Best pH Meters Ranked By Quality

1. Apera Instruments, LLC AI209

The Apera Instruments, LLC AI209 pH meter is a portable pocket tester that is easy to carry and use anywhere.

This pH meter is affordable, compact, and includes automatic temperature condensation. The low impedance sensor gives a quick response rate and accurate reading.

The device comes with a lanyard as well as a carrying case with pH 4 and pH 7 buffers.  Some users noted that the calibration can be difficult and time-consuming.

Others found the instructions challenging and recommended using online videos instead of reading the included instruction manual.

If you want an affordable pH meter with ±0.1 pH accuracy and automatic temperature condensation, then this is the best pH meter for you.

2. HoneForest

The HoneForest TDS meter is the best pH meter for drinking water on our list even though it doesn’t actually test pH. Why?

Because the HoneForest TDS meter can reliably test water and determine whether or not the water is safe to drink.

This meter tests TDS, also known as total dissolved solids, and this reading can tell you when you have dangerous substances in your water or excess minerals such as copper or iron.

The Environmental Protection Agency has said that 500 ppm is the maximum acceptable TDS level. When you test your drinking water, look for a level between 0 — 500 ppm.

If you find that your drinking water has a level that exceeds 500ppm, you need to contact a professional water specialist to determine the exact problem and how to fix it.

More elaborate testing will need to be done to find the source of the problem.

This TDS meter is extremely affordable and offers a quick 60-second test to ensure your water is safe, especially if you've been storing it.

The green backlit screen is easy-to-read, and the pocket size is highly portable. If you want to ensure your drinking water is safe and do not require measuring specific pH, then we recommend this TDS meter.

3. HM Digital TDS-EZ

The HM Digital TDS-EZ meter is the best water quality tester with a TDS testing range of 0-9990 ppm.

From 0-999 ppm, the measurements are present in 1 ppm increments with 1000 to 9990 ppm switching to 10 ppm increments.

These measurements measure the total dissolved solids in water with the Environmental Protection Agency stating that anything above 500 ppm is dangerous for drinking.

If you do not need a pH reading, this TDS meter is a cheap, inexpensive option for testing your drinking water at home.

The hold function saves measurements so you can easily record your readings and compare them over time.

Automatic temperature compensation is also included. A large LCD display is easy-to-read, and an auto-off function saves battery life.

The back of the model has a chart that shows what the different measurement readings mean so you can easily assess the quality of your water and pinpoint any problems.

The inexpensive model does contain a 100% plastic body made with cheap materials, but for the price, this model cannot be beaten. 

4. Milwaukee Instruments MW102

The Milwaukee Instruments MW102 pH meter is an expensive pH meter that goes above and beyond other meters.

With an extended range of -2 to 16 and ±0.02 pH accuracy, precise readings are a given. The stainless steel temperature probe is highly sensitive and protected by the durability of the container.

A 9V battery keeps this pH meter working for years. This unit is heavy-duty enough to withstand field tests and can be used not only at home but also in the laboratory or for general field use.

Automatic temperature compensation from 0 to 70°C and two-point automatic calibration keeps the meter operational regardless of temperature.

This unit is bulkier than most of the pH meters on our list, but the unit weighs only 1 lb and is still portable.

This model also has a slower response time. When performing readings, you will need to be patient and wait for the full reading to surface.

However, these two downsides pale in comparison to the many upsides of this pH meter.

If you want the most accurate readings, the most durable system, and an extended pH range, then you want this pH meter model.

This model also includes 20mL sachets of calibration solution at 4.01 and 7.01 pH levels.

5. PentaBeauty

The PentaBeauty pH meter is an affordable, accurate pH meter perfect for users who want something small and sleek.

This is the best portable pH meter we’ve found. Weighing only 5.6 ounces, this pH meter is easy to carry around.

An auto-calibration feature also includes an auto temperature compensation feature to adjust to the water temperature in the sample being tested.

An easy-to-read screen with large numbers helps users read the pH level, and the on/off button helps preserve power. A protection cap hides the probe when not in use and protects it.

This pH meter comes with a user manual that shows pH ratings of common substances.

This makes it easier to identify liquids that are not at the appropriate pH level, such as your drinking water. Some users have noted, however, that calibration can be tricky and may take several attempts.

They have also pointed out that the glass probe is fragile and needs to be handled gently.

This is an affordable and portable pH meter with a helpful user manual that would be great for any homeowner who wants to test their water.

pH Meters Compared

Understanding pH Meter Water Testers

Plumbers use pH meter water testers to determine the pH level of the water in any given home or commercial building.

Understanding the water's pH level can help a plumber determine whether or not the water is safe to drink.

It can also help them decide whether or not the water is safe for the pipes (acidic water corrodes pipes, for example).

Biologists, chemists, and lab technicians also use pH meter water testers to test various chemical solutions.

Using a high-quality pH meter leads to a more accurate reading and provides a more specific reading as well.

Features of the Best pH Water Tester

Level of Accuracy & Consistency

The best pH water testers have an accuracy that measures down to 0.01 or 0.001. This level of accuracy is not always necessary but is helpful for quality control and research environments.

