Top 10 Best light meters for plants in 2025

Introduction

Looking for a reliable light meters for plants in 2025? You’re not alone. With so many models available today, it’s easy to get lost—especially when descriptions are vague or customer reviews are all over the place. That’s why we decided to sort things out. Not by claiming to know everything, but by analyzing what sells well, what real users say, and what’s worth your attention both on paper and in practice. Our goal isn’t to drown you in technical details, but to guide you toward the best possible choices—without wasting hours comparing on your own. In short, a practical and hopefully useful guide.

See the full ranking

Our Top 3

N° 1
Mcbazel Digital Illuminance Light Meter, Photometer Light Intensity Sense Tester,Lux Meter Range up to 200,000 Lux Light Meter for Plants LED Growing/Garden/Indoor/Photography
  • Extra Large Range: Our digital illuminance light meter boasts a wide measurement range of up to 200,000 LUX. The high sensitivity illuminance sensor ensures an accurate and quick response, with a sampling frequency of up to 2 times per second.
  • User Friendly Design: Easily switch between the two main units of illuminance LUX and FC to fit your needs. LCD display monitor provides clear vision, the backlight function ensures the meter's readability even in dim environments.
  • Multifunction: With our meter, you can measure not only the current brightness but also the maximum and minimum values. The data HOLD feature lets you freeze the reading on the display, which can be useful when you need to record the measurement.
  • Energy Efficient: The meter comes with an auto power-off function that helps conserve battery life when the device is not in use. A low-battery indicator will notify you when it's time for a battery change, ensuring the meter is always ready for use.
  • Broad Application: Our lux meter can be widely used in such as schools, hospitals,factories, airports, light meter photography, families and other occasions of brightness measurement.It's a must-have measuring tool for professionals, academics, and hobbyists alike.
N° 2
Dr.meter Light Meter, Split Type Digital Lux Meter 0-100,000 Lux Range with Data Hold High Precision Fast Reactions for Garden Indoor and Photography (include Battery)
  • 【3 Ranges】:The light meter has 3 range settings, 2,000Lux range: reading × 1; 20,000Lux range: reading × 10; 100,000Lux range: reading × 10.
  • 【Split type design】: The light sensor and display body are split. The sensor can freely choose the direction and height of the illuminance, and reading is more convenient and measurement is more user-friendly.
  • 【 High reliability and durability 】:The light meter Permits a wide range of light measurements. It could adjust zero automatically and excellent operation.
  • 【Precise and easy readout】:LSI-circuit use provides high reliability and durability.LCD display provides low power consumption and clearly read out evening high ambient light.
  • 【Maintenance】:The calibration interval for the photo detector will vary according to operational conditions, but generally the sensitivity decreases in direct proportion to the product of luminous intensity by the operational time. In order to maintain the basic accuracy of the light meter, periodic calibration is recommended.
N° 3
Handheld Digital Light Meter Ambient Temperature Measurer with Range up to 200,000 Lux with 4 Digit Color LCD Screen (Black)
  • Measures luminosity from 0 to 200,000 Lux and ambient temperature
  • High accuracy of ±3% rdg ± 8 dgts (<10,000 Lux)±4% rdg ±10 dgts (>10,000 Lux)
  • 4-digital color LCD screen, MIN/Max readings, data hold, auto power off, and low battery indication
  • Handheld design, lightweight and compact, easy to transport
  • Wide range of application, use it for photography, set design, factory, office or home use

How to choose a good light meters for plants?

On the surface, choosing a light meters for plants seems simple. But once you dig in, it gets more complicated. Between technical differences, unfamiliar brands, and unclear features, it’s better to ask the right questions:

  • Usage: Will you use it daily or only occasionally? That heavily influences the right model.
  • Budget: No need to go for the most expensive one right away. What matters is the value for money.
  • Key factors:
    • Durability, build quality, lifespan
    • Truly useful features (not just marketing buzz)
    • User reviews, especially after weeks or months
    • Availability of customer service in case of issues

We’ve cross-checked multiple sources: Amazon data, detailed reviews, search trends… and a bit of intuition too—because numbers don’t tell the whole story. This mix allows us to build our ranking, which we update regularly. The goal isn’t to just list names but to guide you toward what truly works.

