Having a good pocket multimeter can come in handy for DIY and professional electrical work.
The best pocket multimeters are lightweight, accurate, and durable (without compromising on safety).
On the other hand, a poor-quality pocket multimeter feels like a children’s toy. Inaccurate, flimsy, and made from cheap materials.
To help you separate the good from the bad – we’ve reviewed the Top 6 Pocket Multimeters of 2024.
Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best pocket multimeters on the market. Let’s jump straight into the reviews.
- Diode and continuity test with buzzer
- Extremely accurate pocket multimeter
- CAT III 600 V safety rated
- Includes non-contact voltage detector
- Measures AC & DC to 600 V
- CAT III 300 V safety rated
- Tests for proper wiring & shorts
- Diode test for electrical testing
- Great value for the money
Contents
Top 6 Best Pocket Multimeters
Fluke 101 Pocket Multimeter – Best Overall
- Basic dc accuracy 0.5%
- CAT III 600 V safety rated
- Diode and continuity test with buzzer
The Fluke 101 Pocket Multimeter ranks #1 because of its sturdy build quality. First, it features a strong elastic casing that’s durable enough to withstand drops during work. So you can rely on this multimeter working for several years before needing another device.
It includes diode and continuity testing with a buzzer. The Fluke 101 LCD has a display screen that helps you read multiple tests made by the multimeter. The LCD is large enough to show results, making it a great choice for apprentice electricians.
This multimeter is also known for its compact size. It weighs 160g, which makes it easier for the user to carry it around the workshop. And it has a CAT III 600 V safety, allowing the user to test a wide range of applications without fear. Thus, making it a good device for those working on heavy-duty electrical projects.
Fluke is known for producing excellent multimeters with great power conservation options. The Fluke 101 is no exception and comes with a handy automatic shutoff feature. When the meter is idle for too long, the device shuts off to conserve power. Because of this, it helps when doing longer projects, as its battery is built to last.
The Fluke 101 combines affordability with stellar performance, securing its place as the top pocket multimeter choice. Despite a marginally slower continuity test, its flawless operation across other functions makes it ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and professional electricians seeking quality and reliability.
Check Price- Diode and continuity test with buzzer
- Extremely accurate pocket multimeter
- CAT III 600 V safety rated
- Small lightweight design for one-handed use
- Battery is easy to replace
- Slow continuity and auto ranging options
Amprobe PM55A Pocket Multimeter – Premium Choice
- Digital multimeter measures alternating current (AC) voltage and direct current (DC) voltage to 600 volts (V), resistance to 6 megaohms, capacitance to 2,000 microfarads,...
- Average-sensing meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear loads where the current or voltage has a sinusoidal waveform
- Non-contact voltage detector senses AC voltage without making contact with the circuit
For those wanting a premium quality device, you can’t go wrong with the Amprobe PM55A Pocket Multimeter. It can measure up to 9 functions including resistance (6MΩ max), frequency (30 kHz), current (2 mA), and volts (to 600V). It also includes an audible continuity feature and diode test feature, giving you enough tools needed to get accurate testing results.
Since it weighs 3 oz and is less than 5 inches tall, you can take this device anywhere. Not only can it measure the important ranges, but has additional features not usually found in multimeters. These features include auto resistance/voltage detection, ghost-voltage screen, and voltage detection.
Thanks to its design, the Amprobe PM55A Pocket Multimeter is solidly put together. It has a rugged case that’s covered by a silicone boot. The test probes are attached to the underside of the unit, keeping them out of the way until you need them and ensuring they aren’t vulnerable to damage.
This multimeter has a 6000 count display, which places it ahead of its competitors. Since it is a 3 5/6-digit device, it can show 59.99 units on a range charge. All of the icons are neatly displayed on the screen including LoZ Auto, V, low battery indicator, Ω, µA, and nF.
The main thing that sets this model apart from the competition is that it comes equipped with a bunch of helpful extras that can make your life easier, especially if you use your meter frequently. If you need more options and are okay to pay a bit extra, this is the right pocket multimeter for you.
Check Price- Includes non-contact voltage detectorr
- Measures AC & DC Voltage to 600 V
- CAT III 300 V safety rated
- Average-sensing meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear loads
- Measures resistance up to 6 megaohms
- Hardwired leads
- Slightly pricier than alternatives
Craftsman 82351 Pocket Multimeter – Great Value
- Use the Craftsman 8 function digital multimeter with 2 ranges for safe DIY home maintenance just like the pros
- Automatic shut off saves on to battery life so your tool will be ready to use when you need it
- Features tilt stand as well as rubber holster
If you’re looking for the best precision budget pocket multimeter, you won’t find a better product than this one from Craftsman. While it may not come with all of the fancy bells and whistles we saw in the Amprobe model, this pocket multimeter offers ruggedness and reliability at an affordable price point.
While many of its budget-tier competitors will malfunction and break within months of their purchase, we had no trouble with this model’s construction or its software. The Craftsman 82351 is also compact, allowing it to be fit into a pocket and taken on the go.
