A soil pH tester is a valuable tool for any gardener. Whether you grow flowers, fruit, vegetables, or herbs, a soil pH tester accurately measures the condition of the soil so that your plants have the perfect environment where they can flourish.
Create Perfect Soil Conditions with an Accurate Soil pH Tester Meter
Cultivating perfectly pH-balanced soil is incredibly important for your plants’ health. A soil pH tester shows you the accurate pH level of the soil in your garden beds or plant pots. It will tell you if the soil is too alkaline or acidic. When the soil has the right pH balance, your plants will thrive.
One of the most versatile gardening gadgets, a soil pH tester, or soil pH meter, can be used for home gardens, urban gardens, fruit tree orchards, farming, or other types of commercially grown plants. So whatever type of garden you have, the amazing soil tester should always be the first step in your plant-caring regime.
Before you choose the right plant food, which provides beneficial nutrients, as well as the sun and rain, your soil pH tester accurately measures the condition of the soil. After you have determined the acidity or alkalinity level of the soil, you can confidently plant your flowers, fruits, vegetables, or herbs that will produce beautiful foliage and a bountiful harvest.
The 7 Best Soil pH Testers
- Sonkir Soil pH Meter
- Mosthink Soil Moisture Meter
- Dr. Meter 3-in-1 Soil/pH/Light Tester Meter
- Atree Soil pH Meter
- Kelway Soil pH and Moisture Meter
- Swiser 3-in-1 Soil Tester
- Kensizer 3-in-1 Soil Tester (Our Top Pick)
Our Top Pick for the Best Soil pH Tester
Our top pick for the best soil pH tester is the Kensizer 3-in-1 Soil Tester.
Whether you have a passion for indoor plants like succulents or herbs, or you love to grow flowers, fruit, or vegetables in your garden, the Kensizer 3-in-1 soil pH meter is an essential gardening tool. Instead of guessing whether the soil you use is right for your plants, the Kensizer soil tester does all the work and you can spend more time enjoying your flowers and eating a bountiful harvest.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Soil pH Tester
Types of Soil pH Tester Meters
Soil pH tester meters can be specifically designed for testing the pH soil level or they can test the pH and moisture levels of the soil, such as the Kelway Soil pH and Moisture Meter. For ultimate soil testing functionality, a 3-in-1 soil pH tester, such as the Kensizer 3-in-1 Soil Tester, allows you to test the pH, moisture, and light levels of the soil.
Soil pH Tester Design
The soil pH meter will usually have 1 or 2 metal probes that measure between 7 or 8-inches. You use a button underneath the dial to choose whether you want to measure pH, light, or moisture levels. Once you place the probe or probes into the soil, the needle pointer moves across the numbered gauge on the dial’s screen to show the correct reading.
pH, Light, and Moisture Readings
pH levels are numbered from 3.5-8. 3.5-6 or 6.5, which means acidic soil, and 7-8 which indicates alkaline soil. Moisture levels range between 1-10, so dry soil is 1-3, moist soil is 4-7, and wet soil is 8-10. These numbers will also have corresponding colors: red, green, and blue.
Sunlight temperature measurements are indicated in lux or lumens such as 0-2000 lux. 0-200 is low light, 200-500 is low light+, 500-1000 is normal light, and 1000-2000 is high levels of light.
Normal pH Scale
The perfect pH level for most plants is 6.2-7.2. Although some plants do better with acidic soil, such as blueberry plants or blue hydrangea, most plants grow best in neutral soil.
Durability and Portability
Soil pH testers should be strong, durable, lightweight, and compact so you can easily carry them around your garden. As the probes are sensitive instruments they are not designed for use in hard, rocky soil.
Accurate Measurements
A soil tester’s probes should be highly sensitive to detect any slight variations in the pH, moisture, or temperature of the soil.
Accurate data measurement readings will depend on a few factors. The probes should be placed deep into the soil about 2-4-inches, and close to the roots. If the needle pointer does not move or you get inaccurate readings, the soil is too dry or the probes are not placed close enough to the roots.
Most soil pH testers should be kept in the soil for 10 minutes to record stable and accurate readings.
