Best Moisture Meters of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

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Moisture meters are essential tools for any professional or hobbyist who needs to measure moisture levels in a variety of materials. These meters come in a range of types, including pin-type meters, which use two pins to penetrate the material and measure moisture levels, and pinless meters, which use electromagnetic waves to measure moisture without damaging the material. Moisture meters can be used to measure moisture in wood, drywall, concrete, and other materials, making them invaluable for builders, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts. With accurate and reliable readings, moisture meters can help prevent costly damage and ensure the longevity of structures and materials.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

General Tools Digital Moisture Meter MMD7NP Cover #TOP 1
General Tools Digital Moisture Meter MMD7NP
ftb score rating icon 9.9
FLIR MR160 Moisture Meter Cover #TOP 2
FLIR MR160 Moisture Meter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter Cover #TOP 3
General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Moisture Meters

#TOP 1

General Tools Digital Moisture Meter MMD7NP

MMD7NP
Pinless
General Tools Digital Moisture Meter MMD7NP Cover
General Tools Digital Moisture Meter MMD7NP - Humidity Sensor- Pinless and Non-Invasive

The General Tools Moisture Meter is a must-have tool for every homeowner. With its pinless and non-invasive design, it allows you to quickly and accurately detect moisture levels in your home. This is important because high levels of dampness can lead to hazardous living conditions. The tool features a 2" diagonal backlit LCD screen, a 3-color LED bar graph, and an audible alert, making it easy to use and understand. Plus, it has no pins, so it won't damage your walls or work surfaces. Whether you're checking for water damage or preventing mold formation, this moisture meter is the perfect tool to keep your family safe and your home in great condition.

What We Like
Easy to use
Accurate moisture readings
Good for leak detection
Helpful customer support
What We Don't Like
Initial battery issues
Possible false positives
#TOP 2

FLIR MR160 Moisture Meter

MR160
Black
Meter Only
FLIR MR160 Moisture Meter Cover
FLIR MR160 - Thermal Imaging Moisture Meter - with IGM (Infrared Guided Measurement), Pin and Pinless

The FLIR MR160 Meter is an advanced tool designed to detect moisture levels effectively. It features durable measurement pins that ensure reliable readings, helping you identify moisture issues in various materials. The pins are also field replaceable, allowing you to easily swap them out when needed without professional assistance. With 2-inch pins, you can reach deeper into surfaces to get accurate measurements. Plus, the product comes with a limited 10-year warranty, giving you peace of mind about your investment. This moisture meter is perfect for homeowners and professionals alike who need precise moisture detection.

What We Like
Durable construction
Effective moisture detection
Easy image transfer
Useful for inspections
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent readings
Basic thermal imaging quality
#TOP 3

General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter

MMD4E
Gray
Pin Type
General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter Cover
General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter, Water Leak Detector, Moisture Tester, Pin Type, Backlit LCD Display With Audible and Visual High-Medium-Low Moisture Content Alerts, Grays

The General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter is a versatile tool that can be used as a water leak detector, moisture tester, and mold tester. The humidity sensor can quickly detect high levels of dampness that could lead to harmful fungus growth. With a backlit LCD and audible and visual high-medium-low moisture content alerts, detecting moisture levels is quick and easy. The moisture reader includes extra stainless steel pins, a protective cap, and a "9V" battery. This tool is perfect for DIYers and artisans who want to work smarter, measure better, and repair more productively.

What We Like
Durable design
Excellent battery life
Simple to operate
Accurate readings
Cost-effective
What We Don't Like
No included instructions
#TOP 4

Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter CME5

CME5
Black, White, Red
Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter CME5 Cover
Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter CME5 | Meter for Measuring Moisture Content in Concrete Floor, Slabs & Screeds

The Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter CME5 features a new ergonomic design that is rugged and durable. It is non-destructive in operation, providing instant and precise readings of up to 20mm into the slab without the need for drilling or mechanical damage. The device comes with a Bluetooth connection to an accompanying IOS & Android App for continual integration and development of apps and reporting. It yields reproducible and reliable results and is tested to ASTM F2569 standard.

