Fluke vs. Klein Multimeters: Which One Better Meets Your Needs

It’s doubtful that many professional tradesmen would debate that Fluke and Klein are among the top manufacturers of industrial-grade equipment and produce some of the best, most reliable and safest multimeters on the market.

But the competition is fierce, and you want to know: Which multimeter should I buy? The truth is, you can’t really go wrong with either choice–they both have an IEC category and safety rating and offer true RMS options–but there are times when the race isn’t always neck and neck, and one brand will take the lead over the other.

That’s why we’ve taken the liberty of creating a guide that compares Fluke vs. Klein multimeters. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each brand based on pricing, warranty, design, reliability, etc. so that you can make an informed purchasing decision on which multimeter best suits your needs.

Klein Multimeters Compared to Fluke Multimeters

Safety Rating

Both Fluke and Klein offer models with a CAT IV 600V safety rating, meaning their multimeters offer greater protection against impulse and transient voltages. However, Fluke takes it one step further with all their multimeters certified through a third party and nationally recognized independent test lab.

Winner: Fluke 

Price

Features like longer warranties and higher quality, unfortunately, comes at a price, which makes Klein the more affordable multimeter by far. Klein multimeters are a fraction of the cost, making them a better value for homeowners and entry-level technicians. 

Winner: Klein

Warranty 

Both brands have excellent warranty policies, attesting that they make a quality product. However, Fluke takes the cake with a limited lifetime warranty of 10 years after the initial date of purchase or 7 years after it’s no longer manufactured. Klien’s multimeters, on the other hand, are only backed by a 2 year warranty.

Winner: Fluke 

Design 

If you have bad eyesight, then you’ll probably want to go the Fluke route with its larger screens and bigger buttons. On the contrary, Klein’s multimeter testing and measurement features are reportedly easier to use, although there’s been some complaint about Klein’s longer test leads being of lower quality and frequently tangling. Because of that, the award for best design goes to Fluke. 

Winner: Fluke 

Accuracy 

Fluke is known to have the industry’s most accurate multimeters. According to their website, their multimeter’s basic dc accuracy ranges from 0.5%-.025%. Fluke also offers true RMS for more accurate readings and a digital multimeter that computes values into the tens of millionths. In addition, they calibrate for electrical, temperature, pressure, dimensional, torque and RF, and you can order their multimeters to come with a traceable calibration certificate.

Winner: Fluke 

Durability 

The importance of durability in a multimeter isn’t how much you can beat it up without it breaking–it’s a safety standard as well. That’s why if you’re working outside or know you’ll encounter harsh conditions on the job, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, dust or water, you should invest in a multimeter with an IP rating that verifies its resistance to these conditions. Durability-wise, both brands manufacture models (Klein’s MM500 Auto Ranging multimeter and Fluke’s 28 II Digital multimeter) with an IP 67 waterproof and dustproof protection that can withstand a drop up to 10 feet. On the whole, Fluke has the edge because they test all their multimeters at least one level beyond the IEC safety standards.

Winner: Fluke

Features 

With both Fluke and Klien offering models with True RMS, temperature, capacitance, frequency and inductance, it’s hard to say who stands out more than the other. Since Klein offers a wider range of features at just as many price points, they are by far the more versatile of the two. Purchasing a multimeter from Klein requires a bit more research to ensure you’re getting a device with the required safety standards and features for your job, but Klein’s the brand that appeals to a broader audience. 

Winner: Klein

Is Fluke or Klein Better?

The general consensus is Fluke’s higher quality, unparalleled accuracy and superior durability make their multimeters the more suitable option for professional technicians. Klein, on the other hand, without compromising safety, offers a wider range of multimeters and features that make it the more affordable choice for home repairs.

However, it can still stand true that a homeowner would need the VoltAlert technology of one of Fluke’s multimeters or that an electrician could benefit from the compact size of a Klein. When it comes down to it, what determines the best multimeter depends on your needs, so be sure to check out what sets these two brands apart.