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10 Best Sheetrock Moisture Meters 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Tramex Moisture Encounter MEX5 | Meter for Measuring Moisture Content & Relative Humidity in Wood, Drywall & Building Materials

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,483
Type of Moisture Meter
Accuracy
Additional Features

Most important from
6 reviews

Type of Moisture Meter
Offers true and accurate readings across a variety of materials including drywall, wood, plaster, roofing, and masonry, making it incredibly versatile.
Accuracy
The meter reliably detected hidden moisture behind walls, floors, and cinderblocks, helping pinpoint a small leak that professionals couldn’t find.
Additional Features
Stands out as the best moisture meter available, surpassing many expensive and well-known brands in performance and reliability.

The Tramex Moisture Encounter MEX5 is a versatile and user-friendly moisture meter well suited for checking moisture levels in drywall, wood, and other building materials. Its dual-depth feature allows you to compare surface moisture with deeper core moisture up to 0.4 inches, providing a more accurate reading and helping avoid misleading results caused by surface conditions. The meter offers five different sensitivity ranges, making it adaptable to various materials such as timber, plaster, masonry, and roofing, which is especially useful if you work with multiple material types.

The device includes useful extras like a built-in hygrometer and infrared surface thermometer, adding value by measuring humidity and surface temperature without extra tools. It also supports Bluetooth connection to a smartphone app, enabling easy data tracking and reporting, which is beneficial for keeping detailed records or sharing results with others. On the downside, it requires batteries that are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately. The display is straightforward but may not have advanced graphical features found in some premium meters. Additionally, the moisture penetration depth, while sufficient for many applications, may not be deep enough for checking thicker materials.

For those needing a reliable and multi-purpose moisture meter for projects involving drywall and similar materials, the MEX5 provides a strong balance of accuracy, convenience, and additional features without being overly complicated.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,483
Type of Moisture Meter
Accuracy
Additional Features

Most important from
6 reviews

Type of Moisture Meter
Offers true and accurate readings across a variety of materials including drywall, wood, plaster, roofing, and masonry, making it incredibly versatile.
Accuracy
The meter reliably detected hidden moisture behind walls, floors, and cinderblocks, helping pinpoint a small leak that professionals couldn’t find.
Additional Features
Stands out as the best moisture meter available, surpassing many expensive and well-known brands in performance and reliability.
#2

Protimeter SurveyMaster Dual-Function Moisture Meter - BLD5375

Rating
9.4
Type of Moisture Meter
Accuracy
Display and Readability

Most important from
10 reviews

Type of Moisture Meter
Its combination of invasive and non-invasive measurement modes makes it uniquely versatile for any moisture assessment scenario.
Accuracy
This meter remains the preferred choice for professionals who need dependable, precise moisture readings across various materials.
Display and Readability
The larger screen enhances readability significantly, improving usability on demanding job sites.
Additional Features
Switching to AA batteries from 9V is a practical improvement that users appreciate for convenience and availability.

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.

Rating
9.4
Type of Moisture Meter
Accuracy
Display and Readability

Most important from
10 reviews

Type of Moisture Meter
Its combination of invasive and non-invasive measurement modes makes it uniquely versatile for any moisture assessment scenario.
Accuracy
This meter remains the preferred choice for professionals who need dependable, precise moisture readings across various materials.
Display and Readability
The larger screen enhances readability significantly, improving usability on demanding job sites.
Additional Features
Switching to AA batteries from 9V is a practical improvement that users appreciate for convenience and availability.
#3

Protimeter BLD9800-C MMS3 Standard Kit Moisture Meter with Hard Case

The Protimeter BLD9800-C MMS3 is a versatile moisture meter designed for professionals who need to measure moisture in a variety of building materials, including wood, drywall, concrete, and masonry. It uses both pin mode (which involves direct contact with the material) and a non-invasive search mode, allowing you to detect moisture behind surfaces like tile and vinyl without damaging them. This dual approach makes it especially useful for thorough moisture inspections and drying monitoring.

The meter also includes a hygrometry feature to check indoor humidity levels, helping identify ventilation issues affecting moisture buildup. It comes with helpful extras like a heavy-duty probe, a calibration device, software, and a sturdy hard case, making it a complete kit for job sites. It weighs about 6.6 pounds and requires two AA batteries, which might be a bit bulky and less convenient for casual or very frequent handheld use.

This meter is suited for contractors, building inspectors, and serious DIYers who need a professional-grade tool to assess moisture issues in various construction materials with both invasive and non-invasive options.

Buying Guide for the Best Sheetrock Moisture Meters

Choosing the right sheetrock moisture meter is crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of your construction or renovation projects. A moisture meter helps you detect the moisture content in sheetrock, which can prevent issues like mold growth, structural damage, and poor indoor air quality. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs.
Type of Moisture MeterThere are two main types of moisture meters: pin-type and pinless. Pin-type meters use two pins that penetrate the sheetrock to measure moisture content, providing accurate readings but leaving small holes. Pinless meters use sensors to scan the surface, offering non-destructive testing. Choose a pin-type meter if you need precise measurements and don't mind minor damage, or a pinless meter for a non-invasive approach.
Measurement RangeThe measurement range indicates the range of moisture levels the meter can detect, usually expressed as a percentage. This is important because different materials have different acceptable moisture levels. For sheetrock, a range of 0-15% is typically sufficient. If you work with various materials, consider a meter with a broader range. Choose a meter with a range that covers the expected moisture levels in your specific projects.
AccuracyAccuracy refers to how close the meter's readings are to the actual moisture content. High accuracy is crucial for making informed decisions about moisture levels. Accuracy is often expressed as a percentage of the reading. For most applications, an accuracy within ±1-2% is acceptable. If you require precise measurements for critical projects, opt for a meter with higher accuracy.
Depth of MeasurementDepth of measurement indicates how deep the meter can measure moisture content below the surface. This is important for detecting moisture that may not be visible on the surface. Depths can range from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Choose a meter with a depth that matches the thickness of the sheetrock you are testing. For standard sheetrock, a depth of 1-2 cm is usually sufficient.
Display and ReadabilityThe display shows the moisture readings and other relevant information. A clear, easy-to-read display is important for quickly interpreting results. Look for meters with backlit displays if you work in low-light conditions. Digital displays are generally easier to read than analog ones. Choose a meter with a display that suits your working environment and personal preference.
Additional FeaturesSome moisture meters come with additional features like data logging, Bluetooth connectivity, and different material settings. These features can enhance usability and provide more detailed information. Data logging allows you to track moisture levels over time, while Bluetooth connectivity enables easy data transfer to other devices. Consider these features if they align with your workflow and project requirements.

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