Disclosure: OhmSavvy earns a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through the links below, at no extra cost to you. How we're funded.
At a glance
Our top picks
KAIWEETS HT118A
True RMS, CAT III 1000V and µA current with NCV and temperature at a low price.
Check price on Amazon →Why we picked it ↓
Klein Tools MM420
Klein's everyday True RMS, auto-ranging meter: µA to 10 A, temperature and capacitance, rated CAT III 600V.
Check price on Amazon →Why we picked it ↓
UNI-T UT61E+
A budget 22,000-count True RMS meter with 0.01 µA and 0.01 Ω resolution, REL mode and a USB link.
Check price on Amazon →Why we picked it ↓Also great
- 4
Klein Tools MM460SCheck pricePrice →Best Smart-Mode Klein4.4★★★★☆ - 5
KAIWEETS KM602Check pricePrice →Best Rechargeable Smart Meter4.2★★★★☆ - 6
UNI-T UT139CCheck pricePrice →Best Value Auto-Ranging4.4★★★★☆ - 7
OWON B41T+Check pricePrice →Best Budget Bluetooth Logger4.2★★★★☆ - 8
KAIWEETS HT118ECheck pricePrice →Cheapest 20,000-Count µA Meter4.2★★★★☆ - 9
KAIWEETS KM200sCheck pricePrice →Best Budget4.5★★★★★ - 10
Klein Tools MM325Check pricePrice →Best Basic Manual-Ranging4.1★★★★☆
Quick shopping
Compare at a glance
Swipe sideways on mobile to see every spec.
| Model | Award | Rating | Accuracy | Safety rating | Auto-ranging | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 #1KAIWEETS HT118A | Best Low-Cost True RMS | 4.4★★★★☆ | True RMS, 6,000-count | CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V | Yes | Check price → |
 #2Klein Tools MM420 | Best Budget Klein True RMS | 4.5★★★★★ | True RMS, 4,000-count | CAT III 600V | Yes (manual RANGE button) | Check price → |
 #3UNI-T UT61E+ | Best Budget Meter for Electronics | 4.5★★★★★ | True RMS, ±(0.05%+5) DC V | CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V | Yes (manual override) | Check price → |
| #4Klein Tools MM460S | Best Smart-Mode Klein | 4.4★★★★☆ | True RMS, 4,000-count | CAT III 600V | Yes, plus Smart mode | Check price → |
| #5KAIWEETS KM602 | Best Rechargeable Smart Meter | 4.2★★★★☆ | True RMS, 6,000-count | CAT III 600V | Yes, plus Smart mode | Check price → |
| #6UNI-T UT139C | Best Value Auto-Ranging | 4.4★★★★☆ | True RMS, 6,000-count | CAT III 600V | Yes | Check price → |
| #7OWON B41T+ | Best Budget Bluetooth Logger | 4.2★★★★☆ | True RMS, ±(0.1%+2) DC V | 1000V CAT III (case marking) | Yes | Check price → |
| #8KAIWEETS HT118E | Cheapest 20,000-Count µA Meter | 4.2★★★★☆ | ±(0.08%+5) DC V; True RMS not stated | CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V | Yes | Check price → |
| #9KAIWEETS KM200s | Best Budget | 4.5★★★★★ | True RMS | CAT II 600V | Yes | Check price → |
| #10Klein Tools MM325 | Best Basic Manual-Ranging | 4.1★★★★☆ | Not True RMS (2,000-count) | CAT III 600V | No (manual ranging) | Check price → |
In depth
Detailed reviews
KAIWEETS HT118A
True RMS, CAT III 1000V and µA current with NCV and temperature at a low price.
Best for:Budget all-rounder for home, car and hobby
The HT118A is a 6,000-count, auto-ranging True RMS meter with an analog bar. KAIWEETS's manual rates it CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V for up to 1000V DC and 750V AC, and current runs from a 600 µA range (0.1 µA) to 10 A. It also measures resistance to 60 MΩ, capacitance, frequency to 10 MHz, duty cycle and temperature, and adds NCV, a Live-wire test, Min/Max, jack lights, a flashlight and a kickstand. KAIWEETS gives a 3-year warranty. Its own product page lists 600V AC/DC, which disagrees with the manual and the meter face.
