For many accomplished farmers, the soil’s pH level can make or break their farming endeavor before they even get started.
It is one of the first things you need to know before deciding on what to plant. Different plants grow under different pH levels.
That’s why its paramount you know the best soil pH meter and tester if you are to get it right.
But you can’t use just any soil pH meter. With the myriad of soil meters in the market, you need to pick the right meter, such as Dr. Meter S10. The S10 packs two extra functions apart from it being a pH meter.
10 Best Soil pH Meter Reviews
1. Dr. Meter Three in One Soil Moisture/Light/PH Tester
Kicking off our list is the Dr. Meter soil pH meter. With this gardening tool, you get yourself two more extra functions to add to the pH tester.
You can use it to test soil moisture as well as light thanks to the light sensor. The soil moisture test is crucial if you want to know if the soil is hydrated enough for your plants.
A great thing about this tool is that you don’t need a battery as with other testers. All you have to do is plug in the probe object.
Because it is quite compact and portable, you can either use it outdoor or indoors. We can agree it is perfect for a greenhouse setting as well.
Also, it is easy to read thanks to its three calibration tables. You can accurately determine the value almost immediately.
With this fantastic gardening tool, you can be sure of growing healthy plants. Want to know whether the light is enough? Use the light sensor to check.
It is important to note that you should wipe the probe clean each time you pull it out of the soil after each test.
Pros:
- Multiple functions (three in one)
- Compact and portable
- Perfect both outdoors and indoor
- No battery needed
Cons:
- There’s no way to verify if it is right.
2. Sonkir Soil pH Meter
The Sonkir Soil pH meter is a versatile gardening tool that offers you three in one function. In addition to ensuring soil pH, it can measure light and the soil moisture level as well.
The three in one function is imperative when you want to know what your plants need. With its double-needle technology, it is easier to get highly accurate and reliable results. It also makes it makes measurement faster.
You also don’t need batteries with this gardening tool. You just dip the sensor probe two to four inches into the soil and wait for the needle to move accordingly.
Toggling the switch lets you move from whatever you want to measure, be it light or moisture. The meter might give you the wrong figures if you don’t adjust it well before use.
It is lightweight and compact. It is thus more comfortable to use both indoors and outdoors. You can use it to test soil on the farm, lawn, or greenhouse.
Ensure the soil is moist before using it. That’s because if you insert it in dry soil, there won’t be any noticeable change on the meter.
Pros:
- Versatile due to its multiple functions
- Portable thanks to its lightweight nature
- Doesn’t require a battery
- Available at an affordable price
Cons:
- The meter can be hard to adjust at first.
3. Bluelab Metcom Combo pH Meter
Unlike our last two entries on the list, the Bluelab pH meter comes with a three in one function that doesn’t include soil moisture or light.
You can use this multipurpose gardening tool to measure temperature and conductivity as well. All you have to do is place the probe in the solution you are testing.
The easy two-point calibration makes it very easy to read, and LCD backlight just adds to the convenience. It also has calibration reminders as well as automatic temperature compensation.
The Bluelab Meter is a highly automated tool not only because of the auto temperature compensation but also because of the auto-off function. When you’re done using it, shuts itself off.
This gardening tool comes with a battery, unlike the other tools we have already discussed. The low battery indicator ensures it doesn’t suddenly shut down in the middle of a testing session.
You can also use to test liquids and not just soil alone. Part of the storage requirements needs you to have a unique solution to keep it in prime condition.
Finally, it doesn’t require a power source to work. As long as the battery is sufficient, you can carry it to whatever place you desire.
Pros:
- Highly automated
- Compact and portable
- Has multiple functions
- Simple to use
Cons:
- Requires a battery to function
- Lacks the off/on switch
4. Atree Soil pH Meter
Next on our list is the Atree soil pH meter. It also packs in three functions. In addition to using to test soil pH, you can also use it to check soil moisture and sunlight intensity.
It is a straightforward tool to use. All you have to do is insert the probe into moist soil to take the desired measurement. Dip the probe at least four or six inches into the soil.
The Atree soil pH Meter is quite compact and is thus easy to carry around. You can use it to test soil far way in the fields or right there in your yard or lawn.
The light test enables you to take adequate measures if your plant isn’t getting sufficient sunlight. The moisture test lets you know if it’s time to water your plants and the amount of water needed.
If you were thinking of starting that indoor garden but weren’t sure about the soil, this versatile gardening tool would come in handy.
