Compact and pretty good VC921 multimeter

Some of my reviews feature a small multimeter as a second measuring instrument. In this review, I want to tell you about my little helper.

It all started when I needed a multimeter for work to replace a cheap one that cost three bucks and died a heroic death after a couple of months. I spent quite a while choosing one, and had even added one of the popular models I liked to my cart.

But in the end I chose a different one, and I don't regret it, even though it cost a couple of bucks more. I'll explain why below.



The multimeter arrived in its original cardboard box (it took a very, very long time to get here—holidays, or something else, kept getting in the way). The box was wrapped in plastic and covered with a couple of layers of wide adhesive tape. There was no bubble wrap or anything like that on the outside. As you can see in the photos, everything arrived intact and undented. The multimeter itself was wrapped in bubble wrap.

The package included:
Cardboard box
Multimeter
Instructions in understandable Chinese.
2 AAA batteries (in my previous review of the Maysku, someone said theirs arrived without batteries)
A wrist strap made by a Chinese child
Warranty card

I chose this one for several reasons, which will become clear from a comparison with another popular multimeter.

It's small; the other option was much bigger (like the one in the photo below).

It comes in its own case, which is handy for carrying in a toolbox (and several car owners really liked it too—they want one to keep in the glove compartment).

The rotary power switch can't be turned on accidentally (you can't even close the case without switching it off).

A 3999-count display, unlike the 1999 count found on many inexpensive models (really handy).

It indicates the quantity being measured (for some reason, the other option didn't have this; I was surprised when I took a closer look at the photo).

Nothing unnecessary, and powering it with 2 AAA batteries is often more convenient than using a 9 V battery.

There's a handy quick-reference guide inside the cover, in much more understandable English.




I'll test resistance and capacitance measurements.

For reference, I'll use resistors with 1%, 0.5%, and 0.25% tolerances, as well as capacitors with 0.5%, 1%, and 2% tolerances. Any more precision is probably unnecessary, and I was also really curious to see how much of a measuring instrument this thing actually is :)






Finally, I compared it in voltage measurement mode with my 18-year-old Mastech, which has been calibrated. I was pleasantly surprised; cheap multimeters usually don't always agree (the Krona battery I measured was dead, so don't be surprised).
The meter's accuracy is more than adequate; it's excellent for measuring voltage and resistance.
The author of the previous review wrote that it takes a long time to measure capacitance. I wouldn't say it's that critical; I didn't find it particularly inconvenient.


The downside is that the probes are flimsy. I'm used to different ones, but those cost a lot more. These will do for occasional use, especially since they tuck neatly into the meter's case.

The display is less contrasty than the one on my old multimeter (you can see this clearly in the photo; it doesn't depend on the viewing angle). It could use a backlight.

Unfortunately, the meter can't measure current (I really wish it could), but it does everything else very well.

Yes, I know there are Appa and Fluke meters out there, but they cost a lot more. I wanted an ordinary, inexpensive workhorse, but didn't want to buy outright junk like the Mastech 830, which isn't even really a Mastech anymore and has nothing to do with the brand.

What I need from a meter is ease of use, accurate readings, and an affordable price. In my opinion, this one strikes a pretty good balance. I recommend it both to beginners as their main meter and to experienced users as a handy extra for taking on the road.


I hope my review helps someone choose a multimeter.
By the way, does anyone know where to find good alligator clips and probe tips for my multimeters on AliExpress?
This meter has been a big help in some of my reviews
https://www.kirich.blog/obzory/13-20-vatt-drayver-svetodiodov-ili-konstrukciya-vyhodnogo-dnya.html
https://www.kirich.blog/obzory/9-svetodiodnaya-lenta-ili-quotkasha-iz-toporaquot.html
https://www.kirich.blog/obzory/11-mikroshema-i-drugie-komponenty-drayvera-moschnogo-svetodioda.html
https://www.kirich.blog/obzory/4-svetodiodnye-potolochnye-svetilniki-5-vatt.html