8 Best Soil Moisture and Temperature Sensors (November 2026)
The best soil moisture and temperature sensors include the Gain Express Soil PH Meter for deep spot checks, the ECOWITT WH0291 Soil Moisture Tester Plant Soil for simple plant checks, and the Songhe Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor Module Corrosion for DIY sensor projects.
On this page (5 sections)
The best soil moisture and temperature sensor for measuring both at once is the Spider Farmer GGS 3 in 1 Soil, which tracks soil temperature, moisture, and EC. That combination suits readers who want one view of the root zone instead of separate meters for water and warmth.
For direct spot checks, the FGI Aroya Solus also reads moisture, EC, and temperature. It fits growers who move between beds, pots, or substrate types and want readings at the moment of checking.
For wireless moisture monitoring, choose a system that fits your existing console or gateway. Ambient Weather and ECOWITT options send moisture readings remotely, but they do not report soil temperature.
Soil warmth and water content can point to different actions. That extra context matters in spring, when soil may be wet but still cold, and in containers, where conditions can change quickly between waterings.
Temperature readings are most useful when they come from the soil itself. Air temperature near a plant is different, and it should not be treated as a soil reading.
EC adds another layer for enriched or controlled growing. It relates to electrical conductivity and salt levels, so it can help when feeding or substrate choices are part of the routine.
Start by deciding whether you need both measurements or only moisture. Read the product details for compatibility before buying, since a sensor that needs a controller, gateway, or console is only useful if you already plan to use that system.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for simple plant checksECOWITT WH0291 Soil Moisture Tester Plant Soil
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for DIY sensor projectsSonghe Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor Module Corrosion
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itAmbient Weather WH31SM Soil Moisture Sensor
Best for Ambient Weather consoles - 5
Check itECOWITT GW1206 Soil Moisture Tester Kit
Best for gateway based monitoring - 6
Check itNexusLab Wireless Soil Moisture Meter with LCD
Best for remote plant readings - 7
Best for soil warmth and moisture togetherCheck it - 8
Check itFGI Aroya Solus Commercial Soil EC
Best for professional spot checks
Our score weighs specs, features, and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
The best soil moisture and temperature sensors for different setups
The Spider Farmer GGS and FGI Aroya Solus both measure soil temperature and moisture. They also report EC, which makes them the most complete options in this group for root-zone readings.
The other picks focus on moisture, pH, or plant readings such as ambient temperature. That does not make them weak choices, but it does change what decisions they can support.
Use this section to match the tool to the job. Ongoing tracking, handheld checks, and DIY builds each call for a different design.
Spider Farmer GGS 3 in 1 Soil: Best for soil warmth and moisture together
- Measures soil temperature, moisture, and EC
- Connects to GGS controller or power strip by RJ12 cable
- Supports up to 6 sensors in a GGS system
This sensor directly measures soil temperature and moisture, with EC readings as a third measure. It requires a compatible GGS controller or power strip for app monitoring.
Pros
- Measures soil warmth and moisture together
- Offers EC readings too
- Supports multiple sensors in a GGS system
Cons
- Requires GGS system equipment
- Sensor data appears through the Spider Farmer app when connected
The Spider Farmer GGS 3 in 1 Soil Sensor Pro measures soil temperature, moisture, and EC. It connects by RJ12 cable to a GGS controller or power strip, and the app can show real-time readings and historical charts.
That wired connection suits a grow tent or controlled space where the controller is already central to lighting, power, or irrigation. The Pro version supports up to 6 sensors in one GGS system, so you can compare separate pots, beds, or zones without moving a single probe around.
It offers substrate choices for yellow clay, peat soil, and coconut coir. Choosing the right substrate helps the readings make sense for the medium you are actually using.
Its temperature range is -40°F to +185°F. Resolution is fine enough for trend watching, at 0.1°F for temperature, 0.1% for moisture, and 0.01 mS/cm for EC.
Accuracy is stated as plus or minus 1% for temperature, plus or minus 2% for moisture, and plus or minus 1% for EC. The probes are sealed stainless steel for long-term burial, with horizontal insertion recommended and all three probes fully in the soil.
Choose it for ongoing readings in a compatible GGS setup. Automatic irrigation is possible when paired with a suitable GGS power strip and drip system, but it is less suited to someone who wants a simple handheld meter with no controller involved.
