A TDS meter is a handheld electronic device that indicates the presence of total dissolved solids in water. A TDS meter can be used to test the quality of your water in aquariums, drinking water, hydroponics, and swimming pools. In this article, we will focus more on the best TDS meter for drinking water.
TDS meter for drinking water comparison
What is TDS?
As rainwater passes through the ground, it collects solids such as minerals, rocks, and much other material on the surface. The solids that rainwater collects are some that dissolve in water and others that are suspended. The solid that is dissolved is the one we call TDS, and the solids that are suspended are called TSS (total suspended solids).
TDS is a short name for the total dissolved solids in a particular volume of water.
Dissolved solids are organic and inorganic matters dissolved in water. Inorganic material contains magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, and sulfates, while organic matter includes plant matter, silt, plankton, industrial waste, and sewage.
Also, other solids in water come from chemicals used in water treatment plants, agricultural activities, industrial waste, sewage, residential waste, piping, and plumbing used to transport water.
The TDS level varies from one area to another. Some areas have high levels of dissolved minerals and others have low levels.
The areas with a high level of minerals make your water hard and with a low level become acidic because important minerals are removed.
Knowing the TDS level of your water is important because you will know if your water is healthy for human consumption/ help you know the quality of your water.
The best way to test your drinking water TDS level is by using a TDS meter.
11 best TDS meter
- Water Quality Test Meter Pancellent TDS PH EC Temperature 4 in 1 Set
- Test assured 3-in-1 TDS Meter, Electrical Current & Temperature Meter
- Hone forest Water Quality Tester
- Digital Aid Professional TDS, EC & Temperature Meter
- iSpring TDS 3-Button Digital Water Quality Test Meter with Temperature Test Function
- Lxuemlu TDS Meter Digital Water Tester
- Hofun TDS Meter Digital Water Test Meter
- Gro theory TDS Meter
- NinHappy Water Quality Tester
- WoEluone TDS Meter Digital Water Tester
- Health metric TDS Meter Digital Water Tester
11 Best TDS meter for drinking water reviews
#1. Water Quality Test Meter Pancellent TDS PH EC Temperature 4 in 1 Set
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Measuring Range:
- TDS: 0 – 9990 ppm (parts per million)
- Temperature: Celsius: 0.1 – 80.0°C, Fahrenheit: 32.0 – 176.0°F
Pancellent test meter is a set combo of TDS meter, PH, and EC meter.
Measures TDS ranging from 0-9990ppm and temperature 0-50 degrees Celsius.
It is easy to use your dip in the water, press the hold button, and remove it from the test solution.
The pancellent TDS meter features auto shut off and automatic temperature compensation. It shuts off after 5 minutes so the battery won’t run down.
Pro
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- Warranty: 12 month warranty from Pancellent Inc.
- 30 day money-back guarantee if there is any issue.
- Display temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- No calibration is required on the TDS meter.
- Automatic temperature compensation.
Cons
- It does not come with a manual or with a TDS chart.
- There is no backlight display or color-changing display screen, so it will not be easy to read the result in dark places.
- No immersion level or line: you have to guess how far to dip.
#2. Test assured 3-in-1 TDS Meter, Electrical Current & Temperature Meter
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Measuring Range:
- TDS: 0 – 9990 ppm (parts per million)
- Conductivity:
- Temperature:
Test Assured is a 3-in-1 TDS meter, which includes a TDS meter, electrical current, and temperature meter.
It measures TDS ranging from 0-9990 ppm and is factory calibrated.
This meter can be used at home and by industrial professionals to test well water, city or municipal water, tap water, residential drinking water, groundwater, and spring water sources.
It can also be used in schools to teach students how to test the quality of water.
Pro
- Pre factory calibrated
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- Money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the meter.
Cons
- No backlight or color-changing display
- There is no TDS chart.
- No warranty just in case it gets spoilt.
- No immersion level or line: you have to guess how far to dip.
#3. Hone forest Water Quality Tester
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Measuring Range:
- TDS: 0 – 9990 ppm (parts per million)
- Conductivity: 0 – 9990 µs/cm
- Temperature: Celsius: 0.1 – 50.0°C/ Fahrenheit: 32.0 – 122.0°F
Honest forest water quality tester is a 3-in-1 pen for testing TDS, EC, and temperature.
