TOP 10 best multimeters: how to use, characteristics, reviews
To make the right choice of the best multimeter, you need to assess the goals in front of it sensibly. The functionality of the device, its cost and the required measurement accuracy will depend on this. To repair complex electronics, more accurate and versatile models will be required, and an entry-level device is enough to dial a home network. In each case, it is better to choose devices from well-known manufacturers that are recommended by professionals. The rating includes the best multimeters for a different range of tasks.
Best multimeters
This TOP includes versatile multimeter models. Here you can find both inexpensive, but reliable analog devices, and digital devices with an LCD display, an abundance of additional parameters. The best models in both classes are described below.
Which multimeter is better to buy:
CEM DT-2008
The model is interesting in that it successfully copes with network diagnostics in difficult conditions. The design provides for diode illumination, stand-stop. The body is equipped with a rubberized coating, which makes the device pleasant to hold in your hands. The auto-off system is aimed at extending the life of the device. The tester is capable of measuring AC and DC values, resistance, capacitance, voltage, heating. Accuracy of determination of all values is up to 4%.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Measurement accuracy | About 4% |
| Device type | Digital |
| Dimensions (edit) | 195 × 92 × 38 mm |
pros
- reasonable price;
- shockproof coating of the case;
- there is a screen backlight;
- built-in overload protection;
- functional digital multimeter capable of measuring most basic values.
Minuses
- relatively high price;
- for professional repair of radio equipment, this is not the best option.
Feedback: “I work in the housing and communal services environment and here the tester fully justifies its price. It is convenient to work with it even in poorly lit areas where there is no light. At the same time, the measurement accuracy is sufficient for comfortable operation. "
IEK Universal M832
A fairly simple and moderately accurate multimeter of the initial price category is known for its ability to work stably in various conditions. The built-in protection against current surges and 2 layers of housing insulation are responsible for the safety of operation. The toggle switch for switching modes allows you to accurately set the measurement range and the required values in accordance with the requirements of the owner. The compact and lightweight tester can work offline for a long time. The owners themselves report that, due to its simplicity, the device is durable, it has been used for 10 or more years without interruption.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Measurement accuracy | Around 5% |
| Device type | Digital |
| Dimensions (edit) | 126 x 70 x 24 mm |
pros
- high degree of protection against energy surges;
- good measurement accuracy;
- durable housing and board;
- affordable price;
- there is a small degree of moisture protection IP21.
Minuses
- not suitable for work at negative temperatures;
- no backlight.
Testimonial: “For home use - what you need. Its functions are enough for simple measurements and ringing out the network, the accuracy is also enough. Most of all I liked it because of the intuitive operation. "
Mastech M1015B
This is an analog device capable of determining the values of direct current, resistance, voltage. It can also display the charge on capacitors, batteries and is suitable for testing diodes. A rotary regulator with a distinct stroke is used to control the modes. The device can be used at various positive temperatures, up to 40 ° C and atmospheric humidity up to 75%. He is able to check the integrity of the wiring or diagnose a malfunction on the board in a minimum time.However, the device lacks a choice of modes, which limits its use in a professional environment.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Measurement accuracy | Around 5% |
| Device type | Analog |
| Dimensions (edit) | 116 x 65 x 35 mm |
pros
- built-in overload fuse;
- minimum weight;
- convenient toggle switch control;
- robust and compact body;
- easy to understand even for a beginner.
Minuses
- somewhat expensive for its functionality;
- average accuracy of determination;
- It is intended for simple tasks, it has not found application in radio electronics.
Feedback: "I can only recommend for simple household purposes and networks up to 300 V."
Resanta YX-360 Trn
Another representative of the analogue category, which received a place in the ranking due to its high degree of safety and durability. It provides various types of overload protection, and also uses a shock-resistant housing. The model supports about 20 modes of operation, so it is possible to quickly and accurately configure the multimeter for operation in specific conditions. In this case, the sensitivity is 100 μV, and the error does not exceed 3%.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Measurement accuracy | About 1.2% |
| Device type | Analog |
| Dimensions (edit) | 148 x 100 x 35 mm |
pros
- low price;
- excellent sensitivity;
- shock-resistant case is perfect for visiting craftsmen;
- quickly determines values;
- small size of the device, fits in a pocket.
Minuses
- sensitive to polarity, requires its correct determination;
- even with a weak blow, finger batteries pop out of their place.
Feedback: “I have been using the tester for several years. He is the only one with an arrow display, I want to say that in some situations it helps a lot. I haven’t regretted the purchase yet ”.
UNI-T UT58C
An ergonomically designed digital device with accurate readings can be used by electrical technicians. The device has a small memory for storing values and their further comparison. The backlit display allows the tester to be used even in places with insufficient lighting. The powerful rotary toggle switch does not allow you to make a mistake with the choice of the mode. With a charge indicator, you can quickly determine if a power supply update is required.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Measurement accuracy | 0,8-4% |
| Device type | Digital |
| Dimensions (edit) | 179 x 88 x 39 mm |
pros
- automatic shutdown saves power;
- convenient mode switch;
- the error in most modes is only 1% (except for capacitance measurement, where 4%);
- remembers previous values;
- allows you to constantly display the measured value on the screen;
- there is a backlight.
Minuses
- relatively heavy multimeter;
- it can be difficult for beginners to understand the modes.