Why it fits: It gives the broadest coverage of any low-cost meter here: True RMS on 6,000 counts, CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V per the manual, current from a 600 µA range to 10 A, temperature, NCV, Min/Max, jack lights and a flashlight, backed by a 3-year warranty. KAIWEETS's product page lists a lower maximum voltage than its manual, and the body is bulky.
- Accuracy
- True RMS, 6,000-count
- Safety rating
- CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V
- Auto-ranging
- Yes
- Best for
- Budget all-rounder for home, car and hobby
Reasons to buy
- +µA, mA and 10 A ranges
- +NCV, temperature and Min/Max included
- +3-year warranty
Reasons to avoid
- −Maker's product page and manual disagree on max voltage
- −Bulky compared with slim meters
Klein Tools MM420
Klein's everyday True RMS, auto-ranging meter: µA to 10 A, temperature and capacitance, rated CAT III 600V.
Best for:Home electrical, HVAC and appliance work
The MM420 is a 4,000-count, True RMS, auto-ranging meter rated CAT III 600V. It measures AC/DC current from a 400.0 µA range (0.1 µA resolution) up to 10 A, resistance to 50 MΩ, capacitance to 400 µF, frequency to 50 kHz and temperature from -40 to 1832°F with the included thermocouple. Lead-Alert lights show which jacks to use, it has Min/Max, a backlight and a 2 m drop rating. There's no LoZ mode or NCV, and Klein rates it for indoor use only.
Why it fits: A True RMS CAT III 600V Klein with AC/DC current from a 400.0 µA range to 10 A, temperature with the included thermocouple, capacitance to 400 µF and Lead-Alert jack lights. It ranks second because of the brand's US support and the thermocouple in the box. There's no NCV or LoZ, and Klein rates it for indoor use.
- Accuracy
- True RMS, 4,000-count
- Safety rating
- CAT III 600V
- Auto-ranging
- Yes (manual RANGE button)
- Best for
- Home electrical, HVAC and appliance work
Reasons to buy
- +µA, mA and 10 A ranges on AC and DC
- +Temperature, capacitance and frequency included
- +Lead-Alert jack lights help beginners
Reasons to avoid
- −No LoZ mode or non-contact voltage detection
- −CAT III 600V only, not for service-entrance work
UNI-T UT61E+
A budget 22,000-count True RMS meter with 0.01 µA and 0.01 Ω resolution, REL mode and a USB link.
Best for:Arduino, hobby electronics, PCB repair
The UT61E+ is UNI-T's 22,000-count version of the UT61+ series: True RMS, CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V, with a 220.00 µA range at 0.01 µA resolution and a 220.00 Ω range at 0.01 Ω (±0.5% + 10 digits). REL mode subtracts lead resistance, which UNI-T's manual tells you to do for low-ohm readings. It also adds capacitance to 220 mF, frequency to 220 MHz, hFE, NCV and a USB cable for PC readout. It has no temperature function (that's the UT61D+), and UNI-T doesn't publish its burden voltage.
Why it fits: For electronics this is the strongest budget meter here: 22,000 counts, 0.01 µA and 0.01 Ω resolution, REL mode to subtract lead resistance, capacitance to 220 mF, frequency to 220 MHz, NCV and a USB link, all at CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V. It lacks temperature and UNI-T doesn't publish burden voltage, which keeps it behind the two all-rounders.
- Accuracy
- True RMS, ±(0.05%+5) DC V
- Safety rating
- CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V
- Auto-ranging
- Yes (manual override)
- Best for
- Arduino, hobby electronics, PCB repair
Reasons to buy
- +0.01 µA and 0.01 Ω resolution at a budget price
- +REL mode to zero test-lead resistance
- +USB PC link, capacitance to 220 mF, frequency to 220 MHz
Reasons to avoid
- −No temperature measurement
- −Burden voltage not published
Klein Tools MM460S
A True RMS Klein whose Smart mode picks AC/DC voltage, resistance or continuity for you, a gentle start for beginners.
Best for:Beginners and quick household checks
In Smart mode the MM460S works out whether you're measuring AC or DC voltage, resistance or continuity without turning the dial (the minimum voltage it detects there is 0.8V). Outside Smart mode it is a regular auto-ranging True RMS meter. It reads current from a 400.0 µA range up to 10 A, resistance to 50 MΩ, capacitance to 4,000 µF and temperature to 1832°F. The 4,000-count reverse-contrast display is backlit, it's rated CAT III 600V with a 2 m drop rating, and Lead-Alert gives visual and audible warnings for wrong lead placement. There's no LoZ or NCV, and it is for indoor use.
