Best version imo is ITC Franklin Gothic, as it has a very wide range of weights and widths, therefore is very versatile. Only a shame that oldstyle numbers aren't included, which limits it's use somewhat.

cheerio Queneau

To be a bit cheeky, Benton Sans.

David Berlow recently did a complete revision called now ITC Franklin. It is more consistent and harmonized throughout. The Pro version does not have oldstyle numbers, however (for some reason, no one has ever seen fit to design these), but it does have fractions, superiors, inferiors, and a cool unicase stylistic set.

Available from both Font Bureau and ITC (plus all their resellers) in a variety of packages, or a la carte.

-- K.

…for some reason, no one has ever seen fit to design these…

It’s not easy to come up with good OSFs that work with gothics because the originals were designed with no intention of appearing alongside old style figures. When those big figures are squooshed down to work with the short descenders the result is not pleasant to look at, which makes them look especially out of place in a style of type where one almost never sees them to begin with.

They do exist for the condensed fonts:
http://www.fonts.com/findfonts/detail.htm?pid=421764

I think David Berlow did them. (I'm sure David will correct me if I'm wrong.)

We have one client who uses this font, I guess because of the numbers. Bear in mind that the size & esp. the weight is quite different from the usual FG Condensed -- or at least, what I consider usual.

More Franklin Gothic alternatives

Thanks for your interests.
"They do exist for the condensed fonts:"
in 1989-1990 when those were developed, ITC had a standard glyph set produced by URW, who did ITC's production and they did ITC Franklin Gothic's final production.
in the recent ITC Franklin development I had the final say over glyphs and, agreeing with Mr. Puckett, I don't like os figures in gothic faces.

"...but I’m confused about which to buy."
How do you plan on using it?

cheers!

Thanks to everyone for all your great responses. I'm interested in using it for titling mostly.
Also, is it bad that I sort of like how "digital and soulless" Franklin Gothic 2 is?