7 Best Analog Multi-Meters for Electricians!

What is an analog multimeter used for?

A digital multimeter is a test tool that is commonly used by technicians in the electrical/electronic industries to measure voltage, current, and resistance. Multimeters are equipped with various symbols and buttons, and although they can appear confusing at first glance, you should not be intimidated. The most frequently used functions include measuring voltage, continuity, and resistance in electrical components and circuits. Understanding electrical fundamentals is extremely helpful. 

Is an analog multimeter better than digital?

Analog and digital multimeters have their own advantages and disadvantages. Analog multimeters are generally considered to be more affordable, durable, and responsive compared to digital multimeters. However, it is important to note that analog multimeters may have limitations in terms of accuracy, readability, and susceptibility to interference and parallax errors. It generally comes down to personal preference. Analog meters are a reliable choice for measuring voltage and current without the need to consider battery life.

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#1: Best Overall

Gardner Bender GMT 319

Our #1 overall pick is a quality analog multimeter from a stalwart in the industry. This multifunctional analog multimeter from Gardner Bender is capable of measuring 7 functions with 19 ranges. It has an easy-to-read color-coded analog display. The unit was designed to handle electrical tests for homeowners, hobbyists, and professionals. 

It can test DC Voltage, AC Voltage, DC Current, and Resistance, and features visual and audible continuity with buzzer sounds. It can also measure Decibels on AC voltage ranges and test common household batteries. The unit includes a built-in Zero Ohms adjustment dial for resetting prior to resistance testing and performing internal battery tests.

You can rest assured knowing that the markings on the meter are precise and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation compared to a digital display. The continuity test mode includes a buzzer that is highly practical as it responds to the varying resistances and capacitance of different electronic components. We believe it's worth a look and is the best analog multi-meter on the market today!

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#2: Runner Up

Tekpower TP8260L

Our runner-up is the Tekpower TP8260L. This quality Analog Multimeter has 20 different ranges for measuring various electrical properties. You can use it to measure AC/DC voltage, DC current, resistance, continuity, decibel values, and diode test. 

One of its notable features is its accuracy in measuring low DC voltage and current. It offers four ranges for measuring DC voltage up to 1000V. For DC current, you can measure as low as a few milliamps with 3% accuracy using the 2.5 mA range. Additionally, the transistor dock is compatible with both PNP and NPN types. 

If you are looking for one of the best analog multi-meter that can handle routine measurements, is accurate enough for most purposes, and is easy to handle and read… this one is a good option. For those who are looking for an excellent analog multimeter at a fair price point, we think this unit is worth a look. 

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#3: Best Budget 

Gardner Bender GMT 318

Our number #3 Best Budget option is another solid offering from Gardner Bender. This time it’s the GMT 318. This analog multimeter is designed for homeowners, hobbyists, and professionals who need to make electrical and electronic measurements. It can measure 6 functions on 14 ranges and has an easy-to-read color-coded analog display. 

Like most analog multimeters, this handy unit is perfect for various tasks. It can test AC and DC voltage, DC current of resistance, and common household batteries from 1.5V to 9V. It also has a built-in zero ohms adjustment dial for resistance testing and internal battery testing. 

One of the coolest features is that the unit has fuse overload protection and a mirror scale to reduce parallax errors. Common uses include testing battery charge levels, troubleshooting low-voltage circuits, checking wall receptacles, and troubleshooting electrical cords, lights, fuses, and switches. The decibel feature is for transistor gain measurement in electronic circuits, not audio decibels. This is one of the best analog multi-meters you can find and is an excellent choice for all-around electrical testing that won’t break the bank.

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#4: Best Value

Hioki 3030-10

The Hioki 3030-10 HiTester is a quality analog multimeter that takes the #3 spot. Like all standard meters it measures voltage, resistance, and current in electrical testing however, it also includes detachable test leads. Rest assured that it will be accurate when measuring linear loads with undistorted waveforms. The meter is manual-ranging, meaning the operator must choose the appropriate range. The battery tester feature determines the charge in 1.5V batteries.

This trusty analog multi-meter can also test LED lights. It has a 0.5-amp/250V fuse to protect against electric shock. It meets safety standard 61010 and is certified for Category III installations up to 600V. Interestingly enough, the unit can survive falls up to 1 meter on hardwood or concrete floors. You also get a carrying case for transport and storage, perfect for your jobs on the go. We believe it is a great unit and definitely worth a look.

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#5

Tekpower TP7040

The TP7040 comes in at our #4 spot. This is a solid device that is popular among individuals who prefer a more traditional approach and are seeking a simple, hands-on device that can display voltage sweeps and measure small resistances. It is user-friendly and generally accurate, although its accuracy may vary depending on the user's ability to closely read and interpret the measurements.

The measurement range goes up to 1000V (CAT-II 600V rated). It is important to note that this is not a True RMS responder, which means it will not provide accurate AC readings unless it is a sine wave. This limitation becomes evident when attempting to measure the output signal of a variable frequency drive, for instance.

The DC current can reach up to 10A and has a µA/mA range. However, there is no AC current range. The continuity checker is located at the low resistance end and has a decent response time, although the beeper sound may be scratchy. There is also a decibel range that extends from 0 to 22 dB. If you are looking for one of the best analog multi-meters that can get a variety of jobs done. This is worth a look.

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#6

Sanwa Em 7000

The EM7000 is a FET (field-effect transistor) multimeter. It has a zero-deflection scale, which is useful for testing low-power circuits. The accuracy of the device is ±3.0% of full scale. It can measure the peak-to-peak values of input signals (triangular, square-wave) with a 20% duty cycle. 

The multimeter can also measure resistances up to 200mΩ and is highly sensitive for lower-value capacitances. It is recommended to use the device in an environment with a temperature below 40 degrees Celsius and a maximum altitude of 2000m indoors. The pollution degree should be level II.

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#7

Sanwa YX361TR

Finishing out the list is another solid offering from Sanwa. The YX361TR analog multimeter is specifically designed for low-voltage circuits and has an average accuracy of 3% of the full-scale reading. This device is capable of measuring DC voltages using the null reading or zero methods, and it can measure both negative and positive readings. 

Additionally, it can measure DC current up to 0.25A and AC Voltage up to a maximum of 1000V. The YX-361TR is also capable of measuring signal power in dB ranging from -10dB to +62dB, and it can check the continuity of a capable or a trace. An LED output is provided for this purpose. A must-have for electricians. At a slightly higher price point, we believe it's merited as the quality of this multi-meter will deliver in spades. 

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Final Tips

Our final tip is to pay careful attention to the application of each analog multimeter as well as the quality of the brand. While this list is dedicated to those on the market for Analog units. Investigate the differences with digital multimeters. Analog multimeters display results in analog form and do not require an analog-to-digital converter. On the other hand, digital converters specifically require an analog-to-digital converter.

In many cases, Analog multimeters have lower accuracy compared to digital multimeters, as digital multimeters provide more accurate results. For the best all-around solution, we recommend reading through reviews and guides to ensure choosing a product that fits your needs. Hopefully, this list has been helpful, and thanks for stopping by!