Why it fits: Smart mode works out AC or DC voltage, resistance or continuity without turning the dial, from a minimum of 0.8V, and Lead-Alert gives visual and audible warnings for a misplaced lead. It also reads current from a 400.0 µA range to 10 A and temperature to 1832°F. It is CAT III 600V with no NCV or LoZ, and it is an indoor meter.
- Accuracy
- True RMS, 4,000-count
- Safety rating
- CAT III 600V
- Auto-ranging
- Yes, plus Smart mode
- Best for
- Beginners and quick household checks
Reasons to buy
- +Smart mode auto-detects V, Ω and continuity
- +µA to 10 A plus temperature and capacitance
- +Backlit reverse-contrast display
Reasons to avoid
- −CAT III 600V only
- −No LoZ or non-contact voltage detection
KAIWEETS KM602
A rechargeable True RMS meter whose Smart mode measures voltage, resistance or continuity without turning a dial.
Best for:Beginners who want a no-dial, rechargeable meter
The KM602 starts in Smart mode, where it detects voltage, resistance and continuity on its own, and a FUNC button switches to manual mode. It has a full-screen colour display, 6,000 counts with an analog bar, True RMS, and a built-in 1,200 mAh lithium battery that charges by cable. It measures up to 600V AC/DC, current on 600 mA, 6 A and 10 A ranges (no µA), resistance to 60 MΩ, capacitance, frequency, duty cycle and temperature, and it has NCV, Live, Max/Min/Avg and a flashlight. KAIWEETS's manual rates it CAT III 600V, lower than the 1000V figure on its listing.
Why it fits: A built-in 1,200 mAh lithium cell charged by cable, a color display, Smart mode with a manual fallback, NCV and temperature make it the most convenient meter on the list to live with. Current starts at a 600 mA range with no µA, and the manual and meter face say CAT III 600V, below the figure on its listing.
- Accuracy
- True RMS, 6,000-count
- Safety rating
- CAT III 600V
- Auto-ranging
- Yes, plus Smart mode
- Best for
- Beginners who want a no-dial, rechargeable meter
Reasons to buy
- +Smart mode plus manual mode
- +Rechargeable, no batteries to buy
- +NCV, temperature and Max/Min/Avg
Reasons to avoid
- −No µA range; smallest current resolution 0.1 mA
- −Listing's CAT IV claim isn't backed by the manual
UNI-T UT139C
True RMS and auto-ranging at a price that undercuts most of this list.
Best for:Budget-conscious buyers who still want True RMS
UNI-T's UT139C packs True RMS accuracy, a 6,000-count display, and both auto and manual ranging into one of the more affordable meters here — a strong value pick if you don't need a specific brand name.
Why it fits: A straightforward True RMS, 6,000-count meter with auto and manual ranging, NCV and CAT III 600V. It does the core jobs well at a lower cost than most of the list. UNI-T is less established in the US than Klein, and the build is adequate rather than rugged, which matters little for occasional use.
- Accuracy
- True RMS, 6,000-count
- Safety rating
- CAT III 600V
- Auto-ranging
- Yes
- Best for
- Budget-conscious buyers who still want True RMS
Reasons to buy
- +True RMS at a budget price
- +Both auto and manual ranging
- +Non-contact voltage detection included
Reasons to avoid
- −Less established brand recognition than Fluke/Klein
- −Build quality is adequate, not rugged
OWON B41T+
A 22,000-count Bluetooth meter with 0.01 µA and 0.01 Ω resolution that logs 10,000 points by itself.
Best for:Logging µA sleep current on a budget
The B41T+ is OWON's 4½-digit (22,000-count) True RMS meter. Its 220 µA range resolves 0.01 µA and its 220 Ω range resolves 0.01 Ω, both at ±(0.5% + 10 digits), and relative mode zeroes the leads. Bluetooth 4.0 sends readings to a phone app, and the "+" model records up to 10,000 points over as long as 168 hours with no phone attached, so it can log a project's sleep current overnight. OWON doesn't state a CAT rating on its page (the case says 1000V CAT III), AC voltage tops out at 750 V and burden voltage isn't published.
