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7 Best Soil pH Tester Reviews: Grow Healthy Plants in Perfect Soil

Best PH Soil tester
Are you forgetting about using the best pH soil tester to check the soil’s pH when growing your plants? Well, the pH of acidic soil is one of the many factors that affect a plant’s growth. Therefore, optimal soil pH is crucial for growing healthy and well-nourished plants.

But numerous pH meters for soil are available on the market. How do you determine the right growing supplies for your plants? In this detailed buyer’s guide, let us look into the best soil pH tester!

 

Soil pH Testers | Editor’s Picks

Vivosun 3-in-1

· Affordable

· Easy to use

Price: US$13.99

Raintrip 4-in-1

· Ideal for small gardens

· Fast response

Price: US$15.99

Gain Express

· Good probe

· Very accurate

Price: US$59.99

Luster Leaf

· Corded probe

· Easy to read

From: US$13.00

 

Buyer’s Guide

If you’re growing plants whose leaves are turning yellow, it is time to check the pH level of the soil. High water and soil pH can harm your plants. To avoid this, you must buy the best pH Soil meter for gardening.

But before you purchase the best pH meter, you must learn about the various options available. To select the appropriate pH soil tester, you must look for different features and specs. Let us learn about analog and digital pH soil testers.

 

Digital vs. Analog pH Soil Tester

The best soil pH test is either by a digital or analog meter. Digital pH soil testers feature electrodes that measure the conductivity of either alkaline soil or acidic solutions. They translate the information into a pH scale from 0 to 14 to display it on the LCD.

In contrast, analog pH meters use chemical indicators which detect the soil’s acidity or alkalinity. Such meters change colors to indicate the pH levels.

 

What to Look for When Buying a pH Soil Tester?

pH meters vary in features and performance. Here are some important specs you should look for to buy the best soil tester.

  • Calibration
  • Probe connection types
  • Temperature control settings
  • Precision (reduced margin of error)
  • Different modes (mV mode, etc.)

 

How to Choose the Best Soil pH Tester?

When choosing the pH soil tester, you must look into the digital and analog meters. Digital meters are more accurate compared to analog pH testers but are on the upper end of the price spectrum.

If you’re looking for something affordable, analog pH testers are ideal. However, you must consider your work niche. For example, if you’re growing commercial plants, you must purchase the best soil pH meter for better accuracy.

Moreover, precision is another crucial thing to consider before purchasing your pH soil tester. You must invest in a precise pH soil tester if you want to reduce the margin of error.

But high-precision pH testers are more expensive. Therefore, buying a pH tester isn’t as easy as it seems. You must consider some factors before purchasing the best soil pH meter.

  • Precision
  • Accuracy
  • Analogue vs. digital meter
  • Budget
  • Indoor vs. outdoor use
  • Specs
  • Smart technology

 

7 Best pH Soil Testers

Here are the seven best pH soil testers available on the market.

 

Vivosun 3-In-1 Soil Tester

 

VIVOSUN Soil Tester

If you cannot stand the look of lifeless brown and yellow leaves, the Vivosun three-in-one pH soil tester is the best soil pH test for various types of soils.

The Vivosun pH meter is the best soil pH tester available on the market, as it has three functions. This pH meter can test moisture, light, and pH, helping plants thrive.

Moreover, it is a highly accurate pH soil tester. It also features advanced double needle detection technology allowing the meter to measure moisture levels for your plants.

Vivosun soil tester is on of the best pH soil meter because it can detect the levels of sunlight your plants receive. This allows you to relocate your plants if they do not receive sufficient sunlight in a spot. Therefore, the meter solves a myriad of gardening problems by using the best sensor probes.

In addition, this soil tester does not require batteries. You can keep the sensor probe in the soil and get the soil profile after ten minutes.

It also displays the pH levels on a simple analog display. Therefore, it is a highly accurate, precise, and affordable soil test kit that solves numerous gardening problems besides detecting the pH. This feature makes the Vivosun 3-in-1 soil tester better than its competitors.