FGI Aroya Solus Commercial Soil EC: Best for professional spot checks
- Measures moisture, EC, and temperature
- Bluetooth connection to Solus app
- For soil, coco, and soilless substrates
The Solus combines moisture, electrical conductivity, and temperature readings in a spot-check tool for controlled growing. The Bluetooth module syncs readings to the Solus app without Wi-Fi.
Pros
- Measures temperature, moisture, and EC
- Bluetooth app connection
- Designed for soil and soilless substrates
Cons
- A professional oriented tool
- No continuous monitoring claim
The FGI Aroya Solus measures moisture, EC, and temperature in soil, coco, or soilless substrates. A Bluetooth module syncs readings to the Solus app without Wi-Fi.
That Bluetooth link suits spot checks in a greenhouse, nursery, or grow room. You carry a phone, take a reading, and review the result without setting up a network connection.
It is designed for spot checks at selected locations. You insert the sensor, wait for the reading, and move on to the next plant or substrate sample.
The TEROS 12 sensor measures water content, temperature, and electrical conductivity. Using a sensor built for commercial monitoring gives the tool a professional focus.
Water content can be checked at any time to judge dryback. That timing matters because fully saturated media such as coco or rockwool can read a maximum around 70% water content.
EC readings are best taken between waterings as the medium dries out. Readings taken from about 30 to 90 minutes after watering can also give a more stable EC picture.
EC changes as water is consumed and salts become more concentrated. Repeated spot checks at similar times help you spot trends rather than reacting to one number.
The epoxy sealed housing and stainless probes are built for repeated field use. A two-year limited warranty and United States support are also listed for this tool.
Choose it when you want all three readings in a spot-check tool. For farm-focused choices, compare soil moisture sensors for agriculture.
Gain Express Soil PH Meter: Best for deep spot checks
- Moisture and pH readings
- 295 mm electrode
- Self-powered, no batteries required
A long electrode and combined moisture and pH readings suit garden beds where you want to check below the surface. It does not provide soil temperature readings.
Pros
- Long 295 mm electrode
- Moisture and pH in one meter
- No batteries required
Cons
- No soil temperature reading
- Periodic calibration recommended
The Gain Express Soil PH Meter checks soil moisture and pH with a 295 mm electrode. It suits garden beds, lawns, farms, and planters where you want to check below the surface.
The long, slender probe helps you reach deeper soil. That depth can be useful in beds where surface moisture does not reflect conditions lower down.
The meter is self-powered, so it does not need batteries. That removes one consumable and makes the tool easy to keep in a garden shed or potting area.
Gain Express recommends periodic calibration and gives an operating temperature range of 5 to 50°C. That range describes the meter's operating conditions rather than soil temperature measurement.
Keep the probe clean and the metal electrode in good care. Wiping it after use and storing it dry helps readings stay reliable over time.
This is a manual tool, so you take readings when you choose to check. That style suits home gardeners who want quick answers without an app or console.
It can suit vineyards, orchards, field production, and lawn maintenance, as well as home use. The combined moisture and pH check can help you think about soil conditions before amending a bed.
Choose this for a manual moisture check with pH readings. It does not measure soil temperature, so use a separate soil thermometer when ground temperature matters.
ECOWITT WH0291 Soil Moisture Tester Plant Soil: Best for simple plant checks
- Digital LCD with flower pot icon
- Moisture reading within 72 seconds
- Custom low and high calibration
The LCD gives a direct moisture level for indoor or outdoor plants. Its custom mode lets you set low and high moisture values for different soil types.
Pros
- Easy-to-read moisture display
- Custom low and high calibration
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Does not measure soil temperature
- Requires 2 AA batteries
The ECOWITT WH0291 gives a moisture check for potted plants, lawns, and gardens. Its digital LCD uses a flower pot icon to show moisture level, and the sensor measures moisture within 72 seconds.
The display makes the result easy to read at a glance. A simple icon and level can be clearer than a raw number when you only need to know whether to water.
Its custom mode lets you set low and high moisture values for different soil types. That calibration helps when one default scale does not fit clay, sand, or potting mix.
The display also shows time in 12 or 24 hour format. That detail is small, but it makes the console feel familiar if you use it indoors.
It needs 2 AA batteries, one for the display console and one for the sensor. The batteries are not included, so plan to add them before first use.
Check battery life as part of your routine. Replace batteries before readings become unreliable, and keep spare batteries where the plants are stored.
