From Labs to Gardens: Discovering the Top 7 Digital pH Meters in the World

A digital pH meter with inaccurate results can threaten your life because both water with low and high pH is harmful. pH meters are vital for measuring water quality for drinking water, irrigation water, fish tanks, and swimming pools because of their impact on the chemical and biological processes that occur in water bodies, which can be detrimental for human, plant and fish health. For example, water with a low pH can be corrosive and cause lead and other metals to leach into the water, which can be harmful to human and plant health. Water with a high pH can have a bitter taste and make it difficult for the body to absorb essential minerals. Therefore, it is essential to choose the best device to measure the pH. In this article, we have gathered the top 7  pH digital meters from more than 50 meters in the market and elaborated on their main features,  strengths and weaknesses. These products were chosen according to the Bayesian ranking, which takes into account both rating and number of reviews. The main objective of this article is to help you select the best product based on  your needs, based on the product’s cost, design, functionality, critical or favorable reviews and other relevant parameters. This article can help you make an informed decision in buying a suitable digital pH detector without wasting money on an unsuitable digital pH sensor for your application.

Table 1. The top three digital pH meters on the market (Brief Table)

To Download a Full Detailed Table of the top digital pH meters on the market, Click Below:

Discovering the Top 7 Digital pH Meters in the World

7. Extech PH220-C pH meter

Amazon

Extech meters and testers offer uptime, maximize productivity and verify compliance. Whether used as a component of an effective predictive maintenance program or as a key tool for a rapid response repair team, Extech instruments are the meters of choice for professionals who need to solve problems. PH220-C is extremely small and perfect for either hands-on or hands-free measurements. Extech's PH220 is a great tool for measuring pH, mV and temperature in various different applications. The PH220-C Kit includes an automatic temperature compensation pH polycarbonate electrode with a 12 mm diameter and 39-inch (1 meter) cable for use in hard-to-reach environments. The meter comes with a large LCD that displays pH and temperature simultaneously. The microprocessor provides for automatic buffer recognition. Equipped with a low battery indicator and auto power off. The meter has a rugged design for handheld or wall mount and magnetic back panel offers optimum flexibility and convenience.

This pH meter can measure pH from 0 to 14, mV from -999 to 999 mV, and temperature from 32 to 212°F (0 to 99.9°C). The meter relays information about two measurements at once and is capable of displaying a pH/mV reading and the detected temperature reading at the same time. Up to 25 of these records can also be stored directly on the devices' internal memory for quick and easy reference during testing procedures.

Table 2. Features of the Extech PH220-C waterproof palm pH meter

Favorable Customer Reviews

1. According to a user’s feedback, Extech customer service was very responsive and friendly because after having an issue with the meter, they kindly sent a new meter without any charges.

2. A satisfied customer was surprised by the meter’s accuracy by trying to measure a 0.1N KOH solution (which is a very accurate pH 13 solution), and it read 13.0.

3. A user reported that the device is easy to set up and use, while it comes with a convenient probe storage container.

4. People found that once the device is calibrated, the calibration stays in range for month(s) at a time.

5. Based on customer feedback, the meter is durable and made from good products and the magnetic back is handy to stick to ferrous surfaces.

6. The customer has consistently lauded the product for how durable it is when he used it frequently in a corrosive environment.

7. A customer was surprised that the meter can maintain its performance in 170 degrees with accurate and dependable results.

Critical Customer Reviews

1. An unsatisfied user reported that the automatic temperature compensation uses a temperature reference internal to the sensor head., and the sensor head has to be close to room temperature for it to work.

2. The customer reported problems with the design that buttons need to be pushed so hard, which will damage the display.

3. People found out that the meter is not waterproof because the battery holder pops out, exposing the rubber O-ring. 

4. A customer complained about the instructions that did not provide a certificate of calibration. I was told Extech calibrated the unit prior to shipping but would not provide a cert.

5. A user was disappointed because after submitting a support ticket, 10 messages and about 2 weeks later, he did not get a response from the company.

6. A customer felt inconvenienced and was unable to calibrate the meter and also the device would not read the temperature.

7. Several customers reported that the buffer solution was not enough and had to buy it separately, while the price was expensive.

