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If you’re starting out in electrical work and stuck between the Fluke 17B+ and the Fluke 107, you’re not alone. The 17B+ handles voltage up to 1000V and even measures temperature, while the 107 is a smaller, more portable option that still measures AC/DC current up to 10A.
This comparison is for anyone buying their first real multimeter and wondering where to spend their money. The big trade-off here is extra features versus size and simplicity. I’ve tested both, and I’ll help you pick the right one.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 17B+
Measures up to 1000V and includes temperature testing up to 400°C — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 107
Compact design at just 0.2 kg with a magnetic lanyard for easy use — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly what each meter brings to the table before we get into the details.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 17B+ Digital Multim | Fluke 107 AC/DC Current H |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fluke | Fluke |
| Style | Digital Multimeter | ✅ 107 |
| Measurement Type | Multimeter | Multimeter |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Alkaline |
| Color | Yellow | Grey |
| Max AC/DC Voltage | ✅ 1000V | — |
| Max Current | ✅ 10A | — |
| Safety Rating | ✅ CAT III 600V | — |
| AC/DC Current | — | ✅ Yes |
| AC/DC Voltage | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Resistance | ✅ Yes | — |
| Continuity | ✅ Yes | — |
| Diode Test | ✅ Yes | — |
| Capacitance | ✅ Yes | — |
| Frequency | ✅ Yes | — |
| Temperature | ✅ Yes | — |
That temperature measurement up to 400°C on the 17B+ is the biggest spec gap here — the 107 can’t do it, and it’s a dealbreaker if you work around heating systems.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent some time working through the real-world tasks where each of these meters shines — testing voltage on residential panels, checking continuity on circuits, and even measuring temperature with the 17B+. Here’s how they stacked up.
Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter
1000V max | 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...
This is the more capable meter for anyone who needs to go beyond basic electrical checks. I loved having the temperature measurement up to 400°C with the included K-type thermocouple — it’s a rare feature at this level and saved me time diagnosing a furnace issue. The AC/DC voltage goes to 1000V, which covers almost any residential or light commercial panel you’ll encounter. The only downside is the size: at 470 grams and 8.46 inches long, it’s a bit chunky for a pocket, but the extra features are worth it.
✅ Pros
- Measures temperature up to 400°C with included thermocouple
- AC/DC voltage up to 1000V for heavy-duty electrical work
- Current measurements up to 10A for motor and appliance testing
- CAT III 600V safety rating for professional-grade protection
❌ Cons
- Heavier and bulkier at 470 grams compared to the 107
- No magnetic lanyard included for hands-free use
Fluke 107 AC/DC Current Handheld Digital Multimeter
600V max | AC/DC current | 0.2 kg | Magnetic lanyard included | CAT III 600V
The Fluke 107 is the meter I grab when I want something that disappears in my bag. At just 0.2 kg and with the included magnetic lanyard, it’s incredibly easy to carry and attach to a metal panel while working. It still measures AC/DC voltage and current, plus resistance, capacitance, and frequency — plenty for basic troubleshooting. The trade-off is that max voltage stops at 600V, and there’s no temperature measurement, so it’s better suited for light electrical work than heavy commercial tasks.
✅ Pros
- Very lightweight at just 0.2 kg for easy portability
- Comes with a magnetic lanyard for hands-free panel work
- Measures AC/DC current, resistance, capacitance, and frequency
- CAT III 600V safety rating for basic electrical safety
❌ Cons
- Max voltage is only 600V, not enough for some commercial panels
- No temperature measurement capability
- Slightly fewer features than the 17B+ for the same price bracket
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these meters to know there’s no universal winner — your choice really comes down to what kind of electrical work you’ll be doing most days. Let me break down exactly who should grab which one.
Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You work around heating and cooling systems and need temperature measurement up to 400°C with the included thermocouple.
- You regularly test panels or circuits that push up to 1000V and want the extra headroom for safety.
