Clamp Meters · 23 compared side by side

Best Clamp Meters in 2027

A clamp meter measures current by closing its jaw around a wire, so you can check how many amps a motor, circuit or appliance draws without disconnecting anything. Most also work as a full multimeter for voltage, resistance, continuity and more. For electrical and HVAC work, look at the current range, whether it measures DC current as well as AC, True RMS accuracy, the safety rating, and extras such as inrush, low impedance and temperature modes. We put 23 clamp meters on one spec sheet so you can compare them side by side.

Quick answer

  • Best overall: AstroAI CM6K0R (#1, Best Score 86; max ac current 1000 A, dc current measurement Yes)
  • Best value: KAIWEETS HT206D (#2, Best Score 77; dc current measurement Yes)
  • Highest resolution: FNIRSI FNIRSI-DMC-100 (#3, Best Score 71; max ac current 600 A, dc current measurement Yes)

Ranked from 23 clamp meters that met our standard, compared on Safety rating (CAT category and voltage), True RMS accuracy, AC/DC current range.

Updated November 202641 reviewed · 23 met our standard13 specs comparedBy Comparabo editors

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Top picks

Best overall
#1
AstroAI CM6K0R

AstroAI CM6K0RAstroAI CM6K0R Inrush Clamp Meter

1000A AC/DC with inrush, VFD and LoZ modes.

Max AC current
1000 A
DC current measurement
Yes
Safety rating
CAT III 1000V
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Best value
#2
KAIWEETS HT206D

KAIWEETS HT206DKAIWEETS HT206D Clamp Meter

KAIWEETS True RMS with LoZ and a 3-year warranty.

Max AC current
—
DC current measurement
Yes
Safety rating
CAT III 600V
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Highest resolution
#3
FNIRSI FNIRSI-DMC-100

FNIRSI FNIRSI-DMC-100FNIRSI DMC-100 TRMS Clamp Meter

10000 counts with a color screen and data graphing.

Max AC current
600 A
DC current measurement
Yes
Safety rating
—
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Comparison table

Swipe or scroll sideways to see every model.
Top 10 clamp meters
Spec
#1
AstroAI CM6K0R
Best overallCheck price on Amazon
#2
KAIWEETS HT206D
Best valueCheck price on Amazon
#3
FNIRSI FNIRSI-DMC-100
Highest resolutionCheck price on Amazon
#4
DIYSELF DIY1-QXB-001
Widest jawCheck price on Amazon
#5
Fieldpiece SC440
Best for HVACRCheck price on Amazon
#6
KLEIN TOOLS CL390
Klein CL390Check price on Amazon
#7
KLEIN TOOLS CL445
Klein HVACCheck price on Amazon
#8
KAIWEETS KC602s
Smart clamp meterCheck price on Amazon
#9
KLEIN TOOLS CL900
Highest current rangeCheck price on Amazon
#10
KLEIN TOOLS CL320
Klein HVAC compactCheck price on Amazon
Best Scoreout of 10086777167646261626059
Max AC currentA1000 A—600 A——400 A—600 A2000 A (best in row)400 A
DC current measurementYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Display countscounts6000 counts6000 counts10000 counts (best in row)6000 counts5000 counts——6000 counts——
True RMSYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Max AC voltageV750 V—750 V600 V———600 V1000 V (best in row)—
Safety ratingCAT III 1000V (best in row)CAT III 600V—CAT III 600V——————
Jaw openingin———1.77 in (best in row)——1.50 in1.42 in——
Non-contact voltage detectionYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Temperature measurementYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes—Yes
Capacitance measurementYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Backlit displayYesYesYesYesYes—YesYesYesYes
Weightlb1.41 lb0.48 lb0.42 lb (best in row)0.80 lb0.69 lb0.52 lb0.79 lb0.99 lb1.10 lb0.62 lb
Warrantyyears—3 years—————3 years——
Best in row— not published by the maker yet

How we chose

We reviewed 41 clamp meters and kept only the 23 that pass every check below. Those are ranked by a Best Score built from spec fit for this job, sales rank.

