Best Multitools in 2026
Leatherman vs Gerber vs Victorinox: what actually matters when choosing a multitool for EDC, work, or survival.
The Short Answer
Best Overall: Leatherman Wave+ or Charge+ TTi. The Wave+ offers the best balance of tools, build quality, and value. The Charge+ TTi adds premium materials for those who want the best.
Best Budget: Leatherman Wingman or Gerber Suspension NXT. Both offer solid tool sets under $50-60.
Best Compact: Leatherman Skeletool or Free T4. When pocket space matters more than tool count.
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Why Your Multitool Choice Matters
A multitool is the single most versatile piece of EDC gear. It's the tool you'll reach for dozens of times per week—opening packages, tightening screws, cutting cord, stripping wire, prying things open. A bad multitool becomes dead weight. A good one becomes indispensable.
The difference between a $30 multitool and a $100 one isn't just materials—it's the difference between tools that work smoothly under pressure and tools that fight you, between pliers that grip precisely and pliers that slip, between a knife you can actually sharpen and one that chips on cardboard.
Brand Breakdown: The Big Three
Leatherman
Strengths
- 25-year warranty (best in industry)
- Most consistent quality control
- Replaceable wire cutters on most models
- Outside-accessible blades on key models
- Excellent resale value
Weaknesses
- Premium pricing across lineup
- Some tools stiff out of box
- Scissors weaker than Victorinox
Best For: Anyone who wants buy-it-for-life quality. The warranty alone makes Leatherman worth the premium—they'll repair or replace tools for 25 years.
Gerber
Strengths
- Better value at entry-level
- Innovative designs (Center-Drive)
- Good availability (major retailers)
- Lifetime warranty
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent QC on budget models
- Plier springs can fail
- Less refined fit and finish
- Tool locks can be stiff or weak
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers or those wanting a beater tool. The Center-Drive is genuinely innovative for screwdriver-heavy work.
Victorinox (Swiss Army)
Strengths
- Best scissors in any multitool
- Extremely slim profiles available
- Swiss-made quality
- SwissTool rivals Leatherman quality
Weaknesses
- No locking blades on classic SAKs
- Pliers weaker than competition
- Tools don't lock on most models
- SwissTool line is expensive
Best For: Those who prioritize scissors and slim carry. The Swiss Army Knife is unbeatable for pocket carry, but for heavy work, look elsewhere.
Features That Actually Matter
Plier Design
Needlenose vs Regular: Needlenose reach into tight spaces but sacrifice grip strength. Most EDC users prefer needlenose for versatility.
Spring-Loaded: Reduces hand fatigue during extended use. Worth seeking out if you'll use pliers frequently.
Replaceable Wire Cutters: Wire cutters dull and chip. Leatherman's replaceable cutter inserts (on Wave+, Charge+, Surge) extend tool life.
One-Hand Opening & Blade Access
Outside-Accessible Blades: Being able to open the knife without unfolding the tool is a game-changer. Leatherman Wave+, Charge+, and Skeletool all feature this. Gerber's Center-Drive does too.
Liner Locks vs Frame Locks: Frame locks (on premium models) are stronger. Liner locks work fine for normal use but can fail under extreme stress.
All Tools Locking: Critical for safety. Look for tools where every implement locks open to prevent fold-back injuries.
Bit Drivers & Screwdrivers
Integrated vs Bit Driver: Integrated screwdrivers are always available but limited in size. Bit drivers accept standard 1/4" bits for infinite versatility—if you carry the bits.
Bit Storage: Some models (Leatherman Charge+, Free P4) include bit storage in the handle. Otherwise, you need a separate bit kit.
Driver Alignment: Gerber's Center-Drive puts the screwdriver on the tool's axis like a real screwdriver—genuinely better for driving screws.
Size & Weight Classes
Compact (3-5 oz): Leatherman Skeletool, Free T4, Gerber Dime. Best for pocket EDC where weight matters. Fewer tools, easier carry.
Full-Size (7-9 oz): Leatherman Wave+, Charge+, Gerber Center-Drive. The sweet spot for most users—enough tools without being unwieldy.
Heavy-Duty (10+ oz): Leatherman Surge, Super Tool 300. Maximum tool count and strength, but belt carry only. Too heavy for pockets.
The Tool Count Myth
Marketing loves to advertise "19 tools!" or "25+ functions!" This is largely meaningless. A screwdriver that works as both Phillips and flathead counts as two "tools." The bit driver with 6 bits becomes "7 tools."
What you actually use 90% of the time:
- Pliers (needlenose + regular grip)
- Wire cutters
- Knife blade (and maybe a serrated blade)
- Flathead screwdriver (or bit driver)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Scissors (if included)
The can opener, saw, file, awl, and bottle opener are nice to have but rarely justify extra weight. Buy based on the tools you'll actually use, not the highest count.
Best Multitools by Category
Leatherman Wave+ ($100)
The benchmark all other multitools are measured against. Outside-accessible knife and serrated blade, excellent pliers with replaceable wire cutters, locking tools, and a bit driver. Does everything well, nothing poorly. The 25-year warranty seals it.
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Tools: 18
- Blade Steel: 420HC
- Key Features: Outside-accessible blades, replaceable wire cutters, all-locking tools
Leatherman Charge+ TTi ($180)
Everything the Wave+ does with premium upgrades: titanium handles (lighter, stronger), S30V steel blade (vastly better edge retention), and included bit kit with pocket clip. Worth it if you use your multitool professionally or want the best.
