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If you’re shopping for a True RMS multimeter, you’ve probably landed on the Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight and the Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter. Both are heavy hitters from a brand I trust, but they serve different kinds of work — the 179 includes a built-in thermometer for temperature, while the 87V is built for advanced troubleshooting with a low-pass filter for variable speed drives.
This comparison is for electricians and technicians who need real True RMS accuracy and can’t afford to guess. The key trade-off here is versatility versus raw troubleshooting power. I’ll show you exactly where each meter shines so you can spend your money on the right tool the first time.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 87V Industrial
Best for advanced troubleshooting with a low-pass filter and 20,000 count resolution — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 179 Multimeter
Great all-rounder with a built-in thermometer and temperature probe included — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the most important specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how the Fluke 179 and Fluke 87V compare on paper.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 179 Multimeter with | Fluke 87V Industrial Digi |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement Type | Multimeter | Multimeter |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Alkaline |
| Style | Handheld | INDUSTRIAL TRUE RMS MULTIMETER |
| Color | Yellow/Black | yellow |
| Weight | — | ✅ 1.3 pounds |
| AC Voltage Range | True-RMS | ✅ 1000 V |
| DC Voltage Range | — | ✅ 1000 V |
| Frequency Measurement | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Capacitance Measurement | ✅ Yes | — |
| Resistance Measurement | ✅ Yes | — |
| Continuity Test | ✅ Yes | — |
| Diode Test | ✅ Yes | — |
| Temperature Measurement | Built-In Thermometer | ✅ 80BK Temp Probe |
| Low Pass Filter | — | ✅ Yes |
| Display Hold | ✅ Yes | — |
| Auto Hold | ✅ Yes | — |
| Min/Max Recording | ✅ Yes | Peak Min/Max |
The biggest difference I see is the Fluke 87V’s switchable high display resolution of up to 20,000 counts versus the 179’s standard 6000 counts, giving you much finer detail for spotting small signal changes.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time digging into the specs and real-world use cases for both of these Fluke meters. Here’s what I found after looking at features, accuracy, and what actual owners are saying.
Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight
True RMS | Built-in Thermometer | 6000 Counts | CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V
- Robust, fast and accurate with manual and automatic ranging, Display Hold...
- Backlit digital display, analog bar graph, and built-in temperature...
- Industrial thermometer combo kit
This is a fantastic everyday meter for general electrical work. I love that it includes a built-in thermometer and comes with a temperature probe right in the box, saving you from buying one separately. The True RMS accuracy is solid, and the Min/Max-Average recording is handy for catching intermittent issues. My only gripe is the display resolution tops out at 6000 counts, so it’s not as detailed as the 87V for fine measurements. It’s best for HVAC techs and commercial electricians who need temperature capability and don’t need to troubleshoot variable speed drives.
✅ Pros
- Built-in thermometer with included temperature probe for HVAC work
- Measures frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diode
- True RMS AC current and voltage with CAT III 1000V safety rating
- Auto Hold and Min/Max-Average recording for tracking fluctuations
❌ Cons
- Only 6000 count display, less resolution than the 87V
- No low-pass filter for variable speed drive troubleshooting
- Weighs 300 grams but feels a bit lighter-duty than the 87V
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
True RMS | Low-Pass Filter | 20,000 Counts | Peak Capture 250 µS | CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V
- Accurate frequency measurements on adjustable speed drives (ASD) due to...
- Captures intermittents as fast as 250 µS with Peak Capture
- Switchable high display resolution allows 6000 to 20,000 counts – lets...
This is the meter I’d grab for serious industrial work. The Fluke-designed low-pass filter makes it the clear choice if you’re troubleshooting variable speed drives or motor controls, and the Peak Capture function catches intermittents as fast as 250 microseconds. I really appreciate the switchable high display resolution that goes from 6000 to 20,000 counts, letting me see tiny changes in readings that other meters miss. It’s heavier at 1.3 pounds and the temperature probe is included as an add-on accessory rather than built-in like the 179. This one is for industrial electricians and plant maintenance pros who need the highest accuracy and advanced features.
✅ Pros
- Low-pass filter for accurate frequency measurements on variable speed drives
- Switchable resolution from 6000 to 20,000 counts for fine detail
- Peak Capture catches intermittents as fast as 250 µS
- Measures up to 1000 VAC and DC with CAT III 1000V rating
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 1.3 pounds compared to the 179’s 300 grams
- No built-in thermometer; temperature probe is an included accessory
- Overkill for basic residential or light commercial electrical work
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both meters, and the right choice really comes down to the kind of work you do every day. Let me break it down by who each one fits best.
Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight is right for you if…
- You’re an HVAC technician who needs the built-in thermometer and included temperature probe for checking duct temps and refrigeration lines.
