Best Multimeter Under 50 Dollars — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison
Best Multimeter under $50
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Best for Prosumers
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Best for Prosumers
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AstroAI Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at AstroAI AstroAI TRMS 6000 Review AstroAI TRMS 6000 Review |
|
Best for Safety
|
Best for Safety
|
Kaiweets HT118A
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Kaiweets HT118A Kaiweets HT118A Review Kaiweets HT118A Review |
|
Best for High-Level Work
|
Best for High-Level Work
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Klein Tools MM420
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Klein Tools MM420 Review Klein Tools MM420 Review |
|
Best for Novices
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Best for Novices
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Klein Tools MM325
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Klein Tools MM325 Review Klein Tools MM325 Review |
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Best for Precision
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Best for Precision
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Kaiweets HT118E
|
Features
|
Check Price at Kaiweets Kaiweets HT118E Review Kaiweets HT118E Review |
|
Best for Accessories
|
Best for Accessories
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Amprobe PK-110 (kit)
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Amprobe PK-110 (kit) Review Amprobe PK-110 (kit) Review |
|
Best Large Display
|
Best Large Display
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Mastech MS8264
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Mastech MS8264 Review Mastech MS8264 Review |
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Best for Affordability
|
Best for Affordability
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Extech MN35
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Extech MN35 Review Extech MN35 Review |
Best Multimeter Under 50 Dollars Buying Guide
The most significant advantage of the best under $50 multimeters is, obviously, their price. These devices are the perfect choice for all those handymen who don’t want to spend too much money on a new multimeter — yet still demand impressive functionality.
And, they’re usually very straightforward to operate. Unlike the more sophisticated models, the cheap multimeter category typically doesn’t have a lot of complicated modes and options — greatly simplifying their use.
Although admittedly, these affordably priced machines may lack specialized job-specific testing capabilities — such as RMP checking, flame sensor scrutiny, current loops, and Bluetooth connectivity.
This run-down only includes the best affordable multimeter units on the market — machines that will be more than sufficient for the home user and light electrical tradesperson.
When choosing the best multimeter under 50 dollars, consider:
- Manufacturer.
- Testing capabilities.
- Safety.
- Display.
- Accuracy.
How To Choose the Best Digital Multimeter Under 50 Dollars
Even a cheap multimeter under 50 dollars is quite useful when it comes to DIY electronics. Although lacking the project-specific capabilities of premium machines — affordable multimeters are ideal for hobby, home electrical, and light trade use.
Choosing a model that doesn’t cost you more than $50 but will still provide a reliable performance can be pretty tough. But, stick with me — my buyer’s guide is here to make things a lot easier!
Testing Capabilities
In my opinion, your primary consideration when choosing an affordable multimeter under 50 dollars. It’s crucial that your new tool has all the testing capabilities required for your projects.
This, naturally, varies from person to person. For example, while temperature testing is necessary for the automotive nut — it’s irrelevant for someone who just wants to investigate circuit continuity.
All my top picks can investigate current, resistance, frequency, voltage, and continuity as standard. Other features to look out for in the budget category that may be useful for your particular jobs include:
- Temperature — for HVAC, microchip, and automotive applications.
- True RMS — delivering elevated accuracy.
- Overload protectors — for high voltage/current applications.
- Auto-ranging — novice-friendly auto metric selection.
- Incorporated flashlight — for night work.
- Data hold — to retain your last reading.
If you’re looking for more specialized capabilities — such as RPM, flame testing, microamps, current loops, and Bluetooth — check out the sub-$100 machines, HVAC multimeters, and premium testers.
Manufacturer
When selecting 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 more trusted manufacturers. These companies have a proven track record of efficiency and quality, and even their cheapest models come with serious reliability.
Respected brands that come with a reputation for durability and performance include Fluke, AstroAI, Klein, Craftsman, and Kaiweets.
Safety
If you’re planning on testing circuits with at least 30 volts of power, it would be wise to get a device with safety features.
Check if it has insulated probes, overload protection, internal fuses, or incorrect polarity shielding — and also take a closer look at the model’s CAT rating.