Additional Important Tips for Using a Soil pH Tester
After you have used the soil pH tester, clean the probes thoroughly in distilled water.
Testers are also affected by temperature changes, so take your readings at roughly the same temperature every time to get the best results.
7 Best Soil pH Testers – Reviews
1. Sonkir Soil pH Meter
Take great care of your indoor and outdoor plants with the Sonkir Soil pH Meter.
The tester has a versatile 3-in-1 design that allows you to monitor all aspects of your plant’s soil conditions. You can use it for outdoor and indoor plants, on the lawn, and even around the farm. It can show the pH value of the soil, detect moisture, and determine if your plants are getting enough sunlight.
With reliable and accurate Scientific Data Detection Monitoring Technology, the metal dual probes enhance the speed and accuracy of analyzing pH levels, soil moisture, and lighting conditions.
pH levels range from 3.5-8 (3.5-6.5 acid, 7-8 alkaline). Moisture range from 1-10 ( 1-3 dry-red, 4-7 normal-green, 8-10 wet-blue). Lighting temperature levels range from dark to light and 0-2000 lux (0-200 low, 200-500 low+, 500-1000 normal, and 1000-2000 high).
The soil tester is very easy to use and there are no batteries required. You can switch modes with a simple flick of a button. Insert the extra-long 7.9-inches probes into the soil about 2-4 inches. Wait for about 10 minutes until the needle pointer shows a stable, accurate reading on the dial.
If the soil pointer does not swing to indicate pH, moisture, or light levels, the soil needs water or the probes are not close enough to the plant’s roots. As the tester is lightweight and portable, you can easily carry it around your garden.
SONKIR offers a 12-month free money-back or replacement guarantee on the soil pH meter tester.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for outdoor and indoor plants, the lawn, and for farm use
- Three-in-1 functionality
- Tests soil moisture, pH value, and sunlight levels
- Reliable and accurate Scientific Data Monitoring Detection Technology
- Premium metal dual prong sensors
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and portable
- 12-month guarantee
Cons
- Not designed for hard, overly dry rocky soil
- Cannot be left in the soil for a long time
- Not designed for use in water
- Needs to be placed close to the roots for accurate levels
2. Mosthink Soil Moisture Meter
The Mosthink Soil Moisture Meter is a good choice for any outdoor or indoor gardener.
Once you use the tester meter, you will always know when the soil is fully primed for your shrubs, flowers, fruit, and vegetables. You can also use the tester for the lawn or around the farm.
The double sensor probe design efficiently and precisely detects and analyzes pH acidity, soil moisture, and sunlight temperature level.
Testing the soil is very easy and no batteries are required. Just toggle the switch to select your required mode for moisture, pH, or light testing. Insert the sturdy and extra-long 7.4-inches metal probes into the soil about 2-4 inches.
Wait 5-10 minutes until the needle pointer shows a stable reading on the large and easy-to-read dial. The pH acidity and alkalinity levels range from 3.5-7. Moisture levels range from 1-10 and dry to wet. Light temperature measurements are from dark to light and 0-2000 lux.
Whether you are checking the soil in your garden or your fruit orchard, the compact and lightweight tester is very easy to carry.
The Mosthink soil meter comes in black or bright green which is a great option for quick viewing in your garden, day or night.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for outdoor and indoor use
- Three-in-1 functionality
- Measures pH, moisture, sunlight
- Precise and reliable readings
- Double sensor design
- Sturdy and extra-long 7.4-inches metal probes
- Easy to set up and use toggle switch
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to read screen
- Large dial
- Comes in black or green
- Bright green color is easy to see at night
Cons
- Probes can be damaged by stones or hard rocky soil
- Not to be used in water
- Dial can be hard to read in low light conditions
3. Dr. Meter 3-in-1 Soil/pH/Light Tester Meter
The Dr. Meter 3-in-1 Soil/pH/Light Tester Meter will help you to create the right soil conditions for your plants.
