The Amprobe 30XR-A, 33, 34, 35, 37 and 38 Compared
A look at each model, their pluses and minuses, and main attributes on features and functions. Includes a handy chart.

Price: $$+
Pros: True RMS, loop current, RS232, micro-amps and temperature
Cons: The slow continuity is a bit of a downer
Bottom Line: This series is getting on in years, but the 38XR-A is a good deal for all the included features

Price: $$+
Pros: Fairly high-resolution backlit display, logic tests & inductance
Cons: Screen could be better, slow continuity
Bottom Line: Useful multimeter for those needing to also test components and radio systems

Price: $$+
Pros: Compact and solid, with voltage sensor and micro-amps
Cons: Not quite full range, not backlit
Bottom Line: Okay meter for basic HVAC work, though there are better options out there, including from Amprobe

Price: $$
Pros: Backlit display, temperature input, all amperage ranges
Cons: Display a bit old looking today, sluggish continuity
Bottom Line: Good auto/manual ranger from Amprobe, though lacking some functions at this level

Price: $+
Pros: Bar graph display, peak hold, and temperature input
Cons: So-so, non-backlit display, only manual ranging (some prefer this)
Bottom Line: A good, all round meter from Amprobe with most input ranges and peak hold, Min/Max modes

Price: $+
Pros: Quite good build quality and specs, voltage detection
Cons: Manual ranging, display very average and not backlit, no capacitance
Bottom Line: Solid, no-mess manual ranging meter from a top brand; has some nice features

Price: $+
Pros: Multimeter, voltage tester, socket tester all in one package
Cons: Meter CAT rating quite low, no backlight, manual ranging only
Bottom Line: Handy test kit for everyday electrical work and RV fault diagnostics, with a good price tag

Quickly compare between the various multimeters of the Amprobe 500 Series. There are six to choose from and we have detailed the main differences as well as included a table for easy cross-reference.

Price: $
Pros: Decent voltage and amperage ranges (including micro-amps), battery test
Cons: Quite slow, no backlit display
Bottom Line: Budget multimeter from renowned maker Amprobe, good as a standby or one for the DIYer

Price: $$+
Pros: Rugged, has all the ranges (including micro-amps and dual temp), high CAT rating
Cons: Slow auto range/continuity, average RMS only
Bottom Line: Good value professional HVAC meter for those on a mid-range budget

Price: $$
Pros: Neat, solid meter with good functionality – voltage detection, micro-amps and temp range
Cons: A bit sluggish, made in China
Bottom Line: Good lower priced standard HVAC multimeter, albeit a bit slow

Price: $+
Pros: Solid, attractive meter with most ranges (including amps and capacitance), backlit display, good accuracy, auto and manual ranging
Cons: Slow auto ranging and temperamental voltage detector
Bottom Line: Excellent entry level multimeter with a good safety rating and price, but a little slow

Price: $$$
Pros: A rugged, feature-packed meter with CATIV rating, low pass filter, dual temperature probes and dual display
Cons: Slow auto-ranging, short voltage sensor range
Bottom Line: Good value, advanced tester for professionals and those that don’t have the budget for an equivalent Fluke

Price: $$
Pros: Good appearance and features – has non-contact voltage detection, manual ranging option and a flashlight
Cons: Slow continuity and auto ranging, the backlight doesn’t stay on long
Bottom Line: Solid meter, though accuracy, speed and battery life let it down a bit

Price: $$
Pros: Tiny, quite accurate, measures most things and has voltage detection
Cons: Fairly pricey for a pocket multimeter, no carry case, leads hardwired
Bottom Line: Very handy little device with good features, could replace a full size meter