It features a big backlit LCD for easier reading. If TDS is less than 40 ppm, the backlit color is green, and above 40 ppm, the backlit color is red. It also features an auto-lock function to help conserve the battery. It locks itself after 2 minutes if there is no operation.
In addition to the features, the tester has an auto-lock reading feature. It locks automatically when readings stabilize, making it easy to read the results.
On the tester back, there is a colorful TDS chart to explain TDS reading and the convenience of comparing your ppm reading.
The Honest Forest TDS meter-monitor if the reverse osmosis (RO) or DI system works properly, whether the filter needs to be replaced, whether the filter needs to be maintained, aquarium, hydroponics (test nutrients), pool, and spa.
It has automatic temperature compensation that helps ensure the reading will always be accurate at various temperatures.
The package includes a protective carrying case with a belt for easy carrying and an instruction manual.
This water quality tester offers a 3-year warranty or 90 days.
Pro
- It comes with a manual with a TDS chart.
- Backlight and color-changing display (screen changes to green if TDS is below 40ppm and red if TDS is above 40)
- Factory calibrated
- Display Temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Immersion level/line
- Warranty: 3 years or 90 days
- Money-back guarantee if you are not happy.
Cons
#4. Digital Aid Professional TDS, EC & Temperature Meter
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Measuring Range:
- TDS: 0 – 5000 ppm (parts per million)
- Conductivity: 0 – 9990 µs/cm
- Temperature: Celsius: 0.1 – 80.0°C/ Fahrenheit: 32.0 – 176.0°F
Digital aid is a 3-in 1 tester for TDS, EC and temperature.
It features a data hold button. The button makes it easy to read and record results. You press the hold button and remove it from the test solution.
This tester displays result in 4-modes TDS – ppm & °C, EC – µs/cm & °C, TDS – ppm & °F, EC – µs/cm & °F.
It has a large and easy-to-read LCD that includes simultaneous temperature reading and comes pre-calibrated with NaCl 342 solution.
This meter features auto shut-off to save battery life.
Pro
- Factory calibrated, no need for calibration by the user.
- Display Temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- LCD display
- Immersion line
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Shift button to change from TDS to EC
- Temperature electrode
- A money-back guarantee if you are not happy with the product.
Cons
- No backlight and color-changing display
- There is no manual with a TDS chart.
#5. iSpring TDS 3-Button Digital Water Quality Test Meter with Temperature Test Function
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The ispring TDS tester meter is great for monitoring drinking water, water filtration and purification systems.
It features an auto-off function that automatically shuts off after 15 minutes of inactivity.
This meter also features an auto-hold button. The hold button locks and records the reading.
The package includes a user manual with a TDS chart, a lightweight, sturdy plastic housing, and a carrying case with a belt clip for easy portability to any indoor or outdoor water testing site.
Pro
- LCD display
- Manual with TDS chart
- No calibration is required.
- Display Temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Immersion level/line
- Warranty: 30 days and extended upon registration at ispring.
- 30 day money back guarantee if you are not happy.
Cons
- No Backlight and color-changing display
#6. Lxuemlu TDS Meter Digital Water Tester
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Measuring Range:
- TDS: 0 – 9990 ppm (parts per million)
- Conductivity: 0 – 9990 µs/cm
- Temperature: Fahrenheit: 32.0 – 122.0°F
The Lxuemlu digital water tester features an auto-off and a hold function. To conserve batteries, the auto-off function shuts off automatically after 2 minutes of non-use. The hold function saves measurements for convenient reading and recording.
The package includes a protective carrying case with a belt clip.
It can be used to test drinking water, aquariums, hydroponics, swimming pools, water purification and filtration systems.
This meter display results in 4 modes: TDS-ppm, EC-us/cm and temperature–Fahrenheit and Celsius.
Pro
- TDS chart sticker at the back
- Backlight LCD display
- Factory calibrated, no need for calibration by the user.
- Display Temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Immersion level/line
- Warranty: 3 years or 90 days
Cons
- There is no color-changing display to alert you when TDS is low or high.
- No Money-back guarantee if you are not happy.
#7. Hofun TDS Meter Digital Water Test Meter
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Hofun water quality tester is 3-in 1 to test TDS, temperature and electrical conductivity.
