Apera Instruments SX620 pH Pen Tester Kit (with 0.01 pH

Apera Instruments SX620 pH Pen Tester Kit (with 0.01 pH accuracy

Apera Instruments SX620 pH Pen Tester Kit (with 0.01 pH accuracy, 3-point Auto. Calibration ATC 0-60˚C)


fluid precisionsx620case

Slim replaceable probe

Automatic 3-point calibration

Complete kit in a portable case



Weight: 142 g
Dimensions: 15.24 x 2.54 x 2.54 cm; 141.75 Grams
Model: AI223
Part: AI223
Pack Quantity: 1
Batteries Required: Yes
Batteries Included: Alkaline
Manufacture: Shanghai Sanxin Instrumentation
Dimensions: 15.24 x 2.54 x 2.54 cm; 141.75 Grams
Quantity: 1

36 Responses

  1. Anonymous says:

     Germany

    funktioniert gut, vernnftige Anleitung
    In der Packung sind jeweils ein mini-kleines Flschchen Kalibrierlsung pH 7.0 und Lagerungslsung fr die Glaselektrode (“Soaking Solution”). Insbesondere die Lagerungslsung wird bald alle sein, und dann muss ich mir eine neue besorgen. Was soll das? Dafr einen Punkt Abzug!

  2. Sandy Writtenhouse says:

     Canada 🇨🇦

    I’ve been using this for a year and have been really pleased with the quality. I just had to change the batteries now for the first time, and it was nice that an extra set was included. It seems to remain calibrated and give accurate readings. Recommend!

  3. GastonCoulombe says:

     United States 🇺🇸

    This thing sucks. I paid 70 dollars for this, just for it to break in less than a year. I have a Hanna Instruments PH meter that is 7 years old that still works. It just takes a while to get a reading.

  4. SuzanneCuningha says:

     Canada 🇨🇦

    It lasted less then a year. it was great when it worked. They send a spare battery with the kit. I’m not sure why when the battery easily outlasts the probe.

  5. KayElishatnlh says:

     Canada 🇨🇦

    I’m very happy with this after co stay lay replacing the $20-$30 cheap ones on here. Easy to calibrate and after regular use in my hydro setup it’s stayed calibrated to within 0.1 ph which is fantastic. The product is smooth to the touch so I’m sometimes worried about dropping it into my hydro bucket, so maybe the company can put a camera-style wrist strap onto the next version or something. I’d definitely recommend this to any indoor grower and I’d buy again.

  6. Anonymous says:

     United States 🇺🇸

    Golden Review Award: 7 From Our UsersWorks flawlessly. For the first several weeks I double checked every reading with ph strips and a blue labs meter, and it was always spot on.

    I do recommend getting some extra 7ph calibration liquid. You can get larger bottles of it for around $10 usd.

    I really like that the probe itself is easily replaced. I bought an extra one after a few weeks of use, just because I knew this was going to be my go-to ph tester from now on and I like to have a backup probe just in case. I haven’t needed it and probably won’t for a while, but for less than $25 usd, it’s worth having an extra probe.

    I also really like that the manufacturer includes a total of four batteries. That’s just a nice little touch that tells me they actually care about their product, and not just their bottom line. They didn’t have to do that- they’d sell just as many without extra batteries. But they’re not common like AAA.. So having extras is very nice! (They’re also not rare batteries, you can get them at most box stores.. Usually sold as key fob batteries).

    Very pleased with this purchase.

  7. Anonymous says:

     Canada 🇨🇦

    My work requires me to do calibration of pH instrumentation from time to time and I have been using cheap pH testers in the past to confirm the pH values of standard buffer solutions before the calibration and only met with limited success. This is by far the best pen-style pH tester that I have used, super easy to calibrate with the included pH 7.0 standard solution and seems to be accurate enough even though it is a single-point calibration. The next model SX620 can do a 3-point calibration but I think it is not necessary. The lower price of the SX610 means it is a much better value as well. Highly recommended.