Pros 

  • Affordable
  • Easy to use
  • Various functions
  • Highly accurate for pH, light, and moisture profiles

Con

  • Gives soil profile within ten minutes

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Bluelab Soil pH Pen

Bluelab Soil pH Pen

Bluelab has designed the best soil pH tester, all thanks to its innovative technology. Bluelab’s advanced soil pH pen can accurately check the soil’s alkalinity and acidity, as the pen is designed for precision.

It features a glass probe that can be used in the growing tent, aquarium, coco, rockwool, etc. You can also use this tool to check temperature fluctuations and soil moisture.

In addition, the pH pen is more convenient than test strips as it combines various pH monitoring strategies to produce an accurate result. This digital pH meter also features low battery indicators, auto-off functions, and units for temperature testing.

It is the best soil pH tester due to its easy calibration. Its 30-day calibration system sets it apart from other soil pH meters as it is more advanced, easy to use, and efficient.

Moreover, this pH meter features a superior design and manufacturing. The integrated LCD is highly durable.

Pros 

  • Easy-to-read display
  • Works well in soil, coco, and rockwool solutions
  •  Easy calibration
  • Simplistic design

Con

  • The glass probe may break

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Raintrip 4-In-1 pH Meter

Soil Moisture Meter 4 in 1 Soil Ph Meter

Are you looking for the best soil ph tester? Raintrip 4-in-1 pH meter is a multifunctional hygrometer that can accurately detect your soil profile for the soil pH test. This pH meter can simultaneously determine nutrient, moisture, and pH levels.

Moreover, it is the best soil pH meter for cost efficacy. The competitors that come with the advanced technology of determining similar soil profiles cost more. But with Raintrip’s pH tester, you can enjoy these four services at an affordable price.

In addition, you only have to insert the probe deeper than 2.5 inches to measure the soil profile. This pH tester determines the result within seconds. Thus, it has a fast response as compared to other soil testers.

Plus, Raintrip’s 4-in-1 pH tester also features a single probe which causes less damage to your soil and plants as compared to double probe meters. Therefore, it is the best pH meter for soil if you’re growing your plants in a small space.

Pros

  • Ideal for small gardens
  • Works well indoors and outdoor
  • Accurate for various soil profiles
  • Features a single probe
  • Does not require batteries
  • Fast response

Cons

  • The depth of insertion into the soil must be deeper than 2.5 inches
  • Not as durable

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Gain Express Soil pH Meter

Gain Express Soil Ph & Moisture Meter

The Gain Express Soil pH meter is an accurate pH tester with accurate measurements and a thick probe. This pH meter is highly functional as it can test the soil’s pH and moisture levels.

If you’re looking for the best pH test for soil, a home pH meter is the best option because it helps you determine an accurate soil profile. You can simply insert this pH tester up to eight inches deep into the soil.

This meter has a different design, as you must push and hold the button to read moisture levels. However, the moisture readings and pH are incredibly accurate. Moreover, this pH meter also includes a detailed guide about optimal pH levels for gardening, etc.

Pros

  • Good probe
  • Accurate pH readings
  • Dial for easy reading

Con

  • Have to hold down the button for moisture reading
  • Must insert the probe up to eight inches into the soil for accuracy

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Luster Leaf pH Soil Meter

Luster Leaf Ph Soil Meter

Do you want the best soil pH tester? You can record an accurate soil pH value with the Luster Leaf soil pH meter.

This pH tester uses a corded probe for easy handling and reading. It also comes with a scale plate. The large display makes it easier to read the pH.

The four-inch probe is designed for better functionality. Moreover, the Luster Leaf pH soil meter is also calibrated for accurate readings.

The meter features a scale containing information for recommendations for adjusting soil pH. This meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor gardening.

Pros

  • Comes with a guide
  • Instantly tells you how acidic or alkaline your soil is
  • Comes with a cleaning pad

Con

  •  Delicate pH probe
  • Needs regular cleaning for better accuracy

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XLUX Soil Moisture Meter

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter

The best soil pH tester requires precision and accuracy. For this purpose, XLUX has designed a soil meter with a longer-than-usual probe measuring up to 5.5 inches.

Moreover, the sensing probe is highly accurate for deep use. This probe ensures instant testing for indoor and outdoor use. It features a large and easy-to-read dial which comes with ten scales.