It is ideal for water testing, drinking water, swimming pools, laboratories, aquariums, RO/DI water, and hydroponics.
The tester is equipped with a quality titanium alloy probe and a backlit LCD display. The LCD display lights up red if ppm is above 40, meaning a high level of ppm figures, and light green, if ppm is below 40 ppm, meaning the water is qualified for direct drinking.
Pro
- Color changing display (screen changes green if TDS is below 40ppm and red if TDS is above 40)
- Backlight LCD display
- Factory calibrated, no calibration required.
- Display Temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Warranty: 1 year and lifetime technical support.
Cons
- No manual with a TDS chart or TDS chart sticker at the back
- No immersion level or line: you have to guess how far to dip.
- No money back guarantee if you are not happy.
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Measuring Range:
- TDS: 0 – 9990 ppm (parts per million)
- Conductivity: 0 – 9990 µs/cm
- Temperature: Fahrenheit: 0-99 C/32.0 – 212.0°F
Gro theory digital water tester is 3-in 1 pen for temperature, TDS and EC.
The tester has a backlit LCD and an auto-lock function for easier reading.
It also features a 2-minute auto-off function to help save the battery, a titanium alloy probe, and automatic temperature compensation.
Pro
- Backlight LCD display
- No calibration is required.
- Display Temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Immersion level/line
- No immersion level or line: you have to guess how far to dip.
Cons
- No manual with a TDS chart or TDS chart sticker at the back
- There is no color-changing display to alert you when TDS is low or high.
#9. NinHappy Water Quality Tester
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Measuring Range:
- TDS: 0 – 9990 ppm (parts per million)
- Conductivity: 0 – 9990 µs/cm
- Temperature: Fahrenheit: 0.1-50 C/32.0 – 122.0°F
NinHappy water quality tester shuts off automatically after 3 minutes of non-use to conserve battery life. The tester also auto-locks after stabilized reading for convenient reading and recording.
The tester has a 3-year warranty. It comes with a 2-preinstalled battery and a leather case.
Pro
- No calibration is required.
- Display Temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Immersion level/line
- Warranty: 3 years
Cons
- No money back guarantee if you are not happy.
- No TDS chart to explain TDS reading
- There is no backlight LCD display or color-changing display to alert you when ppm is good or high.
#10. WoEluone TDS Meter Digital Water Tester
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Measuring Range:
- TDS: 0 – 9990 ppm (parts per million)
- Conductivity: 0 – 9990 µs/cm
The WoEluone 3-in-1 tester is equipped with a titanium alloy probe to test TDS, EC, and temperature in water.
It features low power backlight technology and changes color to red when ppm is above 40, meaning this is non-drinking water, or green when ppm is below 40.
This TDS meter shut off automatically after 2 minutes of non-use to conserve battery and stabilized results will be auto-locked for convenient reading and recording.
It has a colorful TDS chart at the back to explain TDS reading, comes with 2 extra batteries and a leather case.
The product has a warranty of 3 years and a 90-day money-back guarantee if there is any problem with the digital TDS water tester meter.
Pro
- It comes with a colorful TDS chart at the back.
- Color changing display (screen changes green if TDS is below 40ppm and red if TDS is above 40)
- Backlight LCD display to test water at night or in dark places easily.
- Factory calibrated, no need for calibration by the user.
- Display Temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Warranty: 3 years
- 90 day money back guarantee if you are not happy.
Cons
- No immersion level or line: you have to guess how far to dip.
#11. Health metric TDS Meter Digital Water Tester
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Measuring Range:
- TDS: 0 – 9990 ppm (parts per million)
- Conductivity: 0 – 9990 µs/cm
- Temperature: Fahrenheit: 1-80 C/32.0 – 176.0°F
Health metric digital water tester is 3-in 1 with titanium alloy probe for temperature, EC and TDS.
It requires no calibration; you can use it straight from the box.
This tester features an easy-to-read backlit LCD.
Pro
- Manual with TDS chart, TDS chart sticker at the back, and a colorful TDS chart at the back to explain TDS reading
- backlight LCD display/green backlight LCD to test water at night or in dark places.
- factory calibrated and can be easily calibrated.
- Display Temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Auto shut-off and hold function
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Warranty: 3 years or 90 days
- Money-back guarantee if you are not happy.
