11 Best TDS Meters For Drinking Water In 2024
sakshi john poulami nag wedetso chirhah 
In This Article
If you want to test water purity, here’s our list of the best TDS meters to help you choose the right one. TDS meters determine the presence of dissolved solids in the liquid. And, while this doesn’t give you an accurate reading of the number of dissolved solids, it measures the electrical conductivity, which is a clear indication of the particles present in the liquid. Moderate to high TDS level doesn’t just change the taste of water but also causes serious health hazards (1). Hence, research by the World Health Organisation says that less than 300 mg/liter is the safe level of TDS in water, which is preferably a healthier choice for human beings (2).
With various options available, choosing the right one can be challenging. So, explore our list of tried-and-tested products and their attractive features to make an informed decision.
Top Picks
11 Best TDS Meters For Drinking Water
1. Best Digital TDS Meter:Test Assured Complete Water Analysis Test Kit
This comprehensive home water testing kit contains 10-in-1 tests and checks for iron, lead, nitrates, nitrites, copper, chlorine, alkalinity, pH, hardness, and total dissolved solids. One of the best TDS meters for drinking water, it’s easy to use and enables you to take your own samples and receive quick, accurate results without any requirement for lab testing. The combination of the water testing kit and TDS meter enables you to thoroughly test your water for contamination caused by multiple water contaminants and water hardness. This video will give you more insights into the home testing kit.
Pros
- EPA quality-certified
- Digital water tester
- Results within minutes
- Comes with color charts and manual
Cons
- May take some time to understand the instructions
"I recently tried out this water testing kit, and it was quite helpful in monitoring the quality of my well water. The kit was straightforward to operate, and the instructions were clear, which was a relief."
2. Best With Backlit LCD:Wiztech pH Meter
Wiztech pH meter performs three functions— it measures pH, TDS, and temperature very accurately at the same time. With a high sensitivity glass probe, its pH meter has a full measurement range of 0-14 pH and gives an accuracy ±0.1. It also uses an efficient three-point calibration method, calibrating the electrode to solutions of pH 4.00, 6.86, and 9.18 to ensure accuracy. It features a gentle green backlight that protects the eyes from glare. The backlight switches off automatically, saving power and ensuring battery life. It comes with automatic temperature compensation or ATC so you no longer need to pay attention to the temperature of the liquid being tested. The ATC can accurately determine the pH value of the sample in the temperature range of 0°C-60°C /32°F-140°F. It’s ideal for use in both households and laboratories for pH testing.
Pros
- Durable electrodes
- Two display temperatures
- Backlit LCD
- Suitable for testing swimming pool water
Cons
- Some may not be satisfied with its calibration
"While this pH meter started off strong, I had to calibrate it before using it, which was cumbersome. Still, I like the bright screen as it is easy to read. It may not be perfect, but it is suitable for regular monitoring."
3. Best Convenient To Carry:Cherioll Water Tester
This multifunction TDS meter performs four functions— it tests the pH, TDS, EC, and temperature accuracy of water in no time at all. It can test the quality of drinking water, aquariums, pools, spas etc. and can make your day-to-day life healthier. The pH meter comes with an automatic temperature compensation or ATC and can calibrate itself automatically. All you need to do is press the calibration button. The LCD display screen shows the data clearly and automatically. In this aquarium TDS meter, the numbers on the pH meter range from 1.00 to 14.00 while the numbers on the digital EC and TDS meter range from 0 to 9990 ppm.
Pros
- Convenient to carry
- High accuracy
- Has induction electrode
- Can detect three kinds of impurities
Cons
- The battery may not be long lasting.
