Best Fluke Multimeters in 2023

You’ll find that there are many options available when looking for a new digital multimeter. However, one company stands out as the most reputable name in electrical metering amid the sea of multimeter producers. It’s called Fluke. There is a fair possibility that you will discover a Fluke meter looking back at you if you open the tool bag of any electrician. Fluke multimeters are the standard by which all other multimeters are assessed because of their reputation for durability and accuracy.

Although every multimeter bearing the Fluke badge will give you precise readings and outstanding dependability, they do differ in terms of their strengths, shortcomings, and feature sets, which can make one more useful than another in particular circumstances. The information in the next ten evaluations will be clarified, and they will also assist you in choosing the Fluke multimeter that best suits your requirements.

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Best Fluke Multimeters

Fluke 117 – Best Fluke Multimeter for Electronics & General

The Fluke 117 is the greatest all-around Fluke multimeter currently available, according to us, for genuine RMS measuring at a cost that’s surprisingly reasonable given what it is. It is incredibly accurate, which is a characteristic of Fluke meters. It is capable of measuring a 30 second continuous 10 amp or 20 amp overload. Although it has a CAT-III 600V safety rating, we would have preferred to see a CAT-IV designation.

To increase safety, this device has independent voltage and current inputs. Ghost readings are prevented from being a problem by the low impedance. The 117 has VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection, which helps you to identify whether a source is hot without having to connect your leads, to speed up your productivity. Although we usually enjoy practical features like the kickstand and lighted screen, a magnet would have been nice to have as well. Although not the finest, the 40-megohm resistance should be adequate for the majority of applications. Overall, we believe that the 117 is the best Fluke multimeter due to its pricing and functionality.

PROS

• True RMS
• Measures 20-amp overload for 30 seconds
• CAT-III 600V safety rated
• Affordable

CONS

• No CAT-IV safety rating
• No magnet

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Fluke 88V 1000V – Best Fluke Multimeter for Automotive

The Fluke 88V 1000V digital multimeter is the best option if you want the top-of-the-line multimeter that has practically every function imaginable. For the quality this device offers, budget a little fortune. This multimeter is great for use in cars because it has features like millisecond pulse-width measurements for fuel injectors and RPM metering. The maximum resistance of 50 megohms is one of the best available, and the precision of 0.1 percent DC is among the best. This device has CAT-III and CAT-IV safety ratings for your comfort.

The 88V can withstand overloads of 20 amps for up to 30 seconds while only being intended for 10-amp continuous measuring. There is nothing about this tool’s performance that warrants criticism. At this price, we would want to see a built-in magnet and kickstand for convenience’s sake.

PROS

• Millisecond pulse-width measurements
• CAT-III and CAT-IV safety rated
• Max resistance of 50 megohms
• 1 percent DC accuracy
• RPM measurements

CONS

• Expensive
• No kickstand or magnet

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Fluke 116 – Best Fluke Multimeter for HVAC

The Fluke 116 multimeter has every feature you require for regular professional performance when you need a complete HVAC measurement tool. It can test temperature, capacitance, frequency, resistance, continuity, and even microamps for flame sensors. All of this is offered in a small package that is simple to operate with one hand. Because of the low impedance and CAT-III 600V safety rating, you are kept safe. Of course, a CAT-IV rating would have been nice to see as well.

There are only two issues we have with the Fluke 116. In the beginning, there are merely leads for input and common. Though the single input approach is incredibly user-friendly, generally speaking we prefer to have numerous inputs for safety concerns. Our final issue is the lack of a kickstand or magnet. The majority of Fluke meters are compatible with the magnetic hanger that is available; however, because it is not built-in, your meter will hang. We’d like to see these helpful features offered in every Fluke, considering the high price of one.

All in all, this is one of the best Fluke multimters out there for automotive work.

PROS

• Built-in thermometer
• Microamps for testing flame sensors
• Lo-Z prevents ghost readings

CONS

• Only common and input leads
• No CAT IV safety rating
• No magnet or kickstand

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Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter

Despite being priced comparably high, we didn’t believe the Fluke 87-V met the bar established by the 88V, hence it has dropped to the fourth position on this list. It is a very capable meter, despite our issues with the pricing, and shouldn’t be ignored. This model has a startling 0.05 percent DC accuracy. It has a safety rating of CAT-III and CAT-IV, and the low-pass filter enables precise frequency readings on variable speed motors. You have a choice between resolutions of 6,000 and 20,000, allowing you to pick up on minute differences in reading. A lifetime warranty completes the broad feature package.

