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9 Best Ideal Multimeters 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ideal 61-757 - 600A AC/DC TRMS TightSight Clamp Meter

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,423
Accuracy
Range
Display

Most important from
142 reviews

Accuracy
This multimeter offers impressive accuracy and ease of use, with a trigger that is easy to press and a clear display.
Range
For its price, this clamp meter delivers industrial-grade performance, covering a wide range of testing parameters including AC/DC, resistance, and milli-amps.
Display
This multimeter offers impressive accuracy and ease of use, with a trigger that is easy to press and a clear display.
Additional Features
Overall, the Ideal 61-757 is highly recommended for its durability, accuracy, and comprehensive range of features.

The Ideal 61-757 Clamp Meter is designed for those serious about electrical work, offering a range of features that make it a solid choice. Its accuracy is high, thanks to True RMS technology, which ensures precise readings even with non-linear signals. With a measurement range of 0-600 Amps for both AC and DC, and 0-1000 Volts for AC and DC, this meter can handle a wide array of electrical tasks, from small-scale domestic jobs to larger industrial environments.

Safety is emphasized with its UL certification and CAT IV 600V/CAT III 1000V ratings, making it suitable for high-risk situations. The over-molded design provides good grip and durability, able to survive drops up to 6.6 feet. One of the standout features is the patented TightSight display, which lets you read measurements without awkward bending or twisting. This, coupled with dual backlit displays and a built-in flashlight, makes it easier to work in poorly lit or cramped spaces.

Additional functionalities include measuring frequency, resistance, continuity, capacitance, diodes, temperature, and sensing AC voltage, adding versatility. However, it's slightly on the heavy side for a handheld device, and the required separate purchase of the hanging strap clip may be a minor inconvenience. Given these features, the Ideal 61-757 is well-suited for professional electricians and serious DIY enthusiasts who prioritize safety, accuracy, and a range of functionalities in their tools.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,423
Accuracy
Range
Display

Most important from
142 reviews

Accuracy
This multimeter offers impressive accuracy and ease of use, with a trigger that is easy to press and a clear display.
Range
For its price, this clamp meter delivers industrial-grade performance, covering a wide range of testing parameters including AC/DC, resistance, and milli-amps.
Display
This multimeter offers impressive accuracy and ease of use, with a trigger that is easy to press and a clear display.
Additional Features
Overall, the Ideal 61-757 is highly recommended for its durability, accuracy, and comprehensive range of features.
#2

IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. 61-737 Digital AC Clamp Meter 400 Amp 600-Volt, Red

Rating
9.8
Accuracy
Additional Features

Most important from
57 reviews

Accuracy
Good accuracy in all modes, with VOM functions working well.
Additional Features
Solid meter with all the functions needed, and great build quality.

The IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. 61-737 Digital AC Clamp Meter is a versatile and compact multimeter designed for both professional and DIY use. It provides True RMS measurements, ensuring accurate readings on non-linear signals, and measures a wide range of parameters including AC/DC current, AC/DC voltage, continuity, resistance, capacitance, diodes, and temperature.

The multimeter is UL Certified with a CAT III 600V safety rating, which is suitable for most electrical environments, offering reliable protection during use. Additionally, it features a large, easy-to-read backlit display, making it convenient to use in poorly lit areas, enhancing both safety and efficiency during work. The built-in probe tip holder and hanging strap clip add to the ease of use and safe storage of probes during measurements.

The device comes with a soft case, test leads, batteries, and a K-Type thermocouple, providing good value with these inclusions. However, the hanging strap necessary for optimal use is sold separately, which could be an inconvenience. Some users might find the temperature range of the K-Type thermocouple somewhat limited for specific applications. This multimeter is well-suited for those needing a reliable tool for a variety of electrical measurements, with a strong emphasis on safety and ease of use.

Rating
9.8
Accuracy
Additional Features

Most important from
57 reviews

Accuracy
Good accuracy in all modes, with VOM functions working well.
Additional Features
Solid meter with all the functions needed, and great build quality.
#3

IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. 61-765 660 Amp TightSight Clamp Meter AC/DC with TRMS, True RMS Current and Voltage, CATIII for 1000v, CATIV for 600v,Yellow

Rating
9.5
Display
Additional Features

Most important from
55 reviews

Display
The backlit screen and bottom TightSight display make this tester incredibly handy.
Additional Features
The max and min feature is very useful for monitoring varying loads over time.

