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Hard To Tell If Your Plants Need Water? These Tools We Tested Can Help


Keeping your plants perfectly watered can be challenging, but a soil moisture meter can make it easier. Instead of wondering if my plants need a drink, this tool lets me know for sure by displaying the current moisture level. Some meters even track soil pH, sunlight, and soil nutrients, among other things. 

With a range of gardening and houseplant experience, our team tested 12 different moisture meters on 25 different plant types in our gardens and home. Through hours of testing, we found that our favorite meters provided quick and accurate measurements, had clear and easy-to-read displays, and were simple to install in various types of soil

Most of these tools are very similar, so I’ve broken down their subtle differences below (and consulted a houseplant expert for further advice) to help you find the right one to match your indoor and outdoor plants.


Credit: The Spruce

What We Like

  • Displays readings almost instantly

  • Easy to place in soil

  • Head tilts for better viewing

  • Great for beginners to experienced gardeners

After testing a dozen moisture meters, this analog option from Moistenland is my favorite for most houseplant and garden needs. I love how simple it is to use, with quick readings, no batteries required, and features that make it great for both beginners and advanced gardeners alike.

The meter has four different measurements controlled by a simple switch—moisture, pH, soil nutrients, and sunlight—and includes a helpful list with the optimal readings for a variety of plants. I think this is helpful for any gardener (including me!), so you can make sure each plant is getting just what it needs

The single probe was sharp (we compared it to a pencil point) and easy to insert into our soil, and the readings were displayed pretty quickly (we waited five minutes just to be sure). This tool improved our watering routine immensely, as we learned we needed to water more often—we were watering once every week and a half, and now we water them twice a week.

Through testing, we found that analog meters can be difficult to read, especially in direct sunlight (and this one is no exception). That said, the head on this one tilts up to 90 degrees to help mitigate some of the glare, allowing you to read it without bending down too much. We tested it on two potted indoor plants (a Monstera deliciosa and a snake plant) that were on a table, so we didn’t need to move the head at all, but I think this feature would be especially useful in a garden bed. 

Type: Analog | Measurements: Moisture, pH, soil nutrients, and sunlight | Probe Length: 8 inches

How does a soil moisture meter work?

Moisture meters typically use probes made of two different metals that react with moisture in the soil to create a small, harmless amount of electricity; more moisture is indicated by a stronger electric current.

A moisture and light meter device labeled Sun Joe, displaying moisture levels as moist

Credit: The Spruce

What We Like

  • Very easy to insert, use, and read

  • Fast and accurate readings

If you’re not planning to track your plant’s soil nutrients, I think the SunJoe 3-in-1 Moisture, pH, and Light Meter is all you need. We found that it’s also an excellent choice for beginner gardeners and plant parents, because it’s easy to use and a great size for a variety of needs.

We used this moisture meter to monitor strawberry, cucumber, and native plants that we newly planted in a wooden planter and in-ground garden beds. Our soil always looked dry, so the meter helped us detect when that was misleading, allowing us to go longer without watering. 

What Our Tester Said

“I tested this meter in three different garden beds. It was immediately responsive each time. I did test the pH of the soil but didn’t take any action on it this year because I don’t want to overwhelm myself with trying to tweak the conditions of the garden. I think I’ll definitely use that information next year once my strawberry plants have more established roots.”

Like our best overall, it’s also good for smaller potted plants because the probe is less than 8 inches. The meter has two probes, so it can be a little harder to insert and clean, but we didn’t have any issues while testing (even though we were new to outdoor gardening).  

We also used the light meter to determine if our plants were getting enough direct sunlight, and we were happy to find that they were. We could see this being a great measurement to check in the soil before planting to make sure it’s the ideal sunny (or shady) spot for our plants (another great feature for beginner gardeners). 

Type: Analog | Measurements: Moisture, pH, sunlight | Probe Length: 7.8 inches

How do I get the most accurate readings?

Soil moisture meters are fairly accurate when used correctly. For the best results, be sure to push the probe to the depth of the plant’s roots, leave it in place until the needle stops swinging (for analog meters), and wipe clean between uses.

A XLUX Long Probe Soil Moisture Meter in a plant showing moist level

Credit: The Spruce

What We Like

  • Great for large pots or deep roots

  • Durable after multiple uses

  • Simple, easy-to-read display

My favorite moisture meter for large pots, deep root systems, and other hard-to-reach areas is the Xlux Long Probe Soil Moisture Meter. The probe is over 12 inches long (the longest on our list) and is durable enough for deep soil—it’s held up well over multiple uses during testing. I also have the same meter at home and love how simple it is to use. 

