11 best multimeters – from household to professional models

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

A multimeter can come in handy at any time. It can be used to check the battery voltage or identify the cause of a problem in an electrical appliance that refuses to work. In this regard, the online magazine will tell you about the best multimeters. The mentioned models have the highest accuracy and very wide functionality. At the same time, not only expensive models will be mentioned, but also budget devices available to most Russians.

Rating of the best multimeters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best inexpensive multimeters	1	Mastech M830B	RUB 565
	2	Resanta DT 830B	299 r
	3	Elitech MM 100	230 RUB
The best multimeters for home	1	CEM DT-61	RUB 4,413
	2	Mastech MS8260E	RUB 1,649
	3	CEM DT-912	RUB 1,050
The best professional multimeters	1	CEM DT-9979	RUB 22,700
	2	APPA 107N	RUB 15 260
	3	Fluke 17B +	RUB 10,369
	4	KEYSIGHT 3458A	RUB 757 620
The best multimeter for cars	1	Fluke 28-II	RUB 33,758

The best inexpensive multimeters

Mastech M830B

Rating: 4.8

One of the most affordable multimeters. At the same time, the device is quite suitable for domestic needs, when maximum measurement accuracy is not needed. However, the reading error of this multimeter cannot be called high, in fact it does not exceed 0.5%. The operation of the device is provided by the usual battery-crown, the energy of which will be enough for many thousands of measurements.

This multimeter is capable of operating with direct current at voltages from 0.2 to 600 V. If alternating current is used, the voltage must be at least 200 V. As for the DC current, measurements are allowed in the range from 0.0002 to 10 A In a word, the device turned out to be quite versatile. Moreover, it is as easy as possible to use. The choice of measurement ranges here is carried out by turning a special knob, as in many other multimeters. The device is also capable of alerting with sound signals – many cheap brothers of this function, by the way, are deprived. It remains to add that the Mastech M830B multimeter weighs exactly 170 g, and it should fit even in the smallest bag.

Advantages

• Low cost;

• Error – no more than 0.5%;

• There is a possibility to check diodes;

• Optimal set of measurement types;

disadvantages

• The display is not backlit;

• There is no memory;

• The maximum achievable is two measurements per second;

• Build quality is poor;

Resanta DT 830B

Rating: 4.7

One of the cheapest multimeters in our ranking. For this device in Russian stores they ask no more than 250 rubles. As in the case with other inexpensive multimeters, the choice of the type of measurement is carried out manually – for this, the familiar handle is turned. It also uses a conventional digital display without backlighting. The low cost is explained by the measurement error increased to 1%. Fortunately, this is a perfectly acceptable indicator if the device is not used for professional purposes.

The multimeter can measure AC and DC voltage, as well as DC current and resistance. Unfortunately, it is not capable of checking the integrity of the electrical circuit and solving any other complex problems. But they can check the diodes.

The characteristics of the Resant DT 830B are typical for a cheap multimeter. It is possible to measure AC voltage from 200 to 750 V. DC voltage can vary from 0.2 to 1000 V. That is, you can measure either a small battery or a serious transformer. As for the DC current, it should vary from 0.0002 to 10 A.

The product complies with the CAT II 1000 V safety standard. The device weighs only 137 g, it is not recommended to drop it – plastic seems to be too fragile. Nevertheless, it is difficult to find fault with the build quality – the product does not crunch in the hands. Only test leads and paper documentation are supplied with the multimeter.

Advantages

• High-quality assembly;

• Up to three measurements per second;

• Minimum dimensions and weight;

• Very low cost;

• Clear instructions;

disadvantages

• The margin of error is not very low;

• No display backlight;

• No 'Call' mode;

• There is no memory;

Elitech MM 100

Rating: 4.6

It is a rare case when the plastic case of the multimeter turns red. The mode switch is colored in the same way. Only the area around it is left black here so that the white font is easy to read. Like the devices previously considered in this rating, the Elitech MM 100 is designed to measure resistance, DC current, as well as DC and AC voltage. It can also be used for dialing electrical networks. Another application is to test semiconductor diodes. The measurement results are displayed here on a small digital display. Unfortunately, it lacks a backlight.

The product has the characteristics usual for a budget multimeter. That is, it cannot accurately measure electricity with a voltage of more than 750 V. The device works with a 'crown'. Unlike the products discussed above, the Russian Elitech MM 100 multimeter comes with a battery, you do not need to buy it separately.

