9 Best Soil Moisture Sensor Kits (October 2026)
The best soil moisture sensor kits include the Gain Express Soil PH Meter for deep garden beds, the Raintrip Soil Moisture Meter for mixed soil checks, and the UNIWA Soil Moisture Meter for small plant collections.
On this page (4 sections)
The best soil moisture sensor kit depends on how you plan to use the reading. For remote monitoring, the Ecowitt GW1106 pairs a WH51 sensor with a GW1100 Wi-Fi gateway; for a plant monitoring build, choose a module or irrigation kit made for DIY electronics.
This guide covers handheld meters for pots and garden beds, connected sensors for checking readings remotely, and project kits that can support automated watering. For lawn-focused spot checks, see soil moisture meters for lawns.
Start by deciding whether you want a quick local check, a record you can view later, or a system that responds to soil conditions.
For readings that include temperature, compare these options with our guide to the best soil moisture and temperature sensors. If you manage a larger growing area, see our recommendations for soil moisture sensors for agriculture.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itBuladeke Moisture Meter for Plants
Best for low-light reading - 5
Check itEcowitt GW1106 Soil Moisture Meter Kit
Best for remote garden checks - 6
Check itECOWITT GW1206 Soil Moisture Tester Kit
Best for Ecowitt sensor systems - 7
Check it2 Sets Resistive Soil Moisture Meter
Best for Arduino builds - 8
Check itWayinTop Automatic Irrigation DIY Kit Self Watering
Best for multi-pot watering - 9
Check itMars Hydro PPFD CO2 Soil Sensor Kit
Best for indoor grow rooms
Which soil moisture sensor kits suit different projects?
The best soil moisture sensor kit for you depends on whether you need a manual reading, remote access or an electronic signal for automation. These nine options range from basic handheld meters to connected sensors and DIY watering components.
| Product | Best for | Measurements | Electrode | Power | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gain Express Soil PH Meter | deep garden beds | Soil pH and moisture | 295 mm | No batteries required | 9.6 |
| Raintrip Soil Moisture Meter | mixed soil checks | Moisture, pH, nutrients and light | No batteries required | 9.5 | |
| UNIWA Soil Moisture Meter | small plant collections | No batteries required | 9.4 | ||
| Buladeke Moisture Meter for Plants | low-light reading | Moisture, pH, temperature, light, EC and TDS | Four AAA batteries, not included | 9.0 | |
| Ecowitt GW1106 Soil Moisture Meter Kit | remote garden checks | 8.9 | |||
| ECOWITT GW1206 Soil Moisture Tester Kit | Ecowitt sensor systems | 8.7 | |||
| 2 Sets Resistive Soil Moisture Meter | Arduino builds | 8.4 | |||
| WayinTop Automatic Irrigation DIY Kit Self Watering | multi-pot watering | 8.2 | |||
| Mars Hydro PPFD CO2 Soil Sensor Kit | indoor grow rooms | Soil moisture, temperature, EC, PPFD and CO2 | 8.0 |
What should you know about these soil moisture sensor kits?
A soil moisture kit may be a handheld meter, a wireless sensor with a gateway, or a module for a custom circuit. The key difference is where you read the result and whether the sensor needs other equipment.
Gain Express Soil PH Meter: Best for deep garden beds
- 295 mm electrode
- Measures soil pH and moisture
- No batteries required
- Waterproof metal probe
The long electrode reaches deeper into a bed or planter than a short probe, and the meter also reads pH. It suits gardeners who want a handheld tool for beds, lawns or planters.
Pros
- Long 295 mm electrode
- Measures both moisture and pH
- No batteries required
Cons
- Manual readings rather than remote monitoring
- Periodic calibration is recommended
The Gain Express Soil PH Meter suits gardeners who want a probe that reaches farther into a bed or planter than a short meter. Its 295 mm electrode measures moisture and pH, and the tool works without batteries.
The waterproof metal probe is suited to direct soil checks. Gain Express recommends periodic calibration and gives an operating temperature range of 5 to 50 °C, so plan to use it within that range.
This is a manual tool. It won't send readings to a phone or trigger a watering system, so skip it if you want alerts or unattended monitoring.
Choose it for deeper spot checks where pH information is useful. If you need readings away from the garden, a gateway-based sensor is a better fit.
Raintrip Soil Moisture Meter: Best for mixed soil checks
- Measures moisture, pH, nutrients and light
- 90-degree rotating dial
- Single probe
- No batteries required
This handheld meter combines four plant checks and has a dial that rotates for easier viewing. Raintrip says it is designed for garden and mixed soils, but may not work effectively in loose soils.
