289 True-RMS Logging Multimeter

Last verified May 12, 2026 by the Lifetime Picks Editorial Team

The Fluke 289 is the gold standard handheld multimeter for industrial electricians, HVAC technicians, and electronics engineers. It's the only 50,000 count meter in this price range with on board logging, up to 15,000 data points captured to internal memory, then transferred via the optional FlukeView Forms IR to USB cable for trend analysis. r/BuyItForLife threads on test gear cite the 289 for the same reason r/electricians does: Fluke calibrates these to a tighter tolerance than the spec sheet promises, the cases survive drops onto concrete, and the company still services 20 year old units. The IP rated case, True RMS measurement on AC signals, and 1000V Cat IV safety rating put it in the professional class, overkill for hobbyist work but the right tool when failure isn't an option.