10 Best Sheetrock Moisture Meters 2026 in the United States

The Protimeter SurveyMaster BLD5375 is a versatile moisture meter well suited for professionals needing reliable moisture measurement in drywall, wood, concrete, and more. Its dual-function design allows you to switch effortlessly between pin mode, which measures moisture inside materials, and non-invasive mode that scans surfaces without damage—great for checking sheetrock moisture without puncturing the wall. It offers accurate readings supported by automatic calibration and regular firmware updates, so you can trust the results over time. The larger, clear display improves readability on job sites, and the extended battery life means less downtime.

Bluetooth connectivity is a handy addition for saving and organizing readings with date and time stamps via a smartphone app, simplifying record keeping. User-friendly controls let you tailor features like auto shut-off and backlight to your preference, making it comfortable to use throughout the day. While it excels in advanced features, the price might be higher than basic meters aimed at casual users, and some may find the Bluetooth functions unnecessary if they prefer manual record keeping.

This moisture meter represents a robust choice for contractors, inspectors, or serious DIYers focused on precise moisture assessment in drywall and other materials.

The Tramex Moisture Encounter ME5 is a pinless moisture meter designed for detecting moisture in wood, drywall, and various building materials without causing any damage. Its non-destructive approach is a big plus if you want to avoid leaving holes or marks on surfaces like sheetrock. The meter offers dual-depth measurement, letting you check moisture content near the surface (up to 0.4 inches) and deeper inside (up to 1.25 inches). This feature helps distinguish moisture in the material itself from moisture in coverings, which is useful when inspecting walls or floors.

It measures wood moisture content in the range of 5-30%, which covers typical scenarios, and provides a comparative scale (0-100) for other materials. The device adjusts for different wood densities to improve accuracy, though pinless meters can sometimes be less precise than pin-type meters for exact moisture percentages. The large analog display is easy to read, and the optional audio warning tone helps alert you when moisture levels are high—handy if you’re working in noisy environments. One of the standout features is the ability to connect via Bluetooth to an app, allowing you to create moisture maps, geotag locations, and generate reports with photos. This can be very helpful for professionals tracking moisture issues over time or sharing findings with clients.

The meter is versatile and quick, although it may not give pinpoint moisture readings deep inside very dense materials. Since it runs on AA batteries, you’ll want to keep spare batteries handy during extended use. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around. This makes the Tramex ME5 suitable for homeowners, contractors, and inspectors who need a fast, non-invasive way to detect moisture in drywall and other building materials. It balances ease of use, decent depth measurement, and useful app integration, though it might not replace pin meters if extremely detailed moisture levels are required.

The Extech MO265 Combo Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter offers dual functionality with both pinless and traditional pin probe measurement options. This versatility makes it suitable for measuring moisture in wood, sheetrock, and other building materials. The pinless technology allows for non-invasive testing up to 0.75 inches deep, which is beneficial for assessing moisture without damaging surfaces. For more precise contact measurement, the remote pin probe is available, giving users flexibility based on their needs.

The digital LCD readout with backlighting and tri-color LED bargraph enhances readability, even in dimly lit environments, which is crucial for accurate moisture assessment. Furthermore, the replaceable measurement electrode pins add to the device's longevity and maintainability. With a lightweight design (0.21 kilograms) and compact size (8 x 2.3 x 1.7 inches), it is portable and easy to handle during inspections. The inclusion of 2 lithium-ion batteries means it is ready to use out of the box.

However, potential drawbacks include the measurement depth of only up to 0.75 inches for pinless mode, which might be insufficient for deeper inspections. Additionally, while it provides accurate readings for surface moisture, the reliance on user interpretation of the tri-color LED bargraph could lead to subjective assessments. Despite these minor limitations, the Extech MO265 is a solid choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts needing reliable moisture measurements in various building materials.