Is the ANENG 681 Rechargeable Multimeter Worth Your Money? An Honest Review
We’ve all been there. You’re trying to fix a flickering light, check a car battery, or figure out why an outlet suddenly stopped working. You reach for your old, clunky multimeter, only to find the 9V battery inside is dead—again. Or worse, the screen is so dim you can’t read the numbers unless you’re standing directly under a spotlight.
It’s frustrating when your tools get in the way of your project. Lately, I’ve been testing the ANENG 681 Rechargeable Digital Professional Multimeter Non-contact Voltage Tester AC/DC Voltage Meter LCD Screen Current Tester. It promises to solve the "dead battery" headache and provide a modern, easy-to-read experience without breaking the bank.
If you are looking for an ANENG 681 Rechargeable Digital Professional Multimeter Non-contact Voltage Tester AC/DC Voltage Meter LCD Screen Current Tester review that doesn’t fluff up the truth, you’re in the right place. Let’s see if it actually holds up in the garage.
What is the ANENG 681 Multimeter?
At its core, the ANENG 681 is a modern take on the standard multimeter. Most entry-level meters rely on disposable batteries that leak or die at the worst possible time. The 681 changes that by including a built-in rechargeable battery.
The main appeal here is the balance between price and performance. It’s a budget-friendly tool that looks and feels like something that should cost twice as much. Plus, since many vendors offer this with free shipping, it’s an easy impulse buy for DIYers or hobbyists who don’t want to spend $200 on a Fluke meter for basic home repairs.
Key Features of the ANENG 681 Multimeter
When you take this out of the box, you’ll notice it doesn’t feel like a cheap toy. It has a nice weight to it, and the screen is significantly better than the old-school segmented displays found on cheaper models.
1. The Rechargeable Battery Advantage This is the standout feature. You charge it via USB-C, just like your smartphone. No more hunting for a 9V battery at 8:00 PM on a Sunday. It holds a charge for a long time, and you can top it off whenever you’re near a charging port.
2. High-Definition LCD Screen The screen is crisp. It’s large enough to read from a few feet away, which is helpful if you’re balancing the meter on a ledge while testing a wire. It’s backlit and easy to see in low-light conditions, like under a dashboard or in a dark basement.
3. Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) Testing This is a safety feature that I use more than I thought I would. By just hovering the top of the meter near a wire, it will beep and flash if there’s live electricity. It’s a quick way to check if a circuit is "hot" before you start touching things with your probes.
4. Smart Auto-Ranging If you aren't an electrical engineer, you might find manual ranging confusing. The ANENG 681 automatically figures out the range for you. Whether you’re measuring a small 3V battery or a 120V wall outlet, the meter adjusts so you get an accurate reading without turning a dial to the "perfect" spot.
Real-World Performance: Does It Work?
I used this for a few weeks on various tasks: checking a car battery, testing some old Christmas lights, and diagnosing a dead wall outlet.
The ANENG 681 Rechargeable Digital Professional Multimeter Non-contact Voltage Tester AC/DC Voltage Meter LCD Screen Current Tester is impressively fast at locking onto a reading. Some cheap meters "hunt" for the number for seconds before settling. The 681 is snappy.
The probes feel decent—not professional-grade, but definitely good enough for home use. The silicone cables are flexible, which is a nice touch. They don’t feel stiff or prone to cracking like the plastic ones on older, cheaper meters.
Pros and Cons
To be totally transparent, no tool is perfect. Here is the honest breakdown:
The Pros: Convenience: Charging via USB-C is a massive quality-of-life upgrade. Visibility: The LCD screen is bright and very easy to read. Safety: The NCV feature works reliably and adds a layer of safety for beginners. Value: For the price, you get a feature set that is hard to beat. Portability: It’s slim enough to throw in a tool bag without taking up much room.
The Cons: Plastic Feel: While it’s sturdy, the casing is still plastic. If you drop it from a ladder onto concrete, it might not survive as well as a high-end, rubber-armored professional meter. Probes: The included probes are standard. If you do heavy-duty industrial work, you might eventually want to upgrade to higher-quality leads. Not for High Voltage: If you are working on industrial 480V systems, stick to professional-grade, certified equipment. This is a home/hobby tool.
Who is this for?
You should buy this if: You are a homeowner or DIYer who does occasional electrical work. You are tired of buying 9V batteries for your old meter. You want a modern, easy-to-read display. You appreciate budget-friendly tools that offer great value.
You should skip this if: You are a professional electrician who needs a CAT IV-rated tool for daily industrial site work. You need extreme laboratory-grade precision for sensitive electronic design. You are prone to dropping your tools from great heights regularly.
User Experiences
I asked a couple of friends who tinker with cars and home repairs to test it out. Here’s what they said:
“I’m not an electrician, but I work on my vintage truck a lot. The best part about this ANENG 681 is that I don’t have to worry if it’s going to turn on. I just plug it in like my phone, and it’s ready. It’s saved me a lot of headaches.” — Mark, DIY Hobbyist.
“I bought this because I needed a new meter and liked the free shipping offer I found. The non-contact voltage tester is super handy when I’m trying to figure out which breaker controls which room. It’s a solid little tool for the price.” — Sarah, Homeowner.
Final Verdict: Is it worth your money?
So, is the ANENG 681 Rechargeable Digital Professional Multimeter Non-contact Voltage Tester AC/DC Voltage Meter LCD Screen Current Tester worth the hype?
If you are a regular person who needs a reliable meter for home, car, or hobby electronics projects, yes, it is absolutely worth it.
It isn't going to replace a $500 professional-grade meter, and it wasn't designed to. But it provides exactly what most of us need: accurate readings, a great screen, and the convenience of a rechargeable battery. It’s a tool that makes the job easier rather than adding to the frustration. For the price point, it’s a smart addition to any toolbox.