Confused about multimeters

[JacobP]

Good evening everyone,

I am fairly new to working on electronics -- I've tinkered on and off for a while, but I've been messing around with an Arduino and some very simple electronics and I'd like to start playing around with it more seriously (although still low-end hobbyist). I've been trying to make do with a multimeter I picked up at Lowes, but its really just not cutting it. The lack of a tone on the continuity tester setting alone is enough to make me want to replace it.

I have spent hours over the last few days reading posts on this forum and watching Dave's videos, but I feel like I'm more confused that I was to begin with. Every time I find a model that I think would be a good choice, I feel like I run across another post explaining why it's a not a good option. I understand that in the low-end multi-meter market that there will be compromises, but I hope that I can find something that meets my needs.
 
Here's what I think I'm looking for, although I'm novice enough that I'm certain there are things I'm overlooking.
1) Reasonable accuracy
2) A reasonably fast continuity tester with audible feedback
4) Electronics use only -- no direct use on house power
5) Auto-ranging
6) Pincer clips (to attach to breadboard wires; I know these are probably a second purchase)

I had it about narrowed down to the AM-510 or AM-520 (modest upgrade to get max/min). It seem to have the features I was looking for and was safe enough to use on household circuits down the road if I wanted, but then I read a review saying that the continuity testing was really slow.

I would really appreciate some feedback. I don't have a strict budget; I'm willing to pay a reasonable amount of money to get an adequate tool, but I also don't want to pay for a bunch of features I don't need.

Thanks!

[rstofer]

I'm sure you will get some responses in this Beginners forum but there is a Test Equipment forum more specifically oriented to this type of question.
There will be dozens of recommendations.

[JacobP]

Thanks for the suggestion -- I will cross-post over there.