Best Soil Moisture Meter
After taking a close look at several options for moisture meters, we’ve found that the best is the iPower Soil 3-in-1 Soil Meter for Moisture, Light, & pH. It’s the most accurate and precise of the lot, and also happens to be compact and inexpensive.
The tips of the probes (needles) don’t break easily, and the entire meter is easy to use and read.
Gardeners and other landowners who would like something simple but reliable would be well-suited to choosing the iPower.
Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To find out more about the iPower Moisture Meter, see the Product Reviews section below.Runner Up: Best Moisture Meter
The runner-up meter is the Jellas 3-in-1 Soil Moisture Meter. The Jellas is similar to the iPower 3-in-1 but does have a slight issue when it comes to testing pH. The probe can be a bit finicky, but the entire product is accurate overall and easy to read.
The color-coded results are simple and the product offers a reasonable warranty without being overpriced.
Last update on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more information on the Jellas Meter, see the Product Reviews section below.
Soil Moisture Meter Buyer’s Tips
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your soil moisture meter.
If you’re just starting out getting information on your lawn and plants, you may want to pick up a soil test kit as well!
Types of Information Displayed
Some soil moisture meters only test the moisture of the soil, while most of them can test moisture, light, and pH levels of the soil. If you’re really only looking for moisture, then you may want to consider a meter that is only for moisture. Most, however, will want to be able to test all three, and will likely want a combination meter.
Moisture
This one is the obvious one, the tester will tell you how moist the soil is. Depending on if you’re using this indoors or outdoors, you can tweak your watering needs in order to ensure you’re not wasting water, drowning plants, or dehydrating them. Of course, different plants require different water needs.
If you have a smart watering system, automated gardening irrigation system, or the like, a moisture meter can be quite helpful for your system to ensure everything is functioning optimally.
Light
It can be helpful to get a sense of the amount of light coming through an area, especially when it comes to indoor plants. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, you can move it to a better location, or add some shading if it’s getting cooked.
pH Balance
It’s not just for conditioner! Knowing the pH of the soil will help ensure that the soil is as healthy as possible for the type of plant you’re looking to grow. You can try to modify the soil pH to match the plants you’re growing (easier with potted plants than with lawns), or you can choose the plants based on the pH of the soil you’ll be planting in.
Unfortunately, the pH is generally a little harder for these meters to measure, and the readings are most likely to be questionable on pH. The pH readings generally get a little more accurate as the moisture of the soil is increased, and are less accurate in really dry soils.
Tips for Using a Soil Moisture Meter
- Do NOT leave the meter in the soil. The tip will corrode.
- Always wipe off the probes when finished.
- Do NOT place the meter in plain water. The device will provide an inaccurate reading because it is expecting the alkalinity of soil.
With these in mind, good luck, and enjoy easier gardening!
Soil Moisture Meter Reviews
Soil meters are specific devices designed to measure the qualities of soil. Many can only check for one characteristic, but more manufacturers are now making 3-in-1 meters capable of checking soil moisture, light availability, and pH.
It can be difficult to make an accurate meter that is compact and works from home. Gardeners might not be getting a product that works, which is a major problem for those who take their plants seriously.
Here we will look at five different popular soil moisture meters. We’ll start with a comparison table to get the lay of the land, and then go into individual reviews. We’ll conclude with our favorites.
Last update on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Dr. Meter Hygrometer Moisture Sensor for Garden
Key Points at a Glance
- No Battery Required
- Only Senses Moisture
- Color-Coded
- Available in Green
- Compact
- 10 Scales of Moisture
- No Electricity Required
- Includes Instructions and Watering Tips
- Includes an 18-Month Warranty
- Includes a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Dimensions and Specs
- 7.7 in. Needle
- Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3 in.
- Weighs 3 oz.
The Details
The Dr. Meter Hygrometer Moisture Sensor for Garden, Farm, Lawn Plants (Dr. Meter Hygrometer) is a sensor designed to test how wet soil is. It features a molded plastic chamber for the meter and a 7.7 in. long metal needle with a sensor in the tip.
The meter provides readings at 10 different scales of moisture divided between three separate colors – red, green, and blue.
The Dr. Meter Hygrometer operates without any sort of battery or electricity. The package comes with instructions for product use as well as a detailed explanation of what plants work best at different moisture levels.
For example, a cactus grows ideally in soils that read at the first three levels on the Dr. Meter Hygrometer.
This product additionally includes an 18-month product warranty as well as a 30-day money back guarantee.
The Bottom Line
The Dr. Meter Hygrometer is a simple product that only checks for moisture instead of the trifecta of moisture, light, and pH.
