Digital calipers are essential tools, whether you’re a homeowner working on renovations or a professional mechanical engineer, as some tasks require precise measurements. A single incorrect measurement can ruin part fittings and undermine the success of the entire project. This makes a digital caliper indispensable for ensuring small, accurate measurements.
While using a digital caliper is now easier than ever, knowing how to read and interpret the measurements is crucial. For more guidance, check out our exclusive article on how to read a digital caliper for accurate results.
With a wide range of models available, selecting the perfect digital caliper can be challenging. To make your search easier, we’ve reviewed some of the best digital calipers on the market and provided a detailed breakdown of key features to consider when buying one.
Now, let’s dive into the top digital calipers available today.
Best Digital Calipers
Here’s the list of the 6 best digital calipers.
1. Mitutoyo 500-196-30 6″ AOS Digital Caliper – Best for Advanced Sensor Technology
We’d begin our list with one of the highest-rated electric calipers you’ll find, the Mitutoyo AOS Digital caliper. Although it isn’t the best caliper out there, it offers some cutting-edge features under a bargain-basement price range. Let’s check out its core features!
First and foremost, this electric caliper comes equipped with exceptional AOS (Advanced On-site Sensor) technology. The main benefit of this digital electronic caliper is that the electromagnetic inductivity of the AOS technology enhances its resistance to oil, dirt, and water. This way, the longevity of this product is improved by a great deal.
Furthermore, this tool offers a decent 0-150 mm measurement range, which isn’t bad for its price range. Now in case you’re not convinced yet, it further allows 0.01 mm increments to assure that the measurements are flawless. It honestly doesn’t get any better than this.
This product also offers an easy-to-read LCD that illustrates the measurement readings in two different units, such as mm and inches. To make it even better, it saves you from the trouble of recalibration, providing you with a first-class user experience. Overall, this is a decent choice to consider, if you don’t have extremely high hopes and a deluxe budget.
Initially, when we received this product, we were a little upset to find out that it didn’t arrive in a shock-resistant case. Even if we overlook this minor fault, we can’t be satisfied with the lack of automatic power on/shutdown features of this product. Nowadays, buyers are more inclined towards automated technology, which gives this product a thumbs down from our side.
What We Like
- Assures a decent accuracy range
- Equipped with AOS technology
- Satisfactory measurement range
- Easy-to-read LCD
What We Don’t Like
2. iGaging 12″ Digital Caliper – Best for Durability and Battery
As we move forward, we thought maybe it’s the right time to introduce you to some standard electric clippers that are quite useful for completing small personal jobs. On that note, the iGaging 12″ Digital Caliper is a pretty decent unit that offers satisfactory efficiency at a reasonable price.
This is frankly one of those standard digital calipers that come with a full LCD and feature a decent measurement range. We are also satisfied with the usual accuracy of 0.002 mm that it provides. Simply put, this unit fulfills the basic expectations one can have from a digital caliper and doesn’t leave much room for complaints.
However, the main reason why this product is on our list is that similar to the EAGems digital caliper, it also comes with advanced IP54 protection. To the ones that value product durability the most, this is an ideal option to consider. The IP54 safeguarding feature assures you a longer product life by protecting it from dust/water ingress to a certain extent.
Another thing that we’ve noticed is that it offers an impressive battery life, and doesn’t put the users through the hassle of frequent charging. To make it even better, it comes equipped with a low battery notification for higher user convenience. However, we do not recommend using this digital caliper when it’s on low battery, as it may lead to inaccurate measurements. For digital caliper accuracy, you will want to keep the battery charged.
As we mentioned earlier, this product doesn’t have much to complain about. However, one thing that we’ve noticed while using this product is that it faces trouble while measuring something more extensive than 130 mm. That’s why we wouldn’t recommend it for professional use.
What We Like
- Satisfactory range of accuracy
- Easy-to-read LCD
- Comes with IP54 protection
- Long-lasting battery life
What We Don’t Like
3. Neiko 01407A 6″ Stainless Steel Digital Clipper
Speaking of standard digital clippers, we cannot ignore one of the top-rated products in the market right now, the Neiko 01407A 6″ Stainless Steel Digital Clipper. After testing it, we think it’s safe to say that the manufacturers haven’t compromised the efficiency of this unit to compensate for its meager price.