Display
All digital multimeters include an LCD screen. Consider whether you’d prefer a large digit display or a backlit screen.
These features can be invaluable if your vision isn’t perfect, or your projects take you to dark or poorly illuminated environments — such as inside engine bays, in attics, or beneath floorboards.
Accuracy
The level of precision you require depends on your projects.
For electronic jobs dealing with PCBs (printed circuit boards) and microchips, accuracy is crucial — ensuring the circuit runs at the correct temperature, chips clock correctly, and components don’t blow.
Conversely, for household jobs such as battery testing, continuity scrutiny, socket checking, and bulb testing — high precision isn’t that important.
Accuracy in multimeters is explained as a percentage figure — detailing the level of error the unit allows. Look for TRMS machines if you need the highest level of precision.
Our Top Rated Multimeters Under $50
A quality multimeter is necessary if you’re planning on dealing with electricity. For example, if you want to measure the capacitance of a certain object, you can’t do it without the proper tool. However, buying a quality unit isn’t as easy as it seems. There are many factors that you should pay attention to — outlined above.
I’m here to help you choose the right tool for the right amount of money!
Below are my six ultimate multimeters under $50 — whichever you choose, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. They’re all compact, reliable, and most importantly, affordable.
AstroAI Digital Multimeter, TRMS 6000
- Functionality
- Design
- Price
Auto-ranging takes the hassle, errors, and time out of pre-testing setup — making the meter suitable for the complete novice. Furthermore, a kickstand and hanging magnet allow you to operate the machine hands-free.
For HVAC, PCB, and automotive applications, its impressive temperature probe can check heat levels from -40 through to a massive 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. And, featuring True RMS, it delivers the accuracy demanded by serious users.
Capable of measuring current, voltage, continuity, resistance, frequency, and capacitance — this unit is ideal for home, industrial, 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
Kaiweets Digital Multimeter HT118A
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Kaiweets Digital Multimeter HT118A
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.
Klein Tools MM420
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
In addition to the testing favorites of resistance, capacitance, voltage, and current — the MM420 can also address heat levels. Capable of investigating temperature from -40 to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit — the machine is ideal for HVAC and automotive projects.
Drop-proof from 6.6 feet, this robust unit can handle job site use. And, incorporating a low-battery indicator, it delivers a visual warning should cell power deteriorate — ensuring you always have a fully operational machine.
In addition to the MM420 multimeter, you also receive a user manual, testing leads, thermoprobe, and 2 x AAA batteries.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Klein Tools MM325
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Klein Tools MM325
Capable of measuring up to 600 volts and 10 amps, this digital multimeter is more than suitable for domestic equipment and mains wiring investigation. Its easy-rotatable dial permits you to select effortlessly between voltage, current, resistance, continuity, and diode testing.
Its generous 2000-count LCD screen incorporates a welcome backlight — allowing you to read the display in dark or poorly illuminated conditions. And with auto-power off and a low-battery indicator — you’re unlikely to run out of cell juice.
Able to withstand a 6.6-foot drop, it’s a durable unit for an affordable multimeter. And, arriving complete with user manual, testing leads, probe protectors, and 2 x AAA batteries — you’re ready to start electrical investigation straight after unboxing.
Additionally, the MM325 is available as a complete home testing kit. It includes all the above accessories, but also arrives with an NCV tester, receptacle tester, voltage tester, and carrying case.
Kaiweets HT118E
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
With prosumer capabilities, this sub-$50 digital multimeter boasts a substantial 2.7-inch screen with 20000-count for detailed readings. And, with TRMS, ensures precision on every test.
Safety heavy, the HT118E delivers a CAT IV rating, overload protector, ceramic internal fuses, and hefty double insulation. And, should the unit detect power in excess of 80 mighty volts — the LCD screen will turn orange as a visual warning.
