5 Best UV Meters - May 2026

BEST OF THE BEST

General Tools

Digital UVA/UVB Meter

Most Comprehensive

Features four displays, each with a high range of UV detection.

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PROS

We love the long lifespan of the battery that reviews suggest works to measure UV levels, especially outdoors.
Comes with features such as over range indication and zero adjust.
Backlit for easy readability.
Able to distinguish well among light-sensitive scales.

CONS

Additional data analysis resources may be needed.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Uceri

Handheld Digital Light Meter

Best Value

Fits in a pocket and provides instant luminosity measurements.

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PROS

Reviews rave that this meter works especially well for set design and other indoor spaces.
Effectively measures temperature and UV strength as well.
Features color LCD screen.
Lightweight and easy to carry.

CONS

May need to adjust thermometer calibration.

Solarmeter

Handheld Digital UV Light Meter

Simple Yet Solid

This is a well-made UV meter that's made for specific purposes.

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PROS

Designed to check UV bulbs to determine if they are working properly or need to be replaced.
Can also be used to check the quality of eyewear that blocks UV rays.
Easy to operate.
Requires a 9-volt battery to use, which is included.

CONS

Limited compared to some competing models.

Extech

Pocket UV-Ab Light Meter

Compact Design

A good choice if you need a basic UV meter that's compact and simple to use.

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PROS

Measures natural and artificial UV-AB light that comes from indoor or outdoor sources.
Compact design is easy to carry.
Great for educational purposes.
Vivid backlit display and auto-off function.
Comes with a carrying pouch and 2 AAA batteries.

CONS

Not the best option if you need a model for reading UV index.

Solar Light Company Inc.

UV Index Meter

Best for Reptile Owners

A great option for maintaining reptilian environments.

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PROS

Owners of reptiles love the cost savings of these UVB and UVA meters that test bulbs.
Saves costs via detailed reports on bulbs via output tests.
One-hand operation.
Battery lasts approximately two years.
The handheld design makes it easy to take on the go.

CONS

While it's great for reptile care, it lacks features of other meters.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews

How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed

October 28, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Katie Reseburg

Updated April 2024

UV meters measure the ultraviolet light in a particular area, providing valuable data. Using a UV meter can help you find areas where high UV levels are occurring before they cause damage. Most UV meters will measure the intensity of the ultraviolet light between 250 and 400 nanometers. UV light falling in this range can be beneficial for seed germination and for plant growth. However, too much ultraviolet light can cause toxicity for plants and damage to other items. Many UV meters can take measurements regularly throughout the day, giving you key information. Most UV meters have a digital display screen for instant viewing of results. Those who have UV filters installed even can use the UV meter to ensure the filter is working as expected.

Best UV Meters

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

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