Pros
- Four types of readings
- Rotating dial
- Single probe design
Cons
- Not designed for remote monitoring
- May not work effectively in loose soils
The Raintrip Soil Moisture Meter combines moisture, pH, nutrient and light checks in one handheld tool. Its dial rotates up to 90 degrees, which can make readings easier to view beside a pot or bed.
Raintrip describes the single probe as a way to reduce root disturbance compared with dual probes. It says the meter is designed for garden and mixed soils, but may not work effectively in loose soils.
This battery-free meter is intended for direct checks rather than scheduled alerts or automation. The extra readings are useful if you want a broader snapshot of plant conditions from one tool, but unnecessary if moisture alone is your priority.
Choose it for mixed plant checks that include light and pH. Skip it for loose soil or if you want to monitor plants from another room.
UNIWA Soil Moisture Meter: Best for small plant collections
- Two meters per pack
- No batteries required
- Moisture scale with color zones
- For indoor or outdoor use
The two compact meters offer moisture checks for potted plants without batteries or an app. UNIWA advises wiping the probe after use and avoiding hard objects and liquids.
Pros
- Two meters in the pack
- Battery-free operation
- Color-coded scale
Cons
- Manual readings only
- Probe should not stay in soil
The UNIWA Soil Moisture Meter is a two-pack of meters for checking potting soil. Its scale uses dry, moist and wet zones, letting you make a watering decision at the plant without pairing the meter to an app.
UNIWA advises against using the probe on hard objects or in liquids. Wipe it clean after each use and remove it from the soil rather than leaving it inserted.
Having two meters is handy if you care for several containers and want a quick check in more than one pot. Skip this option if you need saved readings, remote monitoring or a digital display.
Choose it for routine checks across a small plant collection. For monitoring that continues when you're away, consider a wireless kit.
Buladeke Moisture Meter for Plants: Best for low-light reading
- Measures moisture, pH, temperature and light
- EC and TDS functions
- Backlit LCD
- Uses four AAA batteries
The digital screen shows several soil readings and has a white backlight for dim spaces. Buladeke says to insert the probe about 10 cm and wait 10 seconds for a reading.
Pros
- Multiple soil and light measurements
- Backlit screen
- Digital readout
Cons
- Requires four AAA batteries
- Probe should not be forced into hard or dry soil
The Buladeke Moisture Meter for Plants provides a backlit digital readout and several measurement functions. It covers moisture, pH, temperature and light, with EC and TDS functions also included.
Buladeke says to insert the probe about 10 cm into the soil and wait 10 seconds. The unit needs four AAA batteries, which aren't included, and its instructions say not to force the probe into soil that's hard or too dry.
A numeric display can be easier to read than a simple zone scale, particularly in dim spaces. This remains a handheld tool, so it won't provide remote readings or automatically control irrigation.
Choose it for a backlit readout and several plant measurements in one meter. Skip it if you prefer tools that need no batteries or require readings sent to an app.
Ecowitt GW1106 Soil Moisture Meter Kit: Best for remote garden checks
- GW1100 Wi-Fi gateway and WH51 sensor
- App and Ecowitt weather server access
- Supports up to 8 WH51 sensors with gateway
- IP66 sensor
The GW1106 connects a WH51 soil sensor to a GW1100 Wi-Fi gateway for remote readings and history graphs. The sensor needs a gateway or compatible console, so it does not display readings on its own.
Pros
- Remote monitoring options
- History graphs and email alerts
- Gateway supports up to 8 WH51 sensors
Cons
- Requires Wi-Fi configuration
- Sensor cannot display readings by itself
The Ecowitt GW1106 pairs a WH51 soil sensor with a GW1100 Wi-Fi gateway for remote monitoring. After Wi-Fi setup, you can view live data in the Ecowitt app or on the weather server, where graphs and history downloads are available.
The gateway supports up to 8 WH51 sensors, and the sensor is rated IP66 for indoor or outdoor use. The WH51 measures soil moisture only and can't display a reading on its own.
Ecowitt supports email alerts through its server. Check the radio frequency before you buy: this version is 915 MHz for North America, while other regions use different frequencies.
Choose this kit if you want remote readings, a history graph and room to add sensors. Skip it if you want a simple probe that works on its own or don't want to configure Wi-Fi.
ECOWITT GW1206 Soil Moisture Tester Kit: Best for Ecowitt sensor systems
- GW1200 Wi-Fi gateway and WH51 sensor
- USB-powered gateway
- WH51 reads moisture within 72 seconds
- Indoor and outdoor sensor use
The GW1206 includes a GW1200 Wi-Fi gateway and one WH51 soil sensor. The gateway connects with Ecowitt sensors, while the WH51 measures soil moisture only.