6. SUBTREE Digital PH Meter

Walmart

The SUBTREE digital pH meter is suitable for testing drinking water, swimming pools, aquarium pH balance, RO systems, spas, or hydroponics, providing accurate pH data for various environments.  It has a compact design allowing for easy portability, making it convenient to take measurements anywhere, whether at the pool, on a trip, at the beach, or while camping. The meter provides  a sensitive electrode sensor that delivers quick and accurate pH readings. It also included a manual that provides guidance for optimal use. Equipped with an automatic temperature compensation, this meter can automatically adjust to the temperature of the testing liquid, ensuring accurate readings regardless of water temperature. The meter can be easily calibrated just by  pressing CAL for 5 seconds to enter calibration mode, then selecting the powders corresponding to 686, 4, and 918 to complete the calibration.

The table below presents the key features of the Pesonder digital pH meter. These features include the product name, dimensions, weight, special characteristics, price, and other technical specifications to help you make a better purchasing decision.

Table 3. Features of the SUPTREE Digital pH tester.

Favorable Customer Reviews

1. People found that the results are very accurate and there is no need to worry about the measurements.

2. According to a user comment, the LCD and display is easy to read, making it suitable for using in the dark.

3. The customer has appreciated that the product included  a set of buffer powder packets, helping in the calibration process.

4. A satisfied  customer used the meter for plant nutrient mixes and got accurate results. These mixes are often colored making it difficult to use the traditional pH test solutions that base pH on color. 

5. Based on customer feedback, the calibration was quick, simple and the instruction was clear and helpful.

6. A user mentions that the meter is a great meter for the price. However, most of the time it's where he left it or at max he just saw was 0.3 off.

7. People found that electrode in between testings must be completely dry and they mentioned the meter comes with it's own case with pre-packaged mixes to calibrate 

Critical Customer Reviews

1. The customer has voiced their discontent regarding the calibration process that needs 3 cups of water and can take some time.

2. A user was disappointed because the company is unknown with no website and company address. 

3. Several customers have criticized the accuracy of the meter, saying that  it wouldn't even stay at a single number if it kept moving all the time. It would typically start way high and slowly fall and keep going past the calibration solutions ph.

4. A customer complained about the calibration process and followed the guidelines but the meter did not calibrate.

5. Some customers felt inconvenienced because the meter does not hold a calibration, resulting in recalibration multiple times.

6. A customer felt inconvenienced because the meter only worked for about 3 days of maybe 15 readings a day. Then it started reading everything really high or really low.

7. One unsatisfied customer reported that the probe is not durable and can be easily broken with a little pressure.

5. Pesonder Digital pH Meter

Amazon

Walmart 

This adaptable pH tester provides a dependable instrument for professional lab use as well as daily tasks to improve quality of life. It effectively assesses pH levels in different settings, such as drinking water, swimming pools, aquariums, RO systems, spas, and hydroponics, offering automatic temperature compensation; it ensures accurate readings over a temperature range of 0°C to 80°C (32°F to 176°F), removing worries about liquid temperature during evaluation. The sensitive electrode sensor guarantees quick and precise measurements, while the comprehensive manual assists users in obtaining stable readings with ease. Just take off the protective cap, dip the electrode into the solution, and press the button for fast results—no need for difficult litmus strips. With outstanding post-purchase assistance, any problems will be addressed within 24 hours to enhance the experience.

The ph meter accuracy is 0.01 with a 0 to 14 measurement range. It power supply is  2 * 1.5V LR44 batteries, offering use for more than 500 hours.

Table 4. Features of Pesonder accurate pH meter.

Favorable Customer Reviews

1. According to positive reviews, the meter was easy to use and had a carrying case.

2. The  user has noted that the results were accurate in many cases, such as in fish tanks and drinking water.

3. One user reported that the material with thick plastic is durable and the meter gives accurate results in a short time.

4. According to a user comment,  although the meter needs calibration after several tests, it has the fastest reading in the market.

5. Based on customer feedback, the calibration instruction was clear and helpful and the pH meter results were accurate.

6. According to reviews, while it needed distilled water for calibration, it is possible to store the pH-specific water for future recalibrations.

7. One satisfied customer, after conducting several tests on soil runoff, reported that the results are accurate and it is better to cover the holes on the back of the meter.

Critical Customer Reviews

1. One customer reported that despite calibrating it three times, the number is not accurate and keeps flashing different numbers.

