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10 Picks for the Best Soil pH Tester for Gardening

A soil pH tester is a great way to ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need. Soil pH is directly linked to healthy plant growth; therefore, having optimal levels is crucial.

This is helpful for starting seeds indoors and directly sowing seeds into the garden.

So, what’s the best way to test your soil’s pH?

I’m going to go over the 10 best soil pH testers for gardeners. Keep reading for more!

A soil tester.

Our Top Picks – Soil pH

Best Overall – Accurate & Reliable:
Gain Express Soil and Moisture Meter

Budget Option:
Kensizer Soil Tester

Best Comprehensive Soil Test:
MySoil Soil Test Kit

Budget Soil Test:
Luster Leaf Rapid Test Kit


Types of Soil pH Testers

Analog Probe Tester

An analog soil tester and person holding handful of soil.

This is the most popular type of soil pH tester. And, it’s arguably the best soil pH tester if you’re a regular gardener. This type will have one to three probes attached to an analog reader.

You simply insert the probe into the soil, and the dial will tell you whether your soil is acidic or alkaline.

This is a cost-friendly way to keep up with your soil, and they can be used year after year.

Digital Probe Tester

A digital soil tester.

Digital probe testers are almost identical to analog testers but are usually battery-powered. You’ll see your pH levels in number form instead of interpreting a scale.

These are typically pricier than analog, but they are clear and easy to read. Though, if you hate changing out batteries, you may want to stick with analog.

Chemical Test Kit

A chemical soil strip tester.

Chemical test kits will either come as test capsules or strips. You’ll mix your soil sample with water and match the color to the pH chart, indicating your soil’s pH.

There is a little more work involved, but they work well for testing out a new garden area. You also get several capsules/strips per kit, so they’re cost-friendly.

Professional Send-Off Kit

Person putting soil sample into a glass tube, lab soil test concept.

The last type of soil pH test is a professional send-off kit. With these, you’ll collect soil from several different areas of your garden.

You’ll mix the collected soil and stick the sample in the mail for professional testing. Results are usually emailed to you within two weeks.

This is a pricier route. But, the results will usually tell you many things about your soil besides pH. For example, you’ll learn about what nutrients are deficient in your soil and what fertilizer can be used to help.

This is the best soil pH tester for those who are new to gardening and need help deciphering how to amend their soil.


The 10 Best Soil pH Testers

Now we’ll dive into our top picks for the best soil testers. We go over the pros and cons of each one to help you pick the one that best meets your gardening needs.


Best Overall

Gain Express Soil and Moisture Meter

Soil pH and Moisture Meter 2-in-1 Tester 308mm Long Waterproof Metal Electrode for Indoor & Outdoor Gardens Plants Flowers Farming

If you’re looking for a high-quality probe tester, the Gain Express model is the best soil pH tester for you. It’s a lot pricier than other testers, but that’s reflected in its sturdy build.

The waterproof probe is over 12 inches long, reading both pH and moisture. The longer probe works well for penetrating difficult soil. That’s good news if you’re dealing with heavy clay.

The analog reader is also on top of the meter, so it’s easy to see while stuck in the ground.

Pros:

  • Durable materials
  • Long probe
  • Waterproof

Cons:

  • Pricey

Budget Option

Kensizer Soil Tester

Kensizer Soil Tester, Soil Moisture/pH Meter, Gardening Farm Lawn Test Kit Tool, Digital Plant Probe, Water Hydrometer for Indoor Outdoor, No Battery Required

My top pick overall for the best soil pH tester is the Kensizer soil tester. It’s a simple analog model, and there aren’t any frills. But, it’s reliable and cost-friendly.

The Kensizer comes with two probe testers: one for moisture and one for pH.

The pH tester has a large, easy-to-read dial that measures pH from three to 10. Unlike the multi-purpose testers, there’s no need to squint and determine what you’re looking at.

