You might be familiar with ohm meters if you are a professional electrician or work in a field that is closely related to the electrical field. Apart from professional workers, a lot of DIY enthusiasts these days prefer to keep a private ohm meter at their home so that they can work on personal electrical projects.
An ohm meter is an intricate electronic device that measures the resistance in a given electrical circuit. As the resistance is measured in ohms, these devices are called ohm meters. Even if you are not familiar with ohm meters already, the following specifications should help you pick up a decent option.
- Insulation Test Range: One of the first things that you should check while buying an ohm meter is its insulation test range. It gives you an idea about the overall capacity of the device and where it is applicable. While some ohm meters are designed for heavy applications, some are dedicated to smaller measurements which are also equally important.
- Voltage Capacity: The ohm meter you are going to buy will only be helpful to you if it is compatible with your application. As you may already know, every electrical circuit has a certain voltage level. If the level is higher than what’s supported by the ohm meter, it cannot be used for the same. Thus, make sure you pick up the right option according to the supported voltage capacity of the ohm meter.
- Warranty: An ohm meter is not a cheap device in any standard. And if you don’t have any prior experience of using this measurement device, there is a good chance of you ending up with a fried ohm meter due to improper application. In such a case, having a reliable warranty period on your ohm meter helps a lot. You will at least have peace of mind using the ohm meter as it can be repaired or replaced for free within the warranty period.
ohm meters are not general-purpose measurement devices. And thus, you might not know how you can find the perfect option according to your needs. The excess amount of choices available in the market for an ohm meter certainly does not help in this case. Therefore, we have created this list of the best ohm meters right here. We will explain each of the picks in detail so that you can understand what you are “Buying Guide” before you place your order. To help you even further, we have a dedicated buying guide for the best ohm meters that you should definitely check out.
Best OHM Meter Table
| OHM Meter | Insulation Test Range | Insulation Test Voltage | Warranty | Buy Npw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluke 1507 Digital Megohm Meter Tester | 0.01 mega ohms to 10 giga ohms | Up to 1000 volts | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| AEMC 2126.53 Digital Megohm Meter | - | Up to 1000 volts | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| Samyo VC60B+ Digital Insulation Resistance Tester | 0.01 mega ohms to 2 giga ohms | Up to 1000 volts | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| Supco M500 Insulation Tester/Electronic Megohm meter | 0.01 mega ohms to 1 giga ohms | Up to 500 volts | - | Check On Amazon |
| LEAGY VICTOR VC60B+ Digital Insulation Resistance Tester | 0.01 mega ohms to 2 giga ohms | Up to 1000 volts | - | Check On Amazon |
| Extech 380562 220VAC Precision Milliohm Meter | Less than 1 ohm | Up to 110 volts | 2 years | Check On Amazon |
| Vici Digital Milli-ohm Meter Resistance Tester | 0.01 milli ohms to 2 kilo ohms | - | - | Check On Amazon |
| Extech 380460 Precision 110VAC Milliohm Meter | 100 micro ohms | Up to 110 volts | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
Best OHM Meter Reviews
1. Fluke 1507 Digital Megohm Meter Tester
Since a lot of professional users are always looking for a decent ohm meter, we will start off our list with a similar option from Fluke. It is a highly premium option that is perfect for outdoor use.
Coming in 1st place, we have the Fluke 1507. This is a digital megohm meter that offers a very high insulation test range with the standard 1000 volts voltage rating. You will be able to measure resistance between 0.01 mega ohms to 10 giga ohms with the Fluke 1507. And as it comes with a remote test probe, you can easily measure resistance even for the hard-to-reach areas of the circuit.
User safety is of utmost importance, especially in electronic devices. Thus, Fluke 1507 comes with a built-in safety feature that automatically detects a live circuit that has a voltage of 30 volts or above. You will also find it pretty easy to use the Fluke 1507 device since it offers a large backlit display with clear readings. Also, the Fluke 1507 offers built-in calculation features for polarization index and dielectric absorption ratio which certainly saves a lot of time.