Advantages

• Unusual appearance;

• The cost does not exceed 260 rubles;

• Relatively low error;

• There is a 'Call' mode;

• Diode testing is possible;

disadvantages

• The display is not backlit;

• Only two measurements per second;

• There is no memory;

The best multimeters for home

CEM DT-61

Rating: 4.9

This instrument is also called hot-wire anemometer. The fact is that this is a very advanced multimeter, the capabilities of which are very much expanded. The product even looks much better than its budget counterparts. But such a device is also much more expensive – in Russian stores they ask for it up to 5 thousand rubles.

The readings are shown here on a very large display. The measurement results can be fixed for a while. It is also available to save reference readings, which are then compared to new measurements. Finally, it should be noted that there is an automatic range selection here. Of course, at any time you can set the measurement range manually, if the option chosen by the automation does not suit you.

In addition to the usual functions of a multimeter, there is a light meter, sound meter, thermometer and hygrometer. This means that using the CEM DT-61 it is possible to measure the light level (a silicon photodiode supplemented with filters is responsible for this), noise level (this is done by a condenser microphone), ambient temperature and even its humidity.

Perhaps this is one of the best home appliances. It can also be used in small workshops or electronics repair firms. The capabilities of the CEM DT-61 multimeter will not be enough only for workers of enterprises associated with very high electricity. It is a pity that this device cannot be called cheap. Nevertheless, it deserves a place in our ranking.

Advantages

• Diode testing is possible;

• High assembly reliability;

• Built-in luxury meter, sound meter, hygrometer and thermometer;

• There is an automatic mode for selecting measurement ranges;

• Saving of reference results is available;

• Large display containing a lot of different information;

• The 'Callback' mode is not forgotten;

disadvantages

• The measurement error for additional sensors is quite high;

• To some, a multimeter may seem too expensive.

Mastech MS8260E

Rating: 4.8

Perhaps this particular device has the most optimal price tag. In Russian retail, they ask for 2500 rubles for it. This is not the amount that you do not want to part with at all. At the same time, you understand that it is unlikely that the manufacturer of a rather expensive multimeter has saved a lot, and therefore one can expect rich capabilities and low measurement errors from the device.

Unlike budget counterparts, this model has a fairly large display. The range switch, on the contrary, is slightly reduced in size. However, it has such a shape that it is not difficult to turn it. At the same time, accidental turns are practically excluded.

With this multimeter, you can measure AC and DC voltage, resistance (here, however, the error can reach 5%), DC and AC current, inductance and even the capacitance of capacitors. Also, the manufacturer did not forget about the diode test and the continuity of the circuit. In a word, such a device should quite suit people associated with the regular repair of consumer electronics. Perhaps most of all buyers of the multimeter will be delighted with the presence of the HOLD button. Pressing it allows you to hold the reading. Perhaps, only temperature and frequency measurements are missing here. However, only much more expensive devices have such functions. The device is powered by a conventional 'crown'. A nice bonus is the supplied protective bumper – with it you can not be afraid to drop the multimeter somewhere on the asphalt.

Advantages

• Capacitance measurement of capacitors is possible;

• There is a memory mode;

• The cost cannot be called prohibitive;

• The set includes a protective bumper;

• Up to three measurements per second;

• The large display is backlit;

• High-quality assembly;

• Diode test implemented;

• Continuity of the electrical circuit is available;

disadvantages

• Manual selection of measuring ranges only.

CEM DT-912

Rating: 4.7

Far from the cheapest multimeter in our rating. However, the language does not dare to call it expensive. For this model in Russia they ask no more than 1000 rubles. In this regard, do not expect rich features from the device. Basically, the manufacturer relied on a solid build and a fairly large display. The latter even has a backlight, so that the measurement results can be viewed even in complete darkness. Returning to the body, it is rubberized, so the multimeter is not afraid of even falling from a decent height. It should be noted that there is a HOLD button here. As you can imagine, pressing it activates the memorization of the current readings.

Of course, this device cannot be called ideal in any case. Professionals will not like the error, which in some modes can reach 2%. However, at home, such a multimeter may well come in handy. With its help, you can measure not only various parameters of electricity, but also the integrity of the circuit. The device also allows you to check diodes and even test batteries. The measuring range can be selected here both manually and automatically. It should be noted that the device belongs to the CAT III 600 V safety standard. The multimeter works from the 'crown', which is supplied in the kit.