Pros:

  • Cost-friendly
  • Easy to read
  • Reusable
  • No batteries are needed

Cons:

  • Single-purpose testers

Best Comprehensive Soil Test

MySoil Soil Test Kit

MySoil - Soil Test Kit | Grow The Best Lawn & Garden | Complete & Accurate Nutrient and pH Analysis with Recommendations Tailored to Your Soil and Plant Needs

Let the professionals test your soil for you. The MySoil Soil Test Kit is one of the best soil pH testers for reliability. Besides pH, your test results will cover all the different nutrient levels in your soil.

You’ll simply take samples from your garden area and send them off in the provided test cup.

Results take six to eight days to get back to you. But, you’ll have a digital copy of your soil analysis to refer to when amending your soil.

The results will even tell you how to properly amend your specific soil. If you’re new to gardening, this is very helpful to ensure your garden thrives.

Pros:

  • Reliable results
  • Tests several different nutrients
  • Includes tips on how to amend your soil

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Takes several days to get results

Budget Soil Test Kit

Luster Leaf Rapid Test Kit

Luster Leaf 1601 Rapitest Test Kit for Soil pH, Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potash, 1 Pack

The Luster Leaf test kit not only measures pH. It can also tell if your soil lacks nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. These comprehensive results make this kit one of the best soil pH testers.

Luster Leaf uses capsules instead of test strips. The powder within the capsule is combined with the soil and water sample. The solution will turn colors, indicating the soil’s pH.

This process is repeated to determine NPK levels. The kit only comes with 40 capsules, making it less budget-friendly than the strips. But, you’re getting to know more about your soil than pH.

Pros:

  • Determines pH and NPK levels
  • Easy to read

Cons:

  • Pricier than test strips

Best Test Strips

Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Kit

Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Kit (3.5-9 Range) | 100 Soil pH Test Strips

The Garden Tutor test kit is the best soil pH tester for those who prefer chemical tests. The kit comes with 100 test strips, so you can perform several tests on different soil samples.

In a cup, mix your soil with equal parts water. Insert the strip into the solution, and wait for the strip to change colors. Line up your results with the provided color chart to determine your soil’s pH.

It’s a little more work than sticking a probe into the soil, but the results are usually clear and accurate.

Pros:

  • Comes with many test strips
  • Cost-friendly

Cons:

  • More work than a probe tester
  • Single-use strips

Best Multi-Purpose Meter

Sonkir Soil pH Meter

SONKIR Soil pH Meter, MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester Gardening Tool Kits for Plant Care, Great for Garden, Lawn, Farm, Indoor & Outdoor Use (Green)

The Sonkir Soil pH Meter is the best soil pH tester for multipurpose use. This Sonkir model is an analog probe tester with two probes attached.

While it has two probes, the reader will measure three things: pH, moisture, and sunlight. Since different plants have unique pH and sunlight requirements, this tester is perfect for determining where to plant something.

There’s no need to carry around multiple testers with this model because the Sonkir does it all!

Pros:

  • Multi-purpose
  • Great for new plants
  • Doesn’t need batteries

Cons:

  • Numbers are small

Best Screen Reader

Fivota Soil pH Meter

Fivota Soil pH Meter, FV03 Upgraded Large Screen Soil Moisture/Sunlight/pH Tester Backyard Soil Test kit, Reliable Gardening Soil Tool for Garden, Farm, Lawn Indoor & Outdoor Use

The Fivota Soil pH Meter is very similar in build and function to the Sonkir tester. So, what makes Fivota’s version one of the best soil pH testers?

This two-probe analog tester measures pH, moisture, and sunlight like other models. The thing that sets this meter apart is the design. The screen is slightly larger, making it easier to read.

The black, rectangular meter also looks sleeker, making it appear more expensive. But, Fivota is still as cost-friendly as the rest of the testers.

Pros:

  • Easy to read
  • Multi-purpose
  • Sleek design

Cons:

  • Probes tend to loosen

Best for Budget

Atree Soil pH Meter

Atree Soil pH Meter, 3-in-1 Soil Tester Kits with Moisture,Light and PH Test for Garden, Farm, Lawn, Indoor & Outdoor (No Battery Needed)

The Atree Soil pH Meter is the best soil pH tester when you don’t have a large budget. It essentially has all the same features as other 3-in-1 analog probe testers.

