Best Soil Moisture Meters - Top Picks, Reviews & Complete Buying Guide
by Scott Miller Updated on
If you are planning to measure the moisture levels of soil and you are in need of a soil moisture meter we suggest you stay on this page and keep on reading as you will find out various interesting facts about these tools and we assure you will know which one you would like to buy by the end of this article.
What we did is gathering both positive and negative reviews made by gardeners, scientists, and a variety of other professionals who regularly use one of these tools and made a list of the top five models currently available on the market.
You should know that moisture meters are precision tools and you should look for the one that gives the most accurate reading possible.
The first model on our list is the Gain Express Soil pH moisture meter.
What you get with this tool is high-quality results and simplicity of use.
That is what you expect from this tool to provide.
There is no setup and the tool does not even require batteries.
Users really appreciate the quality of the unit.
It is claimed that this tool is an easy-to-read meter enabling you to detect pH levels in the soil at a range of 3-8.
If we have to speak about some of its flaws, we should say that the results it provides are reliable, but the tool takes an amount of time to appear on display.
Usually, digital moisture meters give results instantaneously, so some users take it as a disadvantage of this unit.
Not only that it is the second best, but it is also best for the money model.
What this tool possesses is a great combination of quality and value.
Actually, it has to be mentioned that this unit is very versatile.
It reads moisture, detects pH levels and even determines how much sunlight a particular spot is getting.
The results are very easy to understand – PH is measured at a range of 3.5-8, sunlight is measured at a range of 0-2,000 while moisture is measured at a range of 1-10.
Users appreciate the fact that the unit is durable, portable, and above all reasonably prices.
As it is not our top pick, there has to be something negative about this tool.
Actually, the unit can take quite a bit of time to respond and furthermore it is very fragile, meaning that it can be affected by the harsh outdoor climate.
As you have read this, we believe that you got the idea of possible tool to buy.
If there are still some unanswered questions, we suggest you go through our buyer’s guide on moisture meters and get familiar with all the possible considerations related to these tools.
How important are the batteries?
We have spoken about five models and none of them requires batteries to operate. Some people claim that battery operated units are better while others do not agree.
On the one hand, battery powered units are pricier to buy and maintain, but on the other they are more responsive and give quick results.
Which features should it possess?
When we speak about the features of meters, you could notice that all choices on this list measure more than moisture.
Those which check for pH and sunlight are more advanced and thus more expensive.
Prior to buying it, you need to consider what sort of features you are going to need,, being that the majority of people who need to measure moisture may also find it handy to know the levels of pH in their soil.
How significant is the ease of use?
The ease of use is a feature mentioned when all the tools are concerned and data recording instruments that we mentioned so far are all so easily used that you do not have to be a master of agriculture to be able to read the results.
The moisture meters are usually very easy-to-read measurement tool as well as easy to use.
What should I know about the price?
Some people would take into consideration the price of the unit as an important factor.
The price of soil moisture meters can range from $10 to over $100.
The price distinction is due to the difference in quality.
Still, you do not have to spend a fortune to get a right tool for you.
Consider buying our best for the money pick model which will give good readings at an affordable price.
Have in mind that this is not a tool for professional purposes and those who use it frequently know that it is worth spending more money on an advanced tool.
Conclusion
We have gone through both good and bad sides of soil moisture meters.
The reviews are there to enable you pick an option that will be right for you.
We just want to draw your attention to two recommendations that might simplify the decision.
Those people who look for the quality tool would appreciate the Gain Express Soil Ph & Moisture Meter.
Others who have limiting budgets should think about our “best for the money” pick – the VIVOSUN Soil Tester.
Once you know what your needs are and what features the tool should possess, finding the product that is right for your needs would be an easy task.