Best All Around Fluke Multimeter
As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases made through the links below.
The best all around fluke multimeter depends on the work you do most. A Fluke meter for electrical service needs a 1000 V rating and a reliable resistance and continuity function. A meter for bench or automotive work may put more weight on low-current or duty-cycle features. This guide sorts five Fluke digital multimeters from our product list by what their titles say, explains the ratings that matter, and lists what we could not confirm from the listings alone.
Quick answer
For a general-purpose Fluke meter that covers most electrical tasks, the Fluke 17B+ and the Fluke 15B+ are the most direct choices in our list, because both titles state AC and DC voltage up to 1000 V and current up to 10 A. If you want a meter with non-contact voltage detection built in, the Fluke 117 is the pick. The Fluke 87V is the choice for more demanding troubleshooting, and the Fluke 107 is a current-focused meter that suits narrower jobs. No single model is best for every user.
How we chose
We took the Fluke digital multimeters in our product list and kept five whose titles describe general electrical measurement. We left out clamp meters, insulation testers, wire tracers and the Fluke automotive kits, because those are built for other jobs. Specs in this article come from the listing titles in our product file. The only Fluke product detail we opened was the manufacturer’s category page, which lists the 117, the 87V MAX and the 283 FC, so features beyond the titles are noted as partly verified or unverified.
What a general-purpose multimeter has to measure
According to the Wikipedia entry on multimeters, the core functions are AC and DC voltage, AC and DC current, and resistance. Many meters add capacitance, frequency, temperature and a continuity buzzer. Those are the functions most electricians and homeowners use, so a general-purpose meter should cover them well before it adds niche extras.
The same entry explains IEC 61010-1 measurement categories. Category III covers permanently installed loads such as distribution panels and motors, and Category IV covers locations with very high possible fault current. A meter for panel work should be rated for the category of the work, not only for a voltage number. This is one of the most important checks when you compare Fluke models.
Our five picks
Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter
The Fluke 17B+ is the smallest of the general-purpose picks in our list. Its title states AC and DC voltage up to 1000 V, current to 10 A, and resistance and continuity functions, all for electrical applications. That covers the everyday tasks of testing outlets, circuits and small loads. A compact meter is easy to carry in a tool bag, though its title does not give display size or battery life, so check those on the product page.
Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter
The Fluke 15B+ sits in the same electrical class as the 17B+. Its title names AC and DC voltage and current up to 1000 V and 10 A. The 15B+ is the more basic of the two in terms of the feature set named in the titles, so it suits a user who does not need extra measurement modes. If you mostly check voltage and continuity, this model may be the better buy on value.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter with Non-Contact AC Voltage Detection
The Fluke 117 adds non-contact AC voltage detection to the usual resistance, continuity, frequency and capacitance measurements. Its title also lists min, max and average readings. Non-contact detection lets you check whether a wire is energized before you touch it, which is useful for panel work. The manufacturer’s category page describes the 117 as an electrician’s multimeter with integrated non-contact voltage detection, which agrees with its listing title.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
The Fluke 87V is described in its title as an industrial meter for advanced troubleshooting. It names AC and DC voltage to 1000 V, peak min and max readings and a low pass filter. Those extras are useful when you diagnose drives, inverters or electronic loads where a standard average reading can mislead you. The manufacturer’s category page describes the 87V MAX as rugged and dustproof, rated IP67, which suggests the 87V line is built for harsh sites. The title for the original 87V does not state the IP rating, so confirm it on the exact model you buy.
Fluke 107 AC/DC Current Handheld Digital Multimeter
The Fluke 107 is the most specialized pick here. Its title emphasizes AC and DC current, which makes it suit tasks where current is the main measurement, such as checking a load or a small motor. Because the title does not list a full set of functions, it is less of a general-purpose meter than the 17B+ or the 117. If you need a single meter for all electrical work, choose one of the other four picks.
Fluke’s background and product range
The Wikipedia entry on Fluke Corporation traces the company from its founding in 1948 to its acquisition by Danaher in 1998 and its spin-off to Fortive in 2016. It also notes that the company developed the Scopemeter, which combines oscilloscope and multimeter features. That history explains why Fluke meters are common in professional work, but it does not rank individual models, so the picks above rely on listing titles and the manufacturer category page.
How to choose the right Fluke meter
Start with the work. If you check outlets, circuits and small loads, a 17B+ or a 15B+ covers most of it. If you need to detect voltage without contact, the 117 is the model that fits. If you troubleshoot electronic loads, look at the 87V and its min, max and low pass filter functions. Then check the rating: confirm the category and voltage on the product you buy, because the titles in our file do not give a full rating table.
Next, look at the leads and case. A good meter with worn leads is a hazard, so replace leads when they show damage. Fluke sells several lead sets, and our product list includes several test lead and probe accessories that you can compare when you need replacements.
Common mistakes when buying a Fluke meter
The most common mistake is buying on the model number alone. Fluke models in the same family can differ in category rating, non-contact detection and display features. Read the title and the spec sheet, not just the name. A second mistake is buying a current-focused meter when you need a general-purpose one. A third is ignoring the battery and case, which matter in daily use.
What we could not verify
The product file gives titles only for most picks. We did not confirm the accuracy, display count, battery type, warranty or full CAT rating for any model in this list. The manufacturer category page we opened lists the 117, the 87V MAX and the 283 FC, but it does not give a full comparison table, so we did not transfer its features to the models in this article except where the title agrees. Check the official spec sheet before purchase.
FAQ
Which Fluke meter is best for a homeowner?
For most homeowners, the 17B+ or the 15B+ covers outlets, circuits and simple checks at a reasonable size. If you want non-contact voltage detection, the 117 adds that function.
Do I need a CAT III rating?
If you work in panels, service equipment or permanently installed loads, a CAT III rating is the usual requirement. Confirm the rating on the exact model, because the titles in our file do not state it for every pick.
Is the Fluke 87V better than the 17B+?
It depends on the job. The 87V title emphasizes advanced troubleshooting, peak readings and a low pass filter. The 17B+ title emphasizes everyday electrical measurement in a smaller meter.
Can a multimeter detect live wires without contact?
Only models with a non-contact voltage function can. The Fluke 117 title states non-contact AC voltage detection. Other models in our list do not state it in their titles.
Internal reading
For a broader comparison of hand-held meters, read our best hand held digital multimeter guide. If you are weighing a clamp option alongside a meter, our Fluke clamp tester guide covers Fluke clamp models.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multimeter (opened 2026-10-29)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluke_Corporation (opened 2026-10-29)
- https://www.fluke.com/en-us/product/electrical-testing/digital-multimeters/fluke-73-iii (opened 2026-10-29)