  8. Anonymous says:

     Canada

    I think this product is very good and well built I would recommend this for anyone looking to get a quality ph tester for your water , and the case is awesome and makes the buy worth it . I use for testing the ph water for my cannabis plants .

  9. Anonymous says:

     Canada 🇨🇦

    I screwed around with el-cheapo PH meters for way too long, i never realized there was such a vast difference between them. I use this for growing and before i bought this unit i was struggling with my grows, i was doing everything right but my plans seemed to stall and finished poorly in their last 3 weeks, one night it clicked that maybe it’s my ph? so on a whim, i researched who made the best PH meters, and Apera was the one. I picked this unit up, and was delivered the next day. A simple check of my tap water with my old meter and this one quickly revealed that my problem was as i suspected. My PH was WAY WAY off. even calibrated, the cheapo meter was reading 1.0 higher PH in all cases. I so when i though i was at 6.5 ph, i waws at 7.5, and that just causes all sorts of nutrient uptake issues for my plants. buying this PH meter was a game changer, my plants finish perfectly now. So happy i bought this, now there are no questions in regards to PH. This is also super simple to calibrate too, it even detects the calibration liquid, really cool . money VERY well spent 🙂

  10. EllenChery says:

     United States

    Golden Review Award: 2 From Our UsersI bought the SX610. The unit arrived quickly calibrated easily. I tested against two different testers and it was spot on. I read quite a few negative reviews and had my reservations. I played around with it quite a bit and was having trouble duplicating some of my results. I called customer service, they answered right away and answered all my questions. They also sent me some great documents. The company is willing to make every effort to give the customer a positive experience. The only thing I regret is not spending a little more money for a different model that has 2 or 3 pt calibration. But this will do.

  11. Anonymous says:

     United States 🇺🇸

    I’ve only just received this and used it once. Only giving it 4 stars at this time as I’m more concerned about it’s durability and lasting over time. I’m using this for home canning and it was great. But I had a meter that was okay before and did not work when I went to use it later. Only can through the summer/fall so not sure how the electrode will do over the winter with no use but I will be sure and store it with KCl as this meter actually came with a little vial of it for storage.

  12. Tim Bonville-Ginn says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    I’ve been using pH strips for my fermentation business. This is so much more precise and clean. Love it!

  13. DanteWHQEmip says:

     United States 🇺🇸

    Golden Review Award: 3 From Our UsersSo as far as im concerned this ph pen is reliable and i have had no problems. Came with the case, 7.0 calibration fluid and storage solution. First got the pen, the ph was off .1, i did the quick and easy calibration test and have had no problems. Have used it a handful of times and even checked the calibration before each use to be sure and its been on point each time. Definitely recommend if your looking for something above the quality of those $15 ph pens. Just try it, you wont be disappointed or at least i wasn’t.

    Update: Product is working great, i check the ph just to be sure but the past 5 times ive used it it has been on point. Huge difference between a $15 ph pen and this one. I was searching for a product like this for awhile and read all types of reviews, i usually go to the bad ones to see what exactly people are having problems with, i have not expierenced any of what the negative reviews talked about. If you are doing the same thing i was and looking at 10 different ph pens, look no further, i promise this one is worth the money.

  14. Anonymous says:

     Canada

    I’ve been using $20 meters and after lots of trouble with those, I purchased this one.

    Very glad I did. Very accurate, nice case, extra battery and calibration solution. All this for quite a bit less than a blue labs meter, and I’m not made of money so…

    I’ve been using this meter for 4 weeks now, and it has not needed calibration. I get a good reading in about 6 seconds. I do follow proper storage and use guidelines. There is a cap that holds storage solution to keep the sensor hydrated.

    I recommend this 100% for hydro/dwc

  15. LarryRehfisch says:

     Canada 🇨🇦

    Golden Review Award: 3 From Our UsersThis thing is absolutely fantastic. I started off with 20 dollar meter off amazon . Total garbage . This pen doesn’t bounce around . Its accurate I compared with a blue lab pH meter for a bit . They were always exact . I mean always . Which I didn’t expect . Major improvement that I’ve noticed is no more burnt tips on fan leaves . I recommend this meter as the step before going blue lab the price is a little kinder .

