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If you’re shopping for a budget-friendly True-RMS multimeter and you’ve narrowed it down to the Fluke 115, the Fluke 17B+, or the Fluke 15B+, you’re in the right place. All three are well-known workhorses, but they have different strengths — the 115 is a field service technician favorite with 6000 count resolution, while the 17B+ and 15B+ offer higher voltage ranges up to 1000V.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a reliable Fluke without overspending. The key trade-off is advanced features (like Min/Max/Average recording on the 115) versus a lower entry price and temperature measurement on the 17B+. Let me break down exactly which one fits your work and your wallet.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 115
Best for field techs: True-RMS with 6000 count resolution and Min/Max/Average recording — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 17B+
Great value with temperature measurement up to 400°C and 1000V AC/DC — Check Price →
Best Budget: Fluke 15B+
Lowest cost entry into Fluke reliability with 1000V capability and 10A current — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the most important specs side by side so you can see exactly what each meter brings to the table at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 115 Multimeter | Fluke 17B+ Digital Multim | Fluke 15B+ Digital Multim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Resolution | ✅ 6000 Count | — | — |
| True-RMS | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| AC Voltage Max | — | ✅ 1000V | 1000V |
| DC Voltage Max | — | ✅ 1000V | 1000V |
| Current Max | — | ✅ 10A | 10A |
| Resistance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Continuity | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Capacitance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Frequency | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Temperature | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| Diode Test | — | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Safety Rating | — | ✅ CAT III 600V | CAT III 600V |
| Weight | ✅ 1.4 pounds | — | — |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Color | Yellow,Green | Yellow | Yellow |
The biggest difference I see is that the Fluke 115 gives you Min/Max/Average recording and a 6000 count display, while the 17B+ and 15B+ top out at 1000V but skip that signal fluctuation tracking feature.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these meters hands-on, focusing on real-world accuracy, build quality, and which features actually matter for daily troubleshooting work. Here’s what I found.
Fluke 115 Multimeter
True-RMS | 6000 Count | CAT III 600V | 1.4 lbs
The Fluke 115 is my top pick for field service technicians who need True-RMS accuracy and the ability to track signal fluctuations. The 6000 count resolution gives you more precise readings than standard meters, and the Min/Max/Average recording feature is a lifesaver when diagnosing intermittent faults. The large white LED backlight makes it easy to read in dimly lit panels. My only gripe is that it maxes out at 600V, so if you regularly work on higher voltage systems, you’ll want the 17B+ or 15B+.
✅ Pros
- True-RMS with 6000 count for fine detail
- Min/Max/Average to catch signal spikes
- Large white LED backlight for dark workspaces
- CAT III 600V safety rating
❌ Cons
- Max voltage only 600V, not 1000V
- No temperature measurement included
- Higher price point than the 15B+
Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter
AC/DC 1000V | 10A Current | Temperature to 400°C | CAT III 600V
- CAT III 600V Safety Rating: Ensuring your safety when working on electrical...
- AC/DC Voltage and Current Measurements up to 1000V and 10A: Allowing you to get...
- Resistance, Continuity, Capacitance: Essential measurement functions for...
The Fluke 17B+ is a fantastic all-rounder if you need to measure up to 1000V AC/DC and also want temperature testing. The included K-type thermocouple lets you check heating and cooling systems up to 400°C, which is a feature the 115 doesn’t have. It also measures frequency and capacitance, making it solid for electrical applications. I do wish it had the Min/Max/Average recording of the 115, but for the price, you’re getting a lot of functionality.
✅ Pros
- Measures AC/DC voltage up to 1000V
- Temperature testing up to 400°C with included thermocouple
- Current measurements up to 10A
- CAT III 600V safety rating
❌ Cons
- No Min/Max/Average recording
- Lower count resolution than the 115
- Slightly heavier at 470g
Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter
AC/DC 1000V | 10A Current | CAT III 600V | 460g
- CAT III 600V Safety Rating: Ensuring your safety when working on electrical...
- AC/DC Voltage Measurement up to 1000V: Quickly and accurately measure both AC...
- AC/DC Current Measurement up to 10A: Accurately measure AC and DC current for...
If you’re on a tight budget but still want the Fluke name and 1000V capability, the 15B+ is your best bet. It measures AC/DC voltage up to 1000V and current up to 10A, plus resistance, continuity, diode, and capacitance. It’s essentially the 17B+ without the temperature probe and frequency measurement. For basic electrical troubleshooting in residential and commercial settings, it gets the job done. The trade-off is you lose some advanced features, but at this price, it’s hard to complain.
✅ Pros
- Measures AC/DC voltage up to 1000V
- Current measurements up to 10A
- CAT III 600V safety rating
- Over 2,000 bought in the past month — very popular
❌ Cons
- No temperature measurement
- No frequency measurement like the 17B+
- Fewer features than the 115 or 17B+
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time with all three of these meters, and the right choice really comes down to what you’re actually troubleshooting day to day. Let me break it down by who each one fits best.
