Best True RMS Multimeters of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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True RMS multimeters are electronic devices that are widely used by electricians, engineers, and technicians to measure electrical signals accurately. These devices can measure both AC and DC signals and provide accurate readings even for non-sinusoidal waveforms. Unlike average responding multimeters, true RMS multimeters can accurately measure signals with harmonic distortions, making them an essential tool for troubleshooting complex electrical systems. They are available in different models and sizes, ranging from handheld devices to benchtop units, and come with various features such as data logging, Bluetooth connectivity, and high-resolution displays for easy reading. Overall, true RMS multimeters are a reliable and versatile tool for anyone working with electrical systems.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fieldpiece SC260 Compact HVACR True RMS Clamp Meter Cover #TOP 1
Fieldpiece SC260 Compact HVACR True RMS Clamp Meter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage Detection Cover #TOP 2
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage Detection
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter Cover #TOP 3
Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 True RMS Multimeters

Fieldpiece SC260 Compact HVACR True RMS Clamp Meter

SC260
1 pack
Fieldpiece SC260 Compact HVACR True RMS Clamp Meter Cover
Fieldpiece Compact HVACR Clamp Multimeter SC260 – True RMS Clamp Meter with Temperature, Capacitance & Backlight

Fieldpiece Compact HVACR Clamp Multimeter SC260 is a durable and compact device designed for electrical HVACR service in hot and cold environment. It offers non-contact voltage and amperage readings, continuity warning, diode test, and auto-select mode. The sturdy swivel magnet allows for hands-free measurements, while its higher accuracy VAC and AAC readings, True RMS, temperature, capacitance and backlight make it a reliable device.

What We Like
Durable clamp meter with higher accuracy VAC & AAC readings, True RMS, temperature, and capacitance.
Non-contact voltage (NCV) & amperage readings, continuity warning & diode test.
Auto Select mode for capacitance and resistance measurements.
#TOP 2

Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage Detection

FLUKE-117
Yellow
1) Standard
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage Detection Cover
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter, Non-Contact AC Voltage Detection, Measures Resistance/Continuity/Frequency/Capacitance/Min Max Average, Automatic AC/DC Voltage Selection, Low Impedance Mode

The Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is a versatile tool with VoltAlert technology that allows for non-contact voltage detection. It also features AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection, low input impedance to prevent false readings, a large LED backlight for working in poorly lit areas, and True RMS for accurate measurements on non-linear loads. With a battery life of up to 400 hours, this multimeter is a reliable choice for measuring resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance.

What We Like
VoltAlert technology for non-contact voltage detection.
AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection.
Low input impedance to prevent false readings.
#TOP 3

Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter

Yellow
Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter Cover
Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter, Measures AC/DC Voltage To 600 V & Current to 10 A, Measures Resistance, Continuity, Frequency & Capacitance, Includes Battery, Holster & 4mm PVC-Insulated Test Lead

The Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter is a versatile tool for measuring AC/DC voltage up to 600V, resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance. It features true-rms for accurate measurements on non-linear loads and is safety rated. The large white LED backlight allows you to work in poorly lit areas, and it can measure 20A (30 seconds momentary; 10A continuous). It is also CAT III 600V safety rated and has an operating temperature of -10°C to +50°C and storage temperature of -40°C to +60°C. With the ability to check continuity, frequency, capacitance, and diode test, this multimeter is a must-have for professionals.

What We Like
Versatile tool for measuring various electrical parameters
True-rms for accurate measurements on non-linear loads
Safety rated and can measure up to 20A
Large white LED backlight for working in poorly lit areas
Can check continuity, frequency, capacitance, and diode test
#TOP 4

Fluke 177 True-RMS Digital Multimeter

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Fluke 177 True-RMS Digital Multimeter Cover
Fluke 177 True-RMS Digital Multimeter

The Fluke 177 True-RMS Digital Multimeter offers a large 6000 counts, updates 4 x second digital and 33 segments, updates 40 x second analog bar graph display. It has an automatic turn off feature to save battery life and a Hold function to freeze the display at the push of a button. The meter also has Minimum, Maximum, and Average reading memory, and the ability to measure frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diodes. Additionally, the ergonomic case has an integrated protective holster for durability.

