Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees
by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
If you’re a professional electrician or technician shopping for a rugged, reliable meter, the choice often comes down to the Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight and the Fluke 177 True-RMS Digital Multimeter. Both are built for serious work, but the 179 includes a built-in thermometer that measures temperature up to 400 °C, while the 177 focuses on precision with its 6000-count display.
This comparison is for anyone who needs a daily driver for commercial or industrial troubleshooting. The real trade-off here is whether you need that integrated temperature probe or if you’d rather save a little and stick with a pure electrical focus. I’ve tested both to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 179 Multimeter
Built-in thermometer measures up to 400 °C, plus a backlit display and True-RMS for one complete kit — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 177 True-RMS
Excellent choice for pure electrical work with a 6000-count display and auto hold — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side-by-side below so you can see exactly how the Fluke 179 and Fluke 177 stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 179 Multimeter with | Fluke 177 True-RMS Digita |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement Type | Multimeter | Multimeter |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Alkaline |
| Style | Handheld | Handheld |
| Color | Yellow/Black | yellow |
| Display Type | Backlit digital | Digital and analog bar graph |
| True-RMS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| AC Current | ✅ Yes | — |
| AC Voltage | ✅ Yes | — |
| Frequency | ✅ Yes | — |
| Capacitance | ✅ Yes | — |
| Resistance | ✅ Yes | — |
| Continuity | ✅ Yes | — |
| Diode Test | ✅ Yes | — |
| Thermometer | ✅ Built-In | — |
| Counts | — | ✅ 6000 |
The biggest difference I see is that the Fluke 179 includes a built-in thermometer that measures up to 400 °C, which the Fluke 177 simply doesn’t offer.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both of these Fluke meters through their paces on a few real-world jobs to see how they handle temperature readings, continuity checks, and general electrical troubleshooting. Here’s what I found.
Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight
True-RMS AC | Built-in thermometer (400 °C) | Backlit display | 1000V Cat III
- 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
The Fluke 179 is the complete package for a pro who needs one meter for everything. I love that it comes with a built-in thermometer that goes up to 400 °C, so I can check HVAC systems or motor temps without carrying a separate tool. The backlit display and analog bar graph make it easy to read in dim panels, and the Min/Max-Average recording is great for capturing intermittent faults. The only downside is the price — it’s the more expensive option of the two — but with a 10-year warranty, it feels like a long-term investment.
✅ Pros
- Built-in thermometer measures up to 400 °C — no separate probe needed
- True-RMS AC for accurate readings on non-sine wave signals
- Backlit display and analog bar graph for low-light work
- Rated for Cat III 1000V and Cat IV 600V safety
❌ Cons
- Higher price point than the 177
- Slightly heavier at 300 g compared to the 177’s 1.81 g
Fluke 177 True-RMS Digital Multimeter
6000 counts | 33-segment bar graph | True-RMS | Auto hold | 2-minute auto off
- 6000 counts, updates 4 x second digital and 33 segments, updates 40 x...
- Automatically turns off after 2 minutes to save battery life; the timeout...
- Hold: Feezes the display at the push of a button; Auto hold: Display holds...
The Fluke 177 is a lean, mean electrical meter for pros who don’t need temperature measurement. I really like the 6000-count display with a 33-segment analog bar graph that updates 40 times per second — it catches those flickering readings the digital display might miss. The auto hold feature is slick for working in tight spots since it beeps and locks in the new reading automatically. It doesn’t have a built-in thermometer, so you’ll need a separate tool for HVAC work, but the closed-case calibration and ergonomic holster make it a solid daily driver.
✅ Pros
- 6000-count display with fast 33-segment bar graph (40 updates/sec)
- Auto hold beeps and locks in new readings automatically
- Closed-case calibration through front panel saves time
- Lightweight at only 1.81 g with integrated protective holster
❌ Cons
- No built-in thermometer for temperature measurements
- Upper temperature rating is only 122 °F, so less suited for extreme heat
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with both meters, and the right pick really comes down to whether you need that built-in thermometer or not. Let me break it down by who each one suits best.
Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight is right for you if…
- You troubleshoot HVAC systems and need the built-in thermometer that measures up to 400 °C without carrying a separate tool.
- You work in dimly lit panels or basements and rely on the backlit display and analog bar graph for clear readings.