This meter only detects moisture, but that also makes it easier to read. The colorful display indicates if the soil is dry, moist, or wet on a scale of 1 to 10. I think it’s great for those new to gardening and more experienced gardeners who are just wondering if they’re watering their plants enough (or too much!).

What Our Tester Said

“The moisture meter observed a change almost immediately. Moving the moisture meter around the soil did not change the reading by much, but I expected pretty uniform moisture levels. It helped me have confidence I was not overwatering my ferns.”

We tested it on a fern and a snake plant. The dense roots of the fern made it a little more difficult, but we were still able to insert the tool deep enough to get an accurate measurement. 

Because it’s over 12 inches long, it’s not ideal for shallow pots, but it can still be used on indoor or outdoor plants, including shrubs, large container gardens, or garden beds. 

Type: Analog | Measurements: Moisture | Probe Length: 12.2 inches

A Netro Whisperer Smart Plant Sensor placed in soil near plants in an outdoor garden

Credit: The Spruce

What We Like

  • Advanced measurements available through app

  • Solar-powered and weather-resistant

  • Can connect to the Netro smart sprinkler

By August, I’m a little tired of double-checking that all my plants need water, and the heat doesn’t help. So I love the idea of the Netro Whisperer Smart Plant Sensor (and I’m adding it to my cart right now!). This tool allows you to get an almost complete picture of how your garden is doing while you are enjoying air conditioning indoors. 

Solar-powered and durable, this tool is designed to withstand long periods of outdoor use, and it has held up well. During testing, we found it easy to pair with our phone, and the app is simple to use, providing us with hourly updates on the soil’s temperature, moisture, UV index, and pH. The app even lets us know when our garden needs watering next, based on the soil’s moisture level and the type of plant. You can also track the measurements by day, hour, and month.

What Our Tester Said

“The moisture meter is reliable and stable. It withstood heavy rain and wind without budging or water damage. The solar power is long lasting; one day of sun can last like a week.”

The Netro also connects to the brand’s smart sprinkler system, the Netro Pixie, so you can not only see if your plant needs water from indoors but also turn your sprinkler on. This tool can be used indoors, but we think with all of the advanced features and solar power, it’s really better for outdoor use. It even doubles as a solar-powered light, and you can change the color on the app.

My only complaint with this tool is that you have to open the app to read the measurements (not on the tool itself), and they are only reported on an hourly basis (the real-time data is currently in the testing process). But these are minor inconveniences when you consider all the conditions of the soil you can learn through one helpful device.

Type: Wifi | Measurements:  Moisture, pH, sunlight, temperature, and more | Probe Length: 11 inches (including the entire tool)

Gain Express Soil pH & Moisture Meter placed in a planter near a growing tomato plant

Credit: The Spruce

What We Like

  • Display is on top for easier reading outdoors

  • Long probe ideal for a variety of plants

  • Includes a plant guide for ideal moisture and pH

  • Waterproof

The Gain Express Soil pH & Moisture Meter has so many features that make it ideal for outdoor use. It’s the second longest on our list, and the measurements are at the top of the meter, so you don’t have to turn it or bend down to read it. We found it to be super durable and love that it tells you the pH level in addition to moisture.

We used it on large potted plants since we just moved and are holding off on planting a larger garden this year. But we found it great for those purposes, and love that it’s versatile enough to test all around our property (including the grass) if needed.

What Our Tester Said

“The meter is very sturdy and easy to push into the soil. It’s also plenty long to get through tall bushes and flowers. The display is easy to read and came with a nice set of instructions as well as web links to review and learn from.”

Unlike most meters we tested, which show results almost instantly, you need to wait 10 minutes to get an accurate measurement.  But we didn’t find that time frame to be that inconvenient. It could add up, though, if you move it around to get an accurate reading of a large area. If you want instant results and don’t need the pH reading, you might want our best probe pick instead. 

The company doesn’t recommend leaving the meter in for more than an hour (in case you forget to take it out), but I like that it’s waterproof in case it does start to rain during those 10 minutes. 

Type: Analog | Measurements: Moisture, pH | Probe Length: 11.6 inches

A Irtov 4-in-1 Digital Moisture Meter displaying pH 7.1 placed in a plant with red peppers

Credit: The Spruce

What We Like

  • Clear, backlit display

  • Shows four measurements

While I love the simplicity of an analog meter (no batteries required!), a digital meter provides a clear reading that’s hard to beat. Our favorite we tested is the Irtov 4-in-1 Digital Moisture Meter. This digital meter has an easy-to-read, backlit LED display that displays the soil’s moisture, pH, temperature, and sunlight levels. 