What We Like
Large display for easy reading
Automatic turn off feature to save battery life
Ability to measure frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diodes
Hold function to freeze the display at the push of a button
Ergonomic case with integrated protective holster for durability
#TOP 5

Fluke 87V MAX True-RMS Digital Multimeter

FLK-87VMAX
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Fluke 87V MAX True-RMS Digital Multimeter Cover
Fluke 87V MAX True-RMS Digital Multimeter, Rugged, Waterproof and Dustproof IP67 Rated, Up to 800 Hour Battery Capacity, Built-In Thermometer, Withstands Drops Up To 13 Feet, Includes TL175 Test Leads

The Fluke 87V MAX True-RMS Digital Multimeter is a rugged, waterproof and dustproof IP67 rated tool designed to withstand harsh environments. It features upgraded test leads and True-RMS accuracy with all functions of 87v. The meter is safety rated CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V to ensure your safety. The built-in thermometer and TL175 test leads are included for added convenience. With up to 800 hour battery capacity, this tool is perfect for both professional and personal use.

What We Like
Rugged, waterproof and dustproof IP67 rating with 4-meter drop proven
True-RMS accuracy with all functions of 87v and upgraded test leads
Safety rated CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V meter to ensure your safety
#TOP 6

DEASOMIYE True RMS Digital Multimeter Tester

DEASOMIYE
T28B
DEASOMIYE True RMS Digital Multimeter Tester Cover
True RMS Digital Multimeter Tester, Auto-Ranging AC DC 20A Ohmmeter 1000V Voltmeter with NCV, Measure Voltage Current Amp Resistance Diode Continuity Duty-Cycle Capacitance Temperature, for Home Auto

The DEASOMIYE Multimeter Tester is a high-performance digital multimeter that is perfect for home improvement, industrial, automotive, and household electrical problems. With the ability to measure up to 1000V AC/DC voltage, 20A AC/DC current, and 60M Ohms resistance, this multimeter is a must-have tool. It features auto-ranging measurement, which means you no longer have to manually set the dial based on a range. The non-contact voltage testing and live function with sound and light alarm ensure safety when working with outlets, sockets, and terminals. The upgraded high accuracy chip and TRUE RMS provide higher range and more accurate readings, making this multimeter an excellent helper for electrical testing. Safety compliance, user-friendly design, and a comprehensive packing list make this multimeter reliable and convenient to use.

What We Like
High Performance
Auto-Ranging Measurement
No Contact Voltage Test
#TOP 7

Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight and Thermometer

Yellow
Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight and Thermometer Cover
Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight, Includes Built-In Thermometer to Measure Temperature, Measures True-RMS AC Current and Voltage, Frequency, Capacitance, Resistance, Continuity and Diode

The Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight and Thermometer is an industrial thermometer combo kit that features a full-featured DMM with advanced electronic troubleshooting functions. It comes with an 80BK temperature probe, installed 9V battery, test leads, and user manual. This multimeter can measure True-RMS AC current and voltage, frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diode. It is perfect for those who need a reliable tool for their electronic troubleshooting tasks.

What We Like
Includes a built-in thermometer for measuring temperature
Measures True-RMS AC current and voltage, frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diode
Comes with an 80BK temperature probe, installed 9V battery, test leads, and user manual

Fluke 117/323 Kit Multimeter and Clamp Meter Combo Kit

FLUKE-117/323 KIT
yellow
Plastic
Fluke 117/323 Kit Multimeter and Clamp Meter Combo Kit Cover
Fluke 117/323 Kit Multimeter and Clamp Meter Combo Kit For Residential And Commercial Electricians, AC/DC Voltage, AC Current 400 A, Includes Test Leads, TPAK And Carrying Case

This combo kit is designed for residential and commercial electricians. The multimeter measures AC/DC voltage and current, and features true RMS and low input impedance. The clamp meter measures AC/DC voltage and 400 A AC current, and provides true RMS. The kit also includes test leads, TPAK and a carrying case.

