6 Best Multimeter Under $50 of 2022 (Buying Guide)

1. AstroAI WH5000A: Best for Security

What do you consider as the determinant of perfection in a multimeter? If you count the wider range and ease of usage in that list, then we think you need to have a peek at the WH5000A from AstroAI.

As we’ve started with the range, let’s have a glance at it first. Like any other high-end multimeter, this one can easily measure voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, continuity. And if you’re asking for more, then count the Diodes Transistors in as well along with the temperature test.

Thanks to its rubber over-molded enclosure that has left no scope to question its durability. So, if it ever goes through a light bump, there’s no chance of you seeing damage on it.

F10A/600V and F400mA/600V – are you familiar with these names? Well, these built-in ceramic fuse tubes are what you’re going to get with this one, which is explosion-proof, by the way. So, with the double protection, there’s no way it will fall short on security or reliability.

Team AstroAI didn’t forget to give it a backlit LCD screen to ensure that you’re not having a problem with seeing it in the lower light. On top of that, the kickstand and hanging magnet eased up hands-free monitoring too.

Like some of the finest multimeter, WH5000A has come up with its own uniqueness and that is the Multi-Function Socket. Now if you want to run a test on your or Capacitors or Transistors, you can easily give them a shot here.

Pros

• Comes with a wider operation range
• Has durable construction
• Highly secure and reliable
• Backlit LCD display ensures better visibility
• Easy to carry anywhere

Cons

• A bit longer battery life would’ve been better

2. Crenova MS8233D –  Best for Overload Protection

When what you’re playing with is electricity, the first two things you need to ensure are accuracy and safety. As multimeter is one of the tools of the game, you better get one that can keep those bars high just the way MS8233D from Crenova does.

If you’re don’t want to mess with the AC/DC voltage and want an accurate number there, then you can rely on MS8233D with closed eyes. But that’s not the only function it can pull off. Put AC/DC current, frequency, continuity, diode, resistance on your chart too.

Now comes the safety part. With the built-in double fuses, you don’t even need to think twice about safety. And if you’re worried about the overload hazard that you face often, this piece of tech can save you there as well.

In case it’s getting dark, leave it on the 3.5-digit LCD screen to light up your readings. Plus, to back you up with all the power you need, it comes with a 9V battery.

But what we consider as the most impressive feature of this tech is the auto-ranging operation. Whenever you’ll be dealing with different components at once, it’ll let you select the right measurement ranges accurately. Like a cherry on the top, its data hold function locks the reading with a simple press on the hold button.

Pros

• Has a wider testing range
• Readings are perfectly accurate
• Built-in double fuses ensure safety
• Easy to see in low light
• Comes with data hold function

Cons

• Reading speed has scope for improvement

3. Klein Tools MM400 – Best for Durability

It’s time to reveal another amazing auto-ranging multimeter with the ability to deliver an accurate and flawless performance. There’s no need to guess as you’ve already read the name of MM400 from Klein Tools. So, let’s jump to the awesome features this DMM is holding within.

Nothing can take a multimeter on the level of perfection if it doesn’t have a wider function range. Thankfully, team Klein Tools made MM400 capable of measuring AC/DC current, AC/DC voltage, and resistance. Not only but these, but you can use it for temperature, capacitance, duty-cycle,  frequency, diodes, and continuity.

With the CAT-III 600V safety rating, you can rely on this multimeter with closed eyes. But what you’re going to love about this one is its low battery indicator. This means rather than dying out of the blue like some of the low-end techs; you’ll be able to know when it’ll need some juice again.

But a machine like this that you might need almost every single day requires to have a construction strong enough to ensure durability. So, the makers have made it in a way that it not only can survive drops but also regular wear and tear too.

On top of that, its compact and lightweight design has made the usage part more convenient than ever. Unlike bulky devices, you won’t have to face issues while running different tests.

Pros

• Multifunctional and auto-ranging
• Safety rating is CAT-III 600V
• Durable enough to sustain drop, wear and tear
• Compact and lightweight
• Low battery indicator

Cons

• Not true RMS

4. KAIWEETS HT118A – Best for Multi-Functionality

What if we tell you the next on our list is a high-end auto-ranging multimeter that features 6000 counts? Sounds unbelievable? Well, KAIWEETS has been able to pull off something like that and named it the HT118A.