What We Like
Accurate moisture measurement
Non-destructive testing
User-friendly interface
Fast readings
Ergonomic design
What We Don't Like
High price point
Quality issues reported
#TOP 5

Klein Tools Pinless Moisture Meter for Non-Destructive Detection

ET140
Moisture Meter
Klein Tools Pinless Moisture Meter for Non-Destructive Detection Cover
Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter for Non-Destructive Moisture Detection in Drywall, Wood, and Masonry; Detects up to 3/4-Inch Below Surface

The Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter uses Electromagnetic field (EMF) technology to provide non-destructive moisture detection up to 3/4-inch deep in building materials such as drywall, masonry, hardwood, and softwood. This moisture meter is a full-featured tool with a reverse-contrast display, nine LED bars, hold function, low battery indicator, and auto-power off function. The complete moisture meter kit includes the meter with 2m drop protection, a 9V battery, and an instruction manual.

What We Like
Easy to use
Accurate moisture detection
Non-destructive testing
Lightweight and portable
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
May struggle in corners
Occasional max reading issues
#TOP 6

General Tools MMH800 Moisture Meter

MMH800
Pin Type or Pinless
General Tools MMH800 Moisture Meter Cover
General Tools MMH800 Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter w/Temp and Humidity

The General Tools Moisture Meter is an essential device for homeowners concerned about dampness and mold. Its humidity sensor helps you assess the need for remediation to protect your family from harmful mold growth. With the built-in water leak detector, you can easily find moisture levels in floors and walls, allowing for early prevention. The moisture reader displays moisture percentage, temperature, and humidity, giving you a comprehensive overview. Additionally, it features both pin and pinless sensors, enabling accurate readings on larger surfaces. This tool simplifies the process of monitoring and managing moisture in your home.

What We Like
Multi-function measurement capabilities
Accurate for various materials
Pin and pinless options
Built-in temperature and humidity display
Good value for the price
What We Don't Like
Limited effectiveness on very dry materials
May require acclimation time
#TOP 7

Protimeter Surveymaster Moisture Meter

Survey Master
Full Size
Protimeter Surveymaster Moisture Meter Cover
Protimeter BLD5365 Surveymaster Dual-Function Moisture Meter

The Protimeter Moisture Meter is a dual-function device that can operate in search (pin-less) and measure (pin-type) modes. Its rugged construction is designed to withstand heavy use and features a large backlit display for easy reading. The pin moisture measurement feature allows you to measure the moisture content of a variety of materials accurately. Its non-invasive measurement capability allows you to measure moisture up to ¾” (20mm) below the surface. Additionally, the Protimeter Moisture Meter has a wide range of accessory plugins with a 2-year warranty, making it an excellent investment for anyone who needs to measure moisture levels.

What We Like
Accurate readings
Easy to use
High-quality construction
Effective for deep moisture detection
Quick delivery
What We Don't Like
Somewhat expensive
Cap may come off easily
#TOP 8

Extech MO55 Moisture Meter

MO55
Extech MO55 Moisture Meter Cover
Extech MO55 – Combination Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter

The Extech MO55 Moisture Meter is a versatile tool for measuring moisture levels in various materials such as wood, wall board, sheet rock, cardboard, concrete, plaster, and mortar. With its moisture icons, this meter provides a visual reference for low, medium, and high levels of moisture, making it easy for users to interpret the readings. The audible alert tone beeps faster as the moisture level increases, alerting users to potential issues. The pinless measurement mode allows for reading moisture up to 1 inch below the surface, providing deeper insights. The data hold function freezes the readings on the display, ensuring users can easily record and analyze the moisture levels. The Extech MO55 Meter is a reliable and user-friendly tool for anyone in need of accurate moisture measurements.

