10 Best True Rms Multimeters 2026 in the United States

The Fluke 179 is a reliable and sturdy True-RMS multimeter designed for both professional and serious hobbyist use. It offers high accuracy and manual or automatic ranging, making it easy to measure various electrical parameters like AC/DC voltage, current, resistance, frequency, and capacitance with confidence. The built-in thermometer and included temperature probe add versatility, allowing you to check temperatures up to 400°C, which is handy for more advanced diagnostics.

Its backlit digital display and analog bar graph improve visibility in low-light conditions, while features like Display Hold, Auto Hold, and Min/Max-Average recording help capture and analyze readings effectively. In terms of safety, it meets Category III 1000V and Category IV 600V ratings, which means it’s safe for most industrial and household electrical environments. Weighing just 300 grams and powered by a 9V battery, it’s portable and practical for fieldwork.

The main downside is its price, which may be higher than basic models, but this is justified by its durability, accuracy, and 10-year warranty. If you need a dependable multimeter with strong safety standards and additional functions like temperature measurement, the Fluke 179 makes a solid choice. For simple or occasional tasks, a less advanced and less expensive model might be sufficient.

The Fluke 117/323 Kit is a versatile combo kit designed for residential and commercial electricians. It includes the 117 multimeter and the 323 clamp meter, both of which offer true RMS measurements. This is especially beneficial for achieving accurate readings on non-linear loads, a common scenario in many electrical systems. The 117 multimeter is notable for its low input impedance, which helps to prevent false readings caused by ghost voltage—a frequent issue in environments with multiple electrical signals.

The 323 clamp meter can handle up to 400 A of AC current and measure up to 600 V for both AC and DC, making it a robust tool for various electrical applications. However, while the kit is highly functional, it is somewhat heavier at 0.8 kilograms, which may not be ideal for extended use in the field. Additionally, both devices are battery-powered, which is convenient but also means you'll need to keep spare batteries handy.

The kit includes test leads, a TPAK, and a carrying case, adding value through these useful accessories. The Fluke brand is well-regarded for reliability and safety, making this kit a solid choice for professionals needing precise and dependable measurements in their work.

The Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is a reliable tool for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the VoltAlert technology, which allows for non-contact voltage detection, adding a layer of safety and convenience. The AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection simplifies the measurement process by automatically identifying the type of voltage you're working with. Additionally, the low input impedance helps to prevent false readings due to ghost voltage, which can be a common issue in some environments.

The True RMS capability ensures accurate readings even on non-linear loads, making it versatile for various applications. For those who often work in dim environments, the large white LED backlight is a valuable addition, enhancing visibility. The multimeter also measures resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance, and records minimum, maximum, and average readings for comprehensive data analysis. In terms of accuracy, it boasts an impressive +/-0.5%, which is quite satisfactory for most electrical tasks.

The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 400 hours without the backlight, which reduces the need for frequent replacements. However, it’s important to note the unit’s weight of 550 grams might be a bit heavy for prolonged handheld use, and its physical dimensions are relatively large, which could be a consideration for portability. Also, while the device has a solid safety rating and comes with a 3-year warranty, it might be priced higher than some other multimeters on the market, which could be a drawback for those on a tight budget. In essence, the Fluke 117 is a robust and feature-rich multimeter that excels in accuracy and ease of use, though it might not be the most portable or budget-friendly option available.