Advantages

• Measurements are possible in high humidity conditions (up to 80%);

• Affordable cost;

• There is a 'Call' mode;

• Battery and diode testing possible;

• The rubberized body is used;

• There is a memory mode;

• Fairly large display, complemented by backlighting;

• Automatic selection of measurement ranges is available;

disadvantages

• High measurement error.

The best professional multimeters

CEM DT-9979

Rating: 4.9

It is a rare occasion when a multimeter is endowed with a waterproof case. The device complies with the IP67 standard, which allows measurements even in the rain. The device will not be damaged if dropped onto a hard surface. In a word, such a device can serve forever. But it didn't even get into our rating because of this.

In fact, this multimeter is also a recorder. If cheaper analogs remember only one specific parameter, then absolutely all changes that have happened over 200 hours are recorded here (maximum you can save up to 10 thousand values). Along the way, time stamps are saved. In the future, this greatly facilitates the transition to a specific time. For example, this way you can quickly find out how much the battery capacity has decreased after an hour and a half of its use, how much its voltage has dropped.

But this is not the main feature of the multimeter! The device is also called professional because of the ability to communicate with other devices. That is, all measurement results can be displayed on a computer, after which it remains to proceed to their analysis. Also present here Bluetooth – a module, with its help data is transferred to a smartphone, where you must first install the appropriate application.

As for the capabilities of the device, they are very wide. The maximum device is capable of measuring voltage up to 1000 V. At the same time, the measurement error does not exceed 0.3%, which can be considered an excellent indicator. Moreover, when measuring DC voltage, the error does not exceed 0.025% at all. Of course, when measuring other parameters, the error may be higher, but there are no miracles in the world – all modern multimeters available to the average consumer are guilty of this. The device can measure current, voltage, resistance, frequency, capacity, temperature (up to 1000 degrees) and some other parameters. The values ​​are displayed both as numbers and on a graphic scale.

In a word, we can talk about the DT-9979 multimeter for a very long time. It is now one of the most advanced instruments, capable of virtually any electrical measurement. The only significant drawback of the device is the price, which reaches 22 thousand rubles. But with professional use, a multimeter will definitely pay off!

Advantages

• Built-in data logger for 200 hours;

• Minimum measurement error;

• There is a non-contact voltage detector;

• A large number of measurement ranges;

• Data transfer to PC and smartphone is available;

• Large display with backlight;

• Graphing is possible;

• There is protection of inputs up to 1000 V on all ranges;

• The case is shockproof and waterproof;

• The memory can contain up to 10,000 values;

disadvantages

• Very high cost.

APPA 107N

Rating: 4.8

Another professional multimeter in our rating. Its possibilities cannot be called limitless, but, nevertheless, they are very wide. For 15 thousand rubles. the buyer receives a device that can measure voltage, current, resistance, capacity, frequency and even temperature. In this case, the device is a recorder, allowing you to record all changes in the electrical circuit. This model memorizes a maximum of 6000 values. If this is not enough, then there is an APPA 109N multimeter, the memory of which can already contain 40 thousand values.

All readings are displayed here on a fairly large screen. The numbers on it are clearly distinguishable even under bright sunlight. In the dark, the backlight comes to the rescue, supplemented by an auto-off function. You can also find an RS-232 connector on the body of the device – this interface is needed to transfer data to a computer. Unfortunately, the body of the device is not shockproof or, moreover, waterproof. However, a protective case is supplied with the multimeter, in which even the most serious falls are not afraid of the device. Also in the box with the device you can find removable crocodile clips. Not forgotten here is the special adapter required for temperature measurements. In a word, the kit contains everything you need, you definitely won't have to buy something.

Summing up, this is a very good multimeter with input protection up to 1000 V. The only thing missing here is plotting – the display has a place only for the traditional scale.

Advantages

• The display is supplemented with a backlight;

• Low measurement error;

• Synchronization with a computer is possible;

• High voltage fuses are available;

• There is a memory for a large number of values;

• The device even measures capacity, frequency and temperature;

• The complete set contains absolutely everything you need;

disadvantages

• Not protected from water;

• Graphs are not drawn.

