VM500A Digital Multimeter

A year ago, I searched and searched for a multimeter with a battery test function, but couldn't find a reasonably priced one. When I looked last week, I was happily surprised to find this one, with battery test and several other handy features at such a low price. Any multimeter will measure the voltage of an AA or similar household battery, but that's hard to interpret unless the battery is dead. A true battery test function, like this meter has, will put a small load on the battery - 10 ma in this case - giving a better indication of whether it will deliver power to a device. The blurb above (but not the manual) says that a 20% drop indicates a bad battery. This will hold for a household battery but not a high-current car or UPS battery. NCV (non-contact voltage) detection is another feature low-priced meters rarely have. It tells whether a circuit is live by holding the meter near it. Other handy features include frequency measurement, backlight, flashlight, a hold button, and holders on the back for the test leads. Minuses: The test leads are just pin probes; they don't even include alligator clips. And although two 600 ma fuses are included, there are no 10A fuses for the high current range. Because of the low price, I didn't deduct a star for the leads and fuse, but if you don't have clip leads already you'll probably need to buy them. The voltage, current and resistance measurements agree with my other multimeter to within a fraction of a percent. The frequency measurement is exact to 0.02% off on several audio frequencies I tested. Being such a new product, the vendor didn't get around to telling you that the meter measures 2.8" x 5.9" x 1.7" and weighs 8.4 oz.

I have only used the meter a little bit so far. However, it works well and has a nice set of features. The case seems to be made of good quality plastics. The reading are not lightning fast but still pretty quick for a meter in this price range. As mentioned in other reviews, the test leads are not high-end but I would not expect high-end leads at this great price. A good set of test leads would cost more than what I payed for the whole meter. The inclusion of a tempertaure sensor is nice (but, I haven't tested it yet). Price was very, very good for what you get.

All around good meter. I have no way of testing accuracy, but it does seem pretty accurate. I have seen people say it’s big but I look at that as a plus, especially when viewing the numbers on the screen. My only gripes are the probes are very cheap, but that’s to be expected for the price and easily remedied. Also, the No-contact voltage feature is VERY weak. My last mini multimeter was able to detect voltage running behind drywall. This barely makes a sound when holding it up to a closed light switch. Kind of disappointing if you plan on relying on that for any reason. May look elsewhere if I find that I need to use that more.

I bought this multi-meter because none of the other multi-meters I own can check capacitors. I have some rental properties that all have outside AC compressors with capacitors that like to go bad during the hotest days of the summer. This multi-meter was bought to check them. This meter is outstanding throughout: solid strong case, large, easy to read display, nice easel stand and magnetic back, great accuracy. I am very pleased with the decision to buy this multi-meter. I will recommend it to anyone who wants an outstanding multi-meter at a very reasonable price.

All functions work well. Great bench top tool.

Shipping was fast and well packaged it works great when I check my outhouse battery for my fan 😃👍

Great buy, well made, easy to use, win, win, win!

There was No exterior dimensions given in the listing, and the video appeared to have a larger Meter than I Expected. This VENLAB Model VM-500A is a 'Pocket-Size' DMM with a Height of 5.75" x 2.75W x 1.45"D. Also, it arrived with NO shipping Bag...the adhesive Mailing label was placed over the entire front of the Meter's Storage box...!