    One huge tip that I can’t express enough . Always rinse the probe after measuring nutrient solutions, especially mineral based . The salts will dry the o ring out and it’ll break , you need it there to seal the cap because you need to store it with storage solution after every use (sm.bottle included, as well as PH 7 calibrating solution and some extra batteries . It all comes in a nice little hard Shell Case with has a foam interior with cut outs for everything. Helps protect your meter. Its a very important tool when your serious about growing cannabis and pay a lot of money for nutrients .

  16. Anonymous says:

     Canada 🇨🇦

    Golden Review Award: 3 From Our UsersI received my SX-610 pH Tester Kit today, and I can already say that I love it.
    I followed the instructions carefully, and found that it is extremely easy to calibrate and use. It only took a few minutes to go through the procedure. The calibration was perfect and completely accurate at 7.0 with the pH Buffer Solution.
    I purchased it to ensure the pH of my cleaning concentrates and solutions for my optical discs and vinyl LPs are what they should be. Specifically, I clean the optical discs in a professional ultrasonic cleaner, and the LPs in a dedicated ultrasonic cleaner for vinyl records.
    The pH for both types of concentrates and solutions should be slightly alkaline. I used the SX-610 to test, and the pH for both were exactly correct (pH 8.7). I tested three times, and all three times the reading was the same.
    I am exceptionally pleased with my purchase of the SX-610 kit. I can now rest assured that my optical discs and records will not be harmed during the cleaning process.
    I already ordered the Replacement Probe, a bottle of pH 7.00 Standard Calibration Buffer Solution, and a bottle of 3M KCL Storage Solution, just so I won’t be “empty-handed.”
    I have also ordered another kit as a back-up/spare.
    Even though I’ve only used it a few times, I highly recommend the SX-610.

  17. CandiceRuby says:

     Canada

    This PH tester was the best bang for the buck of all the <$100 testers I have tried. It finds the PH quickly and accurately. The best part is the set comes with a buffer solution to calibrate it (which I haven't had to do yet) and the storage solution which keeps it accurate. The storage case is nice to keep it together and clean and comes with an extra battery which I haven't had to use yet. 5 stars.

  18. Anonymous says:

     Canada

    I plan to use this ph meter for hot tub. The first unit arrived and did not work. Kind of frustrating. A second unit was shipped prior to the return of the first unit and arrived in about a week. Steady and well constructed. PH cell is protected. Easy to calibrate with buffer solution and the unit provides repeatable measurements. Cannot comment on the accuracy accept that it matches the buffer solution. Certainly better then the test strips and hopefully will last longer then the cheaper units I have tried.

  19. Anonymous says:

     Canada 🇨🇦

    I’ve used this meter now for a month or so. Found it to be robust and easy to handle. Good protective packaging contains spare battery, storage solution and buffer (ph 7) solution.
    I use the meter once or twice daily. Found the readings to maintain accuracy reasonably well, with calibration necessary once every 7-10 days. However, the meter only has one calibration point possible at PH 7 – not good. Once calibrated at 7, I then compared the meters reading to a powder buffer solution of ph 4 and got a 4.4 reading. So not a perfect linear calibratio

  20. Wendy Lohr says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    been in use a few months now still quick and accurate as when first bought, decent price would recommend.

  21. Lisa DeCanio says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Comes with everything you need for continual and accurate PH readings. Way better than the cheap options I took first (my mistake!). I recalibrate using the solution supplied around every 4-6 weeks. Great we unit and comes in a quality case to keep everything together and protected.

  22. Anonymous says:

     Canada 🇨🇦

    Golden Review Award: 6 From Our UsersAll I can do is assume this thing is accurate as I have nothing to check it against. It does seem inline with information I can find online about water in my area. Calibration was super easy. Less finicky than cheaper pens. Nice build quality. Comes with everything you need. It’s only day 2 but so far so good. Will update if it craps out on me as I need to use it fairly often to ph water for my indoor grow.