Fluke 17B +

Rating: 4.7

A relatively inexpensive professional multimeter. They ask for about 11,500 rubles, and this amount should pay off quickly enough. Of course, during the production of this model, I had to save money, and therefore you will not find here any advanced display with a scale or, especially, graphs. You will only be provided with numbers and a few indicators. But on the other hand, the product can produce up to three measurements per second. At the same time, measurements can be made very different – resistance, voltage (direct and alternating), current (also direct and alternating), capacity, frequency and even temperature are available. The error is on average 1% – the result, I must say, is average.

An interesting feature of the device is the ability to go into 'sleep mode', which can last up to half an hour. If this option interferes, then it can be disabled. There is also a memory that allows you to store a specific value, from which the report will then begin. In terms of temperature measurement, the complete probe is only rated for 260 ° C. If you are interested in a higher temperature, then you will need to purchase another probe.

Perhaps this model will not suit every professional. But on the other hand, buying it can save a lot, and for some people this is the most important factor.

Advantages

• Many measurement modes;

• Belongs to the CAT II 1000 V safety standard;

• There is a stand;

• The display can be backlit;

• Temperature measurement available;

• There are testing and dialing modes;

• There is memory;

• Up to three measurements per second;

• There is a 'sleep mode';

disadvantages

• The complete probe will not withstand especially high temperatures;

• There is no possibility to transfer readings to a PC;

• Not very large display

• Protection degree – only IP40;

• Sufficiently high measurement error;

KEYSIGHT 3458A

Rating: 4.7

The most expensive multimeter in our rating. Strictly speaking, this is already a full-fledged professional voltmeter, usually used somewhere in factories. There can be no talk of any portability here – the device turned out to be quite large, and its front panel is decorated with many buttons and controls. The main advantage of this device is its negligible baseline error. The manufacturer claims 0.0008%, and this number is confirmed by all kinds of tests. It is because of the low error that the price tag reaches 725 thousand rubles. As they say, a large enterprise will not go broke from such costs, and an ordinary consumer does not need a KEYSIGHT 3458A for nothing.

This device is included in the State Register of Measuring Instruments under the number 25900-03. This allows the voltmeter to be considered the industry standard. The manufacturer guarantees not only high measurement accuracy, but also maximum speed. Up to 100 thousand readings can occur in one second! It remains to add that the device measures voltage and current (both alternating and constant), resistance, period, frequency and ratio of constant voltages.

Advantages

• The voltmeter is in the State Register of Measuring Instruments;

• There is a memory for 75 thousand samples;

• Working frequency band – up to 12 MHz;

• The error reaches a negligible value;

• Many different types of measurements;

• Lightning-fast measurement speed;

disadvantages

• Astronomical price tag;

• It is stationary.

The best multimeter for cars

Fluke 28-II

Rating: 4.9

A wonderful multimeter that should help when repairing automotive electronics. It has a yellow hull that can withstand multiple landings on concrete. And this is not the first multimeter in our ranking equipped with a stand. The product is also capable of boasting an IP67 protection class. This means that the device can not only fall, but also be in the rain. Often this tool is used in small enterprises, where the basic error, which reaches 0.5%, does not bother. Like all multimeters in this price segment, the device takes three measurements per second. By the way, they ask about 35 thousand rubles for this model in Russian retail.

The product measures AC and DC current, AC and DC voltage, as well as capacitance, frequency and resistance. There is also an electrical continuity check (the so-called continuity) available here. Finally, temperature measurement is also available here – you just need to connect the appropriate probe.

The device has a fairly large display, which is also equipped with a backlight. The selection of measuring ranges is done manually here only. The whole thing is powered by three AA-batteries. They, if you are interested, are included in the kit. Also, the buyer will get a convenient cover.

Advantages

• Many types of measurements;

• There is a stand;

• There is a memory mode;

• Three measurements per second;

• Diode testing is possible;

• The large display is complemented by a backlight;

• Reliable and high-quality assembly;

• Dust and water resistant housing;

• Not a very high error;

disadvantages

• Cannot be connected to a computer;

• The price tag will not seem humane to everyone.

Conclusion

This is a list of the most worthy multimeters to buy. At the same time, we tried to tell strictly about those models that are sold in Russian retail – you do not need to waste time on the tedious waiting for delivery. Now you just have to decide on the amount that you are ready to spend on the purchase of a device useful in the household or even in a professional business.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.