Unearth The Voyage
Multi-tools have become must-have gear for everyone from outdoor adventurers to weekend DIYers. Whether you’re fixing a bike, opening packages, or tackling emergency repairs on a camping trip, having the right multi-tool can save the day. In 2025, brands are pushing boundaries with better materials, smarter designs, and tools that work with just one hand. This guide covers 15 standout multi-tools that people can’t stop recommending, ranging from wallet-friendly options to premium powerhouses built for serious work.
1. Leatherman ARC – Best Overall Premium Multi-Tool
Leatherman’s flagship ARC sits at the top of nearly every expert ranking for 2025, thanks to cutting-edge materials and thoughtful engineering. It features 20 tools built around a MagnaCut steel blade, which holds an edge longer and resists rust better than most competitors. Every single tool opens with one hand and locks securely using Leatherman’s FREE magnetic mechanism.
Tradespeople and gear enthusiasts love the ARC because it doesn’t compromise. You get replaceable wire cutters, a sturdy saw, precision bit drivers, and an awl, all accessible from the outside. The downside? It’s heavy and carries a premium price tag that puts it out of reach for casual users.
Still, if you demand the best and use your multi-tool daily in tough conditions, the ARC delivers performance that justifies every dollar.
2. Leatherman Wave+ – Best All-Rounder (and Best-Seller)
For years, the Wave+ has been the go-to choice for anyone who wants one tool that handles almost everything. With 18 functions packed into a design you can actually carry every day, it strikes a perfect balance between capability and practicality. Two knife blades open from the outside, while spring-action scissors and a saw handle cutting tasks with ease.
DIY fans, van lifers, and light-duty contractors trust the Wave+ because it works reliably without fuss. Most tools lock in place, and the bit driver accepts standard bits, so you’re never stuck without the right screwdriver. Yes, it’s a bit bulky for lightweight pocket carry, but throw it in a pouch or bag and you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
The Wave+ proves that sometimes the classic choice really is the best choice.
3. Leatherman Charge+ TTi – Best Heavy-Duty EDC
Take everything great about the Wave+ and upgrade the materials, and you get the Charge+ TTi. Titanium handle scales feel more comfortable during extended use and add durability without much extra weight. The 154CM steel blade holds a sharper edge longer than standard steel, making it ideal for users who push their tools hard.
Contractors and serious DIYers appreciate the refined feel and toughher construction. You still get 18 tools including replaceable wire cutters, a file, saw, and bit driver compatibility. The ergonomics are noticeably better when you’re gripping tight or working for hours.
The price jump over the Wave+ is significant, but if you rely on your multi-tool for professional work, the Charge+ TTi pays back that investment in comfort and longevity.
4. Leatherman Skeletool CX – Best Lightweight Pocket EDC
Not everyone needs two dozen tools jangling in their pocket. The Skeletool CX strips away the extras and keeps only what matters: pliers, a premium 154CM blade, wire cutters, a bit driver, and a carabiner that doubles as a bottle opener. At just a few ounces, it carries more like a folding knife than a traditional multi-tool.
The built-in pocket clip makes it easy to grab, and the minimalist design means you won’t feel weighed down during a long day. It’s perfect for casual users who want capability without bulk. Just know that if you regularly need scissors, a saw, or a file, you’ll miss them here.
For everyday carry in jeans or gym shorts, the Skeletool CX delivers exactly enough tool without any unnecessary baggage.
5. Leatherman Wingman – Best Budget Pliers-Style Multi-Tool
Quality multi-tools don’t have to cost a fortune, and the Wingman proves it. With 14 useful tools including spring-action pliers, scissors, a combo blade, and multiple drivers, it covers most everyday tasks without breaking the bank. Reviewers consistently praise it as one of the best values in the multi-tool world.