Our Top 10 Best light meters for plants

N° 1
Mcbazel Digital Illuminance Light Meter, Photometer Light Intensity Sense Tester,Lux Meter Range up to 200,000 Lux Light Meter for Plants LED Growing/Garden/Indoor/Photography
  • Extra Large Range: Our digital illuminance light meter boasts a wide measurement range of up to 200,000 LUX. The high sensitivity illuminance sensor ensures an accurate and quick response, with a sampling frequency of up to 2 times per second.
  • User Friendly Design: Easily switch between the two main units of illuminance LUX and FC to fit your needs. LCD display monitor provides clear vision, the backlight function ensures the meter's readability even in dim environments.
  • Multifunction: With our meter, you can measure not only the current brightness but also the maximum and minimum values. The data HOLD feature lets you freeze the reading on the display, which can be useful when you need to record the measurement.
  • Energy Efficient: The meter comes with an auto power-off function that helps conserve battery life when the device is not in use. A low-battery indicator will notify you when it's time for a battery change, ensuring the meter is always ready for use.
  • Broad Application: Our lux meter can be widely used in such as schools, hospitals,factories, airports, light meter photography, families and other occasions of brightness measurement.It's a must-have measuring tool for professionals, academics, and hobbyists alike.
N° 2
Dr.meter Light Meter, Split Type Digital Lux Meter 0-100,000 Lux Range with Data Hold High Precision Fast Reactions for Garden Indoor and Photography (include Battery)
  • 【3 Ranges】:The light meter has 3 range settings, 2,000Lux range: reading × 1; 20,000Lux range: reading × 10; 100,000Lux range: reading × 10.
  • 【Split type design】: The light sensor and display body are split. The sensor can freely choose the direction and height of the illuminance, and reading is more convenient and measurement is more user-friendly.
  • 【 High reliability and durability 】:The light meter Permits a wide range of light measurements. It could adjust zero automatically and excellent operation.
  • 【Precise and easy readout】:LSI-circuit use provides high reliability and durability.LCD display provides low power consumption and clearly read out evening high ambient light.
  • 【Maintenance】:The calibration interval for the photo detector will vary according to operational conditions, but generally the sensitivity decreases in direct proportion to the product of luminous intensity by the operational time. In order to maintain the basic accuracy of the light meter, periodic calibration is recommended.
N° 3
Handheld Digital Light Meter Ambient Temperature Measurer with Range up to 200,000 Lux with 4 Digit Color LCD Screen (Black)
  • Measures luminosity from 0 to 200,000 Lux and ambient temperature
  • High accuracy of ±3% rdg ± 8 dgts (<10,000 Lux)±4% rdg ±10 dgts (>10,000 Lux)
  • 4-digital color LCD screen, MIN/Max readings, data hold, auto power off, and low battery indication
  • Handheld design, lightweight and compact, easy to transport
  • Wide range of application, use it for photography, set design, factory, office or home use
PromoN° 4
Dr.meter Light Meter, LX1330B Digital Illuminance 0-200,000 Measurement Range Lux Meter, Lighting Intensity Brightness Measurement for Indoor Outdoor, Light Meters for Plants
  • 【High Precision & Fast Response】This high-precision illuminance meter delivers lightning-fast readings 2 times per second, ensuring you get accurate light intensity data—perfect for creating the ideal growing environment for your plants!
  • 【FC/LUX Conversion】FC or LUX? The Power is in Your Hands! Effortlessly toggle between FC and LUX to measure light intensity in the unit that suits your gardening needs—precision made simple!
  • 【PEAK Data Recording】Instantly lock in and display the highest light pulse value with a single press of the PEAK button—perfect for measuring lightning, laser beams, and other brief high-intensity sources.
  • 【Low Battery Alert】Stay powered, stay prepared! A handy + - symbol appears when the battery runs low, so you’ll always know when it’s time to swap out the 9V battery and keep your light measurements going strong!
  • 【Versatile Usage】Ready for any setting! Whether indoors or outdoors, this meter is perfect for homes, offices, factories, or measuring sunlight intensity to create the perfect environment for your plants to thrive.
N° 5
Digital Light Meter,V·Resourcing Handheld Illuminance Meter with Ambient Temperature Measurer,Range up to 200,000 Lux Luxmeter with 4 Digit Color LCD Backlight Screen
  • [ Multi-Function ] Digital Light illuminance Meter with Built-in thermometer can measure the lighting in an area and also automatically measure the ambient temperature.
  • [ High Performance ] Measuring luminosity from 0 to 200,000 Lux with High accuracy of ±3% rdg±8 d (<10,000Lux).
  • [ Dual Display ] 4-bit color LCD display, easy to read the measurement, LUX/FC unit can switch freely select, data retention function, data automatically recorded.
  • [ Lightweight & Compact Design ] One-handed operation ergonomic design,This pocket size design makes it easy to carry, no matter where you are.
  • [ Wide Range of Application ] Widely used for light test of public stores, library, museum, lamp factory, photo shooting, stage disposition of light, light intensity measurement engineering,quality control, offices, transportation routes, families,etc.
N° 6
TopTes TS-710 Light Meter, Lux/Foot Candles Meter with 180º Rotating Sensor, 0.1~200,000 Lux Range, Large Backlit Display, Light Meter for Plants, Car Headlights, Home & Office LEDs (Includes Battery)
  • 180° Rotating Probe and 2.25" Backlit LCD: TopTes TS-710 Light meter with 180-degree rotating sensor ensures precise light measurements from multiple angles. The fast-responding sensor samples every 0.5 seconds, providing continuous measurement data. The backlit 2.25-inch LCD screen allows easy reading even in low-light conditions