Unlike other budget meters, this model also comes equipped with a rubber holster, ensuring that it doesn’t get damaged by low-velocity impacts and drops from a short height. More impressively, this model is also just as accurate as more expensive models, ensuring you don’t lose any precision.
The Craftsman 82351 Pocket Multimeter, while exceptionally reliable, operates with slightly less speed compared to higher-end models. This limitation makes it most suitable for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists, offering the essential features without overwhelming complexity.
However, all of this is made up for by the excellent price to performance ratio that this product offers. Despite a few weaknesses because of its affordable cost, the Craftsman multimeter is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. If you’re not going to be using your multimeter very often (e.g. just for a few DIY or home projects from time to time), this is the right pocket multimeter for you.
Check Price- Excellent value for money
- Tests for proper wiring & shorts
- Diode test for electrical testing
- Audible tone sounds below 30 ohms to check proper wiring and shorts
- Readings take some time
- Not as durable as Fluke or Amprobe’s pocket multimeter
Woods DMMW3 Pocket Multimeter
- Package Dimensions: 8.87 L x 1.58 H x 5.12 W (inches)
- Package Weight: 0.44 pounds
- Country of Origin : China
If you’re looking for one of the most compact multimeters around, the DMMW3 from Woods is a solid contender. This model is about the same size as a smartphone, and it’s just as easy to slide into your pocket, ensuring that you can bring this model places that other meters can’t go.
With a CATIII rating up to 300V, this multimeter is ready for most jobs, though it may not be versatile enough for professional electricians. A further issue that helped keep it out of our top three is that this model can only measure up to 600V on AC or DC.
The Woods DMMW3 Pocket Multimeter compensates for its limitations with a robust set of features uncommon in its class, such as HOLD and MAX functions. Alongside a protective case, its functionality is enhanced, marking it as a versatile tool in its size category.
We were also impressed by the removable leads. If they were ever to be damaged, they can be replaced instead of having to purchase a new product. Since this model’s main strength is its slim profile, we’d recommend it for users who don’t have a lot of space in their toolkit, or perhaps don’t carry one at all.
Check Price- Very slim
- Good price
- Removable leads
- 600V max
- Less precise than other pocket multimeters on this list
- Flimsy quality
AstroAI Pocket Multimeter
- Versatile Digital Multimeter - Accurately measures AC/DC Voltage, DC Current, Resistance, and Diode. This Multimeter is a really useful tool for solving industrial and...
- Troubleshooting with Accuracy - This Multimeter has a sampling speed of 2 times per second; Built-in a backlight LCD display with 3 ½ digits (1999 count) 0.6”, and high...
- Ensures Safety - Double fuse is anti-burn and protects from overloading. The silicone cover can protect the multimeter from failing damage and prevent electric shocks. And low...
The AstroAI Pocket Multimeter stands out for its affordability, balancing cost and functionality adeptly. While it’s on the larger side for a pocket multimeter, this feature enhances its user-friendliness, offering the feel of a full-sized meter without compromising portability.
The AstroAI multimeter features a slick design, with the main control dial similar to those on larger meters. This dial is accompanied by two orange buttons, one which controls the brightness of the backlight on the display and one which acts as a HOLD function.
This model takes readings at a rate of two samples per second, making it one of the slowest multimeters on this list, so we wouldn’t recommend it for professional use. The inclusion of removable test leads ensures that the device can keep functioning even if they end up getting bent or damaged.
This model didn’t make the cut as our top pick in the budget category because of its lack of features compared to the Craftsman model. For an insignificantly higher price, you get much better performance and more versatility out of the Craftsman 82351.
- Extremely affordable
- Straightforward interface
- Replaceable test leads
- Large dimensions
- Slow sample rate
Allosun EM3081 Pocket Multimeter
- Power supplied by 2 pieces 1.5V botton cell.(Remove the back panel first and move the battery's insulating piece away before using)
- It owns 3 1/2-digit LCD, with a max reading of 1999
- It is easy to carry for its box-type design
The final model on this list is also one of the smallest. The Allosun EM3081 is a clamshell-type compact multimeter. The folding cover doubles as a storage area for the leads while they’re not in use. Unfortunately, to keep this meter as compact as possible, the leads are hardwired into it.
Equipped with a rotating dial and a toggle switch, the controls for this multimeter are simple and easy to grasp. The 3-½ digit LCD features large numbers that are easy to see at a distance. We were also impressed by the accuracy of this compact multimeter, though the speed of readings left much to be desired.
The Allosun EM3081 requires a moment to deliver readings, making it less ideal for fast-paced professional settings. Although its hinges could be sturdier, they held up well under test conditions. Its compact size and accuracy still make it a considerable option, especially for those prioritizing portability.
However, if you’re looking for a compact multimeter with a protective cover, this is the smallest and most reliable model that you’ll be able to find. Despite its issues, this meter is available for a low enough price point that it offers an impressive amount of value for your money.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ISAMUA6?tag=eknow-tools-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
- Protective clamshell design
- Accurate readings
- Simple controls
- Questionable hinges
- It takes a long time to take a reading
- Not as durable as Amprobe or Fluke Pocket Multimeters
