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10 Best Lumber Moisture Meters 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Orion® 930 Pinless Wood Moisture Meter by Wagner Meters I Accurate, Non-Damaging, Dual Depth Lumber Moisture Measurement, On-site Calibration (Standard Calibrator)
The Orion 930 Pinless Wood Moisture Meter by Wagner Meters is a solid choice for anyone needing precise moisture readings without damaging wood surfaces. Its pinless sensor technology means you won’t have to stick probes into the wood, preserving your materials while still getting accurate moisture levels. It measures moisture at two depths—¼ inch and ¾ inch—which is helpful for checking both surface and deeper moisture content. This dual-depth feature, combined with IntelliSense technology, helps ensure readings aren’t thrown off by surface temperature or environmental factors.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,383
Display and Readability
Accuracy
Type of Moisture Meter
Most important from
247 reviews
#2
Protimeter SurveyMaster Dual-Function Moisture Meter - BLD5375
The Protimeter SurveyMaster Dual-Function Moisture Meter is a versatile tool that lets you measure moisture in wood and other building materials using both pin and non-invasive methods. This flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of jobs, whether you're checking lumber or drywall. Its measurement accuracy is supported by automatic calibration, including checks every 50 power cycles and field calibration for the non-invasive mode, helping ensure reliable readings over time.
Rating
9.7
Type of Moisture Meter
Additional Features
Accuracy
Most important from
12 reviews
#3
Orion® 950 Pinless Wood Moisture Meter by Wagner Meters I Accurate, Non-Damaging, Dual Depth Lumber Moisture Measurement, Bluetooth, Auto EMC, GPP/GPK & Dew Point Calculations (Standard Calibrator)
The Orion 950® Pinless Wood Moisture Meter by Wagner Meters offers a non-damaging, highly accurate way to measure moisture in wood, which is essential for maintaining the quality of your lumber. Its pinless design preserves the wood, making it an excellent choice for carpenters and woodworkers who want to avoid damaging their materials. The dual-depth measurement feature allows you to check moisture at both ¼’’ and ¾” depths, catering to different wood thicknesses.
Rating
9.4
Type of Moisture Meter
Accuracy
Calibration
Most important from
247 reviews
Top 10 Best Lumber Moisture Meters 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Orion® 930 Pinless Wood Moisture Meter by Wagner Meters I Accurate, Non-Damaging, Dual Depth Lumber Moisture Measurement, On-site Calibration (Standard Calibrator)
Orion® 930 Pinless Wood Moisture Meter by Wagner Meters I Accurate, Non-Damaging, Dual Depth Lumber Moisture Measurement, On-site Calibration (Standard Calibrator)
Type of Moisture Meter: Pinless sensor technology
Measurement Range: Relative mode for wood, drywall, others
Depth of Measurement: ¼ inch and ¾ inch
Display and Readability: Adjustable backlit screen
Calibration: On-demand calibrator included
Additional Features: IntelliSense, 9V battery, 7-year warranty
Chosen by 1383 this week
Protimeter SurveyMaster Dual-Function Moisture Meter - BLD5375
Protimeter SurveyMaster Dual-Function Moisture Meter - BLD5375
Type of Moisture Meter: Dual-Function (pin and non-invasive)
Accuracy: Accuracy with automatic calibration
Display and Readability: Clear, large display
Calibration: Auto calibration with checks every 50 cycles
Additional Features: Auto shut-off, backlight, long battery, Bluetooth
Orion® 950 Pinless Wood Moisture Meter by Wagner Meters I Accurate, Non-Damaging, Dual Depth Lumber Moisture Measurement, Bluetooth, Auto EMC, GPP/GPK & Dew Point Calculations (Standard Calibrator)
Orion® 950 Pinless Wood Moisture Meter by Wagner Meters I Accurate, Non-Damaging, Dual Depth Lumber Moisture Measurement, Bluetooth, Auto EMC, GPP/GPK & Dew Point Calculations (Standard Calibrator)
Type of Moisture Meter: Pinless Wood Moisture Meter
Accuracy: highly accurate
Depth of Measurement: ¼’’ and ¾”
Calibration: On-Demand Calibrator
Additional Features: Bluetooth, EMC, GPP/GPK, dew point, temperature sensor
Extech MO265 Combo Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter with RJ45
Extech MO265 Combo Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter with RJ45
Type of Moisture Meter: Pinless sensor and pin probe
Depth of Measurement: Up to 0.75 inches
Display and Readability: Digital LCD, backlight, tri-color LED
Calibration: Basic calibration features
Additional Features: Replaceable pins, lithium-ion batteries
Extech MO290 Pinless Moisture Psychrometer with IR Thermometer
Extech MO290 Pinless Moisture Psychrometer with IR Thermometer
Type of Moisture Meter: pinless and pin-type
Depth of Measurement: 0.75 inches pinless, deeper with pin
Display and Readability: large dual backlit display
Additional Features: remote probe, infrared thermometer, alarms
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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
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
Type of Moisture Meter: pin-type digital
Measurement Range: 5%-50% wood, 1.5%-33% concrete
