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 3.4. The Apera PH400 Portable leads on price. The Ohaus Starter ST300 wins on features. The Apera PH400 Portable costs $150.25 less ($305.07 vs $455.32).
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.
Ohaus Starter ST300
A handheld from a lab-equipment maker, for labs standardised on Ohaus. Other buyers get the same accuracy for less.
Amazon $455.32$455.32
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Apera PH400 Portable for price ($305.07 vs $455.32).
- Choose the Ohaus Starter ST300 for features (replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation, waterproof (IP54), stores readings vs replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation, waterproof (IP57)).
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 | Ohaus Starter ST300 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Accuracy 30% | 81 ±0.01 pH | 81 ±0.01 pH |
| Calibration 15% | 85 3-point calibration | 85 3-point calibration |
| Features 20% | 70 replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation, waterproof (IP57) | 82 replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation, waterproof (IP54), stores readings |
| Extra readings 10% | 0 pH and temperature only | 0 pH and temperature only |
| Price 15% | 29 $305.07 | 12 $455.32 |
| Warranty 10% | 25 2-year meter warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| Apera PH400 Portable | Ohaus Starter ST300 | |
|---|---|---|
| pH measurement | ||
| Accuracy | ±0.01 pH | ±0.01 pH |
| Resolution | 0.01 pH | 0.01 pH |
| Range | 0 to 14 pH | 0 to 14 pH |
| Calibration | 3-point | 3-point |
| Temperature compensation | Yes | Yes |
| Other readings | ||
| Conductivity (EC/TDS) | No | No |
| ORP | No | No |
| Salinity | No | No |
| Build | ||
| Replaceable probe | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof rating | IP57 | IP54 |
| Stored readings | - | 30 readings |
| Battery life | - | 500 hours |
| Weight | 340 g | 160 g |
| Meter warranty | 2 years | - |
| Probe warranty | 6 months | - |