When it comes to gardening, knowing water pH levels isn’t just for hydroponics. It’s also important for everyday gardeners. pH affects the water used to hydrate plants as well as liquid fertilizers used to pass on nutrients. Therefore, it’s good to know how to test water pH in your garden.
Read on for our recommendations for the best water pH testers for indoor gardening!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Apera Instruments AI209
Runner-up
Bluelab pH Pen
Best Test Strips
SJ Wave 16-in-1 Water Test Kit
Best Overall
Apera Instruments AI209
My top pick overall for best water pH tester is the Apera Instruments AI209. This digital pocket pH tester has a glass membrane that makes quick pH measurements when dipped into a liquid solution.
The digital screen has large, easy-to-read numbers, and it has an error rate of less than 0.1 pH. It’s also simple to calibrate with the included calibration solution.
When not in use, there’s a shield to keep the glass membrane from being damaged. There’s even a durable carrying case to store in it during the off-season.
Pros:
- Easy to read
- Accurate
- Comes with a protective shield and case
- Simple calibration process
Cons:
- Requires batteries
Runner Up
Bluelab pH Pen
Bluelab is known for its quality pH testers, and the Bluelab pH Pen is no exception. This digital pH meter is small enough to stick in your tool belt, and it’s fully waterproof. It’s the best water pH tester for those on the go.
Along with pH levels, the probe reads water temperature. And, it’ll alert you when it’s time to be recalibrated or the battery life is low.
Once the pen has been soaked in calibration solution for 24 hours after arrival, it’ll be ready to use. This is one of the more expensive pocket testers, but the accurate readings and quality construction make it worth it.
Pros:
- Fully waterproof
- Accurate
- Multi-purpose
- Easy to calibrate
Cons:
- Requires batteries
- Pricey
Budget Option
Ruolan pH Meter
The Ruolan pH Meter is the best water pH tester if you’re looking for a cost-friendly digital meter. For a little more than $10, this tester will do its job well.
It may not last as many seasons as high-end testers. But, if you’re not looking for long-time use, this is a great route.
The Ruolan tester will read pH when the probe is dipped into a solution. The screen clearly reads your results in large numbers, so there’s no need to decipher which number reflects pH.
It also automatically compensates for temperature, which is a useful feature for a budget tester.
Pros:
- Cost-friendly
- Compensates for temperature
- Easy to read
Cons:
- Not as durable as other testers
Best Test Strips
SJ Wave 16-in-1 Water Test Kit
The SJ Wave Water Test Kit is the best water pH tester when you’re a new gardener. The kit comes with over 100 test strips. Simply fill the test tube with water, and insert the color-changing strip into the tube.
The strips test 16 different factors in your water. This includes pH, hardness, iron, copper, lead, nitrate, alkalinity, and more. It’s a great way to learn all about the water source you’ll be using in your garden.
When you’re not using the kit, store your strips in one of the included resealable bags with a dry agent. This will keep your strips safe from humidity and ready for next season.
Pros:
- Comprehensive test
- Cost-friendly
- Good for new gardeners
- Stores well
Cons:
- Single-use strips
Best Test Drops
A2O Liquid pH Test
Eliminate the extra step of test strips, and use test drops. Test drops are dropped into the solution, making it change colors to reflect the pH.
This is the best water pH tester for easy results. All you need is the test liquid bottle to get results. That means no keeping up with strips, kits, meters, and calibration solutions.
The drops do only measure pH from 4.0 to 10.0. So, it’s not the best option if you plan on getting results higher or lower than that. But, normal water pH will usually be in that range anyway.
Pros:
- Cost-friendly
- One-step results
- Easy to decipher
Cons:
- Doesn’t measure full pH range
- Single-use drops
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best water pH tester for me?
The best water pH tester for you depends on how much time you spend gardening. If this is your first year, start out with test strips or drops. They are cheaper than digital testers and are easy to use.
If you’re an experienced gardener, you may want to invest in a digital tester. These can last for many seasons, given they are cared for and of high quality.
Do I have to calibrate my water pH tester?
Yes, it’s important to calibrate digital water pH testers. Most digital testers come with a calibration solution that acts as a pH reference for the meter.
The solution will be associated with a certain pH level. Make sure your meter is reading at that level when inserted into the solution.
This should be repeated regularly for the most accurate results.
Keep Your Plants Healthy With the Best Water pH Testers
By using one of these best water pH testers, you can ensure that your plants are able to receive hydration and nourishment.
Learn all there is to know about getting your garden started by visiting our Seed Starting page where we go over the best products (like water pH testers!) to use, along with growing tips and tricks.