Best Budget Multimeters Summary

Klein Meter

• Klein Meter with AC ammeter, true RMS, peak and minimum latching, auditable continuity detector.
• Pros: Durable, versatile, good for small projects and around the house.
• Cons: Weakness in measuring milliamps, owning multiple meters may be necessary.

UNI-T Meters

• UNI-T meters offer great value for the price.
• UT61E priced around $70 CDN, accurate and feature-rich.
• Pros: Features and accuracy close to Brymen models, affordable.
• Cons: Some models may be pricier, older models may have limited availability.

Fluke Meters

• Keep an eye out for used Flukes for a good deal.
• Flukes are durable, accurate, precise, and reliable.
• Pros: Trusted brand, long-lasting, meets CAT ratings for safety.
• Cons: Higher price point, may be overkill for beginners.

Additional Recommendations:

• Craftsman meters at $40 have been reliable for basic use.
• AstroAI Digital Clamp Meter is budget-friendly and reliable.
• Brymen BM867s paired with a Tenma PSU offers quality and reliability.
• Crenova MS8233D is a good balance of price and quality for DIY projects.
• Aneng 870 and Aneng 8008/9 are recommended for those on a tight budget.

User Recommendations:

• A mix of Klein, UNI-T, Fluke, and Fluke rebrands were popular choices.
• Investing in quality leads is recommended for accurate readings.
• Analog meters were also mentioned for nostalgic and occasional use.
• Oscilloscope was recommended as a valuable investment alongside a multimeter.

Overall, for those on a budget, UNI-T and Aneng meters offer good value, while Fluke is recommended for long-term reliability and accuracy. It's important to consider specific needs and safety ratings when choosing a multimeter.