Who Makes the Best Multitool? Brands Compared
Leatherman, Gerber, Victorinox, and NexTool each make strong multitools for different needs. Choose by the tools you want most, such as replaceable wire cutters, one-hand pliers, a broad function set, or full-size scissors.
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Leatherman, Gerber, Victorinox, and NexTool all make capable multitools, but the best brand depends on the tools you need most. Leatherman offers a broad everyday mix, Gerber emphasizes one-hand opening pliers, Victorinox packs 24 functions into the Swiss Tool Spirit X, and NexTool includes full-size scissors on the Flagship Pro.
For most buyers who want one tool for household fixes and outdoor tasks, the Leatherman Wave Plus is a strong place to start. If you want to compare tool types before choosing a brand, see what the best multitool is for different needs.
Which brand makes the best multitool for most people?
Leatherman is a strong all-round choice when you want a range of tools for everyday fixes and outdoor use. The Wave Plus includes outside-accessible blades, spring-action scissors, a saw, a ruler, and replaceable wire cutters.
The Wave Plus is described as Leatherman's best-selling all-rounder for household fixes, DIY, gardening, and outdoor exploring. Its 8.5 oz weight gives you a concrete point of comparison if carry weight matters.
Choose another brand if its specific feature set fits your routine better. A tool with more functions may still be the wrong pick if you rarely use them or don't want to carry its size and weight.
What makes Leatherman stand out?
Leatherman stands out for combining several common repair tools in one multitool. The Wave Plus has pliers, blades, scissors, a saw, a ruler, and replaceable wire cutters, so it can suit varied jobs around home and outdoors.
Leatherman says its tools come from its Portland, Oregon factory and backs them with a 25-year warranty. That warranty is a brand promise, while the features listed for the Wave Plus show what the tool includes.
For more specific uses, compare Leatherman options for everyday use and multitools for mechanics and car work. A mechanic may care more about pliers and wire work than scissors or a ruler.
When is Gerber the better choice?
Gerber may suit you better if one-hand opening pliers are a priority. The Multi-Plier 600 includes needle-nose pliers, a serrated knife, screwdrivers, a ruler, a bottle opener, and a wire crimper.
It comes with a sheath, which gives you a carry option if you prefer keeping the tool on a belt or in a bag. Gerber also describes the pliers as having a one-hand opening design and a Saf.T.Plus locking system.
The tool weighs 8 oz, close to the Wave Plus's 8.5 oz. Compare the tools you expect to use instead of choosing from brand reputation alone.
What does Victorinox offer that other brands do not?
The Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X is a fit for shoppers who want a broad set of functions in a compact toolbox-style tool. Its 24 functions include needle-nose pliers, scissors, a wood saw, a metal saw, a large blade, and several cutting and screwdriver tools.
The Spirit X includes a leather pouch. Its listed folded dimensions are 4.13 x 1.38 x 0.71 in, which helps you judge whether its shape will fit your preferred carry setup.
Victorinox calls the Spirit X Swiss made. Choose it if its particular mix of functions and pouch suit you better than a tool with fewer functions or a different carry style.
If you are comparing traditional folding tools with plier-based designs, read Swiss Army knife vs multitool. That comparison can help you decide whether you want a Swiss Army style tool at all.
Is NexTool a good alternative?
NexTool's Flagship Pro is worth considering if full-size scissors matter to you. It combines those scissors with pliers, a knife, a saw, screwdrivers, openers, a scale, and other tools in a 16-in-1 design.
The Flagship Pro has a pocket clip and comes with a nylon sheath. Its manufacturer describes the tools as locking when fully opened, and the product information identifies stainless steel construction.
The Flagship Pro is a larger, heavier option to weigh against your needs: its folded size is 4.33 x 1.57 x 0.85 in and its weight is 245 g. Those details may matter if you plan to carry it in a pocket every day.
How should you compare multitool brands?
Compare the tool mix, access, and carry method before comparing brand names. A tool count alone doesn't show which multitool will help with your most common jobs.
Start with the jobs you do often. For basic repairs, check the pliers, screwdrivers, and wire tools; for cutting tasks, compare blade access, scissors, and saws.
Then consider how you will carry it. The Gerber includes a sheath, the Victorinox includes a leather pouch, and the NexTool includes both a pocket clip and nylon sheath; Leatherman says the Wave Plus is pocket-sized, but its sheath is sold separately.
For a lighter or smaller option, explore small multitools for a pocket or purse. If you expect to carry a tool while hiking, compare lightweight multitools for hiking.
Which multitool brand should you choose?
Choose Leatherman for a broad all-round tool mix, Gerber for one-hand opening pliers, Victorinox for 24 functions, or NexTool for full-size scissors. Start with your most common tasks, then check the features and carry style against that short list.
The Wave Plus suits varied household and outdoor jobs, while the Multi-Plier 600 emphasizes plier access and includes a sheath. The Swiss Tool Spirit X provides a larger function set with a leather pouch, and the Flagship Pro offers full-size scissors with a pocket clip and nylon sheath.
If you're still weighing different designs, use our guide to multitool types to narrow down the format before picking a brand.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes the best multitool?
Leatherman is a strong all-round choice for shoppers who want a wide mix of household and outdoor tools, including replaceable wire cutters on the Wave Plus. Gerber suits people who value one-hand opening pliers, while Victorinox and NexTool offer different mixes of functions, including 24 tools on the Spirit X and full-size scissors on the Flagship Pro.
Is Leatherman better than Gerber?
Neither brand is best for every buyer. The Leatherman Wave Plus has outside-accessible blades, spring-action scissors, a saw, and replaceable wire cutters; the Gerber Multi-Plier 600 has one-hand opening pliers, a serrated knife, a sheath, and a wire crimper.
Match those features to the jobs you expect to do.
What is a good alternative to Leatherman?
Gerber, Victorinox, and NexTool all offer alternatives with distinct tool mixes. The Multi-Plier 600 focuses on one-hand opening pliers, the Swiss Tool Spirit X includes 24 functions, and the Flagship Pro includes full-size scissors.
Compare the specific tools and carrying options before choosing a brand.
Which multitool brand is best for everyday use?
The best everyday brand depends on which tools you use and how you carry them. Leatherman's Wave Plus is described as a pocket-sized all-rounder, while the Gerber Multi-Plier 600 includes a sheath and the NexTool Flagship Pro has a pocket clip.
Consider your usual tasks and carry preference.