Cons
- No color-changing display to alert you when TDS is low or high.
- No immersion level or line: you have to guess how far to dip.
More you might like
[su_box title=”HM Digital TDS meter” box_color=”#1a30ba”]HM Digital Handheld TDS meter
HM Digital TDS-EZ Water Quality TDS Tester
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The HM digital TDS-EZ tester features an auto-off function that shuts down automatically after 10 minutes of non-use.
The results are displayed on an easy-to-read LCD screen.
This meter is calibrated with a 342 ppm NaCl solution and can be recalibrated with a mini-screwdriver.
The tester is great for drinking water, water filtration and purification, hydroponics (test your nutrients), aquariums, RO/DI systems, pools and spas, and more.
At the back of the meter includes a TDS chart sticker that explains the TDS value.
Buy here
It monitors the temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS).
The meter features Automatic Temperature Compensation (ATC), Digital Calibration (push button), Hold button, and auto shut-off.
- HM Digital 716160 COM-100 WATERPROOF PROFESSIONAL SERIES Combo Meter, 7″, White/Purple
- HM Digital TDS-EZ Handheld TDS Meter Tester With Large LCD Screen Testing For Hydroponics Gardening Aquariums Reefs Pools Spas Water Treatment Drinking Pure Filter system
It helps measure Ph/Tds/EC/Temp
HM digital inline TDS meter
HM Digital DM-1 In-Line Dual TDS Monitor
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The HM Digital DM-1 In-Line Dual TDS Meter helps measure tap incoming water and the purified water going out of your water filtration system at any time.
It displays TDS levels of the feed water and product water with “IN and OUT” electrode probes.
The monitors are highly efficient and accurate due to their advanced microprocessor technology.
This product shuts off automatically after 10 minutes of non-use, thereby conserving battery power.
It includes batteries, two sensors, and two 1/4″ quick-connect T-fittings.
The system is easy to install. You can install the “IN” sensor before your water filtration system and the “OUT” sensor after the filtration system.
More HM Digital Inline TDS meter
HM Digital Triple Inline RO/DI TDS Monitor with 1/4 inch T-Fittings
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It has 3 points that allow checking TDS levels at 3 points.
HM Digital SM-1 In-Line Single TDS Monitor, 0-9990 ppm Range, +/- 2% Readout Accuracy
HM Digital TRM-1, 3X 1/4″ Tee, Triple Inline TDS PPM Monitor/Meter
[/su_box]How to use TDS meter
- Fill the water in a clean glass or container.
- Remove protective cover.
- Take your TDS meter and press the button.
- Place the probe into a glass of water up to the maximum immersion level.
- Stir the solution gently.
- Wait until the reading stabilizes and press the hold button (some hold buttons are automatic and you don’t need to press them).
- The LCD will display the readings.
- Read and record the result.
The device detects dissolved solids, conductivity, and temperature in parts per million (ppm) where the TDS meter is applicable.
A TDS meter is used to test the quality of water in the aquarium, hydroponics, fish tank, swimming pool, and drinking water.
If you are using a reverse osmosis system and you want to know whether the membrane is working effectively, you need a TDS meter to test your water.
Why worry about water TDS level
TDS in water does not pose any health hazard but causes your water to taste bad and affects house appliances.
For example, water with a high concentration of TDS tastes salty, fading your clothes, making your hair dull, and causing scale build-up on the plumbing and houses. In short, it is the one people call “hard” that has so many negative effects.
Water with low TDS causes your water to be acidic, which is not good for human consumption but can be used for cleaning.
Which is better TDS meter or water testing strips
The water testing strip measures exact contaminants in your water, while the TDS meter does not measure contaminants in water but tells you whether your water is quality or healthy.
If you want to decide which water filter or softener to purchase, you need to test your water using a water testing kit and not a TDS meter.
How to store TDS meter
- After you are done using it, always rinse with distilled water.
- Dry it off.
- Return the protective cap and store it in a dry place.
- Store in the convenient carrying case if any.
How do you measure water TDS?
Water TDS levels are measured in parts per million (ppm).
If the TDS level is between 50-150 ppm or less than 300 mg/l, it is excellent for drinking.
Shop for more water testing products:
- PH test strips for water
- Drinking water test strips
- Home water quality test kit
- Digital PH meter for water
- Water hardness test kit
