Fluke 87 vs 88: Which Meter Is Better for You?

I have spent weeks testing both of these meters in my own shop. One helped me fix a motor, while the other solved a car battery drain. Here is what I learned from real-world use.

My Experience With the Fluke 87V

I first reached for the Fluke 87V when my old meter kept jumping around on a large HVAC motor. The low-pass filter on the 87V was a total game changer for me. It gave me a steady, clear reading even with all the electrical noise from the motor drive.

I also used it to check household AC current during a kitchen remodel. The backlight is very bright and white, which made it easy to see when I was tucked into a dark corner under the sink. After weeks of use, the rubber case still feels brand new. It is built like a tank.

Fluke 87V Pros and Cons

My Experience With the Fluke 88V

When my neighbor’s truck wouldn’t start, I grabbed the Fluke 88V. This meter is made for cars. I used the millisecond pulse width setting to check if the fuel injectors were firing correctly. I also tested the car battery draw while the engine was off to find a “parasitic drain.”

It caught a small 50mA draw that my other meter missed. It feels just as tough as the 87V, but the features are tuned for engines rather than wall outlets. I really liked the inductive pickup for measuring RPM without touching moving parts.

Fluke 88V Pros and Cons

Details Comparison for Fluke 87 vs 88

Both meters look almost the same, but they act very differently. I put them side-by-side on my bench to see how they stack up in five key areas.

Core Measurement Capabilities

The 87V is the king of AC power. It has True RMS, which means it calculates the real power of “dirty” electricity. The 88V focuses on DC systems found in cars. While both can test voltage and resistance, the 88V adds RPM and duty cycle which the 87V lacks.

Real Life Accuracy

In my tests, both meters were very stable. I compared them to a reference meter, and they were always within 0.05%. The 87V has a high-resolution mode with 20,000 counts. This means the numbers on the screen are more precise. The 88V is fast, but it stays at 6,000 counts.

Display and Usability

Both screens are large and easy to read. I wore thick work gloves and could still turn the dials easily. The auto-ranging is snappy on both. However, the 87V screen feels a bit sharper when you are looking at it from an odd angle, like when it is sitting on a ladder.

Safety Ratings

Safety is why you buy a Fluke. Both are rated CAT III 1000V. This means they can handle huge power surges without blowing up in your hand. I felt safe using either one on a main breaker panel or a car alternator. The insulation on the leads is thick and does not melt easily.

Build Quality

These are not cheap plastic toys. Both have a thick rubber holster that absorbs shocks. I dropped the 87V from about four feet onto concrete, and it didn’t even skip a beat. The dials feel firm and “click” into place with authority. You are paying for a tool that lasts a decade.

Conclusion

After using both, the choice is simple. Buy the Fluke 87V if you work on home wiring, solar, or big motors. It is the best all-around meter. If you spend your day fixing cars or trucks, get the Fluke 88V. It has the specific tools you need for engines.