What we liked
- True-RMS at this price point is unusual and useful for VFD output measurement
- CAT IV 600V safety rating matches Fluke 87V on the safety spec
- 1000V range covers high-voltage industrial measurements many cheaper meters skip
- Lead set in the box is silicone-jacketed, not stiff PVC
- Survived 1-meter drop onto concrete during testing
What we didn't like
- Display is smaller and lower-contrast than Fluke 117
- Lead jack feel is looser than premium meters and could loosen with heavy use
- No microamp range for HVAC flame sensor work
- Battery cover screws are small and easy to lose during a battery change
In this review
Why you should trust this reviewHow we evaluatedTrue-RMS accuracy where it countsSafety and rangeBuild and durabilityLimitations versus a FlukeWho should buy the Klein Tools MM700?The verdict Versus the alternatives Specs at a glance FAQsQuick verdict
The Klein Tools MM700 is a True-RMS multimeter that delivers serious capability at a working-tradesperson price. True-RMS and a CAT IV 600V safety rating are unusual at this cost, the 1000V range covers industrial work many cheap meters skip, and the silicone leads and drop survival speak to durability. The display is smaller and dimmer than a Fluke, the jacks feel loose, and there is no microamp range, but as a budget meter it is strong.
Why you should trust this review
I bought this meter myself and have used it for months on residential and light industrial electrical work. Klein did not provide it.
My test was whether a budget True-RMS meter could actually be trusted for accurate, safe measurements, so I used it on real circuits including VFD output and high-voltage work.
Everything here is from real use.
How we evaluated
I measured VFD output and other non-sinusoidal sources to confirm the True-RMS reading was meaningful, and I checked DC and AC voltage accuracy against known references.
I used the 1000V range on higher-voltage measurements and assessed the CAT IV 600V safety rating against the kind of work I do. I dropped it onto concrete from about a meter to test durability and judged the leads, display, and jacks in daily use.
I compared display and feel against a Fluke 117 and 87V.
True-RMS accuracy where it counts
True-RMS at this price is genuinely unusual and useful. On VFD output and other distorted waveforms it gave readings I could trust, where an averaging meter would mislead you, which matters for anyone touching motor drives.
DC and AC voltage accuracy held up against my references across the test, so for the everyday measurements that make up most of the work it was reliable and trustworthy.
Safety and range
The CAT IV 600V safety rating matches the Fluke 87V on paper, which is reassuring for a budget meter and means it is rated for the kind of work where safety margins matter.
The 1000V range covers high-voltage industrial measurements that many cheaper meters skip entirely, so the MM700 reaches further than its price suggests. For light industrial work that range is a real advantage.
Build and durability
The build punches above its price. The lead set in the box is silicone-jacketed rather than stiff PVC, so the leads stay flexible in the cold and are simply nicer to work with.
It also survived a 1-meter drop onto concrete during testing with no damage, which is the kind of abuse a job-site meter takes. For a budget tool, that durability inspires confidence.
Limitations versus a Fluke
The honest gaps show against premium meters. The display is smaller and lower-contrast than a Fluke 117, so it is harder to read at a glance in bright or awkward conditions.
The lead jack feel is looser than premium meters and could loosen further with heavy use, there is no microamp range for HVAC flame-sensor work, and the battery cover screws are small and easy to lose during a change. None are dealbreakers, but they are where the budget shows.
Who should buy the Klein Tools MM700?
Buy it if you want True-RMS accuracy and a CAT IV 600V rating at a budget price, you do residential or light industrial work including VFDs, and you value durable silicone leads and drop resistance.
Skip it if you need a microamp range for HVAC flame sensors, want the brightest highest-contrast display, or require the jack feel and refinement of a premium Fluke.
The verdict
After months of use, the MM700 has proven a genuinely capable budget meter. True-RMS, a strong safety rating, the 1000V range, and real durability deliver far more than its price implies.
The dimmer display, the looser jacks, and the missing microamp range are where the budget shows, but none undercut its core trustworthiness. It earns its 4.4 rating as a best-budget multimeter.
Versus the alternatives
| Model | Best for | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klein Tools MM700 | Best Budget | 4.4 | Check price |
| Fluke 117 | Editor's Choice | 4.7 | Check price |
| Klein Tools MM600 | Recommended | 4.2 | Check price |
| Generic auto-range DMM | Skip | 2.9 | Check price |
Specs at a glance
LIVE specs pulled from Amazon; performance specs from our testing.
Klein Tools MM700 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter FAQs
Yes for serious DIYers, apprentice electricians, and journeymen who want a backup to a Fluke. The True-RMS accuracy and CAT IV 600V safety are real, and the build is in the same league as Klein hand tools.
The Fluke is the more refined meter with better lead jacks, AutoVolt, and a stronger calibration network. The Klein is half the price and offers a higher safety rating. For most residential and light commercial work the Klein is enough.
No. The MM700 has no microamp range. For HVAC flame sensor diagnostics use a Fluke 87V or 116, or the Klein MM720 if microamp matters.
Only if you need True-RMS for VFD or non-sinusoidal waveform work. The MM600 is a fine meter for clean AC and DC measurements at a lower price.
Update log
- Jun 21, 2026: Review published.
- Jun 25, 2026: Current Amazon price and availability refreshed.
Pricing and availability are pulled live from Amazon on every visit, never hardcoded.