2. Based on a negative review, the display does not light up and cannot be seen in the dark.

3. The Customer has voiced their discontent regarding the calibration process  that is hard and needs distilled water 

4. Several customers reported that the meter refuses to give a consistent reading after calibration.

5. A customer felt inconvenienced because the meter had leaking batteries and eventually corroded.

6. Based on critical comments, despite advertisements, the meter is not waterproof and water can damage it.

7. A user has expressed dissatisfaction with the meter that only worked for a few weeks and after that it broke despite not using it frequently. 

4. VIVOSUN Digital PH Meter

Amazon

Vivosun is a popular company that primarily specializes in manufacturing and selling premium hydroponic and indoor gardening items. On the 7th of our list there is an affordable 3-in-1 product from Vivosun, which includes a pH meter, TDS meter and soil tester. The pH meter has an Automatic Temperature Compensation function, providing a  rapid adjustment to water temperature and offering near-immediate pH results. Based on the Vivosun claim,  the test results are fast and accurate. The results of the test are clearly displayed on an LCD screen. The next item is the TDS and EC meter, which also has automatic temperature compensation and a long battery life. It can automatically be powered off if unused for 5 minutes, containing an agile titanium alloy electrode. It offers an easy-to-read LCD screen and writes with the hold function. Soil tester, which has the ability to measure soil moisture and pH with one button to switch modes. This meter can help your garden grow rapidly and more efficiently.

Table 5. Features of VIVOSUN digital pH, TDS and EC meter

This meter is suitable for all home and laboratory TDS & pH testing applications, such as aquariums, swimming pools. The measurement range of pH meters is 0 to 14. Moreover, TDS and EC  meter measurement range is  0 to 9990 ppm and 0 to 9990 µs/cm, respectively, with  an accuracy of  ± 2%. An important note to consider is that the TDS & EC meter can't test sea water.

Favorable Customer Reviews

1. Seven customers have believed  that  meters are surprisingly accurate and worth buying for mixing your nutrients and water before adding to a hydroponic reservoir or soiled plants.

2. A coutumer mentioned that the price is appropriate and affordable in respect to its accuracy but it could be higher.

3. One user claims that the soil meter is increasingly useful and works in different conditions.

4. According to a positive review the device can get multiple backups, making it easy to use without worrying about breaking.

5. Based on customer feedback that had difficulty in the calibration process the customer service was helpful.

6. Positive reviews indicated that the moisture meter is accurate and handy for a newer grower.

7. According to a user’s feedback, the TDS meter is accurate and does not need calibration.

Critical Customer Reviews

1. Several users experienced issues with the pH meter not calibrating properly, requiring constant re-calibration. 

2. Customers mentioned that the meter broke on first use and it is not water resistant

3. A user said that the pH meter has a poor battery connection so it tends to reset over and over. 

4. Some users stated that The built-in light meter is not all that useful since it's standing up but the sensor is on the face. The

5. One unsatisfied customer reported that the pH meter is inaccurate and needs to be set every time, and seems to tell the alkaline no matter how acidic the solution is.

6. The Customer reported problems with the instructions for use that are incomplete & not fully explained.

7. A customer felt inconvenienced due to the calibration process that is hard and can not be done even following YouTube videos.

3. HMDPHM80 Digital pH/Temperature Meter

Amazon

eBay

The PH-80 is an affordable and reliable pH meter that is ideal for various testing applications such as hydroponics and gardening, pools, spas, aquariums, reef tanks, water ionizers, drinking water, boilers, cooling towers and wastewater . The PH-80 measures pH and temperature, including one-touch automatic digital calibration, a water-resistant body, a simultaneous temperature display, a sleek, lightweight design, a large LCD display, automatic temperature compensation, an auto-off function, a data-hold function and a low-battery indicator. Every meter comes with a storage solution and a single-use pH 7.0 buffer pack. The PH-80 comes pre-calibrated and can be swiftly and effortlessly recalibrated to pH 4.0, 7.0, or 10.0 through the meter's user-friendly one-touch system. It comprises a cap, batteries, a storage solution, and pH 7.0 buffer.

The pH measurement range is 0 to 14, temperature range 1-55 ºC or  32-130 ºF. The pH resolution is 0.1, while the temperature resolution is 0.1 ºC/ºF. Finally, the pH accuracy is +/- 0.2, the temperature accuracy is +/- 2%, and the TDS accuracy is 10 µS or 5 ppm.