Best Features
- 01 mega ohms to 10 giga ohms insulation test range
- Supports up to 1000 volts insulation test voltage
- Comes with a year of warranty
- Built-in live circuit detection feature
- Built-in support for polarization index calculation
Pros
- One of the best options for professional applications
- Remote probe makes it much easier to take readings
- Live circuit detection for added user safety
Cons
- A very expensive option amongst other choices
2. AEMC 2126.53 Digital Megohm Meter
If you liked our previous pick, but are looking for something within an affordable price range, you will certainly like the following option from AEMC. Apart from ohm meters, AEMC makes many other electronic instruments such as weather meters, ground clamps, ground resistance testers, etc.
In the 2nd place, we are putting rather an affordable choice for an ohm meter. The AEMC 2126.53 is also a digital megohm meter with a voltage rating of 1000 volts. You can also use the device as a specific voltage level such as 250 volts, 500 volts, and 1000 volts, as per the design of the circuit you are testing. One of the best features of the AEMC 2126.53 is the EST lock which is provided for timed measurements.
With the EST lock, you can easily carry out timed measurements of up to 15 minutes. Once you are done with the insulation testing, the device will auto discharge, making it safer for the next application. And for AC circuits, the AEMC 2126.53 has a 600 VAC rating whereas it has a 1000 VDC rating for DC circuits. The AEMC 2126.53 also has test lead resistance compensation for accurate and precise low resistance readings.
Best Features
- Comparatively affordable option
- Supports up to 1000 volts insulation test voltage
- Comes with a year of warranty
- EST lock feature for timed measurements
- 600 VAC rating for AC circuits
Pros
- Great opinion for the price
- Comes with test lead resistance compensation for accurate results
- The display size is pretty good
Cons
- Overall device size is too small
3. Samyo VC60B+ Digital Insulation Resistance Tester
Up next, we have the most affordable option available in the market for an ohmmeter. The following option is made by Samyo and it is definitely a great choice for beginners.
In the 3rd place for our list of the best ohm meters, we have the VC60B+ Digital Tester. Even though this is a cheaper option and costs almost a fraction of other premium options, it is still a mehohm meter with an insulation test range of 0.01 mega ohms to 2 giga ohms. Such a high range shall offer you accurate and reliable results for a variety of applications.
Even for the display, there are no compromises on the VC60B+ Digital Tester. It comes with a large backlit LCD display that can be easily read even from a distance along with unit symbols. For the safety of the device as well as the user, it also features anti-magnetic and anti-jamming functions. You will also get an alarm feature for high voltage levels or short circuit input.
Best Features
- 01 mega ohms to 2 giga ohms insulation test range
- Supports up to 1000 volts insulation test voltage
- Comes with a year of warranty
- Strong anti-magnetic and anti-jamming features
- Large backlit LCD display
Pros
- A highly affordable option which is suitable for beginners
- The test range is pretty wide
- Input alarm for high voltage
Cons
- Range limits the applications a little bit
4. Supco M500 Insulation Tester/Electronic Megohm meter
Supco also has a great option which can be used for external applications. Apart from this ohm meter, Supco offers a wide range of options that also includes various electronic accessories and other measurement tools.
The Supco M500 is also a compact and portable insulation tester that can be easily used for outdoor jobs without any problem. You will also get a soft carrying case with this ohmmeter so that you can start using it for your job right after unboxing. As for the test range, the Supco M500 supports 0.01 mega ohms to 1 giga ohms test range. At 500 VAC, the Supco M500 is capable of measuring up to 1000 me ohms of resistance.
The Supco M500 also features a zone scale that indicates insulations conditions which further helps with the measurements. Since this is a handheld device, you will find it pretty easy to use, even at an outdoor job location. You can also store test leads in the case for even better portability. All you will need alongside the Supco M500 is a set of 2 C batteries which you can easily find around you.
