Mastech is a well-known company, has been designing top quality multimeters for the past few decades.

Versatility is prioritized with their products, and the MS8209 makes no exception to this rule. Plenty of options exist and functions to get lots of diagnostic tests ran and completed. We will firstly begin with an overview, detailing what the item is.

This will be followed by the key features, before moving on to our pros and cons. We'll also take a look at what other users found when buying the product before giving our final verdict

To expand further, here are some quick-fire functions to be analyzed.

1. The Sensors

Unique and somewhat unusual to see on a multimeter are the sensors available with this product. Firstly, the sound sensor can measure sound waves up to 100dB. This can be applied in very specific conditions, for example, you may need to test how loud a car exhaust is.

The temperature sensor is a bit more commonplace and straightforward. This particular one can withstand temperatures up to 100 degrees. Finally, the humidity probe can detect from 30% to 90%

2. Overload Protection

A nice safety mechanism that is simple in operation. Essentially, if the incorrect mode is selected, the entire unit won't go up in smoke, but rather a fuse will blow. This is far more cost-effective than buying a whole new unit, as fuses are relatively cheap and easy to get hold of.

3. True RMS

Again a feature associated with higher end multimeters, the RMS function ensures greater accuracy of readings in locations where there is a lot of electrical noise present.

To expand, this is when a wave of signals that are not common can distort the data and display incorrect values. Older multimeters lack this functionality in the main, so inaccurate data was not unheard of, thus a valuable asset. Now with true RMS, this can be completely dispelled.

There are a plethora of features and unexpected additions that make this product stand out as one of the best multimeters for the money.

You would expect a unit with sensors to test sound and humidity to come in for well over $100, but that is somehow not the case. But importantly is the data accurate? We found this to certainly be the case, which was great to see. As for ease of use, in the main, this proved to be true as it is intuitive and easy to set up, except for the leads.

The test leads are sometimes a bit hard to set up, so bear that in mind. Here's how we broke down our pros and cons.

We've explored this product in depth so now it's time to see how other buyers fared when purchasing this product.

KleinTools have been around for quite a while now, and as such, you would expect a certain level of quality to be associated with their products.

Multimeters need to be versatile, accurate and durable and the Klein MM1300 aims to tick those boxes and more. We'll be exploring more about this shortly, and to get a complete picture of this product, we will firstly begin with an overview, detailing what the item is.

This will be followed by the key features, before moving on to our pros and cons. We'll also take a look at what other users found when buying the product before giving our final verdict.

To expand further, here are some quick-fire functions to be analyzed.

1. The Thermocouple

A rare addition in this category level, a temperature probe can be embedded into the unit to measure the temperature of a surface or area. Once configured, simply leave at the desired location and record the findings.

2. Auto Ranging

This provides a hassle-free and simple solution to testing certain units. Saving the trouble of having to know the precise range you need to pre-set, an auto ranging feature saves time as you don't have to fine-tune these details as this is done for you. However, this has its downfall, mainly that precision and speed are lost. 

3. Back-lit Display

Perhaps not a feature that would be considered high on the agenda, it is one that is often overlooked and neglected altogether. A professional will often be working in conditions that have far less than ideal lighting conditions and sometimes even pitch black darkness.

Therefore, having a multimeter with a backlit display is essential in times like these. Another key point is that a display needs to be read and understood from multiple angles. Distortion and contrast loss is common with many multimeters, not just those under the $100 value so to have this feature is quite uncommon and valued.

4. Data Hold Function

There are lots of good points about this unit that would make it worthy of inclusion on our list. Features such as the thermometer and the backlight display are great to have and go a long way to earning points for this unit.

However, despite the numerous and varied features, there is a distinct lack of quality around the product. Consistent readings are hard to obtain, which causes severe doubt in the integrity of the results that you do manage to achieve.

This is attributed to loose terminal connections, which need to be held in place to see an accurate reading which points to poor construction. Another downside is that despite stating it's made in the USA, it is usually constructed in Asia, specifically China.

Mixed reviews dominate this product, and it's clear to see why.

While we have acknowledged that the multiple functions are indeed positive, there are simply too many pitfalls and warning signs to ignore. One review to this point explained, "

The amp settings all read “LE.AD” even with the wires inserted. I also tried to use it anyway, and it just reads “0.000” every time. I looked at the fuse, and it's in working order, so that’s not the problem. The 4 pin nodes are low quality so that may have played a part. "

Further negative remarks are found with another buyer saying, " Low quality. On my second use, I could not get consistent resistance readings. Finally figured out that the positive terminal was loose and required constant pressure to get consistent low resistance readings."