What We Like
Accurate measurements on non-linear loads
Prevents false readings due to ghost voltage
Measures both AC and DC voltage and current
#TOP 9

UNI-T Digital Multimeter UT161B

UT161B
Grey,Red
UT161B Multimeter
UNI-T Digital Multimeter UT161B Cover
UNI-T Digital Multimeter UT161B, True RMS 6000 Counts 1000V AC/DC NCV, Measures Voltage Current Resistance Capacitance Frequency Duty Cycle, Tests Diodes Transistors

The UNI-T Digital Multimeter UT161B is a reliable 6000 counts digital multimeter that measures AC/DC voltage up to 1000V, AC/DC current up to 10A, resistance, capacitance, frequency, duty-cycle, diode test, continuity buzzer, bandwidth, and more. With True RMS, it accurately measures voltage and current in all conditions, including noisy environments affected by harmonics. Its safety rating is CAT III 1000V/CAT IV 600V and features non-contact voltage detection (NCV) and input protection. With a carrying bag and easy access to UNI-T 7/24 User Support, the UT161B is easy to operate and perfect for diagnosing automotive, industrial, and household electrical issues.

What We Like
Accurately measures voltage and current in all conditions, including noisy environments affected by harmonics
Safety rating: CAT III 1000V/CAT IV 600V with input protection and non-contact voltage detection (NCV)
Reliable and easy to operate with a carrying bag and access to UNI-T 7/24 User Support
#TOP 10

Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter

FLUKE-113
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Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter Cover
Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter

The Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter is a versatile digital multimeter that measures AC/DC voltage, resistance, and capacitance, performs continuity and diode tests, and checks for voltage and continuity simultaneously in manual and auto ranging modes. Its True RMS meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear or nonlinear loads with sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal waveforms. It is safety rated for Category III to 600 Volts and Category IV to 300 Volts, making it reliable for a wide range of applications.

What We Like
Versatile digital multimeter for AC/DC voltage, resistance, and capacitance measurement
True RMS meter for accurate readings of linear or nonlinear loads with sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal waveforms
Checks for voltage and continuity simultaneously in manual and auto ranging modes
Safety rated for Category III to 600 Volts and Category IV to 300 Volts, making it reliable for a wide range of applications
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is true RMS worth it?

Yes, true RMS measurement is necessary for accurate voltage measurement. Since the voltage of an AC signal varies over time, its effective voltage can only be calculated using RMS or True RMS measurement. True RMS multimeters provide accurate readings of AC signals, making them worth the investment.

2. Is true RMS needed for DC?

No, true RMS is not needed for DC measurements. The RMS value of a pure DC voltage is equal to its DC value. Most multimeters are AC coupled, so if a signal has both DC and AC components, the multimeter will only display the RMS value of the AC part.

3. Is RMS more accurate than average?

RMS and average are used for different purposes in power calculations. The RMS value of voltage and/or current is used to calculate average power accurately. Calculating the RMS value of the AC power waveform directly is not physically meaningful.

4. What is the main disadvantage of a true RMS?

The main disadvantage of a true RMS responding voltmeter is its inability to accurately measure non-linear voltage and current characteristics, such as those found in thermocouples. This limitation is a drawback of true RMS meters.

5. Why is a true RMS meter desirable?

A true RMS meter is desirable because it can accurately measure both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal AC waveforms. This makes it suitable for measuring distorted waveforms caused by nonlinear loads like variable speed drives or computers.

6. What is the advantage of a true RMS multimeter?

A true RMS multimeter offers the advantage of accurately measuring both pure sinusoidal waves and complex non-sinusoidal waves. It can handle distorted waveforms caused by nonlinear loads, providing more accurate measurements compared to averaging meters.

Editor's Notes

During our true rms multimeter research, we found 24 true rms multimeter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 52,130 customer reviews through our big data system to write the true rms multimeters list. We found that most customers choose true rms multimeters with an average price of $159.95.

The true rms multimeters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of true rms multimeters, including Fieldpiece, Fluke, DEASOMIYE, UNI-T. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 6,998 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.