By inserting the probes into the soil, Atree will determine the pH along with light exposure and soil moisture. Just remember to clean your probes after using them, so they don’t rust.

This tester isn’t built for hard soil. But, if your area is prone to sandy or loamy soil, this tester will do its job. It’s also good to test seed-starting soil, which is usually less compact.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Multi-purpose

Cons:

  • Not as durable as other testers
  • Probes won’t penetrate hard soil

Best for Hard Reaches

Luster Leaf Soil pH Meter

The Luster Leaf Soil pH Meter is an analog probe tester with a twist! The probe is attached to a cord, so it allows you to reach further and be more flexible. This is great for testing hard-to-reach areas.

The tester only reads pH, but the screen has large, easy-to-read numbers. Luster Leaf also includes a cleaning pad to ensure you get the longest use out of the probe.

This versatile product is also made by a trusted brand. You can see why it makes this list of the best soil pH testers.

Pros:

  • Flexible
  • Easy to read
  • Familiar brand

Cons:

  • Single-purpose tester

Best Digital Tester

Bluelab Soil pH Pen

Last on the list of best soil pH testers is the Bluelab Soil pH Pen. It may be last, but it’s certainly not the least. This Bluelab digital probe tester is perfect for commercial farmers and those who are serious about gardening.

The price tag may be a little steep compared to other pH testers. But, it can test the pH levels of soil, water, and rockwool alike. The digital screen will give a clear, easy-to-read answer, along with a temperature reading.

It’s waterproof and made to last. It even comes with a dibber to help keep your probe safe from damage. Along with being a reputable brand, Bluelab also gives a one-year limited warranty.

Pros:

  • Tests many different mediums
  • High quality
  • Easy-to-read screen

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • Requires batteries

The Importance of Testing Soil pH

Even if you’re new to gardening, you are most likely aware that good soil directly impacts plant growth. Soil is where a plant’s roots receive nutrients and water, and poor soil won’t allow those two to thrive.

So, what does this have to do with pH levels? pH measures how acidic your soil is. It can be anywhere on a scale of zero to 14. Ideally, it should be somewhere closer to the middle.

The lower the number, the more acidic your soil is. Blackberries, apple trees, and irises love acidic soil, for example. But, if the soil is too acidic, it may become toxic to plants.

The higher the number, the more alkaline your soil is. Kale, lavender, peas, and lilac are more fond of these higher numbers. But, soil that is too alkaline often struggles to pass nutrients to plants.

The ideal pH level for you is dependent upon what you’re trying to grow. If your soil needs to be more acidic, try amending it with compost, sulfur, or peat moss. If you need more alkaline soil, add lime.

Bags of soil amendments. A soil tester helps you know what to add to your garden soil.

FAQs on Best Soil pH Testers

1. What is the best soil pH tester for me?

The best soil pH tester for you will depend on your gardening habits. Are you regularly checking your soil’s pH throughout the season? A probe tester may save you money in the long run.

If you are just doing an initial test of one area, a chemical test kit may benefit you better. Professional send-off kits are also a great idea for this.

The way I see it: the more you plan on testing pH, the better a digital or analog probe tester would be. Probe testers also work well for testing houseplant soil and potted plants.

2. How deep should I read my soil?

Test your soil at about four to six inches deep. If your soil is especially tough, take a small trowel and break up the soil. This should allow you to access a sample at that depth.


Get the Best Soil pH Tester for Your Garden!

Take your garden’s success to the next level with one of these best soil pH testers. Your results allow you to tailor your soil to a specific plant’s growing needs.

Person holding handfuls of soil.

My top pick over for the best soil pH tester is the Kensizer Soil Tester. It’s simple and budget-friendly, and it gets the job done well for the majority of gardeners.

Good soil pH is just one of the factors that help seedlings get established. Give your garden a jumpstart by visiting our Seed Starting page for more blog posts. We go over helpful products along with tips and tricks to grow the most successful seedlings.

Shopping for your garden can get overwhelming, fast. So if you’re looking for advice on garden tools and garden supplies, then you’re in the right place!