What We Like
Accurate moisture detection
Pin and pinless modes
Durable and reliable design
Helpful moisture level chart
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
On/off button can be bumped
Power button placement issues
#TOP 9

Tramex Moisture Encounter - ME5

Black, White, Blue
Tramex Moisture Encounter - ME5 Cover
Tramex Moisture Encounter ME5 | Pinless Meter for Measuring Moisture Content in Wood, Drywall & Building Materials

The Tramex Moisture Encounter - ME5 is a moisture meter with a new, rugged, ergonomically designed enclosure. It allows dual-depth penetration for comparative surface and core moisture and eliminates substrate influence on testing coverings. The device has Bluetooth connection to its IOS and Android App, which allows for continual development and integration of apps and reporting. The moisture meter has 5 ranges of sensitivity for different surfaces such as wood, timber, drywall, roofing, plaster, tile, and masonry. The shallow depth scale has a field penetration of up to 0.4 inches.

What We Like
Effective for professional use
Durable and water-resistant design
Consistent results for business applications
Ideal for large area measurements
What We Don't Like
Some variability in readings
#TOP 10

FLIR MR55

MR55
Black
FLIR MR55 Cover
FLIR MR55 - Pin Moisture Meter with Bluetooth for Instant Data Sharing via the FLIR Tools® Mobile app.

The FLIR Pin Moisture Meter with Bluetooth for Instant Data Sharing via the FLIR Tools® Mobile app is a convenient tool for measuring the moisture content of different materials. It has a built-in library of 11 material groups, including timbers, drywall, concrete, plaster, brick, and more, allowing you to tune the meter to the appropriate test material. The pin moisture measurement automatically compensates for ambient temperature, ensuring accurate readings. You can wirelessly connect to the FLIR Tools Mobile app to view readings remotely. The meter also has a micro USB port located in the battery compartment, allowing you to upgrade the firmware as needed. Additionally, the FLIR Pin Moisture Meter can measure ambient temperature and relative humidity. This tool is useful for homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts, as it can help identify moisture issues in walls, floors, and ceilings, preventing costly damage and repairs.

What We Like
High build quality
Accurate measurements
Great battery life
Versatile functions
Good price for features
What We Don't Like
App crashes often
Calibration issues in UK
Buying Guide Image

Everything You Need to Know About Moisture Meters

Introduction to Moisture Meters

Moisture meters are useful tools for a variety of industries and applications. Whether you're a woodworker looking to ensure the moisture content of your lumber, a contractor checking the moisture levels in a building, or a farmer trying to determine the moisture content of your crops, a moisture meter can provide valuable information. But with so many different moisture meters on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs? In this article, we'll provide some tips to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Moisture Meters

One of the first things to consider when choosing a moisture meter is the type of meter you need. There are three main types of moisture meters: pin-type, pinless, and thermo-hygrometers.

Pin-type moisture meters, also known as resistance meters, use two metal pins that are inserted into the material being tested. The meter measures the electrical resistance between the pins, which can be used to calculate the moisture content of the material. Pin-type moisture meters are accurate and versatile, but they can only be used on materials that can be penetrated by the pins, such as wood and drywall.

Pinless moisture meters, on the other hand, use electromagnetic fields to measure the moisture content of materials without making any physical contact. This makes them ideal for measuring the moisture content of materials that cannot be penetrated by pins, such as concrete and plaster. Pinless moisture meters are generally less accurate than pin-type meters, but they are still a useful tool for many applications.

Thermo-hygrometers are a type of moisture meter that measure both temperature and humidity. These meters are typically used to monitor the ambient conditions in a room or space, rather than the moisture content of a specific material.

Features to Consider

When choosing a moisture meter, there are a few key features to consider. First, consider the range of moisture content that the meter can measure. Different meters have different ranges, so make sure to choose a meter that can measure the moisture content of the materials you're working with.

Another important feature to consider is the accuracy of the meter. Most moisture meters have a margin of error, typically ranging from 1-3%. This means that the actual moisture content of the material could be up to 3% higher or lower than the reading on the meter. Look for a meter with a low margin of error to ensure that you're getting accurate readings.

