Best Multitools of 2026

Whether you’re tinkering on a project in the garage, making on-the-go camp repairs like fixing zippers, or dialing in a finicky stove, a versatile multitool is a convenient and efficient way to be prepared in any situation.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on May 28, 2026, to ensure prices and product specs are up to date and to add any new reviews and durability notes.

How We Tested Multitools

Our team of gear testers has tested over 30 multitools over the last 10 years in every situation, including camping trips and backpacking adventures, DIY projects, electrical work, and farm chores. 

After hundreds of hours testing each tool—from portability and operation to ergonomics and tool deployment—we did a thorough side-by-side comparison of top performers from brands like Leatherman, Gerber, and SOG to make it easy for you to find one you’ll love.

And for more info, check out some of our other popular gear guides:

Quick Picks for Multitools

Check out this quick list of our favorite multitools, or scroll to see our full list with in-depth reviews.

1. Best Multitool Overall: Leatherman Wave+ ($130)

2. Best Budget Multitool: Rocktol Gen R ($54)

3. Best Lightweight Multitool: Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman ($52)

4. Solid Low-Cost Multitool: Gerber Suspension NXT ($55)

5. Best Everyday Carry Multitool: Leatherman Skeletool CX ($99)

6. Best Heavy-Duty Multitool: Leatherman Surge ($160)

7. Best Modular Design: Roxon Flex Modular ($88)

8. Best Simplified Multitool: Gerber Armbar Drive ($48)

9. Best Multitool for First Responders: Leatherman Raptor ($100)

10. Best Mini Multitool: Nextool F12 ($35)

11. Best Keychain Multitool: Victorinox Rambler ($35)

12. Best Multitool for Heavy Work: Gerber Dual-Force ($125)

13. Best No-Pliers Mini Multitool: Leatherman Micra ($50)

14. Best Fully-Featured Pliers Multitool: SOG PowerAccess Deluxe ($70)

15. Best Backpacking Multitool: Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD ($24)

Analysis & Results

Here, we analyze our testing results to show how well our top-pick multitools performed in categories including value, weight/portability, ease of use, ergonomics, tool deployment, load-bearing capacity, and material quality.

What Multitool is the Best Value?

The clear standout for high value is the Rocktol Gen R. With a reasonable price yet near top performance, this is the best value by far. We loved the quality and usability of this tool at every point, although it didn’t nab the top spot. 

For those who don’t mind paying more and think of value in a much longer term, the Leatherman Wave+ is still a smart investment if you use your multitool constantly and appreciate the quality of life improvements Leatherman has, such as a lighter weight, better hand feel, and slightly sharper knife out of the box.

If you don’t need pliers, the classic Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman is a killer value. With a ton of useful tools and a lightweight but quality frame, the best thing is that all of that performance comes in at a reasonable price (and in many colors).

The Gerber Suspension NXT is another multitool that punches above its weight. With 15 tools, including spring-loaded pliers, a knife, scissors, and screwdrivers, this multitool brings a solid but not overwhelming array of features at a budget-friendly price point. 

For those who need a multitool that excels in outdoor environments, the Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman is our go-to value pick. With 15 tools, including a large blade, wood saw, can opener, and corkscrew, the Huntsman is indispensable for outdoor adventuring.

What multitool has the best tool selection?

At the top is the Roxon Flex because it breaks the category a bit. A modular multitool can have an immense amount of versatility, and the Flex can accommodate any of the 72 different implements Roxon offers, and you can even make your own. Swapping implements is so easy we could do it blindfolded, and the appeal of having one frame you can swap different implement load-outs into as the need arises is incredible. 

Other notable models are the Leatherman Wave+, Leatherman Surge, and Rocktol Gen R. All three give a solid selection of tools without much overlap or redundancy. Which tool is best for you will depend on what implements are most useful for your conditions. The Gen R boasts an excellent hex driver that accepts innumerable hex tools, while the Surge accepts T-Shank tools, both features that expand the versatility of each model.

What multitool performs the best?

Every tool on our list performs well, but a few are worth highlighting.

Leatherman’s lineup always excels in material quality with its high-grade 420HC stainless steel construction that resists corrosion and wear. The Leatherman’s Wave+, and Leatherman Surge’s use of high-use components maintained their sharpness and strength without fail. 

The husky Gerber Dual-Force is built to withstand intense use, especially the full-size pliers that invite heavy tasks without even breaking a sweat. The tool’s steel construction held up well under prolonged use, maintaining its strength and finish even in the mud, rain, and being tossed around the workshop. 

Finally, the Leatherman Raptor is the gold standard in medical and emergency situations. Made with the same high-quality 420HC stainless steel as the other models, the Raptor’s shears and ancillary components resist corrosion and maintain sharpness through the most demanding situations. We tested cutting through an old seatbelt, and the Raptor didn’t flinch.

What multitool is the most comfortable and easy to use?

Efficient tool function, ease of use, and reliability are hallmarks of multitools. The Roxon Flex offers the smoothest deployment due to its innovative locking system that gets rid of digging for tools with the edges of fingernails. Its modular design also means that you can customize what order the tools are in, making it supremely easy to customize. And it also bucks the trend of sharp, painful multitools with a comfortable, rounded frame that feels wonderful to use.