  • LUX/FC Measurement Units: TopTes TS-710 Luxmeter with Wide range: 0.1 to 200,000 lux and 0.1 to 20,000 foot candles, 3%rdg+5dgt accuracy. Optimize your plant's growth with our light meter for plants to find the suitable lighting area
  • Versatile Applications: TS-710 lumen meter measures various visible light sources like LED grow room lighting, fluorescent lamps, metal halides, high-pressure sodium lamps, and incandescent bulbs. Ideal for homes, schools, offices, workshops, stages, farms, and factories. With the light meter foot candles, you can easily diagnose and fix issues such as dim car headlights or uneven LED bulbs in your home
  • Multi-Functional Design: TS-710 foot candle light meter measures ambient ℃/℉ temperature and humidity, with the temperature sensor adapting to new environments over time. Features MAX/MIN value recording and data-hold for extensive data logging. Auto shut-off after 10 minutes of inactivity. Low-battery indicator for timely battery replacement
  • Package Contents: A TS-710 digital light meter with sensor cover, a soft case, three AAA batteries, and a user manual
N° 7
Sonkir Soil pH Meter, MS02 3-in-1 Soil Moisture/Light/pH Tester Gardening Tool Kits for Plant Care, Great for Garden, Lawn, Farm, Indoor & Outdoor Use (Green)
  • Kindly NOTE: This soil tester can not be applied to test pH value of any other liquid. If the soil is too dry the indicator will not move, and water it before testing.
  • 3-IN-1 FUNCTION: Test soil moisture, pH value and sunlight level of plant with our soil meter, helps you specialize in grasping when you need to water your plant.
  • ACCURATE & RELIABLE: Double-needle Detection Technology strongly enhances the speed and accuracy of detecting and analyzing soil moisture and pH acidity.
  • EASY TO USE: No batteries needed, just insert the sensor probe into the soil about 2-4 inches, toggle switch to test moisture, pH, sunlight you would like to measure.
  • INDOOR & OUTDOOR USE: Design to be lightweight and portable, easy to carry around for outdoor use, ideal soil test tool kit for home plants, garden, lawn and farm.
PromoN° 8
Mcbazel Soil Meter, 4-in-1 Digital Plant Soil Moisture Meter with PH/Temperature/Moisture/Light for Gardening, Lawn, Farming and Outdoor Plants
  • 4 in 1 Soil Meter:The multifunctional soil pH meter measures soil pH, moisture, temperature, and light intensity accurately, ideal soil pH meter tool for home plants, garden, lawn and farm.
  • Large Backlit LCD Display:This Soil Tester uses a large LCD screen to display a variety of readings easily and allow you to read parameters in dark conditions.
  • Highly Sensitivity Probe:Aluminum alloy soil probe of smart soil pH tester is highly sensitive, detects the soil conditions faster and more accurately.
  • Easy to use:Just insert the sensor probe into the soil for about 3-4 inches depth and you'll get the measurement data after 5-10 seconds. Switch to PH/TEMP as needed. Available in both °C/°F scale.NOTE:Please REMOVE the red cover before using the soil meter.
  • Widely Use:Suitable for both indoor & outdoor. The soil meter can be use for your garden, farm, potted plants, succulents, etc. To help your our garden or lawn in tip-top condition!
N° 9
Digital Lux Light Meter, Luxmeter 881D Measure Lumen 0.01~400,000 Lux, Illuminance Tester Luminometer to Check Light Level and Temp for LED Plant Grow Light Photography
  • 🌟【High Accuracy Light Meter】This lux meter can accurate measure luminance at 0.1-400,000Lux(FC switchable),High accuracy:+/-4% rdg +/-0.5%f.s(20,000Lux).High response speed with 2 times/sec,1 Lux resolution,for a dynamic metering ability.
  • 🌟【270 Degree Rotatable Detector】The light sensor can rotate 270°! It is easy to adjust to the direction you want to measure.No need to turn around the light meter to measure lights from different angles. Multi-directional measurement from anywhere.
  • 🌟【Memorize Light Readings】This Handheld illuminance meter can help you record 33 sets of readings,Temp Testing, The RELATIVE measuring mode will show you the difference between current / recorded data. Ideal lumen meter to check light level luminosity for LED grow lights,garden, plants, school, office, state, LED lights, indoor and outdoor
  • 🌟【Multifunction and Easy to Operate】Rapid response, Auto Zeroing, Data Hold & Peak-Data hold switches, Low power consumption, MAX/MIN Hold,Analog bar graph display,Relative Value,℃/℉ Switch,with LCD backlit. Your professional photography tool.
  • 🌟【After-sales Guarantee】This 881D light brightness measure device comes with 1 year warranty and lifetime technical support. If there is any product issues, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here with you 🙂
PromoN° 10
VBR-100 PAR Meter 6000umol/(㎡s),Red and Blue Light Seperate PAR,DLI Calculator,PPFD Distribution Record
  • Test PAR | PPFD accurately. Can show the PAR of red and blue light in light seperately. Blue light is efficiently absorbed by plant chlorophyll. Red light is conducive to the growth of flowers and the maturation of fruits.
  • Calculate DLI if the PPFD is stable.
  • Record PPFD data at different points methodically by grids and get the PAR Uniformity(Uo). Optimized Growth, ensures even light for balanced plant growth and higher yield.I ncreased Efficiency, identifies weak spots to adjust light placement, reducing energy use. Prevents Light Issues, Avoids damage from too much light and growth issues from too little. The datas can be downloaded.
  • Simple and safe APP for test PAR. Quick bluetooth connection.
  • Easy to carry the PAR meter.The PAR Meter can be fixed on the drone or toy car to test PPFD anywhere in the greenhouse. No need for the tester to move around.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best light meters for plants?
It depends on your needs, but the top 3 products are generally the most balanced options.

