Gardner Bender Digital Multimeter: 12 Listings Compared

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Every fact in this guide comes from the product names, specification fields and seller descriptions on the 12 Amazon listings below. Those details have not been checked against the meters themselves, so treat them as the sellers’ published figures and confirm anything that matters to you on the product page before you order.

This set does not match its title. Only one listing carries the Gardner Bender name, and it is an analog meter with a needle and a dial, not a digital meter. The other eleven come from other brands. They include nine handheld digital multimeters, one clamp meter that measures current without opening a circuit, and one credit-card-sized tester. This guide covers all 12 as listed, and it says plainly where a listing’s type does not fit the title.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for people who need a meter for household electrical checks, automotive work, or general electronics, and who want to compare the measurement ranges, safety ratings and accessories before they buy. It is also for buyers who want a digital readout specifically, since most listings here are digital, and who should know that one listing is not.

It is not a ranking. No meter in this set is named the winner. A meter that is right for testing batteries is not necessarily right for testing mains outlets, and a meter with a high voltage rating may be more than a car job needs. The sections below help you match the listing to the job.

Quick comparison table

The table lists the main figures each listing gives. “Not stated” means the listing does not give the figure. “Not confirmed” means the listing gives figures that disagree, and the notes explain each case once.

Listing	Type	Highest voltage (listed)	AC current (listed)	Resistance (listed)	Safety rating (listed)	Warranty
AstroAI Digital Clamp Meter	Clamp meter	600 V AC	Up to 400 A	Up to 20 MΩ	CAT III 600 V	Not stated
QCL-TECH 7-Function Multimeter	Digital handheld	250 V AC and DC	Not stated	Up to 2000 kΩ	Not stated	Not stated
DEASOMIYE T21D Auto-Ranging	Digital handheld	600 V AC and DC	Up to 10 A	Not stated	CAT III 600 V	30 days (description)
Innova 3340 Automotive	Digital handheld	Not stated	Up to 15 A	Not stated	Not stated	1 year limited
Gardner Bender GMT-318	Analog	500 V AC and DC	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	1 year limited
UNI-T UT161E	Digital handheld	1000 V AC and DC	Up to 20 A	Up to 220 MΩ	CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V	Not stated
Fluke 87V	Digital handheld	1000 V AC and DC	Not stated	Not stated	CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V	10 years
Hioki 3244-60	Card-size tester	500 V AC and DC	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated
Lscsdf FS899L	Digital handheld	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated
NJTY T3	Digital handheld	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	2 year
TESMEN TSM-599	Digital handheld	Not stated	Listed in manual mode	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated
ANENG Digital Multimeter	Digital handheld	Not stated	Listed	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated

The table shows how thin many listings are. Only four list a safety category rating, and only three give a voltage range higher than 250 V with a current range. The most useful figures to compare are the safety rating, the voltage range and the warranty, because those are the figures that matter most when a meter is used on live circuits.

What the figures mean for your job

Most of the listings use the same vocabulary, so it helps to know what each term tells you.

Counts. A count is the highest reading the display can show before it overloads. A 2000-count meter shows values up to about 2000 in the selected range. A 6000-count meter has finer resolution, and the UNI-T listing gives 22,000 counts. The count does not describe accuracy on its own. Accuracy is a separate figure, which several listings state as a percentage plus a number of digits.

Auto-ranging and manual ranging. An auto-ranging meter chooses its measurement range for you. A manual meter asks you to turn a dial to the range. The Gardner Bender listing is manual, with a 15-position rotary dial. Most of the digital listings say they are auto-ranging, and the Fluke listing describes a switchable display resolution instead.

True RMS. Several digital listings say they are true RMS. The listing uses the term to describe how the meter reads AC signals. Only the listing can tell you whether the meter is true RMS, so check the name in the specification fields.

Non-contact voltage (NCV). Many listings include NCV, a detector that signals the presence of AC voltage without touching a wire. It is a useful first check, but it does not replace a direct measurement with the leads.

