The Best Budget Test Equipment in 2026

I've wasted money on junk equipment. Meters that drift. Scopes that lie. Power supplies that catch fire (almost).

This is the gear I actually trust on my bench. Everything here has been tested. Not "reviewed" from a press kit. Tested. Measured. Used until something broke or until I trusted it.

Some links are affiliate links. I only link to products I own and use.

Multimeters

Aneng AN8008 (~$25)

This is the budget king. True RMS, decent accuracy, doesn't lie to you.

What I measured:

• DC voltage accuracy within 0.5% of my Fluke reference
• AC RMS actually works (verified against known loads)
• Continuity beep is fast enough to be useful

Limitations:

• Input protection is adequate, not great. Don't probe mains with this.
• Leads are mediocre. Replace them.

Verdict: Best value under $50. I keep one as a backup.

Aneng AN8008 on Amazon

UNI-T UT61E+ (~$80)

When you need better accuracy and logging.

What I measured:

• 22000 count display. Actually useful resolution.
• USB data logging works with Sigrok.
• True RMS on AC.

Limitations:

• Software is Windows-only garbage. Use Sigrok.
• Still not a Fluke. Don't bet your life on it.

Verdict: Solid mid-range. Good for development work.

UNI-T UT61E+ on Amazon

Oscilloscopes

Hantek DSO2D10 (~$180)

2-channel, 100MHz, built-in signal generator. Ridiculous value.

What I measured:

• Bandwidth actually hits 100MHz (verified with known source)
• Timebase is accurate enough for most work
• Signal generator outputs clean waveforms to ~10MHz

Limitations:

• UI is clunky. Budget scope, budget interface.
• Sample memory is limited. Don't try deep captures.
• Fan is loud on some units.

Verdict: If you need a real scope and have $200, this is it.

Hantek DSO2D10 on Amazon

Soldering

FNIRSI HS-02B (~$50)

Portable soldering iron. USB-C PD powered. Actually good.

What I measured:

• Heats to 350°C in under 10 seconds from cold
• Temperature stability within ±5°C once settled
• Tips are JBC-clone compatible (huge win)

Limitations:

• Needs a 65W+ PD power source. Weak chargers won't cut it.
• Handle gets warm on long sessions.

Verdict: Replaced my Hakko for portable work.

FNIRSI HS-02B on Amazon

TS101 (~$70)

The upgrade from the TS100. Same idea, better execution.

What I measured:

• STM32 brain. Firmware is open and hackable.
• OLED display is crisp.
• Heats even faster than the FNIRSI.

Limitations:

• Power barrel connector. Not USB-C without an adapter.
• Stock tips are fine but aftermarket varies wildly.

Verdict: Best portable iron if you want firmware control.

TS101 on Amazon

Power Supplies

RD6006 + Enclosure (~$80-100)

Buck converter module with a good interface. Add your own 24-48V input supply.

What I measured:

• Output regulation within 10mV under load
• Current limit actually works and trips correctly
• Wifi/USB logging is functional

Limitations:

• You need to provide input power. This is just the DC-DC stage.
• Calibration drifts slightly over time. Recalibrate yearly.

Verdict: Best value bench supply if you're willing to DIY the enclosure.

RD6006 on Amazon

ESD Protection

Anti-static mat + wrist strap (~$15-25)

Not optional. Protect your parts.

What I actually use:

• Generic silicone mat from Amazon. Works fine.
• Wrist strap with alligator clip to the mat.
• Ground the mat to earth ground.

Test it: Use a meter to verify continuity from your wrist to earth. If it's open, something is wrong.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I've actually tested on my own bench.

The Short List

Trust the datasheet. Then trust the scope. Measure it. Do not guess.