Apera PC60 pH/EC Tester
#1 in Pen testersFull review
A pen that checks pH and nutrient strength together, for hydroponic growers and reef keepers. It is accurate and the probe can be replaced.
Amazon $131.16$131.16
±0.01 pH3-pointEC/TDS, Salinity
A digital pH meter reads acidity with a glass electrode. It is the tool for checking hydroponic nutrient solutions, pools and spas, aquariums, drinking water, beer and wine, and lab samples. These rankings cover meters from $50 up, from Apera, Bluelab, Milwaukee Instruments, Hanna, Extech, Oakton, Ohaus, Bante and VIVOSUN. Soil probes, test strips and drop kits, and continuous monitors and controllers are left out.
Pick the form first. A pen tester has the electrode built into the end of the pen and suits quick dips in a tank or pool. A portable meter puts the electrode on a cable, which is easier to rinse, reaches into narrow vessels and is cheap to replace. A benchtop meter sits on a stand for lab and QC work, usually with a standard BNC electrode and data storage.
Accuracy is the spec that matters most. Cheap pens read to ±0.1 pH, which is fine for pools and gardens. Brewing, food and lab work wants ±0.01 pH or better, plus calibration at three points (pH 4, 7 and 10) so the meter stays accurate across the range.
The electrode wears out. Every pH electrode ages, usually within one to two years of regular use. A meter with a replaceable probe needs only a new probe, not a new meter.
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.
Top Picks
Bante 221 pH/ORP Portable
A handheld with benchtop-class accuracy and an ORP electrode in the box, for water-treatment and lab work away from the bench.
Amazon $350$350
±0.002 pH5-pointORP
VIVOSUN AeroLab pH Pen
#4 in Pen testersFull review
A low-cost grower’s pen with a replaceable probe. Its maker publishes little beyond the accuracy claim.
Amazon $65.99$65.99
±0.01 pHNone
Shop by Type
Pen testers
13 rankedPocket pH testers with the probe built into the end of the pen, for quick checks of nutrient solutions, pools, aquariums and drinking water.
Top rated: Apera PC60 pH/EC Tester $131.16
Portable meters
8 rankedHandheld pH meters with a separate electrode on a cable, for brewing, food, field work and anyone who wants a probe that is cheap to replace.
Top rated: Bante 221 pH/ORP Portable $350
Benchtop meters
5 rankedLab pH meters that sit on a bench with an electrode stand, for labs, schools, breweries and quality control.
Top rated: Milwaukee MW151 Max Logging $538.20
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Best pH Pen Testers
- Apera PC60 pH/EC Tester#1 of 13Full review
A pen that checks pH and nutrient strength together, for hydroponic growers and reef keepers. It is accurate and the probe can be replaced.
Amazon $131.16$131.16±0.01 pH3-pointEC/TDS, Salinity - Apera PH60#2 of 13Full review
The pick for most people who want an accurate pen tester: ±0.01 pH, three-point calibration and a replaceable probe at pen-tester money.
Amazon $79.99$79.99±0.01 pH3-pointNone - Oakton pHTestr 30#3 of 13Full review
A lab-brand pocket tester with a replaceable module, for labs and schools that already stock Oakton parts.
Amazon $136.22$136.22±0.01 pH3-pointNone - VIVOSUN AeroLab pH Pen#4 of 13Full review
A low-cost grower’s pen with a replaceable probe. Its maker publishes little beyond the accuracy claim.
Amazon $65.99$65.99±0.01 pH-None - Extech ExStik II PH100#5 of 13Full review
A pen with a flat electrode for checking cheese, meat, paper or wet surfaces as well as liquids.
Amazon $129.50$129.50±0.01 pH-None
Best Portable pH Meters
- Bante 221 pH/ORP Portable#1 of 8Full review
A handheld with benchtop-class accuracy and an ORP electrode in the box, for water-treatment and lab work away from the bench.
Amazon $350$350±0.002 pH5-pointORP - Apera SX711 Portable#2 of 8Full review
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±0.01 pH3-pointNone - Bante 220 Portable#3 of 8Full review
A capable logging handheld for the price. Its maker publishes little beyond the core specs.
Amazon $200$200±0.01 pH3-pointNone - Apera PH400 Portable#4 of 8Full review
A solid handheld kit for brewing and field work. The Apera SX711 now does more for less money.
Amazon $305.07$305.07±0.01 pH3-pointNone - Ohaus Starter ST300#5 of 8Full review
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±0.01 pH3-pointNone
Best Benchtop pH Meters
- Milwaukee MW151 Max Logging#1 of 5Full review
The most accurate meter here, for labs that need 0.001 pH resolution and full logging.
Amazon $538.20$538.20±0.002 pH5-pointNone - Apera PH800 Benchtop#2 of 5Full review
A lab bench meter with proper record keeping, for QC labs that need to export readings.
Amazon $395.85$395.85±0.01 pH3-pointNone - Apera PH700 Benchtop#3 of 5Full review
An affordable starter bench meter for school labs, breweries and small QC benches.
Amazon $299$299±0.01 pH3-pointNone - Bante 210 Benchtop#4 of 5Full review
A basic, low-cost bench meter for teaching labs and home brewers.
Amazon $205$205±0.01 pH3-pointNone - Milwaukee MW150 Max#5 of 5Full review
A sturdy bench meter for labs that may add ORP later. The Apera PH800 offers more for less.
Amazon $461.15$461.15±0.01 pH3-pointNone
How We Rank
Each meter is scored on its published pH accuracy, the number of calibration points it accepts, its features (replaceable probe, temperature compensation, waterproof rating and stored readings), extra readings such as conductivity and ORP, its price and its warranty.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | published pH accuracy | 30% |
| Calibration | most calibration points the meter accepts | 15% |
| Features | replaceable probe, ATC, waterproof rating and stored readings | 20% |
| Extra readings | conductivity (EC/TDS) and ORP with the included probe | 10% |
| Price | current price | 15% |
| Warranty | meter warranty length | 10% |
How we rank explains each factor in full.