and CAT III 1000V, which means you will be safe using it.
You will also love the fact you can use this multimeter almost anywhere. It means you won’t have to restrict yourself to only using it to troubleshoot household electronic issues. That’s because you can also use it to diagnose industrial electronic faults.
Pros
- The display has high resolution that enables you to notice the slightest changes
- The safety rating of CAT IV 1000V and CAT III 600V means it is safe to use
- It has a simple design that makes it easy to use
- It is a versatile multimeter
Cons
- The leads are rather stiff
6. Best for Apprentice Electrician: AstroAI Digital Multimeter
If you are looking for an inexpensive multimeter, then AstroAI is best for you. It will also allow you to troubles shoot faults on electronics relatively safely. The inbuilt double fuse also means it won’t quickly explode, making it more reliable.
In addition, the AstroAI multimeter has overload protection on all ranges as well as a high safety rating. What stood out with the AstroAI multimeter is the relative ease of use. It has a large display that makes doing readings a breeze.
This display also has a backlight for when there isn’t enough lighting. Apart from the large display, we loved the data hold function that will freeze the results on the screen until you record them.
You will most likely be using AstroAI multimeter in the field. As such, you will want to have a hands-free operation since it isn’t always you who will hold it in your hand when using it.
Thankfully, it has an inbuilt kickstand that ensures that’s possible. With a sampling speed of 2 times per second, you can get accurate results with speed. That’s not all. The rubber corners will ensure it doesn’t sustain damage from the slightest fall.
Pros
- Convenient features such as the data hold and low battery indicator make it easy to use
- Sampling speed of 2 times per second boast accuracy and speed of results
- The kickstand ensures handsfree use
- Protective rubber edges make it hardy
Cons
- The large display could be better in the font of the results
7. Electronics Logging Multimeter: Fluke 287
What makes the Fluke 287 multimeter such an accurate device is the True RMS scale. The scale will ensure accurate results whether you are testing linear or non-linear loads, unlike its predecessor which only works for non-linear loads.
Furthermore, the Fluke 287 also comes with a large display that ensures doing readings is easy. The display also has a backlight which means you won’t struggle to do readings even in dimly lit areas.
Another thing that will endure the Fluke 287 to you is the data logging feature. The data logging features will ensure you can use the multimeter without your direct monitoring.
In addition, Fluke 287 multimeter might be the device with the most excellent screen functions. That’s because apart from the screen having a user-friendly multilingual interface, it also has onboard help screens that direct you on the proper steps to take when using it.
Furthermore, the display can show you multiple results at once. Thus, you don’t have to wait to finish one test before doing the next one.
Pros
- True RMS scale for more accurate results on linear and non-linear loads
- Backlit and sufficiently large display
- User-friendly multilingual interface
- Impressive safety rating
Cons
- The display isn’t the bests, especially if you have aging eyes
8. Best For Mechanics: Klein Tools MM600
Another multimeter to consider, if you are looking for a digital multimeter for mechanics, is the Klein MM600. Like its sister multimeter on the list, it will guarantee optimal and efficient performance thanks to the quality features.
Moreover, it does all that safely, which the CAT III 600v safety rating and the double insulation ensure. That shows it just doesn’t park in the features but is also safe to use.
This multimeter also has a digitally controlled power button. In addition to the digital power button, the multimeter also has an automatic switch-off functioning. That means it will go off if it detects idle screen time.
Another thing that we loved about this multimeter is the receptacle tester. This tester enables the multimeter to detect wiring configurations besides showing if the wiring is correct.
The other abilities of this multimeter are the identification of open and reversed ground, among other functions. That marks it out as a relatively versatile multimeter.
Pros
- Receptacle tester enables detection of wiring faults
- Automatic switch of function
- CAT III 600V safety rating
- Highly versatile
Cons
- The instructions aren’t that elaborate
Buyer’s Guide: Multimeter for Electricians
Safe for Use
How safe is the multimeter when in use? Will it explode in your face as you test the voltage if anything?
It would help if you considered such questions before buying a multimeter. Because as insignificant as they might seem, you will be dealing with electronics that tend to be a heartbeat away from an accident.
Impedance Power
Impedance power refers to the ability of the multimeter to eliminate false readings or ghost readings. That will ensure the results you obtain are as accurate as possible.
However, not all multimeters have this feature. That is why you need to look out for it in any multimeter before you buy it. Low impedance power means a more accurate device. The vice versa is also true.
Durably Made
This feature doesn’t just apply to multimeters since you need any device or tool you acquire to be durable and thus last you some time.
Durable multimers will typically have rugged or sturdy builds that enable them to resist damage even in demanding work conditions.
Autoranging
Automatic ranging will save you a lot of time, not to mention that it is more accurate than manual ranging. That’s why automatic ranging should be among the top things you look out for in any multimeter.
Backlit Display
The display, besides being large and clear, should also have a backlight. The backlight will enable you to make readings faster, even when in dimly lit areas. It will also come in handy when the sun’s angle messes with the contrast on the multimeter.
Display Rate
The display rate or display count refers to the maximum value the multimeter will count. The higher this value, the higher the multimeter can go. So if you are to get a good multimeter, you will need to consider this feature.
Temperature Sensor
You might have noticed that some of the multimeters on our list have a temperature probe for testing the temperature. That adds to their degree of versatility.
If you are going for a multimeter, you will want it to test as many parameters as possible. That is why it is a good idea to consider whether a multimer has a temperature probe or not.
Voltage Range
When selecting a multimeter, another feature to look for is the voltage range. Again, it would help if you chose a multimeter with the highest possible voltage range. A lower range will mean you can’t use your multimeter on some electronics that tend to have higher voltage ranges.
FAQs: 6 Questions & Answers
How to use a multimeter for Electronics?
Using a multimeter for electronics is relatively straightforward. All you have to do is attach the multimeter’s lead points or jacks to the terminals or wires of the device you are testing. Some multimeters will allow you to do non-contact testing.
That means you will have only to get the multimeter close to the source of the parameter you want to test and then read the results. Without actually touching the device!
What do I need to look for in a multimeter for Electronics?
There are various features that you need to look for in any multimeter. Such features include the display and whether it has a backlight, the low input impedance, and the build, among other factors.
How to choose a multimeter for Electronics?
Choosing the best digital multimeter for electronics is not a complicated affair. If you have read our guide to the end, then you shouldn’t have trouble selecting the ideal multimeter for you. Just remember to consider the factors we have outlined in our review.
How does a multimeter works?
Multimeters are simple tools that work by detecting either voltage or current moving from point to point. They have features that, when you test for any parameter, the display show you the reading.
Which one is to choose Analog or Digital?
Both analog and digital multimeters have their enthusiasts. You will, however, be better off choosing the digital multimeter over the analog one. The digital multimeter is more accurate and offers more functionality than the analog multimeter.
What do 6000 counts mean on a Multimeter?
Six thousand counts in a multimeter refer to the multimeter resolution. That means higher resolutions will have more accurate results than lower resolutions.
Final Thoughts
Fluke multimeters have notably dominated this list. That, however, doesn’t mean that they are the only top multimeters for electronics.
However, it is worth noting that all multimeters you choose should be as close as possible to the features we have discussed here despite the brand.
The multimeter you choose should also have a rugged build to ensure it lasts you as long as possible. Rugged construction will enable the multimeter to withstand even the harshest work environments.
Additionally, it would be best if you also looked at the automatic features that the multimeter has. Such features include the data hold, automatic shut-off, or even working in hands-free mode.