With this tool, you don’t need a battery or a power source. Just plug the probe into the soil and test away! The sensitive probe detects the slightest changes in soil moisture, pH, and light.
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Doesn’t require a battery
- Multiple functions
- Portable
Cons:
- The tip can be quite fragile.
5. Garden Tutor Soil PH Strips
In a departure from the previous entries, the Garden Tutor Soil pH strips kit isn’t automated. You might be a bit skeptical about such a package but hear us out.
It is common knowledge that universal indicators don’t give accurate results. They are best for providing a rough estimate of the pH of a solution.
The Garden tutor pH strips are, however, as accurate as you can get. They have been specially calibrated to test soil pH to the exact number and not estimates.
They come with a detailed sixteen-page handbook that contains all the pH colors. The guide also provides lime and sulfur application charts.
With the garden tutor kit, you get up to a hundred test strips specific to measuring soil pH. Those would take some using to finish them quickly!
With a pH range of 3.5 to 9.0, this kit targets almost all garden soil types. Whatever soil type found in your garden, you can be sure this kit will help you test the pH accurately.
The kit is quite straightforward to use. All you have to do is mix a specific amount of water and soil in a testing jar then dip one strip into it. Then look up what the color means in the handbook.
Pros:
- Gives faster results
- Easy to use
- Quite accurate
Cons:
- Results can be hard to read
- Not as accurate as soil meters
6. Luster Leaf Rapid Test Kit
The Luster Leaf Rapid test kit enables you to test for soil pH and various minerals vital to your plants. The kit includes up to 40 tests that will allow you to determine the level of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil.
It comes with a patented color scheme that enables easy comparisons with the results obtained from testing the soil. What’s more, it also includes directions on how to proceed.
The scale tells you if a specific nutrient is deficient or in surplus. There are also recommendations for the fertilizer that would suit the current soil conditions.
The kits consist of chemicals in the form of capsules kept inside sealable bags. The kit should be kept away from moisture or wet conditions to avoid damage.
The kit also includes several instructions on what to do in certain conditions. Suppose a specific nutrient is in limited supply. In that case, you will be directed to the appropriate measures to take and restore them.
This kit is undoubtedly an excellent way to get to know the soil pH and mineral level. What this kit lacks in versatility, it provides in testing for minerals.
Pros:
- It provides results that are quite accurate
- Simple and easy to use
- Isn’t prone to damage unlike automated pH meters
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide quantitative results
- The mineral tests might be quite inadequate
7. Yoyomax Soil Test Meter
The Yoyomax soil pH meter is yet another gardening tool device that can test soil pH, moisture, and light.
With this tool’s help, you get to know what your plants need for optimum growth levels. That enables you to be sure about the type of plants compatible with the soil in your garden.
It doesn’t require any batteries and comes ready to use straight from the box. Simply plugging it into the soil and studying the scale gives you the results.
It is also very compact, and you can thus easily carry it for use outdoors and indoors. If you were planning on starting that house garden, then this kit is for you.
The most remarkable feature of this gardening tool is its versatility and relative ease of use. So straightforward it is that a child could use it as well. Not that we are saying you give it to your kids.
The cherry on top is that it’s quite affordable too. Most pH meters can be quite expensive as compared to this one.
Pros:
- Simplistic design that makes it easy to use
- affordable
- Has multiple functions
- Gives accurate and fast results
Cons:
- Might lose some of its accuracy after sometime
- The tip Tends to break too easily at times.
8. Gain Express Soil pH Meter
The Gain Express soil pH meter is another gardening tool to help you know what your plants need. With an easy to read calibration, this soil meter is quite simple to use.
The Gain Express meter doesn’t need batteries or electricity to give you accurate and reliable results. All you need to do to test is plug in the probe into the soil and monitor the reading.
It uses a waterproof metal electrode that you insert a few inches into the soil you are testing. The rod is extra-long to enable stick into the ground.
It is also quite versatile since you can also measure the moisture level in the soil. And thanks to its compactness and portability, you can use it in a wide array of areas.
It is perfect for use commercially, and in that backyard garden, you’ve always thought of starting. You can also put it to use on the farm or in a greenhouse.
If what you need is a soil pH meter that gives you accurate results fast, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Pros:
- It is simple and therefore easy to use
- Compact and Portable
- Comes with two in one function
- Reliable and accurate results
Cons:
- The tip breaks easily at times
- Quite expensive
9. Alotpower Three In one Soil Tester
The Allotpower soil pH meter assures you of scientifically accurate results. It comes with three in one function capable of letting test not only the soil pH but also moisture and light.