- You do general commercial or residential electrical work and want True RMS accuracy without paying for industrial features you won’t use.
- You want a lighter meter at only 300 grams that’s easier to carry around all day on a tool belt.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You troubleshoot variable speed drives or motor controls and need the low-pass filter for accurate frequency readings.
- You need to see tiny changes in signals, and the switchable 20,000 count resolution is critical for your work.
- You work in industrial plants where catching intermittents as fast as 250 µS with Peak Capture can save hours of downtime.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a hobbyist or DIYer who only needs a meter for basic car or home electrical checks, you don’t need to spend this much on either Fluke. A simpler, lower-cost True RMS meter from a reputable brand will do the job just fine without the professional price tag.
For most electricians and technicians, I’d point you to the Fluke 87V if you work with industrial gear or variable speed drives, and the Fluke 179 if you want a lighter all-rounder with temperature capability. Both are fantastic, but the 87V’s advanced features give it the edge for the toughest troubleshooting jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for True RMS accuracy, the Fluke 179 or the Fluke 87V?
Both meters deliver excellent True RMS accuracy, so you’re getting reliable readings from either one. The Fluke 87V pulls ahead for precision work because it offers switchable resolution from 6000 to 20,000 counts, letting you see much smaller changes in your readings. For everyday electrical work, the Fluke 179’s True RMS is plenty accurate, but the 87V is the better choice if you need to spot tiny fluctuations on sensitive equipment.
Is the Fluke 87V worth the extra money over the Fluke 179?
It depends entirely on what you’re troubleshooting. If you work with variable speed drives or motor controls, the 87V’s low-pass filter is a feature you simply can’t get on the 179, and it’s absolutely worth the upgrade. If you’re an HVAC tech or a commercial electrician who needs temperature measurement and doesn’t touch VFDs, the Fluke 179 gives you everything you need without paying for extras you won’t use.
Which Fluke multimeter is best for HVAC work?
I’d pick the Fluke 179 for HVAC work hands down. It has a built-in thermometer and includes a temperature probe right in the box, which is essential for checking duct temperatures and refrigeration lines. The 87V includes a temperature probe too, but it’s an accessory add-on rather than a core feature, and the 179 is lighter at 300 grams for carrying up ladders all day.
Does the Fluke 179 have a low-pass filter like the 87V?
No, the Fluke 179 does not have a low-pass filter. That feature is exclusive to the Fluke 87V, and it’s specifically designed for accurately measuring frequency on adjustable speed drives. If you’re troubleshooting VFDs or motor controls, you need the 87V — the 179 simply can’t handle that job properly.
Can the Fluke 87V measure temperature like the Fluke 179?
Yes, the Fluke 87V can measure temperature, but it’s not built-in the way it is on the 179. The 87V comes with an 80BK temperature probe included in the box, so you still get temperature capability right out of the package. The difference is the 179 has it as a core feature with a dedicated thermometer function, while the 87V treats it as an add-on accessory alongside the TL75 test leads and AC175 alligator clips.
Which meter has better safety ratings, the Fluke 179 or the Fluke 87V?
Both meters are rated CAT III 1000V and CAT IV 600V, so they offer identical safety protection for working on high-energy circuits. You’re getting the same level of overvoltage protection from either meter. The 87V does measure up to 1000 VAC and DC, which matches the 179’s capability, so safety isn’t a deciding factor between these two.
My Final Verdict
The Fluke 87V is my clear winner for anyone who needs the most advanced troubleshooting tool available. Its low-pass filter for variable speed drives and switchable 20,000 count resolution make it the superior choice for industrial work, while the Fluke 179 is the better pick for HVAC techs and commercial electricians who need a lighter meter with a built-in thermometer.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you ever work on variable speed drives or motor controls? If yes, get the 87V. If not, save the weight and get the 179 with its included temperature probe. Either way, you’re getting a Fluke that will last you a decade or more.
Winner: Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
- Accurate frequency measurements on adjustable speed drives (ASD) due to...
- Captures intermittents as fast as 250 µS with Peak Capture
- Switchable high display resolution allows 6000 to 20,000 counts – lets...
This is the meter for industrial electricians and plant maintenance pros who need the low-pass filter for VFDs and Peak Capture for catching 250 µS intermittents. It’s the most capable handheld multimeter Fluke makes for advanced troubleshooting.
Runner-Up: Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight
- Robust, fast and accurate with manual and automatic ranging, Display Hold...
- Backlit digital display, analog bar graph, and built-in temperature...
- Industrial thermometer combo kit
Perfect for HVAC technicians and commercial electricians who need True RMS accuracy plus a built-in thermometer at only 300 grams. The included temperature probe saves you from buying one separately.
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