by Many people would wonder why they need a multimeter at their house at all, but those who work with electronics know how great tool this is.
In case you are among them, and you have to buy a new one, we suggest you to continue reading this article and find out all the information that you should have in mind prior to purchasing it.
Buying a multimeter is not an easy task and you will realize that once you enter the store and find that it is full of them.
Through this comprehensive guide, we wanted to highlight some of the things that you have to consider when choosing a multimeter and make your decision easier, especially if you are on the budget.
Spoiler Alert - Check out my top choice here >>Top Rated Budget Multimeters
5 Best Budget Multimeters Reviewed
#1. Klein MM400 Multimeter
The best of the best is definitely the Klein MM400.
You should take it into consideration if you want a quality tool that would be budget friendly.
Its positive sides are that it can measure up to 600V of both AC and DC voltage, 10A AC and DC current, as well as 40 MΩ resistance.
Additionally, this tool can measure capacitance, temperature, frequency and this means that you can make use of it both in your household and for professional needs.
We tested its sturdiness and realized that even if it falls of about 1 meter it would not get damaged.
What users found as a disadvantage of this multimeter was its hold function, as the readings were not kept for long and this can be an issue if you do not have where to note your readings.
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Pros
- Sturdy
- Readouts.
- A light and a beeper for continuity tests.
- A stand for a great viewing position
- Slow-blow fuses for safety
Cons
- Poor hold function
#2. AstroAI 759974998225 Budget Multimeter
Our runner-up is the AstroAI 759974998225, the multimeter which is not far behind our top pick when it comes to specs, but some electrical and automotive problems made it second best.
What users appreciate about this tool is its large and clear LCD display.
You will be able to store readings from your electrical measurements and it is safe to use it.
Actually, it can be said that the AstroAI 759974998225 is one of the safest tools in this regard.
Furthermore, the tool shuts off automatically when not in use, so the battery life is prolonged.
It is true that this model has amazing features that you would expect from a multimeter, but what users believe to be the drawback is that tool has an annoying beep sound that is set off by a button change.
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Pros
- Easily used
- Protection from shock
- Automatic shut off
- Backlight
Cons
- Loud beep
- Loosely fitting outer rubber cover
- Difficult to read
#3. Innova 3320 Multimeter
One more budget-friendly multimeter is the Innova 3320.
We consider it the best value for money multimeter due to the fact that it boasts excellent functionalities combined with good quality.
The users claim that it is a safe product and that you can take your readings accurately.
The Innova 3320 has auto-ranging scale, meaning that this feature will eliminate the need for keying in the desired range when making measurements.
On the other hand, there are reasons why the Innova 3320 is not our top pick.
The main one is its poor outer body that is supposed to reduce the stability and durability of the multimeter.
Furthermore, it is not consistent with its readings and not accurate.
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Pros
- Large LCD
- Hands-free testing
- Safe
Cons
- Poor quality outer covering
- Unreliable
#4. Etekcity MSR-R500 Multi Meter
Those who need a multimeter but cannot afford the more expensive ones should go for the Etekcity MSR-R500.
This model has some disadvantages, and be ready to struggle to make your readings as the backlight is not bright enough, but for the amount of money you pay you cannot expect more.
The Etekcity MSR-R500 is not accurate and you can get readings that are 2 – 3V higher than the actual value.
This is an important issue as it might affect how you troubleshoot problems with your electrical appliances.
Now, let’s mention some of its advantages.
It is quick to make readings, easy to use but this is not enough as a multimeter should be able to make accurate readings primarily.
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Pros
- Quick sampling speed
- Easily used
Cons
- Inaccurate
- Backlight
- Breaks down
#5. Cen-Tech 69069
The last one on our list is the Cen-Tech 69069, and it is rightfully there as there is nothing good about it except the price.
It is not an accurate tool, which will cause you make the wrong finding when troubleshooting issues with your electrical and automotive components.
What users also noticed is that this multimeter was unable to measure ohms, which can be limiting when your troubleshooting capabilities are in question.
Also, this multimeter comes with some of its parts not connected so the device cannot be used immediately after purchase.
If you need to do serious measurements this is the tool to be avoided.
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Pros
- Display
Cons
- Unable to measure ohms
- Faulty parts
- Unreliable
- Inaccurate
- Poor quality