However, despite this, there are some positive comments to be seen, such as " It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to use. It’s also affordable and suitable for any DIY enthusiast’s budget. "

The AM530 is the latest product from the company that has been hard at work since 1948 and offers to provide a solution to your budget multimeter needs.

In this category, being user-friendly is key. That is what the AM530 looks to achieve, but this doesn't mean it's held back by constraints that make it unappealing to professionals. Instead, many additional functions will appeal to veteran users.

To get a complete understanding, we will firstly begin with an overview, detailing what the item is. This will be followed by the key features, before moving on to our pros and cons. We'll also take a look at what other users found when buying the product before giving our final verdict.

To expand further, here are some quick-fire functions to be analyzed.

1. Quick Acting Fuse

The first thing to mention as it's so far an unseen feature is the quick acting fuse. Completely put in place as a safety precaution, it's a great way to help protect the multimeter from irreversible damage. The inner fuse will get blown first which protects not only the meter, but also you as the user, by preventing electric shocks.

2. Non-Contact Voltage Detection (NCV)

We've seen this before for our previous model, but again it's worth bringing up as it is still relatively new to the market. To recap, the NCV allows you to detect the presence of low voltage within the unit you're testing by hovering your multimeter near it.

The difference with the NCV on this product though, is that an audible "beep" is made on detection, which is another good cue to have.

3. The Flashlight

This might not be the feature that makes you run out and buy the product, but we think it's certainly worth a mention. In today's world, good lighting conditions are often taken for granted but should all the power fail in your house, then having this multimeter with the flashlight on will allow you to troubleshoot the problem and potentially resolve it. A simple press of a button grants you access to a bright LED light beam.

A multimeter looks to achieve many things from the outset namely efficiency, durability and ease of use. These boxes are all ticked with the AM530 and then some. The functions are easily understood, and there's no overly complicated menus or buttons to press, everything is intuitive and performs the task you would expect it to. 

This allows professional users to take full advantage of all the tools this unit has, but for home use, you can bypass things such as NCV or data hold as you don't have them turned on from the outset. The result is that the features never get in the way of each other or overly complicate matters, they are accessible if you need it and not intrusive.

In the main, most buyers are very pleased with this product, and it's easy to see why.

With multiple features and a good build quality, here's what one buyer had to say, " This multimeter is fantastic! The response of the auto-ranging is snappy, and the LCD has a well-optimized viewing angle."

Further positives were noted with another buyer stating, "The strap feature and built-in work light have come in handy - boats are always rocking and often wiring is in dark locations, so these features swayed my purchase. As an MM the unit is accurate, has all the modes and responds fast enough to my needs."

However, there are of course negatives to explore. One such review was as follows, "The non-contact voltage sensor did not work 75% of the time which makes the NCV useless as it can't be trusted. I saw other reviews say the NCV does not work "

This was further echoed with another buyer issuing " The non-contact voltage detector is OK, but not sensitive enough to detect AC voltage at a standard household socket."

On to our next product in the budget multimeter category, we have the Extech Ex330. Extech are well known for producing multimeters that are both versatile and durable, two key components for any good multimeter.

Another key element with Extech is that they cater not only to professionals but newcomers and those who simply wish to conduct some DIY work. With the Ex330, they've created a model that has a staggering 12 functions in total.

We'll be exploring more about this shortly, and to get a complete picture of this product, we will firstly begin with an overview, detailing what the item is. This will be followed by the key features, before moving on to our pros and cons. We'll also take a look at what other users found when buying the product before giving our final verdict.

To expand further, here are some quick-fire functions to be analyzed.

1. Temperature Sensor

Commonplace amongst high-end multimeters, it would normally not be something to highlight. However, in the categories of the best home multimeter and best cheap multimeter, it's somewhat of an anomaly, in a good way.

In line with the rest of the model, measuring temperature is a simple process. Simply select the temperature mode, and without anything being plugged into the multimeter, you will see the room temperature appear.

2. Multiple Attachments 

A great feature here is the ability for the device to have plenty of attachments. This includes things such as test instruments and accessory heads being easily adopted and fixed to the unit.

Saving on space and the number of tools you need to carry around with you, it’s another well thought out design element.

3. Low Battery Indicator

Another feature that probably seems insignificant on its own, but when you add it all into the mix, it creates a great product that ticks a lot of boxes.

It's another simple idea and execution; many people forget to buy or replace batteries, particularly when no visual reminder is given. Just like your smartphone, you pay attention to the battery meter displayed on the screen, and it's the same concept here. Keep an eye on it and replace as required.

As you can see, the multiple features present with this multimeter make it a very attractive prospect. The great diversity and usability of all of these components make it a great unit to buy and certainly one that we like.