Read the full method

In-depth reviews

These reviews are based on each meter's published specifications and listing information, in the order of our ranking.

Best overall

AstroAI CM6K0RAstroAI CM6K0R Inrush Clamp Meter

AstroAI CM6K0R, a 1000A meter with inrush

Max AC current
1000 A (best of the reviewed tools)
Display counts
6000 counts
Safety rating
CAT III 1000V (best of the reviewed tools)
Weight
1.41 lb

The AstroAI CM6K0R leads our ranking. It measures up to 1000 A of AC and DC current, 1000 V DC and 750 V AC, plus capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, resistance, diode, continuity and temperature, so one tool covers household circuits, HVAC units, solar arrays and automotive DC systems.

Its inrush current mode captures the surge when a motor or compressor starts, which helps you find whether a startup problem is in the motor or the starting circuit. A VFD mode gives accurate readings on variable frequency drives, and a low impedance LoZ voltage function eliminates ghost voltages that can fool a high-impedance meter.

It is True RMS with a 6000 count display, a CAT III 1000V safety rating, non-contact voltage detection and a backlit screen. At 1.41 lb it is the heaviest meter here, which reflects its larger jaw and build. For electricians, HVAC techs and serious DIYers who want one capable clamp meter, it is the best choice here.

Pros

  • 1000A AC and DC
  • Inrush, VFD and LoZ modes
  • CAT III 1000V

Cons

  • Heaviest at 1.41 lb
  • 6000 counts
Buy it if
you work on motors, HVAC or solar.
Skip it if
you want a pocket-size meter.

VerdictThe best clamp meter on this page.

Best value

KAIWEETS HT206DKAIWEETS HT206D Clamp Meter

KAIWEETS HT206D, a well-equipped value meter

Max AC current
—
Display counts
6000 counts
Safety rating
CAT III 600V
Weight
0.48 lb

Second in our ranking, the KAIWEETS HT206D is a True RMS clamp meter that measures AC and DC current, AC and DC voltage, frequency, duty cycle, resistance and capacitance, with diode, continuity and temperature tests.

It includes a LowZ mode that helps prevent false readings caused by ghost voltage, and a low pass filter (LPF) for accurate readings on variable frequency drive signals. Non-contact voltage detection lets you check whether a wire is live by measuring the electromagnetic field without touching it.

Its two-color backlit LCD turns red when voltage goes above 80V or current above 3A to warn you, and it has an LED flashlight. It is rated CAT III 600V, weighs only 0.48 lb and carries a 3-year warranty, tied for the longest here. For homeowners and electricians who want pro features at a value level, it is excellent. Its light weight makes it easy to carry all day in a tool pouch.

Pros

  • LoZ and LPF modes
  • Red warning backlight
  • 3-year warranty

Cons

  • CAT III 600V
  • Max current not listed
Buy it if
you want pro features at good value.
Skip it if
you need a 1000V rating.

VerdictThe best value clamp meter here.

Highest resolution

FNIRSI FNIRSI-DMC-100FNIRSI DMC-100 TRMS Clamp Meter

FNIRSI DMC-100 with a color screen and graphing

Max AC current
600 A
Display counts
10000 counts (best of the reviewed tools)
Safety rating
—
Weight
0.42 lb (best of the reviewed tools)

The FNIRSI DMC-100 ranks third. Its 10000 count display is the highest resolution on this page, and it gives stable True RMS readings of AC and DC current up to 600A, along with voltage, resistance, capacitance, frequency and temperature.

Its standout feature is real-time curve recording. It graphs readings on screen, which helps track down intermittent faults, and it stores 8 sets of data. A 2-in TFT full-color display with 10 brightness levels shows voltage and current at the same time.

It runs on a built-in 1500mAh lithium battery with Type-C charging, so you do not need spare batteries on site. It also has NCV detection and weighs 0.42 lb. Its safety rating is not listed in our data. For techs who want to see how a circuit behaves over time, it is an impressive tool. The rechargeable battery and graphing make it feel more like a modern handheld instrument than a basic meter, and it is light enough for a pocket.

