The Best Multimeters to Safely Test Your Electrical Systems (2024)

When tackling DIY projects that involve any kind of electrical wiring, components, or circuitry, you need a multimeter on hand. These handheld devices measure electrical properties such as voltage, current, and resistance, allowing you to confirm that a system is operating properly or, when it’s not, recognize and diagnose issues. Whether you’re troubleshooting HVAC systems, repairing appliances, or testing car batteries, multimeters help you get the job done with minimal guesswork—and they have large displays, heavy-duty cases, and kickstands to make them easier to use while you work.

We researched the best options for pros and DIY weekend warriors alike, along with advice to help you decide which multimeter you need.

The Best Multimeters

• Best Overall: Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter
• Best Budget: AstroAI Multimeter Tester 2000
• Best for Home Use: Klein Tools MM325 Multimeter
• Best Splurge: Fluke 87V Max Multimeter
• Best Clamp: Klein Tools CL800 Digital Clamp Meter

What to Consider

Multimeters work by measuring electricity in outlets, batteries, switches, and other devices with a current. The electrical current passes through the multimeter probes so the device can measure voltage. Or, to measure resistance, the multimeter sends out its own current and calculates the difference between that and the device’s current.

Functions

When choosing a multimeter, it’s important that you have an idea of the task you need it to perform. All models provide basic functions like checking for current and measuring voltage and resistance—these will be enough for a range of light-duty, residential tasks. If you’re just interested in projects like testing car batteries, outlets, extension cords, or wall switches, you don’t need anything more than a basic multimeter.

More advanced models offer additional functions like frequency (used for troubleshooting too low or too high Hertz in electronics like speakers), continuity (to detect open or short circuits between two points), capacitance (the ability of an object to store an electrical charge), and temperature (using a thermocouple attachment). The most basic models also usually can’t measure alternating currents—only direct currents.

Advanced multimeters commonly feature auto-range as well—this means that the unit will automatically adjust itself to the range of voltage or current you’re testing. (More basic models require you to do that step yourself, and if you forget and set your range too low, you can blow a fuse or otherwise get a bad reading.)

Although all the bells and whistles of a premium multimeter are certainly useful, they could be overwhelming if you don’t plan on using them, just as paying for an overpriced tool you don’t need could be overkill.

Accessories

Multimeters almost always include a pair of test probes to connect to the device you’re testing. There are also extra accessories that are applicable to your specific task or workspace, like thermocouples for measuring temperature, alligator clips for hands-free operation, and extra fuses to ensure you can keep working if one blows. Other helpful bits include magnetic mounting straps and holsters so you can keep your multimeter on you while you scale scaffolding or squeeze into tight spots.

Accuracy

It’s obviously important that your multimeter provides accurate measurements, but some applications require a higher level than others. If you’re working with more complex AC or systems, like HVAC controls systems or variable-frequency drives (VFDs), look for a multimeter that provides True RMS, which stands for root mean square. Essentially, this enables the multimeter to calculate precise measurements of fluctuating values, where a standard multimeter uses an average formula to provide a less precise result.

Retailers often include an accuracy percentage in the product listings for multimeters, represented with a +/- symbol. This figure indicates the potential difference between the actual measurement and the displayed measurement, sort of like a margin of error. This can range from +/- .025 percent in high-end units, to +/- 2 percent in more basic, affordable models.

The type of multimeter you get also affects its accuracy, in a sense: Digital multimeters have LED displays with large, clear digits and space for several decimal points, making it easy to read and log very precise measurements. On the other hand, analog multimeters have a large dial with a swinging needle that shows results, so you won’t get a fine reading that displays several decimal points. Although analog multimeters are simpler to use, they aren’t practical for precise measurements.

How We Selected

As a homeowner and former contractor, I have some basic multimeter experience—including general testing around the house. I also performed extensive research so we could confidently recommend and review the options below. To ensure we didn’t miss any important multimeter capabilities, or popular and well-respected models, we also reviewed similar online review sites and combed through message boards and community forums on ElectricianTalk, MikeHolt, and the EEVblog community forum.

We ruled out options with lots of problematic customer reviews, focusing instead on multimeters with durable cases, helpful features, sturdy probes, and easy-to-read displays. These multimeters are the best of the best for a variety of uses, budgets, and functionalities. So whether you need a heavy-duty multimeter for professional jobs or a simple option to use at home, we have you covered.

If money is no object and you want the absolute best of the best, look no further than the 87V Max. In addition to being extremely accurate—with auto-range and True-RMS functions—this unit is also durable enough to withstand serious abuse. A robust casing protects the pricey tool from drops up to 13 feet, and with an IP67 waterproof rating, moisture and dust won’t affect its operation. The bright LED screen is easy to read and interpret even in the dark, and the backlit keys are a nice perk as well. This multimeter also provides an impressive 800-hour battery life.