As the name implies, this unit is built with stainless steel which ensures its long-lasting durability. Furthermore, the design of this unit is quite ergonomic and features a knurled thumb roller to lock the screws, which makes positioning this caliper a lot more accurate. Moreover, it is surprisingly ultralight and compact, which makes carrying it around a cakewalk.
Despite being a standard digital caliper, the critical advantage that this product has over the iGaging unit is that it can smoothly measure over 130 mm. Not to mention, it has a 0.002 mm accuracy range that is entirely satisfactory for a product at this price range.
Similar to the Mitutoyo product, this tool also displays the measurement readings in various units such as mm, inches, and fractions on its full LCD. However, the cream of the crop here is that this product arrives with an extra LR44 battery for replacement. So, you ultimately get a higher value than what you had paid for.
While testing, we’ve noticed a significant gap amidst the measuring jaws, which frequently results in the internal measurements being a little inaccurate. We’re hoping that the manufacturers will address this issue on priority so that the users do not face any inconvenience.
What We Like
- Accuracy range of 0.02 mm
- Wide LCD
- Ultralight and compact frame
- Built with stainless steel
What We Don’t Like
4. REXBETI Electronic Digital Caliper
If you’re a professional with a decent knowledge of high-quality tools, it’s less likely that you aren’t familiar with REXBETI products. The REXBETI Electronic Digital Caliper is our topmost recommendation when it comes to sturdy tools that guarantee high accuracy. Let’s have an inside scoop on its core features.
For those who usually work in harsh conditions and require tools that deliver higher accuracy, the REXBETI Electronic Digital Caliper fulfills these criteria with precision. Talking about efficiency, this unit features a set of measuring jaws that are especially laser-machined to raise its accuracy a notch.
Apart from that, this device also assures smooth movements, which makes the job even simpler and more manageable. The caliper is ultralight and is built very ergonomically, which saves our wrists from sprains/aches while using it for a longer period. Speaking from personal experience, we found this product to be an ideal alternative to the MeasuGater digital caliper, as both offer us similar ease of use.
Noteworthy to mention, this product also gives fierce competition to the iGaging digital caliper on the ground of battery life. As a bonus, we also get an extra battery as an emergency backup, making it an ideal product that offers the best value under a low budget.
We must warn you that this product is not at all suitable for professional use. Although the ease of use of this product is quite high, the usability of this product is limited to specific fields of work. If used anywhere else, this product may start malfunctioning.
What We Like
- Long-lasting battery life
- Auto on/off feature
- Higher accuracy
- Easy to carry around and use
What We Don’t Like
5. VINCA DCLA-0605 Digital Vernier Caliper
If you’re a fan of best-value products, the VINCA DCLA-0605 Digital Vernier Caliper is the best you can get at such a reasonable price range. Now we wouldn’t mislead you into believing that this is an exceptionally advanced tool, but it seems quite satisfactory and efficient as a standard tool.
This device is built with durable stainless steel, which is guaranteed to last you for years to come. It also has a standard measurement range of up to 6 inches with an increment of 0.001 inches to amplify its accuracy a little.
No, we wouldn’t lie that it’s an out-of-the-box tool that’ll leave you in awe with its trailblazing technology. Similar to other standard digital calipers, this unit also supports various units of measurement such as mm, inches, and fractions.
More or less, this is a very convenient and easy-to-use device that wouldn’t disappoint you, to the least. If you’re looking forward to availing of one of the most reliable products in the market, this is a caliper that’s worth your attention.
Although this product comes with an automated on/off feature, the processor runs 24×7, even when it’s off. This isn’t good news for its battery life, and the manufacturers must resolve this bug on priority. Also, the external measuring jaws wobble quite often while using the tool.
What We Like
- Measurement range up to 150 mm
- Built with stainless steel
- Decent accuracy
- Lightweight and easy to carry
What We Don’t Like
6. RCBS Electronic Digital Caliper
RCBS is an emerging name in the power tools industry, which is best known for its groundbreaking innovations. The RCBS Electronic Digital Caliper is a decent unit that makes another addition to our best-value products category. We’ve recently tested this tool, and we’re quite satisfied with what it has to offer at this price range. On that note, let’s check out its core features!