Why it fits: Its party trick is logging: Bluetooth 4.0 to a phone app, plus 10,000 stored points over up to 168 hours with no phone attached. The 22,000-count display resolves 0.01 µA and 0.01 Ω, with relative mode and temperature. OWON's page states no CAT rating (the case says 1000V CAT III), AC voltage stops at 750 V and burden voltage isn't published.
- Accuracy
- True RMS, ±(0.1%+2) DC V
- Safety rating
- 1000V CAT III (case marking)
- Auto-ranging
- Yes
- Best for
- Logging µA sleep current on a budget
Reasons to buy
- +0.01 µA and 0.01 Ω resolution
- +Offline logging of 10,000 points without a phone
- +Bluetooth app, capacitance to 220 mF, temperature
Reasons to avoid
- −OWON publishes no CAT rating or burden voltage
- −AC voltage limited to 750 V
KAIWEETS HT118E
A budget 20,000-count meter with a 200 µA range (KAIWEETS doesn't claim True RMS) and no relative mode for low-ohm work.
Best for:Beginner Arduino and µA checks
The HT118E has a 20,000-count display, CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V and a 200 µA range at ±(0.5% + 5 digits) DC. At 20,000 counts that implies 0.01 µA resolution, though KAIWEETS doesn't print it. It covers temperature, capacitance, frequency, NCV and continuity, with lit input jacks and a flashlight. Its 200 Ω range is only ±(1.0% + 15 digits) and KAIWEETS lists no relative mode, so you have to subtract lead resistance yourself. That makes it better for sleep-current checks than for milliohm work.
Why it fits: It brings 20,000 counts and a 200 µA range to a very low-cost meter, with CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V, temperature, capacitance, NCV and lit jacks. KAIWEETS doesn't print per-range resolution, its 200 Ω range is only ±(1.0% + 15) and there's no relative mode, so it suits sleep-current checks better than low-ohm work.
- Accuracy
- ±(0.08%+5) DC V; True RMS not stated
- Safety rating
- CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V
- Auto-ranging
- Yes
- Best for
- Beginner Arduino and µA checks
Reasons to buy
- +200 µA range with 20,000 counts at a budget price
- +CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V
- +Lit input jacks, NCV and flashlight
Reasons to avoid
- −No relative mode listed for zeroing test leads
- −Per-range resolution and burden voltage not published
KAIWEETS KM200s
Covers the fundamentals of the Fluke at under half the price — the sensible first meter.
Best for:Home use, beginners
For under half the price of the Fluke, the KM200s covers the fundamentals well: auto-ranging, True RMS, and a non-contact voltage detector. A sensible first meter for home and hobby use.
Why it fits: The entry ticket to an auto-ranging True RMS meter with NCV and a backlight. It handles batteries, cords, holiday lights and hobby projects comfortably. Its CAT II 600V rating places it below the CAT III meters for fixed wiring, and the build isn't meant for daily site use.
- Accuracy
- True RMS
- Safety rating
- CAT II 600V
- Auto-ranging
- Yes
- Best for
- Home use, beginners
Reasons to buy
- +Excellent value for the feature set
- +Backlit display for low-light use
- +Smart auto-ranging simplifies readings
Reasons to avoid
- −Build quality isn't field-tool grade
- −CAT II rating means it's not meant for service-panel work
Klein Tools MM325
A low-cost Klein for checking outlets, batteries and continuity, as long as you're happy picking ranges yourself.
Best for:Basic household and battery checks
The MM325 is a manual-ranging, 2,000-count meter rated CAT III 600V. It reads AC/DC voltage to 600V, DC current from a 200 µA range up to 10 A, and resistance to 2 MΩ, and it has diode, continuity and a 1.5V/9V battery test. Lead-Alert lights, a backlight and a 2 m drop rating come from Klein's pricier meters. Klein doesn't claim True RMS for it, it can't measure AC current, and you have to choose each range on the dial.
Why it fits: The simplest meter here: manual-ranging, 2,000 counts, CAT III 600V, DC current from a 200 µA range to 10 A, a 1.5V/9V battery-test position, Lead-Alert lights and a backlight. Klein doesn't claim True RMS, and it can't measure AC current, capacitance or temperature, so it suits a glovebox or drawer rather than a bench.