You must insert the moisture tester into the soil for immediate results. This meter features a single probe which causes less damage to the soil.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Features a large display
  • Has a single probe

Cons

  • Not ideal for hard soil
  • Requires frequent cleaning

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Gouevn Soil Moisture & pH Meter

Gouevn Soil Moisture Meter

The best pH test for soil requires effective meters, and fortunately, the Gouevn soil moisture and pH tester is a highly accurate and precise pH tester with a quick response. It also features a large dial so you can easily read the display.

Moreover, Gouevn’s best pH meter for soil comes with a watering guide. It is ideal for both indoor plants and outdoor gardens.

In addition, the long probe sensor measures about 7.7 inches. This length is suitable for deep garden soils. What sets this meter apart from other pH testers is that it does not require batteries.

This soil tester is highly compact and lightweight, making it portable. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best soil pH tester for your plants, Gouevn’s soil meter is a good buy!

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Long probe
  • Large display
  • Ideal for deep soil

Con

  • Not as durable

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Reading the Result of a Soil pH Tester

Follow these steps:

  1. Follow the instructions provided by your soil pH tester to take the measurement.
  2. Once you have the reading, compare it to the pH preferences of the plants you want to grow. Most plants prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
  3. If the reading is outside of the desired range, you may need to adjust the soil pH. If the soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. If the soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH. Follow the recommended application rates for your specific soil type and the amount of adjustment needed.

It is important to note that different plants have different pH preferences, so be sure to research the pH requirements of the plants you want to grow and adjust the soil pH accordingly.

 

Soil pH Scale

Denomination

pH range

Ultra acidic

< 3.5

Extremely acidic

3.5–4.4

Very strongly acidic

4.5–5.0

Strongly acidic

5.1–5.5

Moderately acidic

5.6–6.0

Slightly acidic

6.1–6.5

Neutral

6.6–7.3

Slightly alkaline

7.4–7.8

Moderately alkaline

7.9–8.4

Strongly alkaline

8.5–9.0

Very strongly alkaline

> 9.0

 

FAQS

 

Are Soil pH Testers Useful?

Soil pH testers are handy as they can detect whether your gardening soil is ideal for growing plants. If the garden soil is too acidic or alkaline, your plants will die.

 

Why do you Need a Soil pH Meter?

It helps you determine what plants you can grow in that area. Sometimes the soil needs fertilizers or soil pH adjusters. A soil pH tester will give you that information.

 

Which Is More Accurate: pH Paper or pH Meter?

pH meters are more accurate and precise than pH paper. pH papers use a color chart for indication of pH. Wrong interpretation of color can result in inaccurate pH readings.

 

How Moist Should Soil Be to Get the Most Accurate pH Reading?

You must gently insert the probe into the soil. The moisture levels should be between 4 to 7. But the soil must not be soaking wet.

 

How Do You Read a Soil pH Tester Result?

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 is considered acidic, while a pH above 7 is considered alkaline.

 

Do I Need to Add Water to the Soil When Measuring?

You must add water to the soil before measuring the pH for accurate readings. Dry soil does not work well when you insert the probe. It may also break your glass probes.

 

When to Calibrate a pH Tester?

You should calibrate your pH tester before every use for highly accurate readings.

 

How to Calibrate Your pH Meter?

To calibrate your pH meter, press the on/off button for some seconds to turn on the pH tester. Then prepare the buffer solution.

For one-point calibration, use a buffer solution of pH 7. Next, dip your clean electrode into the pH buffer solution. Then press the calibrate button before removing the electrode from the buffer solution and wash it with the distilled water before taking the pH of the soil.

 

How Often Do You Need to Calibrate Your pH Meter?

You should calibrate your pH meter twice a month to reduce measurement errors. Besides, you should calibrate the pH meter every time you use a new electrode.

 

How Long Can a pH Meter Last?

A pH meter can last for up to 360 readings. This means that the best pH meter for soil can be used for one reading per day for a year.

 

Best soil ph tester

 

Wrapping Up with the Best pH Soil Tester

The best meters are designed to accurately measure the acidity or alkalinity of the soil to help your plants grow better. Different meters have different specs, prices, accuracy, and additional features. We hope this guide helps you pick the best pH meter for soil testing.

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