Finally, consider the durability and reliability of the meter. Moisture meters are often used in challenging environments, so it's important to choose a meter that is built to withstand rough handling and harsh conditions. Look for a meter with a robust design and a good warranty to ensure that it will last for many years.

Conclusion

Choosing the right moisture meter can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of research and consideration, you can find a meter that will meet your needs and provide accurate readings. Consider the type of meter you need, the features that are important to you, and the durability and reliability of the meter to make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of moisture meter is most accurate?

Pin moisture meters are the most accurate for measuring moisture content in wood or other building materials. They use dual pins that are inserted into the material to provide precise readings at different levels of moisture.

2. Are moisture meters worth it?

Yes, moisture meters are worth investing in. They provide accurate moisture level readings, eliminating the guesswork when it comes to watering plants or detecting moisture behind walls. Whether for gardening or home maintenance, a moisture meter is a valuable tool for ensuring proper moisture levels.

3. How do you check for moisture behind walls?

To check for moisture behind walls, you can use a drywall scale meter. It involves pushing the pins of the meter into the drywall and taking a reading. This method allows you to accurately measure moisture levels within the wall.

4. What is normal moisture levels in walls?

Typically, moisture levels above 16% in walls are considered damp and require attention. Readings over 20% may indicate the need for replacing the drywall entirely. In homes with healthy humidity levels, walls usually have a moisture reading between 12-15%.

5. Is a pin or pinless moisture meter better?

Both pin and pinless moisture meters are effective, but the choice depends on the level of invasiveness you find acceptable. Pinless meters provide non-invasive, comprehensive moisture readings, while pin meters require inserting pins into the material, leaving small holes.

6. Do plumbers use moisture meters?

Yes, moisture meters are used by plumbers and homeowners to check for moisture readings around homes. Plumbers may utilize moisture meters to identify potential leaks or moisture-related issues in plumbing systems.

7. Can a moisture meter detect mold?

Moisture meters can help detect moisture spots that may indicate mold growth. If the moisture content reading in wood exceeds 20%, it is advisable to check those areas for potential mold growth. Higher moisture levels provide favorable conditions for mold to develop.

8. What are three signs of too much moisture in a home?

Signs of excessive moisture in a home include condensation on windows during the winter, excessive mildew in the bathroom, and mold growing on interior surfaces. Other indicators include peeling or blistering paint on interior or exterior finishes and dust allergies caused by dust mites.

9. At what moisture level does mold grow in drywall?

Mold can grow in drywall when the moisture level exceeds 17%. It is important to control indoor humidity levels to prevent mold growth. Humidity levels above 55% provide favorable conditions for mold to thrive. Drywall with high moisture levels may need to be removed and replaced.

10. What is an acceptable moisture reading in a house?

Zero moisture is not practical or realistic in wood used for framing houses. Normal moisture readings in a house should measure around 7 to 13 percent. Slightly higher readings may also be considered normal depending on the specific conditions of the house.

Editor's Notes

During our moisture meter research, we found 24 moisture meter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 103,552 customer reviews through our big data system to write the moisture meters list. We found that most customers choose moisture meters with an average price of $224.41.

The moisture meters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of moisture meters, including General Tools, FLIR, Tramex, Klein Tools, Protimeter. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.

Moisture Meters Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand General Tools FLIR General Tools Tramex Klein Tools General Tools Protimeter Extech Tramex FLIR
Item Weight 4 ounces 0.31 Kilograms - - - 2 Pounds 225 Grams 4.32 ounces 16 ounces 6.4 ounces
Battery Description Alkaline Lithium-Ion Alkaline - 1 x 9V - Alkaline AA - AA
Batteries - 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) - 2 AA batteries required. (included) 1 Unknown batteries required. (included) - - 2 AA batteries required. (included) 2 AA batteries required. (included) 2 AA batteries required. (included)
Color - Black Gray - Moisture Meter - Gray, black, & Yellow - Black, White, Blue Black
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
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