Point to considerTest Assured Complete Water Analysis Test Kit Best Digital TDS Meter | Wiztech pH Meter Best With Backlit LCD | Cherioll Water Tester Best Convenient To Carry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5 ounces | - | - |
| Material | Copper | - | - |
| Package Dimensions | - | 9.3 x 3.3 x 2 inches; 6.38 Ounces | - |
| Batteries | - | - | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required |
| Dimensions | - | - | 6.3 x 1.1 x 0.6 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 2.4 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 202 | 990 | 978 |
| Price | $44.95 | $27.99 | $13.98 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best LCD Display:Ketotek Water Quality Test Meter
This product comes with 1 TDS meter, a pH meter, two packets of pH buffer powder, and a user’s manual. This works out more economical than buying the two meters separately and can also be used independently as needed. The pH meter has an agile glass probe while the TDS meter has a titanium alloy probe. The digital TDS meter has a measurement range of 0-9990 ppm with ±2% accuracy while the pH meter has a measurement range of 0.00-14.00 pH, with 0.01 pH accuracy and 0.01 pH resolution. Both the meters have an auto-off function, which means it shuts down automatically when not in use and saves battery life. It also comes with automatic temperature compensation or ATC and so the temperature of the water does not affect the reading. Lightweight and small in size, they are easy to carry and use.
Pros
- LCD display
- Accurate readings
- Comes with protective cover
- Comes with pH buffer powder
Cons
- Some may find calibrating difficult
"I've been using these pH and TDS meters on my aquarium and hydroponic gardens and am pretty happy with their accuracy. They are easy to operate and calibrate and provide consistent readings. They've also lasted quite long."
5. Best With Adjustable Temperature:Myron 6PIIFCE Multi-Test Water Meter
Read the TDS value of your water with the Mryon water meter. This water meter does the job of five to six water testers in just a single unit. This unit is waterproof, and you can fully immerse it up to a one-meter water level. It is equipped with an advanced four-electrodes cell for resistivity, conductivity, pH, and TDS. This waterproof TDS meter can store multiple readings which you can access using the control buttons. In addition, you can also connect the meter to your laptop via Bluetooth and store all saved data. The four-digit display can show the readings up to 9999. To make an informed decision before buying, you can check out this review video showcasing a tester’s experience.
Pros
- Easy to use
- LCD screen
- Bluetooth-enabled TDS meter
- Adjustable temperature
Cons
- The pH testing cell needs a solution to maintain it
Quick tip6. Best Pocket Portable:Pancellent Water Quality Test Meter
Know your water quality within 5 seconds with the Pancellent Water Quality Test Meter. This kit includes a TDS meter and pH reading meter. The pH meter reads the value with an accuracy of ±1% and the TDS meter with ±2%. This TDS meter with auto-off function is ideal for home and laboratory testing.
Pros
- Immersing level indicator
- Digital meter
- Pocket portable
- Has calibration and lock functions
Cons
- May take a long time to read pH
"These meters are decent enough for basic testing and have been handy for my indoor gardening. The pH readings are reliable, and though I still need a thermometer to adjust for temperature variations, the TDS meter gives me a ballpark figure of water quality."
7. Best Factory-Calibrated:HoneForest TDS Meter
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 13,604 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
This digital PPM meter is designed with advanced microprocessor technology and combines a TDS meter, EC meter, and temperature meter in one ergonomically designed pen. For higher accuracy, it comes equipped with a premium quality titanium alloy probe. It also has the feature of automatic temperature compensation, which means the temperature of the water will not affect the meter reading. The backlit LCD screen turns green if the TDS is less than 40 and red if it’s more than 40. It has the added feature of auto-lock, so the reading can be stabilized in seconds and locked automatically for the convenience of reading and recording. This TDS meter with backlit display can also be locked manually by pressing the ‘HOLD’ button. HoneForest water quality tester automatically switches off after 2 minutes of not being in use to conserve the battery, and as a plus, it comes with a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- Backlit LCD
- Factory-calibrated
- Includes a protective case with belt clip
- Colored TDS chart to explain ppm readings
Cons
- Does not test pH
"I like how this tester simplifies the task of testing various water sources, from tap water to well water. It promptly illuminates water quality and flags potential concerns on its backlit display. I wish the built-in battery were replaceable though."
8. Best Easy-To-Read:Health Metric TDS Meter
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 4,092 reviews claiming its efficacy.