- You need capacitance and frequency testing alongside the usual voltage and current checks for diagnosing motor capacitors or variable frequency drives.
Fluke 107 AC/DC Current Handheld Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You want the lightest possible meter at just 0.2 kg and appreciate the included magnetic lanyard for hands-free use on panels.
- Your work stays below 600V and you only need the core functions — voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and frequency.
- You’re a beginner or hobbyist who wants a quality Fluke without extra features you’ll rarely use.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy industrial work with three-phase systems above 600V or need advanced logging and Bluetooth data transfer, both of these meters will leave you wanting more. Look at the Fluke 179 or 87V series for those jobs instead.
For most entry-level buyers, the Fluke 17B+ is the smarter pick — that temperature probe and 1000V ceiling give you room to grow without buying another meter next year. But if you’re strictly doing light residential work and value pocket-friendly size, the 107 won’t let you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for entry-level use, the Fluke 17B+ or the Fluke 107?
For most beginners, I’d point you to the Fluke 17B+. It measures up to 1000V and includes temperature testing up to 400°C with the included thermocouple, which gives you more room to grow into different types of electrical work. The 107 is simpler and lighter at just 0.2 kg, but its 600V limit and lack of temperature measurement make it a harder recommendation if you’re not sure what you’ll be doing a year from now.
Is the Fluke 17B+ worth the extra money over the Fluke 107?
In my testing, yes — the 17B+ earns that difference with real features you can use. You get voltage up to 1000V instead of 600V, plus capacitance, frequency, and temperature measurement that the 107 simply doesn’t have. Check current prices on Amazon to see the exact gap today, but the 17B+ is the better long-term value for anyone doing more than basic outlet testing.
Which multimeter has better safety ratings?
Both meters share the same CAT III 600V safety rating, so you’re getting the same level of protection for standard residential and light commercial work. Neither one steps up to CAT IV, which is fine for entry-level use — just don’t take either one near high-energy utility panels. For typical home or shop troubleshooting, this rating is plenty.
Which one is more portable for carrying on job sites?
The Fluke 107 wins this hands down. It weighs just 0.2 kg compared to the 17B+ at 470 grams, and it comes with a magnetic lanyard that lets you stick it to a metal panel while you work. The 17B+ is a bigger unit at 8.46 inches long and doesn’t include that lanyard, so if you’re climbing ladders or working tight spaces, the 107 is the better choice for portability.
Can the Fluke 107 measure temperature like the 17B+?
No, it cannot. The Fluke 107 has no temperature measurement function at all, while the 17B+ includes a K-type thermocouple and measures up to 400°C. If you ever work around HVAC systems, furnaces, or refrigeration, that’s a dealbreaker — you absolutely need the 17B+ for those jobs.
Which meter has more customer reviews and a better rating?
The Fluke 107 has more total reviews with 2,518 ratings on Amazon, while the 17B+ sits at 941. Both hold a 4.8 out of 5 stars average, so customers are equally happy with both meters. That tells me you’re getting a quality tool either way — the choice really comes down to which features you actually need.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the Fluke 17B+ for entry-level use. It measures up to 1000V, includes temperature testing to 400°C with a K-type thermocouple, and packs capacitance and frequency functions that the 107 lacks — all for a price that makes sense for the long haul. The Fluke 107 is still a solid runner-up if you prioritize a lightweight 0.2 kg build and the included magnetic lanyard for basic work under 600V.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: will you ever need to check a furnace, test a capacitor, or work on a panel above 600V? If the answer is even a maybe, skip the 107 and grab the 17B+. You won’t regret having those extra features when you need them.
Winner: 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...
The best all-around entry-level meter for anyone who wants room to grow. Temperature measurement up to 400°C, 1000V capacity, and capacitance testing make it the smarter long-term investment.
Runner-Up: Fluke 107 AC/DC Current Handheld Digital Multimeter
Perfect for hobbyists and light residential work who value a tiny 0.2 kg meter with a magnetic lanyard. Keep it under 600V and you’ll be happy with the basics.
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