7 Best beginner multimeters (What to buy, 2024)

In simple, a multimeter is a tool that will help us measure and test a lot of things, such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, continuity, and so much more.

It is an essential tool for beginners. Getting the best multimeter can be a very tricky task.

One may not have enough knowledge of what to see when buying a new one, what parameters are essential to look for? What are the famous brands in the industry?

And perhaps a lot of many more questions.

Don’t worry, this article will give you comprehensive details on a few of the best multimeters for beginners and ease the process of choosing one.

Let’s get started.

Choosing the best multimeter

Most of the time, a multimeter is the first device you get introduced to when you step into the world of electronics. It is fun learning and playing with it.

The best multimeters that field professionals and I recommend are the AstroAI WH5000A or the KAIWEETS KM601. They come from proven brands, are used by a lot of people including myself, are of high quality, and are reliable.

After all these thoughts, I concluded that the best beginner multimeter selection must be based on the following criteria:

It must be very safe. Since a multimeter is an electronic device, it can potentially harm you if you somehow miss using it. That is why I made safety the priority.
By safety, I mean proper fusing, proper isolation, proper over-voltage, and overcurrent protection.
Should not cost too much. The cost range should be between 25-50 USD.
Should have high-quality probes for safety purposes. Must have protective covers
Ranges should be decent
Digit counts should be around 2000 to 4000 or maybe 6000 (it will for sure increase the price tag)
There must be resistance, voltage, and current measurements for both AC and DC.
The input impedance should be around 10MOhm
Continuity testing is a must

Other than the above, some other extra features would be great but I don’t think a beginner would want that like capacitance measurements or frequency measurements, or True RMS.

These features will further increase the price as well. You can have these extra features in your multimeter if that is what your requirements are.

Let’s talk a little about technical parameters when it comes to entry-level multimeters.

1. Easy to use

A beginner multimeter must be easy to use. You should opt for multimeters with straightforward, intuitive controls. Avoid models with complex menus or too many functions that can confuse a new user.

I recommend buying an auto range multimeter is great at the entry level, as it is easy to work with as compare to manual range mulimteter.

2. Safety

It must be the top priority. Please look for certifications from recognized standards like UL, CE, or CAT ratings, which indicate the device’s compliance with safety norms.

3. Input Impedance

By input impedance, I mean the input total resistance the multimeter provides to the measuring component or circuit. The higher the input impedance the better the multimeter.

4. Durability

A sturdy, well-built multimeter can withstand accidental drops and the wear and tear of regular use. Rubber casings or protective holsters are advantageous. So look for these features in your multimeter.

5. Ranges

These are very important and almost no one pays attention to them. When buying a multimeter people look for what can it measure but they miss the important things from what range to what range it can measure that parameter very accurately.

6. Quality probes

Never compensate for probes, because sometimes you may end up harming yourself if you are using low-quality probes.

7. Accuracy

A 0.5% DC volt accuracy with 4000 or 6000 counts is fine. Greater than this value makes your meter not professional and a waste of money.

Furthermore, a multimeter must have true RMS reading when measuring AC voltages and measuring bandwidth beyond 50kHz.

List of best beginner multimeters

So keeping these above selection rules in mind and the experience I have working with a bunch of multimeters I listed the following multimeters that I think are best.

1. AstroAI AM33D

AstroAI is a very popular US brand making a lot of cool electronic products. They make industrial products, but their multimeter range is amazing. They have multimeters for almost every level.

This model i.e. AM33D is the multimeter for someone who just heard the multimeter word for the first time and got interested and decided to buy a few buck multimeter to play with i.e. to test the surface.

Important features:

It is easy and safe to operate
Features many functions for measuring current, voltage, and resistance, as well as continuity, transistor, and diode testing
It has a hold option using which you can hold your readings if you are in an uncomfortable situation, or you want to note down the reading.
Remember, this is a very basic multimeter. Never play with main AC voltages without double-checking the probe connections.

To know more about this guy here is the link AstroAI AM33D (Amazon link) for your own research and investigation. My final words are, that this is the best multimeter if you intend to do some small auto or home troubleshooting.

2. HILTEX DT830B

Let’s talk about our next very beginner level multimeter i.e. DT830B. This multimeter is best for complete beginners, hobbyists, and especially students.

