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Whether you’re an amateur gardener, a flower enthusiast, or you’ve got a yard full of fruits and veggies, a pH meter is a valuable tool. A soil pH tester can report whether the soil is acidic or alkaline, which means gardeners will know exactly what they can and cannot grow in their yard or indoor garden before planting. However, not all pH meters are created equal, so we researched the most popular options and put six of them to the test.
To ensure accuracy, we had our garden soil’s pH levels professionally lab tested. We then used each pH meter and compared its results with the lab readings. We also evaluated for ease of use, value, consistency, and durability. With this in mind, our top pick was the Gain Express ZD-06 Soil pH Meter. It features a durable probe that’s unlikely to bend even if it hits a clump of harder soil, and it was the most accurate and consistent model in testing.
If your plants aren’t thriving, the soil’s pH could be the problem. Read below for a list of the best pH meters for outdoor or indoor gardening to help grow healthy, lush plants.
- BEST OVERALL: Gain Express ZD-06 Soil pH Meter
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Sun Joe SJ-MMPH1 3-In-1 Soil Meter
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Apera Instruments GroStar GS2 Soil pH Pen Tester
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DIGITAL: Yamron pH Meter 4-in-1 Soil Tester
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTI-USE: Raintrip 4-in-1 pH Meter Soil Test Kit
↓ Jump to Review
Tips for Buying the Best pH Meter
Finding the best pH meter for the garden will depend on the purpose of the measurement. Gardeners who plan on growing plants that thrive in alkaline soil should choose a meter that can read a higher-than-usual pH number, as most only read up to 8. Those who plan to use the pH meter on the go will want to consider whether a battery or rechargeable device may work better than something that relies on a standard electrical power source.
A pH meter can do more than just testing soil pH. Many also measure different elements, such as light, moisture, and humidity, which add cost to the devices. Those looking for a meter that exclusively offers a pH measurement should read over the device’s details before making a purchase to make sure they’re only paying for the functions they need.
- Those concerned about plants getting enough light and moisture can opt for a multifunction pH meter.
- Check if the meter is exclusively for indoor or outdoor use or can accommodate both environments to ensure the utmost accuracy.
pH Meters Comparison
Our Top Picks
These pH meters made our list of top picks based on their accuracy, ease of use, affordability, and features. Whether you’re looking for a multifunctional pH meter or one that’s easy to transport, this list is sure to help you choose the best pH meter on the market.
Best Overall
Gain Express ZD-06 Soil PH Meter
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Features a thick, heavy-duty probe
- Long probe allows for deeper measurements
- Easy-to-read analog display
- No batteries required
What We Don’t Like
- Must wait 5 minutes for pH readings
Product Specs
-
Indoor or outdoor
Both -
Analog or digital
Analog -
Additional functions
Moisture levels
Our Ratings
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 | Accuracy | 5/5 | Consistency | 5/5 | Durability | 5/5 | Value | 4.7/5 |
Designed to measure a soil’s pH and moisture levels, the Gain Express ZD-06 pH Meter features a single probe and a top-mounted analog display. When unboxing, this model looked very simple, and we didn’t expect much from it, but we were quickly proven wrong. This pH meter turned out to be the most durable, accurate, and consistent of the bunch that we tested.
Featuring an 11.6-inch-long probe and a soil pH measurement range of 3 to 8, this soil tester is suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants. Its thick probe was much more sturdy than that of the other meters we tested, and we were less worried that it would bend in denser soil. But where this tester really shone was in its accuracy. We used it five times over a 2-week period, testing the pH level in our soil at multiple locations and averaging the results. Our lab testing revealed that the soil in our garden area had a pH level of 6.42. We got consistent readings of 6.2 to 6.4 with the Gain Express.
In addition to measuring pH levels, this model also measures moisture levels. Simply press a button on the side of the meter, and it switches from the pH level reading to the moisture reading, displaying levels ranging from 1 to 8. The only downside is that users must wait 5 to 10 minutes after inserting the probe into the soil to obtain accurate readings.
What our tester says: “The Gain Express pH meter is sturdy, intuitive to use, and its results were on par with lab tests. I love the simple interface and easy-to-read analog display that faces upward.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Gain Express pH meter at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Sun Joe SJ-MMPH1 3-In-1 Soil Meter
Buy at The Home Depot
Buy at Tractor Supply Co.
Buy at Walmart
What We Like
- No batteries required
- Measures pH, sunlight, and moisture levels
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor soil
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- Analog display creates difficulty in getting precise readings
Product Specs
-
Indoor or outdoor
Both -
Analog or digital
Analog -
Additional functions
Sunlight and moisture levels
Our Ratings
| Ease of Use | 4/5 | Accuracy | 4/5 | Consistency | 4.5/5 | Durability | 4/5 | Value | 4.7/5 |
The Sun Joe SJ-MMPH1 is an affordable and easy-to-use soil pH tester that also measures sunlight and soil moisture levels. It was reasonably accurate in our testing, generally yielding results that were within 0.3 pH points of the lab tests. This model features dual probes and a front-facing mode selector, allowing for easy toggling between pH, moisture, and light readings.