How do I maintain it properly?
It varies by model. The best approach is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (yes, reading the manual is worth it).

Where to buy it with confidence?
Amazon remains a solid choice: wide selection, easy returns, and tons of user reviews—hard to beat.

Do I need a big-name brand?
Not necessarily. Lesser-known brands can be surprisingly good, with well-designed products that rival top names—at a lower cost. Don’t overlook them just because the name is unfamiliar.

What are the most common pitfalls?
A super low price might be tempting but could signal major compromises (build quality, reliability, nonexistent support…). Also beware of product pages with no reviews or vague comments. Spend a few minutes reading real feedback—this is often where the most valuable info is.

How is our ranking built?

We don’t claim to have a magic formula. In reality, it’s a blend of data—ratings, sales volume, review frequency—and observation. We watch for recurring themes in reviews, compare search trends, and yes, sometimes rely on our gut feeling. A great product isn’t just numbers. Our ranking aims to balance all of that: data, common sense, and a lot of time spent checking.

We analyze scores, sales frequency, genuine reviews (not just stars), and current search trends. Each model is rated using a consistent set of criteria. While it’s not perfect, it helps us stay fair and consistent. And we update our lists often, because products evolve—and so do we.

Why trust Topelio?

Topelio is an independent website—we don’t sell these products and we’re not tied to any brand. What drives us is clarity and usefulness. We aim to produce practical, readable, honest content. Our rankings are based on public data, complemented by our own experience. No shady partnerships or biased recommendations—just a genuine effort to save you time, and maybe money too.

See all light meters for plants on Amazon

Conclusion

Thanks for taking the time to read this guide. Choosing a light meters for plants might seem trivial, but it’s often more complicated than expected. Too many options, unclear product pages, and marketing promises that don’t help… That’s why we aimed to create a simple but solid comparison. With practical info, useful tips, and most importantly—a ranking based on reality. Take time to compare, read more reviews if needed, and choose based on your own priorities. What works for someone else might not be ideal for you. If this guide helped you, feel free to explore our other articles. We always try to add real value—without wasting your time. See you soon on Topelio.

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