Should you buy a Fluke or Klein multimeter? Both brands are well known and offer excellent products, but what are the pros and cons of each? Which multimeter should you buy for professional work or just hobbies?
The Fluke 117 is perfect for professional users, such as electricians, with a solid reputation for reliability and accurate readings. Klein’s MM700 is an excellent value multimeter that suits DIY or hobby enthusiasts and satisfies light residential electrician use.
AT GLANCE: FLUKE 117 Vs. KLEIN MM700 CHART
 Fluke 117 |  Klein MM700 |
|
| Customer Rating |  |  |
| Price |  |  |
| Voltage AC/DC | 600V | 1000V |
| Safety ratings | CAT III 600V | CAT III 1000V CAT IV 600V |
| Display | 6000 count LCD | 4000 count LCD |
| Country of origin | China | USA |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
Klein vs. Fluke Multimeters: Head-to-Head Comparison
Feedback from users on product quality
Fluke and Klein are respected brands, and the buyer feedback for the Fluke 117 and Klein MM700 is, on the whole, very good. The Fluke is rated above the Klein for quality, the accuracy of its measurements, and reliability.
Klein multimeters offer great value for money and their ability to test HVAC capacitors. Fluke multimeters were generally used for over ten years, while Klein multimeters were kept for fewer years.
Price
It is fair to say that Fluke multimeters are not cheap! Fluke multimeters are some of the most expensive on the market. They will often be twice as much as a similar Klein multimeter. As noted in the buyer reviews, Klein makes good value for money products.
In contrast, Fluke is at the market’s top end and priced accordingly. Suppose you are using your multimeter in a professional capacity, as an electrician, for instance. In that case, the extra cost of Fluke is justifiable.
Buy Klein MM400 Multimeter for a lower price:
Klein Tools MM400 Multimeter
Warranty
Fluke multimeters supply with a three-year warranty as standard, although they offer a lifetime warranty on certain parts. Klein, on the other hand, provides a standard two-year limited warranty. Both are quality products that should easily outlast the warranty period.
Origin
Both Fluke and Klein manufacture products in China and other countries, including the USA. Suppose the country of manufacture is a deciding factor for you. In that case, a check of the product from the website may be useful.
Flukes 117 is listed as being manufactured in China. Although the Klein MM700 is not shown, it seems this model is produced in the USA, while some other Klein multimeters are manufactured in China.
Fluke’s pros and cons
PROS
✔️ High quality and reliability
✔️ Fluke experience in test equipment
✔️ Tough, rugged design
✔️ Lightweight and easy to carry
CONS
⚠️ The screen is difficult to read at an angle
⚠️ Premium price
Klein’s pros and cons
PROS
✔️ Professional quality tools with quality components
✔️ Good value for money if you are on a tight budget
✔️ A variety of testers and meters are available
CONS
⚠️ Some reliability issues
2 Best Fluke and Klein Compared: Fluke 117 Vs. Klein MM700
Fluke 117 vs. Klein MM700: What are the similarities?
True RMS. True Root Mean Square (TRMS) technology gives more accurate readings of fluctuating voltages.
This feature is useful when the load on the circuit is non-linear, causing the voltage to vary continuously.
Resistance Testing. Both the Fluke and Klein multimeters can measure up to a maximum of 40 MΩ.
Maximum Amperage Measurement. In both AC and DC modes, the Fluke and Klein can measure up to 10 amps and handle overloads of up to 20 amps for 30 seconds.
IP Rating. The Fluke and Klein both meet the IP42 standard.
The first digit means the multimeters are protected against solid objects over 1mm. The second digit indicates they are splash-proof against water up to 15 degrees from the vertical.
Fluke 117 vs. Klein MM700: What are the differences?
Voltage AC/DC
The maximum input voltage for the Fluke 117 is 600 volts AC or DC, whereas the Klein MM700 can measure up to 1000 volts AC or DC. In most applications for electricians, 600 volts is sufficient.
Non-contact Voltage Reading
Only the Fluke offers non-contact voltage reading, a useful safety feature through its VoltAlert technology.
The feature enables the user to hold the multimeter close to the powerline and determine if it’s live or not. For accurate readings, you should use the supplied probes.
Safety Ratings
CAT (Category) safety ratings give the user information on the maximum voltages and currents a device is safe. The Fluke meets the CAT III 600 V safety standard, but the Klein complies with the CAT III 1000 V and the CAT IV 600 V standards.
A CAT IV 600 V safety rating allows a device to work with 600 volts and 300 amps on three-phase distribution systems. The transient safe levels are 8000 volts and 4000 amps.
Although a CAT III 600 V rating is safe for a working voltage of 600 volts and 300 amps, the same as the CAT IV 600 V rating, the transient values are lower. For CAT III 600 V, the maximum quick values reduce to 6000 volts and 3000 amps.
A CAT III 1000 V rating means the device is safe with 1000 volts and 500 amps on three-phase outdoor or utility connections. The transient values for this rating are 8000 volts and 4000 amps.
Display
The Fluke was surprisingly criticized for its poor display and functionality. The main problem is to read if you look at the display from an angle. Klein’s backlit display is a little better.
Still, users didn’t like the poor functionality, and it was also criticized for being difficult to read at an angle.
Drop Protection
Although Fluke claims the 117 is protected against being dropped, only the Klein specifies that their product can survive a two-meter fall without damage.
The outer shell of the Kelien is protected by a thick rubber strip, giving excellent drop protection.
Fluke 117 electricians true RMS multimeter
Pros
- Fluke quality, cachet, and performance
- It works well even with rechargeable batteries
- True RMS for accurate measurement of varying voltage levels
- The continuity mode is awesome
- Perfect battery life
- Non-contact-voltage detection for safety and quick voltage testing
Cons
- The backlight display is poor
- Reading the display is difficult when not viewed straight on
- Expensive compared to the competition
- Carry case not supplied
Recommendation:
The Fluke 117 digital multimeter is designed for professional electricians and electronics engineers. It is perfect for demanding settings like commercial buildings, hospitals, and schools where accuracy and reliability are the main priorities.
Klein tools MM700 multimeter 1000V
Pros
- The screen is easy to read, and the backlight works well
- Good quality test leads
- The function selector feels rugged and is easy to use
- Lead easily convert between clamps and prongs
- The rubber protection around the meter works very well
Cons
- Washed out display
- The display is unreadable if viewed from angles over 20 degrees
- The case is too small for meter, leads, and accessories
Recommendation:
The Klein MM700 is perfect for less demanding situations, such as DIYers and hobbyists, and good electricians working in residential or light-industrial areas.
Our Recommendations
Who should buy Fluke?
Fluke is the leading name in professional electrical test and measurement tools for electricians and electronics engineers. The non-contact voltage reading capability of the Fluke is a big plus point for safety.
If you are looking for a multimeter that provides accurate measurements, reliability, and long service life, then buy the Fluke.
Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter
Who should buy Klein?
The Klein is a more budget offering than the Fluke, but don’t take that criticism. The MM700 is more than capable, offering very similar functions to the Fluke and more in some cases. The Klein has a higher voltage safety rating and is supplied with a case, an extra-cost option with the Fluke.
If you need a multimeter for light residential electrical work or to use in your garage, the Klein will be more than adequate without the Fluke premium price.
Klein Tools MM700 Multimeter 1000V
