155 - Budget multi-meters: Crenova MS8233D3D

I am often ask to recommend multimeters for folks starting out in electronics and/or on a tight budget. I had a look around what is affordable and from the specs looks reasonable. With that I mean, something I would be Ok to use myself and that means 4000 counts or more, capable to measure volts and current and not smart because smart meters still have issues when used in electronics circuits. I bought these meters, you get my true opinion as always.
The first candidate is the Crenova MS8233D which turns out is not a bad choice. It has some issues with signals containing AC+DC but there are workarounds and most meters in the same class have exactly the same problems.
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0:00 Intro
1:05 Tour
2:13 Low range errors
4:27 DC & AC volts
5:40 Mixed AC+DC
7:56 Bandwidth
8:12 DC & AC amps
9:20 Ohms & caps & freq
10:47 Diode
11:17 Leads & cont
12:20 NCV & Live
14:08 Input resistance
14:35 Battery life
16:22 Inside & hacking
20:10 wrap-up

[@m80116]

I've noticed a seemingly identical for case and shape meter sold under a different brand name. Checked again and they are not of the same quality, this is the better one with decent electronics and display. The other one is probably fine as well for the lower price but beware of copies.
I could probably buy one to take on my campervan trips. One error I've made in the past is buying big meters for the bench besides the bench top DMM. Don't, the smaller it is the better at least for me.

[@ivolol]

Yes, very easy to buy whatever the other meter is that has the exact same brand model but is a different 2000 count meter...
For simplicity with 3 terminals, I still think it is very hard to beat Aneng 8008/8009. The only thing I miss on it is the REL function. Recently I have been tempted to get a ZOYI ZT303. I believe ZOYI are the OEM to Aneng DMMs anyway. It seems to use the same DMM backend as the AN870, giving 22000 counts, but it is in a slightly smaller package.

[@davestorr6764]

Most of the less expensive DMM’s are perfectly fine for hobby electronic work but not really suitable for any power measurements. Common sense I guess.
Likewise if I had cost & size constraints, I would opt for the small Uni-T with the clamp (UT-210). Small and has a surprisingly good feel.
Most importantly though, like was displayed perfectly here. The best upgrade for any cheap meter is some decent probes.