Feedback: “I liked the model because it showed itself well both in domestic use and in a professional environment. The tester is almost always with me and never let me down. "
ZUBR TX-810-T (59810)
It is a practical and inexpensive multimeter with high measurement accuracy. It is distinguished by the presence of double insulation of the case, which, in combination with 6 rubber pads, prevents mechanical and other damage to the device. In the hand, it lies like a glove, not trying to fall out even when used with gloves. The large and informative screen shows all data in an easy-to-read format. The display is also equipped with a backlight.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Measurement accuracy | Up to 2% |
| Device type | Digital |
| Dimensions (edit) | 138 x 68 x 37 mm |
pros
- perfect combination of technical characteristics and price;
- high-quality stand;
- there is a backlight;
- knows how to determine the temperature;
- automatic reboot;
- comfortable and durable body.
Minuses
- not suitable for testing transistors;
- recently it has risen in price by 200 rubles.
Feedback: “This is a convenient and functional multimeter that fully copes with its tasks. However, something special should not be expected from him. "
Appa 97
Professional grade instrument suitable for electricians.However, for an electronics engineer, this is not the best device, since the number of modes and values for measurement is quite simple. There is only diagnostics of voltage, resistance, current and a ringing function. There is an automatic range correction, if necessary, it can be adjusted manually. The accuracy is not the best in the entire market, but it is already quite decent - only 0.3%. The device is made in a shockproof case and also comes with a protective case. There is also moisture protection, but it is sufficient only for working in rooms with high humidity.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Measurement accuracy | 0,3% |
| Device type | Digital |
| Dimensions (edit) | 132 x 205 x 60 mm |
pros
- high-quality case with the necessary protection against moisture and mechanical damage;
- excellent measurement accuracy;
- there is a memory for 3200 measurements;
- can calculate minimum, average and maximum values;
- a great resource of the contact group.
Minuses
- few modes for measurement;
- not suitable for diagnosing complex electronics.
Testimonial: “The best thing on the market for a professional electrician. The accuracy of the work is very pleasing. "
Testo 760-3
Another device of the professional series, which differs from other models in a large set of measurement modes. The maximum voltage value is as much as 1 kV, the resistance is 60 MΩ and the frequency is up to 60 MHz. There is an automatic calculation of average values and duty cycle of impulses. Among the additions: low-pass filter, temperature detection.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Measurement accuracy | 1-1,5% |
| Device type | Digital |
| Dimensions (edit) | 167 x 84 x 45 mm |
pros
- comfortable stand;
- decent accuracy of determination;
- the ability to measure quantities in a wide range of values;
- fully functional frequency counter;
- works fast.
Minuses
- high price for small improvements over the initial model in this series;
- unusual design of the front side.
Testimonial: "When diagnosing powerful electronics, simple multimeters are not suitable, and this one is just intended to measure values that competitors do not display."
Bort BMM-800
This is the most affordable and simple digital multimeter that implements input protection. He knows how to measure current (only constant), voltage (any) and resistance. It can be used to diagnose the condition of circuits, test diodes and transistors. A useful addition is the Hold mode, which saves data to memory. An audible signal may also come in handy when testing circuits. The main reason for the popularity is the low price, less than 1000 rubles.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Measurement accuracy | Up to 2% |
| Device type | Digital |
| Dimensions (edit) | 135 x 100 x 40 mm |
pros
- simple design is what you need for beginners;
- suitable for use in the field;
- comfortable stand;
- affordable price;
- can measure all radio components except capacitors.
Minuses
- poor quality of the probes: there is a gap on the connectors, weak contact;
- poor build;
- long dialing procedure.
Review: “There are already a lot of testers, but I was looking for a budget model in the glove compartment of the car. Bought this one. I looked under the case, the circuit is rather crude, but it works. For 400 rubles - a worthy device. "
PROconnect DT-182
One of the most compact and affordable Chinese-made devices with an unexpectedly rich number of functions and parameters. The tester can measure both DC and AC voltage, and the error does not exceed 1.2%. Work with amperage (up to 1.8%) and resistance (up to 1%) is also available. Suitable for testing electrical assemblies and radio components: diodes, transistors, batteries, etc. Even the case of the device is quite high-quality.
| Characteristic | Meaning |
| Measurement accuracy | Up to 1.8% |
| Device type | Digital |
| Dimensions (edit) | 100 x 50 x 20 mm |
pros
- compact dimensions;
- low price;
- good measurement accuracy;
- durable body;
- a sufficient number of operating modes.
Minuses
- too thin wires;
- there is no automatic shutdown system.
Testimonial: “If you need something simple and inexpensive, this is probably the best multimeter. Of course, you cannot demand anything serious from him, for the rest it is ideal. "
Selection Tips
When choosing, you need to consider the following parameters:
- The number of modes. Measurements of voltage, resistance and current are considered basic. More advanced models are also capable of tracking inductance, capacitance, temperature, frequency, and more.
- Measured value range. The bigger it is, the better. However, for simple tasks, it is not advisable to overpay for devices with a high threshold of values.
- Device type. The digital version is more accurate, displays values on the screen with an accuracy of tenths or hundredths. Analog is a more affordable and reasonably accurate option.
- Error. The smaller it is, the more accurate the device will be. It should be understood that a high-precision instrument is not always needed, but it will be more versatile.
- Availability of protection systems. Will protect the device from failure.
How to use a multimeter?
The specific method of use depends on the type of measured value, but in general it all comes down to connecting the probes to the device. Next, one side needs to be connected to the contacts on the board or wiring, and the second output to the target area, where current should or should not come, etc. Based on the results, we can conclude whether the network is working correctly or there is a breakdown, short circuit etc.
The above are the best multimeters. Among them there are available models for simple tasks, as well as professional devices for people who regularly diagnose and repair electrical networks or boards. Everyone will be able to choose the tester that suits their goals.