This meter measures the TDS, electrical conductivity or EC, and temperature in both °F and °C of any liquid in a matter of seconds. It has a range of 0-9999 ppm for TDS, 0-9990 μs/cm for EC, and 32-176°F and 1-80°C for temperature. Fitted with the latest sensors and titanium alloy electrodes, this meter comes calibrated from the factory and gives you instant TDS or EC readings without requiring manual calibration. This TDS meter has a backlit LCD screen that’s easy and convenient to read. It has the feature of auto-lock and manual-lock so that the reading can be locked automatically for the convenience of reading and recording the test results. It automatically switches off if not being used to extend battery life.
Pros
- Portable meter
- Four display modes
- Easy to recalibrate
- Comes with a free user guide to explain meter readings
Cons
- Does not test water hardness
"I've been putting this TDS/EC meter through its paces, and it's proven to be a solid choice. The meter comes calibrated and is user-friendly, with helpful features like temperature and electric current measurement. It has delivered consistent results so far."
Did You Know?9. Best Auto-Calibration:Hofun 3-In-1 High Accuracy Water Quality Tester
With the push of a button, this digital TDS meter can read the overall purity of your drinking water which will then be displayed on the LCD screen in ppm. This piece of equipment helps you analyze the effectiveness of your water purifiers and decide when it is time to change the filter. This water testing meter checks the TDS, EC, and temperature of your drinking water with the most updated and advanced technology. Fitted with a high-quality titanium alloy probe, this drinking water TDS meter enables quick and convenient testing. It comes with a superior, convenient, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen and allows wider angles of data reading. The backlight turns red if the ppm is above 40 and green when it’s below 40, making it easy to test the purity of water. This automatic calibration TDS meter shuts off when not in use for more than two minutes, thus conserving battery life.
Pros
- Auto calibration
- Accurate reading
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Allows night reading
Cons
- Doesn’t measure pH of the water
"The TDS meter is a practical tool for monitoring water quality, and I like how user-friendly it is, thanks to its clear indicators. Though it cannot test water hardness, it's a good option for gauging filter performance and nutrient mixing for plants."
10. Best Color-Coded Display:Luoleina Digital TDS Meter
This 3-in-1 TDS meter combines TDS, EC, and a temperature meter with an improved accuracy level. It also comes with automatic temperature compensation and a measuring range of 0-9999 ppm and accuracy of ±2% for TDS, 0-9990 μs/cm for EC, and a temperature range of 32-176°F and 1-80°C. The backlight turns red if the ppm is above 40 and green when it’s below 40. It also features an auto data-hold to lock and record readings and an automatic shut-off function for extended battery life within 9 minutes of its last use. After locking, you can press the “SHIFT” button, and the water testing instrument automatically shifts between the 4 display modes. This industrial TDS meter for water testing is highly accurate due to its advanced microprocessor technology.
Pros
- Color-coded display
- Comes with battery
- Easy to use
- TDS meter with hold function
- Backlit LCD screen
Cons
- The meter might display misspelt words.
"I've found this TDS meter very easy to use, with its clear display and simple features. It's quite interesting to discover the TDS levels in tap versus bottled water and get insight into what I'm consuming."
11. Best For Water Testing:Ammzo TDS Meter
This 4-in-1 TDS meter for water testing can accurately and quickly check the soluble salt content, heavy metal content, and ionic organic matter in water. It tests the TDS, EC, and displays the temperature in both °C and °F. It now comes in a new upgraded version of 2024, which makes it all the more efficient. This lab-grade TDS meter is fitted with a high-quality titanium alloy probe that measures TDS in a range of 0-9999 ppm. The salinity meter gives better results in normal temperature and non-flowing water.
Pros
- Color-coded scale
- Accuracy is ± 2%
- Multipurpose and efficient
- Does not need calibration
Cons
- Some may not be satisfied with the temperature meter
"This TDS meter is helpful for revealing the water quality of various water sources in and around my house. It offers consistent readings, and I like how easy it is to use. It helps me check pool salinity and know when to swap out water filters."
Now that you have been through our review of the 11 best TDS meters for drinking water, we will share a few tips on what to keep in mind while choosing a TDS meter for your use.