Continuity and diode tests. Most digital listings include a continuity buzzer for checking whether a circuit is complete. Some also test diodes and transistors.

Safety category. Some listings name a category rating such as CAT III 600 V or CAT IV 600 V. The rating tells you the environment and voltage the meter is rated for. Match the rating to the job, not just the voltage. The listings with the highest ratings are the UNI-T and Fluke meters, both rated CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V.

How to choose a meter from this set

Start with the job, then narrow the list.

Household outlets, batteries and simple continuity. A basic digital meter with AC and DC voltage, continuity and resistance covers most of these tasks. The QCL-TECH, NJTY, TESMEN and ANENG listings all cover that range, although the QCL-TECH AC range tops out at 250 V.

Automotive checks. The Innova is described for automotive work, with current up to 15 A and a 10 MΩ input impedance. The listing also describes temperature and RPM accessories, but those are not confirmed in the included-components field, as explained in its notes below.

Current measurement. Eight listings name current measurement. Five give a maximum: AstroAI, QCL-TECH, DEASOMIYE, Innova and UNI-T. The other three, TESMEN, ANENG and Lscsdf, name current without a maximum. The AstroAI clamp measures AC current, and its listing says it cannot test DC current. The QCL-TECH lists DC current only.

Industrial or high-voltage work. The UNI-T and Fluke listings are the only two with CAT III 1000 V ratings. Both are digital handhelds, and the Fluke has the stated 10-year warranty.

Pocket carry. The Hioki card-size tester is the smallest listing, with dimensions of about 2.2 by 4.3 inches and a thickness under 1 centimeter. Its specification lists measurement ranges and overload protection but not a category rating.

Rechargeable use. The NJTY and Lscsdf listings are rechargeable over USB Type-C or micro-USB. The other digital listings name disposable batteries, except the Hioki, whose power source is not stated.

Phone or computer logging. The UNI-T listing describes an app and a data link, but the Bluetooth adapter for PC use is not in its included-components list.

Checks to run before you buy

Confirm the safety rating for your job. Read the category rating and the voltage. If a listing states no rating, do not assume one.
Confirm the measurement ranges you need. Check voltage, current and resistance, and the highest value each one reaches.
Check the battery type. Some listings include batteries, others do not state a count, and the Lscsdf listing does not name a power source.
Check the included items. The Innova, ANENG and UNI-T listings each have a mismatch or a missing part between their fields and descriptions.
Check the model number. The Fluke and Lscsdf listings have model fields that disagree with the title.
Check the dimensions and weight. The AstroAI listing gives two different sets of dimensions.
Check the warranty and the seller. Warranties range from none stated to 10 years in the listings.

Product-by-product notes

The notes follow the order of the table. Each one covers the listed facts, the points that need checking, and who the meter suits.

AstroAI Digital Clamp Meter

The AstroAI Digital Clamp Meter is a clamp meter with 2000 counts, auto and manual ranging, and a backlit display with a flashlight. It measures AC and DC voltage up to 600 V, AC current in ranges up to 400 A, resistance up to 20 MΩ, capacitance up to 2 mF, and continuity. It also has a live wire test and non-contact voltage detection. The listing gives a category rating of CAT III 600 V and a pollution degree of 2, with an altitude limit under 2000 meters. Two AAA batteries are included, and the item weighs about 203 grams.

The listing says the clamp cannot measure DC current. The dimensions are Not confirmed, because the inch figures (8.46 by 4.53 by 1.77 inches) and the millimeter figures (195 by 68 by 29 mm) do not describe the same size. The storage temperature is also Not confirmed, because the Fahrenheit range runs to 122 degrees, which is 50 degrees Celsius, while the Celsius range is given as minus 10 to 6 degrees.

Best for: AC current checks where a clamp is the right tool, and where a CAT III 600 V rating fits the job.

