Digital multimeters are different, each model is a set of different options for certain types of work: solving small household tasks, maintaining electrical wiring, repairing computer equipment or specialized equipment. Top models are designed to work with industrial, power equipment.
Our experts' rating of the best multimeters in terms of price-performance ratio included both household and professional models, and covered a variety of price categories. The review is based on the feedback and recommendations of experienced electricians, and will help users make the right choice of a digital multimeter for solving the tasks.
Content
Kromatech DT-838
This is the best option when choosing a budget multimeter for home or car battery voltage measurements. The device is assembled quite well and at its affordable price the tester has very decent functionality. In addition to standard measurements of AC and DC voltages and currents up to 10 A, the device is equipped with a transistor gain meter and a thermometer. As the latter, a thermocouple is used, which is included in the basic package. The multimeter is good for beginners, but it is also suitable for experienced electricians. The optimal area of application is electrical work, voltage measurement of a small range.
Advantages:
- low cost
- compact dimensions, low weight
- "ringing" for a short circuit is provided, the tester also knows how to "ring" diodes without unsoldering
- there is a transistor and temperature meter
- small error
Disadvantages:
- not suitable for accurate measurement of high currents, resistances or temperatures
- weak and thin wires on the probes
- not suitable for low temperature operation
Universal M830B IEK
A high-quality basic-level multimeter designed for electrical work and household use. The tester has all the necessary options, is easy to use and is suitable even for beginners. Standard version: 3 connectors for probes, basic measuring ranges for AC and DC voltage, resistance measurement, current amplification factor of transistors. There is even a "dial tone", which is not often found in budget models, but here it is only for diodes and transistors.
Advantages:
- overcurrent protection (fuse installed)
- saving measurements
- the kit includes a battery "crown"
- easy to use
Disadvantages:
- no "dialing" for short circuits
- only suitable for household use
UNI-T UT33D
One of the models of digital multimeters for home use, the UT33 series, has a wider resistance measurement range (up to 200 Ohms) and a built-in square wave generator (frequency 50 Hz, amplitude 2 V). All this, in combination with the basic functionality and "continuity" for open circuit, makes this model of a compact multimeter universal for many types of work, for example, construction and electrical installation operations or for computer repair, checking and testing of digital microcircuits.
Advantages:
- high sensitivity and low error
- overload / overvoltage protection
- the ability to save measurements in memory
- automatic shutdown
- compact and lightweight (weighs only 156 g)
Disadvantages:
- no possibility to measure alternating current
CEM DT-105 480151
A professional-grade portable multimeter differs from its counterparts in its very compact dimensions and weighing only 102 grams. The tester will fit even in the smallest bag or breast pocket, and will be “at hand” at the right time. It really is one of the best low cost multimeters with the right price / performance ratio. The device is equally convenient for home or professional use in various conditions. The functionality is quite wide: a button for fixing a measurement, a battery charge indicator, a diode test, a "continuity" of the circuit with a sound signal, a polarity indicator. A small but useful device measures resistance up to 2 Ohm, AC and DC voltage up to 500 V, DC current up to 200 mA - all that is needed for electrical work at a construction site.
Advantages:
- all basic functionality is implemented
- wide, easy-to-read 2000-digit digital display
- low measurement error - from 0.5 to 1.8%
- small size and weight
- good equipment (probes, battery "crown")
Disadvantages:
- users complain that the "dialing" sound fails very quickly, in this case experts recommend simply replacing the fuse
Mastech MAS830L
A good and reliable multimeter Mastech MAS830L from a very popular manufacturer, which is chosen by both amateurs and specialists. The professional-level model attracts with a convenient, ergonomic design, small dimensions and a wide, readable 2000-count display. In addition to the basic options, the device measures the gain of transistors and "rings" the circuits. The "Hold" button allows you to hold the measurement reading with one click, which is very convenient when using the device in a confined space.
Advantages:
- high speed - up to 3 measurements per second
- gain of transistors - up to 1000
- voltage measurement up to 600 V
- ergonomic body
- backlight function
- good quality probes
Disadvantages:
- small values on the scale
- does not measure the capacity of capacitors
CEM DT-932N
A digital multimeter with a wide range of actions is designed for maintenance of communication systems, diagnostics of electrical cables and connections, as well as for the repair of various household appliances. Also, the tester is perfect for novice radio amateurs or ordinary dummies. This is a professional and multipurpose device that surpasses household counterparts, which is evident at first glance. Outwardly, the tester immediately makes a positive impression - a protective shock-resistant casing, an additional stand, a large LCD screen with LED-backlight. The functionality of the multimeter to match its appearance, the measurement range of AC / DC voltage is 1000 V, which is higher than that of any amateur tester. In addition to standard operations, the device is equipped with a thermocouple, measures the current of direct and alternating voltage, is able to check diodes, capacitance, frequency and "rings" the circuit.
Advantages:
- value for money
- has a convenient design and a large display
- entered in the state register
- there is an automatic shutdown (15 minutes)
Disadvantages:
- absent or not identified
FLUKE 17B +
The rating continues to be the best electronic multimeter with advanced capabilities and a wide range of work performed. As befits a professional device, the Fluke multimeter is equipped with a large display, a Hold button (freezing of measurement readings). One of the top-end multimeters is capable of measuring temperatures up to 400 ° C, the strength and voltage of currents with an increased frequency of 200 Hz, and is widely used to measure the capacitance of capacitors up to 1000 μF. Despite its functionality, all the "mechanics" of the tester are compactly located in a small case.
For use in harsh environments, the entire structure is reliably protected by a durable casing, and for convenience, a stand is provided at the back. This model was created for professionals in their field, but inexperienced craftsmen can also master the interface.Recommended area of use - maintenance of power supply equipment, diagnostics of television communications or control over various electrical devices.
Advantages:
- signals out of range measurement
- maximum error no more than 1.5%
- two measurement modes: manual or automatic
- entered in the state register
- high measurement limit
- high degree of reliability
Disadvantages:
- high price
APPA 62T
A good digital multimeter that can measure frequency and capacitance, AC and DC current, AC and DC voltage, and also tests p-n-junction and measures temperatures up to 800С. This is a professional-level model, as evidenced not only by the wide option, but also by the strong protection of the case - the tester withstands impact when dropped from a height of 1.3 m. The multifunctional device accurately and quickly takes measurements and knows how to "memorize" them. As follows high-quality and reliable technology, the level of error is minimal, but the maximum measurement limits are above average.
Advantages:
- non-contact voltage measurement indicator
- shockproof housing
- automatic shutdown with blocking
- convenient and multifunctional
Disadvantages:
- small measuring range of capacity
Conclusion
The presented review of the best digital multimeters reveals the advantages and disadvantages of each model, highlights the functionality, features of the devices. When deciding which multimeter to buy, determine the area of the upcoming tasks. For rare home use, the most inexpensive household appliance is suitable. When repairing computers, working with digital microcircuits or KPI equipment, you need options such as an ohmmeter, voltmeter, measurement of capacitance, frequency, DC current. If you do not have the skills to use the tester, pay attention to the protective functions that protect the multimeter from accidental failure.