We tested the Sun Joe meter in our garden soil and indoor potted plants. The probes were easy to insert into the ground, and there was no specified waiting time before taking readings. The head on the meter is not pivotable, though, so while testing ground soil, we had to crouch down on our hands and knees to read the analog display. It was also challenging to obtain precise pH numbers, as the display features color gradients representing whole-number pH levels rather than gridlines for exact measurements. When we measured our pH, the indicator consistently fell between 6 and 7, providing an approximate rather than precise pH value.
Overall, this lightweight portable pH meter is accurate enough for most home gardening use. It was consistent throughout testing and would be a useful addition for monitoring pH levels in potted plants, gardens, or flower beds.
Get the Sun Joe pH meter at The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., or Walmart.
Upgrade Pick
Apera Instruments GroStar GS2 Soil pH Pen Tester
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Produces precise, lab-grade pH readings
- Works on soil, nutrient solutions, rockwool, and more
- Also measures temperature
- Includes a protective carrying case
What We Don’t Like
- Requires calibration before use
- Expensive; best for serious gardeners
- Pen may be more fragile than a probe
Product Specs
-
Indoor or outdoor
Both -
Analog or digital
Digital -
Additional functions
Soil temperature
Our Ratings
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | Accuracy | 4.5/5 | Consistency | 4.5/5 | Durability | 4/5 | Value | 4/5 |
Serious growers who need to measure the pH of soil, soil slurries, or nutrition solutions may appreciate the versatility the Apera pH pen has to offer. This model is much more expensive than the others on our list, but it claims to provide professional-level results. It comes in a convenient carry case which includes the pH pen, calibration solutions, a dibber, a brush, and soaking solution. To set the pen up for use, we calibrated it using the provided 7.0 and 4.0 pH solutions, which only took us about 5 minutes.
To test soil pH, we followed the manufacturer’s recommendation to saturate the soil and wait 24 hours. Using the included dibber, we made test holes and inserted the pen. Across multiple test sites, the Apera pen delivered pH readings within 0.2 points of our lab results and conveniently averaged multiple readings for us. Liquid testing, such as nutrient solutions, was even easier and faster.
As home gardeners, this handheld pH meter pen was more advanced than what we needed. It also required pre-creating a pathway in the ground for the pen, as the pen is more delicate compared to standard probes. However, for those who need a pH meter for water, nutrient solutions, or soil slurries, this pen could prove valuable.
Get the Apera Instruments pH meter at Amazon.
Best Digital
Yamron pH Meter 4-in-1 Soil Tester
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Digital display is easy to read
- Also measures temperature, moisture, and sunlight intensity
- Works quickly; no waiting required
- Features a rotating head for easy viewing
What We Don’t Like
- Requires batteries (not included)
- Produced slightly inconsistent measurements
Product Specs
-
Indoor or outdoor
Both -
Analog or digital
Digital -
Additional functions
Soil temperature, moisture, and sunlight levels
Our Ratings
| Ease of Use | 5/5 | Accuracy | 4/5 | Consistency | 4/5 | Durability | 4.5/5 | Value | 4.7/5 |
A digital pH monitor is generally much easier to read than one with an analog gauge. The Yamron is no exception and even has a pivotable head, so there’s no need to crouch down to see the display. This meter measures light intensity, soil temperature, soil pH, and moisture levels. Pushing the pH button on the front of the digital pH meter toggles between the readings, and there’s also a button that allows users to measure soil temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit. This model runs on four AAA batteries, which aren’t included.
The single probe on this pH tester for soil is sturdy, and we didn’t have concerns about it bending or breaking when it hit patches of slightly dense soil. We found the pH readings to be mostly accurate, but occasionally received readings that seemed slightly high. We found it best to take pH tests in several different spots and average the results for the most precise numbers. Taking multiple readings was quick and easy, as the probe only needs to be in the soil for about 10 seconds to get a reading.
Overall, the easy-to-read digital display of this model made it one of our favorites. It works for ground soil and potted plants, making it a versatile pick for home growers.
What our tester says: “The Yamron digital soil pH meter is my favorite for quick soil tests. The digital display shows precise pH levels, and it takes only about 10 seconds to obtain a reading.”–Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Yamron pH meter at Amazon.
Best Multi-Use
Raintrip 4-in-1 pH Meter Soil Test Kit
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Features a 90-degree foldable head
- No batteries required
- Easy-to-use 4-in-1 pH meter
- Results in as little as 2 seconds
What We Don’t Like
- Analog pH reading isn’t precise
- Nutrient reading seems a bit useless
Product Specs
-
Indoor or outdoor
Both -
Analog or digital
Analog -
Additional functions
Nutrients, sunlight, and moisture levels
Our Ratings
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 | Accuracy | 4/5 | Consistency | 4.5/5 | Durability | 4.5/5 | Value | 4.3/5 |
The 4-in-1 Raintrip soil tester is an inexpensive single-probe model that measures a soil’s pH level, moisture level, and light intensity. It also measures soil “nutrients,” though the manufacturer doesn’t specify exactly which nutrients are measured other than “soil fertility”, so we ignored these readings. This model features an analog display with pH levels marked from low to 8. Since there are no gridlines in between the pH display numbers, readings are not particularly precise.