Providing extensive memory features — including MIN, MAX, Average, and HOLD — it ensures you don’t lose data after testing. And, with welcome auto-ranging, there’s no wasted time messing about changing metrics as you switch projects or jobs.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Amprobe PK-110 (kit)
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Amprobe PK-110 (kit)
You can check for voltage levels in switches, receptacles, light fixtures, extension cords, and more. Although perhaps not suitable for professional electricians, it’s quite useful if you need a sensitive domestic instrument to check various electricity-related analytics.
The set consists of three electrical components for a plethora of tests and troubleshooting applications. The AM-420 multimeter itself, the ST-102B compact socket checker, and an NCV probe VP-1000 are all included. From checking the presence of voltage in outlets to confirming the proper GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) wiring, the PK110 set has it covered.
The measurable AC/DC voltage of this particular multimeter is 250V — making it only suitable for home use. Maximum DC is 200mA, and it can measure resistances up to two ohms. On the other hand, the operating voltage of the ST-120B is 110-125V (American and Canadian sockets), and its wattage is 0.3W.
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. It also boasts an audible continuity function.
Mastech MS8264
Our Rating: 4.2
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
The multimeter has everything you’ll need for checking continuity, voltage, capacitance, and much more. It can also measure temperature via a thermocouple, which is great, especially because it’s a rare feature in this category. The 2000-count display is backlit, legible, and the numbers are substantially sized.
The Mastech MS8264 can be considered an entry-level professional tool or a great product for DIYers 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 reliable unit.
The auto power-off function is standard nowadays, but it still needs to be mentioned. Many people forget to turn their instruments 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 feature. 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 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 they often become tangled. So, if you’re looking for a quality multimeter, the Mastech MS8264 is a perfect candidate.
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Extech MN35
Our Rating: 4.1
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Extech MN35
Our Rating: 4.1
This unit has eight functions, including the ability to measure temperature. It’s compact and offers straightforward operation — making it ideal for beginners who aren’t dealing with electricity every day.
One of the greatest things about it is its large and legible display. Many multimeters have a common issue with screen size. However, Extech made sure to integrate a crystal-clear LCD with big numbers and symbols.
The design is also pretty neat. As I said, it’s compact, and it can fit in your pocket without an issue. It also comes with a protective rubber holster and a tilt stand. As you 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). The unit uses a 9V cell, which will last around ten months with intermittent use, and pleasingly, the battery compartment is easily accessible.
The data hold option is another welcome inclusion. You can store your last reading if you aren’t able to write it down or remember the values — especially useful in urgent scenarios.
The Conclusion
Affordable multimeters are an excellent choice — offering enough precision and accuracy to be safely used around the house at a pleasing price point. Even though they’re not really suitable for serious commercial use, they’re still capable of assisting you with all of your DIY electronics projects.
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.
That said, some users might prefer the precision-focused Kaiweets HT118E, the drop-proof Klein MM420, the multi-accessory Amprobe PK-110, or the large display Mastech MS8264.
But, if you’re looking for a remarkably flexible multimeter under 50 dollars — I recommend checking out the AstroAI.
Multimeters Under $50 FAQs
Q: Are Multimeters Under 50 Dollars Any Good?
Indeed they are! For under $50, you can get your hands on a digital multimeter with impressive testing features — such as True RMS, auto-ranging, and temperature checking.
Q: Is a Cheap Multimeter Worth It?
Yes! If you choose one of the best affordable multimeters — such as the AstroAI — you still can enjoy high-end testing capabilities. The ultimate sub $50 machines can test temperature, deliver TRMS accuracy, and have the durability to cope with knocks and bumps.
Q: How Much Do Multimeters Cost?
Digital multimeters cost from around $20 to hundreds of dollars — casual DIYers can get their hands on an impressively reliable machine for less than $50.
For prosumers and light contractors, a sub-$100 dollar machine will be more than suitable — and for serious pros and HVAC engineers, the prices gradually increase depending on functionality.
Q: Can You Buy a Clamp Meter for Under $50?
Yes! There are a few basic clamp multimeters less than $50 — such as the AstroAI DT201D.
Q: What Is the Best Multimeter Under $50?
In my opinion, the best multimeter under 50 dollars is the AstroAI 6000 — offering temperature testing, overload protector, True RMS, and auto-ranging.
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