Avoid if: you need DC current, or you need the dimensions and storage range confirmed before you buy.

QCL-TECH 7-Function Digital Multimeter

The QCL-TECH 7-Function Digital Multimeter covers DC voltage from 200 mV to 250 V, AC voltage in ranges up to 250 V, DC current up to 5 A, and resistance up to 2000 kΩ. It also tests transistors, diodes and batteries. The display is a 3½-digit LCD with low-battery and over-range indicators. The overload protection is a fast-acting 5 A fuse. The item weighs 145 grams and runs on a 9-volt battery.

The listing does not give AC current ranges or a safety category rating. Its manufacturer field reads Ruikes, while the brand is QCL-TECH, and the listing does not explain the difference. The color field reads QF-954, which is a model code, not a color.

Best for: battery checks, basic voltage and resistance readings, and diode and transistor tests at a modest voltage range.

Avoid if: you need AC current (the listing gives DC current only), a safety category rating, or a voltage range above 250 V.

DEASOMIYE T21D Auto-Ranging Multimeter

The DEASOMIYE T21D Auto-Ranging Multimeter is an auto-ranging true RMS meter with 6000 counts. The listing gives voltage up to 600 V and current up to 10 A, and it names a category rating of CAT III 600 V. It also measures frequency, capacitance, diodes, temperature with a thermocouple, live wires and batteries, and it includes non-contact voltage detection. The safety features listed are a double ceramic fuse and a thermistor protection circuit.

The package includes three AAA batteries, a probe test lead set, a thermocouple, two safety tubes and a user manual, per the packing list. The description refers to a 30-day manufacturer guarantee, which is not repeated in the specification fields. The item weighs 300 grams.

Best for: general-purpose work where auto-ranging, temperature and frequency readings are useful, and where a CAT III 600 V rating fits.

Avoid if: you need a CAT IV rating or a warranty longer than the 30 days in the description.

Innova 3340 Professional Automotive Multimeter

The Innova 3340 Professional Automotive Multimeter is written for engine and automotive diagnosis. The listing says it tests alternator diodes, duty cycle, solenoids, breaker points, wiring and switches. It has auto-ranging, auto shut-off and overload protection, measures current up to 15 amps, and has a 10 megaohm input impedance, which the listing says helps protect a vehicle’s electronic control unit. The warranty is one year, limited. The item weighs 8 ounces.

Two points are Not confirmed. The power source field reads “Corded Electric,” which does not fit a handheld meter with no mains cord mentioned elsewhere in the listing, so confirm it before you rely on the meter. The included-components field lists only the meter, but the description also lists a temperature probe, an inductive RPM clamp and a carrying case. Check which of those you will receive.

Best for: automotive diagnosis where a one-year limited warranty and a 10 megaohm input are the right fit.

Avoid if: you need the RPM clamp or the temperature probe confirmed, or you need the power source confirmed.

Gardner Bender GMT-318 Analog Multimeter

The Gardner Bender GMT-318 Analog Multimeter is the only Gardner Bender listing in this set, and it is an analog meter. It has a needle display with color-coded scales, six functions and 14 ranges, selected with a 15-position rotary dial. It is manual, so you must set the range yourself. The listing says it has fuse overload protection and carries an agency approval, which is not described in more detail. The title names AC and DC volts up to 500 V. The item weighs 4.96 ounces, and the listing gives a one-year limited warranty.

This is not a digital meter, so it does not match the title’s description. It is the right choice only if you want a needle display and manual ranging. The listing does not give a category rating.

Best for: buyers who want an analog needle display, a manual dial, and a one-year limited warranty.

Avoid if: you need a digital readout, auto-ranging, or a category rating stated in the listing.

UNI-T UT161E Digital Multimeter

The UNI-T UT161E Digital Multimeter is a true RMS meter with 22,000 counts. It measures AC and DC voltage up to 1000 V, AC and DC current up to 20 A, resistance up to 220 MΩ, capacitance up to 220 mF, frequency up to 220 MHz, duty cycle from 0.1 to 99.9 percent, and transistor hFE. It has non-contact voltage detection, data hold, backlight, max and min readings, and a relative mode. The specification field names CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V. The item weighs 1.5 pounds.