First-time buyers love the Wingman because it offers a genuine Leatherman experience at an entry-level price. The one-hand opening blade and pocket clip add convenience, and the lighter weight makes it easier to carry than heavier models. Construction is simpler than premium options, and the wire cutters aren’t replaceable, but for occasional use, those compromises are easy to accept.
Whether it’s your first multi-tool or a backup for the car, the Wingman delivers impressive capability for the money.
6. Leatherman FREE P4 – Best for One-Handed Operation
Before the ARC arrived, the FREE P4 held the crown as Leatherman’s most advanced multi-tool, and it still deserves serious attention. Its magnetic architecture lets you open and close all 21 tools with one hand, a game-changer when you’re holding something else or working in tight spaces. Mechanics and field technicians especially appreciate how smoothly everything operates.
You get two blades, a saw, scissors, an awl, a file, and replaceable wire cutters, all accessible from the outside. The magnetic locking system feels almost effortless compared to traditional multi-tools. The trade-off is extra bulk and a higher price, but if you constantly switch between tools, the P4’s convenience is worth it.
For users who need fast, one-handed access to multiple functions, the FREE P4 remains a top-tier choice.
7. Leatherman Signal – Best Multi-Tool for Camping & Survival
Most multi-tools focus on everyday tasks, but the Signal is built specifically for the backcountry. It packs 19 tools including some you won’t find elsewhere: a ferrocerium fire starter, an emergency whistle, and a hammer surface for pounding tent stakes. These features make it a favorite among hikers, campers, and overlanders.
The combo blade gets dull from heavy use, but Leatherman includes a built-in sharpener so you can touch it up on the trail. Standard tools like pliers, a saw, drivers, and openers handle camp chores and gear repairs. Just know that some functions, like the whistle, are less useful in urban settings.
If your adventures take you into the wilderness, the Signal’s specialized toolkit could literally save your life.
8. Leatherman Micra – Best Keychain Multi-Tool
Sometimes the best tool is the one you actually have with you. The Micra weighs just 1.8 ounces and clips right onto your keychain, so you’ll never leave home without it. Built around excellent spring-action scissors, it includes 10 tools like a small blade, screwdrivers, a nail file, tweezers, and even a tiny ruler.
People love the Micra because it handles all those little tasks that pop up unexpectedly: opening packages, trimming loose threads, tightening screws on glasses, or cleaning under nails. It’s not a pliers tool, so think of it more like a supercharged Swiss Army Classic than a miniature Wave.
Toss the Micra on your keys or in a purse, and you’ll be amazed how often it comes to the rescue.
9. Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X Plus – Best “Everything” Multi-Tool
When you want maximum capability in a relatively compact package, the SwissTool Spirit X Plus delivers an astounding 35 functions. Victorinox packs in needle-nose pliers, three types of wire cutters, multiple blades, saws, files, scissors, an extensive bit kit, a chisel, and even cable cover cutters. It’s finished to the exacting Swiss standards Victorinox is famous for.
The Spirit X Plus feels smooth and precise in hand, and the lifetime warranty backs up the quality. However, it doesn’t have the one-hand opening convenience of Leatherman’s FREE system, and it’s a bit heavier than simpler designs. For users who want every possible function and Swiss craftsmanship, those trade-offs are minor.
This is the tool for people who refuse to compromise on capability or build quality.
10. Victorinox Camper – Best Classic Swiss Army Knife for the Outdoors
For hikers who prefer a traditional Swiss Army knife over pliers, the Camper is a 2025 favorite that combines essential outdoor functions with legendary Victorinox reliability. Its 13 functions include two blades, can and bottle openers, screwdrivers, an awl, a corkscrew, and crucially for camping, a wood saw. Everything fits into a slim, lightweight package that slips easily into any pocket.
The Camper excels at trail tasks like preparing food, cutting cord, opening cans, and processing kindling. It’s also wonderfully affordable compared to pliers-based tools. The trade-off is obvious: no pliers or bit driver means you’ll need a separate tool if those are critical.
For classic knife fans who spend time outdoors, the Camper offers timeless Swiss quality at a budget-friendly price.
