Best Multimeters
Compare multimeters by performance, capacity, accuracy, durability, compatibility, safety, and value to find the right option for your workshop.
Our shortlist
Fluke 87V is the first option we'd compare for professional industrial diagnostics. The alternatives intentionally cover different needs: Fluke 117 for electrician general use, Klein Tools MM600 for value trade meter, Brymen BM869s for advanced electronics/electrical use. Choose by job fit first, then current price.
Quick comparison
| Model | Best for | Key configuration | Main drawback | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluke 87V | professional industrial diagnostics | true-RMS industrial multimeter with high accuracy and filtering | Confirm range, resolution/accuracy needs, calibration expectations and whether the tool is appropriate for the system or hazard being measured. | Price |
| Fluke 117 | electrician general use | true-RMS meter with non-contact voltage detection and low-impedance mode | Confirm range, resolution/accuracy needs, calibration expectations and whether the tool is appropriate for the system or hazard being measured. | Price |
| Klein Tools MM600 | value trade meter | auto-ranging multimeter with common electrical measurement functions | Confirm range, resolution/accuracy needs, calibration expectations and whether the tool is appropriate for the system or hazard being measured. | Price |
| Brymen BM869s | advanced electronics/electrical use | high-count true-RMS meter with broad measurement capability | Confirm range, resolution/accuracy needs, calibration expectations and whether the tool is appropriate for the system or hazard being measured. | Price |
Fluke 87V
Key configuration: true-RMS industrial multimeter with high accuracy and filtering.
true-RMS industrial multimeter with high accuracy and filtering. Its value for professional industrial diagnostics comes from the measurement method, usable range and reading workflow rather than feature count alone.
Where it loses: Confirm range, resolution/accuracy needs, calibration expectations and whether the tool is appropriate for the system or hazard being measured.
Check Current PriceFluke 117
Key configuration: true-RMS meter with non-contact voltage detection and low-impedance mode.
true-RMS meter with non-contact voltage detection and low-impedance mode. Its value for electrician general use comes from the measurement method, usable range and reading workflow rather than feature count alone.
Where it loses: Confirm range, resolution/accuracy needs, calibration expectations and whether the tool is appropriate for the system or hazard being measured.
Check Current PriceKlein Tools MM600
Key configuration: auto-ranging multimeter with common electrical measurement functions.
auto-ranging multimeter with common electrical measurement functions. Its value for value trade meter comes from the measurement method, usable range and reading workflow rather than feature count alone.
Where it loses: Confirm range, resolution/accuracy needs, calibration expectations and whether the tool is appropriate for the system or hazard being measured.
Check Current PriceBrymen BM869s
Key configuration: high-count true-RMS meter with broad measurement capability.
high-count true-RMS meter with broad measurement capability. Its value for advanced electronics/electrical use comes from the measurement method, usable range and reading workflow rather than feature count alone.
Where it loses: Confirm range, resolution/accuracy needs, calibration expectations and whether the tool is appropriate for the system or hazard being measured.
Check Current PriceBefore you choose
Own the 'best multimeters' intent. Keep examples, subquestions, and recommendations tightly scoped to this page's exact query.
Frequently asked questions
What safety rating should I look for in multimeters?
Use a meter/tester with the measurement category, voltage rating and certifications appropriate to the electrical environment. The rating must cover the actual circuit being tested.
Does auto-ranging make a meter safer?
It can simplify operation, but it does not replace selecting the correct function, using intact rated leads and following safe electrical procedures.
True RMS or average responding?
True-RMS measurement is useful on non-sinusoidal loads such as variable-speed drives and many electronic power systems.
How often should test leads be inspected?
Before use. Replace leads with damaged insulation, loose probes or other defects and use only leads with appropriate ratings.
Can a non-contact voltage tester prove a circuit is de-energized?
Do not rely on a non-contact detector alone where formal verification of absence of voltage is required. Follow the applicable safe-work procedure and test-instrument method.
What does CAT III versus CAT IV mean?
Measurement categories relate to where transient energy can occur in an electrical installation. Higher category is not simply 'more accurate'; select equipment appropriate to the location.
When should a meter be calibrated?
Follow the maker's calibration interval and any quality-system requirements. Calibration matters most when measurements must be traceable or accuracy is critical.