Pros
- Gateway for Ecowitt sensors
- USB-powered gateway
- WH51 sensor is rated IP66
Cons
- Requires Wi-Fi setup
- WH51 measures soil moisture only
The ECOWITT GW1206 includes a GW1200 Wi-Fi gateway and a WH51 soil sensor. The gateway can connect with Ecowitt sensors, while the WH51 collects moisture data within 72 seconds when fully inserted into soil.
The sensor is rated IP66 for indoor and outdoor use, and it measures soil moisture only. The gateway uses USB power and needs Wi-Fi configuration through the Ecowitt app or website.
This kit can suit someone starting a connected Ecowitt system with one soil sensor. Before setup, confirm regional frequency and whether your existing Ecowitt devices are compatible with the GW1200.
Choose it if you want a GW1200 hub for an Ecowitt sensor setup. Skip it if all you need is a handheld meter or you already have a suitable gateway and only need another sensor.
2 Sets Resistive Soil Moisture Meter: Best for Arduino builds
- Two sensor sets
- Analog and digital outputs
- Adjustable threshold
- Arduino and Raspberry Pi compatibility
These modules provide an analog signal for microcontroller readings and a digital output that changes at an adjustable threshold. The resistive probe is intended for project builds such as garden monitoring and automatic watering.
Pros
- Analog and digital outputs
- Threshold adjustment
- Compatible with Arduino and Raspberry Pi
Cons
- Requires a microcontroller setup
- Probe life in soil is stated as at least 6 months
The 2 Sets Resistive Soil Moisture Meter kit suits people building plant monitoring projects with Arduino or Raspberry Pi. Each probe uses soil resistance, with an analog output for microcontroller readings and a digital output that changes when an adjustable threshold is reached.
A potentiometer adjusts the threshold, and the board has power and signal indicators. The probe is described as corrosion resistant, with an in-soil life stated as at least 6 months.
This is a component set, not a finished meter with a screen or app. You'll need compatible electronics, wiring and code to turn its output into a display or an action.
Choose it for Arduino or Raspberry Pi projects that need a threshold signal or analog input. Skip it if you want a ready-to-use reading without building a circuit.
WayinTop Automatic Irrigation DIY Kit Self Watering: Best for multi-pot watering
- Four capacitive soil moisture sensors
- Four pumps and a 4-channel relay module
- 4 m vinyl tubing
- Tutorial, demo code and libraries
This kit groups sensors, pumps, tubing and a relay module for an Arduino watering project. WayinTop says the pump can start when soil gets dry, and the kit includes tutorial materials and demo code.
Pros
- Includes four sensors and pumps
- Relay module for an automated build
- Tutorial and demo code included
Cons
- Requires assembly and a DIY setup
- Check power and connections for your planned build
The WayinTop Automatic Irrigation DIY Kit combines four capacitive soil moisture sensors with four mini pumps, a 4-channel relay module and 4 m of tubing. It's designed for a DIY plant watering setup in which a sensor can trigger a pump when the soil becomes dry.
WayinTop includes a tutorial, demo code and libraries for the build. The kit is aimed at an Arduino project, so plan for assembly and check that the power supply and connections suit your setup.
This set gives you more of the watering system than a sensor module alone, including pumps and tubing for moving water. It may suit several pots if you're comfortable assembling and configuring electronics.
Choose it for a multi-pot watering build when you want sensors and pumps in one kit. Skip it if you only need to know when to water or aren't prepared to assemble a DIY system.
Mars Hydro PPFD CO2 Soil Sensor Kit: Best for indoor grow rooms
- Soil moisture, temperature and EC readings
- PPFD and CO2 sensors included
- Requires compatible Mars Hydro iControl or iHub Pro
- Includes connection cables and splitters
This kit combines soil readings with PPFD and CO2 monitoring for an indoor growing setup. It requires a compatible Mars Hydro iControl or iHub Pro system.
Pros
- Multiple indoor growing measurements
- Soil sensor tracks moisture, temperature and EC
- Cables and splitters included
Cons
- Requires a compatible Mars Hydro system
- More than a soil-only project needs
The Mars Hydro PPFD CO2 Soil Sensor Kit combines soil moisture, temperature and EC readings with PPFD and CO2 sensing. It suits indoor growing where you want to monitor several conditions together.
The kit requires a compatible Mars Hydro iControl or iHub Pro system. It includes three sensors, RJ12 cables and T-shape splitters, so check your controller and planned cable layout before choosing it.
The soil sensor is designed for horizontal insertion and measures moisture, temperature and electrical conductivity. Its broader measurements may be more than you need if the main goal is to decide when a houseplant needs water.
