9 best budget analog multimeters (Accurate, 2024)

Analog multimeters are very useful when we need more accurate and instantaneous results. The scope for analog meter is not going to die soon.

Though digital multimeters are getting significantly better, there are some inheritance advantages of analog meters that digital meters will not overcome.

Of course, there are some downsides to the analog meters as well. But here in this post, we are looking at some of the best budget analog multimeters, not to explain whether digital or analog is better.

Both meters are better – it totally depends on what you want to achieve, and what is the nature of your measurements.

I am not perfect and nor this article is going to be. It is my little effort to help you out.

Table of Contents

Best Budget Analog Multimeters

You know, analog meters are not pricey. So, don’t worry about the budget that much. But still, I will include the meter that, in my opinion, will be affordable for a lot of you.

Let’s start our list of some of the best budget analog multimeters for beginners, students, hobbyists, and everyone.

0- Tekpower TP7244L

Some of you may already be using tools from the Tekpower brand. It is a very old brand and is in business for quite some time. The best analog multimeter that I think you will like is the TP7244L.

It is an analog meter, but with a kinda look of modern-day electronics.

The body is protected by a rubber cover, and it has inner lights for working in a dark environment.

With this multimeter, you can measure the following:

Voltages
Current
Resistance
Continuity

To know more about this amazing analog multimeter – here is the link, Tekpower TP7244L (Amazon link), for your own further research.

1- Gardner Bender, GMT-312

This analog meter is very basic, i.e. it has AC/DC current & voltage measurements. You can also use it to measure resistances.

The design is so simple and the quality of the probes is quite noticeable. I think the zero adjustment screw is a little hard to work with.

But in this basic price range, I think it is still decent. Now, if you want to know more about it – here is the link you can follow, GMT-312 (Amazon link).

2- Gardner Bender, GMT-319

The multimeter comes from the same above brand, Gardner Bender. This model – the GMT-319, is more advanced than the above GMT-312.

The zero ohm adjustment system in this multimeter is unique and easy to use.

It is CAT II rated for 1000V, which is very good if you are working with high voltage levels.

It has an option for 10A DC, which is not available in the above model. You can use it for circuit continuity. You can use it for 9V and 1.5V battery testing.

Overall, this analog meter is a mid-range tool that can help you with all the fundamental measurements in your lab. Here is the link, GMT-319 (Amazon link), to know more about it best affordable analog multimeter yourself.

The best alternative to this model is, Gardner Bender GMT-318 (Amazon link). This model has a low price tag as compared to the GMT-319, but it lacks some features.

3- Tekpower TP8260L

Tekpower is in business for like decades and has played a key role in the learning of every electronics student and professional. I remember using the Tekpower analog oscilloscope when I was in my first year of engineering university.

Alright!

The analog multimeter from Tekpower is very sophisticated and well-designed.

It has inner lights in case you are working in the dark. I really like the simplicity of zero ohm adjustment nob. I think it is very easy to use.

The unique point of this meter is its robust design and capability of measuring various electrical quantities with high precision and accuracy.

It has the following measuring capabilities:

DC mA
DC 10A
Resistance
AC Voltage (up to ranges of 1000V)
Circuit continuity
and much more ..

One last thing which you will really appreciate if you work with repair work is, that it BJT transistor checking sockets.

So, if this guy got your attention – then here is the link, Tekpower TP8260L (Amazon link), for your own further research and investigation.

4- Tekpower TP8250 Analog Multimeter

The above multimeter for Tekpower is an advanced meter. If you are looking for something of little features as compared to the above. Then TP8250 might be the model you should have a look at.

The main differentiating factor between this and the above model is, that this model has the null middle position 0 for variation measurements.

Also, this model doesn’t have any transistor testing capabilities. Of course, you test a transistor with it, but I am talking about the specific transistor socket.

Here is the link, Tekpower TP8250 (Amazon link), to find out more about this best analog multimeter.

5- Sperry Instruments SP-5A

I guess now you have got the idea – that all analog meters look similar and there is nothing too new about each model.

It is just your true instinct that will determine which one to choose.

To help you with the broader options, we can consider this model SP-5A from a well-known brand, Sperry.

This model is very entry-level and comes with a very small price tag.

If you want a small and handy analog meter – this guy might be an option to look for.

I mean it is very simple, you can measure DC (V and mA) and AC voltage up to 250V.

Now if you want to know more about this multimeter then follow this link, SP-5A (Amazon link), for your own further investigation and research.

6- Elenco M105

A similar alternative to the above Sperry SP-5A is the Elenco M105. This analog is so simple and very small and lightweight to carry almost everywhere.

This model is CE-rated, which means it will not affect your work environment.

It has the option for battery testing, like all the major players above. I really think it is the simplest of all the above.

To know more about this multimeter – here is the link, Elenco M105 (Amazon link), for your own further investigations.

7- Hioki 3030-10

Another analog multimeter is the 3030-10 from the Hioki brand. Hioki is a very old brand from Japan, founded in 1935.

This multimeter comes with a well-designed case. Which gives it a professional look and feel. The quality of probes is amazing.

It is CE certified. The zero adjustment switch is easy to use in case of the middle drifts away from the zero point.

This analog multimeter provides accurate readings when measuring linear loads where the current or voltage has an undistorted waveform

Here is the link to know more about it yourself, Hioki 3030-10 (Amazon link).

8- Sunwa YX360-TRD

This best analog multimeter from the Sunwa brand is unique as it has a compartment for the probes.

This compartment is very useful, especially when you have so many items on your lab desk.

You can use it for:

DC voltage measurements
DC current measurements
AC voltages
Resistance

Here is the link to Sunwa YX360-TRD (Amazon link) for your own further research.

Final words on some best budget analog multimeters

You may think, why to use an analog meter in this modern digital era. But the truth is there is still a need for old school best analog multimeters.

The analog multimeter has built-in property for high accuracy and precision. This level of accuracy can be achieved in digital, but the price becomes an issue there.

Of course, with analog multimeters there comes its disadvantage as well – like they are not very beginner-friendly. You need to learn how to read the scales of an analog multimeter in order to carry accurate measurements.

But if you exactly know for what purpose you want an analog meter, then it can be your very useful and most accurate tool, capable of giving you instantaneous changes in your circuit or system.

In this article, I try my limited knowledge best to create a list of some of the best budget analog multimeters that you can look for yourself.

I hope you enjoyed this article.

Thank you and have a grateful life.