The Leatherman Surge also stands out for its smoothness of operation, especially given its 21-tool quiver. The pliers open and close silky smooth, and each tool function locks solidly. From blades to drivers,  the Surge’s robust chassis keeps things right where they belong, with no play or hesitation. The tool has a solid, dependable feel in step with LM’s precision engineering, and it performed flawlessly over extended use in the field.

We love the Gerber Dual Force for its seamless utility, particularly the slip-joint pliers that grip like a lumberjack’s handshake. The pliers, knife, and screwdrivers deploy and perform fluidly, and there’s no noticeable play in the moving parts after extensive use. One-handed opening and closing of the tool is simple, and there’s no fatigue, even after long days of hard use. 

The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe is another big favorite that works via smooth, compound leverage with minimal effort, especially when using the pliers. The easy-operate locking points are very user-friendly for everything from tightening bolts on cattle stanchions to cutting heavy twine to indoor electrical repairs. Switching between tools is easy, whether in controlled environments or on-trail flare-ups.

What’s the best multitool based on size and weight?

The Nextool F12 is our favorite of the mini tools, with full-sized (for a small tool) scissors and pliers in an innovative double-folding frame, along with an excellent knife that locks into place.

The Leatherman Micra is a solid mini multitool if you don’t need pliers, weighing just 1.8 ounces. It’s compact and portable, and paired with legendary Leatherman quality. Sporting 10 tools, including scissors, a small knife, and screwdrivers, the Micra is a good EDC or go-to for minimal gear scenarios such as quick fixes or small, everyday tasks.

At less than 1 ounce, the Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD is another portability standout. This ultracompact includes six essential tools, including a small blade, file, and screwdriver, ideal for DIYers who need the bare essentials in a minimalist form. Its featherweight is barely noticeable in a pocket. While it doesn’t offer many tool options, its tight design and high-quality build make it a superstar everyday carry.

The Gerber Armbar Drive is another compact multitool that weighs just 5 ounces yet offers impressive functionality. It has 8 tools, including a unique bit-driver system, and a slim profile and lightweight construction. This mighty mini is an excellent choice for those who want something small and functional without carrying around a bulky tool. The Armbar Drive is perfect for light to moderate tasks, and its innovative design makes it easy to access tools quickly.

How to Choose a Multitool

Multi-tools are like a resourceful friend who always comes prepared and sees every mishap as a fun, solvable puzzle. A multi-tool is your pocket-sized backup plan—it won’t replace your full workshop, but it’ll save the day when you’re facing those random moments of mechanical desperation. 

The most-used tools might surprise you. That big blade? It’s not just for outdoor adventures—it’ll become your go-to for random kitchen tasks like slicing cheese or opening pasta bags at basecamp. And pliers and scissors get way more action than those tucked-away screwdrivers.

Ultimately, a truly exceptional multitool doesn’t just contain tools—it makes those tools feel like a natural, immediate extension of your own capabilities and having just enough, exactly when you need it.

Why Does Quality and Durability Matter?

Your multitool needs to be as tough as the environment you’re in. Durability is all about how well a tool stands up to real-world challenges. 

That means its materials are crucial, with stainless steel and titanium the, err, “gold” standard. 

These metals won’t rust after a stream crossing and won’t fail when you’re miles from the trailhead. Little details make a big difference, too, like the quality of the hinges and the strength of the locking mechanisms. 

A multitool is more than just a piece of gear; it’s a trusted expedition partner and lifeline when things go sideways in the backcountry. Your multitool is It’s got to be built tough enough to survive the toughest of tests.

How Do Versatility and Functionality Impact Multitool Choice?

The best multitools strike a careful balance of range and practicality by including a well-rounded selection of essential tools that cover a wide variety of tasks, without overwhelming you with unnecessary or redundant implements. 

Core tools like pliers, wire cutters, knife blades, screwdrivers, can openers, and files are the backbone of any multitool, providing utility for common repair work, meal prep, or outdoor maintenance.

Beyond these essentials, additional specialized tools such as bit drivers or scissors can significantly enhance the multitool’s versatility, allowing it to adapt to a wider range of situations. Interchangeable bits, for example, make it easier to tackle various jobs in a snap. 

What sets the best multitools apart is not just the number of tools included, but how well they work together, purposeful and easy to access without being cumbersome or heavy.

Why Do Weight & Portability Matter?

A multitool’s weight and size are crucial, especially if you plan to carry it daily. Comprehensive functionality and compact design are key.

Professional users, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday carriers have different portability needs, so consider your specific use case when evaluating weight and size.

Some multitools are compact and lightweight, ideal for pocket carry or minimalistic use, while larger and heavier models offer more specialized tools. 

What Role Do Ease Of Use & Deployment Play?

This is the critical interface between a multitool’s potential and its practical application. 

Look for smooth opening mechanisms, comfortable grip, one-handed operation capabilities, and intuitive tool selection. The best multitools feel natural in hand and allow flick-of-the-wrist access to the tools you need most frequently.