Best Features
- 01 mega ohms to 1 giga ohms insulation test range
- Supports up to 500 volts insulation test voltage
- Measures insulation up to 1000 me ohms at 500 VAC
- Zone scale for indicating insulation condition
- Handheld ohm meter
Pros
- A great option regarding portability
- Compact design which is suitable for handheld operations
- Comes with a soft carrying case
Cons
- The batteries are not included
5. LEAGY VICTOR VC60B+ Digital Insulation Resistance Tester
Up next, we have yet another VC60B+ ohm meter, but our next choice is offered by a well-known brand called Leagy. Leagy also offers a variety of products that are specifically designed for electronic measurements and testing.
Similar to our last VC60B+ model, the Leagy Victor VC60B+ is also the most affordable option in the market as far as ohmmeters are considered. But, don’t take its low price tag as an example of its performance since it is also a megohm meter with an insulation test range of 0.01 mega ohms to 2 giga ohms. As for the accuracy, the Leagy Victor VC60B+ will offer you pretty accurate results with an error margin of ±4% of +2 reading digits.
The digital LCD display on the Leagy Victor VC60B+ is especially good since it is 3.3 x 2.3 inches wide and comes with a backlight. The max display capacity on the Leagy Victor VC60B+ is 1999 which makes it a highly intuitive digital display. Even though the device offers measurement of a high resistance circuit, the device itself does not consume a lot of power. Instead, it operates at less than 300 milliwatts of power to display the results.
Best Features
- 01 mega ohms to 2 giga ohms insulation test range
- Supports up to 1000 volts insulation test voltage
- The device operates on low power consumption
- An error margin of only ±4% of +2 reading digits
- Large digital LCD display
Pros
- Another great option for beginners
- Great device for the given price range
- Highly intuitive digital display
Cons
- Overall build quality could have been better
6. Extech 380562 220VAC Precision Milliohm Meter
Now that you are familiar with our selection of the best ohm meters, let us discuss some great options we have for milliohm meters. Out of which, the following option from Extech is pretty good since Extech designs a lot of similar products.
The Extech 380562 is the first option from our list that is a milliohm meter. This is high precision and high-resolution milliohm meter that offers measurement of resistance below 1 ohm. To be specific, the lowest level of measurement for the Extech 380562 goes down to 0.01 milli ohm. And it also has 7 ranges for wide low resistance measurements.
Apart from that, it offers mostly similar features as a standard ohm meter in terms of external build quality and display. The digital display on the Extech 380562 offers a 1999 count and it has 0.8 inches wide digits that can be easily noticed at the time of measurement. Along with the milliohm meter, you will also get a 4-wire test cable and Kelvin clip connectors which should help you further at the time of application.
Best Features
- Allows measurement of less than 1 ohm resistance
- Supports up to 110 volts insulation test voltage
- Comes with 2 years of warranty
- A great option for low range measurements
- Offers 7 ranges for resistance measurement
Pros
- A great choice for special purpose applications
- Comes with a long warranty period
- 4-wire test cable and a set of Kelvin clip connectors
Cons
- Sort of an expensive option for a milliohm meter
7. Vici Digital Milli-ohm Meter Resistance Tester
If you are looking for a cheaper option for a milliohm meter, we have the following option from Zoeyec. There are a variety of options available from Zoeyec apart from milliohm meters that you might find useful.
The Zoeyec Vici Digital Milliohm Meter is a cheaper alternative for a milliohm meter compared to other options in the market. It comes with a large LCD display which is easy to read, even for beginners. As for the measurement, it offers pretty accurate results within a range of 0.01 milli ohms to 2 kilo ohms. ANd with the backlit display, you can easily take reading even under a darker surrounding, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
The Zoeyec Vici Digital Milliohm Meter also offers 6 ranges of measurement which is great for professional use. You will also get anti-magnetic and anti-jamming features on the Zoeyec Vici Digital Milliohm Meter for better safety of the user. The unit comes with 4 wire cables and Kelvin clip connectors, making the device capable of extremely low resistance levels.
