Review: Mid Range / Priced Multimeter Shootout / Buyers Guide

[@markusslesmale2819]

It's been 7 years, is it possible for you to do an updated review on the newer model multimeters, especially automotive application multimeters.

[@mjlorton]

I would say if you are doing electrical work, go with the EX330...bench electronics, go with the UT61E..at the price point with PC data logging etc...difficult to beat. Just bear in mind the display update speed. If the EX330 is faster and that's important...that might move you back to the EX330. Hope that helps. Cheers, Martin.

[@juliauwanto]

Is the brand name extech ex330?

[@eml3148]

I was very disappointed with the Extech EX330. When I tested for Continuity, the beep was Intermittent and varying audible levels, while I was firmly pressing on the probes against each other. I returned it.

[@AlainHubert]

I just bought the Fluke 115 and for people who are contemplating getting this meter, be aware that the display is unreadable when viewed from above. The meter has to be at eye level or higher in order for its display to be read. So if the meter is in front of you on a table or bench, standing on its back rest, and your eyes are higher up than the DMM, you won't be able to read the display. You'll have to place the meter flat on its back on the table or bench in order to read the display. The backlight emphasizes this flaw. I find it annoying, especially on a meter at this price point.

[@TheHopson]

AlainHubert strange, I use my 115 everyday and have never had this issue? I'm in direct sunlight at times with angles and can always read it.

[@ShredPackers]

We have around 5 or 6 115's in my electrical shop and I've never had a problem reading the display. The display is even quite readable in low light, the backlight is nice, but not even really needed unless it's very dark.

[@learningthehardway6186]

Agreed. That’s my biggest gripe about the new 117 I just bought. I was so hyped to get my first fluke, and now I just have buyers remorse. I don’t see much that justifies the price. It’s no more accurate than my Extech ex355 and my craftsman professional’s display is far better.

[@learningthehardway6186]

JetMechMA yep. I’ll have to take a look at the 101. I got the 117 on sale so I should be able to get my money back out of it. That is one thing I have noticed about fluke, they must be easy to sell because they never last long on Craigslist or letgo. But once again, for the price it sure seems lacking.

[@jimbos1567]

Very well done. You've gain a subscriber. I do have one request. There are many of us who have some hearing loss, particularly in the high ranges. We would love to hear the continuity tones reviewed so we can choose a meter that we can actually hear. If you could include that in a review, we would be pleased. Thank you.

[@whiskyweej]

Probably the most useful multimeter comparison I've come across. Thanks

[@정딸기-b3x]

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[@SkyDomeVIZE]

Only if the common person knew how much time and money can a multimeter can save them when trouble shooting. Great information...Thanks.

[@JoeCnNd]

The right meter might save their life.

[@snipersquad100]

Thanks Martin, Its for bench electronics and i'm a hobbyist so ill go with the Uni-t

[@SeanBZA]

Thanks Martin. I have both the Uni-T and the Brymen, and they are both very nice meters. Useful and quite nice for doing work with.

[@johnanderson9619]

The UNI-T UT61D has been used for years now, and I use it for my 100w of monocrystaline panels and my two Drok buck converter, cc-cv 5A buck converters,mini360 buck converters, and new to the family, the D3806 CC/CV DC-DC 10-40V to DC 0-38V Step Up/Step Down Boost/Buck Converter to charge 3s4p and 3s 8p 18650 packs for years now. It has never failed me. Best $50 ever spent. The DMM is a MUST HAVE for anyone considering getting into anything electrical. etc. etc. Over at a friends house, and they have a bunch of AA batteries, but don't know the voltages to see what batteries would work in the remote for the new tv you got, and to save yourself a trip to the store or how about if you have no money .. Use the DMM to check the batteries you have in the house. DMM's are priceless. The UT61D is an excellent choice. imho. +1

[@elkina20]

Which multimeter would you recommend for automotive use?

[@atlantianking6537]

your overview was excellent and i plan to bu the bryman 257 model keep up the good work. thanks from a old tech that believes its time to get back to the basics again

[@ismohzwenbe6053]

Thank you sir for all the details. My question is can I use this Multimetres for a car as well?

[@legalsolutions07]

You fail to mention that some of the multimeters that you selected are for a specified purpose. The Fluke 115 is an electricians multimeter that why mA are not found. Also the ability to rotate the wheel with one hand is only found on two models. This feature can be very important if using out in the field. Finally the Brymen is not available in the US.

