Apera PH400 Portable
A solid handheld kit for brewing and field work. The Apera SX711 now does more for less money.
Amazon $305.07$305.07
The Apera PH400 Portable is the better ph meter overall, rated 3.5 to 3.1. The Apera PH400 Portable leads on accuracy, calibration and features. The Bluelab Combo Meter wins on warranty and extra readings. The Bluelab Combo Meter costs $25.08 less ($279.99 vs $305.07).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Bluelab Combo Meter
A grower’s meter for checking pH and nutrient strength in reservoirs. It has the longest warranty here.
Amazon $279.99$279.99
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Apera PH400 Portable for accuracy (±0.01 pH vs ±0.1 pH), calibration (3-point calibration vs 2-point calibration) and features (replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation, waterproof (IP57) vs replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation).
- Choose the Bluelab Combo Meter for warranty (5-year meter warranty vs 2-year meter warranty) and extra readings (conductivity (EC/TDS) vs pH and temperature only).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every portable meters ph meter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Apera PH400 Portable | Bluelab Combo Meter |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Accuracy 30% | 81 ±0.01 pH | 19 ±0.1 pH |
| Calibration 15% | 85 3-point calibration | 50 2-point calibration |
| Features 20% | 70 replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation, waterproof (IP57) | 55 replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation |
| Extra readings 10% | 0 pH and temperature only | 70 conductivity (EC/TDS) |
| Price 15% | 29 $305.07 | 33 $279.99 |
| Warranty 10% | 25 2-year meter warranty | 100 5-year meter warranty |
Specifications
| Apera PH400 Portable | Bluelab Combo Meter | |
|---|---|---|
| pH measurement | ||
| Accuracy | ±0.01 pH | ±0.1 pH |
| Resolution | 0.01 pH | 0.1 pH |
| Range | 0 to 14 pH | 0 to 14 pH |
| Calibration | 3-point | 2-point |
| Temperature compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Other readings | ||
| Conductivity (EC/TDS) | No | Yes |
| ORP | No | No |
| Salinity | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Replaceable probe | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof rating | IP57 | - |
| Weight | 340 g | - |
| Meter warranty | 2 years | 5 years |
| Probe warranty | 6 months | 6 months |