Best Multimeter Under $50 in 2021 (Reviews & Comparison)

Electricity is so crucial to everyday life, it’s imperative that we make sure that all of our devices are working properly. However, how can you be sure that you’re getting the most out of your electronics? Simple, with a multimeter.

These compact devices come in handy because they are so versatile. Want to check the resistance of something? Use a multimeter. Want to check the voltage? Use a multimeter. These units can offer a lot of data in a small package, making them one of the most valuable electrical tools you can find.

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the best multimeter under 50 dollars out there.

Best Multimeter Under $50 – Comparison

IMAGE	NAME	FEATURES	PRICE
	Neoteck Pocket Digital Multimeter	Voltage: 600 volts Display Style: LCD Brand: Neoteck	Check Price
	Tacklife DM01M Advanced Digital	Voltage: 1000 volts Display Style: LCD Brand: Tacklife	Check Price
	Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter	Voltage: 600 volts Display Style: LCD Brand: Thsinde	Check Price

10 Best Multimeters Under $50 – Review

1. Digital Multimeter, Crenova MS8233D

Starting us off is this versatile and reliable multimeter from Crenova, the best multimeter under 50 dollar range. As with most of these units, it’s compact and lightweight, which enables you to use it in a variety of settings without any problems. In fact, the housing for this multimeter is highly practical for several different reasons.

First, this unit is protected by a removable rubber covering. This keeps everything intact in case of a drop, which will come in handy from time to time. Second, there is a folding stand on the back, which allows you to keep it propped up while checking your electronics so that you don’t have to hold it all the time.

When it comes to testing your equipment, this multimeter does it all. You can check voltage, current, resistance, diodes, and more. It uses standard probe leads to get all of your readings, which should work in almost all cases. What’s also important to note is that this is an automatic ranging model, meaning that you don’t have to set it manually for it to work.

This multimeter also comes with a few additional features that make it more useful in the field. A data hold button will keep your readings on the screen indefinitely so that you can record it before it disappears. You can also store readings and recall them later on if necessary. The 3.5-inch display is a backlit LCD, and it measures up to one decimal point.

Overall, if you’re looking for a sturdy and convenient multimeter, this model from Crenova is a fantastic option.

2. Neoteck Pocket Digital Multimeter 8233D PRO 2000

For the most part, when buying a multimeter, you want to get an auto-ranging model. Unless you are an electrician or someone who really knows what they’re doing, you probably don’t want to have to manually adjust the range to see how much power is present. For that reason, the multimeters we’re looking at are automatic, just like this version from Neoteck.

Another critical feature of multimeters is the readout itself. Accuracy is always a primary concern when buying these devices, so the more numbers you can read, the better it is (usually). For example, this model can show up to three decimal places, meaning that you get more precision when testing different settings. Overall, it has a range of 200 kHz or 2000 uF.

To make sure that you can test a wider variety of electronics, the types of leads you have also make a difference. In this case, the Neoteck Multimeter comes with both standard probes as well as alligator clips. The clips add some versatility to the process because they ensure that you don’t have to hold the leads to get the reading (which can be an issue with probes).

Overall, this multimeter is handy and reliable. We like the 3.5-inch LCD screen, as well as the rubber protective case included with it. It also comes with a folding stand so that you can read your numbers without having to hold the unit. You can also tell the display to keep the reading so that you can transcribe it before it disappears.

3. Tacklife DM01M Advanced Digital Multimeter

As with all products, the brand you choose can make a significant difference in the quality of the item. In this case, we have an Advanced Multimeter from Tacklife. This brand is well-known for making some of the best field equipment, and this multimeter can do a lot more than other models in its class.

One of the first things you’ll notice about this unit is that it has a wide range. No matter what you’re testing (voltage, amps, current, etc.), you can be sure that you won’t max out on either end. Also, it has a 6000 count display for better precision and accuracy while working.

The other high-performance feature you’ll get with this multimeter is the fact that it updates several times per second. If you’re testing a device that has fluctuating readings, then you need to be sure that you can see the difference in real time. Analog multimeters are perfect for this because they have a needle, but most digital models are less accurate because they don’t have a sufficient cycle rate. That’s not a problem with this unit.

Overall, we like this multimeter because it comes with a lot of unique features. First, the plastic housing has holders for the probe leads, making it more accessible in the field. Second, it comes with a temperature sensor as well so that you can use it as a thermometer if necessary. Finally, it has a flashlight built into the front so that you can see both the screen and your equipment in the dark.

4. Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000

One element of multimeters that we haven’t discussed yet is their ability to detect live voltage without having to connect leads. Because you don’t want to attach your probes to a live wire, it’s better to identify whether there is a current wirelessly. This is called non-contact voltage (NCV), and many modern multimeters have this option, including this one from Thsinde.

The other thing that’s good to know about these kinds of devices is that they have built-in overload protection. Thus, even if you do attach leads to a live wire by accident, you don’t have to worry about the system getting fried in the process. Although you can still damage your multimeter this way, higher quality models will simply shut off when they detect a live wire. This is also why most of them have a rubber grip so that you stay grounded and protected at all times.

In this case, what we like about the multimeter is the larger screen. This is one of the biggest we’ve seen, and it makes it much easier to tell what you’re doing. We also appreciate that this multimeter has a high cycle rate (up to three times per second) so that you get more accuracy when testing your equipment. Finally, it has true RMS, which means that it’s even more precise than other models.

