In this article we look at the best multimeters that you can buy – in our opinion
The features that I look for and prioritize are as follows, not all multimeters have these
Auto range: this saves playing about with different settings and auto selects the correct one – very handy for resistance and voltage
Data hold: saves the reading for you and stores it
Continuity checking: this will beep if it detects continuity, handy for checking for those short circuits
I also look for the quality of the test leads, are there any add on leads for example a thermocouple attachment, does it measure other things like frequency, capacitance, temperature and even a transistor checker built in.
Also is there a power saving facility to save the battery when not in use.
Anyway lets go with our picks – for the record I personally bought 2 and 3 below.
DT9205A LCD Digital Multimeter
This costs under $4, for that you get the following
DC Voltage: 200m-2-20-200-1000V ±0.5%
AC Voltage: 200m-2-20-200-750V ±1.0%
DC Amps: 2m-20m-200m-20A ±1.8%
AC Amps: 2m-20m-200m-20A ±2.0%
Resistance: 200-2k-20k-200k-2M-20MΩ-200MΩ ±1.0%
Capacitance: 20n-200n-2u-20u-200uF ±4.0%
It also has Overload protection, Continuity Buzzer, Auto power off and Data hold
Link
DT9205A LCD Digital Multimeter
MDS8207 Intelligent 2 in 1 Digital Storage Scopemeter Multimeter 40MHz 200Msps/S One Key AUTO Oscilloscope
This one is a multimeter and basic hand held oscilloscope. This was the second multimeter I bought, mainly due to the huge amount of features and the fact that for a little bit more money it has the basic scope which is more than capable.
As you would expect it measures AC voltage, DC voltage, AC and DC current, frequency, capacitance , resistance, temperature and a transistor checker. You can save 100 data items and 100 waveforms.
Here you can see the exact specs
The scope is a 40 Mhz bandwidth and 8 bits resolution with 3 scan modes.
This is a top quality multimeter which is perhaps not the choice for the beginner as it is quite costly. It should be said though that this is an exceptional product.
Link
RICHMETERS 113D NCV Digital Multimeter
Another full featured multimeter. This one even has a flashlight which I must admit I have never seen on a multimeter before
This was the first on this list I bought
Here is what this can do
DC Voltage: 200mV/2V/20V/200V/600V
DC Current: 2mA/20mA/200mA/10A
AC Voltage: 200V/600V
Operating Temperature: 0 – 40 c
Measuring Resistance Range: 200/2K/200K/2M/20M Ohm
AC Current: /
Diode Test: yes
Continuity: Yes
There are two models the 113A and the 113D. You will not be surprised to know that the 113D has a lot more features.
Link
RICHMETERS 113D NCV Digital Multimeter
2 in 1 Digital MultiMeter High Accuracy Mulitifuction Process Calibrator & DMM
The calibrator Calibrator can measure loop current signals with very high accuracy of 0.02% and 1 μA resolution as well as
Source voltage from 10μV to 10V
Measure voltage output process signals from PLCs, transmitters
24V loop supply
The multimeter has the following specs
DC Voltage: 400mV/4V/40V/400V/1000V ±(0.5% +2)
AC Voltage: 400mV/4V/40V/400V/750V ±(0.8% +2)
DC Current: 400µA/4000µA/40mA/400mA ±(0.8% +2) , 4A/10A ±(1.2% +2)
AC Current: 400µA/4000µA/40mA/400mA ±(1.5% +2) , 4A/10A ±(3.0% +2)
Resistance: 400Ω/4kΩ/40KΩ/400KΩ/4MΩ/40MΩ ±(1.2% +2)
Capacitance: 50nF/500nF/5µF/50µF/100µF ±(3% +5)
Frequency: 0~ 5MHz ±(0.5% +2)
Link
Ultra-Portable Digital Multimeter
This multimeter is quite small but has a large display making it easy to read the values displayed
Here are the specs
Display: 6000 counts
DC Voltage: 600V ±(0.8%+3); Resoultion: 0.1V
AC Voltage: 600V ±(1.2%+5); Resoultion: 0.1V
Resistance: 6000Ω ±(1.2%+3); Resoultion: 1Ω
Frequency: 1000Hz ±(1.0%+5); Resoultion: 1Hz
V-Alert(non-contact voltage detection): beep alarm sounds
Live Check: alarm beep sounds, LCD screen display stripe
Continuity: If the resistance is less than 30Ω, the beeper sounds
Power: 3V (CR2032)
The battery stood out for me, it uses a CR2032 which is quite unusual. This meter can show 3 test results on the screen such as voltage, frequency and analog bar which greatly enhances the test experience. This multimeter can automatically identify the tested parameters and choose their required range.
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