[@legalsolutions07]

RossoOz I didn't make it that far but IMO those are comments that should be somewhere in the beginning since this is a review and comparison.

[@jrcenina85]

+legalsolutions07 blah blah blah

[@stefanniedzielah1827]

in US You can have Brymen shipped from Poland. It will arrive in 3 days or so.

[@zhongyingchen1314]

if you have interest to help us test a free multimeter? if yes pm me on facebook. facebook.com/camillecrenova send: youtube+multimeter

[@zhongyingchen1314]

if you have interest to help us test a free multimeter? if yes pm me on facebook. facebook.com/camillecrenova send: youtube+multimeter

[@testbenchtech]

Again Martin, Another great video! I noted that at time mark 19:10 the UNI-T 61E OVERSHOT and displayed 22.374 Volts D.C. and the other meters did not, but moving back a few frames, a closer examination shows the decimal point moves to the right (causing the overshoot) and the numerical display updates after the point moves. If you are working in a range where the decimal point is not going to move the UNI-T UT61E would make a good “first meter” for someone starting out in electronics.

[@jon123423]

So 257 is the winner?

[@DN-pj9ze]

why those 2 flukes shows the most disagreement? Fluke guys?

[@gil2264]

According to the long manual, not quick-start guide, you can enable a mA range in settings on the Agilent. You just have to dig for it. Also using the u1177a, or u1117a Bluetooth adapter, the Agilent can output to IOS or Android devices via free aps. Within the aps, the data can be viewed and or logged/graphed.

[@keithcoltron3171]

Once again very clear and informative as are all your vids, 2nd to none, many thanks

[@HawkFest]

Super review thank you! A little 7-years-muted side-step.. At 18:01, to me it's the Fluke 17B which offers the fastest visual comprehension of the symbols as numbers (look over there... then you turn your head very fast over the multimeter, and feel how long it takes in nanos to locate, see and then understand your readings... Maybe a matter of *_contrast,_* or just mere personal "cognitive taste" I don't know).. It'd be subjective.

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

Nice and very fair review ----- I like Uni-T meters for automotive diagnostics a UT203 being my main tool because it has a DC current clamp but recently added an Owon B35T to my toll box it has soreally me nice features.

[@mdzacharias]

Hi Martin. Regarding the Agilent U1232A and burden voltage and also regarding the gap between uA and mA amps.Your 1232A can't be functioning correctly.Put it in mA mode,measure across the test leads with another meter. Should be ~ 100 ohms. It will be mostly open circuit. I saw the DMMCheck output voltage on 1mA test was over 2 volts. This CANNOT be if the device was functioning correctly. Either the shunt resistor is bad, or some other fault exists. Mark Zacharias "The Multimeter Junkie"

[@UrielX1212]

For the those prices would it make sense to purchase a second hand 87 III?

[@jenniferw8963]

Gotta love the 20k count, rs-232 cable and price of the UT61E :)

[@mjlorton]

I appreciate the input good man...food for thought! Thanks, Martin.

[@stocks4bt]

What are your thoughts about the Hioki 3801-50. What are the pros and cons and can you use fluke test leads on it

[@paulp6386]

What are your thoughts on the EEV Blog BM235 ?

[@and1424]

hello. Hioki review perhaps? thanks

[@windsurfer3329]

I think the accuracy of the meters in uA and mV range (against a calibrated standard) is more important than the display quality etc in your review.

[@stoner1916]

thank you for taking the time to put this together, very informative.

[@snipersquad100]

Hi Martin, Dave from the eevblog recommends the EXTECH EX330 for beginners, I was thinking of getting one in the near future. Since watching this video im thinking of getting the UNI-T UT61E Instead. What do you think of the EXTECH EX330?

[@goldeneggduck]

Just replaced a Fluke 107. It generates random numbers when you measure capacitors.

[@davidnewton3064]

Any chance for a new comparison with more recent models?

[@henkvermalen]

With fluke you pay for reliability it’s a professional meter that keeps on going.

[@hameedullah6633]

Which one is the best multimeter for everything. ( home, industrial, electricians and for electrical users)

[@vibhupande]

Going through your multimeter playlist, I wonder why there ain't more portable multimeters made, say no bigger than the display itself, with wire connectors on the side and small knobs for the modes. Are there any such?