- Accuracy
- Not True RMS (2,000-count)
- Safety rating
- CAT III 600V
- Auto-ranging
- No (manual ranging)
- Best for
- Basic household and battery checks
Reasons to buy
- +Low cost from a major tool brand
- +Battery test for 1.5V and 9V cells
- +Lead-Alert lights and backlit display
Reasons to avoid
- −Manual ranging and not True RMS
- −No AC current, capacitance or temperature
Before you buy
Buying advice
Spend on the safety rating before the feature list
A low-cost meter with a documented CAT III 600V rating, fused current inputs and sound leads is a better buy than a feature-packed one with no stated category. Meters with no stated rating, such as the AstroAI DM6000AR, were left out of this list on purpose. If a listing promises CAT IV but the manual or case says CAT III, believe the manual.
Choose resolution only if you work on electronics
Counts and microamp resolution are what separate the UT61E+, B41T+ and HT118E from the rest. They matter for measuring a microcontroller's sleep current or a 0.5 Ω shunt. For household and automotive checks, a 4,000- or 6,000-count meter already shows more digits than the job needs, and its simpler dial is easier to use.
Factor in the running costs
A budget meter's real costs are batteries, fuses and leads. The KM602 avoids batteries with its rechargeable cell; the others use AA or 9V cells. Check that replacement fuses with the rating printed in the manual are easy to buy, and plan on a better set of leads if the included ones feel stiff or thin.
Know when to step up
If you start working inside distribution panels every week, need an industrial warranty or want LoZ for ghost voltage, a budget meter is the wrong tool. Our guides for electricians and HVAC technicians cover meters built for daily trade use. Until then, any of these ten will cover the vast majority of home, car and hobby jobs.
Methodology
How we chose
We considered only budget meters with a safety rating documented in the maker's manual or marked on the case, then ranked them for a general buyer: how many everyday jobs one meter covers safely first, then True RMS, display counts and current resolution, convenience features such as NCV, Smart mode or a rechargeable cell, and warranty. Specs come from maker manuals, product pages and official listings; where they conflict we use the lower figure. This is desk research, and none of these ten has been hands-on tested by us.
Picks marked "Hands-on Tested" have been bought and tested by us; the rest are desk research. A pick only carries that badge once we have actually bought and tested that unit. More on how we research.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is a budget multimeter accurate enough for real work?+
For most household, automotive and hobby measurements, yes. The UNI-T UT61E+ quotes ±(0.05% + 5) on DC volts and the OWON B41T+ ±(0.1% + 2), both far tighter than a typical 12V or 120V check needs. What you give up on low-cost meters is usually support, documentation consistency and ruggedness, not basic accuracy. Use a calibrated professional meter when a job demands a certificate.
Which budget multimeter is safest for household outlets?+
Pick one whose manual and case both state CAT III 600V or higher. On this list the HT118A, HT118E and UT61E+ add CAT IV 600V, and the Klein MM420, MM460S and MM325, UNI-T UT139C and KAIWEETS KM602 are CAT III 600V. The KM200s is CAT II, so keep it to plug-in appliances, batteries and electronics rather than fixed wiring or panels.
What does 6,000 count mean on a multimeter?+
It is the largest number the display can show before switching range, roughly 5,999 plus a sign. On a 6V range a 6,000-count meter resolves 0.001V, while a 4,000-count meter switches up a range sooner and loses a digit around 4V. Higher counts, like the 22,000 on the UT61E+, give finer readings on low voltages and resistances, which helps electronics work more than household checks.
Are KAIWEETS and UNI-T multimeters good brands?+
Both publish manuals with full specification tables, which is what we rely on, and the CAT rating is printed on the case of each meter we list. Where their listings and manuals disagree, as on the KAIWEETS KM602's CAT rating and the HT118A's maximum voltage, we use the lower figure from the manual or the meter face. They lack the dealer network of Klein or Fluke, so check warranty terms before buying.
Do I need Bluetooth on a budget multimeter?+
Only if you want to record readings over time. The OWON B41T+ sends data to a phone over Bluetooth and stores up to 10,000 points by itself, which helps when watching a battery drain overnight or a temperature over an afternoon. For checking a fuse or an outlet, Bluetooth adds pairing steps and nothing else, so most buyers are better served by a plainer meter.
