Every homeowner and DIYer occasionally need a tool to check up on their electronics to see if they are functioning properly, or even to install some new wiring.
The tool for such a job is a multimeter, and there are a lot of different kinds of them out there for sale in many different price ranges.
Top Picks of Best Multimeter For Hobbyists:
The best multimeter for electronics hobbyists and home users depends largely on what they want to use it for, but the following multimeter reviews can help to make the decision less difficult.
It’s helpful to know which multimeters are designed for major industrial use as opposed to just here and there for house projects. There are also varying levels of complexity versus simplicity between the different models and designs of multimeters.
Below are some of our favorite multimeters for the infrequent user, beginner, homeowner and hobbyist.
| Best Multimeter For Home Use & Hobbyists 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Amprobe AM-510
| Read My Review |
Reliable | Proster Multimeter 6000
| Read My Review |
Good Value | Innova 3320
| Read My Review |
Basic Multimeter | Neoteck 8233D PRO
| Read My Review |
How We Picked
These top multimeters are selected based on customer satisfaction, price, and overall quality for their intended use. They are basic, easy to use multimeters that come at a very reasonable price.
These meters properly don’t come with ultra-high accuracy and extra features like top performing meters for electricians but they are usable and great value for electronics hobbyists.
By doing a little comparing of these reviews, it should help the buyer choose the multimeter that is the best fit for their situation.
Best Multimeter For Electronics Hobbyists
1 - Amprobe AM-510 Commercial/Residential Multimeter
- Well-built, sturdy
- It has lots of features
- Nice backlight, built-in LED flashlight
- The NCV function is not good
- The probes are not durable
This Amprobe multimeter is a perfect selection for electricians, homeowners, and hobbyist based on its easy-to-use functions and multiple features.
Some of its key components include this product’s ability to keep a reading on the display even after the meter has been disconnected and an auto-power saving mode that turns off the multimeter after half an hour of being idle.
In addition to that, this pick can also function as an auto-ranging multimeter, has non-contact voltage detection, audible continuity, and diode testing.
Customers highly rate this affordable multimeter because the quality and durability of this item are incredible for its low price range.
However, a challenging component of this multimeter is that some users found it to run slow.
2 - TekPower TP9605BT Digital True RMS Multimeter
- Convenient Bluetooth connection to phone
- It has lots of advanced features
- Good value for the money
- A bit bunky
The TekPower Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter is rated as one of the best multimeters for beginners. One of the features that customers love the most is the fact that it is the world’s first cellphone connected multimeter that is associated with a free app to use in conjunction with your readings.
In addition to that, it comes with test leads, an optical USB cable, and a K-Type thermo probe to enhance your measuring experience. For the average hobbyist that is very technical savvy, this auto-ranging multimeter has the ability to a real-time data stream to a PC.
As far as its physical features go, the TekPower multimeter has a nice big screen with easy to read numbers, and a dial that makes it simple and effortless to read.
However, some customers have commented that it doesn’t feel as sturdily built as other multimeter models.
3 - Proster Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter
- It comes with advanced features
- Accurate and easy to use
- Big screen
- The instruction is not clear
- It does not have a backlight
This pick is a good multimeter for electronics hobbyists based on the fact that it has auto-ranging capabilities, and for its ability for measuring AC/DC current and voltage as well as frequency, duty cycle, temperature, and resistance.
In addition to that, this product gives the buyer a lot of bang for their buck given that it comes with a number of accessories, including a temperature probe and carry bag.
Customers love this Proster multimeter for all the features that come with it, as it is simple enough to use for occasional projects but not entirely limiting either.
While there are plenty of good things to say about this digital multimeter, the fact that its instruction booklet is a bit confusing to read can be difficult for some people.
4 - INNOVA 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter
- Useful auto-ranging function
- Wide and easy to read digits
- It has an arm trap for easier use
- It is not very durable
The Innova 3320 auto-ranging digital multimeter is a UL certified product that is designed to troubleshoot all kinds of automotive and household electrical problems accurately and safely.