The Raintrip pH detector was consistent, typically registering pH levels of approximately 6.5 or 6.6, compared to our lab test results of 6.42. Its probe was thick enough to be durable, and its pivotable head made it easy for us to take pH readings. We like that it doesn’t require batteries and that it delivers readings within seconds of being inserted at least 4 inches into the ground. It also works for potted plants.
For those who need a ballpark figure of their soil’s pH levels, this model is handy. However, for more precise readings, a digital pH level tester or an analog meter with detailed markings is a better pick.
Get the Raintrip pH meter at Amazon.
How We Tested the Best pH Meters
| Products tested | 6 |
| Time spent testing | 2 weeks |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $10 to $200 |
To find the best pH meters for testing, we first considered what features the average user would need and appreciate most. The main traits we looked for were sturdiness, ease of use, and added functions such as moisture, temperature, or sunlight level testing. With this criterion in mind, we researched dozens of the top-rated pH meters on the market and chose six to test.
To ensure accuracy, we used a soil test kit to have our soil tested at a lab and then compared those results with readings from each pH meter. We used each pH meter five times over a 2-week period, taking multiple measurement points each time and averaging the results for each pH meter. We recorded our test results to verify accuracy and consistency. We also tested all the additional features each model offered.
We kept our results in a rubric where we assigned each product a score of 1 to 5 based on its ease of use, accuracy, consistency, durability, and value. At the end of testing, all scores were tallied to determine the best overall product, and then we assigned awards to other products based on the area in which they excelled.
What to Consider When Choosing a pH Meter
To choose the best pH meter for your garden, consider a few factors—namely, where you’ll be using the meter (indoor or outdoor) as well as what you need it to measure. Some pH measuring devices also double as soil moisture meters, making them useful multifunctional tools. Below, we’ve outlined shopping considerations to think about before buying a pH meter.
Accuracy
When it comes to pH levels, accuracy is crucial. Some pH meters have additional features that contribute to their accuracy. For example, a pH meter may use double electrodes to better assess soil pH, or the manufacturer may recommend leaving the probes in the soil for a longer period to obtain a more accurate reading.
Regardless of the pH meter’s features, it should provide consistent and accurate readings, allowing users to determine the necessary amendments for higher or lower soil pH levels.
Calibration
When searching for the best pH meter, don’t forget to check its calibration settings, as a well-calibrated pH meter will provide the most accurate reading. Some pH meters require a specific environment to work properly. For example, some units shouldn’t be used in hydroponic gardens, while others may not work unless the soil is moist or very wet.
Before purchasing a product, be sure to check the instructions on how to properly calibrate the device to ensure that it will function well in the intended environment.
Electrodes
Most pH soil meters come with electrodes (also referred to as probes) to help properly detect the pH of the soil. Multi-function devices usually come with two probes: one for moisture and one for pH. However, many exclusively pH meters only have a single probe.
Those seeking to measure the soil pH, will find that a single probe is enough to get the job done. Looking for a pH soil testing meter that can also accurately detect soil moisture? Consider looking for a product with dual probes that penetrate the soil. There’s no “best” number of probes; the right choice depends on how much information the user wants from the device.
Portability
Portability is an important consideration for gardeners who plan to use a pH meter outdoors, especially if the garden is far from the house. Fortunately, most pH meters are easy to carry around, even if their electrodes make them a bit lengthy or awkward to hold.
Some pH meters are designed to be portable, so if planning to keep a pH meter in a pocket or interested in something compact and easy to store when not in use, consider purchasing a small or folding pH meter. If planning to use the pH meter solely indoors or in a greenhouse, size may not be a significant concern.
FAQs
For more information regarding pH soil testers, here are a few common questions and their answers about pH meters for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
As long as you follow the instructions closely, each can be equally accurate for measuring soil pH.
This depends on the meter. Some pH meters shouldn’t be used with hydroponic gardens, while others may not work unless the soil is moist or saturated. The probes of a pH meter shouldn’t generally be inserted into standing water. However, if the soil is too hard to insert the probes, you can water the soil and wait 30 minutes before measuring the pH. Check the instructions for the specific meter to make sure testing conditions are ideal.
Calibration may include using testing solutions with known pH levels and adjusting the meter’s reading, but always read the instructions for properly calibrating your specific pH meter, as every device can be slightly different.
You’ll need to calibrate the pH meter every time you use it to ensure the most accurate reading.
Most of the pH meters we tested recommend wiping the probe with a clean cloth before and after use, though some suggest rinsing with water instead. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for care guidelines specific to your model.
A soil pH meter can last up to three years with proper care. Longevity heavily depends on the quality of the pH meter, as well as how it’s used and cared for.
Meet the Tester
Katie Barton is a writer and product tester with over a decade of experience in the field. Years spent working in her family’s greenhouse have given her first-hand experience with soil health.
Additional research provided by Jenn Ryan
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