The listing describes PC connection through a Bluetooth adapter, model UT-D07B, and an app for phones. The included items list a USB cable and software, but not the adapter, so the adapter is Not confirmed as included. The warranty is not stated.

Best for: buyers who want a high-count true RMS meter with a CAT IV 600 V rating and phone or computer logging.

Avoid if: you do not want to use the app, or you need the adapter included with the meter.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

The Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is an industrial true RMS meter that measures up to 1000 V AC and DC. The listing describes peak min and max capture as fast as 250 microseconds, a low-pass filter for frequency readings on adjustable speed drives, and a switchable display resolution of 6000 or 20,000 counts. It carries CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V ratings. The included items are the meter, TL75 test leads, AC175 alligator clips, a holster and a temperature probe. The warranty field states 10 years. The item weighs 1.3 pounds, with dimensions of 9.49 by 6.5 by 3.5 inches.

The model field reads FLUKE-87-5, while the title and the included items name the 87V. The model is therefore Not confirmed. The safety-standard field reads “(Unset),” which is not a value, so that field is Not stated in the listing, though the category rating in the description is given.

Best for: buyers who want an industrial meter with a stated 10-year warranty, a CAT IV 600 V rating, and the leads and holster included.

Avoid if: you need the model number confirmed, or you want a compact meter, since the Fluke measures 9.49 by 6.5 by 3.5 inches.

Hioki 3244-60 Card HiTester and Digital Multimeter

The Hioki 3244-60 Card HiTester and Digital Multimeter is a card-size tester with full auto-ranging and automatic power saving. The listing gives voltage up to 500 V AC and DC, and overload protection to 500 V for the resistance and continuity functions. It has gold-plated leads with a 15-millimeter tip pin. The body is listed at under 1 centimeter thick, and the specification fields give dimensions of 2 5/32 by 4 9/32 by 23/64 inches. The item weighs about 60 grams.

The title gives 41.99 megaohms for resistance, but the specification fields do not repeat that figure. The power source field reads “419.9mv to 500v,” which is a measurement range, not a power source, so the power source is Not stated in the listing. No category rating is named, although the standards list includes IEC 61010-1.

Best for: pocket carry, continuity and resistance checks, and voltage checks up to 500 V where the thin body matters.

Avoid if: you need a category rating, a large display, or a confirmed power source.

Lscsdf FS899L USB Rechargeable Multimeter

The Lscsdf FS899L USB Rechargeable Multimeter has 6000 counts, a 4.8-inch color screen, a backlight and an LED flashlight. The listing describes AC and DC voltage and current, capacitance, resistance, NCV, diode and continuity tests, and live (firewire) and null wire recognition. The temperature display is shown on the screen. It is USB rechargeable, with a built-in 200 mA battery that charges by micro data cable, which is included. The item measures 5.98 by 2.87 by 0.79 inches.

The model field and the part number both read “Lscsdf,” which is the brand, while the title names FS899L. So the model stays Not confirmed. The listing does not give a power source field, a weight, a voltage range, or a category rating, so those are Not stated in the listing. The warranty is not stated.

Best for: buyers who want a rechargeable meter with a large colour screen and a backlight for dim spaces.

Avoid if: you need the model confirmed, or a category rating and specific voltage ranges stated in the listing.

NJTY T3 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter

The NJTY T3 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter is a rechargeable meter with auto-ranging, a 3.2-inch color display and 4000 counts. The listing describes AC and DC voltage, resistance, continuity and non-contact voltage detection. It charges through a Type-C port and turns off after about 15 minutes without use. The item measures 6 by 3.4 by 1.5 inches and includes the meter, a six-country manual, an after-sales card and a Type-C cable. The warranty is two years.