It has a very easy to read display screen with large numbers to read and single setting resistance functions for AC and DC voltage.
In addition to that, this Innova multimeter has a rubber casing that covers the corners from any damage that might occur if it were to be dropped.
The only small setback with this model is that the continuity beep does work, but it isn’t instant. The user has to wait for a second or two to hear a beep after the leads are held together.
5 - Mastech MS8268 Series Digital Multimeter
- It has a wide range of functions
- Easy to use
- Reasonable price
- The backlight doesn’t stay on continuously
This Mastech digital multimeter was selected based on its high customer ratings, precision, and accuracy. It has a nice, large display with easy to read numbers and an auto-power off feature to save battery life.
But for having 10 different features, the price is fantastic and can be used for many household or automotive items. One of the other great features about this multimeter is the fact that gives off a sound warning with incorrect jacks are used.
It truly is one of the best multimeters for home use that is on the market right now and is perfect for the occasional hobbyist, homeowners or DIY project worker. Customers are very satisfied with this Mastech multimeter because it has proven to be very capable of performing lots of different jobs, despite being on the cheaper side.
The only real downfall is that the backlight doesn’t stay on continuously, it only really lasts for about five seconds at a time.
In this multimeter review, we have included some of the best budget multimeters for those who don’t have a lot to spend on tools. Here are they:
6 - Neoteck Pocket Digital Multimeter 8233D PRO
- Good price
- Simple and easy to use
- Lightweight, nice display
- The manual isn’t very descriptive
The Neoteck Pocket Digital Multimeter has enough features to make it a versatile tool, but not so many that the user gets overwhelmed by putting it to work.
The fact that this basic multimeter for beginners is easy to operate with a dial and minimal buttons means that it isn’t too confusing for those who are unfamiliar with multimeters, yet it has enough functions to get the job done.
This particular model has an auto power-off feature to save you on the battery if it’s been idle for a while and has a backlight on the screen which makes the numbers easy to read. In addition to that, this pocket multimeter is small enough to carry anywhere and doesn’t take up too much storage space when you’re done with it.
It also comes with a set of alligator clips, which are very handy.
One of the only downfalls with this inexpensive multimeter is the fact that its manual isn’t very descriptive.
7 - Etekcity MSR-R500 Digital Multimeter
- Simple, basic functions for home use
- Good price
- Plastic case seems low quality
This Etekcity multimeter is a great cheap multimeter for beginners because it has a nice data hold and large numbers on its backlit screen for easy reading. This pick also simply and accurately measures current, diode, resistance, and voltage without much of a hassle.
This product also comes with many other useful features such as a rubber sleeve to protect it from any damage, a low battery indicator, overload protection and even removable test lead extension caps.
It’s an ideal model for anyone that needs a basic multimeter for occasional use, or even for electrical students. According to customer feedback, the Etekcity MSR-R500 Digital Multimeter functions quite well for a cheap multimeter but its plastic casing makes it appear to be low quality.
Best Multimeter For Home Use Comparison
| Amprobe AM-510 | TekPower TP9605BT | Proster Multimeter | INNOVA 3320 | Mastech MS8268 | Neoteck 8233D PRO | Etekcity MSR-R500 | |
| Best Quality | Cellphone connected | Reliable | Good Value | Durable | Basic Use | Low Price | |
| Backlit LCD | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Auto-ranging | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Auto-shut off | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Temperature measurement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | 18 months | 1 year | 1 year | 18 months | 1 year |
| See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon |
Conclusion
In conclusion, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a decent multimeter. There are many different models in varying affordable price ranges that work perfectly for the casual users, home owners or hobbyists.
By comparing what’s available on the market, buyers can find the best budget multimeter for their current and future projects around the home.
Of all the above reviews for multimeter designs and models, it should be easy to find many ideal multimeters for electronics hobbyists, homeowners and for beginners as well.
Bruce Rivers