Choose it if you already use a compatible Mars Hydro controller and want indoor grow readings beyond soil moisture. Skip it for a soil-only setup or if you don't have the required system.
How do you choose the best soil moisture sensor kit?
Choose the best soil moisture sensor kit by deciding first whether you need manual readings, remote monitoring or a signal for a project. Then check what the sensor measures, what equipment it requires and whether the probe suits your soil.
Which soil moisture sensor module fits a DIY build?
A soil moisture sensor module fits a build where a microcontroller will read the signal or respond to a threshold. The resistive set provides analog and digital outputs, while the WayinTop kit adds sensors, pumps, relay hardware and tutorial materials for an irrigation build.
A module is only one part of a working project. Plan how the sensor will connect, what code will read it and how your system will handle watering before assembling the components.
If you're new to the parts involved, read what a soil moisture sensor is and what to expect before planning your build. For regular manual checks instead, our guide to using a soil moisture meter covers how to take a reading.
Do you need a wireless soil moisture sensor?
A wireless soil moisture sensor helps when you want to check readings without going to the plant. The Ecowitt kits pair WH51 sensors with a gateway so data can reach an app or server, while handheld meters show readings at the point of use.
See our guide to the best wireless soil moisture sensors for more options focused on connected monitoring. If you're considering Zigbee, start with our guide to choosing a Zigbee soil moisture sensor and confirm the required hub and compatibility.
How do you choose a sensor for smart home or IoT use?
For smart home or IoT projects, start with the connection and hub you already use. A sensor that needs a separate gateway or a specific controller may not fit your setup without additional compatible hardware.
Our guides explain how to choose a soil moisture sensor for IoT and a soil moisture sensor for Home Assistant. Check the required gateway, software support and sensor output before buying.
How should you set up and care for a soil moisture probe?
Set up a probe by choosing a representative spot in the soil and following its insertion guidance. Avoid pushing a probe through stones or hard soil, since that can damage it; if the soil is too hard, choose a softer spot or follow the device's instructions for preparing it.
For a fair comparison between plants, take readings at a similar depth and position each time. Soil can be wetter near a watering point and drier at the edge of a pot, so one reading may not describe an entire bed or container.
Clean and store the probe as its instructions direct. UNIWA recommends wiping its probe after use and not leaving it in soil, while Gain Express recommends periodic calibration; these care steps vary by sensor type.
What mistakes should you avoid when using a soil moisture kit?
The most common mistake is buying for the word “sensor” instead of the way you plan to use the reading. A handheld meter won't send alerts, a wireless sensor may need a gateway, and a component module won't become a working monitor without electronics and setup.
Don't treat one reading as a watering schedule for every plant. Soil type, pot size, plant needs and probe placement affect what the reading means, so use the meter consistently and look at the plant and soil as well.
Also avoid forcing a probe into hard ground, leaving a handheld probe inserted, or using a soil meter to measure liquid. For wireless kits, check frequency and gateway compatibility before installation.
Which kit should you choose for your plants?
Pick a handheld meter for direct spot checks, the Ecowitt GW1106 for remote moisture monitoring, or the resistive set for a microcontroller project. Choose the WayinTop kit when you want to build automated watering and are ready to assemble its sensors, pumps and relay.
For larger growing areas, compare the choices with our guide to soil moisture sensors for agriculture. If you want readings that include temperature, see soil moisture and temperature sensor options.
If you're troubleshooting a separate AcuRite device, read why an AcuRite lightning detector may not be working. For plant care, choose the simplest meter that gives you the reading you need, and move to a connected kit when you need remote records or automation.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a soil moisture meter and a sensor module?
A soil moisture meter is a handheld tool you insert into soil for a local reading. A sensor module connects to electronics such as a microcontroller, which can read or act on its signal.
Choose a meter for spot checks and a module when you plan to build a monitoring or watering project.
Can a soil moisture sensor module control watering?
Yes, a module can be part of an automatic watering project when paired with compatible electronics and a pump or valve. The WayinTop kit combines sensors, pumps and a relay module for a DIY setup.
Check the wiring and power needs for your project before connecting components.
Can wireless soil sensors work without a gateway?
Some wireless soil sensors need a gateway or compatible console to send readings to an app or display. The Ecowitt WH51 sensor in these kits needs a gateway or supported console and does not show readings by itself.
Check sensor and hub compatibility before buying.
How should I choose a soil moisture probe?
Choose a probe based on how you will use its readings. A handheld meter suits one-off checks, a wireless sensor suits remote monitoring, and a module suits a microcontroller project.
Also check the soil type and insertion guidance, since some probes should not be forced into hard ground.