Best Features
- 01 milli ohms to 2 kilo ohms insulation test range
- It has a large LCD display
- Strong anti-magnetic features
- Anti-jamming functions
- Comes with 4 wire cables and Kelvin clip connectors
Pros
- Large backlit LCD display
- Great insulation test range
- A great choice for outdoor applications
Cons
- A comparatively lesser reliable option for a milliohm meter
8. Extech 380460 Precision 110VAC Milliohm Meter
Even though most options designed by Extech are quite premium, the following milliohm meter is still a cheaper option. If you are looking for a professional milliohm meter, then the following option from Extech will be a great choice.
Rounding up our selection for the best ohm meters, we have the Extech 380460. This is a high precision ohm meter that allows measurement of very low resistance levels, even as low as 100 micro ohms. The device has a voltage rating of 110 VAC, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of applications.
As for the display, the Extech 380460 features a 0.7 inches LCD display with 1999 display count. Thus, taking readings from this device is going to be very easy for you. Along with the measurement unit, you will also get 4 wire cables and Kelvin connectors that are necessary at the time of application. You can also manually adjust the zero display according to your requirement.
Best Features
- Allows measurement as low as 100 micro ohms
- Supports up to 110 volts insulation test voltage
- Comes with a year of warranty
- Allows manual zero display adjustment
- Large 0.7-inch display
Pros
- The LCD display has 1999 display count
- Allows very low resistance measurement down to 100 micro ohms
- Highly accurate and precise milliohm meter
Cons
- Expensive choice from Extech compared to other brands
Buying Guide For The Best OHM Meter
So far, we have offered you a selection of the best ohm meters present in the market right now. Depending upon your application, you might be needing a high capacity option, or a milliohm meter which is best suited for cable joints, contact breaker resistance, and many quality control components.
Thus, we have included a wide range of options so that you can easily find a suitable option according to your needs. Furthermore, you can refer to our buying guide for the best ohm meters where we will discuss some crucial properties of an ohmmeter which you need to keep in mind while you are buying one. These properties matter a lot at the time of application and will certainly affect where and how you can use the device.
1. Ohm Meter Test Range
One of the most important characteristics of an ohm meter is its test range. Before you buy an ohm meter, you should have a vague idea about the resistance level you need to calibrate using the ohm meter. This should help you pick up the most compatible option according to your job. As for the device itself, not all ohm meters are the same.
While some are designed for high-level resistance testing, some are more suited for lower resistance levels, sometimes even below 1 ohm. In most cases, buying an ohm meter with auto-range design is a smart choice. If a multimeter has an auto range feature, it will automatically locate the circuit’s electric resistance without needing any pre-calibration. This definitely saves a lot of time as well as effort, especially if you are going to use the device on a daily basis.
2. Voltage Rating
While you were going through our picks, you must have noticed a specific voltage range with all of our options. This is basically the highest voltage level of the circuit you can connect with the ohm meter. For safety reasons, it is suggested to always check the voltage range of the circuit before you connect the ohm meter. An immensely high voltage might end up damaging your ohm meter permanently, or damage its internal circuitry that will result in severe malfunctioning and will develop improper results.
Even if there is no damage, the ohm meter will simply not work if it’s connected to a higher voltage circuit. Since replacing an ohm meter is a lot of hassle and not to mention, quite an expensive solution, we will strongly recommend you thoroughly check the voltage capacity of the device before using it. Just to be on the safe side, prefer an ohm meter that has a high voltage range so that you can use it for multiple applications.
