Best Budget Multitools 2026: Wingman vs Suspension NXT
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You don’t need to spend $120 on a Leatherman to get a multitool that actually pulls its weight. The best budget multitools of 2026 — led by the Leatherman Wingman and Gerber Suspension NXT — deliver real pliers, real blades, and one-hand-friendly designs for well under $60. Here’s how the value picks compare, and where it’s still worth spending a little more.
What “budget” buys you in 2026
Budget multitools have gotten genuinely good. A decade ago the advice was “just buy a Leatherman”; now several sub-$60 tools cover 90% of everyday tasks without feeling cheap. What you give up at this price is usually:
- Outside-accessible blades — many budget tools make you open the pliers to reach the knife.
- Premium materials — basic stainless instead of upgraded steels; expect to touch up edges.
- Replaceable wire cutters — a premium feature you won’t find down here.
What you keep: spring-loaded pliers, a usable knife, screwdrivers, scissors, and an opener — the tools you’ll actually reach for.
Leatherman Wingman — best overall value
The Wingman is the value benchmark. It gives you spring-loaded pliers, an outside-accessible blade you can open one-handed, spring-action scissors that genuinely work, and a package opener — for a price that routinely lands under $60. Crucially, the most-used tools open from the outside, so you’re not prying the pliers apart just to cut a thread. It also carries Leatherman’s 25-year warranty, which is rare at this price. The trade-offs: it’s a midsize tool with basic stainless, and the bit drivers are flathead/Phillips rather than a swappable bit kit. Check current pricing on the Leatherman Wingman.
Gerber Suspension NXT — best for one-hand pliers
The Suspension NXT is one of the most affordable full-size multitools you can buy, and it punches above its price. The headline feature is spring-loaded pliers that open wide and deploy one-handed, plus outboard-opening tools and a lightweight frame. It’s the pick if you want maximum plier function for minimum money. Downsides: the included blade and drivers are serviceable rather than special, and the lighter build doesn’t feel as solid in hard prying as a heavier tool. See the Gerber Suspension NXT.
Gerber Dime — best keychain multitool
If full-size is overkill, the Gerber Dime is the value micro pick. At roughly keychain size and around 2.2 oz, it still packs spring-loaded pliers, scissors, a small blade, a bottle opener, and drivers — enough to handle small fixes you’d otherwise need a junk drawer for. It’s not a heavy-duty tool and the tiny blade is for light cutting only, but as an always-with-you backup it’s hard to beat for the money. Look up the Gerber Dime.
When to spend more
The budget tier covers most people. Step up to something like the Leatherman Wave+ if you need: a full swappable bit driver set, replaceable wire cutters, two outside-accessible blades, or a tool you’ll lean on hard every day for work. For occasional and everyday use, the extra spend mostly buys convenience and longevity, not capability. If you do upgrade, a quality blade steel matters less here than on a dedicated knife — see our EDC knife steel guide for where steel really counts.
Quick comparison
| Multitool | Type | Approx. weight | Outside-access blade | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leatherman Wingman | Full-size | ~7 oz | Yes | Best all-around value |
| Gerber Suspension NXT | Full-size | ~6.5 oz | Yes | One-hand spring pliers |
| Gerber Dime | Keychain | ~2.2 oz | No | Pocket/keychain backup |
How to pick
- One tool to cover most jobs cheaply: Leatherman Wingman.
- You want the easiest one-hand pliers for the least money: Gerber Suspension NXT.
- You just want a tiny always-there helper: Gerber Dime.
FAQ
Are budget multitools actually worth it? Yes. Sub-$60 tools like the Leatherman Wingman and Gerber Suspension NXT cover everyday cutting, gripping, and screwdriving reliably. You mainly trade away premium materials and a few convenience features, not core function.
Can you take a multitool on a plane? Not in carry-on — any blade or pliers must go in checked luggage per TSA rules. A bladeless keychain tool may be allowed, but always check current TSA guidance before flying.
Leatherman or Gerber for a budget multitool? Leatherman’s Wingman edges ahead on warranty (25 years) and finish; Gerber’s Suspension NXT wins on one-hand plier deployment and often price. Both are solid — pick based on which features you’ll use.
Takeaway
The “always buy Leatherman” rule isn’t gospel anymore. The Leatherman Wingman is the best all-around budget value, the Gerber Suspension NXT gives you the smoothest one-hand pliers for the money, and the Gerber Dime rides along on your keychain for the small stuff. Match the size to how you’ll carry it, and you’ll have a tool you actually use.