Have you opted to buy a premium digital multimeter? If yes, then Fluke 289 or 87V might be the best option for you. Both these Fluke’s premiums have the features to convince you to buy them. But which one should you choose?
Well, it’s a hard decision to make. Both of them have their unique features to attract any customer. If you can’t decide which one you should pick, don’t worry. We are here for you.
In this article, we are going to play the Fluke 87v vs 289 match. Let’s see which one wins. And we are hoping that after reading this article, you will be able to easily make the right decision.
Fluke 87V multimeter is considered an all-rounder because of its abilities. If you look at the Fluke 87V specification, you will realize it. Despite its lower price, it still beats the likes of Fluke 289 in some fields.
The Fluke 289 has TrendCapture which is a very good feature to have. It has a dot matrix display instead of an LCD. And what makes it more outstanding is its capability to connect with smartphones and computers via Bluetooth.
Table of Contents
Complete Review of The Fluke 289
Fluke 289 multimeter is one of the most popular multimeters. This one is famous for its premium and unique features. As it is loaded with high-end features, you can use it both in the field and in causal works.
In this section, we are going to present the Fluke 289 review so that you can get a clear idea.
Key Features of Fluke 289
TrendCapture
What does TrendCapture do? With this feature, you can view the graphs without the help of a smartphone or PC. Isn’t it amazing? Yes. You won’t have always a phone or PC around you to help with the graphs. That’s why this is an outstanding feature of this multimeter.
Dot Matrix Display
Fluke 289 has a dot matrix display which is VGA type. The dot matrix display together with the TrendCapture enables you to view the graphs. Its count is 50,000. That means the display has a very good resolution.
Zooming
The zooming feature will allow you to zoom the graphs 14 times. Hence, you won’t need a computer to see the graphs with better resolution. Though the graphs cannot be seen in real-time. You have to see them from the saved logs.
DC accuracy
Fluke 289 has better DC accuracy. Comparing to Fluke 87V, the former one will give you a more accurate output as its minimum DC voltage is 0.001 mV. The Fluke 87V’s minimum DC voltage is 0.1 mV. That means Fluke 289 is 100 times capable than Fluke 87V in terms of minimum DC voltage.
Min/Max Mode
Another amazing feature of Fluke 289 is its ability to give reads with the minimum and maximum results. You will have the average read too along with them, don’t worry. And every reading will be time stamped. Probably it is the only reliable multimeter regarding this function.
Pros of Fluke 289
#1. It can log data in an advanced manner
Since Fluke 289 has a quarter VGA display, unlike other multimeters it can show multiple lines. You may use this feature to your advantage by keeping three lines as previous results and one line as a current result.
You can also keep various work logs stored in the multimeter. It can store up to 15,000 results. As it has a larger storage capacity, it will help you to log data easily and use them later.
#2. It can measure every electrical range
Fluke 289 can measure almost every kind of electrical range. It can measure amps, micro-amps, and milli-amps. Thus it saves you from buying another device to measure any kind of current left unmeasured. Apart from measuring all kinds of currents, it almost covers every other necessary field too.
#3. Accurate and Fast
What’s the difference between a $10 multimeter and a $400+ multimeter? Leaving the premium features outside, both the budget and premium multimeter can perform the basic functions. So, why buy a premium one?
Because in the field and plants you will need a multimeter that can work fast and provide accurate results. At home, it may not be important. But if you are a professional, then you will always crave the best functioning product.
Fluke 289 relieves you from tension in these sectors. It is considered a standalone multimeter among the technicians just because of its accuracy and speed.
#4. Dot-matrix display
Why are we blabbering about the dot matrix display frequently? Well, it is a unique feature. Even many of the premium multimeters don’t provide this feature let alone the cheaper ones. And the display has a great resolution too. Thus zooming the graphs won’t be a real problem.
#5. Lifetime warranty
Though some of the manufacturers will provide you this amazing feature, it’s still a great feature to reckon with. You are almost spending around $700 to buy a Fluke 289. You can buy a Samsung Galaxy Note9 with this amount of money. So, you can’t just ignore the warranty period.
#6. It has a fast rate of screen refresh
Due to Fluke 289’s higher screen refresh rate, you will get the reads within almost no time. Though it may not seem that much important for a simple or a few reads, for long-time use, it’s a tremendous feature to have.
Cons of Fluke 289
#1. Less Durable
Although Fluke 289 is a robust multimeter comparing to other multimeters, it still can’t compete with some of its own kind. The 87V or the 28II is still a winner in terms of build quality.
The holster of Fluke 289 is integrated, so you cannot remove it from the multimeter. It’s a good thing. But the larger display makes it weak to drops. That’s why it is better to always carry a carrier to guard the screen.
