Are expensive calipers like Mitutoyo worth it over a $20 set?

For most hobbyists, no. High-trust community consensus on r/Tools repeatedly notes that certified accuracy of even premium 6-inch calipers is rarely better than ±0.001", which budget tools can also meet for occasional use. The real difference shows up in durability, zero-retention and battery behavior over years of daily use, where Mitutoyo and iGaging pull ahead. If you measure for a living or need a tool that lasts decades, the premium is justified; if you measure occasionally for DIY or 3D printing, a budget set is usually enough.