Best Multi Testers in 2022

Last update: December 26, 2022

Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter Review:


Years ago, when I needed a multimeter and couldn't afford anything better, I purchased one for $30 at an auto parts store. It did a good job of helping me diagnose relatively simple automotive issues, but it suddenly stopped working when the batteries began to spill their contents and severely corrode the terminals. I repaired them and installed fresh batteries, but I couldn't rely on the readings because they were inconsistent.I choose to purchase the Fluke because my financial situation has improved recently. Right away, it is obvious that the quality has greatly improved. Everything just runs more smoothly, the LED display is simpler to see, and given what I've seen online of Fluke's internals, I know I'm receiving a product that is trusted by professionals. I can also independently verify that the readings I'm seeing are the real values and not estimates.My recent foray into higher voltage 110/220V domestic wiring has raised the stakes considerably for my safety. I need something that won't let me down under these circumstances. In addition, my outdated meter was giving me fits when the voltage was rhythmically oscillating due to an overcharging alternator. The expensive meter's refresh rate was what convinced me to buy it at this particular time. My readings were uncertain, and this one didn't appear to be concerned at all. I felt confident in the figures I was seeing because I knew exactly what I was looking for. The alternator was regularly overcharging, and I could easily tell that it needed to be repaired. Issue is resolved.Now, I hear you asking why I deducted one star. The dial is to blame. I want a straightforward instrument that just works in every aspect, especially one this pricey. Even though the breaker was off on another circuit in the room and the wire appeared to be hot, I was attempting to use this tool for household wiring at the time, and I was unable to get it to read. Since that outlet was indeed hot at the time, this could have potentially resulted in my electrocution. It turned out that there was no indication on the meter that the dial was between detents. The detents aren't very positive, and when I connected it to the hot 110 outlet leads, it was just showing zero. The good news is that before catching hold of a hot lead and giving her a little wiggle, my spidey sense alerted me to the situation and I checked to see if the meter was in excellent working order. But that gave me a little fright. Again, I must rely on my inexpensive meter in these circumstances because I've never experienced that issue with it. Come on Fluke, now that I'm aware of the issue, I'll figure up a solution to keep myself safe. You could develop some firmware that would detect when the dial is between detents and cause it to put up a warning when it is between them and consequently not functioning properly. Alternatively, you could do better on those detents. This is quite unimpressive.



Crenova MS8233D Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter Home Measuring Tools with Backlight LCD Display Review:


Excellent tool with features on par with my Improbe AM-20 Multimeter, which I paid $65 for in 1995. This product is beautifully crafted and comes with a great carry case. leads in pointed Red and Black, and a second set of alligator clips. even has guards over any sharp ends and other ends that go into the meter. cables of exceptional quality and thickness. This multimeter compares favorably to my pricey professional multimeter and is 100 percent accurate. On a charged Li-Ion battery, my Improbe and this product both measured precisely 7.88 volts. had made a cheaper purchase of another brand. It featured cables of the low-quality Harbor Freight variety and was sold without a case or alligator clips. When that one was tested 30 seconds after this one, the voltage on the identical battery cell was only 7.88 volts. The accuracy, build quality, and provided wires are excellent for $20. I bought a second one since it was so good. Like most, it uses a 9V battery that is simple to replace and normally lasts for a long time. The far right button turns on the lit screen, which is a good brilliant white, as the final stunning feature. The numerals are huge and simple to read both with and without the light. great product



KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter, TRMS 6000 Counts Volt Meter Auto Ranging, Measures Voltage Amp Resistance Diodes Continuity Duty-Cycle Capacitance Temperature + LIVE (LED Terminals for easy operation) Review:


You need Adobe Flash Player to view this video.Download Flash Player.I consider the material to be excellent, and I already use it in my electronics workshop. I also saved the batteries.



Multimeter Carrying Case Klein Tools 69401 Review:


I intended to purchase a case after obtaining the MM1000 to protect it and store all the leads and instructions in one place. As always, there are many advantages and cons while reviewing different scenarios. Despite comments that this case was extremely tight and that it was difficult, if not impossible, to zip up the MM with the leads in the case, the decision was made to purchase the 69401. I made the decision to buy it nevertheless and try to solve that problem if I could. Case arrived on schedule and in excellent shape. After trying a few different things, I was able to easily fit the MM, leads, and instructions inside the case. I put the high voltage leads in the tiny pouch in front, the instructions in the back, and the red/black leads on the back of the MM. I then slipped the MM into the case and rolled the red/black leads around my fingers before setting them on top of the MM. In order to visualize this, use images. The case was then sealed. Although it is snug, that is exactly what I want—protection for my MM. On the top of the case, there is a loop that I am not using. I advise using MM1000.



