Test & Measurement Reviews, The Tested Hub

Reviews of multimeters, calipers, light meters, clamp meters, and precision measurement tools available on Amazon.

TOP PICK MID-RANGE

Extech 401025 Foot Candle/Lux Light Meter

Light Measurement

Extech 401025 Foot Candle/Lux Light Meter

★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 1,820 owner reviews

The Extech 401025 Foot Candle/Lux Light Meter is the budget-friendly lighting meter for lighting design, OSHA compliance verification, and office lighting assessment. The 4-range automatic switching covers 0 to 50,000 lux (4,650 foot-candles), the +/- 5% accuracy meets most building inspection needs, the data hold and max/min functions enable comparative measurement, and the price is dramatically cheaper than Konica Minolta professional alternatives. The trade is the slower response time vs Konica and limited spectral correction for non-standard light sources.

+Pros: 0-50,000 lux range covers most lighting situations · +/- 5% accuracy meets OSHA verification · Data hold and max/min functions

−Cons: Slower response time vs Konica · Limited spectral correction for non-standard light

$79

View on Amazon →

TOP PICK MID-RANGE

Extech 445815 Big Digit Hygro-Thermometer

Temperature & Humidity

Extech 445815 Big Digit Hygro-Thermometer

★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 1,820 owner reviews

The Extech 445815 Big Digit Hygro-Thermometer is the mid-range temperature and humidity meter for HVAC technicians and indoor air quality assessment. The +/- 1F temperature accuracy and +/- 4% RH humidity accuracy meet most HVAC commissioning needs, the large 0.7-inch digits are readable from across a room, the included clip-on probe enables remote measurement, and the price is dramatically cheaper than Fluke's professional hygrometers. The trade is the slower response time vs Fluke and limited datalogging.

+Pros: +/- 1F temperature accuracy · +/- 4% RH humidity accuracy · Large 0.7-inch readable digits

−Cons: Slower response time vs Fluke · Limited datalogging

$49.99

View on Amazon →

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Fluke 323 True-RMS AC Clamp Meter

Electrical Testing

Fluke 323 True-RMS AC Clamp Meter

★★★★★ 4.7/5 · 4,280 owner reviews

The Fluke 323 True-RMS AC Clamp Meter is the clamp meter working electricians actually buy. The True-RMS measurement handles non-sinusoidal AC waveforms (variable-frequency drives, electronic loads) accurately, the 1-inch jaw clearance accommodates typical residential and commercial wiring, the CAT IV 600V safety rating handles real-world electrical work, and the Fluke build quality is genuinely 10+ year durable in heavy industrial use. The trade is real money for what is technically a clamp meter and the missing DC current capability (323 is AC-only).

+Pros: True-RMS accurate on non-sinusoidal waveforms · 1-inch jaw clearance for typical wiring · CAT IV 600V safety rating

−Cons: AC-only (no DC current measurement) · $169 is real money

$169

View on Amazon →

TOP PICK MID-RANGE

Klein Tools MM6000 Electrician Multimeter (CAT IV 1000V)

Electrical Testing

Klein Tools MM6000 Electrician Multimeter (CAT IV 1000V)

★★★★★ 4.6/5 · 4,280 owner reviews

The Klein Tools MM6000 Electrician Multimeter is the working electrician's multimeter that combines extensive features and budget pricing. The CAT IV 1000V safety rating handles real-world electrical work, the True-RMS measurement is accurate on non-sinusoidal waveforms, the temperature, frequency, capacitance, and continuity functions cover virtually every electrical test, and the price is dramatically cheaper than Fluke 87V. The trade is build quality slightly below Fluke and a slightly slower readout.

+Pros: CAT IV 1000V safety rating · True-RMS measurement · Temperature, frequency, capacitance, continuity

−Cons: Build quality slightly below Fluke · Slower readout vs Fluke

$119

View on Amazon →

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Mitutoyo 500-196-30 6-Inch Absolute Digital Caliper

Dimensional Measurement

Mitutoyo 500-196-30 6-Inch Absolute Digital Caliper

★★★★★ 4.8/5 · 8,420 owner reviews

The Mitutoyo 500-196-30 6-Inch Absolute Digital Caliper is the precision measurement tool working machinists rely on. The Absolute encoder measures from origin (zero) regardless of power state, the +/- 0.001 in (0.025 mm) accuracy meets ANSI B89.6.2 precision standards, the hardened stainless steel jaws resist wear, and the SR44 battery delivers 5+ years of typical use. The trade is real money for a caliper and a Mitutoyo brand premium that matches the build quality.

+Pros: Absolute encoder remembers origin between power cycles · +/- 0.001 in (0.025 mm) accuracy · Hardened stainless steel jaws

−Cons: $149 is real money for a caliper · Battery dependent

$149

View on Amazon →