It suits indoor and outdoor use, including potted plants and lawn areas. The waterproof sensor design is intended for soil use, not for leaving electronics exposed beyond its limits.
Choose it for a simple, direct moisture display. It does not measure soil temperature, so it cannot replace a soil thermometer when warmth is the question.
Songhe Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor Module Corrosion: Best for DIY sensor projects
- Capacitive moisture sensing
- Analog output
- 3.3 to 5.5 VDC operating voltage
This capacitive module is intended for moisture detection projects that use a compatible controller. Its analog output makes it a different kind of choice from a standalone meter.
Pros
- Capacitive sensing
- Five modules in the pack
- 3.3 to 5.5 VDC operating range
Cons
- No built-in display
- Does not measure soil temperature
Songhe's capacitive module suits a DIY setup with a compatible controller or board. It uses analog output and operates from 3.3 to 5.5 VDC, so check your controller's input needs before connecting it.
This is a component, not a complete meter. You will need a board, wiring, and code or software to turn the sensor signal into a useful reading.
The pack includes 5 modules for projects that use several sensors. Extra modules can cover separate pots or serve as spares if one is damaged during installation.
The module detects moisture through capacitive sensing. That method differs from resistive sensing and is described as corrosion resistant for longer service life.
Output voltage is listed as 0 to 3.0 VDC. Matching that output to your controller input helps avoid incorrect readings or damage.
Operating voltage can run from 3.3 to 5.5 VDC. Many Arduino style projects use 3.3 or 5 volt power, but you should confirm your exact board before wiring.
Measurement accuracy is listed as plus or minus 15%. That tolerance means the module is better for relative changes and alerts than for precise laboratory style readings.
Sensing distance is listed as 9.8 centimeters. Insert the sensing section into the soil in the way your project requires, and keep connections dry.
Choose it as a component for a build rather than as a ready-to-use meter. For more on this sensor type, see the best capacitive soil moisture sensor.
Ambient Weather WH31SM Soil Moisture Sensor: Best for Ambient Weather consoles
- Wireless 915 MHz sensor
- Up to 8 channels
- 71 second refresh rate
This sensor sends soil moisture readings to compatible Ambient Weather consoles. The WH31SM needs calibration before installation, and it does not measure soil temperature.
Pros
- Wireless readings for compatible consoles
- Supports up to 8 channels
- Ceramic cap
Cons
- Requires a compatible Ambient Weather system
- Does not measure soil temperature
The Ambient Weather WH31SM sends soil moisture readings wirelessly to compatible consoles, including the WS-2000 and WS-5000. It supports up to 8 channels and refreshes readings every 71 seconds.
That channel count suits gardens with several beds or zones. Each sensor can report separately, so one console can show moisture across more than one spot.
Calibrate it before installation and place it no more than 4 inches deep. The sensor has a range of up to 300 feet line of sight, or 100 feet in most conditions.
Calibration matters because soil types differ in density and water holding behavior. The ceramic cap helps reduce sensitivity to soil density, but setup still affects the result.
The sensor measures 6 by 3.5 by 1 inches and runs on 1 AA battery, which is not included. Keep a spare battery in mind for long term outdoor use.
The 71 second refresh rate means readings are not instant updates. Wait through a full cycle after watering or moving the sensor before judging the change.
This pick measures soil moisture, not soil temperature. Check your console and firmware compatibility before adding it, including the listed models and software versions.
Alerts can be useful when the console is part of a wider weather setup. Email, text, or IFTTT alerts may help you water before a bed dries too far.
Choose it if you already own a compatible Ambient Weather system. If you do not, a standalone meter may be simpler and less costly.
ECOWITT GW1206 Soil Moisture Tester Kit: Best for gateway based monitoring
- GW1200 Wi-Fi gateway and WH51 sensor
- Wireless soil moisture readings
- IP66 waterproof sensor
The kit combines a gateway with a wireless sensor for checking soil moisture through the ECOWITT app after setup. It measures moisture only, so pair it with a separate soil thermometer if warmth matters.
Pros
- Gateway and sensor in one kit
- IP66 waterproof sensor
- Sensor gathers data within 72 seconds when inserted
Cons
- Gateway needs Wi-Fi configuration
- Sensor is designed to measure moisture only
The ECOWITT GW1206 kit includes a GW1200 Wi-Fi gateway and a WH51 soil moisture sensor. After Wi-Fi setup, you can view the sensor's moisture readings in the ECOWITT app.