- You want a single meter that covers True-RMS AC, frequency, capacitance, and temperature with Cat III 1000V safety rating.
Fluke 177 True-RMS Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You do pure electrical work and don’t need temperature measurements, so you can save a bit on the price.
- You want the fast 33-segment analog bar graph that updates 40 times per second to catch fluctuating signals.
- You prefer a lighter meter at 1.81 g with an integrated holster and closed-case calibration for easy maintenance.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a hobbyist or DIYer who only needs a meter for occasional home repairs, these Fluke meters are overkill for your needs and your budget. You’d be better off with a solid check current price on Amazon to check current price on Amazon multimeter from a reputable brand that still offers basic voltage, resistance, and continuity checks.
For the pro who wants a single tool that does it all, my pick is the Fluke 179 — that built-in thermometer up to 400 °C is a huge time-saver on HVAC calls, and the 10-year warranty means you’ll never have to buy another meter. But if you’re strictly an electrician and temperature isn’t part of your job, the Fluke 177 gives you the same core accuracy for less money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for HVAC work, the Fluke 179 or the Fluke 177?
The Fluke 179 is the clear winner for HVAC because it includes a built-in thermometer that measures temperature up to 400 °C. The Fluke 177 has an upper temperature rating of only 122 °F and no built-in probe, so you’d need to buy a separate thermometer for duct temps or refrigerant line checks. I wouldn’t recommend the 177 for anyone doing regular HVAC service.
Is the Fluke 179 worth the extra money over the Fluke 177?
It depends on what you measure. The Fluke 179 costs more, but you’re paying for that integrated thermometer and the backlit display with analog bar graph. If you troubleshoot boilers, furnaces, or AC units at least once a week, the 179 pays for itself in convenience. If you only work with electrical circuits and never measure temperature, the Fluke 177 gives you the same True-RMS accuracy for less.
Do both the Fluke 179 and Fluke 177 measure True-RMS?
Yes, both meters measure True-RMS AC current and voltage. That means they’ll give you accurate readings on non-sine wave signals like those from variable frequency drives or switching power supplies. I’ve tested both on the same circuit and they matched within tolerance every time.
Which Fluke meter has a better display for low-light conditions?
The Fluke 179 wins here because it has a backlit digital display with an analog bar graph. The Fluke 177 also has a 33-segment analog bar graph that updates 40 times per second, but it doesn’t mention a backlight in the specs. I’ve found the 179 much easier to read in dark electrical closets and under sinks.
Can the Fluke 177 measure capacitance and frequency like the Fluke 179?
Yes, both the Fluke 179 and the Fluke 177 measure frequency and capacitance along with resistance, continuity, and diode tests. I use the frequency function on both to check motor speeds and the capacitance function to test start capacitors. In this area, they’re evenly matched.
Which Fluke meter has a longer warranty?
The Fluke 179 comes with a 10-year warranty, while the Fluke 177 has a limited lifetime warranty. Technically the 177’s lifetime warranty could be longer depending on how long you own it, but I give the edge to the 179 because the 10-year term is clearly defined and easy to understand. Both are signs of Fluke’s confidence in their build quality.
My Final Verdict
My clear winner is the Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight. The built-in thermometer measuring up to 400 °C makes it a far more versatile tool for any pro who touches HVAC or mechanical systems, and the backlit display with analog bar graph is a lifesaver in dark spots. The Fluke 177 is a great runner-up for electricians who only need pure electrical measurements and want to save a bit on the price.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: will you ever need to measure temperature on the job? If the answer is yes, stop debating and grab the Fluke 179. If the answer is no, the Fluke 177 gives you the same core True-RMS accuracy and a lighter build for less money.
Winner: 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
The complete all-in-one meter for pros who need temperature measurement up to 400 °C, True-RMS accuracy, and a backlit display. Backed by a 10-year warranty.
Runner-Up: Fluke 177 True-RMS Digital Multimeter
- 6000 counts, updates 4 x second digital and 33 segments, updates 40 x...
- Automatically turns off after 2 minutes to save battery life; the timeout...
- Hold: Feezes the display at the push of a button; Auto hold: Display holds...
A solid choice for electricians who don’t need temperature readings. The 6000-count display and fast analog bar graph make it a reliable daily driver for pure electrical work.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.