Best Multimeters for Electricians

General-purpose choiceFluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter

Best for higher CAT ratingsKlein Tools MM720 TRMS Auto-Ranging Multimeter

Best pocket formatKlein Tools MM450 Slim TRMS Multimeter

Best for logging readingsSouthwire 14090T TechnicianPRO Bluetooth Multimeter

The discontinued Klein MM600 has been replaced here with the MM720. These are alternatives for different jobs, not a ranking based on hands-on testing or live prices.

HOW TO CHOOSE

What matters for the work

Match the electrical environment

Select a measurement category and voltage rating suitable for the intended work, including the leads. A voltage limit alone does not describe transient protection. Follow your training and the manufacturer's instructions.

Choose the functions you will use

LoZ can help evaluate misleading induced readings; temperature is useful for some diagnostic tasks. A handheld meter does not replace a clamp meter, insulation tester or a suitable safe-isolation procedure.

Think about carrying and recording

MM450 emphasizes a smaller format; Southwire adds a connected record workflow. Check app support if logging matters, and compare the complete kit rather than a bare instrument's headline features.

We compared manufacturer specifications and documented features. We have not hands-on tested these products. Read our recommendation method →

Detailed picks

Useful differences, meaningful drawbacks and the specifications behind each recommendation.

OPTION 1

Best for everyday service

Fluke

117 Electrician's Multimeter

Best for: Commercial and residential electricians who want a compact True-RMS meter with built-in non-contact voltage detection and LoZ.

The Fluke 117 is aimed squarely at electricians who want a compact everyday meter for commercial and residential troubleshooting. Its standout combination is True-RMS measurement, built-in non-contact voltage detection, AutoVolt AC/DC selection and a low-impedance LoZ mode designed to reduce misleading ghost-voltage readings.

For an electrician who wants one dependable meter for day-to-day voltage, continuity, resistance, current, capacitance and frequency checks, the Fluke 117 is a very strong all-rounder. It is not the cheapest option, and it does not replace specialist insulation testers, clamp meters or high-end industrial meters, but its safety rating, compact size and electrician-focused features make it an easy recommendation for regular field work.

Integrated non-contact voltage detection
True-RMS AC measurement
LoZ helps suppress ghost-voltage readings

Maximum voltage: 600 V
Safety: CAT III 600 V
Display: 6,000 counts

Main tradeoff: Costs more than entry-level meters

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Check the exact model and kit in the listing.

OPTION 2

General-purpose choice

Fluke

115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter

Best for: Electricians and maintenance technicians who already have a separate voltage tester and want a general-purpose handheld meter.

Choose the Fluke 115 if you want a conventional True-RMS service meter and already carry separate voltage-screening equipment. Choose the 117 when its integrated VoltAlert and AutoVolt/LoZ functions are central to your work. The 115's attraction is a focused measurement tool, rather than a long list of connected features.

Our research-based pick for technicians who value a straightforward meter and do not need the 117's electrician-specific additions. Compare the actual offers for both before buying: a simpler feature set does not automatically mean better value. For residential service calls, the decision is whether those extra functions will remove a real inconvenience from your day.

True-RMS AC voltage and current
Clear 6,000-count display
Min/Max/Average recording

Voltage: AC/DC to 600 V
Safety category: CAT III 600 V
Display: 6,000 counts

Main tradeoff: Missing the 117's integrated VoltAlert and AutoVolt/LoZ voltage features

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Check the exact model and kit in the listing.

OPTION 3

Best for higher CAT ratings

Klein Tools

MM720 TRMS Auto-Ranging Multimeter

Best for: Electricians wanting a documented CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V meter with temperature and low-impedance functions.

The MM720 is the current Klein alternative to consider when you need broader documented capability than a basic 600 V meter. It combines True-RMS, low-impedance voltage measurement and temperature capability. We replaced the older MM600 in this shortlist because Klein marks it out of production and identifies the MM720 as the newer model.

A sensible shortlist option when safety category, temperature and LoZ are requirements rather than extras. It earns its place through that combination, not an unsupported 'premium' label. A higher category rating must still match the complete setup, including leads, accessories and workplace procedures; it is not permission to tackle equipment outside your competence.

True-RMS and LoZ capability
Higher documented category ratings
Temperature measurement with included thermocouple

Safety: CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V
Voltage range: Up to 1000 V AC/DC
Display: 6,000 counts

Main tradeoff: IP42 is not an outdoor waterproof rating

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Check the exact model and kit in the listing.

OPTION 4

Best pocket format

Klein Tools

MM450 Slim TRMS Multimeter

Best for: Electricians and maintenance technicians who want a slim, easily carried meter for appropriate building-work measurements.

The MM450 makes most sense when carrying the instrument is part of the problem you want to solve. Its slim body and reverse-contrast display distinguish it from the larger options here. It still offers True-RMS measurement and temperature capability, but its CAT III 600 V rating should be checked against the job before portability becomes the deciding factor.

Our pocket-format choice for a light residential or building-maintenance kit. The reason to choose it is convenience, not an assumed ability to outperform a larger meter. If you need the MM720's higher documented category rating or LoZ function, prioritize that requirement instead. If the meter will always live in a large bag, the slimmer format may matter less.

Slim profile
True-RMS AC measurement
Display backlight adjusts with ambient light

Safety: CAT III 600 V
Display: 4,000 counts; reverse contrast
Voltage: Up to 600 V AC/DC

Main tradeoff: CAT III 600 V does not cover every work environment

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Check the exact model and kit in the listing.

OPTION 5

Best for logging readings

Southwire

14090T TechnicianPRO Bluetooth Multimeter

Best for: Maintenance technicians who need to record or share readings and will check phone/app compatibility before purchase.

The Southwire 14090T is worth investigating when recording and sharing readings matters alongside normal measurement. Southwire documents Bluetooth operation with its MApp software, True-RMS, Low Z and an IP67 enclosure. Its buying case is a connected service workflow; if you only need to read a number at the equipment, those additions may not justify the extra setup.

A research shortlist choice for technicians who want a record of measurements and a documented protected enclosure. Before buying specifically for Bluetooth, check the current app on the phone you will actually use. We have verified the manufacturer's stated features, not live app behavior, pairing reliability or compatibility with every current operating system.

Manufacturer-documented Bluetooth recording and sharing
True-RMS and Low Z functions
IP67 enclosure rating

Safety: CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V; UL listed
Protection: IP67
Connected features: Bluetooth with Southwire MApp

Main tradeoff: Connected workflow depends on a compatible app and phone