Best Multimeter Under 100 Dollars in 2024 — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison

Choosing a unit from the best multimeter under 100 dollars category satisfies two requirements — owning a machine that can tackle an absolute multitude of applications while still remaining within the budget of most home users. Typically delivering more features than pocket-friendly units — such as temperature measurement, auto-ranging as standard, and elevated durability — these multimeters offer pro-grade capabilities but not at the premium price point of high-end models.

Best Multimeter under $100 Comparison Table

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Klein Tools MM720
  • Voltage: 1000 volts
  • Auto range: Yes
  • Weight: 0.76 pounds
  • Temperature: Yes

Features

  • Includes carry case.
  • Drop proof to 6.6 feet.
  • Effortless fuse and battery replacement.

Product Rating: 4.6/5

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Fluke 106 Digital Multimeter
  • Voltage: 600 volts
  • Auto range: Yes
  • Weight: 0.44 pounds
  • Current: 10A
  • Temperature: No

Features

  • Palm-sized multimeter.
  • Data hold.
  • Lightweight.

Product Rating: 4.5/5

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Amprobe AM-530 Multimeter
  • Voltage: 600 volts
  • Auto range: Yes
  • Weight: 0.55 pounds
  • Current: 10A
  • Temperature: -40 to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit.

Features

  • True RMS.
  • Built-in torch.
  • Backlit LCD screen with analog graph.

Product Rating: 4.4/5

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Mastech MS8209 Multimeter
  • Voltage: 600 volts
  • Auto range: Yes
  • Weight: 0.55 pounds
  • Current: 10A
  • Temperature: -4 to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit.

Features

  • Manual and auto-ranging.
  • Continuity buzzer.
  • Data hold feature.

Product Rating: 4.4/5

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Fluke 101 Multimeter
  • Voltage: 600 volts
  • Auto range: No
  • Weight: 0.75 pounds
  • Current: 10A
  • Temperature: No

Features

  • Budget-friendly.
  • Lightweight.
  • Automatic shutdown.

Product Rating: 4.2/5

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Extech EX330 Autoranging Mini MultimeterA9
  • Voltage: 600 volts
  • Auto range: Yes
  • Weight: 0.625 pounds
  • Current: 10A
  • Temperature: -4 to 1382 degrees Fahrenheit.

Features

  • Fahrenheit and Celsius settings.
  • One-inch digits for easy reading.
  • 12 functions.

Product Rating: 4.2/5

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Best Multimeter Under 100 Dollars Buying Guide

Just like a more expensive model, a multimeter under 100 dollars is capable of helping you assess voltage, current, and resistance — and check circuits for completeness.

With one of these devices, you can test fuses, check batteries in all kinds of electronic devices (including your automobile), scrutinize lighting fixtures and bulbs, analyze short circuits, measure the resistance in a chosen component, and investigate power supplies.

Since they’re digital, all of these devices come with screens that show exact numbers, decreasing the chance of misreading the measurement to a minimum. Most models also have an Auto Polarity safety function — preventing you from injuring yourself or causing your machine damage.

Admittedly, as a relatively budget-friendly machine, a cheap multimeter under 100 dollars may lack the advanced features of a premium model — such as a clamp, loop tester, RS-232 interface, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, a step above basic $50 units, they’re more than adequate for the serious home electronic and electrical enthusiast.

When choosing your best multimeter under 100 dollars, consider:

  • Durability.
  • Testing capabilities.
  • Display.
  • Accuracy.
  • Design.
  • Safety.
  • Warranty.

How To Choose the Best Multimeter Below $100


Today’s machines, smart tech, and vehicles consist of all sorts of electrical components that require regular maintenance. And, the best way to troubleshoot the electrical circuits is, of course, to use a multimeter.

In this section, I’ll be taking a look at what factors you need to consider when looking for a multimeter that won’t cost you more than $100. Sounds interesting? If yes, read on!

Testing Capabilities


Undoubtedly, the most important consideration. You need to ensure that your multimeter has the in-built features to tackle your intended projects — and these will vary from user to user.

