Best Pocket Multimeters

The Fluke 107 is our best pocket multimeter for general checks when you need an amp input: it combines replaceable leads, a backlight and AC/DC current measurement to 10 A. Choose the Amprobe PM55A for microamp measurements in a thinner body, or the Hioki 3244-60 for basic voltage and continuity checks with tidy, documented lead storage. The crucial choice is current capability and the size of the complete carried package.

Quick picks

Compare specifications and all conditions

Fluke 107 — best with an amp input

Choose it for

General checks, replaceable leads, backlight

Main compromise

Thickest body here; no dedicated microamp range

Amprobe PM55A — best for microamps

Choose it for

AC/DC microamps, capacitance, automatic function selection

Main compromise

Permanently attached leads; conflicting upper-range specifications

Hioki 3244-60 — best for simple checks and stored leads

Choose it for

Voltage, resistance, continuity; included hard case

Main compromise

No current, capacitance or diode test

Full comparison table ↔

Swipe to compare. Row labels stay visible.

Pick	Choose it for	Main compromise
Fluke 107 — best with an amp input	General checks, replaceable leads, backlight	Thickest body here; no dedicated microamp range
Amprobe PM55A — best for microamps	AC/DC microamps, capacitance, automatic function selection	Permanently attached leads; conflicting upper-range specifications
Hioki 3244-60 — best for simple checks and stored leads	Voltage, resistance, continuity; included hard case	No current, capacitance or diode test

Pick	Choose it for	Main compromise
Fluke 107 — best with an amp input	General checks, replaceable leads, backlight	Thickest body here; no dedicated microamp range
Amprobe PM55A — best for microamps	AC/DC microamps, capacitance, automatic function selection	Permanently attached leads; conflicting upper-range specifications
Hioki 3244-60 — best for simple checks and stored leads	Voltage, resistance, continuity; included hard case	No current, capacitance or diode test

These are research-based picks from the makers' product pages and manuals. None is a True RMS meter; see the AC limitation below.

Compare size, storage and functions

Dimensions below are normalized to height × width × depth. Body measurements exclude any unreported increase from packed leads or a carrying case; weights are the makers' instrument figures, not complete travel-kit weights.

Sources: Fluke specifications, Amprobe specifications and manual, and Hioki specifications and manual. Amprobe's disputed upper ranges are deliberately explained below rather than presented as settled specifications.

The body depths are 28 mm for Fluke, 10.2 mm for Amprobe and 9.5 mm for Hioki. This chart compares bodies only; Hioki's stored package is 17 millimeters deep.

• Fluke 10728mm
• Amprobe PM55A10.2mm
• Hioki 3244-609.5mm

Source: Manufacturer specifications and Amprobe's manual, linked above; not packed-kit dimensions

The useful pocket-size winner is the Hioki package, because its maker documents the hard case with the leads stowed. For Fluke and Amprobe, do not mistake a body-only dimension for a guaranteed pocket fit: request the closed-case dimensions if your pocket is tight. We cannot rank their complete packed sizes from the available documents.

Best pocket meter with an amp input: Fluke 107

The 107 is our general-checks pick when you want a small meter that still measures amps. Its manual specifies 4.000 A and 10.00 A AC/DC ranges; the lower range resolves 0.001 A. That is not a dedicated microamp range: choose the PM55A if tiny currents are your actual buying reason.

The 6,000-count backlit display, manual hold and supplied SmartStrap magnetic lanyard make the Fluke the most appealing option here for supporting the meter where you can see it. The standard US package is part 4367953, with TL75 leads, two installed AAA batteries and SmartStrap. The leads have shrouded banana plugs; unlike the PM55A's permanently attached leads, they can be unplugged and replaced.

There are important limits. Fluke specifies a 10 A duty cycle of less than 7 minutes on, then 20 minutes off at 25–40 °C: the highest current range is not permission for continuous monitoring. The current input uses an 11 A, 1000 V fuse; use only the replacement specified in the manual. Its hold button freezes the present reading, so it does not solve every awkward viewing position.

Buy this exact package: the 107 with TL75 and SmartStrap. The shared manual also covers the 106, but identifies diode, frequency and duty-cycle functions as 107-only; do not transfer those features to its sibling. For the regional Fluke 101 versus 107 decision, use our dedicated model guide.

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Best pocket multimeter for microamps: Amprobe PM55A

The PM55A earns its place for a function the Fluke lacks: 400.0 µA and 2000 µA AC/DC ranges. Its manual also specifies 6 mV/µA burden voltage on those ranges. That burden is a reason to check the circuit's tolerance before choosing it for low-voltage electronics; a microamp label alone does not establish suitability.

Amprobe specifies a 6,000-count display, a 113 × 53 × 10.2 mm body and approximately 78 g weight. Its permanently attached leads avoid a separate plug-in lead set, but cable damage becomes a servicing issue; the manual reserves repairs for qualified personnel. AutoTect selects AC voltage, DC voltage or resistance automatically, and VolTect adds AC non-contact detection.