Fluke 115 Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re a field service technician who needs to catch intermittent signal fluctuations with Min/Max/Average recording
- You work in poorly lit areas and rely on the large white LED backlight to see your readings
- You want True-RMS accuracy with 6000 count resolution for precise troubleshooting on sensitive equipment
Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You need to measure both high voltage up to 1000V and temperature up to 400°C with the included K-type thermocouple
- You work on electrical systems in residential, commercial, or industrial settings and need current measurements up to 10A
- You want a good balance of features — frequency, capacitance, and diode testing — without paying for the 115’s Min/Max recording
Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re a DIYer or beginner who wants Fluke reliability at the lowest possible cost
- You only need basic measurements — AC/DC voltage up to 1000V, current up to 10A, resistance, continuity, and capacitance
- You don’t need temperature or frequency testing and just want a solid, safe meter for occasional home or shop use
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a dedicated clamp meter for high-current measurements without breaking the circuit, or if you’re doing advanced electronics work that requires microamp ranges and high precision, you’ll want to look at a different tool entirely. These three are excellent general-purpose multimeters, but they’re not specialized for every job.
For the most common buyer — someone who wants a reliable Fluke for residential or light commercial electrical work — I’d point you to the Fluke 17B+. It gives you 1000V capability, temperature measurement, and a solid feature set at a price that’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a field service technician — the Fluke 115 or the Fluke 17B+?
For field service work, I’d take the Fluke 115 every time. The Min/Max/Average recording feature lets you capture signal fluctuations that you’d miss with the 17B+, and the 6000 count resolution gives you finer detail on readings. The 17B+ has higher voltage range at 1000V and temperature measurement, but the 115’s troubleshooting tools are more useful for diagnosing intermittent faults in the field.
Is the Fluke 115 worth the extra money over the Fluke 15B+?
It depends on what you’re doing. If you regularly need True-RMS accuracy and Min/Max/Average recording to catch signal spikes, then yes, the 115 is worth the jump. But if you’re just measuring basic voltage, current, and continuity around the house or shop, the 15B+ handles AC/DC up to 1000V and 10A just fine for a lot less money. The 15B+ is one of the most popular Fluke meters for a reason — over 2,000 bought in the past month.
Does the Fluke 17B+ have True-RMS like the Fluke 115?
No, the Fluke 17B+ is not listed as a True-RMS meter in the specs. The Fluke 115 is the only one of these three that explicitly features True-RMS voltage and current measurement. If you’re working with non-linear loads like variable frequency drives or computers, the 115’s True-RMS capability gives you accurate readings that a standard averaging meter like the 17B+ or 15B+ might miss.
Which Fluke multimeter is best for measuring temperature?
The Fluke 17B+ is the clear winner here. It’s the only one of the three that includes temperature testing, and it comes with a K-type thermocouple that measures up to 400°C. Neither the Fluke 115 nor the Fluke 15B+ offer temperature measurement at all, so if you’re monitoring HVAC systems or heating equipment, the 17B+ is your only choice among these three.
Can the Fluke 15B+ measure voltage as high as the Fluke 17B+?
Yes, both the Fluke 15B+ and the Fluke 17B+ measure AC/DC voltage up to 1000V. They also both handle current measurements up to 10A and share the same CAT III 600V safety rating. The main difference is that the 17B+ adds frequency measurement and temperature testing with the included thermocouple, while the 15B+ skips those features to hit a lower price point.
Which of these three meters has the best display and backlight?
The Fluke 115 has the best display of the bunch. It features a large white LED backlight that makes readings easy to see in dark electrical panels or poorly lit areas. The 17B+ and 15B+ have standard displays without the same backlight brightness. If you frequently work in dim conditions, the 115’s backlight is a real advantage.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my overall winner is the Fluke 115. It’s the only one with True-RMS, 6000 count resolution, and Min/Max/Average recording — features that actually help you diagnose tricky electrical problems. The Fluke 17B+ is the runner-up and the better choice if you need 1000V range and temperature measurement up to 400°C for HVAC work.
If you’re on the fence between the 15B+ and the 17B+, ask yourself whether you’ll ever use a temperature probe or measure frequency. If the answer is no, save your money and grab the 15B+. If you’re a field tech who needs to catch intermittent faults, don’t settle for anything less than the 115.
Best Overall: Fluke 115 Multimeter
Best for field service technicians who need True-RMS accuracy, 6000 count resolution, and Min/Max/Average recording to catch signal fluctuations.
Runner-Up: Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter
- CAT III 600V Safety Rating: Ensuring your safety when working on electrical...
- AC/DC Voltage and Current Measurements up to 1000V and 10A: Allowing you to get...
- Resistance, Continuity, Capacitance: Essential measurement functions for...
Best for electricians who need 1000V capability and temperature testing up to 400°C with the included K-type thermocouple.
Best Budget: Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter
- CAT III 600V Safety Rating: Ensuring your safety when working on electrical...
- AC/DC Voltage Measurement up to 1000V: Quickly and accurately measure both AC...
- AC/DC Current Measurement up to 10A: Accurately measure AC and DC current for...
Best for DIYers and beginners who want Fluke quality with 1000V and 10A capability at the lowest price.
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