9 Best Soil PH Meters (Review) In 2020

The Luster Leaf 1601 Rapitest Test Kit brings outstanding value for money. This chemical dye pH meter is simple enough to use by the novice, yet accurate enough to satisfy the professional gardener or landscaper. It contains components to test the acidity of your soil for 10 times and comes with a handy list with the soil pH preference for over 450 plants.

Besides the soil pH test, the kit also comprises tests for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. These are important nutrients for the plants, and you can use this soil testing kit to check their level in spring, fall, and periodically throughout the growing season.

If the chemistry is not your thing and you’d rather read the results on an analog screen, check out the Sonkir MS02 3-in-1 Soil Tester. This handy device tests soil moisture, pH value, and sunlight level of the plant, letting you know if you’ve seeded it in the right spot. Accurate and reliable, it’s also ridiculously easy to use. It needs no batteries, and all you have to do is stick the sensor probe about 4 inches deep into the soil.

Its double-needle detection technology enhances both testing speed and result accuracy; just toggle the switch in the right position and wait until the pointer stops swinging, then read the value on the dial. Ideal for both outdoor and indoor use, lightweight and portable, this is another excellent soil pH meter to test the soil of your garden or plants on your potting bench.

An interesting pH tester, ideal gift for gardeners who don’t mind to drop some bucks, the Kelway Soil pHD Soil Acidity Test is up to an extent similar to the Sonkir. It won’t measure moisture and sunlight, but it still uses a probe you’ll have to stick into the ground.  The device utilizes a tiny flow of electricity running through two metal plates to measure the pH, indicating the value on a dial.

Just like other probe meters, it doesn’t require a power source; however, there are mixed feelings about its accuracy. Some users claim the tester might return random values. When checked against other testers, however, we experienced none of this. We also like its handheld size and that it’s easy to operate. Easy to use and reliable, this is a great device if you don’t mind its heftier price.

If you couldn’t care less about moisture and light measurements but like the two probe concept, the Environmental Concepts pH7 might be the right soil pH meter for you. This simple device is similar to the other probe testers on this list, but it’s built to only test the pH level of your soil. This simpler construction comes with benefits. On the one hand, the unit’s permanently calibrated, which means more accurate results. They are displayed on an easy to read logarithmic scale, and what’s even best, it measures almost the entire pH scale.

Coming with full instructions and indications on adjusting the pH, this meter will surely help you grow healthy plants. However, it will only return accurate readings if you use it right. Don’t just stick it into the ground. You’ll have to get a soil sample and mix it with distilled water, then read the pH. Simple maintenance involves cleaning the probes before and after each reading; if used right, you can expect it to help you help your plants to thrive. For more great tools that can make you a successful gardener, check out our guide to the best garden forks.

Another entry from Environmental Concepts, this professional soil pH test kit is very easy to use. It contains 40 tests, 10 of each for measuring the pH level, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. Ideal for hobbyists, classrooms, and professionals, this liquid-based testing will let you have some chemistry fun while caring for your plants. Mixing substances with the soil to get a reaction is not only educational; it can also be a way to entertain the kids while teaching them some gardening basics.

1662 Professional Soil Test Kit is really easy to use and comes with detailed instructions alongside extensive soil and plant care guidelines. Due to its qualitative rather than quantitative measurement, you won’t get precise results though. Nevertheless, the test is really accurate, and it will give you a fair idea of the status of your soil. The kit comes stylishly packed in a plastic case that’s easy to carry around. If 40 tests are insufficient, you can also choose one of the other options, that come with 80 or 200 tests respectively. To always have your plants protected, be sure you pick one of the weed killers from our list. 

Whether it’s for commercial use in vineyards and orchards or home use in gardens, planters, or for a perfect lawn, this pH and moisture meter from Gain Express is another promising device that can help you check the status of your soil. This single probe dual meter checks both the pH level and moisture level, a great thing if you want to identify any problem and help your plants thrive. Due to its robust probe construction, this device is a one-off investment you’ll be able to use for a long time.

It measures the pH in the 3-8 range with a ± 0.2 pH accuracy. The long and slender electrode is also durable, so you’ll be able to use this meter for the years to come. We also like that it’s self-powered. You need no battery to operate it, which means complete peace of mind and a readily available meter whenever you need. And to always be sure your plants have enough water to thrive, check out our list of the best garden hose nozzles.

Next entry on our list of the best soil pH meters, this device from Göksu promises professional accuracy and reliability. It has a dual function, measuring both the pH and moisture level in your soil. A handy gardening tool to use throughout the season, this probe-style unit is more appropriate for the outdoors. While it could work for potted plants, its rather large circumference may damage their roots.

Göksu Soil pH & Moisture Meter is praised for its pH and moisture ranges, as well as its accuracy. The self-powered sensing electrode needs no kind of battery while switching from one function to another is easy thanks to the toggle button. Designed to stay calibrated, it’s even great to use by kids for their science projects. Simple and easy to use, this is no doubt a great soil pH meter to have in your arsenal. Find more amazing products for keeping your garden organized by checking our guide to the best mattocks.

If you’re a fan of the digital world, check out the VIVOSUN pH & TDS Meter Combo. These digital devices are as easy to use as an analog probe meter, and conveniently display the results on LCD screens. This combo pack contains two meters, a yellow one for measuring the pH and a blue one to check the level of the total dissolved solids in the water you give to your plants.

You might wonder why should you measure the pH level of the water, but if you didn’t know by now, any liquid that drains into your lawn or garden could significantly alter the composition of the soil. If you have pH or nutrients problems, you can solve these issues more efficiently by ensuring that the water is adequately acidic or alkaline. Furthermore, you can even test the soil’s pH by dissolving a sample in the water.

Another digital soil pH meter we really like is this one by Bluelab. This advanced meter is ideal for the professional gardener. It checks the pH, conductivity, and temperature within a solution, letting you know if you need to make any adjustments or add nutrients. Although you can use it for the garden, it’s much more appropriate for your germination nursery.

Lightweight and portable, Bluelab 716441 Combo Meter fits well in a pocket, and it’s easy to hold in your hand, even with gardening gloves. The large and easy to read display brings further value, while a simple push button allows for a quick calibration for measuring the pH. It even has a successful pH calibration indicator, and you’d be thrilled to know that it requires no calibration for measuring conductivity and temperature. Accurate enough for the pros and simple enough for the novice, this soil pH meter is no doubt one of the greatest to add to your gardening instruments collection.