The gateway also acts as an indoor weather station. It includes temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure sensing, plus a connection point for ECOWITT sensors.
The WH51 is an IP66 waterproof moisture sensor for indoor or outdoor use. It measures moisture only, so pair it with a separate soil thermometer if soil warmth matters.
The sensor gathers soil moisture data within 72 seconds when fully inserted. That short wait is easier to plan for than guessing whether a probe has settled.
Setup uses the ECOWITT app or a website for Wi-Fi configuration. The app route is recommended in the product details, and a quick start guide is included.
The gateway is powered by USB and comes with a cable clip and a 1.5 meter extension cable. That cable helps you place the gateway for a more accurate indoor reading.
Firmware can update automatically if you enable that option. By default it is unchecked, so the gateway will not update itself unless you choose otherwise.
Avoid hard, rocky soil with the WH51. The sensor is designed for moisture measurement, and forcing it into stones can damage the probe or skew readings.
Choose this kit for a gateway and sensor together. For another bundled option, compare it with a soil moisture sensor kit.
NexusLab Wireless Soil Moisture Meter with LCD: Best for remote plant readings
- LCD receiver with up to 2 sensors
- Moisture, ambient temperature, and light readings
- No app or Wi-Fi required
The receiver lets you view plant sensor readings indoors without opening an app. Its temperature reading is ambient, not soil temperature, so it is not a complete soil warmth monitor.
Pros
- Includes two sensors and one receiver
- No Wi-Fi or app required
- Receiver shows ambient temperature
Cons
- Does not measure soil temperature
- Uses AA and AAA batteries
NexusLab sends readings from up to 2 sensors to an indoor LCD receiver. The kit includes one receiver and two sensors, and it works without an app or Wi-Fi.
That receiver suits households who want to check plants from a desk or nightstand without opening a phone. It is the main appeal of the system.
The sensors report moisture, ambient temperature, and light. Ambient temperature describes the air around the plant, not the soil temperature.
Moisture is shown as a percentage from 0 to 100%. That scale makes readings easier to compare over time, even if you treat the number as a guide.
The receiver can flash a flower pot icon when moisture falls below your set limit. That visual alert gives a simple reminder to water.
The sensor is rated IPX5 for outdoor use in rain and sprinklers. Loosen compacted or rocky soil before inserting the 6.3 inch probe.
The system uses a wireless RF connection rather than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Range is listed up to 230 feet, though walls and metal objects can affect the signal.
Batteries are included for first setup, with 2 AA and 4 AAA batteries in the kit. Fresh alkaline batteries are recommended for stable performance.
For other wireless options focused on moisture, see our best wireless soil moisture sensors guide.
What should a combined soil sensor measure?
A combined soil moisture and temperature sensor should state that it measures soil temperature alongside moisture. Some plant monitors show air temperature instead, which does not tell you the temperature of the growing medium.
Look for clear wording in the product details. Phrases such as soil temperature or root zone temperature are more specific than a general temperature label.
An EC reading can also give information about electrical conductivity. Spider Farmer and FGI include EC, while the other picks focus on moisture, pH, or ambient temperature.
EC can help in controlled growing where feeding matters. It can also confuse readers who only need to know when to water, so weigh whether you will actually use it.
Moisture alone answers a watering question. Soil temperature adds context for planting, germination, and root activity.
pH is a different measurement again. The Gain Express meter pairs moisture with pH, which can be useful for soil amendments, yet it does not report soil warmth.
Ambient temperature and light, as on the NexusLab system, describe the plant environment. Those readings can be helpful, but they should not be read as soil temperature.
Check the probe design and how readings reach you. A buried sensor, a handheld spot checker, and a DIY module each suit different routines.
How do soil moisture and temperature readings guide planting?
Soil temperature and moisture readings show conditions in the growing area and can inform planting or irrigation decisions. They don't replace plant-specific guidance.
Use readings as one input alongside the needs of the plant you are growing. A number can support a decision, but it cannot know the full history of the soil or the plant.
Cold, wet soil and warm, dry soil call for different responses. Seeing both at once helps you avoid watering a bed that is already saturated or planting into soil that is still too cold.
Place sensors where they reflect the growing area you care about. Consistent depth and placement make readings easier to compare over time.