The measurement-type field reads “Voltmeter,” while the title says multimeter. The features describe voltage, resistance and continuity, and the listing does not describe current or capacitance measurement. Treat the meter as a voltage, resistance and continuity tool unless the seller confirms more. No category rating is given in the listing.

Best for: voltage and continuity checks with a rechargeable battery and a two-year warranty.

Avoid if: you need current or capacitance readings, or a category rating stated in the listing.

TESMEN TSM-599 Smart Digital Multimeter

The TESMEN TSM-599 Smart Digital Multimeter has 6000 counts, a true RMS reading, and two modes. In automatic mode it measures AC and DC voltage, resistance and continuity. In manual mode it adds AC and DC current, diodes, capacitance, frequency with duty cycle, temperature, non-contact voltage and live wire testing. It has a 10 A, 250 V fuse, an insulated silicone casing, data hold, a backlight, a flashlight and a fold-out stand. The meter turns off after 15 minutes without use and has a low-battery indicator. The standards field lists CSA and ETL.

The specification field lists the meter, test leads, a bag, batteries and a manual. The description also lists a thermocouple, which the specification field does not. The listing does not state a category rating or a warranty.

Best for: buyers who want both an automatic mode for everyday checks and a manual mode for current and temperature readings.

Avoid if: you need a category rating or a warranty stated in the listing.

ANENG Digital Multimeter with Case

The ANENG Digital Multimeter with Case is a handheld meter that measures AC and DC voltage, current, resistance, continuity and diodes. It has data hold, a built-in live wire detector and a fold-out kickstand, and it has a non-slip silicone sleeve. The listing gives no voltage, current or resistance ranges, no category rating, no warranty and no dimensions or weight.

The included-components field lists only the multimeter. The description says the kit includes two pre-installed AA batteries, a silicone case and a pair of test leads. Those two lists do not agree, so the kit is Not confirmed. The title says “with case,” which matches the description but not the specification field.

Best for: buyers who want a basic voltage, current and resistance meter with a stand, and who can confirm the kit before they order.

Avoid if: you need the included items or the measurement ranges confirmed, or a category rating.

Who should buy one of these, and who should skip them

Buy a basic digital meter if you need voltage, continuity and resistance for household or hobby work and do not need a category rating. The QCL-TECH, NJTY, TESMEN and ANENG listings are the closest fit, with the caveats in their notes.

Buy a higher-rated meter if you work on circuits where the voltage and the environment matter. The UNI-T and Fluke listings carry CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V ratings, and the DEASOMIYE carries CAT III 600 V.

Buy the clamp meter if you need to measure AC current without opening a circuit, and the job does not need DC current. The AstroAI listing covers that task.

Buy the analog meter only if you prefer a needle display and manual ranging. It is the only analog meter in the set, and it is not digital.

Skip the listings with unconfirmed kits or models if you need the exact parts or the exact product. The Innova, Fluke, Lscsdf, UNI-T and ANENG listings each have an open question.

Skip any listing without a stated category rating if the job involves live mains circuits. Most of the set states no rating, and a meter rated for a lower voltage environment is not a substitute for one rated for the job.

Use situations

Batteries and small electronics. The QCL-TECH listing names battery and transistor tests. The Hioki card-size tester fits a pocket for quick continuity checks.

Household outlets and circuits. The DEASOMIYE, UNI-T and Fluke listings state voltage ranges above 250 V. Check the category rating before you test live circuits, and follow the meter’s instructions.

Automotive checks. The Innova listing names automotive tests, including alternator diodes and solenoids. The AstroAI clamp can measure AC current, though its listing does not describe automotive use.

Logging readings. The UNI-T listing describes a PC connection and a phone app. Confirm the Bluetooth adapter is in the box before you plan logging.

Dim spaces. Several listings describe a backlight, including AstroAI, DEASOMIYE, Lscsdf and UNI-T. AstroAI, DEASOMIYE, Lscsdf and TESMEN also describe a flashlight.

