Is a Fluke multimeter really worth the price over a $30 budget meter?

For hobby electronics and occasional DIY use, specialist-community threads on r/AskElectronics and r/Tools repeatedly note that a well-built budget meter from Kaiweets or AstroAI is accurate enough. For working electricians, HVAC techs, or anyone regularly probing live mains and motor circuits, the consensus across high-trust expert and community sources is that Fluke's CAT safety ratings, input protection, and lifetime warranty justify the premium. The break point is roughly: hobbyist bench work = budget is fine; paid work on live electrical systems = buy a Fluke.