It can be used for home, or car diagnosis, or as a casual device to measure voltages and resistance.

Important features:

Small and compact size, easy to carry anywhere.
Overload protection on all ranges. It is an amazing feature when it comes to the safety of a device.
Voltage measurements for both AC and DC.
DC current measurement capability up to 10A
Resistance measurements and continuity testing, the only downside is there is no beep sound.
Diode and transistor testing function

In summary, the DT830B digital multimeter (Amazon link) is specifically suited for students or anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much on the multimeter and yet wants the most required features of any decent multimeter.

3. KAIWEETS KM601

As far now, KM601 excels with its competition in the field of a smart multimeter. Simplicity, easy reading, easy understanding, and easy-to-carry make it a good choice among electronics nerds. It is the most common instrument in the toolbox.

It can easily be placed in a pocket along with its terminals.

Important features:

By default, it is in the smart mood for Voltage (AC/DC), resistance, and connectivity
It is light and weighs 265 grams
NCV (Non-contact Voltage) function detects the voltage at proximity
The display is large and vivid, to show reading explicitly
Capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, and temperature can easily be measured using the same device
It is provided with a double fuse and overload protection
By identifying the signal from the probe, it automatically selects a suitable range

In a short summary, the KM601 (Product link) is one of the most efficient tools for beginners (especially). It does not take much effort to get data. Moreover, it does not need much protection and is installed with its own protection modules. Surprisingly, this model (only for readers of Yaman Electronics) is available at the lowest possible price at the given link with 15% off (use Yaman15 at checkout).

4. Etekcity MSR-A600

Let’s talk about another very beginner multimeter, the MSR-A600, from a well-known brand, Etekcity. Etekcity covers the requirements of almost every one of you looking for any kind or any type or any price range of multimeters no matter whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or pro.

We will be covering a few other amazing models from this brand as we go along the post. The MSR-A600 is a very basic multimeter with few basic functionalities.

Important features:

You can measure both AC and DC voltages with it. And it is safe because this guy has an internal fuse which makes it much safer.
Its CE certified
Can measure DC current up to 10A with internal fusing
Resistance measurements, diode testing and continuity
Data hold is a very amazing feature to have. You know, when you are working there comes a situation where you cannot hold the multimeter and write down the values because you got two hands. So data hold option will save you a lot of time in those situations.

Here is the link to know more about it yourself, Etekcity MSR-A600 (Amazon link). Now if you like the above beginner multimeter and want to have a professional level multimeter with the same feel and color – then you should definitely check out the following model from the same parent brand.

5. Etekcity MSR-A1000 (Amazon link)

The above multimeters were intended for complete newbies multimeter users. Now let’s talk about some high-quality beginner multimeters.

6. AstroAI WH5000A

You can’t limit this model i.e. WH5000A to just beginners, it can be used by anyone in electronics. This could be your lab device for so many years to come.

AstroAI WH5000A review best beginner multimeter for hobbyists

My preferred features in this multimeter are:

It is auto-range with 6000 counts, to save you time and give you extra accuracy
Capable of measuring micro and milli range currents both AC and DC
Have CAT II, III safety (To know more about these standards click here)
High-quality internal fuse
Temperature measurement is useful to check for components overheating
Backlit LCD and hold function, a huge deal
Multifunction socket, for transistor and capacitor measurements
It has a hanging magnet, O God this is just huge for me

You know, you cannot really predict the requirements of any electronics project. One project will need a multimeter to just measure some resistor values and voltage drops, the other may require other measurements, and the list goes on.

So, you need a complete package, and the AstroAI WH5000A (Amazon link) have got everything for you. It is not pricy and you will enjoy it working with it. In my opinion, it’s worth a try.

7. INNOVA – 3320

Innova is one of the leaders in making quality measuring devices. It is a huge brand and has respect in the eyes of field professionals. Similarly, as I did for the above brands, I chose the 3320 model among its other quality products.

Why? It is just too badass looking and solid. It fulfills the above selection criteria and I just personally like its design. But that is not the only reason why it is on the list.