[@mossymaple]

Hello, I was hoping you may have some insight of the accuracy differences of different ac line splitters. I have read reviews where some people say the 10x and 1x are off on some models when in theory they should be the same reading but just need a decimal place shift for the 10x vs 1x. Any thoughts on which models may be more accurate ?

[@peterwee9520]

Hi, Would you happen to have reviewed the Extech EX355? Also, would be able to say what the Brymen model the EX355 actually is? Thanks. Pete

[@hernancoronel]

Hi, the tester.co.uk links are broken. Just to let you know! Thanks for the excellent reviews and data!

[@jamesketrick6152]

Great review. Can you say anything about reliability and long life?

[@deusimperator]

Tried to order a Fluke 289 from your site but you do not ship to Canada...

[@davidowner6185]

Hi I am a new subscriber from Australia. What is the best multimeter for electricians.

[@kiet489]

Fluke

[@nevild6371]

Thanks for another great review. All the meters appeared pretty even in their accuracy considering their price differences. The Fluke 17B stood up pretty well given that its 4000 count and no true RMS.

[@1947JimS]

Hello, I would like to purchase the Brymen TBM 257 as you mentioned in your video.But I don't find it on your site or in your shop. Where can I purchase this.

[@koktelici]

Agilent and Fluke are more than double the price of the Uni-T and Brymen so I don't see them in same category.

[@pedroka7013]

I am awaiting testing with multimeters Brazilians. Minipa, Icel, Hikari, Instrutherm.

[@Gringo_In_Chile]

Hi, I have the EX330 and I have to say that I am not that happy with it. Yeah, for the price it is OK but not great. I sort of agree with Martin that it is probably better for electrical work rather than electronics. Honestly, I would go for the something else. Lastly since you asked, it has kinda a slow response time. Hope this helps. Ken

[@zxrjimmy1]

Hi, great video as always, quick question, does the brymen have audible beep in diode mode like the fluke 115

[@robviolin1]

Could you tell me what is the best mid range multi meter that will all test capacitors that I can buy? Thanks

[@apbtmaxx]

Hi mjlorton, what do you think about the uni-t ut139s? i was wondering wich buy between 139 and 61e, what you think?

[@ImaginationToForm]

Hi, Interesting information. I come from just have a basic mulitmeter. What would you do with the pc connectivity? Can you show what you use it for. Plus my meter has a Cx with two lines going to two thin slots on it but have no idea what those are for. Cx is also labled in another place pointing to the mA and COM port so I guess something for current. Hrm thinking about it as I type, Maybe its showing the fuse?

[@petermatthews2095]

Hi. I would like a Brymen TBM 251 in the UK. How would I get one?

[@tadz2010]

u have a video review of sanwa cd800a?

[@mjlorton]

Thanks, valuable feedback.

[@oren1616]

thank you very much for this video, i've learned a lot from your lessons. please do a video about biasing transistors and such, i never get exacly what it means, and no one gets to the basics and the bottom of things like you do thank's again

[@eatmyskids]

That's a really nice review. Good breakdown of the features, pluses and minuses. You didn't include the Fluke 12E, but that's a critter that is not really open market. In fact any warranty is void if the meter is sold outside of China. But this a good review. Edit, Oh Thumbs up :)

[@Miszczunio777]

Have a question, if i need to read peak voltage on crankshaft position sensor what produce around 0.5V which one will do job the best? Or any of this will be good for this?

[@Jeepjones85]

I owned the Fluke 116 Hvac meter and it worked fine my main complaint was the lcd screen, the numbers tend to disappear if you are looking down on it at a slight angle, it bothered me so much I actually sold it. I ended up buying a Fieldpeice sc440 and it’s a good meter I’m just concerned when it comes to testing 3ph 480v If you could review one of the newer Fieldpeice voltage clamp meters that would be so awesome

[@electronics_hobbyist]

What are your thoughts on the astroAI WH5000A?

[@catharperfect7036]

astroAIs are great in the cheapo DMM range. They are slow but for the money a bargain.

[@donnyb3452]

Great review; very thorough. I would like to have known country of manufacture & warranty ihfo.

[@vjanda1]

Can't find Brymen TBM251 anywhere in the UK :( Is it available under a different brand name? Thx

[@jeffsmythe2653]

So what is the winner

[@jeffsmythe2653]

witch is best: UNI-T UT61D or FLUKE 17B+

[@Taran72]

Thank you for the great video! I really appreciated all the information you shared. It definitely helped me to focus on the multi-meter's features that are important for my application (hobbyist).

