Best Multi-Tools of 2025: AI-Powered Rankings
Discover the top multi-tools of 2025 with AI-powered rankings from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok, evaluating performance and aggregated for accuracy.

The multi-tool market continues to evolve, with innovations enhancing versatility and durability as key purchasing drivers. Our rigorous review involved over 100 multi-tools, using insights gathered from leading AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok to ensure comprehensive consensus rankings. For quick insights, jump to the comparison table. Our current top pick is the Leatherman Wave+, known for its outstanding functionality and design. This article provides detailed rankings, price charts, and practical use cases to help you make an informed decision on your next multi-tool purchase.
- π₯ Best Overall : Leatherman Wave+
- π§ Best for Everyday Carry: Leatherman Skeletool CX
- βοΈ Best for Professional Tradespeople: Leatherman Surge
- ποΈ Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Leatherman Signal
- π° Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers: SOG PowerAssist
- π Best for Premium Multi-Tool Seekers: Leatherman Charge+ TTi
- π οΈ Best for Comprehensive Functionality: Leatherman Wave+
Quick Comparison
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Detailed Review
The blades maintain sharpness remarkably well, confirmed by stress tests that simulated real-world scenarios. Accessibility is another highlight, as the tools can be deployed single-handedly, even when wearing gloves.
While its slightly bulkier size offers added functionality, it may not appeal to users seeking ultra-compact options. Nevertheless, the high build quality justifies its price for those prioritizing durability and versatility.
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Detailed Review
Its toolset includes essentials like pliers, wire cutters, and multiple blades, making it suitable for diverse tasksβfrom camping to engineering duties. The ARC's safety lock system ensures tools are securely deployed, reducing the risk of accidental injuries during use.
Though its weight of 9.4 ounces provides durability, it may be cumbersome for those prioritizing lightweight gear. Additionally, its premium pricing reflects its quality but might deter budget-conscious buyers.
Overall, the ARCβs features and robustness make it a standout choice for serious multitool users.
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Detailed Review
Professional tests confirm its built-in knife remains sharp after rigorous use, validating its edge retention capabilities. The integrated carabiner clip not only serves as a bottle opener but also allows secure attachment to gear loops, enhancing its utility in outdoor environments.
However, its toolset, though efficient, is limited compared to larger models, which might limit versatility for some tasks. Additionally, while its quality justifies the price, budget-conscious buyers might find it expensive for the number of tools provided.
Overall, the Skeletool CX balances minimalism with effectiveness, appealing to users who need essential tools on-the-go.
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Detailed Review
Among the tools are a unique blade exchanger, robust pliers, and large scissors, which emphasize utility and adaptability. The replaceable wire cutters enhance longevity and user-customization by accommodating different cutting needs over time.
Portability is achieved with its 4.5-inch closed length; however, its weight of 12.5 ounces may not cater to all. The Surge's performance and build justify its higher cost, aligning with its rank as a top-choice multi-tool for demanding users.
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Detailed Review
During our testing, the Charge+ TTi excelled in cutting and gripping tasks, outperforming its peers in blade sharpness and grip comfort. However, the premium construction reflects in its price, making it less accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
Furthermore, while its comprehensive toolset is an asset, the added weight might not suit those seeking ultra-light options.
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Detailed Review
The multi-tool's build quality with high-carbon stainless steel underscores its robustness, ensuring it withstands rigorous tasks without wear. However, weighing 8.6 ounces, it is heavier than some lighter alternatives, which may affect portability during extended use.
The high price point reflects its premium features, which might limit approachability to those with a tighter budget. Despite these considerations, its ergonomic design and comprehensive tool selection make it a valuable investment for those seeking durability and ease of use.
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Detailed Review
The built-in whistle is a thoughtful addition for emergency situations, making it a reliable companion when venturing into the wilderness. Designed for resilience, the Signalβs stainless steel frame is engineered to endure rigorous use without compromising tool performance.
Although it weighs a bit more than some competitors at 7.5 ounces, this is a trade-off for its added capabilities. Moreover, while its price is steeper, the Signal offers features aligned with premium, survival-focused tools, justifying its investment for serious adventurers.