11. Gerber Center-Drive – Best for Screw-Driving and Jobsite Work
Most multi-tools put the bit driver off to the side, which makes driving screws awkward and weak. Gerber’s Center-Drive solves that problem by placing the driver on the center axis, just like a real screwdriver. You get dramatically better torque and control, which matters when you’re driving dozens of screws on a jobsite.
The Center-Drive also includes a full-size 420HC blade, sliding one-thumb-opening pliers, carbide wire cutters, a pry bar, and an awl. Tool selection focuses on practical work tasks rather than camping extras. Maintenance techs and tradespeople appreciate how much easier screw-driving becomes with proper alignment.
If you spend more time assembling furniture or working on equipment than cutting rope in the woods, the Center-Drive is purpose-built for you.
12. Gerber Suspension NXT – Best Budget Everyday Carry Multi-Tool
Value-minded users who still want a full-size pliers tool should look at the Suspension NXT. It packs 15 tools including pliers, a combo blade, scissors, a real cross driver, three flathead drivers, can and bottle openers, an awl, a file, a ruler, and a wire stripper. The butterfly design keeps it slim, and spring-loaded pliers make operation smoother.
A pocket clip adds convenience for everyday carry, and the driver selection is genuinely impressive for the price. Build quality and finish aren’t quite at Leatherman or Victorinox levels, but Gerber prices the Suspension NXT accordingly. For occasional users or anyone on a tight budget, it’s an excellent entry point.
You get a lot of capability for very little money, making the Suspension NXT a smart choice for first-time buyers.
13. Gerber Truss – Best Worksite Multi-Tool for Pros
Gerber designed the Truss specifically for professional users who need a full-featured worksite tool without unnecessary bulk. Its 17 tools include plain and serrated blades, a saw, scissors, multiple drivers, pliers, wire cutters, a file, an awl, a ruler, can and bottle openers, and a wire stripper. Everything is curated for real jobsite tasks.
Spring-loaded pliers and an improved sheath make the Truss practical for belt carry, which is how most pros prefer to carry their tools. It’s heavier than the Suspension NXT, but that extra weight comes from a more robust build. Electricians and maintenance techs get a tool that handles daily abuse without breaking the bank.
For professionals who need reliability without premium pricing, the Truss offers an excellent middle ground.
14. Gerber Armbar Scout – Best Compact Camp & Pocket Hybrid
The Armbar Scout takes a knife-first approach, adding just enough extra tools to be genuinely useful without turning into a bulky multi-tool. At only 3.625 inches closed and about 3.1 ounces, it includes a 2.5-inch locking blade, pry bar, bottle opener, hammer face, spring-loaded scissors, can and package opener, and a saw. That’s an impressive toolkit for something this compact.
Minimalist campers and EDC fans love how the Armbar Scout covers most cutting and opening tasks without weighing them down. The pocket clip keeps it accessible, and the saw handles small branches or cardboard with ease. There are no pliers, so if you need those regularly, consider pairing this with another tool.
For lightweight carry with more capability than a simple knife, the Armbar Scout hits the sweet spot.
15. SOG PowerAccess Assist MT – Best for Assisted Opening & Extra Torque
SOG’s PowerAccess Assist MT stands out with two unique features: assisted opening for blades and tools, plus Compound Leverage gearing that doubles plier gripping power. Around 21 tools include a center-axis magnetic bit driver, multiple blades, and those incredibly strong pliers. Reviews praise its capability and innovative mechanics, though the assisted mechanisms add width and weight.
Users who want blades that snap open with one hand and pliers that crush stubborn bolts will appreciate what SOG has engineered here. The magnetic hex bit driver handles screw-driving tasks well, and the included nylon sheath works for belt carry. Just know this is a tool for serious work, not lightweight pocket carry.
If you need assisted-open convenience and maximum plier strength in one package, the PowerAccess Assist MT delivers both.
