Bluelab Combo Meter
The meter serious hydro growers point beginners to.
View on Amazon →The Best pH and EC Meter for Hydroponics
Researched by Johnny Alto · Updated October 12, 2026
Research pick: Based on product documentation and owner discussions. How we research →
Short answer: Our top pick is the Bluelab Combo Meter. The meter serious hydro growers point beginners to.
Top pickBluelab Combo MeterView offer →
Top pick
Bluelab Combo Meter
The meter serious hydro growers point beginners to.
Reads both pH and ECHolds calibrationPush-button calibration
View on Amazon
Product image.
In hydroponics your plants live in the nutrient solution, so pH and EC are the two numbers that make or break a grow. Growers want meters that read both accurately and hold calibration between checks. Look for reliable pH accuracy, a useful EC range, and easy push-button calibration.
Top picks at a glance
Bluelab Combo Meter Plus
The upgraded Combo with extra features and the same trusted electronics.
View on Amazon →Apera PC60 5-in-1 Tester
A cheaper pocket unit that reads pH, EC, TDS, salinity, and temp.
What should you look for in ph and EC meter for hydroponics?
A few things separate a good ph and EC meter for hydroponics from a frustrating one: reads both ph and ec, holds calibration, push-button calibration, and care for the probe. Weigh these before you buy.
- Reads both pH and EC: plus temperature, ideally from one handheld.
- Holds calibration: the whole point is trusting the number between checks.
- Push-button calibration: quick routine so you actually do it.
- Care for the probe: store pH probes in KCl solution, never dry, to make them last.
How the meters compare on specs
| Spec | Bluelab Combo (pick) | Bluelab Combo Plus | Apera PC60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measures | pH / EC / temp | pH / EC / temp | pH / EC / TDS / salinity / temp |
| pH accuracy | ±0.1 pH | ±0.1 pH | ±0.01 pH |
| EC range | 0 to 9.9 mS/cm | 0 to 9.9 mS/cm | 0 to 20 mS/cm |
| Form | Handheld | Handheld | Pocket pen |
What are the best alternatives?
Upgrade
Bluelab Combo Meter Plus
The upgraded Combo with extra features and the same trusted electronics. Costs more; worth it if you want the latest probe and logging conveniences.
View on Amazon
Pocket
Apera PC60 5-in-1 Tester
A cheaper pocket unit that reads pH, EC, TDS, salinity, and temp. Great value for a small grow; less refined than Bluelab for a big recirculating system.
Bottom line: a trusted handheld like the Bluelab Combo Meter is the hydroponics pick; the Combo Plus is the upgrade and the Apera PC60 the budget pocket option.
Our top pickBluelab Combo Meter
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best ph and EC meter for hydroponics?
Bluelab Combo Meter. The meter serious hydro growers point beginners to.
What should you look for in ph and EC meter for hydroponics?
Focus on reads both ph and ec, holds calibration, push-button calibration, and care for the probe.
What is a good alternative to the Bluelab Combo Meter?
The Bluelab Combo Meter Plus. The upgraded Combo with extra features and the same trusted electronics. Costs more; worth it if you want the latest probe and logging conveniences.
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This is a research-based buying guide, not a personal hands-on review. Product details, prices, and availability can change; confirm the current listing on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
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