    September 17th, 2021 UPDATE:

    The readings have suddenly changed drastically and I believe the probe has become faulty. Thankfully they now have the replacement probe listed for around $40 Canadian. I’ve ordered that and hopefully it fixes the problem. If I don’t update this review it’s safe to assume it worked.

  23. Anonymous says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Golden Review Award: 3 From Our UsersI bought x2 ph pens,both useless so i upped the ante,this hit the spot,please dont buy the cheap ones

  24. YvonneMHMtoq says:

     United States

    I have gone through a dozen meters over the years. Most were OK but didn’t last. Others were OK but took a long time to lock in but didn’t really inspire full confidence. Others were OK but didn’t fit into empty milk jugs well and that is how I mix my nutrients.

    This meter is the best I have used to date. It was an easy one step calibration (came spot on but I ran the process anyway) with the included solution. The meter is compact and works well with my containers. Best part is how fast and stable the readings have been. Other meters seemed to take minutes before they would stabilize but this one has a stable reading in a few seconds. Inspires great confidence and seems accurate. Combine all that with the fact the glass bulb is caged to protect it and that the probe is replaceable rounds it out.

  25. Mobile Cuisine says:

     Canada

    I receive the meter today and the calibration was easy – took about 30 seconds. I live the fact that includes the buffer solution so I don’t have to mess with powder, just have to remember to order it! The readings didn’t waiver back and forth and I was able get a reading pretty quickly. No more messing with the pH reagent testing kits! It also came with the soaking solution, but the instructions I got didn’t say what it’s for – I’m off to check their videos and articles that the included card references!

  26. Annies Granny says:

     Canada

    Golden Review Award: 6 From Our UsersI recently bought a no name PH meter from Amazon and it was terrible. The readings were all over the place and calibration process was tedious. I tried it out for 1 day and decided it was useless because my plants will all die if I were to rely on that. So I did some research and decided to try out a more reputable company. I receive the meter today and calibration was a breeze – took 30 seconds (from reading instructions to completing calibration). I like the fact that includes the buffer solution so I don’t have to mess with powder. It also included the soaking solution which is nice. The readings didn’t waiver back and forth and was able get a ready pretty instantaneously.

  27. Anonymous says:

     United States 🇺🇸

    Golden Review Award: 4 From Our UsersFull disclosure I’m being offered a gift for this review. However this gift is a ultra soft brush and a calibration station not needed but will help keep the pen in tip top shape this did not influence my review ONLY MY DESIRE to leave one.

    Lets start shall we. I got the PH Pen in the full hard blue case with these inside:

    1. PH Pen (battery already installed, and cap on pen contained solution)
    2. Spare battery
    3. Bottle of buffer solution.
    4. Bottle of storage solution.
    Documents:
    5. Instruction sheet. Very easy to follow directions on how to calibrate, test, and store.
    6. Calibration certification it was checked on 8/22/19.
    7. Card for free gift with review.

    Now that we have the true contents listed anyone that gets anything less that all of that return it and change sellers.

    I checked the calibration straight out of the box after rinsing it in distilled water. 7.0 on the dot.
    Calibrated the pen anyways. 7.0 all day on the dot.

    Now the real test. Tap water and nutrients. 5.2 used this pen to raise the PH to 6.5. Pen was very quick to react to the rise. Got it to 6.5 on the dot. No jumping around solid.

    PH Pen also does temp which I didn’t expect but like it. When you Calibrate it a circle with the letter M will appear on the display. When storing it add a little bit of the storage solution into the protective cap.

    I paid like $56 for it and couldn’t be happier. Love that I can change out just the probe and not need a whole new pen. I’ll review the tip whenever I need to replace it. I think they suggest 18 months max. If it’s still reading stable I’ll keep using it.

    I hope this truly does help anyone considering this PH Pen. I will update if I come across any problems.