3. Type of Ohm meter
As we mentioned earlier, not all ohm meters are the same. In fact, not all multimeters are called ohm meters. While standard ohm meters are designed for high resistance measurement which ranges up to 10 gigaohms, some are specifically designed to suit smaller applications where the resistance level is quite low. Sometimes, the circuit for which the resistance level is to be tested can offer a resistance below 1 ohm such as 1 micro ohm or even 1 milli ohm.
Thus, you can imagine how you won’t be able to use a single multimeter for both types of applications. We have specified the type of ohm meter with each of our picks so that you can easily choose the perfect option according to your usage. We have included both standard ohm meters as well as a handful of milli and micro ohm meters on our picks so that you can find the perfect option under your budget right here.
4. Portability
Portability is a really important factor, especially for those who need an ohm meter for outdoor jobs. A lot of professional electricians have to visit distant job locations and carry a selection of tools and equipment with them, including the ohm meter. Having a large and bulky device certainly is not ideal for such applications, even if it offers a significantly higher test range. Instead, it is better to pick up a compact and portable option that is suitable for standard test procedures and installations.
You should definitely consider the size and design of the ohm meter as it affects how you can use the device and whether it is easy to pack the device in your equipment bag. You can also look for some premium options that offer a high testing range even within a highly compact factor which will be ideal for outdoor jobs. And as you are using the device for professional use, the premium price range should pay off shortly in terms of the versatility of applications.
FAQs
Ans: One of the easier ways to verify the accuracy of an ohm meter is by checking the accuracy range offered by the manufacturer. Basically, the accuracy level is presented in positive as well as a negative range with a minor tolerance which can be caused by fluctuations in the circuit. The accuracy count is valid for ± 2 counts whereas the resolution is one part in 20000. You can also manually check the accuracy level by setting up the switch to the 20-V range and it should display value as X.
Ans: While ohm meters are dedicated devices that are designed to serve only one purpose, multimeters are basically all-inclusive electronic measurement devices that can be used for multiple applications. A standard multimeter can be used for testing voltage, current, and even resistance levels. Apart from that, it also offers measurement for continuity and resistance to voltage. All you will have to do is select the right option on the multimeter before you connect it to a circuit.
Ans: If this is your first time purchasing an ohmmeter, we will recommend going with something that is compact, cheap, and user-friendly. Such an option will be ideal for DIY projects or even home applications where you might be needing an ohm meter. We have included a handful of similar options on our picks which should be ideal in your case.
Conclusion:
We hope that you have found the perfect ohm meter for your application from our picks of the best ohm meters. You will find a wide range of options present on our picks in terms of both budget range as well as specifications.
We have also included multiple types of ohm meters so that you will find at least one compatible option for our job. If you need help in choosing the right option, you can check out our buying guide for the best ohm meter present right above our FAQ section. We will also offer you a couple of recommendations that are our favorite picks from this list.
- LEAGY VICTOR VC60B+ is the cheapest ohm meter we have come across today and it is the perfect option for beginners and for personal projects. This digital insulation resistance meter offers support for up to 1000 volts with a test range going as high as 2000 mega ohms. Also, the accuracy of LEAGY VICTOR VC60B+ is within ±4% which is pretty good for such an affordable option.
- However, if you are looking for a reliable special purpose milli ohm meter, we will suggest the Extech 380562. This is a high-resolution mili ohm meter with 220 VAC and a testing range that goes as low as 0.01 mOhm. This device features 7 ranges so that you can easily measure low resistance levels. As for the results, you can check that on the 0.8 digit 1999 count display which is pretty easy to understand.
- In the end, we will recommend the Fluke 1507 Digital Megohmmeter since it is the perfect option for professional applications. This handy device offers up to 10 giga ohms insulation test range and works with any circuit with voltage up to 1000 volts. As it is designed for professional applications, you will also get a remote test probe with the device that makes it easier to use for hard-to-reach areas. And, it also has a built-in security feature for the user which detects a live circuit above 30 volts.
