The 7 Best Multimeters for Every Trade Professional in 2022

There’s no question that multimeters are a necessary tool for anyone working as a professional tradesman. But like all tools, there are different multimeters for different applications. So, if you’re not sure which is the best multimeter for you, don’t worry – I’m here to help!

After over a decade in HVAC, electrical, and industrial maintenance, I’ve used just about every type of multimeter out there. Each one has its quirks, but some perform better than others in specific situations. That’s why I’ve ranked them each for a specific job to help make your decision a little bit easier.

So, let’s dive in to figure out which is the best multimeter for you.

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What is the Best Multimeter?

There are a ton of great multimeters on the market, but some of them stand out among the rest. If you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time to read every independent review, you can’t go wrong with one of my top 3 picks for the best digital multimeter.

Even though there are only three mentioned above, there are still plenty of other great multimeters depending on your trade and use.

What Is a Multimeter?

A multimeter is an electronic measuring instrument that combines multiple measurement features into one single unit. All meters are equipped with test leads and typically an option for different types of accessories. As the name implies, a multimeter has expanded to have multiple uses. What started as a way to measure voltage, current, and resistance for electricians, has now expanded to temperature, humidity, diodes, and more.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Multimeter

There are tons of different multimeters on the market, so how do you choose which one is best for you? Digital meters differ from each other in the functions that they provide. Some have more than others, but you’ll pay heavily for them. Others simply offer the basics, but if that’s all you need then they’re perfect for you at a much more affordable option.

Here is a list of all the factors you can consider when deciding between different digital multimeters:

1. What You Need to Measure

The most important factor is what you need the multimeter to measure. Digital multimeters measure a multitude of different functions depending on what they’re marketed for. Specific multi-meters are out there for specific jobs, for example, HVAC, Circuit electronics, Industrial grades, Instrumentation, and more.

2. Voltage

There are two types of electrical voltage categories for multimeters: AC and DC Voltage.

Voltage is the power source of electrons in a circuit.

AC voltage: This stands for alternating current and it’s the common voltage you’ll find. This is anything you’ll find in residential, buildings, motors, light fixtures, practically everything.

DC voltage: This stands for direct current and it’s used in automotive and controls like circuit boards or industrial equipment. Most common example is anything that uses batteries.

Most multimeters can measure both, but some only measure one or the other, so be sure to check before making your purchase. Typically, many meters measure up to 600V, but some meters go as high as 1000V or more which is designed for the types of voltage safety ratings beyond what the incoming power provides.

3. Current

This is the amount of current flowing through a conductor. This is measured in units of amperes or amps. Many meters measure up to 10A, and it also depends on the type of meters you’re using. For instance, a claw or clamp meter may measure differently with a probe vs. the jaw.

4. Resistance

Resistance, which is measured in ohms, is the opposition of the electrical current. Every circuit must have a resistance factor in order for the electrical properties to work. Most resistance is measured when there is no power to whatever it is you are measuring. For example, a non-powered switch measuring across to determine if the switch is closed or open.

5. Capacitance

The ability of a capacitor to store an electric charge. This is measured in farads or microfarads. HVAC will use this often.

6. Humidity

Some meters can measure the moisture in walls, wood, or the atmosphere, a meter with this function can be used in a wide range of professions.

7. Electrical Category

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) created safety requirements for electrical equipment to keep the user safe.

Three different categories define the level of protection against electric shock:

• CAT I– this is for measuring voltages in circuits not connected to the mains.
• CAT II– this is for measuring voltages in circuits connected to the mains.
• CAT III– this is for measuring voltages in circuits with high voltage and current, such as those found in industrial environments.
• CAT IV– this is for measuring voltages in circuits with extra-high voltage and current, such as those found in the distribution network.

It’s important to know what category of equipment you’re going to be working on so that you purchase the appropriate multimeter for an accurate reading.

8. True RMS (or TRMS)

This is a feature that you’ll want if you’re going to be working with AC voltage. It stands for true root mean square and it means that the multimeter can take into account the changing nature of AC voltage.

9. Analog Multimeter vs. Digital Multimeter

This is a matter of preference, but digital multimeters tend to be more accurate than analog multimeters. They also have the ability to store data, which can be helpful if you’re working on a long project or want to keep track of measurements over time. Analog meters are not as easy to find these days as digital have been here for quite some time.

10. Auto-Ranging Capabilities

This can help increase your efficiency with it populating automatically. This can also tend to be confusing at times as this usually changes the decimal in the reading and can be interpreted wrongly.

11. Backlight Display

Are you going to be working in low-light conditions? If that’s a significant possibility, you will want a backlight. Also if your like me and cannot see well, you will use this at all times.

12. Safety Features

Different multimeters can withstand different voltages spikes, and some are even equipped with different alert systems when things are attached properly. This is a really important factor when searching for the right meter, you want to keep yourself safe, but also the equipment you are working on.

13. Warranty

You know that your tools take a beating if you’re a professional. Consider getting a multimeter with a longer warranty to get the most bang for your buck.

14. Price

Unless you have an unlimited budget, you’ll need to consider the price. Some can get pretty pricey when you start adding in all the bells and whistles, and differences in accessories, so take inventory of what you need.

15. Durability

As any tradesman knows, things are bound to get bumped, hit, and dropped when you’re on the job. Or maybe you’re working in some horrible weather conditions, but whatever is happening, you’re going to want your multimeter to handle the punches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do I look for in an electrician multimeter?

When looking for the best multimeter for an electrician, it’s essential to find a multimeter that measures the advancement of all measuring options. But some other noteworthy things are going to be safety features (the category), and accessories.

What features should I look for in an HVAC multimeter?

HVAC professionals look for unique measurements when testing out air conditioning units. If you’re in HVAC, be sure to make sure your multimeter can measure capacitance (microfarads), voltage, amperage, and temperature.

What do I look for in an automotive multimeter?

If you’re using a multimeter for automotive purposes, you’ll want to look for one that is most basic but has more DC and Ohm options.