Virtually all machines can check voltage, resistance, current, frequency, and continuity. However, testing capabilities that are more job-specific and not standard on all multimeters include:

Durability


Your machine has to be long-lasting — a device that’s constructed of durable materials and is protected against everyday wear and tear. This is especially important for the probes, if you want the best possible value for your money, they need to stay fully functional for the years to come.

Look for units with rugged casings, drop-proof capabilities, and in-built safeguards that prevent overloading or incorrect polarity.

good user reviews

Display


Since you’ll be purchasing a digital multimeter, it’s important to look for a model with a good screen. What does that mean? Well, the display has to be large enough for you to read the values without any issues, and it should also feature a backlight. Whether you’re going to use your device in an environment that’s poorly lit or bright, the display has to be visible and clear.

Accuracy


This is probably one of the most crucial things when it comes to these types of devices. The readings on your multimeter need to be accurate — no matter what you’re measuring.

The precision is usually explained in terms of an allowable error percentage — such as ± 3%. This would indicate that your results could be up to three percent higher or lower than the reading shown on the display screen.

design that offers protection

Design


When it comes to design, it would be wise to choose a multimeter that’s compact, lightweight, and thus easy to hold — even with one hand. If you want your device to feel comfortable when you’re holding it, look for models that sport an ergonomic design.

Safety


Another important thing would be to look for features that allow the safe use of the multimeter. For example, your model should protect against overloading and incorrect polarity. Furthermore, it should be constructed from quality components.

Additionally, check the CAT rating of the machine — to ensure it can handle the loads you’re planning on putting through it.

Warranty


Finally, you should select a product that comes together with a warranty of at least one year. This will give you the necessary peace of mind when it comes to possible defects and malfunctions.

Our Top-Rated Best Digital Multimeter Under 100 Dollars


There are plenty of electrical testers on the market nowadays. However, finding the perfect affordable multimeter under 100 dollars for your needs isn’t an easy task. There are a few factors you should pay attention to before opting for a particular product.

All of these units have one thing in common — a price under $100. Yet, not all of them are the same. Some multimeters offer more features than others, while others offer better durability or a higher resolution. It’s all about your personal preferences, so use the guide above.

Everyone should have at least one meter in their household because it can save you money and most importantly — time. In other words, you don’t have to call a trade professional and wait for their help. Instead, you can do it yourself!

Take a look at these short reviews of my top picks of sub-$100 multimeters:

Klein Tools MM720


Our Rating: 4.6/5

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Boasting a hefty 1000-volt testing capacity, incorporating a multitude of features, and being incredibly durable — the MM720 is perhaps the ultimate sub $100 unit in the market.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an extreme home electronics nut, this multimeter is as suited to industrial and commercial settings as it is for residential applications. An ability to test resistance, low-impedance, current, capacitance, frequency, continuity, and duty cycles means a remarkably versatile machine. Furthermore, a temperature feature allows you to investigate heat levels from zero through to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit.

An included carry pouch, reinforced casing, and a 6.6-foot drop protection provide reassuring robustness — making it appealing to the more rigorous of users. And, incorporating an auto-range feature and TRMS, this machine relieves the headaches of pre-project setting and calibration while ensuring accuracy.

Pro-users may welcome that this multimeter is safety rated for CAT IV 600-volts and CAT III 1000-volts — not only allowing you to use the unit on commercial sites, but also providing a large enough range for industrial applications.

Driven by just two AAA cells, this multimeter is pleasingly lightweight. And, should they begin to drop in power during operation — a clear low-battery indicator provides a welcome early warning system. Thankfully, an easily accessible fuse and battery compartment enables swift and effortless replacement — saving you downtime and dollars if you’re a pro contractor.

And, if you’re as impatient and enthusiastic as me when it comes to new tools — you’ll be pleased to know that this machine comes complete with everything you need to get started immediately. It arrives with testing leads, two batteries, ‘gator’ clips, and a thermocouple with an adaptor.

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Fluke 106


  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Fluke 106


Our Rating: 4.5

The 106 is a portable digital multimeter with impressive features — built by Fluke, the undisputed master of electrical testing equipment.