Sperry Instruments VD7504GFI DualCheck 2-in-1 Non-Contact Voltage Detector + GFCI Outlet Circuit Analyzer, 360° Visual & Audible Indicators, 50-1000V AC, 250 lb. Crush Rating Review:


I really enjoy the form factor of this item, and it seems to make testing outlets easier as a result. The longer reach is also useful. Unfortunately, the non-contact tester trips on Low Voltage, which makes it all but worthless for me in that situation. In my work as a home inspector, I frequently have to inspect exposed wires to determine whether they are high voltage and should be cut off. A tester that illuminates even at low voltage is of absolutely no use. This voltage tick problem has never occurred to me before. Although it oddly takes around a second to trip some breakers, I haven't had any issues using it to test GFCIs. Other testers I've had promptly tripped them. By the way, Sperry received my complaint and promptly issued a replacement; the second non-contact tester was marginally, but not significantly, better. It doesn't trip until it is about an inch or two away from 5 volts; the first one did so when it was about 5 to 6 inches away. Still ineffective



AstroAI Digital Multimeter with Ohm Volt Amp and Diode Voltage Tester Meter (Dual Fused for Anti-Burn) Review:


I didn't require the most expensive meter when I purchased this. I needed a backup since I didn't want to take the chance of losing my husband's finer one among the children in the gym. To test a few things for my daughter's fifth-grade science fair project, I wanted a simple one. Based on the facts and the evaluations, I assumed that this would work because I am accustomed to utilizing them.Although it feels like it's constructed of lesser plastic, given the price (around $15), it's fine. I'd advise having an additional 9-volt battery on hand because the original one was dead. At first, I assumed that everything else was fine. After working with my daughter on a science fair project and utilizing it briefly, we were unable to acquire any accurate readings and it kept making mistakes in comparison to our other meter.I did drop my rating, and AstroAI quickly called me to ask for my assistance in identifying the issue, which turned out to be a bad lead. They sent a replacement right away, and that was indeed the problem. This alone says a lot about their business.When the lead is replaced and tested against my other meter, this one performs just as well as my husband's much more expensive meter. Although it might not be as strong, it works perfectly for my needs.I would buy from them again in the future because of how nicely they handled the issue.



Sperry Instruments GFI6302 GFCI Outlet / Receptacle Tester, Standard 120V AC Outlets, 7 Visual Indication / Wiring Legend, Home & Professional Use, Yellow & Black Review:


I truly appreciate this gadget now that I understand how it works and what to expect from it. Due to the device's failure to provide any explanation for unusual findings, I deducted one star (readings that are not described)I've read various reviews about light bleed, which causes a slightly muddled reading when light travels from one light to another. The bulbs inside are actually lighting up, albeit very subtly, so this isn't just light leaking through plastic. I rewired a lot of outlets and discovered the following information about this item:It is extremely well made and feels excellent. It cannot diagnose every issue. The chart does not list every indicator you might observe. However, it does let you know if something is generally wrong.So, what I'm trying to say is that on the gadget, a list of all conceivable light configurations is displayed. Two scenarios, nevertheless, are conspicuously absent: full illumination and half illumination. The chart does not depict instances where all lights are on, but I have seen this happen. I've also observed many variations of lights being on, albeit dimly. Here, I believe some people believed the problem was caused by a bright light streaming into the next one, making it appear as though it might be on, but it's actually a sign of another problem. In either case, something is wrong unless you see two solid orange lights.You'd think they'd disclose this in the instruction manual. Nope. Nothing. Really, it shouldn't be happening with a tool meant for electrical work.In general, this device reliably signals one of two states: either everything is fine or something is wrong. If you see anything other than two solid orange lights, something isn't quite right. Even though I have strong light indicators, I use a multimeter to double-check everything. They are reasonably priced at $25 and will provide you with detailed information about the shop. Why not simply purchase a multimeter? It's possible to do that, but I prefer to use the small tester to check everything thoroughly, mark any outlets that are defective, and then go back and test those outlets with a multimeter to determine exactly what's wrong.Bonus round: Using a multimeter to test an outlet is simple. Just set it to read voltage and place the red probe in the little (for hot) outlet slit and the black probe in the larger (for neutral) slit. Do red to a little slit, black to ground (bottom outlet hole), and both should be 120 volts. The reading should then be zero or close to zero with one probe in the large slit and the other in the ground.



