Best Multimeter Under $50 — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison
At prices that don't deliver any nasty shocks, the best multimeters under $50 offer affordability combined with impressive functionality, making them ideal machines for the home electronics enthusiast, DIYer, and casual user. Including features such as capacitance, voltage, and resistance testing — together with abilities typically seen in higher-specced units like data hold and auto-ranging — our picks include only the most versatile and durable examples in this category.
- True RMS.
- Incorporated hanging magnet.
- Anti-burn and overload protector.
Best Multimeter under $50
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Compact
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon AstroAI TRMS 6000 Review AstroAI TRMS 6000 Review | |
|
Best Easy Operation
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Klein Tools MM400 Review Klein Tools MM400 Review | |
|
Best Digital
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Craftsman 34-82141 Review Craftsman 34-82141 Review | |
|
Best Lightweight
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Amprobe PK-110 (kit) Review Amprobe PK-110 (kit) Review | |
|
Best Dual Temperature
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Mastech MS8264 Review Mastech MS8264 Review | |
|
Best Dual Temperature
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Extech MN35 Review Extech MN35 Review | |
|
Best Dual Temperature
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Kaiweets Kaiweets Digital Multimeter Review Kaiweets Digital Multimeter Review |
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A MULTIMETERS UNDER $50
Good for
Another benefit is the fact that they’re very simple. Unlike the more sophisticated models, the cheap multimeters typically don’t have a lot of modes and options, which greatly simplifies their use. One doesn’t have to be a professional to know how to use them – it’s simple and can be done by almost anyone.
We should also mention that these devices usually sport low-capacity batteries, which turns them into efficient energy-savers. Of course, this doesn’t mean that they’ll turn off when you need them the most – that’s what the “low battery” alarms are there for.
Not Good for
As we mentioned in the previous part of the article, the under $50 multimeters are usually capable of measuring just the most basic values. They don’t feature a lot of modes and options and are not intended to be used by the professionals who work with electronics every day.
The companies who make such devices are aware of their build quality and durability, which is why they don’t provide buyers with the best warranties. An extended warranty is not something to be expected when it comes to cheap multimeters.
TOP RATED MULTIMETERS UNDER $50
We are here to help you choose the right tool for the right amount of money. All of these multimeters have an affordable price, and they offer various useful features and options. We’ve made a list of five multimeters under $50 that we think are worth checking out. If you’re interested, go ahead and read our reviews, you should find something of interest.
There is no big difference between these five units; it’s all about slight variations. Whichever you choose out of these, you won’t make a mistake. They are all compact, precise, and most importantly – affordable. Once you make a decision to treat yourself with a brand new meter, the rest is easy.
- Functionality
- Design
- Price
The unit boasts numerous features typically seen on higher-end and more pricey machines — such as the impressive temperature probe — checking heat levels from -40 through to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Auto-ranging takes the hassle, errors, and time out of pre-testing set up — making the meter suitable for the complete novice. Furthermore, a kickstand and hanging magnet allow you to operate the machine hands-free.
Capable of measuring current, voltage, continuity, resistance, frequency, and capacitance — this unit is ideal for home, industrial, automotive, and farm applications. And, with explosion-proof ceramic tubes and a double-insulated casing — you have peace of mind knowing the unit is safe to operate.
- Functionality
- Design
- Price
Our Rating: 4.3
The sturdy design is what makes this unit different from others. It’s built to withstand a drop from a height of 1m (around three feet), bumps, and daily wear and tear. The battery compartment is accessible, which is also a great thing because some of these units have pretty inaccessible compartments hidden behind layers of protection, plastic, or other. The low battery indicator feature comes in handy if you use the instrument on a daily basis. Many people end up with empty batteries because they neglect that part. However, it’s quite a nuisance to get stuck with a non-functional multimeter far away from a store or supermarket. Luckily, the low battery indicator will warn you promptly and help you to avoid unpleasant surprises.
A feature worth mentioning is the ability to measure temperatures. Although it’s a standard option in some high-end multimeters, it’s pretty surprising in this category. It works on a simple principle. A thermocouple is included in the box, and all you have to do is connect it properly to the unit, set a correct mode, and the rest is easy. This unit is a pretty good investment, to say the least. While the company invested resources in integrating additional features while keeping the accuracy on a high level, the Klein Tools MM400 remains affordable and accessible to DIY enthusiasts.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The pack consists of three electrical components with features that are required for a variety of tests and troubleshooting interventions. An AM-420 multimeter, ST-102B socket tester, and a VP-1000 non-contact voltage probe are included in the box. From checking the presence of voltage in outlets to confirming the proper GFCI wiring, the PK-110 kit has all features required for quick interventions.