AutoTect's low input impedance also matters: Amprobe tells users to select the separate Hi-Z voltage function for circuits sensitive to input loading. Do not assume automatic function selection is the right mode for every electronic circuit. The rotary selector and SELECT button share functions; compare that control scheme with Hioki's simpler function dial before buying a gift.

Resolve these document conflicts before buying for the upper ranges. The current product page advertises 600 V AC/DC and capacitance to 2000 µF, but the English manual linked from Amprobe's manual index lists a highest DC-voltage table entry of 450.0 V and capacitance entries only through 100.0 µF. These are conflicting maker documents, not evidence of a verified new generation; ask Amprobe to confirm the supplied instrument's limits if they matter to your work.

Package check: the current page lists the meter, carrying case and installed battery. The manual names an H-PM holster and VC3 pouch as accessories. Treat the named holster/pouch bundle as unconfirmed, and request the exact contents before ordering. The separate PM51A column in Amprobe's comparison table is not the PM55A specification.

See the PM55A and package details at Amprobe.

Best for simple checks and stored leads: Hioki 3244-60

Choose this one if you mainly need voltage, resistance and continuity and want the leads to travel with the meter. Hioki lists a 109 × 55 × 9.5 mm, 60 g instrument and an included hard case approximately 116 (H) × 80 (W) × 17 (D) mm with room to wind and store the leads. That is the most complete carry-size specification in this shortlist.

The limitations are straightforward: no current function, capacitance or diode test. Hioki specifies a display of up to 4,199 counts, with an exception for the 500 V range. It automatically selects ranges, but its manual says manual range selection is unavailable. A simple function dial may be preferable to the PM55A's button-driven secondary functions; that is a buying preference, not a measured usability result.

The leads are integrated into the instrument in Hioki's manual illustration, rather than a plug-in lead set. Its cable-inspection warning directs damaged-lead repairs to a dealer or Hioki representative. The CR2032 battery is replaceable, and the official package includes the case, instruction manual, trial battery and red/black sleeves. Check for the complete 3244-60 package, not a C0204 case-only accessory.

Read the voltage limits carefully. The maker states CAT III 300 V / CAT II 600 V, with the category depending on the probe sleeves, while the measurement range ends at 500 V. The manual also warns against exceeding 450 V to ground. Do not interpret the CAT II marking as a 600 V measurement range; obtain maker clarification for work near these conflicting upper limits.

Hioki lists the model on its Americas site and provides US contact coverage and calibration/repair support. Those are support routes, not a promise of local stock or universal coverage for an imported unit.

See the 3244-60 and included accessories at Hioki.

Buying advice: choose the missing function first

Current divides these meters into different tools. Choose the Fluke for amp measurements, the Amprobe for microamps, and the Hioki when you do not need current at all. Neither current-capable pick covers both of those jobs with the ranges documented here.

• Yes: Fluke 107: amp ranges and replaceable leads
• Yes: Amprobe PM55A: microamp ranges
• Yes: Hioki 3244-60: voltage, resistance and continuity with case storage
• No: None of these picks combines the Fluke's amp ranges with dedicated microamp ranges

For distorted AC, look beyond this shortlist. Fluke explicitly identifies the 107 as non-True-RMS; Amprobe specifies average sensing and Hioki average rectification. Fluke's True RMS explanation says average-responding meters have uncertain accuracy on non-sinusoidal waveforms. Use our broader multimeter picks when True RMS or a different range mix matters more than pocket carry.

Readability needs more than a count figure. Fluke documents backlighting; Amprobe describes oversized digits; Hioki describes a simple display with large text. Those are maker descriptions, not verified viewing-angle or sunlight results. Prefer the Fluke if a documented backlight is essential, and check the manual's button layout for the intended recipient.

Repairability favors removable leads. All three specify replaceable batteries, but the Fluke separates its lead set from the meter. For either integrated-lead model, factor the maker's service route into ownership. Never use damaged cables, and follow the manual before opening a battery compartment.

For low-voltage learning, start with our multimeter basics guide. For a present, check these purchase details before choosing the smallest box:

1. 1

   Choose the current function

   Fluke for amps, Amprobe for microamps, Hioki for voltage and continuity.

2. 2

   Check the complete package

   Fluke's TL75 and SmartStrap; Amprobe's carrying case; Hioki's case and sleeves.

3. 3

   Check storage and service

   Use the closed-case size; decide whether integrated leads suit the recipient.

How we choose

We compared official product pages, model-specific manual tables, package lists and service pages. The shortlist deliberately includes a plug-in-lead meter and two thinner integrated-lead formats. We have not performed physical testing, timed continuity response or verified pocket fit, display readability or accuracy. Ratings and dimensions are manufacturer specifications; missing packed dimensions and document disagreements remain explicit. See How we choose for the site's research policy.

Verdict

Get the Fluke 107 for general checks that need an amp input and removable leads. Choose the Amprobe PM55A specifically for its microamp capability, after checking its loading and specification caveats. Choose the Hioki 3244-60 for basic checks and an included case with documented lead storage; accept its deliberately limited function set.