In general, the device isn’t bad but does suffer from some design flaws. In particular, the Dr. Meter tip deteriorates rapidly, leaving the meter ineffective. Many users have found that the meter struggles to detect moisture in loose soil variants and works best in mixes with clay or another thick substance.
For these reasons, the Dr. Meter Hygrometer does not come out on top of this review.
- Compact & Portable: Have you been sticking your finger in...
- Easy to Read: No experience required--while this plant...
- No Batteries Required: Who needs batteries or electricity?...
- Gentle to Plant Roots: Keep roots intact when you do...
- Helpful Tips: The moisture meter is designed only for soil...
Last update on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Sonkir Soil pH Meter, MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester
Key Points at a Glance
- Available in Green, Black, Blue, or Purple
- Warranty Included
- No Electricity Required
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Measures Moisture, Light, and pH
- Color-Coded
- Instructions Included
- Compact
- Includes Special Needle Tips
Dimensions and Specs
- Includes Two Needles
- Includes Two Sensors
- Weighs 2 oz.
- Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 2.0 x 1.5 in.
- Needle Length: 7.9 in.
The Details
The Sonkir Soil MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester (Sonkir Soil Tester) is a compact soil meter designed to test moisture, light, and pH. The meter possesses two separate needles with sensors at the tips. Each needle is 7.9 in. in length and works best when placed in slightly damp ground.
The Sonkir Soil Tester is available in a variety of colors, including green, black, blue, and purple.
The sensor readout is color-coded and can be switched to show any of the three categories (moisture, light, or pH). The three meter readings are all presented on the same display, and the system may get a little confusing if you’re not careful which position the switch is in. The User Interface isn’t ideal, but it is functional.
No electricity is required for the soil meter to work, and instructions are included for best use. Two lithium-ion batteries are included to power the soil meter.
The entire product is portable and lightweight. A 12-month warranty is available upon purchase for either a full refund or the replacement of a faulty meter.
The Bottom Line
The Sonkir Soil Tester is a decent, inexpensive meter that works well for individuals who would like some at-home assistance when it comes to tailoring plans to improve the health of their plants. However, there are some downsides.
In particular, the Sonkir moisture and sunlight meters work well, but the pH sensor can be wonky. In many cases, it will continue to provide “alkaline” results no matter what the gardener does to the soil.
Many users also reported the needles (probes) breaking off quickly. For these reasons, the Sonkir Soil Tester does not come in near the top of this list. It is, however, still one of the cheapest meters on the market for people who would like basic moisture and sunlight information.
- Kindly NOTE: This soil tester can not be applied to test pH...
- 3 METERS IN ONE: Soil moisture level, Soil pH value and...
- NO BATTERY NEEDED: Simply insert the meter into soil, wait...
- STURDY AND SCIENTIFIC DESIGN: Reliable materials and...
- MULTIPURPOSE SOIL TEST KIT: Portable and compact design...
Last update on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Yoyomax Soil Test Kit pH Moisture Meter
Key Points at a Glance
- Measures Moisture, Light, and pH
- Green
- Color-Coded
- Adjustable
- Compact
- Warranty Included
- Money Back Guarantee Included
- Portable
- No Electricity Required
- Batteries Included
Dimensions and Specs
- Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 3.9 x 0.3 in.
- Weighs 2.4 oz.
- Includes Two Needles (Probes)
The Details
The Yoyomax Soil Test Kit/pH and Moisture Meter (Yoyomax Meter) is a top of the line soil meter that measures moisture, available light, and pH. The product is green, compact, and portable. It features two separate silver probes that work best when inserted into slightly damp, soft soil.
No electricity is required to get the meter to work and the required lithium ion battery is included upon purchase.
The Yoyomax Meter features a color-coded readout that is adjustable. Similar to the Sonkir, the Yoyomax meter has all three readings on a single display, with a switch to choose between information types. The UI is a bit confusing, but it does work.
A 12-month warranty is available upon purchase, and the meter also includes a 30-day money back guarantee in case there is something wrong with the initial product.
The meter takes about 10 minutes after being inserted in the soil to provide the most accurate results. It should be wiped down after use. Some instructions are included with the meter and are written on the back of the cardboard package.
The Bottom Line
We should note that though this product is listed as an “Amazon’s Choice”, there may be some fishiness with this listing. Fakespot suggests several reviews were removed, and there are some misc. reviews on the listing for mailboxes, some sort of rake, and other things.
It may be that the listing is in transition, but there is at least some cause for concern here.