AstroAI Digital Multimeter, TRMS 6000 Counts Volt Meter Manual Auto Ranging; Measures Voltage Tester, Current, Resistance; Tests Diodes, Transistors, Temperature Review:


I occasionally invest in cheap test instruments, run a fast analysis, and then share the findings on my w3afc.com website. I do this for the HAM radio operators who are on fixed incomes and would like to repair their own equipment. In a few weeks, I'll publish a thorough evaluation with pictures there. This evaluation is intended for the average homeowner or DIY enthusiast who desires a low-cost but feature-rich meter. I put this meter to the test against an Amprobe AM-570 that cost a lot more money.PROS:- The double magnet on the rear with the plastic coating is quite helpful. When I'm testing, I can glue it to the face of a vintage HAM radio and it will remain there.- It boasts a sizable, straightforward display.- Readings for both DC and AC RMS are well within the stated parameters. Perfect, in fact.- Readings for resistance, DC current, and diode forward voltage are precise. The Duty Cycle and Temperature features have not been tested.- For a meter at this price point, the construction quality is superior to average.- Although they don't highlight it, AstroAI claims that this meter can read voltages of up to 1,000VDC (CAT II) and 750VAC. Because I want to utilize the meter before I risk blowing it up, I haven't yet used it to test the 900VDC plate voltage on one of my Swan 700CX tube transceivers. Additionally, I want to utilize this mainly to test automotive circuits and solid-state HAM radios. I had a UEI 384 that stated it could withstand 1000 volts of DC maximum voltage, but when I tested the Swan plate voltage (at rest, without modulation), the UEI actually blew up. I attempted it once more after discovering a another one online for $20 used. EVEN THAT meter blasted up. Therefore, I usually treat the voltage ratings on these inexpensive meters with a large grain of salt.- This meter, according to the manufacturer, can read capacitance up to 600 micro-farads (uF). However, the device I'm testing has accurately measured up to 2200uF. They might have meant 600uF within the specified accuracy.NOTE: Due to the fact that this meter has a 60,000 uF rating, I have corrected my rating. This meter reads the greatest figure I currently have, which is 20,000, with much the same accuracy as my much more expensive Amprobe AM-570 and my CEM DT-9935 LCR.CONS:- That magnet I stated earlier has a double-edged blade in that it can take up nuts, staples, pins, and other objects. The true highest limit of a frequency counter, which is supposed to be 60MHz, is 16MHz. Evidently, marketing believed they said 60 when engineering assured them it would read to 16MHz. The voltage needed to get a reading is also quite high—almost 5V P-P. On the other hand, the Amprobe AM-570 reads accurately up to 43MHz and only requires a little bit more than 1V P-P for a reliable reading. Of course, it's around $110 more expensive than this AstroAI WH5000A, or nearly four times as much. Note: According to my Amprobe manual, which I just verified, it can read up to 60 MHz as well. Given that these are 6000-count (5999, really) meters, I have a sense that this number is just speculative.- The transistor's hFE (current gain) test function operates at a voltage of just 1 volts and a very low current of just 1 mA, so it only measures about half of a device's gain under normal circumstances. Testing TO-220 devices is difficult since the multi-function test adapter is set up with C-B-E rather than B-C-E. So, if you want to test transistors, DON'T buy this.As I already stated, I'll eventually publish a thorough evaluation on my website. This is excellent for a DIY enthusiast and the price is unbeatable. I'd spend a little more on HAM radio work. By the way, I don't really find the beeping annoying.Note that a Tektronix Calibration Fixture provided the DC voltages. An AC source that was controlled and set to 115.00 VAC provided the AC voltage. Because the AC supply lacks BNC connectors like my Tek DC supply, I tested the AC separately rather than beside the Amprobe meter. The AstroAI detected a minor quantity of AC when the probes were removed, which was probably coming from my fluorescent lighting.NOTE 2: The meter is reading the frequency 14.175MHz from the signal unit of a Kenwood TS-930S HAM transceiver in the image showing it testing something on the bottom of a radio. Near the output connection on the board, the meter is connected. It reads the signal, however in order to get a reading, the board's gain (carrier level) must be set to 10. A very ancient Beckman Industrial DM27XT can read the signal with the carrier control set to 2, whereas the Amprobe can read the signal at a carrier level of 4.The same 2200uF, 35V electrolytic capacitor is being measured by both the AstroAI and the Amprobe in the two most recent images of the meters taking capacitor measurements.I was contacted by the product's producer about my 3-star rating. This would be 4 stars, or even 5, when compared to other meters in the $30-$50 price bracket. For consistency's sake, I offer this 3 stars even though I would only give the Amprobe AM-570 4 stars.By the way, I'm currently measuring the ambient temperature in my HAM shack with the thermocouple connected. As the heat comes on and off, the temperature is varying between 71 and 73 degrees, which is about right. It leveled off around 95F after I placed the end under my tongue for a short period of time. It's not lab-grade, but it's still not terrible.