  28. Anonymous says:

     Canada

    Golden Review Award: 13 From Our UsersThis is a day one review, and it’s from the viewpoint of someone whom has used the $20 sticks/pens for a decade.

    Amazing how quick it is to get steady readings. A couple seconds and you’re good to go. It was also a great relief to not have to deal with powders and mix my own buffer solution. I never really knew if the solution was perfect for calibrating; but having a pre made solution and only needing to press the button once to fully calibrate it not only provided piece of mind, but a very nice convenience as well.

    Think it goes without saying that having a tool that also compensates for the fluctuating temperatures I’m dealing with is a huge bonus.

  29. ElliottVJU says:

     Canada

    I’vce used this a few times. Ordered because the ph strips that you buy for a hot tub are useless. The range is red to orange, (not something useful, like blue to red) and I usually get blue or green or orangey red. This actually gives me a number, includes calibration stuff, and is simple to use. The only problem will be getting more calibration fluid, but I’ll just have to stay on that.

  30. Web Staff says:

     United States

    Golden Review Award: 4 From Our UsersWould highly recommend this PH meter. I Usually don’t write reviews but I thought I would share my experience to help others that are in my same position. I have used numerous other products the cheap $15 yellow ones have gone through about 2 I’ve you strips and I have used the ph liquid. I was very hesitant in spending the money for a ph pen but figured if it last years and is accurate would be worth it. I can say that after a few months of pretty heavy use about every 2 to 3 days it’s still right on point. I usually calibrate it once a week and the furtherest it has been off is .1 which is completely acceptable to me. Calibration couldn’t be easier and usually holds for an extended period of time.

    If you’re looking for a good value quality made ph pen no need to look any further. I don’t usually buy anything until I read a million reviews and have weighed the cons and pros for a while. I found after looking at the reviews this was the one for me and I’m glad I went with it. Hope this helps anybody else. This is a complete independent review based on personal experience with no affiliation or help from the company whatsoeve

  31. MaritzaRuss says:

     Germany 🇩🇪

    Golden Review Award: 11 From Our UsersIch bin etwas geschdigt von den Billig-pH-Metern aus China, weshalb ich notgedrungen zu diesem teureren Modell griff. Der Mehrpreis macht sich bemerkbar. Das ganze ist sehr ausgeklgelt. Z.B. ist das Meter so im Schaumstoff gelagert, da die Aufbewahrungshlse so an das Gert gedrckt wird, da man mit einer minimalen Menge Aufbewahrungsflssigkeit auskommt und durch den Dichtring luft nichts raus.

    Die Messgenauigkeit ist hoch. Ich habe das Teil nicht einmal kalibriert, nachdem es nach Erhalt sofort bei einer Prflsung den richtigen Wert angezeigt hat. Die Genauigkeit ist auch sehr gut, die +/- 0,1 kann ich jedenfalls bei meinen Pufferlsungen besttigen. Darber hinaus ist das “Einsteckvolumen” durch die Formgebung klein. Dann Reinigung ich verwende flieendes Wasser und habe zum Teil sehr hochviskose Flssigkeiten, die gut anhaften, dauert nur Sekunden um es abzusplen und obwohl es Leitungswasser ist, beeintrchtigt es das Gert nicht.

    Ich bin zufrieden, wenn nicht gar begeistert. Die zweite Nachkommastelle hat man nicht, aber lieber ein Gert mit nur einer das funktioniert, als ein Gert was nicht funktioniert.

    Ich kann gar nicht genug betonen wie wichtig es ist, Vertrauen in sein Meinstrument zu haben. Ein Gert wie mein pH-Meter davor, das fter mal falsch anzeigt, weil die Kalibrierung verloren gegangen ist, kann einen wahnsinnig machen, weil man keiner Messung mehr vertrauen kann. Bei diesem Gert hier hat man nach ein paar Messungen viel Vertrauen aufgebaut, da bis jetzt noch nie enttuscht wurde.