Mechanism design matters as well, with top-tier multitools featuring smooth pivot points for easy tool deployment, reliable locking mechanisms to secure tools in place, and minimal friction during use. 

The best multitools don’t skimp on comfort either, with a comfortable grip that prevents fatigue, balanced weight distribution, and smooth edges. Textured surfaces provide secure handling, even in wet or cold conditions or when wearing gloves.

Why Trust CleverHiker

The CH team took the cream of the multitool crop and put them to use in task-oriented tests and backcountry repairs. We turned bolts, cut rope and sticks, drove screws, and twisted wire on farms and in forests of the Upper Midwest’s morphing, finicky weather conditions. 

Taylor Passofaro, has 12 years of experience as a mechanical engineer, but before then, he cut his teeth by building robots with hand tools, power tools, and yes, quite a few multitools. Throughout the testing period, he took multitools out camping in midwestern State Parks during winter, helped fix up a rural property, and used them as everyday carry tools fixing household and other unexpected tasks.

Each tool underwent real-world stress tests, focusing on ergonomics, tool performance, and ease of use, all with the goal of providing you with reliable, actionable insights for making the best purchase decisions.

How We Test & Methodology

We tested multitools based on six key metrics: weight/portability, ease of use, ergonomics, tool deployment, load-bearing capacity, and material quality. We measured each metric through various chores on a walk-intensive Minnesota farm or daily tasks at a basecamp cabin in the Wisconsin woods. 

HOW DO WE ASSESS WEIGHT & PORTABILITY?

The weight and portability of each multitool were key in evaluating their practicality for daily use. On the farm, tools were frequently carried in pockets or clipped to belts while moving between tasks like fixing fences or equipment repair. 

At the cabin, tools needed to be lightweight enough for hiking or carrying during outdoor activities from electrical repair at the wood shed to cutting kindling twine. 

We assessed how easily each tool could be retrieved and accessed, considering whether heavy tools hindered mobility or contributed to fatigue during long hours of work. Portability was also judged based on ease of packing for travel, especially for unexpected, on-the-spot repairs.

HOW DO WE DETERMINE EASE OF USE?

We tested ease of use by assessing how effortlessly each multitool opened and closed during various tasks. Tools like pliers and knives were used repeatedly for tasks such as repairs on an old Ford tractor and cutting hay bale netting, where ease of operation was critical. 

In northern Wisconsin’s numbing cold, we tested if tools still functioned smoothly when exposed to frigid temperatures—did the spring mechanisms freeze or lose tension? Were the tools still easy to hold onto? We also evaluated for any play in moving parts or signs of spring fatigue after continuous use.

HOW DO WE UNDERSTAND THE ERGONOMICS OF MULTITOOLS?

Ergonomics played a critical role in both environments, where extended tool use is common. 

Comfort was essential while performing repetitive tasks like tightening screws or using pliers for long periods. We assessed pressure points when gripping tools during such tasks, ensuring that handles were comfortable and non-slip. 

Ergonomics were tested under colder conditions with gloved hands, and we evaluated the tools’ fit in hand, weight distribution, and how the tool felt when under load. A comfortable grip and confidence in the tool’s stability were crucial when securing wire to fence posts or driving screws.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY TOOL DEPLOYMENT?

Tool deployment is all about how quickly each multitool could be accessed and deployed in evolving settings. 

On the farm, we tested how fast tools could be retrieved from pockets or tool belts while repairing balky equipment or opening feed bags. Ease of switching between different tools—like moving from pliers to a knife for cutting ropes—was tested in real time. 

At the cabin, the multitool needed to function smoothly even in colder conditions, where freezing temperatures can slow down mechanisms. We assessed one- and two-handed deployment, making sure that the tools could be quickly accessed.

HOW DO WE TEST LOAD BEARING CAPACITY?

Multitools were tested under forceful conditions, including using pliers to grip and twist metal wires around livestock pens or securing nuts on machinery. We evaluated how well the tools withstood torque during heavy-duty screwing tasks, testing drivers in high-tension situations. 

In each setting, tools were used to cut electrical wire, tighten screws, and perform repairs that stressed locking mechanisms and tool joints. Both environments put tools through demanding scenarios, assessing their ability to withstand force, grip securely, and perform without failure under load.

WHY DOES MATERIAL QUALITY MATTER?

On the farm, tools were subjected to constant wear and tear from mechanical repairs, cutting, and handling rough materials like wire and wood. 

We assessed the sharpness of cutting blades, the durability of pliers, and the strength of screwdrivers after prolonged use. At the cabin, the tools faced exposure to the elements, especially cold temperatures that can make materials brittle. 

We tested how well tools held up to stress, particularly in relation to pivot points, springs, and lock mechanisms. Tools were examined for rust resistance, surface finish integrity, and overall wear over time to ensure long-lasting performance in tough environments.

Conclusion

Your ultimate multitool choice should match who you are and what you do most, whether that’s all-day chores on the job or all-season adventures. Today’s multitool orbit includes options for tasks large and small, complex or easy. There are a lot of great options out there and we hope our work here helps you bring home the one that works best.