Best pH Meters for Accurate pH Readings

The Apera PH60 can be called one of the most user-friendly and reliable pH meters on the market. The device is ultra-accurate (±0.01 pH) and works in a wide range of -2.00 to 16.00 pH, 32 to 122˚F (0 to 50˚C). It is equipped with a replaceable probe, which is a very nice touch. You won't have to purchase a new tester when the service life of the sensor is over. By the way, this particular model can operate for about 2 years under proper use and maintenance.

A huge benefit of being able to replace the probe is that you can switch between sensor types and test a wider variety of liquids and solids. The PH60 comes with a glass bulb sensor for measuring liquids like water in your pool, drinking water, juice, brewing, and aquarium water. If you want to test food like rice for sushi, for instance, or examine the soil in your garden, you can attach a spear sensor to the meter. This model is also compatible with flat sensors by Apera. With a flat sensor, you can get micro-volume samples and even measure your skin pH.

Moving on, there is a variety of measures the Apera PH60 can do for you. To specify, it can measure ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential), temperature, and has the ATC (automatic temperature compensation) that lets you get accurate readings regardless of the liquid temperature as long as it is within the range of 32 – 122˚F.

This pH meter is also a quite user-friendly device. It has a large three-color display and three buttons underneath it. They are pretty responsive and easy to operate. To enter some settings, you should long-press the menu button and then short press the mode button. By doing so, you'll be able to switch between P1-P2-..P7 settings and calibrate the meter, set pH values for the alarm, turn on the backlight of the screen, select a temperature unit, and turn on the auto-lock function. The latter option locks stable readings on the screen so that you can read them later.

The Vivosun 3-in-1 pH meter is a pocket-size tester that offers high accuracy and effortless operation, allowing you to test quite a variety of liquids with different temperatures due to the ATC function it supports. It also gives you three types of readings: pH, temperature, and TDS (total dissolved solids - inorganic and organic substances such as minerals, salts, ions, and metals that can be found in liquids including drinking water). The latter reading is especially useful, as it will let you stay on a safe side, making sure the maximum of dissolved solids in your drinking water doesn't exceed the recommended norm.

Next, this meter is very easy to calibrate. Coming with three buffer solutions (4, 7, and 10 pH), it basically includes everything you need so you will not need to buy extra calibration solutions additionally.

Taking a detailed look at its specs, the Vivosun meter doesn't trail behind the rivals, letting you test acidic, neutral, and alkaline liquids in a range of 0 - 14 pH. What's more, the unit automatically identifies the pH level of a calibration solution, making the adjustments quick and easy even for a novice. Contributing to the ease of use is a lock function that memorizes test results letting you read them later.

With the Apera Instruments AI209 PH20 tester, you get everything you may need for accurate and effortless pH testing. Actually, the set includes a durable carrying case, 4pH and 7pH buffer solutions, two batteries, and a lanyard that you can use to hang your pH meter around your wrist and keep it at hand, which is especially convenient when you need to make several tests at a time. There is also a soft housing gasket in the package; it's made from mild foam-rubber for safer storage and transportation of the tester.

Aiming to produce a device that would be easy to use by novices and professionals alike, the manufacturer has equipped the AI209 PH20 with detailed guidance. The manual gives comprehensive instructions on the operation and calibration of this model (which is quite simple and fast). All you need to do is take a buffer solution, dip the meter probe into it, and press a start button. The device will recognize the pH level of the buffer automatically. When the test is over, you will need to rinse the probe in distilled water to get it ready for the next testing.

The Dr. meter pH 100 is surely one of the best pH meters on the market today thanks to its ultra-high accuracy. When maintained properly, the meter provides you with ±0.02pH accurate data. For the same reason, it is a popular device for laboratory testing as well.

The measurement range of this model is 0 to 14 pH. This meter has the ATC function so it can be used at different temperatures (the temperature range makes 32-122ºF) safely. As for the time of measuring, the PH100 needs from 30 to 60 seconds to show the results. The reading time mostly depends on the temperature of the probe and the solution you want to measure. When the difference is significant, you have to wait longer. Once the meter determines the accurate pH and temperature of a liquid, it displays the results on an easy-to-read LCD screen. Both readings are shown at a time.

Operating the meter is very easy since there are only 3 control buttons underneath the screen - on/off, calibration, and hold buttons. So, to make a test, you need to press the on/off button, submerge the probe into the liquid you want to test, stir it for a few seconds and wait until the result is depicted on the screen. Then, you should rinse the probe in distilled water and wipe it out. Calibration is also quite easy with this unit - it supports 3-step calibration and automatically detects the buffering solution.

The Jellas JLPH01 is another compact and affordable pH meter. Right off the bat, we would like to note that it can measure just the pH of the water, not the temperature. However, it always delivers accurate data. So, if you are on a budget but want to get an accurate tester for home use, this model may be right up your alley.

The JLPH01 tests drinking water, water in your pool, aquarium, and even spa. Due to its straightforward design, this device is very easy to use. It has a single button for turning on/off and a small but well-readable display that shows you the pH level of the tested liquid. This meter has a standard accuracy level (0.1 pH) and pH range (0 - 14 pH). Its temperature range is 32- 122°F, so you can measure the pH of cold and hot liquids alike.

Moving on, we would like to say that this is a pocket-size meter that is only 5.94" long and 0.79" high. It is lightweight and has a pocket clip on the rear for a convenient use on-the-go. Next to the pocket clip, you will notice a small hole - a calibration trimmer. You need to regulate it with a screwdriver (comes in the box) from time to time.

To sum up, the Jellas JLPH01 is a basic low-cost pH meter. It gives accurate readings and is fairly easy in use. So if it sounds like the pH meter you’ve been looking for, then the Jellas model is a great choice.