Using a quality refractometer kicks ass. I have three now. Two cover the range I use for brewing beer (one up to 32 brix, in .2 increments, one up to 20 brix in .1 increments, and one up to ~60 brix for mead OG). These were not cheap though. The two for beer cost me about $100 each (they all have ATC). If you're looking to be cheap, then get a few hydrometers and check them for accuracy. There are enough threads about hydrometers not reading properly to warrant checking every one of them. For me, I'm good with using the software to offset the presence of alcohol (it will throw the reading off once fermentation starts) since I can use such a tiny amount for the reading sample. I use 4 dram vials to reserve wort, and finished beer, to get my readings. That's about 1/2 ounce in each vial, so 1 ounce from each batch for the OG and FG readings. As previously noted, it's accurate enough (with the software adjustment) for an OG, and even FG, reading, for me. I give my beers enough time to be finished, so I'm just checking to see what the numbers are before putting them on tap.
I've never broken my hydrometer, and still have the one that came with my original hardware kit. It sits in a closet now, unused for many batches. Not sure if I'll ever use it again, since it does require such a large (compared to a refractometer) sample to get a reading.