The reason is it has a dedicated battery load test option. And if you see the above two they don’t have this specific option. So if you were to work with batteries this is the meter for you.

innova 3320 reviews, best beginner multimeter

Some quality features include the following:

10 MegaOhm input impedance for safe automotive use
Automotive uses include automotive circuits, breakers, wiring, vehicle battery & charging systems, electrical components, and more
Household uses include outlets, fuses, wiring, general-purpose batteries, electronic hobbies, and more
Large digital display
Single-setting resistance function for voltage (AC & DC)
Protective rubber corner guards for drop protection
Includes attachable test leads, holders, and stand
Auto shut-off feature
U/L listed for safety and quality

The con is it is not fused for high currents. But I think at the beginner level a lot of people will not be working with high currents. And if they do make sure to follow the exact method provided by the professionals to do so.

Don’t do the rough and guesswork with this meter if you work with currents more than 5A or let’s say in the range of 10A.

So are you excited to have a look at this guy? Here is the link, Innova® 3320 (Amazon link) for your own investigation.

8. EXTECH EX330

Extech is another respected company in the field of electronics manufacturers. It is making quality industrial as well as general-purpose electronics instruments over the years. Among the different models of Extech, I choose the Ex300.

Because of the decent price range and all the features a general-purpose audience needs for his laboratory work.

What makes it different from the above are, its mini hand portable size and non-contact voltage detection. Noncontact voltage detection is huge especially if you are dealing with AC voltages.

extech ex300 review best multimeter for beginners and hobbiysts

Other features of this best beginner multimeter include the following:

Autoranging DMM with 12 functions and 0.5% basic accuracy
AC/DC Voltage & Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Temperature, Duty Cycle, Diode/Continuity
Built-in non-contact AC voltage detector (NCV) with red LED indicator and audible beeper
Large-digit 4,000 count LCD display
10A max Current
Data Hold, Relative and Auto power off
Type K temperature measurements
Complete with test leads, tilt stand, protective holster, general purpose Type K bead wire probe, and 2 AAA batteries

In summary, the Extech EX330 (Amazon link) is a huge deal for your lab. You will enjoy working with it. It will be the meter who gonna live in your lab for years to come.

9. Klein Tools MM400

Klein Tools is a famous brand for making quality equipment for electronics. They make a various range of tools for all walks of people, i.e. students, hobbyists, and pro professionals.

Talking about our next best beginner multimeters i.e. the MM400. This is the guy you would love for such a low price range and high quality. It has everything that you can possibly get in high price meters.

best multimeter for beginners and hobbyists

Important features:

AC and DC voltages measurements
AC/DC current measurements
Resistance measurements
Auto range with 4000 counts
Continuity test
Temperature measurements: this is a plus feature you would have hardly on other meters. And I recommend this feature to engineering students
Capacitance measurements
Frequency counting, diode testing, and continuity indicator
Auto turns off, to save battery power.

In summary, the MM400 (Amazon Link) is my favorite recommendation for all the hobbyists and beginners out there. It is not that expensive, it is reliable, and best suited for a lot of applications and projects. If you like it, give it a try.

10. Mastech MS8268

Mastech is another world-known brand when it comes to the electrical testing industry. They are manufacturing a lot of industrial electrical testing device for decades and has earned a name for themselves.

Talking about the Mastech MS8268 multimeter. It is a well designed multimeter with a lot of advanced and amazing features.

Some important features of MS8268:

AC/DC voltages and current measurements (in micro as well as in milli range)
Capacitance measurements
Frequency measurements
hFE measurements
Diode and continuity testing
It is an auto range which is very useful

To know more about this model here is the link MS8268 (Amazon link) for your own further research.

Conclusion

Let me tell you something, my personal approach to buying anything is to first look for brands with a proven track record. You can take me as a brand follower person.

When I am done with brand research I then look for people’s reviews and try to figure out what problems they were facing and how the product helped them.

I just followed the same mindset with these best beginner multimeters. These are the best because:

They have a proven track record
Come from trusted brands with one or more than a one-year warranty
Give accurate results
Safe and reliable
Decent looking
Well packed
Yet they have very low price tags that everyone can afford.

I personally love them all and want you to have a look at them and decide the best for you according to your requirements if you find them interesting. Hopefully, I have helped you somehow and you have enjoyed making it up to this far end.