5. AstroAI Digital Multimeter, TRMS 6000

Considering that this multimeter is built for professionals, that means that you can do a lot more with it than you could with other models in its class. We appreciate the high-quality craftsmanship and reliability offered with the AstroAI Multimeter.

So what makes this a “professional-grade” model? Let’s go over the specs.

It has true RMS readings, which are the most accurate you can find. It allows you to use automatic ranging or manual to suit your needs. Most DIYers never need a manual option, but professionals may prefer more control.

With this multimeter, you get both standard probe leads and a temperature sensor. There is also a lead adapter for checking a wider variety of equipment in the field.

Some unique features that come with this multimeter include a hanging magnet so that you can keep it nearby without having to store it in your pocket, as well as heavy duty ceramic fuses that provide the best overload protection you can find. Finally, it has a multifunction socket that allows you to test both transistors and diodes effortlessly.

Overall, this is a fantastic multimeter, and it will come in handy a lot.

6. Multimeter Janisa PM18C Digital Multimeters

Next, we have another multimeter that’s designed for professionals, so it offers a lot of reliability and versatility. When looking at these devices, you will notice that we list the number of counts that they have. This refers to how much range they offer, so the higher the number, the better it is overall. 6000 counts is the average, but some can be more or less, so it’s necessary to pay attention.

The accuracy of this multimeter is also reflected in the fact that it has true RMS and that it cycles two to three times per second. This helps ensure that you can monitor fluctuations in the system as they occur. No matter what you’re testing (continuity, diodes, AC or DC power), you can be sure that your numbers will be precise.

The overall size of this multimeter is decent, although it has a smaller screen than some. Nonetheless, 2.7 inches is more than enough to get a clear reading, and the backlight can stay on when you press the right button.

Other features of this multimeter include non-contact voltage readings, a rubberized casing for shock protection, and an automatic shutoff. This last feature is designed to help keep the batteries running longer. Finally, this unit has double fuses to provide even better overload protection. Best of all, the fuses are replaceable.

7. RAGU 17B Digital Multimeter 6000

If you’re looking for something simple and casual, then you will probably like this multimeter from Ragu. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but it does offer reliable readings and a large 3.8-inch LCD screen. It’s rated for 6000 counts, and it’s an auto-ranging model for your convenience.

Overall, this multimeter comes with all of the standard features and nothing more. It has a rubber housing to keep it secure in case of drops, as well as to protect your hand from any electric shocks. The case also has clips so that you can hold the probe leads in place while working. It has overload protection built-in to add further safety to the system.

This multimeter has a cycle rate of three times per second, making it one of the more accurate models out there. As with other units, it will shut off automatically to help preserve battery life – it also has a low battery indicator light to make it easier for you.

8. Digital Multimeter WELAISE Auto-Ranging

Next, we have another casual multimeter for the DIYer who wants something reliable but doesn’t care about a lot of power and performance. One noticeable distinction that comes with this multimeter is the fact that it only has 2000 counts on its readings. This means that you don’t get four number readouts, only three. Still, it’s an auto-ranging model that also comes with a temperature sensor to make it even more versatile for your needs.

Because this is not a professional-grade multimeter, you don’t get much in the way of additional features and extras. Nonetheless, it has all of the standard components you will need to test all of your electronic equipment.

It uses probe leads for testing, although it does offer non-contact voltage testing for safety. To that end, there is overload protection inside just in case you connect to a live wire. The housing for this multimeter has a removable rubber casing and a built-in kickstand to make it easier to use and more convenient overall.

This model will shut off automatically to help save battery life, and it has a data hold button so that you can record your readings before it disappears.

9. GoLIFEuP Multimeter Voltage Tester

If you’re looking for a rugged and dependable multimeter, this model from GoLifeUP is a perfect solution for both DIYers and electronics enthusiasts alike. It has a 6000 count display screen for accuracy, and it offers a wide array of testing capabilities. A separate temperature sensor allows you to check the ambient temp as well as any solids or liquids.

One unique feature offered by this multimeter is the forward flashlight. This helps you see what you’re connecting to in low-light conditions, and it can also serve as a guiding light in case the power goes out.

Overall, this is another standard multimeter. It has overload protection, non-contact voltage detection, a continuity buzzer, and it uses AA batteries for your convenience.

10. ZOYI Digital Multimeter 9999

As we already mentioned, most multimeters have a 6000 count digital display, which ensures accuracy and precision in your readings. However, if you want to get even more out of your model, then you may prefer something like this unit from Zoyi, which offers 9999 counts instead. This makes it one of the most precise multimeters on the market.

The size and weight of this unit are also a selling point as it’s more compact than most other devices you can find. The rubberized housing is comfortable, and it offers a secure grip while working. There is a built-in kickstand so that you don’t have to hold onto it while doing your reading.

One unique feature of this multimeter is that it has a square wave output when testing audio equipment. These kinds of waves are much easier to read and will provide more accurate readings when checking things like radios or stereos.

Overall, this is a fantastic model that can fit in your pocket, meaning that it’s a breeze to take wherever you need to go.

Final Verdict

Because a lot of these multimeters have many of the same properties and features, it can be difficult to narrow down our top picks. However, based on the data, we believe that the best models are the Tacklife and Zoyi Multimeters.

We like these units the best because they offer additional testing options that make them more practical overall. Also, the accuracy and reliability are second to none, which helps you get the most from your device. No matter what kind of testing you’re trying to do, these best multimeters under 50 dollar budget range will help you get it done right.