We first used this moisture meter in a pot, but we loved seeing the results so much that we used it in a shade garden (where we typically don’t water), and in all of our many outdoor plant areas to get a sense of the moisture and pH levels.

What Our Tester Said

“I found myself using the pH meter more than the water.  I realize this wasn’t the point of the test, but it was an interesting side effect of testing this particular reader. I think I will be adjusting my treatment of my plants based on both pH and water amounts/saturation.”

We do wish the moisture level section on the meter were more prominent. The temperature takes up most of the display, with the sunlight level above and the moisture level below it (the pH level has a standalone reading that you can click over to display). That being said, it’s still easier to understand than an analog meter, in our opinion, with no guessing the exact reading on a small scale. 

We found this meter difficult to read on sunny days, thanks to the glare, but this was common with all of the meters (aside from our best smart pick, which could be read from your phone). 

Type: Analog | Measurements: Moisture, pH, temperature, and sunlight | Probe Length: 7.9 inches

A plant in a yellow pot on a wooden table with a Kensizer Soil Tester inserted into the soil

Credit: The Spruce

What We Like

  • Simple, easy-to-read display

  • Durable (even withstood a drop)

  • Sharp probe that’s good in rocky soil

  • Good for indoor and outdoor use

The Kensizer Soil Tester is a great choice for anyone who doesn’t need—or isn’t ready to invest in—a more advanced meter, as it just measures moisture. I think it’s also great if you have plants in smaller pots (including houseplants), because the probe isn’t as long as similar options (like our best long probe pick). 

We tested this meter on our houseplants that were in 4- and 6-inch pots and found that it gives an accurate reading. We’ve used a moisture meter for over 20 years, but found this to be a slight upgrade—it has a pointier probe that goes into the soil smoothly and a reading from 1 to 10 (our old one is only 1 to 3), so it’s basic, but still useful and effective.

What Our Tester Said

“I have used a meter for a long time, mostly to check for overwatering.  I am not always great about watering too regularly.  I usually know that when I water the plants, they need it.  However, as I said, if I am worried I’ve gone the opposite way and am watering frequently, I do use the meter to prevent myself from watering plants that don’t need it.  (Over watering being the quickest way to kill houseplants.)”

We found the meter to be really easy to read, and only had slight issues in bright, direct sunlight (but turning it to remove the glare helps). After we watered our plants, it recorded a change in soil moisture in as little as one minute. We moved the meter around in our small pots and found that the readings were consistent. 

You can use this meter outdoors and in larger areas as well, but keep in mind its shortcomings: It has a smaller probe and doesn’t display any other readings except moisture. But we find it to be a great budget-friendly choice, overall. 

Type: Analog | Measurements: Moisture | Probe Length: 7.1 inches

A hand using a Luster Leaf 1820 Rapitest Soil Moisture Meter on a plant in a textured pot

Credit: The Spruce

What We Like

  • Handheld meter is easier to read

  • Includes plant-specific watering guide

  • Clear, simple display

  • Great for indoor and outdoor plants

The Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Moisture Meter stands out for being one of the most convenient meters to read. The meter itself is not attached to the probe—it’s attached by a cord—so you can hold it in your hand to get a closer look at it to read it. I think it’s a great option for hanging baskets, window boxes, or other areas where you can’t get close to the soil easily. 

We love that this meter comes with a watering guide that lets you know the ideal moisture readings for a variety of plants. Even if you consider yourself a plant expert, I think it’s great to have this guide, especially for new plants you are just getting to know, or if you move into a new place and aren’t sure of the humidity level (or if it tends to fluctuate in your home).

What Our Tester Said

“I tested the meter in small pots of plants and larger pots of house plants. All my house plants have similar potting soil. Outside, I tested the meter under several flowering shrubs (hydrangeas, azaleas, roses) as well as in a potted plant on the porch. It worked much easier when the ground was damp after rain than it did in dry Georgia clay.”

There are a few downsides to this option that we discovered while testing. We noticed that we needed to hold the meter steady to get an accurate reading, or it would move around. This could also be solved by putting it on a surface to read it. It also has a wide probe that could damage delicate houseplants (although the company says that it also helps aerate the plant). 

Similar to our best basic pick, the meter only measures the moisture in your plants. But we think this is a better option for more hard-to-reach plants. It does cost a few dollars more than our best basic, so that might be a better pick if you only have easy-to-reach houseplants. 

