Apera SX711 Portable
A strong all-round handheld for brewers, food makers and field labs. It is accurate, logs readings and comes with a long warranty.
Amazon $279$279
The Apera SX711 Portable is the better ph meter overall, rated 3.8 to 3.1. The Apera SX711 Portable leads on accuracy, features and calibration. The Bluelab Combo Meter wins on extra readings and warranty.
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 SX711 Portable for accuracy (±0.01 pH vs ±0.1 pH), features (replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation, waterproof (IP57), stores readings vs replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation) and calibration (3-point calibration vs 2-point calibration).
- Choose the Bluelab Combo Meter for extra readings (conductivity (EC/TDS) vs pH and temperature only) and warranty (5-year meter warranty vs 3-year meter warranty).
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 SX711 Portable | Bluelab Combo Meter |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 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% | 90 replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation, waterproof (IP57), stores readings | 55 replaceable probe, automatic temperature compensation |
| Extra readings 10% | 0 pH and temperature only | 70 conductivity (EC/TDS) |
| Price 15% | 33 $279 | 33 $279.99 |
| Warranty 10% | 50 3-year meter warranty | 100 5-year meter warranty |
Specifications
| Apera SX711 Portable | Bluelab Combo Meter | |
|---|---|---|
| pH measurement | ||
| Accuracy | ±0.01 pH | ±0.1 pH |
| Resolution | 0.01 pH | 0.1 pH |
| Range | -2 to 20 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 | - |
| Stored readings | 200 readings | - |
| Meter warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Probe warranty | 6 months | 6 months |