After testing this product, the main feature we could find that could set this unit apart from its competing tools is the exceptional product quality. This caliper is built with exceptionally high-quality stainless steel, which gives it the catbird’s seat in terms of durability.
The versatility of measurement units is standard here, as the device allows both mm and inches. Although it isn’t impressive, it seems satisfactory to us for a standard digital caliper. However, the cream of the crop here is that it can make internal, external, step, and depth measurements with ease.
The measurement readings are displayed on its full LCD, and an increment of 0.02 mm is allowed to ensure high accuracy. Overall, this appears to be quite okay at what it does, which makes it worth your consideration if you have a low budget.
To begin with, we’ve found the battery life of this product to be quite unsatisfactory. It lasts less than its advertised battery life, which was a tad upsetting for us. Also, this unit doesn’t feature an automated on/off feature, for which it gets a thumbs down.
What We Like
- High-quality steel material
- Wide LCD
- Versatile measurement modes
- Decent accuracy
What We Don’t Like
Best Digital Calipers Comparison Table
| Product | Range | Measurement Accuracy | Battery | Display | IP Rating | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitutoyo 500-196-30 6″ AOS Digital Caliper | 0-6″ | 0.001″ | 1x LR44 | LCD | N/A | 3.94 x 1.18 x 8.66″ | 6 oz |
| iGaging 12″ Digital Caliper | 0-12″ | 0.001″ | 2x Lithium Metal | LCD | IP54 | 16.81 x 5.16 x 1.26″ | 24 oz |
| Neiko 01407A 6″ Stainless Steel Digital Caliper | 0-6″ | 0.001″ | 1x LR44 | LCD | N/A | 6 x 1 x 1″ | 11.99 oz |
| REXBETI Electronic Digital Caliper | 0-6″ | 0.0005″ | 2x LR44 | LCD | N/A | 10.16 x 4.21 x 1.26″ | 12.31 oz |
| VINCA DCLA-0605 Digital Vernier Caliper | 0-6″ | 0.001″ | 2x LR44 | LCD | N/A | 9.25 x 1.5 x 0.5″ | 5.28 oz |
| RCBS Electronic Digital Caliper | 0-6″ | N/A | N/A | LCD | N/A | 10.25 x 3.88 x 1.38″ | 12.8 oz |
Buying Guide For The Best Electric Caliper
Although you’re familiar with the topmost products available in the market right now, it can still be tough to select an ideal digital caliper that satisfies your needs with precision. This is because most of us are unaware of the dos and don’ts when it comes to this product.
Don’t worry; this is where a buyer’s guide comes into action. Here we’ve enlisted the core features and tips that can be helpful for you while buying and using a digital caliper. So, let’s begin with the key features, shall we?
Depth Gauge
The depth gauge is unarguably the most essential feature of a digital caliper, as it allows us to measure the exact depth of a hole. Moreover, this feature comes in handy in measuring the precise thickness of any material. So make sure that the product you’re interested in buying features a durable depth gauge.
Locking screw
What good is a caliper that doesn’t lock properly? Yes, the locking screws make sure that the measuring jaws are adequately locked so that the measurements are more accurate. That being said, various products in the market come with low-quality locking screws, so be smart and beware.
Inside/Outside Jaws
The inside/outside jaws are used to measure the internal and external dimensions of an object. Now, most of the products in the market come with very delicate measuring jaws that can be damaged easily. Thus, while buying a digital caliper, make sure to double-check that its measuring jaws are built with sturdy and durable material.
Length
Simply put, the longer the caliper, the higher the efficiency. If you’re a professional, buying a small/standard caliper wouldn’t do you any good. On the other hand, you can do wonders with a standard six-inch caliper as a beginner.
Zero button
Mainly, this feature comes in handy while resetting the device at zero in an instant to begin with the next measurement. It is also used as the on/off switch in numerous digital calipers and is commonly found in electric calipers nowadays.