Pros

  • 10000 counts
  • Real-time graphing
  • Rechargeable via Type-C

Cons

  • Safety rating not listed
  • 600A maximum
Buy it if
you chase intermittent faults.
Skip it if
you need a stated safety rating.

VerdictThe most advanced display here.

Widest jaw

DIYSELF DIY1-QXB-001DIYSELF Clamp Meter 6000 Counts True RMS

DIYSELF clamp meter with a 1.77 in jaw

Max AC current
—
Display counts
6000 counts
Safety rating
CAT III 600V
Weight
0.80 lb

Fourth in our ranking, the DIYSELF clamp meter has a 1.77 in jaw opening, the widest listed on this page, so it fits around thicker cables and bundled conductors. It measures AC and DC current at 600A and 1000A ranges.

It covers AC voltage to 600V, DC voltage, resistance up to 60MΩ, capacitance, frequency, temperature, diode and continuity, with auto-ranging. A 6000 count backlit screen, data hold, max/min capture and a built-in flashlight help in dim panels.

It is True RMS, rated CAT III 600V, and has NCV with a live wire alert and audible buzzer. DIYSELF lists it at 12.73 oz. For DIYers who need to clamp around thick wiring, it is a practical, well-equipped meter. The flashlight and backlight help in dark electrical panels and crawl spaces. Auto-ranging means you do not need to choose a range before measuring, which suits beginners, and the data hold button freezes a reading when you cannot see the screen.

Pros

  • Widest jaw at 1.77 in
  • True RMS
  • NCV and live wire alert

Cons

  • CAT III 600V
  • Less known brand
Buy it if
you clamp around thick cables.
Skip it if
you want a pro brand.

VerdictThe best wide-jaw meter here.

Best for HVACR

Fieldpiece SC440Fieldpiece SC440 True RMS Clamp Meter

Fieldpiece SC440 for HVACR technicians

Max AC current
—
Display counts
5000 counts
Safety rating
—
Weight
0.69 lb

The Fieldpiece SC440 completes our top five. Fieldpiece is a well-known HVACR test brand, and this mid-size meter covers every parameter for electrical and thermal HVACR testing in one tool.

Fieldpiece calls it one of the most durable clamp meters in the industry, with True RMS sensing for accurate AC voltage and current readings on VFDs. Its ranges include temperature, capacitance for checking run capacitors, and microamps DC for flame rectification tests on furnaces.

It auto and manual ranges, and has a high-voltage LED and beeper, a continuity warning and push-button NCV. It has a 5000 count backlit display and weighs 0.69 lb. Its current range is not listed in our data. For HVAC technicians, the microamp range alone makes it worth a look. Its focus on HVACR ranges means fewer menus to learn when you are diagnosing a unit on a hot roof. Pair it with a good set of temperature probes for superheat and subcooling checks, and it covers most of a service call.

Pros

  • Microamps DC for flame tests
  • HVACR focused
  • Durable build

Cons

  • 5000 counts
  • Current range not listed
Buy it if
you service furnaces and AC units.
Skip it if
you do general electrical work.

VerdictThe best HVACR meter here.

Best among the reviewed tools

Buying guide

Current range and DC

Ranges here run from 400A to 2000A. Choose DC current support for cars, solar and batteries.

True RMS and special modes

True RMS gives accurate readings on modern loads. Inrush, LoZ and VFD modes help with motors and drives.

Safety rating

CAT III 600V suits homes. CAT III 1000V gives more protection for higher-energy work.

Jaw and display

Wider jaws fit thick cables. Higher counts and color screens show more detail.

FAQ

What is the difference between a clamp meter and a multimeter?

A clamp meter measures current through its jaw without breaking the circuit. Most also include multimeter functions.

Do I need a clamp meter that measures DC current?

Yes for cars, solar and battery systems. Some cheaper meters only measure AC current.

What is inrush current?

The surge a motor draws when it starts. Measuring it helps diagnose hard-starting compressors and motors.

Is a clamp meter good for HVAC?

Yes. HVAC models add temperature, capacitance and microamp ranges for furnace and AC work.

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Helpful guides

Top pick · #1AstroAI CM6K0R
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