Type: Analog | Measurements: Moisture | Probe Length: Not listed

Final Verdict

After testing a dozen moisture meters, my favorite is the Moistenland Soil Moisture Meter. I think it’s great for indoor or outdoor use, and I love that it tracks four different measurements. If you want to monitor your garden’s condition from your phone, the Netro Whisperer Smart Plant Sensor, our best smart pick, is an excellent option and gives you an even wider array of features.

How We Tested the Moisture Meters

We tested 12 different moisture meters, including analog, digital, and smart options, for several weeks. Our experience levels range from beginner to experienced gardeners (one tester has even been using an older moisture meter for 20 years!). We used the meters on both indoor and outdoor plants, depending on the device. 

Ease of Use: We tested the meters in as many areas as possible (our goal was to test in each type of plant the manufacturer recommended). We noted how easy or difficult it was to insert and remove the meter (including in dry or dense soil), and read the dial or display in both dim and sunny locations. We also noted our experience setting up and using any smart features.

Performance: To track the meter’s performance, we asked testers to record the meter reading before watering each plant (or area) they used the meter. We then asked them to record it in five-minute intervals for up to 30 minutes. We asked them to note how quickly the meter detected a change in soil moisture and whether the readings were consistent across different areas of the plant. We also asked if it affected how often they watered their plants. In many cases, it made them water their plants more often, but in others, we were watering them more than we needed to.

Testing Takeaway

One unexpected benefit of a moisture meter is that it can indicate whether your soil is hydroponic or has small pockets that are hydrophobic (meaning the soil doesn’t easily absorb moisture and remains dry). If the meter is telling you the soil is dry, but the water in the pot is flowing, this is a clear sign. To solve this issue, water your plants slowly to allow them to absorb the water, or repot them as needed (this often happens with hanging baskets I buy at the grocery store). 

Versatility: We noted the various situations in which the meter could be used, including small plants, large plants, in-ground, and raised beds. We also noted whether it worked in multiple soil types or was more effective in one or more than the others. We used other provided readings as well (pH, sunlight, etc.) and noted if we found them accurate or useful, and how they helped us in our overall gardening/houseplant care.

Credit:

The Spruce


Durability: After multiple uses and cleaning, we noted if the meter had any damage or wear and tear. Some of the meters are waterproof or water-resistant, so we noted whether they lived up to that claim. For digital meters, we noted if it was difficult or easy to change the battery, and for smart meters, we noted the connectivity and range. 

Value: At the end of our testing, we noted what we liked about the meter and what we would change. Although these meters are fairly similar, they range in price from $10 to $70 or more. We noted whether the price reflected the features and whether the features we were paying for were worth it. We’re continuing to test these and will check in at 3 and 6 months to see how they’ve improved our watering routines (and our plants’ health!), and how well they’ve held up. 

We like color-coded displays because it’s easy to see the moisture level at a glance.
Credit:

The Spruce


How to Choose the Best Soil Moisture Meter

Think About Where You Want to Use It

You can use soil moisture meters for both indoor and outdoor plants, but before buying, it’s important to think about which plants or areas you have in mind.

Whether you are tracking indoor or outdoor plants, the biggest consideration is probe length. The ideal probe length depends on the depth of the pot (or lack thereof). Shorter probes are best suited for indoor plants, while outdoor plants in large pots (and those planted directly in the ground) require longer probes.

Because houseplants tend to be slightly rootbound, a moisture meter with just one probe makes it easier to penetrate thickly filled soil. Our overall best choice, the Moistenland Soil Moisture Meter, has a single probe and gives quick, easy-to-read assessments of the soil’s dryness or wetness. 

You can use a plant moisture meter outdoors as well, especially if you have a large container garden. It can be tricky to tell if the soil in the larger outdoor pots is wet a few inches below the surface without sticking your finger deep into the dirt. A moisture meter with a longer probe makes it easier to provide just the right amount of water to keep your outdoor garden green. 

Our best for outdoors pick, the Gain Express Soil pH & Moisture Meter, has an 11.6-inch probe and displays the moisture and pH levels, making it ideal for vegetable gardens, large outdoor potted plants, and flowerbeds. Slightly longer is our best long probe pick, the Xlux Long Probe Soil Moisture Meter, but keep in mind that it just provides a moisture reading.

Do you need to clean a moisture meter?

“Cleaning is usually a good idea just to prevent bacteria buildup or transferring diseases from one plant to another. A lot of things can hide out in the root system or even in the soil,” says Kayli Nartatez, a plant expert we reached out to from the Art Terrarium houseplant shop. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, as some meters are water resistant and others should not be immersed in water (generally, simply wiping with a cloth is a good idea). 