The measurable AC/DC voltage of this particular multimeter is 250V. Maximum DC is 200mA, and it can measure resistances up to 2 Ohms. On the other hand, the operating voltage of the ST-120B is 110-125V (American and Canadian sockets,) wattage is 0.3W, and it can verify proper wiring of GFCI. It features audible warnings for continuity checks as well. For example, when you’re checking if a fuse is blown, select the proper mode, and apply the leads on both ends. If the fuse is working, the instrument will display a value close to zero. However, if the fuse is blown, the meter will most likely show the number “1.”
Testing for voltages with the ST-102B and VP-1000 is quite simple. To confirm proper wiring with the ST-102B, all you have to do is insert it in a socket and wait for the signal. If the two LEDs turn on, the test is successful. The GFCI wiring is extremely important because every minor incident would end up with fatal consequences without a proper ground fault circuit interrupter.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.2
The Mastech MS8264 can be considered as an entry-level professional tool or a great product for DIY’ers and hobbyists. One thing that makes this unit impressive is the price-to-quality ratio. While it packs a ton of additional features and options, it remains affordable and accessible to anyone who wants to own a quality tool. The auto power off function is a standard nowadays, but it still needs to be mentioned. Many people forget to turn their instrument off, and that leads to frequent battery changing. Even though batteries aren’t expensive, the number adds up over time. In other words, you’ll save quite a bit of money thanks to the auto power off option.
The data hold function is yet another useful thing. If you don’t have a piece of paper to write down the results, press the “hold” button, and the unit will save the last reading until you overwrite it with a new one. The display backlight is bright, and it comes in handy when you’re working in a dark environment.
The AC voltage range is 2V – 750V and the DC voltage range is 200mV – 1000V. A neat addition to its sturdy casing is the molded holders for the test leads. It helps because the leads get tangled pretty often. However, if you use the molded holders, they won’t get interlaced anymore. If you’re looking for a quality multimeter, the Mastech MS8264 is a perfect candidate.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The dimensions of this unit are 9.4 x 1.5 x 7.5 inches, which means it fits any pocket and it doesn’t take much space in your toolbox. The great thing about this particular product is that it has the auto shut off function which isn’t a standard in this category. It’s a useful feature because it saves power, and most importantly – money. The unit will turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity to preserve battery.
A rubber holster is included with the Craftsman 34-82141 to serve as a protection against bumps and accidental hits. Although it’s not an absolute protection, it still serves its purpose to some extent. The tilt stand is located on the back of the casing, and it comes in handy if you want to position the unit vertically. While most multimeters from this category have an issue with the tilt stand because most of them are either loose or short, this particular one has a stable and sturdy stand, which doesn’t slide on smooth surfaces.
Although it doesn’t feature an auto range option, it offers 18 different ranges to ensure maximum accuracy. At the end of the day, the precision and accuracy are two crucial factors for a quality multimeter. The resistance is up to 2 Ohms, which is more than enough for measuring current in household electronics (TVs, computers, freezers.)
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Our Rating: 4.1
The design is also pretty neat. As we said, it’s compact, and it can fit in any pocket without an issue. It also comes with a protective rubber holster and a tilt stand. As you can assume, the rubber protection is effective against slight bumps and falls. Regarding the tilt stand, you can use it if you want to position the instrument vertically. The thermocouple measures temperatures up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit (750 degrees Celsius.)
Using the thermocouple is pretty easy. All you have to do is connect the probe to the unit, and that’s it. However, make sure that you insert the thermocouple into the right socket. If you don’t connect the probe properly, there is a high chance that you’re going to break the unit beyond repair. The unit uses a 9V battery which can last at least ten months. The battery compartment is easily accessible, and that’s a good thing because most modern multimeters have hidden and inaccessible battery compartments which make switching batteries pretty annoying after a while. However, because you’ll change the batteries only once a year, it’s not a big deal.
The data hold option is what makes this particular unit different from the others. You can store your last reading if you aren’t able to write it down or remember the values. This option is especially useful in urgent scenarios.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
One of the most impressive aspects of this unit is its attention to safety. Boasting an anti-burn system, double ceramic fuse, thermistor circuit, and dual insulation — it provides reassuring peace of mind despite its low cost. Furthermore, its silicone reinforced casing shields against damaging bumps and knocks.
Able to check resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, temperature, and voltage up to 1000 volts, it’s more than adequate for the majority of home, garden, and garage applications. Additionally, it features a temperature measuring system, data hold, and auto-ranging — attributes typically only seen on higher-end testers.
