$50 Multimeter better than a Fluke? Kaiweets KM601 Review

How does a $50 multimeter from Kaiweets stack up against a Fluke?

In this video I review and show the build quality and test against my trusty Fluke 110 (which is my benchmark for multimeters)

To buy this multimeter, use the below link and discount code.
Use this code for 10% off 👉 HR10

⏱️Chapters⏱️
0:00 The Kaiweets KM601 Digital Multimeter
1:18 What you get & the user manual issue
2:30 Ruggedness & battery compartment
4:17 Other accessories included
5:38 Powering on the meter and functions
7:24 Accuracy compared to the Fluke 110
10:42 Final thoughts
12:13 Outside in sunlight

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Music:

[randyabgo]

If I had to place a bet which meter was showing the correct actual voltage, it would be your Fluke even though it's 10 years old. I have a Fluke 87 (no suffix) that's at least 20 years old and was used in an industrial environment, never calibrated and I put it up against my brand new Fluke 289. The reading were identical. Identical. You can't beat that with a stick!

[DonzLockz]

It looks very sexy, nice screen. I'm still a licenced electrician but never bought a Fluke. I didn't think a few decimal places on 240v or 415v would make much difference in the big scheme of things. I have a number of different meters, meggers and no contact voltage detectors. In saying that, I am always interested in new toys. Lol. Cheers for sharing Hayden. 👍🤓🇦🇺 73

[davidd]

I have more than 15 pieces of Fluke equipment and wouldn’t trade one for anything else

The build quality and feel of a Fluke is something to behold

[alanmorgan]

Thanks for the review - I've just bought the newer version, the KM601s which has the option of battery powered or rechargeable. More importantly, the test leads plug into the face panel (not the edge) and there is a flick-out stand like your Fluke. Also the function button allow navigation through the functions in either direction. I haven't tried it in the bright sunshine yet but here in the UK we aren't too worried about getting to much of that - lol

[qzorn]

Amazon $219 Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter, Amazon $46 KAIWEETS KM601 Digital Multimeter Voltmeter Smart Electrical Tester 😎 Most excellent hobby meter. 🥰Thank you.

[KKUSYHamRadioAdventures]

I have one something like that but uses watch batteries, I like yours better. Thanks for the look Hayden.

[mattghoward]

lots of great multifunction units coming out - I still have my Fluke 77 I got in the mid 1980's - still going strong - but there is always room for some cost effective ones to throw in the go bag

[alekz]

I was all set to get the cheaper multimeter until I saw the last few min with the washed out display in daylight which is were I would use it most of the time . Still a good cheap for inside worship use and the display was bright in the right conditions . Thanks for the review

[tomhalbouty]

I purchased one out of curiosity as the "mobile phone" styled form factor is quite appealing. The 601 is a useful meter in a fun package that does appear accurate when compared to my Fluke 87 V and 189 meters. I do have some concerns though. The internal construction does not have separated compartments for fuses nor does it use reinforced safety fuses. Additionally, there are no MOVs to control mishaps which can result in a fuse explosion. I recommend being vary cautious using this meter with high voltage mains. I also found this meter to be extremely slow on reading capacitance and that small capacitors, below 1 uf, seem to be quite inaccurate. Finally if you use this meter with high voltage, please use the outer case to provide some containment protection. Mishaps can happen. I do like the review.

[mudpuppy]

I bought a cheap fluke 107 meter a few years ago and it works alright. Lately it’s been acting up so I just bought this one on Amazon as a backup and a new set of leads for my fluke. I can’t justify $800 for a proper fluke, I don’t need that kind of accuracy.

[Spike-skql]

It's nice and all, but being an automotive tech, I already have a fluke. I also consider the fluke as being one of the best multi meters on the market. I think I will just stick with my fluke, and my oscilloscope that's inside my scanner.

[autolancegega]

I bet it won't last long than a fluke. I am using a fluke since 1998 and it is still going strong. Get it calibrated every 2 years, just replace the batteries. The only issue I recently started facing is the display.

[everydayden]

Thanks for the nice review. I have a Fluke 87 that I bought years ago, and it has been a fine meter. Recently though, while turned OFF, it will start to make weird noises and the display looks like it wants to fire up. I guess it is time to send it out to have it looked at. I find it very strange that while off, it is making noises. As mentioned below, a cheap meter that you have is better than an expensive one that you don't. -- de n1kpz ( dennis ) in NH. on the East coast of America. 73 OM

[TheNoCodeTech]

Looks like a cool little meter. I should at some point upgrade to something that measures true RMS

[trev]

I bought one of these a few months ago. The only thing I don't like is that it won't read high frequency AC pretty much at all.. Granted most won't, however a lot of even cheap MM I'ved used will still give a reasonable read on high frequency.. This MM pretty much doesn't function after a few 100 hertz.

[bwest]

For what I need it for it's better than a fluke. I like the neoteck pen 1 better tho. I don't need a fluke because I don't go over 277 volts normally so nursing home maintenance I usually don't even need to use the leads I just use the ncv. The pen is better because it fits better in my pocket and I can use it 1 handed even using the multimeter.

[BarryandKaren]

Just received my KM601. The display is absolutely illegible outside (you literally cannot see a thing on the screen!) and gets noticeably dimmer/less legible in any bright light. I will be sending it back.

[temporarilyoffline]

How fast is it to actually measure - I've been noticing that my current meter takes a bit of time to read.

[ags_]

How many hours would the battery last?

[AcysLounge]

On my Fluke 115 the stoping nose of the functions button (rotary button) broke, although I never used it really rough. So I can turn over the off position. Replacement parts for that (I really tried) been a pain in the ass! I got sent from here to there, I guess it's easier buying some spare parts for space shuttle from NASA! Backlight is just a bad joke, as you can see also here in this video. Now got GVDA GD128 which is the same as Kaiweets 601, and enjoy super display, and overall sure same measuring quality as Fluke 115. Do I need a Fluke? No!