The IDEAL Electrical 61-765 Clamp Meter is designed with accuracy and safety in mind, making it a reliable choice for both professional electricians and serious DIY enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the True RMS functionality, which ensures precise readings even with non-sinusoidal and noisy electrical circuits. This makes it particularly useful for a variety of applications, including solar power systems and battery backups. The clamp meter also boasts an impressive safety rating of CAT III for 1000V and CAT IV for 600V, providing a high level of protection when working with high-voltage circuits.

The easy-to-read backlit display, along with the patented TightSight display at the bottom of the meter, enhances usability by allowing you to take readings without compromising safety or comfort. Additionally, the selectable audible and visual alerts are practical features for identifying hazardous voltages quickly. The device is corded, which may limit mobility compared to battery-operated options. The tapered jaw design with a hook tip is handy for reaching into tight spaces and separating wires, but the relatively light weight of 4.54 grams might feel less sturdy to some users.

Included accessories like test leads with alligator clips and a carrying case add to its convenience for on-the-go tasks. While the meter is not the newest model on the market, having been available since 2011, its comprehensive feature set and robust build make it a solid investment for anyone needing a highly accurate and safe multimeter.

Rating
9.5
Display
Additional Features

Most important from
55 reviews

Display
The backlit screen and bottom TightSight display make this tester incredibly handy.
Additional Features
The max and min feature is very useful for monitoring varying loads over time.

Buying Guide for the Best Ideal Multimeters

Choosing the right multimeter can be a bit overwhelming, but with a clear understanding of your needs and the key specifications, you can find the perfect fit. A multimeter is an essential tool for anyone working with electrical systems, whether you're a professional electrician, an electronics hobbyist, or a DIY enthusiast. The right multimeter will help you measure voltage, current, and resistance accurately and safely. Here are the key specifications to consider when selecting a multimeter and how to navigate them to find the best one for you.
AccuracyAccuracy refers to how close the multimeter's readings are to the actual values. This is crucial because precise measurements are essential for diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical issues. Accuracy is usually expressed as a percentage of the reading plus a number of least significant digits. For example, ±(0.5%+2) means the reading could be off by 0.5% of the value plus 2 digits. Higher accuracy is important for professional and scientific applications, while lower accuracy might be acceptable for basic home use. Choose a multimeter with the accuracy level that matches the precision you need for your tasks.
RangeThe range of a multimeter indicates the maximum and minimum values it can measure for voltage, current, and resistance. This is important because it determines the types of electrical systems you can work on. Multimeters can be manual ranging, where you select the range, or auto-ranging, which automatically selects the appropriate range. Auto-ranging is more convenient and reduces the risk of incorrect settings. If you work with a wide variety of electrical systems, an auto-ranging multimeter with a broad range is ideal. For more specific tasks, a manual ranging multimeter with the necessary ranges will suffice.
DisplayThe display of a multimeter shows the measurement readings. A clear and easy-to-read display is important for accurate data interpretation. Displays can be analog (with a needle) or digital (with an LCD screen). Digital displays are more common and easier to read, especially in low light conditions. Some multimeters also have backlit displays, which are useful in dim environments. Consider a multimeter with a large, backlit digital display if you need to read measurements in various lighting conditions or from a distance.
Safety RatingsSafety ratings indicate the maximum voltage the multimeter can safely measure and the environments it can be used in. These ratings are defined by international standards such as CAT (Category) ratings. CAT I is for low-energy circuits, CAT II for household appliances, CAT III for distribution panels, and CAT IV for high-energy industrial equipment. Higher CAT ratings mean better protection against electrical surges. Choose a multimeter with a safety rating that matches the highest voltage and type of environment you will be working in to ensure your safety.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a multimeter. Common features include continuity testing, diode testing, temperature measurement, and data hold functions. Continuity testing helps check if a circuit is complete, diode testing checks the health of diodes, temperature measurement is useful for HVAC work, and data hold allows you to freeze the reading on the display. Consider which additional features will be useful for your specific tasks and choose a multimeter that includes those features to make your work easier and more efficient.

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