How To Choose The Right TDS Meter For Drinking Water?
- Ratings or readings: It is another vital point that you need to check in every TDS meter, as it relates to the checking process of the water obtained from diverse sources. The common unit of TDS is milligrams per liter (mg/l), whereas some meters also show readings as parts per million (ppm) (3). Hence, the company must mention the micron ratings or PPM ratings in the product description. If not, there is no way of knowing the actual micron or PPM rating of the meter. A good quality TDS meter should have a micron rating of 0.3 microns, and for PPM readings, you should buy a meter that has 0 to at least 990 ppm.
- Purpose: While buying a TDS meter, you need to keep in mind whether you need it for single-purpose or multi-purpose use. A single-purpose meter can be used for a particular sample of water only, that is, you can use it for only filtered water. But if you buy a multi-purpose TDS water-testing meter, you can check any type of water with it.
- Battery saving feature: The battery life of a TDS meter is generally limited. The more you use the product the faster the battery gets exhausted, and you may have to invest in a new TDS meter. To increase the longevity of the product, it’s wise to buy a product with battery-saving features that shut off automatically and preserve battery life.
- Technology: The microprocessor TDS meter uses the latest technology and gives accurate and reliable results. Most meters use electrical conductivity for measurements which is used to assess the presence of electrolytes. Advanced technologies employ several principles and conversions to ensure accurate readings. It is also of vital importance that the meter gives a reading of chemicals and toxic metals present in the water.
- Added features: Many TDS meter brands offer a range of additional features, like you can choose one offering you a leather cover for the meter to protect it. Also, some meters have the feature of taking the temperature of the water as well. But do keep in mind whether these additional features of the TDS meter are worthwhile for you as they would come at an extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are digital TDS meters accurate?
Digital TDS meters that are EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)-certified can accurately assess drinking water.
2. How do I know if my TDS meter is accurate?
If the readings of the TDS meter comply with the drinking water limits provided by the EPA guidelines, the TDS meter is accurate.
3. Do TDS meters need calibration?
Some TDS meters are already calibrated by the manufacturer, while others have an automatic calibration feature. Most regular TDS meters must be calibrated once every six months for consistently accurate readings.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our writer Sakshi John is experienced in household products. She has reviewed the best TDS meters for drinking water to help you purchase the right one. Sakshi has studied the products and customer reviews thoroughly to find the best products. Instant results, compliance with EPA quality standards, durability, the total number of impurity detections, etc., were a few other features she considered while preparing this list. She has also included a buying guide to help you find the right TDS meter.
The Bottom Line
Access to pure and potable water is extremely crucial, and every house should be equipped with a TDS meter that helps determine the presence of dissolved solids in water. You will find countless TDS meters with the ability to check different characteristics of water, such as alkalinity and pH, and the presence of chlorine, copper, and nitrate to help you gauge the quality of water. Therefore, when buying the best TDS meter, find out what you want to know about the composition of your water and invest in a meter that gives you all the information. Our top recommendations include the HoneForest TDS Meter with an auto-lock function, the Health Metric TDS Meter with multiple modes, and the Hofun 3-In-1 High Accuracy Water Quality Tester with auto-calibration.
Infographic: How To Use A TDS Meter For Accurate Readings?
The handheld TDS meter is a compact and portable device that measures the total dissolved solids in water easily and precisely, making it an essential tool for water quality analysis in various applications such as drinking water, gardening, aquariums, and checking RO systems. Learn how to use the TDS meter effectively through the following infographic.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
References
- Water Purifiers For Drinking Water
http://nihroorkee.gov.in/sites/default/files/nih_water_purifier_drinking_water__1_.pdf - TDS and pH
https://www.safewater.org/fact-sheets-1/2017/1/23/tds-and-ph - Using Electrical Conductivity and Total Dissolved Solids Meters to Field Test Water Quality
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/using-electrical-conductivity-and-total-dissolved-solids-meters-field-test - Chloride Salinity and Dissolved Solids
https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/chloride-salinity-and-dissolved-solids
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