Weighing just 0.44 pounds, it’s the ultimate light machine — permitting effortless one-handed operation. And, being small, it fits easily into your pocket, toolbox, or glove compartment.

This unit is built from quality components and materials boosting its robustness. It also has all the crucial testing capabilities of a multimeter — continuity, current, voltage, resistance, and capacitance.

Driven by two AAA cells, its auto power-off function heightens battery longevity by powering down the machine after twenty minutes of inactivity. So, if you’re forgetful by nature — this battery-saving feature reduces the frequency of purchasing new cells.

As you’d expect, the Fluke 106 incorporates data hold. It can handle voltages to 600-volts DC and AC, and current to 10A. It’s most suitable for general electrical and electronic work — as the lack of microamps makes it unusable for HVAC projects.

Amprobe AM-530


amprobe-am-530-categories
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price
Our Rating: 4.4

This tool is the real deal if you’re interested in quality multimeters — numerous auxiliary features make this product a tool worth checking out.

The True RMS technology improves accuracy and offers precise data in electrically noisy environments. This isn’t standard in this category, and that’s what makes this unit suitable for both professionals and beginners.

It packs a bunch of additional options, such as non-contact voltage detection (NCV), a backlit LCD with a bar graph, auto power off, and a low battery warning. As you can see, there are sufficient features for you to check, investigate, troubleshoot, and fix electricals.

One of the greatest options this product has to offer is the data hold function. Often, you don’t have the opportunity to write down the readings or make notes. Well, this alleviates the problem by preserving the last reading.

The feature that makes this unit suitable for beginners is the auto-ranging system. While many other multimeters need to be calibrated by the user, this one doesn’t. Auto-ranging enables the meter to identify the input and set up the correct mode.

What we didn’t like about this product is the short probe ends. People are used to using half-inch-long lead ends, and these came as an unpleasant surprise. Luckily, the problem is easily solvable. If you don’t like the default leads, feel free to buy an additional pair, they’re pretty cheap.

amprobe-am-530-categories
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Mastech MS8209


mastech-ms8209-categories
  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Mastech MS8209


Our Rating: 4.4

The Mastech MS8209 has 14 functions that can attain 39 different ranges! It can be used by professionals — but with its seriously affordable price point, it’s excellent for multimeter newbies and DIYers.

This multimeter has both auto and manual ranging functions to facilitate and better suit the preferences of the user. Because it has a lot of additional functions, you can utilize this unit for various testing needs such as checking continuity, installing new wirings, measuring temperature, and identifying crucial issues.

Perhaps the most useful functions are the data hold and relative conversion. The data hold helps if you can’t write down the measurement immediately after conducting the analysis. The relative conversion allows you to zero the meter with a push of a button, instead of turning it off and on every time you need to reset the unit.

The MS8209 has a neon-style backlight — allowing you to use this tool in dark environments. Over-range protection is great for inexperienced users, increasing operating safety. Many amateurs have issues selecting the proper range, and most of these units cannot tolerate massive fluctuations.

Furthermore, there are two fuses integrated into the circuit board to prevent high amperages from breaking the unit. Instead, the fuses blow.

Admittedly, a couple of users didn’t like the timer of the backlight, which is only 10 seconds. One could argue that Mastech should have designed it to last at least double that.

Fluke 101


fluke-101-categories

Our Rating: 4.2

The Fluke 101 is a pocket multimeter with a set of basic functions and features — yet with durability designed for the professional user.

This multimeter stands out for its small size and light weight. You can tuck it away in your toolkit, without it stealing too much space. Many people have a common problem of storing and carrying these things because they can be bulky.

The most interesting part of this particular unit is the data hold function. Because it’s more of a luxury feature, it’s pleasing that Fluke decided to integrate it into this basic version. Regardless, it’s a very useful yet simple option. It stores the last reading until you overwrite it with new data — a welcome helping hand if you don’t have the opportunity to write down the numbers right away.

The auto power-off function is another great inclusion, especially for prolonging the battery life. It works on a simple principle by turning off the device after 20 minutes of inactivity. As you can see, simplicity works, and that’s what makes this product worth checking out. Because it’s so straightforward, anyone can use it, even people who never had contact with these types of tools.