Neoteck Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter AC/DC Voltage Current Ohm Capacitance Frequency Diode Transistor Audible Continuity, Multi Tester with Backlit LCD Review:


My dependable CircuitMate DM25 multimeter from Beckman Instruments, which I've owned for more years than I can remember, seems to be missing too often. When I most recently needed it, I had left it with my son-in-law. In order to increase my chances of having a meter on hand when I needed one, I decided it was time to acquire another one. After briefly perusing the selections on Amazon, I made the decision to acquire this Neotech model. Since most of my tinkering is no longer at the level of circuit boards, where I might want capacitance measurement capability, my primary uses are AC, DC, resistance, and an audible continuity function. This meter seemed to do everything I needed and looked like a good choice, even though the latter is an additional function I'd probably not use.A short inspection after delivery revealed that the audio capabilities wasn't functional. This capability is really helpful for me because I regularly need to trace and identify wiring, especially in dimly lit or odd settings where viewing the meter while testing is difficult. I called the provider, and the next day a new meter arrived in the mail. It arrived a few days later, and the replacement does as is promised. Customer service doesn't get any better than that!I like that it has two sets of leads. Where there is enough room to use them, having a set with alligator clips can be incredibly useful because they effectively operate as an additional set of hands. The auto-ranging functionality is good, but since you usually know the order of magnitude of whatever you're measuring, all it really accomplishes is reduce the number of switch positions required. The illuminated display is a very useful feature—I don't know if LEDs were even around when I bought my previous meter! It's undoubtedly convenient to avoid using a flashlight in confined situations. The display is big enough to be seen from a distance even in low light. Another incredibly useful feature is the tiny fold-out stand on the back. It is also simple to handle because to the body's feel and form. Although it is a little thicker than other meters, I find that the size is perfect because the few buttons are simple to use.It appears to be as accurate as my Beckman in terms of voltage reading capability. The meter's somewhat slower response time, especially when measuring resistance and voltage at lower levels, is the sole minor drawback. Whereas the Beckman was almost instantaneous, a steady state reading frequently takes a few seconds to settle. But I don't really see this to be an issue.For my needs, this $20 meter is pretty great, and I'm hoping it will last a long time. And given the supplier's quickness, I have no doubt that they will resolve any issues that may emerge within their 18-month warranty period.



INNOVA 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter Review:


This multimeter is reasonably priced and of good quality. So that I could leave my more expensive multimeter on my workbench at home, where I perform the majority of my work, and not have to worry about losing the Fluke or forgetting to bring it with me, I put it in my tool bag that I bring with me to various sites. This multimeter serves the majority of my needs as a theatre technician nicely. I also initially believed that the battery test function would not be necessary, but it so happens that one of the stores I work in has a sizable bucket of unknown-condition batteries, and the lights made it incredibly easy for me to hand this multimeter to a helper and instruct them to "Keep the battery if the light is green, otherwise, recycle it."The tips on the two probes that come with this multimeter are not particularly "sensitive," which is my only small gripe. I'm not sure if that's the appropriate phrase, but occasionally it appears like you have to touch the probe's very tip to the surface you want it to make contact with. This works well for checking exact items, however it can be problematic when evaluating power hookups.