It’s also difficult to locate information about the manufacturer, and some who have purchased the Yoyomax indicate it’s a product of inferior quality.
For these reasons, the Yoyomax is not an ideal choice. We’ll update this article of this information changes.
- Cut the guess work altogether and make your plants much...
- 3 in 1 design (Moisture/pH/Light Tester) provides you a...
- No batteries or electricity needed, ready to use out of box....
- Compact and portable for indoor/outdoor use. A necessity for...
- 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: We take pride in delivering top...
Last update on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. iPower 3-in-1 Soil Tester Meter, Moisture, pH, Light Meter
Key Points at a Glance
- No Batteries Needed
- No Electricity Needed
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Tests Moisture, Light, and pH
- Green
- Compact
- Color-Coded
- Easy to Read
- Warranty Included
Dimensions and Specs
- Includes Two Probes (Needles)
- Probe Length: 7.1 in.
- Product Dimensions: 2.36 x 11 x 2 in.
- Weighs Less 4.8 oz.
The Details
The iPower Soil 3-in-1 Soil Meter for Moisture, Light, & pH (iPower Meter) is a small, durable, and compact soil meter. It is capable of testing soil for moisture, light availability, and pH. Like other meters on our list, it measures pH best when placed in moist soil.
The product is green and requires no batteries or electricity to work. Instead, it can be put directly in the soil and left for 10 minutes to generate results. The readout is color-coded and easy to understand, though again, all of the readings are on the same display.
The iPower Meter includes two probes, one white and one silver.
A 12-month warranty is included with purchase and entails either a full refund or the sending of a replacement product should something happen to the original.
The Bottom Line
The iPower Meter is this review’s top pick because it is the most accurate and precise option currently available. The probes are sturdy and don’t break easily, the readout is simple, and instructions and warranty are both included in the initial package.
Like most soil meters, the iPower should be maintained to keep it working properly, but once maintained, the iPower provides the best results.
For those who want healthy plants, the iPower is hard to beat.
- 3 in 1 Soil Moisture Meter+ Soil pH Meter+Sunlight Meter:...
- Reliable and Accurate: Sensing probe ensures accurate and...
- Universal Use: Lightweight and portable, easy to carry...
- Promote Plant Growth Healthy: The 3 in 1 soil meter help you...
- Testing Range Refer: Moisture Range: 1-10 (1-3 Dry, 4-7...
Last update on 2025-03-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Jellas 3-in-1 Soil Moisture Meter
Key Points at a Glance
- No Batteries Required
- Includes a 12-Month Warranty
- Includes 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
- Double Needle Design
- Available in Green, Silver, Brown, or Olive
- Tests pH, Light, Moisture
- Detailed Readout
- Adjustable
- Color-Coded
Dimensions and Specs
- Product Dimensions: 11 x 3.2 x 1.5 in.
- Weighs 8 oz.
- Two Separate Needles (Probes)
- Each Needle is 7 in. Long
The Details
The Jellas 3-in-1 Soil Moisture Meter (Jellas Meter) is a patented soil meter which measures moisture, available light, and pH. It consists of a color-coded readout and two separate needles (probes) that can be placed in the soil.
The meter works best when left for 10 minutes in soft, slightly damp earth.
Each of the needles is 7 in. long, and the full product possesses dimensions of 11 x 3.2 x 1.5 in. The meter weighs roughly 8 oz.
The Jellas Meter is available in four colors: Green, silver, brown, and olive. Instructions are included in the packaging and no batteries are required after purchase.
Each meter comes with a 12-month warranty to cover manufacturer error as well as a 30-day money back guarantee.
The entire product is portable and adjustable. Customer service is easy to contact and the meter itself is simple to read — just be sure to remember what piece of information you’re testing!
Many users find it to be compact yet durable.
The Bottom Line
The Jellas Meter is a basic product that gets the job done. It is susceptible to some of the problems that plague other meters, such as having difficulty creating accurate pH readings.
However, the Jellas is better than others in that it provides some of the most precise results in all three categories, especially when compared to other meters that available for the same price.
For these reasons, the Jellas comes in second place behind the iPower Meter.
Last update on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Finding an accurate soil meter for home testing is difficult to find and tricky to make. Out of the options currently available, the best is the iPower with Jellas a close second.
What this review did find is that soil pH testing is almost always somewhat inaccurate with home instruments, so gardeners might want to seek higher accuracy soil testing if superior information is needed.
However, a home meter is still a valuable addition to any garden, especially for new gardeners who have trouble determining when flowers and succulents should be watered.
Last update on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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