The 8 Best Turbidity Meters

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This wiki has been updated 13 times since it was first published in January of 2020. Whether you are testing the water quality of your local stream or working for the EPA, you are going to need an accurate turbidity meter. Our list includes benchtop lab designs, as well as lower priced models that you can take on the go. It's important to keep in mind which standard you would like your meter to reach, ISO 7207, or EPA 180.1, as well as many other features and specifications. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Apera Instruments TN400

2. VTSYIQI Standard Benchtop Turbidimeter

3. Hanna Instruments 98703

Editor's Notes

April 02, 2020:

Measuring the turbidity of lakes, streams, or rivers is extremely important, and often the first step in knowing if a water source is drinkable. It's also crucial for discerning whether a stream, river, lake, or pond is sustainable for aquatic life, as it shows the amount of algae, microorganisms, sediment, and other particulate present in the sample. Turbidimeters can also be used in the wine making process to discern the stabilization of wine and thus its suitability for bottling.

It's important to also keep in mind which standard you need your meter to meet. There are the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Method 180.1 and the International Standardization Organization's 7207. Mainly, the former standard is used in the United States, while the latter is recognized throughout the world.

You should also know the application you would like to use it for before purchasing. Some of our models have smaller handheld designs which enable you to take them into the field, while others are benchtop builds best suited for a laboratory.

If you only need to test a limited number of samples, you might want to go with our cheapest option, the LaMotte 7519-01. It consists of just two vials, one of which you release an included liquid into in order to measure against the other, to test the turbidity manually. Of course, this will yield a much more general number, as the readings are not nearly as accurate as the other models on our list with photovoltaic sensors.

For those looking for something more affordable you can take to a local stream, try the Sper Scientific Turbidity Meter. It comes with all you need to start making accurate measurements.

Finally, if you are working in a lab setting, you'll want to check out the Vtsyiqi Standard Benchtop Turbidimeter or the Baoshishan Turbidity Meter. Both are highly accurate benchtop meters that can switch between all 4 turbidity units of measurement including NTU, FNU, EBC and ASBC.

4. Hach 2100Q

5. Sper Scientific Turbidity Meter

6. Baoshishan Turbidity Meter

7. Amtast Portable Turbidimeter Kit

8. LaMotte 7519


Christopher Thomas
Last updated by Christopher Thomas

Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.


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