Temperature readings. The DEASOMIYE and TESMEN listings include a thermocouple. The Innova listing describes a temperature probe in its description, but that is not confirmed as included.

Care and maintenance

The listings give little detail on care, so these steps are general. Store the meter in its case, keep the leads free of cuts, and replace the batteries when the low-battery indicator appears.

The fused models name fuses in their listings. The QCL-TECH lists 5 A fast-acting fuses, and the TESMEN lists a 10 A, 250 V fuse. If a fuse blows, replace it with one of the same rating from the manufacturer or seller, not a higher one. The DEASOMIYE lists double ceramic fuses.

The AstroAI listing states a storage range. Because its Fahrenheit and Celsius figures disagree, store the meter within the operating range the listing gives in both units, and check with the seller if the storage range matters for your use.

The rechargeable models, NJTY and Lscsdf, should be charged with the cable each listing names. Use the included cable, and do not leave the meter charging unattended.

Common mistakes

Choosing by counts alone. A higher count shows finer resolution but does not describe accuracy or safety. Check the category rating and the accuracy figures.

Assuming a rating applies to every function. Some listings state a rating for voltage only. Read the rating against the function you will use.

Buying a digital meter for an analog title. The Gardner Bender listing is analog. If you need a digital readout, choose one of the digital listings instead.

Trusting an included-items list without checking the description. The Innova and ANENG listings show how the two can disagree.

Ignoring the power source. The Innova lists corded electric, and the Hioki lists a measurement range where the power source should be. Check the battery or power requirement before you buy.

Assuming warranty coverage. Warranties range from none stated to 10 years. Read the warranty field and the description before you rely on one.

Decision rules

If you need a category rating stated in the listing, shortlist the AstroAI, DEASOMIYE, UNI-T and Fluke listings, and then check each rating against the job.
If you need a stated warranty longer than one year, shortlist the Fluke (10 years) and the NJTY (2 years).
If you need AC current without opening a circuit, shortlist the AstroAI clamp, and confirm the DC current limit before you buy.
If you need a digital readout, do not choose the Gardner Bender analog listing.
If the model or the included kit is not confirmed for the listing you want, check with the seller before ordering.
If you need a pocket tool for continuity and resistance, shortlist the Hioki card-size tester, and accept that it states no category rating.

The analog option in this set

The Gardner Bender GMT-318 is an analog meter, not a digital one. Its listing describes six functions across 14 ranges, a 15-position rotary dial, and color-coded analog displays for easy reading. Range selection is manual, and the listing says the meter has replaceable test leads and fuse overload protection. A needle can show a trend, such as a voltage that rises or falls, that a digital display may hide behind a single number.

Digital meters in the same set show a number directly. The DEASOMIYE T21D lists 6000 counts with TRUE RMS, auto-ranging, a double ceramic fuse and a thermistor protection circuit. The Lscsdf FS899L lists a 4.8-inch colour screen and a built-in 200 mA battery charged over micro USB. The NJTY T3 lists 4000 counts, a Type-C charging port and a 2-year warranty.

Which meter suits which job

Manual range: the Gardner Bender GMT-318 needs you to choose the range on its 15-position dial.
Auto-ranging: the DEASOMIYE T21D, NJTY T3 and Hioki 3244-60 list automatic ranging.
Current: the TESMEN TSM-599 includes a 10 A, 250 V fuse. The QCL-TECH QF-954 lists DC current ranges from 200 uA to 5 A.
Automotive: the Innova 3340 measures up to 15 amps, lists 10 MegOhm input impedance and includes an inductive RPM clamp.

Safety ratings and warranty

The UNI-T UT161E lists CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V, with an audible and visible alarm for high voltage or current. The Fluke 87V lists CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V and a 10-year warranty. Confirm the rating on the live listing for any meter you plan to use on mains supply.