[@atvarsgr]

Thanks to this review, I just purchased BRYMEN BM257s

[@catharperfect7036]

I would 100% get a Brymen if it didn't lack the diode beep. I just find it so important for board work.

[@Oshbotscom]

Do any of these meters support thermocouples? I work with robotics and it would be nice to monitor the temperatures of motor drivers and voltage regulators.

[@hjs3rd]

Looks like the only 2 is the Fluke 17b & the Agilent U1232A. You can see °C icon on the turn dial and the far right port on the Fluke 17b & on the Agilent U1232A it is represented by the thermometer icon next to the AUX on the dial.

[@Oshbotscom]

Thanks, I ended up getting a BK Precision 2706B meter and really like it for the price. While it isn't really an issue for me, it is only a 2000 count display, and a bit washed out with the overpowered backlight lit.

[@mickeyripper6976]

Not having to press a separate button for continuity beeper wins it for me. 115. I hate it when I haven't noticed its not actually in continuity mode when switching between functions I have a cheap meter which quickly sleeps, resetting it back to diode mode from continuity. PITA

[@paulvang4144]

Is a Equus 3320 a good one for beginner?

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

Does that extra digit of UNI-T UT61E have any real meaning?

[@MorrowSind]

Which model would work best for parasitic draw tests in the automotive field and would double as an occasional electrician's tool for home use and not commercial electrical use? Thanks for the great info as well. :)

[@warywolfen]

You said that one of the Flukes does not measure mA or uA. That is incorrect. All of these meters have the same ranges. Some may specify "mA," or "uA" on the switch, or they might just say "A." They all have the same measurement capibilities.

[@zuheyr1]

Well if you are right then I won't watch the rest. Thank you.

[@Motorman2112]

Measuring milliamps on an amps range will lose you three digits of resolution.

[@amigaman9433]

why would he put 2 electricians multimeters in comparison with 3 electronic engineers multimeters? does he not even realise the difference... not subscribed

[@joshuanorris5860]

AmigaMan why not compare them

[@globaldigitalsupply4039]

Very clear as well as excellent presentation. Thanks!

[@frankoptis]

an update would be nice...

[@joseluiscontrerasislas5453]

Hello. How about japonese meters like Yokogawa

[@rubber20021]

Thanks for showing you finds.

[@mjlorton]

My pleasure, thanks for the feedback.

[@52wml]

Great video very informative. Any chance you will be reviewing Klein multimeters I'd be interested in the MM2300. Thanks again for all your videos.

[@CraneGuru]

Kinda like the Fluke 115 for overall - - only drawback is the display Fluke is a Known GREAT meter

[@birrbert]

Regarding the website, I'd like to ask whether it will be your new website or you will have two in the same time? Because if you'll have two (mjlortondotcom and buyersguide) it's not so good. That's me humble opinion. And no offense, but I don't like the front page of your current website (design and for some reason it's hard to browse it, except for the forum). If you're making a new website, I think you should make a nice design, like a portal and present all your content...

[@u8915055]

wow, what a fantastic review..thank you very kindly

[@ZEBRACOW13]

I'll stick to my snap on manual ranging meter. For 180 bucks it's damn good for parasitic draw tests etc

[@maninthevan53]

hi what is your view on the TENMA 72-1055 thanks

[@sammulongo3913]

not

[@MrGuitars8]

What about Klien Multimeters does anyone know about them and their quality ?

[@bobbybruorton8101]

im in automotive....my klein wasnt up to par on testing ignition wires......it stayed blank while the fluke was showing readings..... readings were moving too fast for klein to even keep up and show..

[@RW4X4X3006]

Klien not reliable. I burned through two within a year. With Multimeter's you get what you pay for.

[@birrbert]

...Main menu's could be (Home - Forum - Buyer's guide - My KZbin Channel - Amazon Store - Contact). I don't know how much time, energy and money is put into this new website, but since you're working on it, why not make the most of it. Just an idea of course. Nice video review as we're already used to receive from you. :-)

[@TonnyCassidy]

is fluke 179 good ?

[@fretournoriazoro1165]

Are that kind of multi meter available in the philippenes sir?how much in peso?

[@joshuanorris5860]

Lol seriously? You want him to convert dollars to pesos for you? Do it yourself lol Your going to have to figure that stuff out.... Sometimes they rebrand the meters when selling them in different countrys. Which is a pain in the butt sometimes.