Despite all of these noteworthy advantages, the 87-V still has a few disadvantages. The lack of any form of handbook is the first drawback, which can be annoying when using a difficult gadget like a multimeter. In addition, no case was offered, which we preferred to have for this amount to safeguard such a priceless investment. The leads are also very rigid and unpleasant to work with. The soft silicone leads that Fluke is famous for weren’t in our unit, which disappointed us.

PROS

• CAT-III and CAT-IV safety rated
• Low-pass filter
• 05 percent DC accuracy
• Lifetime warranty
• 6,000 and 20,000 resolution available

CONS

• Very expensive
• Leads are very stiff
• No manual
• No case

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Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter

The Fluke 115 multimeter is a remarkably capable little gadget, despite its small size. It’s not cheap, but it’s also not one of Fluke’s more expensive choices. We consider the carrying bag to be a wonderful addition for the price. This is a genuine RMS meter that can test diodes as well as conduct continuity, frequency, and capacitance checks. Although it has a CAT-III safety classification for 600V, we’d prefer to see a CAT-IV rating as well.

It’s difficult to find too many flaws in the 115 multimeter because of its excellent performance and features. The knob isn’t as excellent as on some of the other versions, which is something we did notice. It didn’t snap into place as firmly, and occasionally it was moved without our knowledge when in different settings. Due to this, a hot circuit we were testing was not read by the equipment. Fortunately, we caught the problem before getting too deep into it, but if we hadn’t, it might have been dangerous.

PROS

• 20A measure for 30 seconds
• Carrying case included
• True RMS

CONS

• No CAT IV safety rating
• No magnet
• Knob leaves us wanting

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Fluke 77-IV Automotive Digital Multimeter

The Fluke 77-IV is a fantastic multimeter for any automotive application because it has four inputs and min/max recording capabilities. However, although being slightly more affordable, it doesn’t quite match the 88V. The fact that the 77-IV is not a real RMS multimeter is a significant drawback. You must invest more money on the 88V in order to get full RMS capability. Even with this flaw, this device is still quite powerful. With a 0.3 percent accuracy, it uses all the accepted measurements. Although we like the white lighting that is offered with some of the other Fluke models, the huge backlit LCD display is simple to read in any environment.

PROS

• 4 inputs
• CAT-III 1000V and CAT-IV 600V rated

CONS

• Expensive
• No true RMS

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Fluke 15b+ Digital Multimeter

One of the more reasonably priced Fluke multimeters on the market is the 15b+. But it doesn’t mean it’s a dud. On the front, there are four inputs, and a sizable white backlit LED panel making it simple to examine your readouts. Although the CAT-II and CAT-III safety ratings offer some reassurance, we continue to want for a CAT-IV safety certification.

The Fluke 15b+ changed readings noticeably more slowly than some of the other meters we compared it against, as we did see. The 4,000-count resolution is inferior than the 6,000-count standard when you consider the 20,000-count capabilities some of the higher-end Flukes have. Although hardly everyone requires this capacity, you can do without it with this model if you don’t require such accuracy and save some money.

PROS

• 4 inputs
• CAT-III 600V

CONS

• 4000 count resolution
• Slow to change readings
• No CAT-IV safety rating

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Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter

The Fluke 113 reduces the cost of genuine RMS measuring with 6,000 count resolution to a level that is accessible to the majority of professionals and enthusiasts. This device concurrently monitors voltage and continuity, which will save you time and boost your output. The illuminated screen makes it simple to see wherever you are working, and the low impedance avoids ghost readings.

After getting to know the Fluke 113, we did have a few complaints. First, the only connectors available for connecting leads are common and input jacks. In general, we favor having several inputs for various testing kinds. The only options on the selector knob are three. Even though this device auto-ranges the majority of the measures, greater variation for user choices would be nice. Last but not least, although though this is a less expensive Fluke model, it is still expensive for a multimeter, and we would like to see additional convenience features like a magnet. Although there is a built-in kickstand, we thought it was somewhat weak and not as sturdy as we’d prefer.

PROS

• Affordable
• Checks voltage and continuity simultaneously
• Low impedance
• True RMS

CONS

• No magnet
• Kickstand is very flimsy
• Not as much variability
• Only two inputs

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FLUKE 17B+ Digital Multimeter

The Fluke 17B+ appears pricey when compared to some of the other multimeters in the Fluke series and lacks real RMS capability. The 40-megohm resistance is adequate but not particularly impressive. When compared to the 6,000 count that is common on many other Fluke meters in the same price range, the 4,000-count resolution is subpar.

With this meter, we noticed slower readings and less accuracy. Although we did appreciate that it is CAT-III and CAT-IV safety rated, this multimeter cannot be saved by that alone. It’s not the best Fluke product, but it’s useful for simple electrical metering.