This handy gardening device lets you know the soil pH level, the moisture content, and whether your outdoor or indoor plants are getting adequate sunlight. You will receive accurate results when you insert the sturdy metal probes into 4-inches of soil. After 10 minutes, the needle pointer will show the accurate measurement on the dial.
pH levels range from 3.5-8 pH (3.5-6.5 acid, and 7-8 alkaline). Moisture levels range from 1-10 (1-3 dry, 4-7 normal, and 8-10 wet). Light temperature readings range from dark to light and 0-2000 lux (0-200 low, 200-500 low+, 500-1000 normal, and 1000-2000 high).
The dial is very easy to read and there is no need for batteries. As the tester meter has a compact and portable design, you can carry it in your pocket while you are gardening. If the needle pointer does not rotate, the probes are not close enough to the roots, so make sure that two-thirds of the probe is inserted into the soil for accurate testing.
Dr. Meter also offers a soil moisture meter in a 1-pack and a 2-pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for outdoor and indoor plants
- Sturdy dual metal probes
- Accurate readings
- Wide range of readings
- Easy to read moisture, pH, and light levels
- No batteries required
- Compact and portable design
- Moisture meter is available in a 1-pack or 2-pack
Cons
- Not designed for hard or rocky soil
- Tester may not work if the probes are not inserted near the roots
- Dial can be hard to see when the tester is in the soil
- Not designed for use in water
4. Atree Soil pH Meter
The Atree Soil pH Meter makes sure that your outdoor and indoor plants have the right soil pH levels, adequate moisture content, and adequate sunlight.
Using the tester is so easy and there are no batteries required. Select the mode you want to test pH, moisture, or light with the easy-slide button. Insert the sturdy 6.7-inches dual aluminum probes into 4-6-inches of soil and the needle pointer will show the accurate readings on the large, easy-to-read dial.
pH levels range between 3.5 (acidic) and 8 (alkaline). Moisture levels range from 1-10 (1-3 red/dry, 4-7 green/moisture, and 8-10 blue/wet). Light temperature readings range from dark to light and 0-2000 lux so you can easily gauge the changing light patterns in your garden.
The soil pH tester meter is available in black, green, purple, and yellow. Atree also offers a 12-month money-back or replacement guarantee.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Three-in-1 design
- Can be used to measure pH levels, light, and moisture content
- Sturdy dual aluminum probes
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor plants
- Easy to use
- Large dial is very easy to read
- No batteries required
- Moisture tester is available in black, green, purple, and yellow
- 12-month money-back or replacement guarantee
Cons
- Not to be used in rocky, hard soil or water
- Machine takes about 10 minutes to get a result
- May not produce accurate results if the probes are not close enough to the roots
5. Kelway Soil pH and Moisture Meter
Made in Japan, the rugged professional-grade Kelway Soil pH and Moisture Meter is an excellent choice for home-based gardens, indoor plants, and commercial plantations. It provides fast pH and moisture readings with a high pH accuracy of ±0.2. and a moisture accuracy of ±10% and pH accuracy of ±0.2.
The meter operates on the principle of electrical potential between 2 dissimilar metal plates, so it is very reliable. There is no need for batteries, chemicals, or external power sources. As the meter has a solid and sturdy design, it is especially ideal for checking numerous pH and moisture levels over a large area.
When you insert the 6.5-inches metal probe into 4-inches of moist soil, the easy-to-read dial displays 3.5-8 acidity or alkalinity levels, and moisture levels from 0-100%.
To use your Kelway meter, insert the probe to make a small hole in soft ground. Open the special magnetized conditioning film packet and take out a piece of film from the shiny side. Place the film around the probe and rub it 2 or 3 times. Wipe the probe with a cloth and place it into the hole.
Make sure that the probe is in direct contact with the soil for reliable readings. If you are measuring moisture levels, press the white button, and hold it for about 2-3 minutes.
For easy carrying and storage, Kelway includes a beautiful leather-like case with a belt loop.