With its simple design, it is quite easy to use. The three-way meter is quite clear to enable easy readings.
The Allotpower soil tester doesn’t need batteries or a power source to function. It is the self-powered meaning you can use in whatever condition or place.
It has a compact feel about it, enabling you to carry it easily. You can thus use it both outdoors and indoors, unlike some other meters.
When you insert the probe into the soil, make sure it is about four to five inches. At times the meter might not move as the probe isn’t correctly inserted into the ground.
You must wipe the probe clean whenever you are finished with a test. A clean piece of cloth would come in handy there.
When dipping the probe into the soil, avoid pushing it too hard as stones might break it. That goes hand in hand with rigid soil also.
You are, however, provided with two probes in case one break.
Pros:
- It is made for multiple functions
- Simple and easy to use
- Quite affordable
- Fast, accurate and reliable results
Cons:
- The tip tends to break too easily at times
10. Bluelab Pensoil pH Meter
Closing off our list is the highly versatile Bluelab Pensoil pH meter. You can not only use it to test soil pH but also liquids as well. You can get accurate and precise results for acidic or alkaline solutions.
The digital meter has a backlit LCD that enables you to see readings even in the dark. What’s more, the calibration is two-point and comes with automatic temperature compensation.
Unlike most other soil pH meters, the Pensoil pH meter uses a battery. On purchase, you get a storage cap and AAA batteries as part of the kit. It has a low battery indicator that ensures a flat battery doesn’t sneak up on you.
This is a highly automated choice thanks to the auto shut off function. It also comes with a storage solution for better maintenance.
In case it develops some complications that aren’t by any fault, you can return it thanks to its one-year warranty.
Since it can be used to test liquid media, it is waterproof to avoid damage. Also, the probe comes with a dibber, which acts as a protective covering for the probe.
Pros:
- Highly automated and easy to use
- Highly versatile
- Compact and portable
- It gives accurate and reliable results
Cons:
- Can be quite hard to calibrate
How We Picked Top Products
You must be wondering what the mentioned products had to warrant being on our list. Well, we focused on several key attributes when picking our top products. All the products chosen ticked our boxes in the features mentioned below.
- Simplicity
The best soil pH meters should be simple. The design should be simple for ease of use and reading. No one wants a tool that’s hard to use and makes for complicated calibrations and readings.
- Compactness and Portability
A good soil pH meter needs to be compact and highly portable for use across different places. You should be able to use it both outdoors and indoors.
- Versatility
Since it is a soil pH meter you want, no one would say no to a few extra features. Products that made our list had multiple functions, such as moisture and light sensors.
- Affordability
All the excellent features would be moot if the products weren’t affordable. Even if it is money well spent, it shouldn’t be a price too high.
- Accuracy of results
A good soil pH meter should provide you with reliable and accurate results. Noting can be as frustrating as a soil meter that won’t just show actual results. It has the possibility of misleading you and being disastrous for your plants.
- Durability
The key among the features to look for in any product is how long it will serve you. A good soil pH tester should be long-lasting to give you excellent value for your money.
- The type of testing
For all the products we mentioned, we considered for what reason someone would be testing the soil. For that reason, we chose the products mainly basing on agricultural soil.
What is Soil pH Meter?
A soil pH meter is a gardening tool that helps determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. It enables you to know what to do to make your plants grow better. Soil pH meters don’t just measure the soil pH; however, they can also measure moisture and light intensity.
Types of Soil pH Meters
There are several types of soil pH meters. Some only test the soil pH while others test a few other parameters.
For instance, the Allotpower soil pH meter, apart from measuring soil pH, can also be used to measure soil moisture and light.
Other devices, such as the Bluelab Metcom Combo pH Meter, can also test soil temperature or conductivity.
There are pH meters that work with the help of batteries, such as the Pensoil pH meter. However, most are usually self-powered and don’t need batteries.
Which Soil pH Meter is suitable for you?
There is a variety of soil pH meters available in the market. We understand it might be problematic knowing which one is best for you.
A simple design and an easy-to-use soil pH meter should feature high in your list of suitable soil pH meters. You shouldn’t have to struggle to use a soil pH meter.
A good soil pH meter should also have extra functions. Most of the soil pH meters we have discussed here have at least two features to go with testing soil pH.