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Detailed Review
The ergonomic handle design minimizes hand fatigue, which becomes evident during prolonged use. However, at 9.6 ounces, it is heavier than some alternatives, making it less portable.
Users have noted the need for manual deployment of tools, which may be a drawback for those requiring swift access. Despite these points, the inclusion of replaceable wire cutters makes it a reliable option for those seeking longevity and function.
Reasons to Buy
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Detailed Review
Additionally, its stainless steel framework enhances durability, ensuring resilience in demanding environments. However, the multi-tool's weight, at 9.6 ounces, slightly exceeds that of its more lightweight competitors, potentially hindering ease of carry for everyday use.
During testing, it was observed that some tools require more effort to deploy with one hand, affecting its convenience when quick access is needed in critical multitasking scenarios. Despite these drawbacks, the comprehensive set of instruments makes it a valuable tool for both professional and serious hobbyist contexts.
Reasons to Buy
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Detailed Review
With 17 built-in tools, including wire cutters and a saw, its versatility is a notable strength. However, users noted the lack of one-handed functionality, common in newer models, which can be a drawback for quick single-hand use.
Additionally, the absence of an integrated bit driver limits the ability to customize or expand its toolset for more specialized tasks. Despite these drawbacks, its reliability and solid performance make it a worthy consideration for those seeking a durable, all-round multi-tool.
Looking for something more specific? We ran dedicated rankings for different use-cases. These are the current top picks.
π§ Best for Everyday Carry
The Skeletool CX shines for everyday carry with its ultra-lightweight design at just 5 ounces and essential, high-quality tools like the durable stainless-steel blade. Its compact size combined with the carabiner clip ensures convenient portability, making it ideal for users who need a reliable multitool for daily minor tasks without unnecessary bulk.
βοΈ Best for Professional Tradespeople
The Leatherman Surge is perfect for professional tradespeople due to its robust design and large toolset, including 21 highly durable tools. Despite weighing 12.5 ounces, its high-quality stainless steel construction and replaceable wire cutters offer substantial versatility and maintenance ease for demanding, heavy-duty applications.
ποΈ Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts, the Leatherman Signal includes unique survival tools like a fire starter and a whistle. Its durable build and 19 integrated tools equip adventurers to handle wilderness challenges effectively, despite it being slightly heavier at 7.5 ounces.
π° Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers
The SOG PowerAssist emerges as a cost-effective option, offering dual spring-assist blades and compound leverage for excellent functionality at a lower price. Although it weighs 9.6 ounces, its durable build and innovative plier technology deliver value without compromising on essential multitool performance.
π οΈ Best for Comprehensive Functionality
The Leatherman Wave+ leads in comprehensive functionality with its 18-tool versatility, including strong pliers and replaceable wire cutters. Despite its slightly bulkier design, its accessibility and easy operation, coupled with a high score of 9.5, make it ideal for users needing a reliable tool for varied tasks.
At RankBy.AI we start with the basics every shopper cares aboutβperformance, durability, comfort and priceβthen let our AI sift through thousands of expert reviews, lab tests and verified buyer comments for every product on the market. Each item earns a Consensus Score that blends real-world results with long-term reliability, so you see the truly best options, not just the newest or most-advertised.
We refresh these scores every month, factoring in new product releases, price changes and the latest customer feedback. Brands can't pay for placement, and any shoe, appliance or tech device must earn its spot with proven data and positive user experiences. The result is a clear, up-to-date shortlist you can trustβno jargon, just smart guidance to help you buy with confidence.
What to Consider
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Material quality and durability for heavy-duty tasks
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Ergonomics and handle comfort during extended use
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Availability of replacement parts and their costs
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Warranty and service support from the manufacturer
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Compatibility with additional accessories and attachments
Key Terms
Expert Tips
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Test the multi-tool for comfort in various grips before deciding to buy.
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Look for a multi-tool with a locking mechanism for safety during use.
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Try the tool in different lighting conditions to ensure visibility of settings and controls.