Let me start by saying this multimeter punches way above its weight class. As someone who's used everything from cheap $10 meters to professional Flukes, I was genuinely surprised by how much functionality they packed into this $38 tool.
The first thing you'll notice is how lightweight yet sturdy it feels in your hands. The rubber holster gives it a secure grip, and the tilting bail stand is perfect for when you need both hands free during automotive diagnostics. I've used it hanging from under my car's hood more times than I can count.
That bright backlit LCD screen? Game changer when working in dimly lit areas like basements or attics. Though fair warning - the backlight does have slightly uneven lighting on the left side, which some might find annoying during prolonged use.
Where this meter really shines is in basic electrical work around the house. Testing outlets (it accurately measured my home's 120V AC within spec), checking battery voltages (dead-on accurate from 2.5V to 10V DC), and continuity tests are all handled beautifully. The non-contact voltage detection has saved me multiple shocks when checking questionable wiring.
The auto-ranging works surprisingly well for the price point, though I did notice readings take slightly longer to settle compared to premium meters. For hobby electronics work, the microamp measurements and diode tests (though limited to red/yellow LEDs) have been reliable enough for my Arduino projects.
Now for the quirks: The constant beeping when changing modes gets old fast, and that auto-off feature can be frustrating mid-task (though you can disable it by holding the yellow button at startup). The mA fuse issue another reviewer mentioned had me worried, but mine worked fine out of the box.
Would I trust this with high-voltage industrial work? Probably not - while it claims CAT-IV 600V rating, internal inspection shows limited input protection compared to professional meters. But for automotive diagnostics, home electrical troubleshooting, or electronics tinkering? Absolutely worth every penny of its sub-$50 price tag.
Pro tip: Keep an extra set of batteries handy - that bright display does drain them faster than expected!
