You don't need to spend $175 to check everyday voltages, but you also can't confirm insulation resistance with a basic handheld meter. That is the fork in the road between these two multimeters and electrical testers: the Frentaly DM850 costs $12.95 and covers everyday readings, while the Klein Tools ET600 costs $175 and brings a megohmmeter insulation tester into the picture.
Quick verdict
If your projects are mostly household voltage checks, battery tests, continuity, and diode or transistor testing, the DM850 gives you the essential functions at the low end of the price range. If your work calls for insulation-resistance testing on electrical systems and equipment, the ET600 is the specialized option. The DM850 is the less expensive pick; the ET600 is the one that adds insulation testing capability.
Comparison
| Feature | DM850 | Klein Tools ET600 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 12.95 | USD 175.00 |
| Core role | Handheld digital multimeter | Multimeter with megohmmeter insulation tester |
| Key measurements | AC/DC voltage, DC current, resistance, continuity, diode, transistor | Resistance up to 4000 ohms, insulation testing |
| Condition | New | New - Open box |
Where each product wins
The DM850 wins when you want a straightforward multimeter for everyday voltage checks, battery checks, circuit continuity, and simple diode or transistor tests. The backlight and data hold make those readings easier in dim spots.
The ET600 wins when you need to test insulation resistance on electrical systems and equipment. It includes CAT III/CAT IV safety-rated test leads and a heavy-duty alligator clip, and the orange-and-black design is easy to track on a job site.
Product notes
Frentaly DM850 Digital Multimeter
The Frentaly DM850 is a handheld digital multimeter that covers AC and DC voltage, DC current, resistance, continuity, diode testing, and transistor testing. The backlit display and data hold are practical touches when you are working in poor light or need to move the meter before reading it. With AC voltage ranges listed at 200/600V and a 3-digit LCD max of 1999, it is aimed at general-purpose electrical checks. The price sits at the low end of this comparison, which makes it a reasonable addition to a home toolkit. Its limitation is the opposite side of that focus: if your projects include insulation-resistance testing on electrical equipment, the ET600 is the one built for that job.
Klein Tools ET600
The Klein Tools ET600 combines a multimeter with an insulation tester, and it includes CAT III/CAT IV safety-rated test leads plus a heavy-duty alligator clip. It measures up to 4000 ohms of resistance, and the orange-and-black body is easy to spot in a crowded work area. At 1.4 pounds with dimensions of 10 x 2 x 4.5 inches, it fits a compact, lightweight design. The main hesitation is the condition: it is a new-open box unit, and it sits at the top of this price range, so the purchase is a bigger commitment than the DM850. For insulation-resistance testing on electrical equipment, that commitment is the reason to pick the ET600.
Final choice by use case
- Home and light maintenance: Choose the DM850. Its broad function list covers common multimeter jobs without moving to the top of the price range.
- Electrical and insulation work: Choose the ET600. The insulation tester function and included test leads are what you are paying for at the upper end of the price range.