[@MERCKXWOOD]

Excellent review again, thank you.

[@mrmister6780]

IT is hold light on the new Uni-t ut 61D

[@jakobh.4422]

Hey mate, damn what a jungle, thx for the this walkthrue, ewen thow it got some years on the back, but it certainly aint easy for an noob like me to get an up-to-date ovrview on this subject... just happy that i havent purchased along with these weeks of DMM-evolving-knowledge, since i cant count how many times i finally reach an conclusion about an model i wanted for a day or two later realizing that it was good not to jump on that and finding an obvius better alternative... sofare Im left with two maybe threee models, and since i like the choice to interact with an pc,, and its an possiblelity in budget area to get these features for relative cost.. these two, as i reckon here as of 2q 2016 are my main alternatives after skimming the market as an noob & amateur on the subject.. (UNI-T UT61B) or (Digitek DT-4000ZC / TekPower TP4000ZC) the UNI-T will here in Scandinavia Denmark cost me 30US shipped and the 4000ZC around 38US shipped) what you reckon?? are my presumptions totally off when these two models stands out with there relative price/feature in mind .. also wondered about the wireless-features, and going all the way,with an fellow like the bluetooth multimeter (OWON 3(5/6) full B35T T-RMS) that cost 65US shipped. the 55US TekPower TP9605BT with also bluettoth aint an choice for me here in scandinavia since amazon aint active here and the uk amazon-version aint got that model, and on Ebay it ejaculates to massive 100US with shipping and ebay-tax system. anybody that are familiar with the multimeter-market, here these years and got an view if there is another alternative that would make more sense for the general user that enjoy the posssiblelities to measure big and small.

[@careylee5951]

whats your thoughts on the Fluke 12 meter.

[@alaster33]

can you inform me which meter is best to test the iPhone motherboard

[@joshuanorris5860]

Lolll

[@ronrea6426]

I find the tbn251 listed @ $350.00 ??????????

[@us8026]

Which of these is best to buy? Plz reply

[@joshuanorris5860]

Lol! Thats what the whole video is about. Couldent watch eh but you still need a meter lol

[@sara78130]

hi mate plz tell me which multimeter good to test wheel speed sonsor ?thanks im looking for good multimeter for garage thanks

[@horaciocastillo1435]

+KURDISTAN uk . The fluke model 88V/A is the one used on the automotive field. Hope this help you.

[@sara78130]

thanks so much

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

Uni-T UT203 is pretty well ideal for most car jobs, it has a built in DC clamp meter that can check starter and alternator currents and the mV range is just sensitive enough for tracking down most small parasitic current draws by measuring the tiny volts drop across automotive blade fuses.

[@sara78130]

thanks so much

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

Any meter with 20v DC and 20 AC and ressistance. frequency and continuity scales will do basic checks on the two main types of wheel speed sensors but it is one of those jobs that really needs a basic oscilloscope such as a DSO 201 or 203 Nano. The ScannerDanner KZbin channels have a lot of reliable info on test these sensors.

[@thaelian]

Awesome analysis. Thank You.

[@benhardi2179]

guys, my budget for multimeter is low just about under $50, which is better between fluke 101 vs Uni-t ut61a? I've search for the versus and comparison between those two but not found it. or maybe you guys have other recommendation? thank you very much

[@mjlorton]

Thanks, I'll make a note to check...

[@SDsailor7]

I need a multimeter for electronics for working in receivers, cassette decks etc what is a good one in a reasonable price range anyone know? I would like it to have capacitance, diode check, hz, etcThank you

[@SmokeDankTrees]

Thank you for the informative review.

[@vladnickul]

I like the uniT.. because i can afford it :))

[@godofm3tal1]

so i get it, you want higher resolution for doing really fine work on electronics. BUT... that uni-T, though capable of that finer measurement, is CONSIDERABLY off in its accuracy. so like a pair of finely tuned calipers or a micrometer, high resolution measurement is great. but only if its accurate, right? so in that respect, the resolution of the uni-T seems wasted.

[@mattjmwmatt]

Spot on, 22000 count is great, but without a good voltage reference doesn't really make it any better. Honestly, anything over 6000 count on a 4 digit meter is pretty much useless. It's quite capable meter tho.Really lacks on input but has a nice set of features.

[@slap_my_hand]

The agilent costs 200€ in germany.