Look for Your Desired Measurement Type

Depending on the model you purchase, your soil moisture meter can measure a variety of elements. Here are common (and not-so-common) measurements to keep in mind. 

  • Soil moisture is the key factor measured by all moisture meters. Typically, these instruments use a scale from 1 (totally dry) to 10 (very wet) to show the soil’s moisture level. Our best basic pick, the Kensizer Soil Tester, is the most budget-friendly option if you only want to track this in houseplants. Our best probe pick, the Xlux Long Probe Soil Moisture Meter, is best if you just want to track this in larger pots or areas outside. 
  • Soil pH is critical for some plants that prefer acidic environments, such as African violets. Monitoring soil pH lets you adjust the conditions when necessary by repotting in potting soil specifically formulated for acid-loving plants. Many of our picks also track this, including our best value pick, the SunJoe 3-in-1 Moisture, pH, and Light Meter.
  • Light intensity readings can help you track the amount of sunlight your plants receive throughout the day. You can use this information to reposition plants that prefer to stay away from very intense light, such as ferns, or find the best spot for light lovers like crotons, succulents, and most cacti. I think it’s also useful for determining the best location for a new garden bed (or which plants to add to an established one). Many on our list have this feature, including our best digital pick, the Irtov 4-in-1 Digital Moisture Meter
  • Soil nutrients are measured by some soil moisture meters, like our best overall, the Moistenland Soil Moisture Meter. While the method of reaching the measurement is somewhat complex, the moisture meter determines the condition of the soil by evaluating certain salts that make it easier for nutrients to reach plant roots.
  • Soil temperature is useful when determining the best time to sow seeds outdoors, as many require a certain temperature range to germinate. Our best smart pick, the Netro Whisperer Smart Plant Sensor, and our best digital pick, the Irtov 4-in-1 Digital Moisture Meter, measure this. Relative humidity is another measurement that’s not often included on moisture meters, but it can be an important factor in the health of some sensitive plants, such as ferns and orchids, that prefer a higher level of humidity than what’s found in the typical house. If the air is too dry, you can increase the moisture by using a humidifier for plants.

Expert Tip

Moisture meters are designed to read the moisture level in the soil directly around them. To get a more accurate reading, it’s best to measure a few areas of your pot, raised garden bed, or plant area. “I also like to just check the moisture meter when I pull it out, and if it’s got a bunch of extra soil on it, usually that’s an indicator that there’s still a lot of moisture in there,” says Nartatez.

Consider the Readability of the Display

Here is a breakdown of the types of moisture meters and how they display their measurements. 

Analog: Analog moisture meters tend to be the most budget-friendly, but their scales can be harder to read, especially when tracking multiple measurements. They typically have a color-coded scale and a needle that moves to indicate the moisture level. Moisture is often indicated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being completely dry and 10 being very wet. 

Our best overall pick, the Moistenland Soil Moisture Meter, is an analog meter, but it bends up to 90 degrees to make reading easier. The meter on our best for hanging baskets pick, the Luster Leaf Rapitest Soil Moisture Meter, is attached to a cord, so you can read it in your hand. 

Digital: For an even clearer picture of your plant’s health, look to a digital meter. They tend to have larger LED displays that are backlit with bigger readings. While they are generally more expensive, the readability might be worth it. The Irtov 4-in-1 Digital Moisture Meter is our top pick in this category. 

Smart: If you want to be able to track your plant’s conditions from the comfort of your house, look for a meter with smart features. These tend to be pricey as well, but they often provide a much bigger picture than just the moisture level. Our favorite smart meter, the Netro Whisperer Smart Plant Sensor, connects easily to your phone and provides hourly readings of the plant’s moisture level, ambient temperature, sunlight, and more.

Why Trust The Spruce?

I’m Jenica Currie, a senior editor at The Spruce who spends many hours of her summer watering her flower beds, raised garden beds, and hanging baskets. My houseplants, on the other hand, have learned to adapt to my infrequent indoor watering and have managed to thrive. I’ve discovered which plants can survive with a forgetful watering routine, and which cannot. So I’ve leaned on my soil moisture meter (I have the Ulux Long Probe Moisture Meter) when I’m unsure.

For this test, we researched the top-rated moisture meters on the market and consulted an expert for more tips (for example, did you know a wooden chopstick is an inexpensive, eco-friendly moisture meter, especially for cacti?) After we completed a few weeks of testing these at home, I evaluated the testing insights and also used my own experience to help narrow down the list.

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