Greenlee vs. Fluke Multimeters: Which One is Better?

When it comes to multimeters, professionals and DIYers often debate between Greenlee and Fluke. Both brands offer reliable digital multimeters (DMMs) for electrical troubleshooting, HVAC work, and industrial applications, but there are key differences in accuracy, build quality, features, and pricing.

Fluke 117/323 Kit Multimeter and Clamp Meter Combo Kit For Residential And Commercial Electricians, AC/DC Voltage, AC Current 400 A, Includes Test Leads, TPAK And Carrying Case

Quick Summary of Differences

If youโ€™re a serious electrician, engineer, or technician, Fluke is the better investment for accuracy, safety, and durability.

However, Greenlee is a great budget-friendly alternative for casual electricians and DIYers who donโ€™t need Flukeโ€™s extreme ruggedness.

This article will compare Greenlee and Fluke multimeters, highlight pros and cons, and analyze customer opinions.

Greenlee vs. Fluke: Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureGreenlee MultimetersFluke Multimeters
AccuracyGood but not as precise as FlukeIndustry-leading accuracy
Build QualitySturdy but slightly less durableExtremely rugged and long-lasting
True RMS SupportAvailable on some modelsStandard on most models
CAT Safety RatingUsually CAT IIIOften CAT III & CAT IV
DisplayClear, but some models lack backlightHigh-quality displays with backlight
DurabilityDecent, but cases feel less ruggedIndustry-standard ruggedness
Best ForElectricians, general troubleshootingProfessional and industrial applications
Warranty1-2 years3 years to lifetime warranty
Price ๐Ÿ’ฒCheck Price ๐Ÿท๏ธCheck Price ๐Ÿท๏ธ

Key Differences

Accuracy & Performance

๐Ÿ”น Fluke is known for its superior accuracy in voltage, current, and resistance measurements. Fluke meters are often calibrated to higher precision and used in industrial settings where accuracy is critical.

๐Ÿ”น Greenlee multimeters provide good accuracy, but some users on Reddit and electrical forums note that they may drift over time or be slightly less precise in low-voltage applications.

Greenlee - Dmm, 600V Ac/Dc, 10A, Cap,Temp, Elec Test Instruments (DM-45), Black

Build Quality & Durability

๐Ÿ”น Fluke meters are famous for their rugged construction. Many models meet military-grade drop tests, and Fluke is commonly used in harsh industrial environments.

๐Ÿ”น Greenlee meters are sturdy but not as tough as Fluke. Some electricians mention that Greenlee cases feel less impact-resistant compared to Flukeโ€™s rubberized shells.

Safety Ratings (CAT III vs. CAT IV)

๐Ÿ”น Fluke offers multimeters with CAT III (600V/1000V) and CAT IV safety ratings, making them safer for high-voltage applications like industrial maintenance and power distribution.

๐Ÿ”น Greenlee multimeters are usually CAT III rated and suitable for household and commercial electrical work, but not always ideal for industrial high-energy circuits.

Price & Value for Money

๐Ÿ”น Greenlee multimeters are more budget-friendly, making them a great choice for DIYers and general electricians who donโ€™t need extreme durability.

๐Ÿ”น Fluke multimeters are more expensive, but they justify the price with higher accuracy, better safety ratings, and premium durability.

Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter, for Electrical Applications, Measures AC/DC Voltage 100V, Current Measurements to 10A, Resistance, Continuity, Diode, Capacitance, Frequency, and Temperature Testing

๐Ÿ’ฌ What Do Customers Think?

๐ŸŸก Fluke Multimeters – Customer Opinions

  • Most professionals on Reddit r/electricians and other forums say that Fluke is the gold standard for multimeters.
  • Users report that Fluke meters last decades, even in tough job site conditions.
  • Many electricians prefer Fluke for high-voltage work due to superior safety ratings.
  • โŒ The biggest complaint is that Fluke is expensive, especially for casual users.

๐ŸŸข Greenlee Multimeters – Customer Opinions

  • Greenlee is praised for affordability, making it a great choice for new electricians and DIYers.
  • Users mention that Greenleeโ€™s build quality is solid but not as good as Fluke.
  • Some users like that Greenlee multimeters have larger displays compared to certain Fluke models.
  • โŒ The main complaint is less accuracy over time, with some users noticing drift in resistance and voltage readings.

Greenlee DM-510A True RMS Professional Plant Digital Multimeter, Green

Pros & Cons of Each

๐ŸŸข Greenlee Multimeters – Pros & Cons

โœ… Pros

  • More affordable than Fluke
  • Decent accuracy for most electrical work
  • Larger display on some models
  • Good for electricians, DIYers, and light professional use

โŒ Cons

  • Not as rugged as Fluke meters
  • Accuracy can drift over time
  • Lacks some advanced safety ratings for high-energy circuits

๐ŸŸก Fluke Multimeters – Pros & Cons

โœ… Pros

  • Highly accurate readings, even in extreme conditions
  • Military-grade durability (built for industrial use)
  • CAT III & CAT IV safety ratings for high-voltage work
  • Lifetime warranty on some models

โŒ Cons

  • More expensive than Greenlee
  • Some models have smaller displays compared to Greenlee

Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter, for Electrical Applications, Measures AC/DC Voltage and Current Measurements up to 1000V and 10A, Along with Resistance, Continuity, Diode, and Capacitance Capabilities

๐Ÿ† Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

๐Ÿ”น Choose Greenlee if:

  • You want a budget-friendly multimeter
  • You do basic electrical work and donโ€™t need industrial-level durability
  • You need a clear display for easy reading

๐Ÿ”น Choose Fluke if:

  • You need high accuracy and long-term reliability
  • You work in industrial, commercial, or high-voltage environments
  • You want a rugged, drop-proof multimeter that lasts decades

๐Ÿ”ง Final Thoughts

For professionals like electricians, engineers, and technicians who prioritize accuracy, safety, and durability, Fluke is the superior investment.

On the other hand, Greenlee offers a more budget-friendly option for casual electricians and DIYers who donโ€™t require Flukeโ€™s high-level ruggedness.

Fluke 87V/IMSK Industrial Digital Multimeter with Fluke i400 Current Clamp Kit, Converts 87V Into Clamp Meter, AC Current Measurements Up To 400 A, Includes Temp Probe, Test Leads And Alligator Clips