The 5 best soil moisture meters for plants in 2024

The weather-resistant sensor on the ECOWITT Soil Moisture Tester takes accurate moisture readings in about 72 seconds and displays them on a convenient LCD display. Soil moisture level is depicted in two formats: numerically and visually, with a clever flower pot icon. The display receives information wirelessly as long as the sensor is within 300 feet. You can also calibrate the unit to accommodate different soil types and ambient humidity levels. At 2.3 inches tall (5.3 inches from bottom to tip), when stuck in the soil, the sensor won't stick out like a sore thumb. 

Sometimes the topsoil appears wet, but deeper down, plant roots may be struggling to access water. Use the XLUX soil moisture meter to check whether your garden needs watering. The sensor has a basic single probe design and a color-coded dial display. It works without batteries, so you never have to worry about it shutting off while you're out digging in the dirt and its affordable price tag makes it a great choice for gardeners on a budget. Some adjusting may be necessary to ensure the probe is at the correct depth to detect moisture. 

Pop these little IPPINKA Sustee Aquameters at the base of your houseplants to know when plants are thirsty. Engineered in collaboration with the Tokyo University of Agriculture, the sensors have indicators that turn blue when the soil is wet and white when the soil is dry. Root rot is a common cause of death for houseplants and these mini sensors are excellent for gardeners who frequently overwater and kill their plants. The set of four sensors lasts about six to nine months; each stick features a replaceable core.

The award-winning Sustee moisture meters are ideal for houseplants and can measure moisture levels in various soil types. They're also available in small, medium, and large sizes to accommodate different-sized pots and are sold in sets ranging from four to 36 meters. 

The solar-powered Netro Whisperer Smart Plant Sensor has a curved design to capture maximum sunlight throughout the day. It detects soil moisture levels, ambient temperature, and sunlight exposure, all key for ensuring proper plant growth. The wireless sensor is Wi-Fi-enabled (2.4GhZ), so you can access data stored in the iOS or Android app anywhere. It is weather-resistant so that you can leave it in the garden 24/7.

This soil meter is compatible with intelligent watering systems like the Netro Sprite. Once it grabs a few readings and analyzes weather patterns, the app delivers a recommended watering schedule. The app also sends plant care notifications and reminders to perform important gardening tasks. 

Three sensors are better than one. You likely won't use the pH probe as often as the light and moisture sensors, but it's convenient to have the option at your fingertips. The small soil meter has two probes — to read moisture and pH levels — and a sensor at the top to measure light intensity. The display doesn't provide ultra-accurate readings, but it's enough to give you a ballpark measurement that you can work with. The sensor doesn't require batteries and is lightweight enough to travel with, making it ideal for community garden plots. The probe is also quite long at 7.9 inches, allowing users to take deeper readings than other meters. 

Here are a few top considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a soil moisture meter:

• Accuracy: Digital devices generally offer better accuracy than cheaper analog models. But unless you're growing commercially, you probably don't need to measure soil moisture to the decimal point. 
• Indoor or outdoor use: Many inexpensive moisture meters aren't designed to live permanently in soil, so durability isn't a real issue. However, meters that stay in the soil and provide real-time feedback on soil health aren't necessarily weather-resistant. Some models may be more suitable for indoor potted plants than outside garden beds. 
• Data provided: Some moisture meters offer more data than soil moisture levels, such as sunlight exposure, ambient temperature, and pH. This information can be useful when caring for houseplants.
• Smart features: Some soil meters work with wifi or Bluetooth-connected apps to show to real-time data, allowing you to track conditions over time. Some models may provide advice and tips or connect to other devices to automate gardening tasks like irrigation.

We researched various soil meter brands and pored over thousands of customer reviews to bring you this guide to the best soil meters. When choosing our top picks, we made sure to include options at different price points and considered factors like display readability, data provided, and durability.

Can I leave a moisture meter in the soil?

It depends on the model. Some moisture meters are designed to live in the soil and provide a constant data flow. However, leaving some probe-style meters in the ground can damage them, affecting their accuracy. 

Does a moisture meter also measure humidity?

Some plants like humid air, while others thrive in a dry environment. Most moisture meters do not measure ambient humidity. If you want to measure the humidity of the air around your plants, consider purchasing a hygrometer. 

How do I tell if a plant is overwatered?

Wilting and brown leaf edges are signs of both over and under-watering.