#2. Battery Life
Though the battery saving option provides better battery life than other multimeters, Fluke 289 is not comparable to the likes of Fluke 87V. You will get around 100 hours of battery backup in Fluke 289.
#3. Pricey
As we have stated earlier, you may have to spend around $700 to buy a Fluke 289. That’s a lot of money if you consider other multimeters. So, if you are not doing anything that needs smooth and precise calculation, you shouldn’t go for it.
#4. Booting Time
The booting time of Fluke 289 may not please you. It needs a couple of seconds to boot up. For a $700 multimeter, you don’t expect that, do you?
#5. Optional Adapter
To connect Fluke 289 with a smartphone or computer, you will need a specific adapter. Thus if you lose the cable somewhere, you won’t be able to continue without it.
Fluke 289 manual
Fluke 289 or Fluke 287 requires the same manual. The user manual is a huge 88-page-book. Almost everything is covered within the manual. And the manual has a nice-looking table of contents. With that, you will know what to do.
The user manual of Fluke 289 starts with the section of ‘Limited lifetime warranty’. If you are confused with the term, it’s okay. Fluke will keep the warranty until the closure of their manufacture of the said product.
If they stop manufacturing the product, after the stoppage, you will get another additional seven years of warranty. However, nothing will stop you from getting 10 years of warranty from the date of buying.
Complete Review of The Fluke 87V Review
It has the auto-ranging option like other premium multimeters. And it also has loads of features in its basket. For example, enhanced sleep mode, 10,000 µF of capacitance range, and Touch Hold feature. Touch Hold feature has a magnetic hanger that will enable you to view the reads easily.
There’s a max version of the 87V too. Its name is Fluke 87V max. This one will provide you double battery life than the 87V. Also, the max version has backlit keys. However, if you are interested, there are plenty of Fluke 87V max reviews on the web for you.
Key Features of Fluke 87V
Built-in Thermometer
Getting the temperature of certain materials is extremely important. Especially when you are working on electrical plants. The thermometer will get the job done in this manner. What if you have the thermometer placed inside a multimeter? Won’t it be amazing?
The Fluke 87V has a built-in thermometer with it. Thus you won’t have to carry a thermometer while working with the 87V. It will relieve you from carrying extra equipment.
Both manual and auto-ranging feature
First things first. What is manual ranging and what is auto-ranging? The former means when you need to set the dial yourself to get a specific read. And the latter means that you don’t need to set the dial, instead, it will function automatically.
Now, what’s the benefit of the auto-ranging feature? Putting the dial in the wrong way will lead to a probable accident. If you have the auto-ranging feature within a multimeter, it won’t be a problem even if you are a beginner. There’s a switch to turn the auto-ranging off. So, it’s up to you whether you want to use this feature of Fluke 87V or not.
Relative Mode
The 87V has relative mode too. What does it do to your multimeter? If you are a beginner or a person who doesn’t have a sharp memory, it’s a charm for you. You can store the current read with the relative mode and reset the read. Later, you can find the read again.
Ensures top-level safety
Fluke has a reputation for manufacturing safe products. You can rely on their products without having a second thought. Fluke 87V is not an exception in this regard. All the 87V are tested in CAT III (1000V) and CAT IV (600V) safety rating.
Battery Life
Having a feature-loaded multimeter won’t do any good if it doesn’t have a good battery. Most of the time you will need a multimeter for several days. Fluke 87V won’t disappoint you in terms of battery life. You will get a huge 400 hours of real-time battery life.
Pros of Fluke 87V
#1. CAT IV Rated
All the Fluke multimeters are renowned for their safety. You will get the same in 87V too. It is CAT III (1000V) and CAT IV (600V) rated for safety. That means it is pretty much safe and you don’t need to worry about safety while working with it.
#2. Removable Holster
The holster is there to protect the multimeter. In some cases, the holsters are not removable. For example, if you see the Fluke 289 vs 87V comparison, the Fluke 289 doesn’t have a removable holster. Sometimes, if the holster is removable, you won’t have to face too many problems while replacing it with another robust one.
#3. The battery Compartment is separate
The need for a battery change is a common issue with the multimeters. Sometimes the batteries get old and sometimes they don’t perform according to their expectations. If the battery compartment is separate, it will be a great relief. Because then you won’t have to pass too many steps to change the battery.
#4. Battery life is great
And talking about the battery life always makes me excited. 400 hours of battery life! Though you will reach the peak if you take proper care of the multimeter. However, converting the hours will make it more than 15 days. That means you won’t need to charge it again within two weeks.
#5. Warning system in case of misplacement of leads
Experts always tell you to be careful while placing the leads, don’t they? Well, they tell you that for your benefit. Because of misplacement, the multimeter won’t give the right output or even may get destroyed.