- Weight: 8.2 oz
- Tools: 19
- Blade Steel: S30V + 420HC serrated
- Key Features: Titanium handles, premium steel, bit storage
Leatherman Wingman ($60) / Gerber Suspension NXT ($45)
The Wingman offers Leatherman quality at an accessible price with spring-loaded pliers and outside-accessible blade. The Suspension NXT costs less and adds a few tools but has weaker QC. Both are solid entry points—the Wingman is worth the extra $15.
- Weight: 7 oz (Wingman) / 9.6 oz (Suspension)
- Tools: 14 (Wingman) / 15 (Suspension)
- Key Features: Spring-loaded pliers, package opener, pocket clip
Leatherman Skeletool ($65)
Minimalist design that includes only the essentials: pliers, knife, bit driver, and carabiner clip. At 5 oz, it disappears in your pocket. The most-carried multitool because it's light enough to actually carry daily. Limited tool count is the point.
- Weight: 5 oz
- Tools: 7
- Blade Steel: 420HC (Skeletool CX uses 154CM)
- Key Features: Carabiner clip, outside-accessible blade, minimalist design
Leatherman Surge ($120)
The biggest, strongest Leatherman. Larger blades, bigger pliers, replaceable wire/hard-wire cutters, and a genuinely useful saw. Built for professionals who need to actually work with their tool. Too heavy for pocket carry—belt sheath required.
- Weight: 12.5 oz
- Tools: 21
- Blade Steel: 420HC
- Key Features: Replaceable hard-wire cutters, largest blades, blade exchanger
Gerber Center-Drive ($95)
Gerber's best innovation: a full-size flat driver aligned with the tool's axis, so you drive screws like using a real screwdriver. Accepts standard bits. If your work involves lots of screws, this is the most ergonomic choice. Pliers and blade are solid but not Leatherman-level.
- Weight: 9.2 oz
- Tools: 14
- Key Features: Center-axis driver, magnetic bit holder, one-thumb opening
Leatherman Squirt PS4 ($40)
The best keychain-size multitool with actual pliers. Spring-loaded needlenose, scissors, knife, file, and screwdrivers in a 2 oz package. TSA-compliant if you remove the knife (Squirt ES4 version has no blade). Perfect backup or gift.
- Weight: 2 oz
- Tools: 9
- Key Features: Spring-loaded pliers, keychain size, scissors
Blade Steel Quick Guide
| Steel | Edge Retention | Ease of Sharpening | Found In |
|---|---|---|---|
| 420HC | Moderate | Very Easy | Most Leatherman models |
| 154CM | Good | Moderate | Skeletool CX |
| S30V | Excellent | Harder | Charge+ TTi, Free P4 |
| 440C | Moderate | Easy | Gerber models |
Reality check: 420HC is fine for 95% of users. It sharpens easily and holds an edge well enough for cardboard, cord, and food prep. Premium steels matter if you're a knife enthusiast or use the blade extensively without sharpening access.
Essential Accessories
Sheaths & Carry
- Leather sheath: Classic, quiet, breaks in nicely
- Nylon/MOLLE: Lighter, more durable, tactical look
- Pocket clip: For clipless models, adds convenience
Bit Kits
- Leatherman Bit Kit: 21 double-ended bits, fits in sheath
- Bit Extender: Reaches recessed screws
- Custom bits: Security Torx, tri-wing for electronics
The Bottom Line
If you want one multitool for life: Leatherman Wave+ or Charge+ TTi. The 25-year warranty, quality construction, and outside-accessible blades make them the definitive choice. The Wave+ offers better value; the Charge+ TTi offers premium materials.
If you want something you'll actually pocket-carry:Leatherman Skeletool. Less is more when it comes to daily carry—you'll use a 5 oz tool you have more than a 9 oz tool you left at home.
If budget is tight: Leatherman Wingman. Still gets you Leatherman quality and warranty at an accessible price point. Avoid the cheapest Gerber models—the quality drop isn't worth the savings.
Don't buy: Amazon knockoffs, gas station multitools, or anything advertising 50+ tools for under $20. You'll spend more replacing broken tools than you saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Bring a Multitool on a Plane?
No, you cannot bring a multitool with a blade in your carry-on bag — TSA prohibits knives of any length. Since nearly every multitool includes a blade, it must go in checked luggage. Bladeless multitools (like the Leatherman Style PS or Gerber Dime Travel) are TSA-compliant for carry-on. Pliers, screwdrivers, and scissors under 4 inches are generally allowed in carry-on.
What Is a Multitool?
A multitool is a compact, folding hand tool that combines pliers, knife, screwdrivers, and other functions into one portable device. Common tools included: pliers, knife blade, screwdrivers, wire cutters, bottle opener, saw, file, and scissors. Leatherman popularized the modern multitool in 1983. Today they range from keychain-sized (Leatherman Squirt) to full-sized professional tools (Leatherman Wave+, Gerber Center-Drive).
How to Use a Multitool
Open a multitool by spreading the handles apart to expose the pliers, then fold individual tools out from the handles using the thumb notches. Lock mechanisms (liner lock or frame lock) hold tools open during use. For pliers work, grip both handles firmly. For knife work, always cut away from your body. Close tools individually before folding the multitool shut to avoid pinching.
What Is the Best Multitool?
The Leatherman Wave+ is widely considered the best overall multitool, offering 18 tools, outside-accessible blades, and a 25-year warranty. For heavy-duty use, the Leatherman Surge adds larger pliers and a T-shank saw adapter. For EDC, the Leatherman Free P2 has magnetic one-hand-opening tools. Budget pick: the Gerber Suspension NXT offers solid performance around $30.