When you collect together all of the things it can do and look at the price, it's outstanding. One of the best things about this is the screen. However, despite its large size and easily interpreted data, it still lacks a backlight, which can irritate certain conditions.

Ease of use for the product, in general, is a massive plus point as it appeals to DIY occasional users as well as the everyday professional. One downside, however, is that the metal tips on the test leads are quite short and longer tips would solve the situation a lot more efficiently. Here's how we break down the good and the bad.

As you may expect, user experiences, on the whole, are positive, but there were negative reviews as well.

But first, let's look at a positive review, which is as follows; "Just out of the box you can already tell this thing is built solid. I tested all the features of this tester, and so far they suit my needs. The contactless voltage sensor makes you feel like a Ghostbuster!"

This points to the fact that anyone can pick up the unit and get going with what they need to do, which is something we agreed with. However, there are a few reviews where people didn't get their test leads or temperature probe.

One such example said the following, " The meter seems good, like new in fact, but I am missing my Type K Thermocouple probes."

By contrast, though, another positive review gushed, " I have had this meter fit several months now. It is well built and has handled all expected bumps and falls. The accuracy is better than expected. I work on scales and load cells for my job, so I have a fluke meter that was over $500 - I bought this meter in one day fur a side to side comparison. The results were that this ex-tech meter matched the flukes readings very closely."

With such a diverse and expansive range of use, this automotive multimeter can be employed by both inexperienced users and veteran mechanics alike. For someone experienced, this multimeter will streamline procedures and make operating on vehicles a piece of cake.

By comparison, a new user will not be overwhelmed or daunted by the prospect of using this as it is intuitive and simple to use. In a lot of cases, for the novice user looking for a simple diagnostic, the multimeter will probably have more functions that is necessary, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing, as you aren't forced to use anything you don't need to.

The negatives that were found were that the screen was slightly dimmed, which can irritate certain lighting conditions. Also, other users have mentioned an inconsistent RPM feature, which we'll expand on after this section. Here's how the good and bad points can be broken down;

You may have pre-empted this already, but user satisfaction for this product is very high. ​

There are plenty of positive reviews giving outstanding praise, for instance, the following extract was forthcoming with such information, " Overall very high quality. An excellent multimeter, simple to operate. A very powerful tool with clear and simple operating instructions. Temperature probe reading is almost instantaneous. Inductive spark pick-up clamp is very durable surviving a few chops from radiator fan."

Furthermore, other buyers have also pinpointed this product as directly helping with their automotive woes, with one review commenting, " This is a great quality multimeter. I succeeded in diagnosing the errant starter by checking the voltage and cranking voltage of the battery, then measuring the drain on the battery (only 3 milliamps, which is fine), which led to the starter. I got it replaced today, and the car starts up great!"  

However, as mentioned above, there are negative comments on the RPM feature, which are as follows, "Cons - the rpm (spark pickup) device is very bad
a: it registers lower than two other sources for ignition readings
b: it jumps around and is difficult to set in "just the right spot" to get a consistent reading."

After assessing what the Innova 3340 has to offer it's hard to look at any other multimeter on the market and not compare them to this.

Priced exceptionally well, there's simply so many functions, and abilities this product has that is staggering to the point of being too good to be true. The fact that you get all of this for the meager price quoted ($74.85) is mind-boggling.

The fact that this caters not only to professionals, but the average Joe on the street is also a great feature, which is demonstrated clearly with the above user reviews. There is no need to look any further for the best multimeter for cars as this excels in every department and ticks all of the boxes and more.

As you would expect from Fluke, we have an all round quality product that delivers in all areas including performance, quality, and durability.

Fluke is consistently used as the barometer in which other companies strive to emulate, and it's so easy to understand why. Packed with essential elements to conduct accurate and safe diagnostics there really is not a lot to find fault with here.

The cost would be the only obvious negative ($527 on Amazon), but once again with Fluke, you truly get what you pay for.

It's not too surprising that in the main, other users are extremely happy with this multimeter and can be viewed with reviews such as, " Comes with everything I needed for work at my shop. Great quality as expected from fluke. I would highly recommend this kit."

More expansive praise is also given, with another user commenting that " This is the best of the best. The Cadillac. The Rolls Royce. Everything about this meter says quality. Even the magnet hanger used to suspend the whole meter while working under the hood is great. Some of the skeptical mechanics in the shop tested its' ability to hold the weight of the meter up securely, and it passed with flying colors. The temp probe which I use in diagnosing air conditioning issues works flawlessly. It responds quickly and is very accurate. The voltmeter is easy to read and accurate when measuring the voltage drop."