Table 6. HMDPHM80 Digital pH/Temperature Meter main features.

Favorable Customer Reviews

1. A customer has praised the price and feels this pen may be the best budget-priced option on the market. 

2. The customer appreciated the clear instructions and said the device works really well in different conditions. 

3. The customer has consistently lauded the product for easy calibration and the product does not need regular calibration.

4. One satisfied customer believed that the meter is durable with a rubber seal.

5. The customer was surprised at how fast the meter can achieve the results; within 3 seconds it will give the baseline pH and before 9 seconds it tells exactly what the pH is.

6. People found that the customer service is responsive; a user had issues with the solution package and the customer service sent another one free of charge.

7. Seven customers have experienced how durable the product is and after calibration, the accuracy is +/- 0.1.

Critical Customer Reviews

1. Based on customer feedback, the rubber that the cap is supposed to push against to keep the probe from drying out was dry rotted and it can break easily.

2. The user has noted that the numbers are a little small on the screen and it is hard to read.

3. People found that the LCD does not have backlighting, making it difficult to read the numbers in the dark.

4. A user was disappointed because the meter just underperforms in testing ultra-pure water systems with nutrients.

5. Several customers indicated that the temperature probe is very slow to respond. and the temperature indication continues to change for a couple of minutes without stabilizing.

6. The users were disappointed because the probe was not saturated and was dry which can cause inaccurate results. 

7. Seven customers criticized the calibration for not lasting long. It worked for a minute, then it consistently kept giving random pH readings.

2. Bluelab Combo pH meter

Amazon

The next product in our list is from Bluelab company located in New Zealand, offering meters for pH, temperature and conductivity.  It offers a backlit display, which helps users to read the numbers easily in the dark.  It is easy to use with a simple calibration process, in which the pH meter needs two point calibration, while the other meters are factory calibrated. The meter uses automatic temperature compensation and works at any temperature.The pH probe is made of double double junction, however the overall material of the meter is plastic. The temperature unit can be changed from °C to °F.  The device comes with a 2-meter cable, making it portable for hard-to-reach locations. The customer service indicates that the meter has a 5-year limited warranty.

Table 7. Features of Bluelab Digital pH Sensor.

Favorable Customer Reviews

1. According to the positive reviews, the meter is dependable with accurate results and an easy-to-use process, while maintenance is not required frequently. 

2. One user was satisfied by the performance of the meter after 10 months because it is easy to calibrate and extremely accurate.

3. Based on customer feedback, the device is convenient to use and easy to calibrate. Also, the device can hold calibration as long as you take care of it.

4. According to a user’s feedback, the calibration is easy and the meter is a reminder to recalibrate the pH every month.

5. A user was excited by how accurate the pH meter is. It mentioned that the meter is functional in both water and soil.

6. One satisfied customer stated that the pH meter has an auto-shutdown feature, helping to save the battery.

7. Most comments indicate that the customer service was responsive and helped them calibrate the meter.

Critical Customer Reviews

1. One user complained that the meter does not have a probe care or storage kit and the probe requires a lot of maintenance.

2. A customer reported that the device only shows one digit; for example, it shows  5.8 only instead of 5.83  and for this price, it is strange.

3. A user reported that it is better if the device comes with the mounting hooks on the back, making it ideal for stationary use for the reservoir.

4. One user reported that despite using the meter for six months, the couple became brittle from repeated bending at the same spot and broke.

5. According to a negative review , the device takes up to 4 minutes to set up before each test and this is time-consuming.

6. One user complained about the customer service that the warranty is fake and they are not responsive.

7. Based on a critical review, the timer of the display is too short, resulting in it automatically shutting off rapidly.

1. APERA Premium Series PC60 Digital pH Meter

Amazon

The Apera Instruments PC60 Multi-parameter Tester simply analyzes pH, EC (conductivity), TDS (ppm), salinity (ppt)  and temperature in a highly quick and  professional manner for all kinds of general water solutions such as hydroponics, horticulture, aquaculture, pools and spas, drinking water, water treatment, cooling towers, environmental monitoring, and education. The meter comes with a large, clear LCD screen with 3 backlit colors (indicating 3 different modes), a dual display of temperature as well as pH/EC/TDS/Salinity, and icons of completed calibrations, making the readings stable. The menu is easy to use with easy menu settings that can be customized based on the user's choice. It has auto-calibration and offers auto-temperature compensation. The accuracy of pH is 0.01, while for EC is 1% with full scale. Also, it can measure temperature from 0 to 50 °C with an accuracy of ±0.5 °C. Equipped with smart self-diagnosis, warning of out-of-range measurement and incorrect calibrations with hold function available to improve consistency. Produced in an ISO 9001:2015 certified facility using high-purity reagents, deionized water and certified analytical balances in a temperature-controlled environment, as well as iP67 waterproof and dustproof, which can be floating on water.