A 6000-count, large backlit 2.9-inch LCD screen delivers clear information feedback — making it ideal for use in dimly lit conditions or for those users whose eyesight is less than perfect. And, able to check for minimum, maximum, and average levels — you can effortlessly troubleshoot circuit fluctuations.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Quick Product Comparison
| TRUE RMS | VOLTAGE | AUTO RANGE | WEIGHT | PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 AstroAI Digital | 600V | 1.3 lbs | $$$ | Check Price | ||
Klein Tools MM400 | 600V | 0.8 lbs | $$$ | Check Price | ||
Amprobe PK-110 | 250V | 0.95 lbs | $$ | Check Price | ||
Craftsman 34-82141 | 600V | 0.65 lbs | $ | Check Price | ||
Mastech MS8264 | 1000V | 0.75 lbs | $$ | Check Price | ||
 extech_mn35 | 600V | 0.4 lbs | $ | Check Price |
Our Verdict: Which Multimeter Under $50 Do We Prefer?
While each of the top picks exemplifies comprehensive functionality at a seriously affordable price — for me, the AstroAI is the ultimate sub-$50 machine. Incorporating features typically seen in higher-end, and more pricey, multimeters — this versatile unit is as suited to the home electronics enthusiast as it is the light contractor.
Auto-ranging removes the hassle of pre-project set-up — and allows the machine to be used by testing newbies. Its -40 through to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit temperature testing capability is impressive for a budget tool, while its double-insulated casing and explosion-proof ceramic fuses deliver both safety and peace of mind.
What’s more, a powerful rear-mounted hanging magnet and pull-out kickstand permit hands-free use — allowing you to access hard to reach areas with the included probes — without having to hold the multimeter.
So, if you’re looking for a remarkably flexible machine that doesn’t hurt your pocket — I recommend checking out the AstroAI.
Under $50 Multimeters – Buyer’s Guide
Choosing a model that won’t cost you more than $50 but will still provide a reliable performance can be pretty tough. But, have no worries – our buyer’s guide is here to make things a bit easier!
Reviews
Before you do anything else, remember that the reviews from the customers and from the websites such as this one can be of great help when it comes to purchasing an affordable multimeter. You’ll have to check various websites and find out what are the customers complaining about and what are they praising about a particular model.
There are a number of different kinds of cheap multimeters that are meant for various troubleshooting tasks. Going through the customer reviews is guaranteed to give you an insight into which model is the right choice for your needs.
Manufacturer
When choosing one of these devices, the design and the features are not the only things you should depend on. Even though this can be pretty hard when it comes to multimeters of this price category, you should look for the trusted manufacturers. These companies have a proven track record of efficiency and quality, and even their cheapest models come with at least some level of reliability.
Even if you’re a professional who knows who to differentiate between the poorly-manufactured and well-made models, it’s still wise to choose a trusted manufacturer as their products typically come with a much better warranty.
Occasional Use
One of the most important things when it comes to $50 models is the fact that they’re intended for occasional use. This would include things like testing batteries, checking an electrical outlet, changing a bulb and similar actions. For cases like these, a low-cost, basic multimeter will undoubtedly do the trick. Try to find a device that has a wide voltage range and an ohmmeter function that can cover resistances from 0 to 2 Ω.Choose a model with limited options and modes and thus simplify the use and eliminate the errors.
If you’re a more frequent user and regularly work on circuit panels and electrical installations, you’ll need a model that’s more sophisticated and equipped with extra modes. As you can already guess, such models cost more money – they’re not for people looking to save cash.
Safety
If you’re planning on testing circuits with at least 30V of power, it would be wise to get a device with some safety features. Check if it has shrouded probes, internal blast shields, isolation slots, and take a closer look at the model’s measurement category rating.
The Conclusion
Cheap multimeters are actually very acceptable – they’re an excellent choice for low-voltage applications and offer enough precision and accuracy to be safely used around the house. Even though they’re not really suitable for commercial use, they are still capable of assisting you with all of your DIY electronics projects.
Unfortunately, this price category consists of numerous brands of models, so it can be challenging to ascertain which devices are actually worth the money. It’s very easy to accidentally purchase a model manufactured by a no-name brand and experience errors and malfunctions after only a few days of use.
If you don’t want that to happen, we offer a solution in the form of informative but easy-to-understand reviews of the best under $50 multimeters that today’s market can provide. We picked up the most popular devices and carefully analyzed their functions and build quality in the hope of helping you with finding out which model will suit your particular needs the best. If you’re not planning on measuring high voltages, don’t fear to purchase a low-cost model – we guarantee that it will do the trick for you. Check out our reviews and find an affordable device that will serve you for the years to come!
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