Accuracy: sufficient for home and workshop
Depth of Measurement: 8mm pin length
Display and Readability: backlit LCD, large digits
Calibration: cap doubles as calibration checker
Additional Features: audible, visual alerts, extra pins
Protimeter BLD5905 10 Piece Technicians Moisture Meter Kit
Protimeter BLD5905 10 Piece Technicians Moisture Meter Kit
Type of Moisture Meter: Protimeter Surveymaster
Depth of Measurement: 5-inch probes
Display and Readability: large, clear display
Calibration: calibration tools included
Additional Features: pin and non-invasive measurements, hammer probe
Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter for Non-Destructive Moisture Detection in Drywall, Wood, and Masonry; Detects up to 3/4-Inch Below Surface
Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter for Non-Destructive Moisture Detection in Drywall, Wood, and Masonry; Detects up to 3/4-Inch Below Surface
Type of Moisture Meter: pinless
Depth of Measurement: up to 3/4 inch
Display and Readability: reverse-contrast screen, nine LED bars
Calibration: drywall, masonry, hardwood, softwood
Additional Features: hold, low battery, auto power-off
#10
Protimeter BLD5777 Reachmaster Pro
Protimeter BLD5777 Reachmaster Pro
Type of Moisture Meter: Non-invasive
Depth of Measurement: up to 5 inches
Display and Readability: LCD display
Calibration: straightforward
Additional Features: telescopic handle, wireless, alarm, auto-off
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Buying Guide for the Best Lumber Moisture Meters
Choosing the right lumber moisture meter is crucial for anyone working with wood, whether you're a professional carpenter, a hobbyist, or someone involved in construction. A moisture meter helps you determine the moisture content in wood, which is essential for ensuring the quality and durability of your projects. Too much moisture can lead to warping, cracking, or other issues, while too little can make the wood brittle. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a lumber moisture meter and how to choose the best one for your needs.Type of Moisture MeterThere are two main types of moisture meters: pin-type and pinless. Pin-type meters use two or more pins that you insert into the wood to measure electrical resistance, which correlates with moisture content. These are generally more accurate but can leave small holes in the wood. Pinless meters use electromagnetic sensors to scan the wood's surface, providing a non-destructive way to measure moisture. Choose a pin-type meter if you need high accuracy and don't mind minor damage to the wood. Opt for a pinless meter if you prefer a non-invasive method and are okay with slightly less precision.
Measurement RangeThe measurement range indicates the range of moisture content that the meter can detect, usually expressed as a percentage. This is important because different types of wood and different applications require different moisture levels. For example, construction lumber typically needs to be between 15-19% moisture content, while furniture-grade wood should be between 6-8%. Ensure the meter you choose covers the range you need for your specific projects.
AccuracyAccuracy refers to how close the meter's readings are to the actual moisture content. This is crucial for ensuring the quality of your work. Higher accuracy is generally better, but it can also come at a higher cost. Look for meters with an accuracy of ±1% for professional use, while a ±2-3% accuracy might be sufficient for hobbyists or less critical applications.
Depth of MeasurementDepth of measurement indicates how deep into the wood the meter can measure moisture content. This is particularly important for thicker pieces of wood or for detecting moisture that may not be present on the surface. Pin-type meters usually measure at the depth of the pins, while pinless meters can vary. Choose a meter with a depth that matches the thickness of the wood you typically work with.
Display and ReadabilityThe display and readability of the meter are important for ease of use. Look for a meter with a clear, easy-to-read display, preferably with a backlight for use in low-light conditions. Some meters also offer digital displays with additional features like hold functions, which can be useful for recording measurements.
CalibrationCalibration ensures that the meter provides accurate readings over time. Some meters come with automatic calibration, while others require manual calibration using a reference material. Automatic calibration is more convenient and ensures consistent accuracy, but manual calibration can be more precise if done correctly. Choose a meter with a calibration method that suits your level of expertise and the importance of accuracy in your work.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a moisture meter. These may include data storage, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with mobile apps for tracking and analyzing measurements. While not essential, these features can be beneficial for more advanced users or those who need to keep detailed records of their work. Consider what additional features might be useful for your specific needs.