Fluke 87v vs Fluke 179: Which One Should You Buy?
Two Fluke multimeters compared: the rugged 87V MAX with an IP67 code and a lifetime warranty, and the 179 with a backlit display and a wider list of measurements.
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Verdict: In this fluke 87v vs fluke 179 comparison, choose a Fluke 87V MAX if you work in wet, dusty or rough conditions and want the IP67 code, the CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V safety category, and a lifetime warranty. Choose a Fluke 179 if you want a backlit display, an analog bar graph, and a wider list of measurements including frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity and diode.
A multimeter earns its keep on the jobs that need a reading you can trust: tracing a dead circuit, checking a charging system, or confirming a sensor signal. Both meters here are True-RMS Flukes with a built-in thermometer, and this fluke 87v vs fluke 179 comparison looks at what separates them. The 87V MAX is the rugged version, built for harsh and extreme environments, while the 179 is the general-purpose meter with a backlit display and a wider list of measurements.
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Fluke 87V MAX True-RMS Digital Multimeter, Rugged
A rugged True-RMS multimeter with an IP67 code, up to 800 hours of battery, a built-in thermometer, and a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- IP67 code for water and dust protection
- Withstands drops up to 13 feet, with a 4-meter drop proven
- CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V safety category
- Up to 800 hours of battery capacity, with a built-in thermometer
Cons
- Backlit display: Not stated
- Analog bar graph: Not stated
- Ranging mode: Not stated
- No frequency, capacitance or resistance is named in the listing
Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight
A True-RMS multimeter with a backlit display, an analog bar graph, and a wide list of measurements including frequency, capacitance and resistance.
Pros
- Backlit digital display with an analog bar graph
- Measures True-RMS AC current and voltage, frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity and diode
- Manual and automatic ranging, with Display Hold, Auto Hold, and Min/Max-Average recording
- Built-in thermometer with an included thermocouple
Cons
- No water or dust code is stated in the listing
- No drop figure is stated in the listing
- No safety category is stated in the listing
- No battery figure is stated in the listing
Side by side
| Model | Shop Score | Water and dust | Safety category | Battery | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluke 87V MAX | 9.8/10 | IP67 | CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V | Up to 800 hours | Lifetime |
| Fluke 179 | 9.5/10 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 10 years |
Example figures are manufacturer rated, as published on each listing and collected 11 November 2026.
Fluke 87v vs Fluke 179: what separates them
The 87V MAX is the rugged side: an IP67 code, a drop figure, up to 800 hours of battery capacity, and a CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V safety category. The 179 is the general-purpose side: a backlit display, an analog bar graph, manual and automatic ranging, and a wider list of measurements. Both are True-RMS meters with a built-in thermometer, and both carry a Fluke warranty, so the choice turns on conditions and measurements rather than on the brand. The 87V MAX also includes TL175 leads, while the 179 does not state included leads.
Ruggedness and water protection
The 87V MAX states an IP67 code, which covers water and dust, and a drop figure of up to 13 feet, with a 4-meter drop proven. The 179 does not state a water or dust code or a drop figure, so the listing leaves that unclear. If the meter will see rain, dust or a drop off a bench, the 87V MAX is the side that states the protection; if it stays on a bench, the 179 listing does not claim either way. The listing gives the drop figure in two places: up to 13 feet in the title and a 4-meter drop proven in the bullets.
Measurements each lists
The 179 lists a wide set of measurements: True-RMS AC current and voltage, frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity and diode, plus temperature with an included thermocouple. The 87V MAX lists True-RMS accuracy with all functions of the 87V and a built-in thermometer, but it does not enumerate the measurements the way the 179 does. Neither listing gives accuracy figures, so the comparison rests on the functions each one names. The 179 also lists temperature with an included thermocouple, so temperature is a function both meters name.
Display and ranging
The 179 has a backlit digital display and an analog bar graph, with manual and automatic ranging, Display Hold, Auto Hold, and Min/Max-Average recording. The 87V MAX does not state a backlight, a bar graph, or a ranging mode, so the listing leaves those unclear. The backlight and bar graph are features the 179 states and the 87V MAX does not state.
Battery and thermometer
The 87V MAX states up to 800 hours of battery capacity, while the 179 does not state a battery figure, so the listing leaves that unclear. Both meters have a built-in thermometer: the 87V MAX lists it in the title, and the 179 includes a thermocouple for temperature measurements. The 179 does not state a battery figure, so the two listings cannot be compared on battery.
Safety category and warranty
The 87V MAX states a safety category of CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V, while the 179 does not state a safety category, so the listing leaves that unclear. The 87V MAX carries a lifetime warranty, and the 179 carries a 10 year warranty. The 87V MAX states the safety category and the longer warranty, while the 179 lists more measurements and a backlit display. The lifetime warranty is the longest term either listing states.
Choose a Fluke 87V MAX if
- You work in wet, dusty or rough conditions and want the IP67 code
- You need the CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V safety category stated
- You want up to 800 hours of battery capacity
- You want a lifetime warranty
Choose a Fluke 179 if
- You want a backlit display and an analog bar graph
- You want frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity and diode listed
- You want manual and automatic ranging with Display Hold and Auto Hold
- You want a built-in thermometer with an included thermocouple
Example meters
For more choices, see the best digital multimeter for garage, and the best digital multimeter for home garage.
Use rated jack stands on solid ground, wear eye protection with power and air tools, keep fuel-burning equipment out of a closed garage, and follow the manual for every tool. Read our Safety Disclaimer.
Garage Fit Check
- Check the safety category before the first job: the 87V MAX states CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V, while the 179 does not state a safety category.
- Check the battery figure: the 87V MAX states up to 800 hours, while the 179 does not state a battery figure.
- Check the thermometer: both meters have a built-in thermometer, and the 179 includes a thermocouple.
- Check the leads: the 87V MAX includes TL175 leads, while the 179 does not state included leads.
- Check the warranty: the 87V MAX carries a lifetime warranty, and the 179 carries a 10 year warranty.
FAQ: garage tools
Which Fluke is better, the 87V MAX or the 179?
It depends on the job. The 87V MAX states an IP67 code, a drop figure, a CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V safety category, and a lifetime warranty, which suit wet, dusty or rough conditions. The 179 lists more measurements, including frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity and diode, and adds a backlit display and an analog bar graph. Pick the 87V MAX for harsh conditions and the 179 for a wider measurement list on the bench.
Does the Fluke 179 measure temperature?
Yes. The Fluke 179 includes a built-in thermometer to measure temperature, with an included thermocouple. The 87V MAX also has a built-in thermometer. Both meters list temperature among their functions.
What water and dust protection does the Fluke 87V MAX have?
The Fluke 87V MAX carries an IP67 code, which covers water and dust. The Fluke 179 does not state a water or dust code.
What warranty does each Fluke carry?
The Fluke 87V MAX carries a lifetime warranty, and the Fluke 179 carries a 10 year warranty.
Does the Fluke 179 have a backlit display?
Yes. The Fluke 179 has a backlit digital display and an analog bar graph. The 87V MAX does not state a backlight or a bar graph.
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