This meter uses AAA batteries with low power warning and auto power off in 8 min if no operation, offering up to 1000 hours' continuous operation (without backlit) powered. The meter comes with a 2-year (6 months for the probe) warranty. The Apera Instruments AI1109 pH calibration buffer solution kit includes three 8oz bottles of pH buffer solutions (pH 4.00, pH 7.00, and pH 10.01) and one 4oz bottle of 3M KCL storage solution for pH/ORP electrodes. The color-coded buffer solutions are standardized against NIST-certified pH references within 0.01 pH at 25°C (77°F). It's ideal for the calibration of all kinds of pH meters. Also, a temperature/pH reference chart is provided on the bottle label for reference because pH level is affected by temperature. The 3M KCL Storage Solution helps keep the sensitivity and accuracy of the pH probes.

Table 7. Features of APERA Instruments AI316 Premium Series PC60 Digital pH Meter.

Favorable Customer Reviews

1. According to a user’s feedback, the screen is really helpful because the readings on the screen are clear and can be seen even in the dark.

2. The customer has consistently lauded the product for an easy calibration process that can be calibrated properly right out of the box.

3. A user has used the meter for hydroponics and various water testing needs, including pool pH and salinity monitoring and was completely satisfied with the results.

4. The customer was surprised by the overall performance of the meter, especially the performance of the battery that was still full after using it for  8 months.

5. According to comments, the customer service is responsive and helps them through the calibration process step by step.

6. A customer, despite having trouble in the calibration process, reported that after the process the meter was simple to use normally.

7. The user has noted the device is durable and it feels good in the hand. It doesn't feel cheap and it's well made.

Critical Customer Reviews

1. Several customers have criticized that the calibration process is harder than it seems with 3 solutions. They got confused and the instructions did not help them because they were unclear.

2. A  user believed that while the pH values are accurate, the salinity level is always wrong, even after recalibration.

3. The customer has voiced their discontent that the device needs recalibration after using it every time.

4. One unsatisfied customer reported that the meter cannot be used on saltwater or reef tanks; however, the pH reading is reliable.

5. A customer noted that it is impossible to tell which mode it is in as the letters like 'pH' or 'tds' are blurry and difficult to differentiate between modes on the screen. 

6. Several users noted that the meter stopped working within a month while everything was working smoothly.

7. The customer reported problems with the instructions, which are poorly translated and there is a major flaw in the menu that doesn't allow the user to exit the parameter option.

 Conclusion 

pH is an important parameter for assessing the health of water. pH variation can be caused by external and unhealthy chemicals, leading to acidity or alkalinity of a water sample. pH can predict what kinds of chemicals can be released into the water column. This article delves into the top-selling pH digital meters on the market that can be used for various applications, such as testing drinking water, swimming pools, aquarium pH balance, RO systems, spas, or hydroponics. After assessing more than 100 premium digital pH detectors on the market and performing Bayesian ranking, we identified the top pH meters on the market. The list has various meters from different companies; each is suitable for a unique application. For instance, Extech PH220-C  (ranked 7th) is for harsh environments and hard-to-reach environments with 1 meter cable, while SUBTREE Digital PH Meter (ranked 6th) and Pesonder pH Meter (ranked 5th) are affordable meters for indoor use. VIVOSUN High-quality PH Meter ( ranked 4th) is a 3-in-1 product with pH, TDS and soil moisture meters with an affordable price. HMDPHM80 Digital pH/Temperature Meter (ranked 3rd), which is another accurate, affordable meter in the market, while Bluelab Combo Meter for pH, Temperature & Conductivity (ranked 2nd) is a beer for people who have professional use from the pH meter with a price of $239.99. Moving forward to APERA Instruments AI316 Premium Series PC60 (1st rank), which offers a suitable overall package with 3 buffer solution kits to ensure reliable calibration. This digital sensor is useful for both professional and beginner usage.