Battery and power

The ANENG listing includes two pre-installed AA batteries and a fold-out kickstand. The TESMEN listing includes four AAA batteries, a thermocouple, and an automatic shut-off after 15 minutes. The QCL-TECH listing uses a single 9 V battery. Battery type affects replacement cost, so check the listing before you buy.

Test leads and protection on the bench

The Gardner Bender listing includes replaceable test leads and a set of operating instructions. The Hioki 3244-60 listing describes gold-plated test leads with a 15 mm tip pin, and overload protection to 500 volts on its resistance and continuity functions. The listing gives a palm-sized body, less than 1 cm thin. The Innova 3340 includes a temperature probe, an inductive RPM clamp and a carrying case, so it arrives as a kit. Check which leads and accessories ship with the meter you choose.

Analog bars next to digital readings

Some digital meters in this set add an analog bar to the number. The TESMEN TSM-599 listing describes an analog bar beside its colour display for quick reference, and the UNI-T UT161E lists a 46-segment analog bar. A bar shows whether a reading is rising or falling without reading the digits, which is useful when you probe a circuit that changes. The Gardner Bender dial works the same way, through its needle, but it needs a manual range to be set first.

Analog and digital: how to choose

The Gardner Bender GMT-318 is an analog multimeter. Its listing gives six functions across 14 ranges, read on a 15-position rotary dial with colour-coded analog scales. The listing says it has manual range selection, replaceable test leads, fuse overload protection and an agency approval. An analog needle is easy to watch for a rising or falling trend, while a digital display gives a precise number. Choose the style that matches the reading you need most.

Voltage and range limits

The GMT-318 is rated to 500 volts on its voltage ranges, which covers household outlets and most low-voltage DC work. Because the range is manual, check the dial before you connect the leads, so a wrong range does not put the needle off the scale or damage the fuse. The AstroAI clamp meter in this set is rated to overvoltage category III 600 volts, which is a different rating and a different tool, so do not compare the two figures as if they were the same.

Fuse protection

The listing says the GMT-318 includes fuse overload protection, which cuts the risk of damage when the meter is set to the wrong range. A blown fuse is a common fault on any multimeter, so check the fuse and the spare fuse position before a job. Replacement fuses are a small cost, but a meter without fuse protection can be damaged by a single wrong setting.

Who should buy an analog meter

Buy the GMT-318 if you want a simple pocket meter for voltage, resistance and continuity, and you like to watch a needle move. Skip it if you need current measurement without breaking the circuit, since the GMT-318 listing does not describe a clamp. For current on a live wire, the AstroAI clamp meter in this set is the better choice.

Related reading: multimeter picks and digital voltmeter options.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Gardner Bender listing a digital meter? No. The GMT-318 is an analog meter with a needle display and a manual dial. It is the only Gardner Bender listing in this set.

Which meter has the highest safety rating? The UNI-T and Fluke listings both state CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V. The AstroAI and DEASOMIYE list CAT III 600 V.

Which measures current? The AstroAI clamp measures AC current up to 400 A. The UNI-T lists current up to 20 A, the Innova up to 15 A, the DEASOMIYE up to 10 A, and the QCL-TECH DC current up to 5 A. The TESMEN, ANENG and Lscsdf name current without a maximum. The Hioki does not list current.

Which has a warranty? The Fluke lists 10 years, the NJTY 2 years, and the Innova and Gardner Bender each list one year, limited. The DEASOMIYE description refers to 30 days. The others state no warranty in the listing.

Do the meters include batteries? Some do. The DEASOMIYE, TESMEN and AstroAI listings name batteries in their included items, and the ANENG listing gives different answers in its two fields. The Fluke lists alkaline power, the QCL-TECH lists a 9-volt battery, and the NJTY and Lscsdf recharge over USB.

Can I use a meter in a car? The Innova is described for automotive work, and the AstroAI clamp measures AC current. Check the category rating and the measurement range for the car job before you use the meter.