Consistency is best among more expensive pH meters where higher quality materials are used.

Ease of Use/Operation — Some pH meters are designed to be easy to use and portable such as a pocket handheld pH meter. Other meters are focused on accuracy and better readings such as benchtop meters.

Precision & Response Time

The precision of each pH meter depends on the values. The best pH meters will show precise measurements to 0.01 or 0.001.

Most pH meters should take approximately 60-90 seconds when it comes to response time. More advanced pH meters will be faster, but only by a few seconds.

Calibration Controls

All pH meters need to be calibrated. However, some pH meters require several calibration points.

Using a pH meter with a 2-point calibration system or 3-point calibration system will lead to a more consistent and reliable result.

However, a 1-point calibration system will be easier to use and more cost-effective.

Portability

Handheld pH meters offer greater portability compared to benchtop meters. The tradeoff is that handheld pH meters tend to have lower accuracy readings.

Automatic Temperature Compensation

The temperature affects pH readings.

Advanced pH meters will have an automatic temperature compensation calibration, but cheaper models will require you to calibrate at the same temperature as your samples.

Connectivity

Some pH meters will offer connectivity options. These meters can be connected to your computer to save readings and to work with various scientific programs.

Ways of Measuring pH Level

Calibrating a pH Meter

Before you use your pH meter, you need to calibrate it to ensure accuracy. Yes, you can calibrate your pH meter without a solution.

To calibrate your pH meter, get your buffers ready. You can use a neutral buffer as well as an acidic or alkaline buffer.

Set the pH by placing your probe into the solution and then digitally entering the correct reading.

Once you have an accurate reading that matches your buffer, you can remove the probe and clean it with distilled water. Now, set the pH a second time with the second buffer.

Continue this process with the third buffer. This will ensure that your pH meter is calibrated. If you have distilled water, which has a pH of 7, you can use distilled water as your solution.

Measuring with a pH Probe

To measure the pH level in water with a pH probe, first check your pH meter's instruction guide. Each probe has its own specific instructions.

However, most probes follow similar guidelines. Start by calibrating the probe to ensure accuracy.

You can check accuracy by testing the probe in a liquid substance with a known pH value. Then, collect a water sample and place the probe in the same.

Be patient and wait for the meter to reach a steady measurement (also known as equilibrium).

From here, you can read the pH reading and note the pH value for your records. The pH scale ranges from 0-14, so your reading will be in this range.

Cleaning and Maintaining pH Meters

 In wrapping up our evaluation of pH meter water testers, it's crystal clear: the APERA INSTRUMENTS AI209 Value Series stands head and shoulders above the competition.

With its spot-on accuracy, reliability, and user-friendly design, this pH meter is simply unbeatable. Whether you're a pro or just testing at home, the AI209 gets the job done right every time.

Use a pH cleaning solution of 0.1M of hydrochloric acid to clean your probe monthly.  If you are not using your probe, clean the tip with clean tap water and then place the cap on the tip.

Make sure that you keep all oils away from your probe. You should always make sure to clean and calibrate your probe every month.

FAQs

How accurate are pH meters?

The accuracy of pH meters differs based on the type of pH meter. Most pH meters range in accuracy from +/- 0.1. However, the most accurate pH meters have an accuracy of +/- 0.001.

Why is the pH level of water important?

The pH level of water is essential because it affects your daily health. Water can contain contaminants if the pH levels are off and can taste poorly as well as smell.

Poor pH levels can also lead to corrosion in pipes and destroy home pipe systems.

What causes low pH levels in water?

Low pH levels in water (acidic water) can be caused by minerals, most commonly calcium.

A high level of carbon dioxide is also typically present in the water. This occurs when chemicals or minerals enter your water.

How can you raise the pH levels in water?

To raise the pH levels in water, we recommend a neutralizing filter or a soda ash/sodium hydroxide injection into your water lines.

The method that is best for your home depends on why your water is acidic. Plumbers will need to ascertain the source of the problem and then create a solution.

What is the ideal pH level of drinking water?

The ideal pH level of drinking water is between 6.5 and 8.5. However, water slightly outside these lines isn’t always unsafe.

It will often cause problems for metal pipes (corrosion) and can be contaminated. It will also most likely taste poorly and may smell.

How long do pH meters last? When do I replace it?

Most pH meters last anywhere from 6 months to one year. You should recalibrate your pH meter monthly to ensure accuracy.

We recommend replacing your pH meter every one to two years as a homeowner and every six months as a professional plumber.

What is the difference between the cheap, mid-range, and expensive models on our list?

The most significant differences between the cheap, mid-range, and expensive models on the list are the durability of the pH meter and the accuracy.

Conclusion

A pH meter or TDS meter can help you measure your water quality and allow you to take decisive action if necessary.

You can keep your fish safe in your aquarium, your family safe when drinking water at home, and your family safe while swimming in your pool with these water reading devices.

If accuracy, quality, and durability are essential to you, then we suggest choosing the APERA Value Series. This product is the highest quality product on our list.