A suitable soil pH meter should also be durable and of high-quality design. You don’t want to be continually looking for replacements.
A good soil pH meter should also be quite affordable. It is not always a higher price means a better product.
Finally, an excellent soil pH meter should give accurate and reliable results. You don’t want a device that gives you results you can’t trust.
How to Test the pH Level in Your Soil:
Since some of the pH meters on our list were strips, we will show you how to use strips and the other more conventional soil pH meters.
How to test for Soil PH with a Soil Strip
Step 1
Get the needed soil sample by digging in the required area.
Step 2
Using a teaspoon, measure one to three teaspoonfuls and place them in a clean container preferably glass
Step 3
Add a little amount of distilled water then vigorously stir to mix the soil with the water.
Step 4
Filter the resulting mixture with a coffee filter into another clean container.
Step 5
Gently dip the strip in the solution for some time. Note the color change then compare it with colors on the color handbook.
Step 6
Repeat the whole process for more accurate results.
Measuring Soil pH using a Soil pH meter
This is usually quite straightforward because of how easy to use soil pH meters are
Step 1
Water the plant so that the soil it is growing on gets wet or moist. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
Step 2
Insert the probe of the soil pH meter into the soil for about two minutes.
Step 3
Read the meter for the pH value
How to test for Soil pH using the Luster Leaf Rapid Kit
The Luster Leaf test, unlike other tests, uses a capsule to test for soil pH. It merely involves mixing a given amount of water with soil then adding the capsule.
After mixing thoroughly, note the color change then compare it with the accompanying color scheme.
The color comparator has specific pH values marked against whatever color you get after mixing well.
It is a relatively easy and fast way to determine the soil pH. It, unfortunately, doesn’t cater to other parameters such as soil moisture or light.
How to use a digital soil pH tester
We bet by now, you understand why you need to test the soil pH. You bought your digital soil pH meter and are set to test the soil pH. However, you don’t know how to start.
Well, a digital soil pH meter is as easy to use as one, two, three. You will notice that your digital soil pH meter has a long probe attached to the head where the meter is.
All you have to do is insert the probe into moist soil for one to two minutes and check the reading on the meter. Easy, isn’t it? You bet it is!
How Accurate Are Soil pH Meters/Testers?
The accuracy of a specific soil pH meter will rely on the quality, pH range they cover, and the method of use.
Tests covering a broad range tend to give reasonably inaccurate results for soil pH. Seeing that soil pH usually ranges between five and eight, a strip with a long-range won’t give you the accurate results you desire.
One of the most familiar complaints you’ll see about most soil pH meters or tasters is that they aren’t as accurate as expected when they bought them.
To some degree, some can give quite unreliable and inaccurate results. That would be down to the quality being substandard. However, a good percentage are accurate and provide near perfect and believable results.
Sometimes, when you test for the pH but see highly inconsistent results or no change on the meter, you might be doing it the wrong way. Most users don’t get setting the meter right at first, which leads to inaccurate results.
A faulty meter can give you very inaccurate results that will have you doubt any future results the meter gives you.
Therefore, you have to ensure you check the meter every time you want to start a test.
Soil pH Ranges that your plants need
Most plants have their optimum pH between 5.0 and 8.0. However, plants are very adaptable and can teach themselves to grow in the soil of whatever pH.
| Plant | PH range |
| Maple | 6.0-7.5 |
| Lemon | 6.0-7.5 |
| Walnut | 6.0-8.0 |
| Potato | 4.8-6.5 |
| Asparagus | 6.0-8.0 |
| Garlic | 5.5-8.0 |
| Tomato | 5.5-7.5 |
| Carnation | 6.0-7.0 |
| Tulip | 6.0-7.0 |
| Petunia | 5.5-6.0 |
| Morning glory | 6.0-7.5 |
| Lupine | 5.0-6.5 |
| Hibiscus | 6.0-8.0 |
Final Thoughts
We hope by now, you have decided on the best soil pH meter and tester. If you thought that soil pH doesn’t influence plant growth, well, we hope we have changed your mind.
Most of the products on our list such as the Allotpower soil meter and the GainExpress soil meter, are digitized soil pH testers.
Their digital approach makes it easier to test for the pH as well as the soil moisture level. In that way, you will know what nutrients your plants are lacking.
You can start that house garden as long as you remember to test the soil pH with either of the meters and testers we have discussed here. Good luck!