8 Best Multimeters in 2024 – Top Picks & Buying Guide

A multimeter is a useful tool that is used to obtain various measurements, among which the most common are those of voltage, current and electrical resistance. In its digital version, which we deal with on this page, the values ​​are shown on an LED or LCD screen.

Let’s see together in this guide what are the discriminants and distinctive features of the models of the best brands to have all the information necessary to choose the perfect multimeter to meet your needs.

Here we had selected the best multimeter for you that are present below.

Everything You Need to Know About Multimeters

Safety first

Since this is an appliance that must be used to collect electricity data, it is a good idea to ensure total safety and to be designed to avoid any possible risk during use. It is therefore essential that it is made with double insulation and with complete protection of the entrances.

In particular, the multimeter must meet the safety category relating to the type of voltage you will need to measure. A higher category number (indicated with the abbreviation CAT) shows how the appliance can withstand a higher energy level.

To measure a 480 V electrical panel, for example, it is necessary to use an instrument compliant with category III, 600 V or 1,000 V. Within the same CAT, a higher voltage value ensures more excellent resistance to voltage transitional.

In general, the first rule to take into account and that ranks first in the ranking of what you need to know before buying a digital multimeter is that the higher category models are safer than, the lower category ones.

The Importance of The Display

The multimeters are divided into analogue and digital. However, technological development has led the producers to offer the market above all the latter even if, comparing the prices, they are more expensive.

In any case, the analogue models are characterized by a needle that moves on a graduated indicator on which to read the various measurements.

It is easy to understand how these devices tend to be less precise. However, they maintain, in comparison with the digital ones, the advantage of immediacy in grasping any signal variations.

The electronic screen instruments allow you to enjoy impeccable precision as well as great ease of reading in any type of conditions. Precisely precision represents their added value because they can show at least three digits (if not more) for each measurement.

Finally, some multimeters combine both functions and combine an analogue box with a digital display, to combine data precision but also the ability to grasp the variations on the fly.

Percentage of Accuracy

The aspect related to the precision of a measurement is essential and, when choosing a product of this type, you will always have to take into account the margin of error.

By reading reviews and technical data sheets of multimeters on sale on the market, therefore, you can quickly identify this value which, usually, is defined as a percentage of the measurement.

An accuracy of 1%, for example, indicates that, if you get a value of 100 V, the real measurement is actually between 99 and 101 V.

This error scale increases exponentially if you take the models into consideration analogue, where the accuracy of the reading is mostly given also by the operator’s eye and experience.

So if you approach a product of this type for the first time, our advice is to prefer a digital model, with an overvoltage category proportional to the kind of measurements you will find yourself taking more often.

Economic Model for Domestic Use

At first glance, the Tacklife DM01M appears almost identical to many other digital multimeters produced by different companies. It is based on a standard device produced under license and marketed by different brands.

Although design and limitations are the same for all appliances regardless of the brand, however, there are substantial differences regarding the manufacturing materials, the level of performance and other small secondary details, which ensure that everyone has their peculiar characteristics.

The Tacklife digital multimeter is especially suitable for home and hobby use and as a laboratory instrument, of preliminary use for beginners and students of technical institutes.

As such, it stands out above all for its excellent quality-price ratio; although it suffers from some limitations, it is functional and straightforward to use.

Complete and Functional

Being an inexpensive product, the quality of the accessories is just mediocre, and the Italian translation of the instructions is also a bit rough and lacking.

On the other hand, however, the English instructions are more understandable for those who are familiar with the language; replacing the measuring cables with a pair of higher quality, also significantly improve the performance of the device.

It can measure DC and AC voltage, resistance, capacitance, continuity of diodes, transistors, frequency and temperature without any problem; it also has the additional function NCV, which allows detecting the voltage without contact, to identify the power lines in the walls or under the floors.

Expandable with Other Optional Accessories

Its use is effortless and intuitive, both because all measurements are manageable thanks to a single control ring located in a central position, and because the buttons of the various functions are reduced in number and easily accessible. This feature makes it particularly suitable even for less experienced operators.

The display is large and backlit, with large numbers so that it can be read even by those who wear glasses; besides, there is also a rear LED, very useful for illuminating switchboards or sockets when working in the dark.

How to Use a Digital Multimeter?

Thanks to the digital multimeter, different electrical quantities can be measured. In particular, we can list three that, in our opinion, are fundamental, that is, the voltage, the intensity and the electrical resistance.

Even the cheapest and least advanced tester will be able to provide data on these three measurements. Then some more expensive models can also measure capacitor capacitance, frequency and more.

To Measure the Voltage

When we want to measure voltage, the first thing to do is to put the selector on Volt. Once this first elementary step has been taken, take the black plug and connect it to the input characterized by this symbol “-” or to the COM port.

As for the red plug, on the other hand, it must be inserted in the entrance where the symbol “V” is headed, Volt precisely.

We point out that in many multimeter models, often, there is only one valid input for measuring multiple quantities. Now let’s answer the question that many will ask themselves: “Where do I put the tips?”.

They must be placed in two points which delimit the section of the circuit to be surveyed. It is at this precise moment that the voltage appears on display.

The Measurement of Resistance and Continuity

If instead, we are concerned with measuring the resistance, it is necessary to move the selector to Ohm. The black plug must be connected to the COM port while the red one must be connected to the input marked with the “Ω” symbol.

At this point, we select the value that we believe is closest to the resistance that we need to measure. Of course, if you use a multimeter, you will know that a colour scale indicates the resistance value.

In this case, the tips must be placed in contact with the terminals of the resistance. Now, if the strength is 0, electrical continuity can also be detected to understand if two distinct parts of a circuit are connected between them.

The Measurement of The Intensity of The Current

When you want to measure the intensity of the current, you have to move the selector to the symbol “A”, which stands for Ampere, choosing an “X” value.

Let’s take the case of wanting to measure the amperage of a power supply. Then we have to connect the black test lead to the COM port while the red one is not yet inserted anywhere.

However, the test leads must be connected in series to the power supply. After this, the red test lead can be connected to the input “A” on the value “X”. At this point, by powering the circuit, the measurement can be read on display.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Digital Multimeter For?

It is a tool conceived and designed to return specific information on different electrical measurements. The difference with analogue models lies entirely on the screen on which this information is displayed.

How Does the Digital Multimeter Work?

It has a numerical scale or a display on which different electrical values ​​and quantities are listed which can be selected at will. Also, in the front area, there are one or more spaces for connecting the probes with which to check the type of value.

Mostly the multimeter tends to absorb energy from the circuit to which it is connected, then reporting this measurement on a reference panel.

How Do You Read the Digital Multimeter?

It depends on the type of information you need. The letter V identifies the voltage, with a wavy design to represent direct current and a straight line to determine alternating current.

As for the intensity of the current, this time we find the letter A, as a reference element. Resistance, on the other hand, is represented by the Greek letters Omega Ω.

Once these three parameters have been understood, the direction and usefulness of the holes for the measuring probes can be identified.

What Can Be Tested with A Digital Multimeter?

There are four categories of reference all identified by a Roman numeration that indicates a higher power and tension.

The CAT I device is suitable for generally meagre powers, currents and voltages, while the CAT II device is useful for domestic and residential electrical systems. CAT III works with power loads such as motors, panels and distribution outlets.

The last category, IV, is used in general distribution switchboards and large systems.