A sensor at the edge of a bed may not match the center. A sensor in a sunny pot may not match a shaded container, so location matters as much as the device.
Wait for readings to settle after watering or installation. Some sensors update on a cycle, and water takes time to move down to the root zone.
Record what you see at key moments. Simple notes about watering, weather, and planting dates make later readings easier to understand.
Change one thing at a time when you can. That habit helps you learn whether moisture, temperature, or both are driving the result you see.
What should you check before buying a soil temperature and moisture sensor?
Check whether the sensor measures soil temperature, ambient temperature, moisture, pH, or EC. Then check how it shares readings, whether it needs a compatible console or controller, and how it is powered.
Start with the measurement list, because the names can be easy to confuse. Ambient temperature is not soil temperature, and moisture alone is not a combined soil sensor.
Next, check compatibility before you buy. Some sensors need a specific console, gateway, controller, or power strip, and others work as standalone meters.
Power is another practical filter. Batteries, USB power, self-powered operation, and controller power each bring different care routines.
Consider probe length and placement. A 295 mm electrode reaches deeper than a short sensor, while a buried sensor stays in one spot for ongoing readings.
Think about calibration and soil type. Clay, sand, coco, and potting mix can change how a moisture reading should be interpreted.
For a standalone moisture explanation, see what a soil moisture sensor can tell you. If you are connecting readings to a smart home, our soil moisture sensor Home Assistant guide covers that choice.
Also consider whether you need manual spot readings or ongoing tracking. Wireless sensors may require a receiver, gateway, console, or app.
Check waterproof ratings and update timing too. A 71 second refresh, a 72 second reading, or a handheld check will feel different in daily use.
Finally, match the tool to your space. A grow tent, a raised bed, a lawn, and a houseplant shelf do not need the same sensor design.
Which soil moisture and temperature sensor fits?
Choose Spider Farmer for soil moisture and temperature readings in a compatible GGS system. Choose FGI Aroya Solus for Bluetooth spot checks, and choose a moisture-only meter when temperature is not part of your decision.
That split covers the main styles in this guide. Connected sensors track over time, handheld tools check selected spots, and simple meters answer a basic watering question.
If soil warmth matters most, start with a sensor that reports soil temperature directly. If watering matters most, a moisture only option may give you the answer with less setup.
Check compatibility before you commit. A GGS controller, an Ambient Weather console, an ECOWITT gateway, or a DIY board each changes the value of the sensor.
Think about where the readings will live. An app chart, a console screen, an LCD receiver, and a handheld display each fit a different daily routine.
For air and moisture context, read our guide to a temperature and humidity sensor. If you are also tracking indoor conditions, our air quality monitor guide covers another home measurement.
Those guides can help if you want a broader view of your home or grow space. They are separate from soil readings, so keep the two jobs clear.
Place the sensor well and keep placement consistent. Depth, soil contact, and location will shape how useful the readings are over time.
Calibrate or set moisture ranges where the product allows it. Different soils respond differently, and a default scale may not fit your bed or pot.
Keep batteries, cables, and connections in good shape. Choose the simplest option that answers your real question.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for simple plant checks
ECOWITT WH0291 Soil Moisture Tester Plant Soil
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for DIY sensor projects
Songhe Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensor Module Corrosion
8.9/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Do soil moisture sensors also measure soil temperature?
Some do, but many measure moisture alone. Check that the sensor specifically reports soil temperature, since an ambient temperature reading describes the air around the plant.
The Spider Farmer GGS sensor and FGI Aroya Solus include soil temperature alongside moisture.
Why measure soil moisture and temperature together?
Moisture helps you judge when plants may need water, while soil temperature gives context for planting and root-zone conditions. Tracking both can help you make irrigation and planting decisions based on what is happening in the growing medium.
Use readings as one input alongside plant needs and local conditions.
Can a wireless soil moisture sensor report temperature?
Yes, but check whether it measures soil or ambient temperature. The NexusLab wireless meter shows ambient temperature, while the Ambient Weather WH31SM and ECOWITT WH51 focus on soil moisture.
A wireless connection alone does not mean a sensor tracks soil warmth.
How deep should I place a soil moisture sensor?
Placement depends on the sensor and the plant's root zone. The Ambient Weather WH31SM should be calibrated before installation and placed no more than 4 inches deep.
Follow the specific sensor's setup guidance and avoid forcing a probe into rocky or hard soil.
