Cheap Vs Expensive Multimeter? What’s the Difference 2024

If you’re looking for a multimeter, you might be wondering if you should buy a cheap one or an expensive one. Both have their pros and cons, but which is the best for the money? In this blog post, we’ll compare cheap vs expensive multimeter and help you decide which one is right for you. But first of all, you have to see the features of both cheap and expensive multimeters.

A Quick Look

Why Are Some Multimeters Expensive?

Multimeters are workhorses for electricians, hobbyists, and anyone who needs to troubleshoot electronic devices. Prices can vary greatly, ranging from a casual $20 to a hefty $1000. But what exactly justifies the price difference? It all boils down to features.

Features of Expensive Multimeters:

Advanced Functionality: High-end multimeters boast a plethora of features beyond the basic voltage, current, and resistance measurements. These can include:
Bluetooth Connectivity: Wirelessly connect your meter to a smartphone or tablet for data logging and analysis.
High Accuracy: Get precise readings with more digits on the display, allowing for detailed analysis.
Data Logging: Capture and store readings over time, perfect for monitoring trends or troubleshooting complex issues.
High Counts Display: Meters with higher count displays offer finer resolution, enabling you to detect even the smallest changes in measurements.
IP Rating: Some meters have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, indicating their resistance to dust and water, crucial for working in harsh environments.
Low Ohm Mode (LoZ): This mode minimizes the meter’s internal resistance, leading to more accurate readings of low-resistance components.
Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) Mode: Detect the presence of AC voltage without physically touching the circuit, enhancing safety.

Features of Cheap Multimeters:

Cheap multimeters keep things simple, focusing on the core functionalities needed for basic troubleshooting. These typically include:

AC/DC Voltage and Current Measurement: Measure both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) voltage and current, essential for most electrical work.
Capacitance and Frequency Measurement: Measure the capacitance of capacitors and the frequency of AC signals.
Resistance Measurement: Determine the resistance of conductors and components.
Continuity and Diode Test: Check for continuity in circuits and test the functionality of diodes.

While these features are sufficient for many tasks, they lack the versatility and precision offered by expensive models.

Beyond Features: Quality Matters

The features listed above are just one part of the story. When it comes to expensive multimeters, you’re often paying for a higher standard of quality in several ways:

Safety: Working with electricity can be dangerous. High-end meters prioritize safety features, with proper isolation circuitry designed to handle high voltages or large potential differences. This can be crucial for professional electricians or those working on high-powered systems.
Accuracy and Precision: Cheap meters may advertise impressive features, but their accuracy and precision can be questionable. Expensive models prioritize providing reliable and repeatable measurements you can trust.
Durability: A good multimeter is an investment. High-quality materials and construction ensure the meter can withstand wear and tear over time, making it a more worthwhile purchase in the long run.

Finding the Right Multimeter for You

The best multimeter for you depends on your specific needs. If you’re a hobbyist working on simple electronics projects, a basic model with core functionalities might suffice. However, if you’re a professional electrician or require advanced features for intricate troubleshooting, a high-end model is a worthwhile investment.

Beware of Feature Overload

Keep in mind that some brands might pack their multimeters with a variety of features at a lower price point. While this might seem tempting, be cautious. Often, these features come at the expense of overall quality. Focus on reputable brands known for their accuracy, reliability, and safety standards.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your needs and budget. Consider the type of work you’ll be doing and the features that are most important to you. By understanding the features and quality differences between expensive and cheap multimeters, you can make an informed decision that fits your needs.

Cheap Vs Expensive Multimeter Comparison

Cheap Multimeters

Expensive Multimeters

Features of Cheap Multimeters:

Cheaper Multimeters come with a seven-segment or 4000 counts display.
Generally, you can measure voltage up to 600V in both AC/DC.
Inexpensive multimeters can measure current up to 10A.
A standard multimeter can perform continuity and diode tests.
Resistance can also be measured in a multimeter, and the maximum range is 20MΩ.
Some of them measure capacitance too. The maximum range is 100nF to 100μF.
A Cheap multimeter can measure frequency up to 20kHz.

Features of Expensive Multimeters:

The first and foremost difference you will see in an expensive multimeter is its display. An expensive multimeter comes with a backlit LCD or an OLED display. The count ranges from 6000 to 20000.
An expensive multimeter can measure voltage up to 1000V in both AC/DC.
You can measure current up to 20A in an expensive multimeter.
Some high-end models have features like data logging and Bluetooth connectivity.
The maximum resistance an expensive multimeter can measure is 50MΩ, and capacitance is up to 100μF.
The frequency range is also higher in an expensive multimeter, reaching 200kHz.
Ghost voltages or LoZ mode is a feature you will find only in expensive multimeters.
Some other features available in an expensive multimeter are IP rating, True RMS, and NCV mode.

Now that you know the difference between cheap and expensive multimeters, let’s see which is the best for the money.

Which one should you buy?

The answer to this question depends on your needs. If you are a hobbyist or a student, a cheap multimeter will be enough for you. Cheap multimeters have all the basic features that you need for general-purpose use. But for the professionals who need advanced features, an expensive multimeter is the way to go. So, there you have it! Now you know the difference between cheap vs expensive multimeter and which is best for the money.

If I had to choose one for myself, then it would be a fluke because fluke offers the best quality product. Cheap multimeters are good for general purpose use, but if you are a professional, go for fluke. Although they’re a bit pricey but their quality is worth it.

Why are Fluke meters so expensive?

Fluke multimeters are some of the most expensive on the market. But there’s a reason for that. Fluke multimeters are known for their accuracy and durability. They’re also packed with features that other multimeters don’t have. So, if you need a top-of-the-line multimeter, you’ll have to pay a premium. I have also reviewed some of the best fluke multimeters for you. Go check it out now!

Many brands also offer quality multimeters with ultimate features, and Klein tools are one of them. I have also made a comparison of fluke vs Klein multimeters. So, if you’re new to the world of multimeters, go check it out!

How to Choose a multimeter for beginners?

There’s no easy answer when it comes to choosing the between cheap vs expensive multimeter. It depends on your needs and budget. If you’re just starting out, we recommend getting a cheap multimeter. Cheap multimeters are great for basic tasks like measuring voltage, current, and resistance. They also usually have continuity and diode test functions. However, they may not have all the features of an expensive multimeter.

Best budget multimeter for beginners

On the other hand, if you need a multimeter with more advanced features, you’ll have to spend more money. Expensive multimeters usually have better accuracy and higher count displays. They also often come with features like data logging and Bluetooth connectivity. So, if you need a multimeter with advanced features, we recommend getting an expensive one.

Best multimeter for beginners under 100 dollars

No matter which type of multimeter you choose in cheap vs expensive multimeter, make sure to get one that is durable and has good reviews. Cheap multimeters can be just as good as expensive ones, as long as they’re well-made and have good reviews.

I hope this article helped you understand the difference between cheap and expensive multimeters. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends!

Good luck!