Best Multimeter under US$50

All the multimeters considered here can be bought for under $50.

Price is an important consideration when you have a limited budget, but it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on other aspects; otherwise, there are many more models than the final pick of ten listed here. I’ve also grouped them if you’re looking particularly for functionality, usability, durability, or affordability.

The best multimeter overall under $50 is the Klein Tools MM400. It’s the top model for ease of use and durability, with only some compromise on functionality. The best one loaded with features is the AstroAI TRMS6000, and the best low-priced but good-quality multimeter is the Etekcity MSR-R500.

Quick Summary: 10 Best Multimeters under US$50

Our editors go through and research, test, and qualify our recommended products. We receive commissions on purchases from certain links.

• Best Multimeter Overall: Klein Tools MM400
  “A multimeter that has a very sturdy design.”
• Best Feature: AstroAI TRMS 6000
  “An all-in-one feature and functional multimeter!”
• Best Durability: Crenova MS8233D
  “Combining durability and affordability, this one is the best choice!”
• Best Low-Price: Etekcity MSR-R500
  “A simple, user-friendly multimeter.”
• Best Clear Data Visualization: Kaiweets Digital Multimeter
  “The accuracy and easy-to-use feature is a win!”
• Best Drop-Protection: INNOVA 3320
  “Best multimeter for a general-purpose and easy-to-use feature.”
• Best Accurate Results: Thsinde 18B+
  “Provides quick and accurate results.”
• Best Easy-to-Use: Amprobe AM-510
  “A reliable and easy-to-use multimeter.”
• Best Non-Contact Voltage Detection: Meterk MK06
  “It features a non-contact voltage detection.”
• Best Compact Design: Mastech MS8264
  “A good choice for beginners!”
  
  

Klein Tools MM400 has a large screen and white background making it easy to read. The backlight is great, but the display light doesn’t work with auto-ranging. You can use the electrical tester to measure temperature as well. It can also calculate diodes and duty cycles and measure capacitance and frequency. It also has a low-battery indicator.

AstroAI TRMS 6000 includes a temperature probe that can check heat levels in the range -of 40-2000°F, double-insulated casing, and explosion-proof ceramic tubes. You can also use the multimeter hands-free using its hanging magnet and kickstand. Moreover, it’s a very reliable multimeter.

The Crenova MS8233D allows for taking a wide range of measurements and includes an auto-ranging tester, although it is slow. It is covered with a rubber holster for drop resistance and a flexible rubber sleeve and support stand. The overall construction is good and user-friendly.

One issue with the multimeter is that the display has a narrow view, making it difficult to read at wider angles. However, it has a bright backlight and auto shut-off. Another is the low safety rating, which is only as far as CAT II (600V). Otherwise, it gives good value for the price.

The Etekcity MSR-R500 has a data hold button to hold a reading even after removing the probes and a large LCD screen. Another key advantage is its high sampling speed. For protection, it comes with a red rubber cover and overload protection.

The biggest limitation is no support for AC voltage. Also, despite providing a low battery alert, it doesn’t offer an easy way to replace the 9V battery it operates on.

The Kaiweet Digital multimeter can compute minimum, maximum, and average values and display bar graphs to provide clear data visualization. It can hold the last value in memory. It incorporates a rear flashlight, which is dim, a kickstand, and an anti-burn safety feature. For safety, its silicone casing protects against shocks and gives visual and audible alerts when near live wires.

The build quality is not great, but the multimeter is accurate and easy to use.

The INNOVA 3320 doesn’t compromise on basic functionality. It has all you would expect from a basic multimeter. It even has auto-ranging, although it is not as smooth as in other budget multimeters here, a kickstand, and rubber guards for drop protection. Its screen is large with color-coded LEDs. It has special ranges for general-purpose batteries (1.5V, 9V, 12V). It’s good for a general-purpose, easy-to-use, cheap, but good multimeter.

One advantage of Thsinde 18B+ is it offers a large and bright screen due to its 6000 display count, although the display turn-off time is short. It also gives a non-contact voltage alert among the protection measures (from short circuits, overload, and dropping).

However, on the downside, you might feel the multimeter is a bit too heavy to handle. It doesn’t come with a rear stand, either.

The Amprobe AM-510 offers basic protection through a rubber cover and an audible alert near live wires. It has an integrated flashlight at the top.

It can hold data in memory, calculate the difference between two values, and display an analog bar graph. It can also test regular household batteries. In short, it’s good for general use. It is strong and durable.

The Meterk MK06 will alert you when close to a live wire or other electrical danger. It also has a built-in work light and offers overload protection. Despite the clamp extension, it is compact enough and not too heavy to hold by hand.

Despite the extra features, the Meterk MK06 multimeter is unsuitable for professional use because the oversensitivity can give false readings and doesn’t have a CAT safety rating. It’s not so durable, either. I only included it in this list because it’s good in other aspects, including auto-ranging and true RMS, and its ability for non-contact voltage detection.

It is fairly easy to use, although it doesn’t provide auto-ranging. Still, it’s a good choice unless you need this feature, especially for novices. Instead of automatic backlighting, the multimeter provides a “Light” button, which you must press to turn the backlight on or off. If you prefer this control over the lighting, it can save power.

The display is unimpressive, as it has only a 1999 counts LCD. But it covers all basic tests and diagnoses. As a bonus, it can withstand up to 1000V and has temperature probes to dip inside (non-corrosive) liquids.

References

Amazon Website. https://www.amazon.com/

Amprobe Website. https://www.amprobe.com/product/am-510/