Mm/inch button
Some of us prefer to measure the dimensions in inches, while others prefer millimeters. Nonetheless, it is crucial to purchase a device that can support both, as it enhances its versatility up a notch. On that note, the MeasuGator electric caliper is the most versatile product in the market with 5 different measurement modes.
LCD
Due to being a measurement device, an ideal electric caliper needs to display the readings clearly for the user’s convenience. Brands such as Neiko and Mitutoyo offer a comparatively larger LCD than the others.
Ease of use
As buyers, we mostly prefer devices that are easy to use. Likewise, an ideal electric caliper must have smooth measuring jaw movements, an easy-to-use interface, and sensitive wheels. Otherwise, it’ll make the job a lot more time-consuming and harder.
IP54 Protection
Professionals frequently use electric calipers in harsh conditions, which requires the tool to be highly resistant to damage. On that note, the IP54 protection enhances the durability of an electric caliper as it increases its resistance to oil, dirt, and water.
When should you use a digital caliper?
You should use digital calipers for measuring the thickness of boards, diameters of cylindrical objects, or cutting depth. It also helps when the job requires precise measurements because digital calipers offer the highest level of accuracy.
Regular metal calipers are not the easiest to work with because reading them can be challenging. If you need a caliper that measures accurately and quickly with a high-resolution display, you should use a digital caliper.
What sizes are digital calipers available in?
The sizes in digital calipers refer to the measurements the device can provide with accuracy. If you are just getting to know about digital calipers, you may not know that they are available in different sizes. The most common sizes on the market today are the 6-inch, 12-inch, and 24-inch types.
Some projects need specialized digital calipers because the standard ones might not fit the requirements. This is why companies create custom sizes for some customers.
How do digital calipers work?
Some objects are impossible to measure with rulers or other measurement tools. This is why people use calipers to get precise measurements for their projects. Calipers have one central hinge with two legs attached on either side, which can move closer to the object that needs measuring.
Digital calipers have a scale for measurement, which means that the results are displayed on the device for easy reading. This display makes it easier to view results and note the measurements.
What’s the difference between dial calipers and digital calipers?
Digital calipers require batteries so that the sensors can function, but dial calipers do not need any. However, reading the display is easier for digital calipers since they show the measurements directly.
When it comes to daily usage, you need to make sure digital calipers are away from any magnetic device, water, oil, or dirt. Dial calipers are not that sensitive, but they also need to be kept away from magnets.
What’s the difference between vernier calipers and digital calipers?
The good thing about vernier calipers is that they are quite sturdy and are not sensitive to magnets or water like digital ones. However, digital calipers are easy to reset to zero, while vernier ones are difficult to calibrate.
Probably the biggest difference between the two is that digital calipers provide the fastest reading while verniers are the slowest. But, if you are looking for the cheapest option, vernier calipers might be the way to go.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of the best digital calipers available, it’s important to remember that the right digital calipers for you depend on your specific requirements, including factors like accuracy, durability, and ease of use. Digital calipers provide us with essential assistance in measuring with precision, so it’s necessary to make informed choices when selecting the right product to meet your needs.
From these 6 digital calipers, here are the top three expert recommendations:
- Mitutoyo 500-196-30 6″ AOS Digital Caliper – Best for Advanced On-Site Sensor Technology: The Mitutoyo AOS Digital Caliper is an ideal option for those seeking a high-quality caliper with advanced features, better resistance to oil, dirt, and water, as well as an impressive measurement range.
- MOOCK MK-DC-01 6″ Stainless Steel Digital Caliper – Best for User-Friendliness and Multiple Measurement Types: The MOOCK Digital Caliper is a good option that provides user-friendly measuring of internal and external dimensions, depth, steps, and diameters, with added benefits of automated power-off and multiple unit conversions.
- iGaging 12″ Digital Caliper – Best for Longer Product Life and Battery Performance: The iGaging Digital Caliper is the right choice for those who value durability and long-lasting battery life. Equipped with IP54 protection, it shields the device from dust and water ingress, prolonging its effective use.
In summary, it’s crucial to evaluate the digital calipers’ features to ensure that your selected product meets your measurement requirements, providing accurate and reliable results, and ultimately making your tasks more efficient and precise.
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