Another review gave good praise, while also noticing the price, " Best multimeter on the market. Look no further. A little pricey but worth every penny. You'll never buy another (or better) meter of this type again. Fluke is the standard."

However, it is impossible to please everyone, and one gripe was mentioned which was as follows, " It also does not come with a manual. Instead, you get a colorfully printed flyer talking about being green; Then they give you a link so you can download and print your manual."

Suffice to say that the Fluke 88V is the standard when looking at the best multimeter for cars. It covers so many eventualities and diagnostic tests that it's hard to think of an area that could cause an issue.

As users have adhered to, it is not only accurate but responsive and fast as well, which is so desirable in a field where time is money and results matter. The addition of a temperature probe is a great touch which allows for further uses and a saving exercise in regards to carrying and buying less tools.

We're really struggling to find any negatives so we can wholeheartedly say that if your bank account allows it, go ahead and splash the cash, you won't regret it. If this particular product isn't quite to your taste, but still keen on a premier multimeter, please see our comprehensive list, you'll not be disappointed! 

To expand further, here are some quick-fire functions to be analyzed.

1. Design

Appropriate for all multimeters is that the design and build is considered carefully for everyday use.

This is true for the HS36 as not only does it come with a robust and durable case, but it is also ergonomically designed in such a way that it will fit into your hand comfortably. Thus allowing for one-handed operation, which is again very useful in the field.

2. Multiple Attachments 

A great feature here is the ability for the device to have plenty of attachments. This includes things such as test instruments and accessory heads being easily adopted and fixed to the unit.

Saving on space and the number of tools you need to carry around with you, it’s another well thought out design element.

3. Auto Ranging

The auto-ranging capabilities found within the HS36 allow it to automatically adjust the measurement range based on the detected source, such as electrical components and electronic equipment.

This is especially useful in some commercial and industrial environments where electronic devices are present; the AC waveform can be distorted, making it difficult for averaging meters to get an accurate reading. Thanks to the RMS feature as well as the auto-ranging capability, this distortion is negated.

There is plenty to admire and like about this product. The multiple features present allow for real diversity in the field and present plenty of appropriate recordings to be taken.

Durability is also another component that gets the thumbs up from us; able to withstand a real beating and be used time and time again, this is, of course, an important factor for use in the field.

Adjustments such as additional attachments, including a magnetic hanger, make for a real positive, as work can be undertaken completely hands-free, saving time and effort.

As always, it’s important to gauge what others thought about the product, so let’s examine these views now.

We’ve explored already how well this product stacks up and with its multitude of performance capabilities; it’s easy to see why. Other users agreed too, with comments such as the following giving testament to that, “The good thing about this metering device is you have so many different attachments for it so you don't have to spend so much money on big tools and you won't have to carry all types of tools. The attachments are small and portable, not like others tools that are much larger and a waste space”

However, the following negative comments were also noted; “The meter would not show zero in any setting even though it was not hooked up to any power source. Even the amp clamp would show almost an AMP without having any wires at all going through it. This was extremely annoying, and I lost all confidence in any measurements I was taking.”

To expand further, here are some quick-fire functions to be analyzed.

1. Auto Ranging

The EX505’s auto-ranging capabilities allow it to automatically adjust the measurement range based on the detected source, such as electrical components and electronic equipment.

In some commercial and industrial environments where electronic devices are present, the AC waveform can be distorted, making it difficult for averaging meters to get an accurate reading. The EX505 uses a more advanced True RMS calculation to compensate for this kind of distortion for superior performance.

2. Display

The screen for the 505 performs well. A 4000 count display is backed by bright LEDs. This may sound trivial to mention, but there are multimeters that don’t have this feature.

Unlike the Fluke models we have explored, where an issue with contrasting under certain angles is present, this model actually performs well under unfavorable angles.

3. Data Hold

In keeping with the above data hold function, the auto power off component is somewhat standard, but again is worth noting. ​

 simply concept, once the unit is inactive for a period of 15 minutes, it will shut itself off. The benefits are clear, not only will the battery power be saved, but time. You won’t have to remember to switch the unit off every time.

4. Auto Power Off
​
In keeping with the above data hold function, the auto power off component is somewhat standard, but again is worth noting.

A simply concept, once the unit is inactive for a period of 15 minutes, it will shut itself off. The benefits are clear, not only will the battery power be saved, but time. You won’t have to remember to switch the unit off every time.

A healthy list of specifics, but how did we rank the product overall? To be honest, it’s a good unit, but it’s not going to change the world.

There’s plenty to admire, and the features are numerous and work well, for the most part. The display is surprisingly good and reacts well in different lighting conditions.

