When you need to check insulation resistance on the job, you're not just picking any electrical tester. The Klein Tools ET600 Multimeter and Megohmmeter Insulation Tester arrives as a new open-box unit with safety-rated leads and alligator clips included. The Amprobe MegaTest 1 AMB-45 Insulation Resistance Tester Megohmmeter is a used professional-grade digital tester that comes complete with its original pouch, test leads, another cable, manual, and CD. One is the lower-priced option; the other brings a more expansive feature set. So which one belongs in your tool bag? Let's compare them head to head.
Quick Verdict
If you want a lower up-front price and a unit that is new open-box, with Klein's included CAT III/CAT IV safety-rated test leads and heavy-duty alligator clip, the ET600 is the straightforward pick. If you're willing to pay more for a used tester with a broader range of measurements and advanced functionality, the Amprobe AMB-45 is the more capable option.
Klein Tools ET600 vs Amprobe MegaTest 1 AMB-45 at a Glance
| Klein Tools ET600 | Amprobe MegaTest 1 AMB-45 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $175.00 | $399.97 |
| Condition | New - Open box | Used |
| Included accessories | CAT III/CAT IV safety-rated test leads, heavy-duty alligator clip | Original carrying pouch, red/black test leads, other cable, manual and CD |
| Key measurements | Resistance up to 4000 ohms | Resistance, frequency, temperature, voltage, capacitance |
| Safety and convenience | Battery powered, compact and lightweight | Auto power off, over range protection, true RMS |
Where Each Product Wins
The Klein Tools ET600 wins on price and the new open-box condition. It also includes Klein's safety-rated test leads and alligator clip, so you're ready to work out of the box. The Amprobe MegaTest 1 AMB-45 wins on versatility and professional features, with a broader measurement range and a more advanced digital tester design.
Product Notes
Klein Tools ET600 Multimeter, Megohmmeter Insulation Tester, 4000 Ohms Resistanc
The Klein Tools ET600 Multimeter, Megohmmeter Insulation Tester, 4000 Ohms Resistanc is priced at $175.00 in new open-box condition. That price gets you a compact, lightweight tester in an orange/black color scheme that's easy to spot on a busy job site. The included components are CAT III/CAT IV safety-rated test leads and a heavy-duty alligator clip, so you can start measuring resistance right away. It is battery powered, which adds portability. The main limitation is the resistance range: it measures up to 4000 ohms, which is a relatively low ceiling if you're testing high-value insulation resistance. It is compatible with any device that requires electrical testing or measurement, but it doesn't list advanced functions like true RMS or frequency measurement. For someone who wants a straightforward insulation resistance tester at a lower price, this is a practical, ready-to-go option.
Amprobe MegaTest 1 AMB-45 Insulation Resistance Tester Megohmmeter, Case & Leads
The Amprobe MegaTest 1 AMB-45 Insulation Resistance Tester Megohmmeter is priced at $399.97 in used condition. Despite the higher price, you get a complete kit: the original carrying pouch, red/black test leads, another cable, the manual, and a CD. It is in great cosmetic and working condition, with a perfect screen and only minor smudges from normal handling. As a digital insulation tester, it measures resistance, frequency, temperature, voltage, and capacitance, and it includes true RMS, auto power off, and over range protection. That makes it a much more versatile tool than a basic resistance-only tester. The limitation is that it's used, so you're relying on the stated condition rather than a factory-sealed product. If you need a professional-grade tester with a wide range of functions and you're comfortable with pre-owned gear, this is the more capable investment.
Final Choice by Use Case
If your primary job is simple insulation resistance checks on motors, cables, or similar equipment, and you want a lower-priced new open-box unit with Klein's safety-rated leads included, choose the Klein Tools ET600. If you need a tester that also measures frequency, temperature, voltage, and capacitance, and you value true RMS, auto power off, and over range protection in a used but complete kit, the Amprobe MegaTest 1 AMB-45 is the stronger choice. The right pick comes down to whether your priority is the lower up-front cost or the expanded feature set.