When it came to widening the application, team KAIWEETS left no chance unutilized to hit the ‘maximize’ button there. We bet you’re going to agree to that too after seeing it on applications like  AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, capacitance, resistance, continuity, frequency, diode, liquid temperature, etc.

So, where are you planning to give it a shot – the automotive, household, or industrial electrical issues? You’re free to use it in any of them. And if you’re asking for a little light in the darkness, its work light with sufficient brightness will bring it up.

The makers of this multimeter tried their best to give it a different edge. That’s why they’ve filled it up with amazing functions like low battery prompt, auto power-off,  data retention, max/min data, etc. With the names, we bet you’ve got a clear idea that this one is going to be nothing but a useful tech in your collection.

But what we think is more of a unique move was adding the feature of changing light in it. Every time it detects a live wire, the display light turns red to let you know that. And to maximize safety, it has double ceramic fuses with a thermistor protection circuit.

Pros

• Comes with wider applications
• Applicable in automotive, household, and industrial issues
• Features 6000 counts
• Auto power off feature
• Double ceramic fuse maximized the safety

Cons

• Viewing angle could’ve been better

5. Amprobe AM-510: Best for Non-contact Voltage Detection

Who would want to put their hands deeper in the pocket when they can get the perfect multimeter with a price half of a high-end one? We believe you won’t do that too. If so, then you better get ready to have a check on something like that, and it’s none other than the AM-510 from Amprobe.

With the capacity to measure AC/DC voltage up to 600V, it has successfully established itself equivalent to top DMMs. And the other tests? AC/DC current, resistance, capacitance, duty cycle, battery test, frequency – you just name it, and it’ll get that done.

Relying on it for safety is something that you’ll never regret. Thanks to its  CAT-III Safety rating for that. On top of that, it can not only fulfill your wish to have an auto-ranging multimeter but can work as a manual one too. It’s kind of ‘hitting two birds with one stone’ deal.

But what we call the game-changer for team Amprobe was adding the Non-contact voltage detection feature in their list. Now you won’t even have to touch the wire to get reading. And if you ever forget to use it for 30 minutes, then auto-power off mode will shut the device down.

By the way, if it gets darker, don’t forget to turn on the flashlight right there. Plus, the backlit LCD screen will always be there to get you a clear reading in the darkest corner. And if you’re thinking about the weight, we don’t think you’ve got any chance to call it heavy with the 12.5oz weight.

Pros

• Comes with CAT-III Safety rating
• Auto-power off mode
• Capable of manual and auto-ranging
• Built-in flashlight
• Backlit LCD screen improves visibility

Cons

• Doesn’t have the best flashlight

6. LOMVUM T28C: Best for Varsatile Design

Ready for the last one? But we bet you can’t call it any lesser than the finest multimeters after seeing the amazing features of the next DMM on our list with 6000 counts. Want to know the name? Well, it’s the T28C from LOMVUM.

This lightweight and portable piece of tech doesn’t only show excellence with its design but the functions too. Its ability to measure AC / DC voltage, current, resistance, temperature, frequency, capacitance, diode, transistors, etc., has proved that.

To give it a better edge, the makers have made it capable of detecting voltage without any contact. Plus, with the hanging magnet, you can also tag it to a metal bar around to have a check on the reading without even touching it.

What to say about the LCD design? This feature has made it easy as pie to read all the information clearly. And are you looking for a place to store your test pen? Then just check out the grooves on T28C’s back. But the good sides of the design just don’t end there, as the flashlight is there, light the spot up in the dark.

It looks like team LOMVUM has given the lion-share of their focus on safety too. Probably that’s why they’ve added the ceramic fuse tube in it, not one but two of them, and they didn’t miss to add overload protection there. On top of that, to nail the safety part, they’ve covered it with the rubber-made protective jacket too.

Pros

• Application range is significantly wide
• Lcd screen ensures perfect clarity
• Groove for storing test pen
• Double ceramic fuse tube made it safer
• Protective jacket saves from external hazard

Cons

• Could’ve had a better viewing angle