The unit is also very durable and sturdy which is, of course, vital to the industry to withstand the occasional bump and drop.

The model is lightweight and compact, again a positive when you take into consideration how it will constantly be used in the day; you don’t want to carry around something heavy.

Our views have been expressed clearly here, so now it’s time to explore what other buyers said about this product.

To expand further, here are some quick-fire details to be analyzed;

1. ​Auto and Manual Ranging

Touched upon previously, this double feature is great for allowing you to have complete control on how to conduct your tests.

The manual mode means you can truly narrow down the range and get it completely to your configuration. However, if this is too time-consuming, or you're not confident enough, simply engage automatic ranging and go right ahead.

2. True RMS

Always a positive for any of the best multimeters, precision, and accuracy should never be compromised and this ensures they're not. For a professional who relies on data that can't be compromised by false readings, true RMS is mandatory.

3. Auto Shut-Off

As the name implies, this functionality comes in handy if you've left the unit on by mistake and gone off for a break or even packed away for the day.

After fifteen minutes of inactivity, the unit will shut itself down. This saves on battery life overall and prevents an embarrassing situation whereby you attempt to turn on the multimeter only to find it is completely drained from being left on all night.

There are so many features to examine and admire that it seems like a pretty easy list of positives and negatives.

However, one glaring negative is the price. This will come down to your personal preference, but the price is higher than many other units available on the market. Potentially justified by the number of auxiliary features we still think it could be available for cheaper.

On that subject, the sheer amount of additions could be seen as a positive or a negative. We happen to think it's a great thing and ensures this is a true multimeter answering the call of multiple uses.

A final point to praise is the design of the product. Once again, Fluke has ensured that this is one of the most shock-resistant products available and with a lifetime warranty attached, that makes a big difference.

By now, with Fluke products you can expect to have the majority of buyers lavishing praise on the product, but with a few negative comments scattered around.

The praise this time, however, is a higher calibration, with comments such as "Probably the gold standard in portable multimeters. I've never had an issue with it, and have high confidence in measurements" and "This is a high-quality multimeter. It comes with a thermocouple and reads temperature as a bonus. Accurate and designed with safety in mind."

One of the features of this product is the built-in thermometer. Now, while the quality of this product is high, the thermometer is a point of debate, with users refuting its accuracy.

 One buyer suggested, "The thermometer does not work when it gets too cold. I'm a refrigeration tech so I've used this inside freezers checking suction line temps and I found out this didn't work when I saw frost on the line, and the temp was reading 70 degrees f."

We'll begin with the elements that we enjoyed. For starters, it is true to its name as a "multimeter" and was able to perform well under various conditions.

The readout is also very clear, so there's no delay or hassle to get accurate recordings. Also, we loved how it felt in hand. Not only is it compact and easy to hold in one hand, but it feels absolutely solid, which is a huge plus. We all know that things get dropped, and it would be gut-wrenching to see your equipment shatter into pieces at the first fall, but that doesn't happen here. The case really will protect it, and it's a great feature.

As we just mentioned, there is one deficiency that appears to crop up, and that is the temperature reading being inaccurate.

 One buyer of the product has specified by saying, "My fluke 116 has never seemed too accurate on temperature, but today cleaning out the tool bag, I decided to check it against a couple of digital pocket t-moms that I know are dead-on. The fluke reads 10-12 degrees low."

However, to contradict this, another reviewer found the reading to be accurate, highlighting that, "Seems to be as accurate as my old Fluke and I LOVE having a direct read-out of temperature w/o having to use an adapter!Temperature seems to be accurate as well, so I don't understand the negative reviews others have posted."

​This is interesting and raises an issue with consistency, which will be taken into consideration with our final thoughts. Positive remarks follow our line of thinking, in that the robust nature of the unit is outstanding, with a user commenting, " I use this multimeter every day doing HVAC work, I know it can take a fall from 12 ft to a concrete floor and still work."

To surmise, what we have here is a great multimeter that addresses all of the needs for any HVAC professional.

 We like this product and feel it delivers in all areas, particularly regarding quality both how it's made and how it measures readings.

With that said, there is a discrepancy on some machines with temperature readouts, so it's worth noting this and taking precaution and of course, feedback to the supplier/manufacturer if you do find this. It also comes equipped with leads and adaptor, so there are no real additional accessories to purchase, which is always a bonus.

We liked this product and would strongly recommend it based on its user-friendly nature, price, and durability.

Should you be looking for something a little different, be it more specialized such as an Automotive option or more in your budget range, be sure to check out our multiple other reviews as you will surly find what you need!