PROS

• CAT-III and CAT-IV safety rated

CONS

• No true RMS
• Slower readings
• Lower precision from low count resolution

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Fluke 101+ Multimeter

Although we didn’t have big expectations for the 101+, we had high hopes for it as the most reasonably priced multimeter offered by Fluke. It has a CAT-III 600V safety rating and is lightweight enough to be operated with with one hand. Since it costs a fraction of what other Fluke meters do, we didn’t anticipate it to be a real RMS multimeter.

The 101+ responded to adjustments slowly, taking several seconds to register, which annoyed us a little. This immediately became irritating, but the inaccuracy was the true issue. Although it wasn’t on every reading, we did observe that occasionally the reading would be inaccurate. We would prefer to see a lighted display even at this low pricing to make the screen easier to read. Despite these drawbacks, it’s still a fantastic multimeter for the low cost; it just isn’t one of Fluke’s top choices.

PROS

• Most affordable Fluke multimeter

CONS

• No true RMS
• Slow response
• Inaccurate readings
• No backlight

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Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Fluke Mulitmeter

Now that you’ve seen our top picks for Fluke multimeters, we should probably explain how we compared these different models. There are particular features you should look for when shopping depending on the specifications you want your multimeter to match. To ensure that you make the greatest decision that actually meets and exceeds your expectations, this section is designed to assist you in identifying those wants and features.

Task-Specific Measurement

Each of these Fluke multimeters will offer the fundamental measures required to evaluate electrical circuits, but some of them will additionally be able to do particular measurements that are field-specific.

• You might wish to opt for an automobile multimeter that measures things like RPMs or millisecond pulse width.
• Electricians could like to have a non-contact voltage capability because it will enable them to work much more quickly because they won’t need to physically test each circuit.
• A thermometer for temperature readings and microamp measures for checking flame sensors may be more crucial tools for an HVAC specialist.

No model will have every feature needed for every field of electrical work, even though some models may include features that are especially helpful for a particular type of electrical work. You must choose which aspects are most important to you before deciding which meter best meets your requirements.

Convenient Features

Whatever you’re testing with your multimeter, there are several convenience features we want to see included. Sadly, because they are luxuries rather than necessities, they are frequently absent. However, we constantly value the increased usability when a meter has these.

Some amenities, like a lighted screen, seem to be a bare minimum in our opinion. No matter what kind of work you conduct, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter poor light at some point. When you do, the backlit display will transform into a useful tool that greatly simplifies your life. Similarly, kickstands and magnets greatly enhance the functioning of your gadget, so much so that we virtually always choose to include them. Despite not having built-in magnets, the Fluke meters do have an auxiliary magnet hanger that is sold separately.

Resolution

A Fluke multimeter’s resolution is expressed in counts. The figure denotes the maximum readout the display is capable of providing. Greater numbers imply more accurate readings. Many of the multimeters we examined had 6,000-count resolution listed as their resolution rating. Some of the less accurate models could only resolve 4,000 counts. You must determine how precise you require your multimeter to measure because the highest-end models available count up to 20,000.

Price

If you’re purchasing a Fluke multimeter, you’ve already made the decision that investing in a sturdy, high-quality device is more important than trying to save a few dollars. Even among Fluke models, there is a significant price difference despite the fact that the safety features, dependability, and accuracy of a Fluke device make it worth the extra cost. More than seven times as much is spent on the most expensive and capable models.

Spending more money to buy a top-of-the-line device with all the features you require is definitely worthwhile for a professional who will depend on this equipment every day to give safe and accurate measures. Don’t feel that you need to spend a lot of money to gain the dependability and trustworthiness that Fluke is known for, though. The Fluke lifetime warranty ensures that any of these meters is a wise investment.

Professionals and hobbyists who won’t use their multimeter every day might find a better deal on one of the marginally less expensive Fluke models. However, just because something is less expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s less capable. If you read through our reviews and see how some of the more economical Fluke models compare, you’ll be more comfortable adding one to your tool collection.

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Conclusion

You should have a decent understanding of what constitutes a good multimeter and which models would work best for you after reading the buyer’s guide and our reviews of the top ten Fluke multimeters. You can’t go wrong with the Fluke 117 true RMS multimeter for practically any application. We are confident in recommending it as the best general-purpose multimeter since it combines rock-solid durability and genuine RMS readings in a compact that is inexpensive for professionals and hobbyists alike.

Our top pick for usage specifically with automobiles is the Fluke 88V 1000V multimeter. The sole disadvantage of this model is the high cost. It can measure RPMs, millisecond pulse-width for fuel injectors, and all other common tests with an accuracy of 0.1 percent DC. Last but not least, we believe the Fluke 116 to be the best HVAC-specific tool available. It has all the capabilities an HVAC repair worker might possibly need, including an integrated thermometer and microamp readings for checking flame sensors.

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API