Pros
- High quality
- Professional grade
- Made in Japan
- Great value for money
- Measures pH and moisture conditions
- High accuracy
- Solid and sturdy
- Compact and lightweight
- Can use it for home and commercial properties
- Does not require chemical solutions, distilled water, or outside electric power source
- Numerous readings can be easily taken over a large area
- Very easy to read dial
- Conditioning film
- Beautiful leather-like carry case with belt loop
Cons
- Expensive
- Does not record light
- Conditioning film needs to be used to get the best readings
- Can be difficult to clean the dirt off the probe
- Probe can be hard to remove from the soil
- Not ideal for hard, rocky soil
6. Swiser 3-in-1 Soil Tester
The Swiser 3-in-1 Soil Tester is a valuable gardening gadget for any gardening enthusiast.
Whether you have an outdoor garden or indoor plants such as bonsai or succulents, the Swiser meter makes it so easy to check the pH, moisture, and light levels of the soil. You can even use the tester on your lawn and around trees.
The pH soil tester is very easy to use and there are no batteries required. Switch the button to select the pH, moisture, or light mode. Insert the 6.9-inches strong dual metal probes deep into the soil about 2-4-inches to reach the plant’s root level and wait for the needle pointer to show the accurate measurements on the dial.
pH levels are between 3.5–8 pH. Moisture levels range from 1–10. Light temperature levels are from dark to light and 0-2000 lux.
As the working principle of the meter is to test the electrolysis value of the organic nutrients in the soil, the tester should not be placed in water. To ensure the longevity of the probes, the tester should not be left in the soil for a long time, and the probes can break if they are used in hard, rocky soil.
The Swiser 3-in-1 tester is available in a pale green which is easier to see in your garden at night.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Affordable price
- Multi-functional 3-in-1 design
- Measures moisture, light, and pH levels
- Ideal for outdoor and indoor plants
- Can be used for the lawn and around trees
- Good accurate results
- Strong dual-probes
- Easy to use
- No batteries required
- Available in a pale green color
Cons
- Dial window is a bit small
- Probes need to be placed near the roots for accurate results
- Not designed for use in water
- Can take a while to provide results
- Probes can get damaged in hard, rocky soil
7. Kensizer 3-in-1 Soil Tester
Whether you are an outdoor gardening enthusiast or an indoor plant lover, the Kensizer 3-in-1 Soil Tester makes it so easy to understand the needs of your plants.
There is no need for batteries. Flick the switch to select your preferred mode, pH, moisture, or light. Place the extra-long and strong 7.9-inches dual silver and bronze probes deep into the soil.
In just a few minutes, this functional measurement tool will accurately indicate whether the soil is too acidic or alkaline, too dry or too moist and if your plants are getting adequate sunlight.
Watch as the precise needle pointer moves to the right readings on the easy-to-read dial. The pH levels range from 3.5-8 (3.5-6.5 acidic and 7-8 alkaline). Moisture levels range from 1-10 (1-3 dry, 4-7 normal, and 8-10 wet). Light temperature measurements range from dark to light and 0-2000 lux (0-200 lower, 200-500 low, 500-1000 normal, and 1000-2000 high).
Once you have tested the condition of the soil, you can be confident that your plants have the optimal soil environment for healthy growth.
The Kensizer tester has a compact and lightweight design so you can easily carry it around your garden.
You can also use the handy hanging hook to keep the tester in your kitchen or garden shed.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Can use it outdoors and indoors
- Three-in-1 functionality
- Easy-to-read dial
- Displays pH, moisture, and light readings
- Extra-long and strong 7.9-inches dual silver and bronze probes
- Accurate readings
- Compact and lightweight
- No batteries required
- Hanging hook
Cons
- Needs to be placed near the roots for accurate readings
- Prongs are not strong enough for hard rocky ground
- Not designed for testing in water
Our Top Pick for the Best Soil pH Tester
Our top pick for the best soil pH tester is the Kensizer 3-in-1 Soil Tester.
Whether you have a passion for indoor plants like succulents or herbs, or you love to grow flowers, fruit, or vegetables in your garden, the Kensizer 3-in-1 soil pH meter is an essential gardening tool. Instead of guessing whether the soil you use is right for your plants, the Kensizer soil tester does all the work and you can spend more time enjoying your flowers and eating a bountiful harvest.
Check the price on Amazon