If I had to be extremely critical, the only thing I didn’t like is that it’s not made in the US. Although Fluke is an American brand, they have factories in other parts of the world for economic reasons.

fluke-101-categories

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Extech EX330 Autoranging Mini MultimeterA9


extech-ex330-categories

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Extech EX330 Autoranging Mini MultimeterA9


Our Rating: 4.2

With an ultra-compact build — the EX330 from Extech is the ideal machine for users who demand the ultimate in portability.

This auto-ranging DMM has 12 functions and 0.5% accuracy, and its features make it one of the most versatile units on the market. It can be used both by people who deal with electricity for a living, and those who occasionally troubleshoot or repair sensitive electronics.

It’s able to measure AC and DC voltage and current, capacitance, resistance, temperature, and frequency. It’s well-designed and packed in a sturdy and durable casing.

One of the most impressive functions is the non-contact AC voltage detector, also known as NCV. It allows you to detect small AC voltages by hovering over an electrical source. The LED indicator and an audible beep will notify you whether a field of current is present around the object you’re analyzing. It also has the data hold function, which allows you to store the last reading if you don’t have a piece of paper to write it down.

The auto power off feature is also useful because it saves battery by turning the device off. Many people forget to turn their tools off after use, and that leads to unnecessary battery replacements and additional expenses. The Extech EX330 comes with the test leads and a protective holster included, which is pretty rare.

The thing we noticed right away is the massive 4000-count display. A lot of professionals have trouble reading small numbers in a hurry, and that leads to crucial errors. Well, you’ll certainly distinguish the numbers on this unit.

The sturdy casing design guarantees a long life, as long as you follow some simple maintenance rules. And, the temperature reading capabilities go from -4 to 1382 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Conclusion


The sub-$100 multimeter niche is seriously competitive — each of our top picks exemplifies contractor-level features and functionality, yet at prices that aren’t going to break the bank.

However, for me, the Klein Tools MM720 possesses the elusive sparks that make it stand above the rest.

Boasting a category-leading 1000-volt capacity — this unit will deal with the majority of home, industrial, marine, and automotive projects. Rated for CAT III and IV applications, it’s built for safety, providing reassuring peace of mind.

And, in addition to the multimeter staples of testing current, capacitance, resistance, frequency, and continuity — this mighty tool can check temperatures up to a maximum of 1832 degrees Fahrenheit.

That said, the other units are worthy alternatives — from the trade grade Fluke 101 and the compact Extech EX330, to the DIY-friendly Mastech MS8209 and graph-displaying Amprobe AM-530.

But, if you’re a seasoned pro or an ambitious amateur, I recommend checking out the feature-heavy yet price-light Klein Tools MM720 — my ultimate multimeter under 100 dollars.

Multimeters Under $100 FAQs

Q: Are Multimeters Under 100 Dollars Any Good?

Yes! For under $100, you can purchase a digital multimeter with premium-grade testing capabilities — such as auto-ranging, TRMS, and temperature levels.

Q: Why Does Fluke Cost So Much?

Fluke multimeters are considered by many experts to be the ultimate electrical testing machines on the market. Their premium price reflects their durability, high-grade components, and unmatched accuracy.

Q: Is a Cheap Multimeter Worth It?

Yes! If you require little more than a voltage, current, and continuity tester — you can get hold of a reliable and durable unit for less than $50. Trade users and more experienced DIYers can obtain a more advanced multimeter with job-specific testing capabilities for less than $100 — as featured in this article.

Q: Can Multimeters Under $100 Check Temperature?

Many digital multimeters with a temperature testing feature can be purchased for under $100. These include the Klein Tools MM720, the Amprobe 530, and the Mastech MS8209.

Q: What Is the Best Multimeter Under $100?

In my opinion, the Klein Tools MM720, with its 1000-volt capacity, CAT IV rating, and temperature checking to a 1832 degrees Fahrenheit, is the ultimate multimeter under 100 dollars.

Other Multimeter Categories

Multimeters under $50
Automotive multimeters
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