The Fluke 87V is a durable multimeter. Its warning beeps will notify you about the misplacement of the test leads. Thus it will save you from further sufferings.
#6. HRC Fuses
HRC stands for High Rupture Capacity. The manufacturers of premium quality multimeters use these types of fuses to ensure top-level safety and protection. These fuses can protect you from unexpected accidents.
They can protect the multimeter too from catastrophic failures in case of high pressured sparks. Fluke 87V does have the HRC fuse, which means it is full-proof of any kind of hazards.
Cons of Fluke 87V
#1. The test leads are stiff
You will get test leads in the box of Fluke 87V along with other necessary equipment. The test leads are not flexible. Thus it will cause problems if you are not alert while using them. Nowadays manufacturers don’t provide stiff leads. But the Fluke 87V has them. Most probably, you have to buy aftermarket test leads for a better experience.
#2. The battery is not conventional
The battery of the Fluke 87V is 9V instead of AAs. The 9V batteries are not conventional and hard to find. That’s why you will have a hard time while replacing the batteries. However, according to the user manual, you can replace the battery with some other specific models.
#3. No separate compartment for fuse
Despite the fuse is very reliable, the Fluke doesn’t have a separate fuse compartment. You will be in a little bit of trouble while replacing or fine-tuning the fuse. Fluke should have provided a separate compartment as 87V is a high-end multimeter.
#4. Heavier compared to other multimeters
The mighty Fluke 87V has reputation for being an all-rounder. It will give you a fast and accurate read and provide you the highest security at the same time. And it has a robust body to protect itself from falls.
Because of the building structure, it has become a little bit heavier than its other competitors. If you are not accustomed to heavier multimeters, you will have to suffer for a while to get used to them.
Fluke 87V manual
Sometimes the Fluke 87V comes with a manual and sometimes it doesn’t. It largely depends on the seller you are choosing to buy from. The user manual covers almost everything you need to worry about.
Even if you are a total beginner and know nothing about a multimeter, it won’t be a problem. The manual will teach you like a guide and you will be able to suit yourself. Anyway, you can always find the user manual online in PDF format. And it won’t cost a penny.
The Comparison Chart of Fluke 289 vs Fluke 87V
| Feature | Fluke 289 | Fluke 87V |
| Display | Dot matrix | LCD |
| Count | 50000 | 6000 to 20000 |
| Readings of True RMS | AC + DC | AC |
| Touch Hold | Yes (as auto hold) | Yes |
| Advanced form of Min/Max | Yes | No |
| Holster | Non-removable | Removable |
| Auto-ranging | Yes | Yes |
| DC Accuracy | 0.025% | 0.05% + 1 |
| CAT III | 1000V | 1000V |
| CAT IV | 600V | 600V |
Basic differences between Fluke 87v and 289
If we compare Fluke 289 vs 87v, we will find some basic differences. They are stated as follows-
Display
In terms of display, Fluke 289 is the clear winner. It has a dot matrix display and a 50000 count. That’s why the resolution will be crystal clear. However, Fluke 87V has an LCD which is pretty good compared to other digital multimeters. But it cannot stand in front of Fluke 289.
Build Quality
The 87V is the winner here. The build quality is pretty good of the Fluke 289 too. But for the sake of the comparison, we have to choose only one. And Fluke 87V supersedes Fluke 289 in terms of build quality.
Battery Life
The difference between Fluke 289 and Fluke 87V in terms of battery life is huge. The former will give you 100 hours of backup while the latter will give you 400 hours. It’s not even a fair matchup between these two in the battery life sector.
Accuracy and Speed
Fluke 289 prevails here. You will get results within seconds. Fluke 87V is a really good multimeter considering accurate and fast results. But to find out the decider, you have to pick Fluke 289.
True RMS Readings
Fluke 289 is the winner in this category. You will get both AC + DC True RMS readings with Fluke 289. But the 87V will give you only AC RMS reading.
Verdict Fluke 289 vs 87v (Which One to Buy)
If you have reached here, congratulations. We are going to give the result of the Fluke 289 vs 87v match and declare the ultimate winner. But before that, we have to consider few factors.
What do you truly need? A high-end multimeter with lightning-fast results and pin point accuracy? Or a balanced multimeter to get both your daily and field jobs done? If you need the first one, then it is Fluke 289. And if you want to go for the second one, then you must pick the 87V.
However, the price difference between these two multimeters is not marginal. You have to pay a lot more than the 87V to buy a Fluke 289. The Fluke 289 costs more than $700 while Fluke 87V costs around $450. If you don’t need top-level security then you should not go for the 289. Because Fluke 87V can almost cover every need of yours.