  32. Ellen Christian says:

     United States

    Golden Review Award: 4 From Our UsersIm using this for multiple aquariums. Received it yesterday, picked up some distilled water today to rinse the probe and popped open the storage box containing the pen. Note the package I ordered contained the pen, storage solution, calibration solution, and extra batteries. Which, Im glad I realized they were extra batteries before I tried to open the pen to install them, Im still not sure how to open the pen. But Im glad to know the batteries and probe are replaceable.

    Out of the box my first impression was that this pen is pretty well made. Im not familiar with lab or medical equipment, but as far as gadgets and tools go this seems of good quality. The instructions were simple and clear enough. With in a few minutes I was calibrated and testing various samples of water, and testing the pen again for calibration. I shut the pen off for a bit made a few adjustments and went back and tested my sample waters again and the pen did hold its calibration. Several hours later, when testing caibration again I found it went up a 1/10 th.

    At this point Im happy with my purchase and I’ll be continuing to use this pen possibly several times a week…

  33. peanutpeak says:

     United Kingdom 🇬🇧

    Great ph meter, super easy to calibrate and use, really quick to take readings! comes with buffet solution, soaking solution and spare battery!

  34. KittyRouse says:

     United States

    Golden Review Award: 11 From Our UsersI have absolutely no idea how I lived without this pH meter. I had only used older technology, or the cheap yellow meters seen everywhere (which are fine for telling the difference between lemon juice and drain cleaner occasionally). I knew that this one would be better, but I didn’t know how much better. Wow. I can actually see the pH change as I add uL of acid or base. I no longer have to put the dumb yellow pen or giant 1980’s pH meter in the solution, go drink a cup of coffee, add a reagent, drink another coffee, see if the reading has changed, drink more coffee, read the meter and compensate the value for temperature with a table or calculator…
    I never trusted digital pH meters too much and used to do a titration or at least double check with litmus paper. This meter is dead on, and I have no idea how I lived without it.
    Although I’ve only used the +/-0.01% version, I’d say it’s worth the extra $20 if you need precision. This model is small, and may not be as rugged as the larger models, but it does fit in test tubes, and can fit in a buret clamp on a lab stand. Very nice. If I ever need ORP, salinity, or any other meters, I’m definitely going to go with Apera again.

  35. Anonymous says:

     United States

    Golden Review Award: 12 From Our UsersWorth the money
    This is for sure a cut above the lower priced ones you can get on ebay (for as little as $10!). It has 1 point calibration, which is the main reason I got it. It requires calibration with at least every 2nd usage, but it’s a very quick and easy affair to do so. I find readings tends to vary by 0.1-0.2 pH, especially in liquids that are ‘frothy’ at all (I use this for fruit preserves production mostly). I usually take 5 or 6 readings and go with the one that turns up the most.
    These are sensitive instruments, so they should not be treated roughly. That being said, it’s a pretty durable little unit. It fits easily into a short test tube, but not a longer one. The case is awesome and it comes with a small supply of requisite fluids.
    All things said, I’m in love with this unit. I think it compares favorably with the more expensive Hanna and Oakton meters I’ve had in the past. The accuracy seems to be on par with any other meter less than $100.

  36. Anula says:

     United States

    Golden Review Award: 2 From Our UsersThis product, the
    SX610 Waterproof pH Pen Tester, 0.1 pH…, works so nicely that I have purchased a second one for my godmother! I love it and encourage others to try this reader. It really makes measuring ph levels simple. Thanks for such a great product.

    ——————————————————————-

    IT’S SIMPLE!

    SO… I PURCHASED AGAIN: The SX610 Waterproof pH Pen Tester, 0.1 pH… works so nicely that I have purchased a second one for my godmother; she loves it! She is in her 70’s and needs something simple to help improve her diet intake of alkaline foods and water; and, this device works just well for her. She is now able to monitor herself and not rely on waiting until her acid level is so high that she finds out because she is at the hospital. She is now able to keep control of her health. Improvement in her acid levels were seen soon as she had control over knowing the acid levels of her food and water.

    I love it and encourage others to try this reader. It really makes measuring ph levels simple. Thanks for such a great product.