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10 Best Light Meters 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter

Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter

Klein Tools

9.9 score

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The Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter is designed for those who need an efficient way to measure light levels, making it suitable for electricians, HVAC professionals, and anyone involved in lighting analysis. One of its strong points is its user-friendly interface, which allows users to operate it without complicated setups. The ability to measure light in both Foot Candles and Lux provides a comprehensive understanding of lighting conditions, catering to different preferences and requirements.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Ease of Use
This light meter is fast, accurate, and easy to use, making it ideal for greenhouse lighting planning.
#2
9.8 score

Extech SDL400 Light Meter SD Logger

Extech SDL400 Light Meter SD Logger

Extech

9.8 score

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The Extech SDL400 Light Meter SD Logger is designed for those needing reliable light measurement, making it a suitable choice for professionals in photography, horticulture, and industrial settings. One of its standout features is the wide measuring range, capable of measuring up to 10,000 foot-candles or 100,000 Lux, which is beneficial for a variety of lighting conditions. Additionally, the light meter utilizes a precision silicon photo diode that ensures accurate readings, complemented by cosine and color-corrected measurement capabilities, enhancing its reliability.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Accuracy
Highly recommended for its excellent integration with other software, enabling automatic light measurements with great accuracy.
Additional Features
Reduces testing time and eliminates human error, making it a valuable investment.
Ease of Use
A reliable and cost-effective option for light measurement while traveling.
#3
9.6 score

Extech LT40 LED Light Meter

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Extech LT40 LED Light Meter

Extech

9.6 score

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The Extech LT40 LED Light Meter is a well-designed tool for measuring light levels, particularly suitable for users who need accurate readings for LED lighting. One of its main strengths is its high accuracy, which is crucial for professionals in fields like photography, horticulture, and electronics where precise light measurements matter. The digital display is user-friendly, showing real-time readings along with minimum and maximum values, which helps users monitor changes effectively.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Accuracy
The Extech LT40 LED Light Meter is easy to use and provides reasonable measurements, especially for LED, induction, and metal halide lights.
Additional Features
Although it lacks a backlit display, the Hold feature compensates by allowing readings to be taken in darker environments.
Ease of Use
The Extech LT40 LED Light Meter is easy to use and provides reasonable measurements, especially for LED, induction, and metal halide lights.

Top 10 Best Light Meters 2025 in the United States

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TOPTES

TopTes TS-710 Light Meter, Lux/Foot Candles Meter with 180º Rotating Sensor, 0.1~200,000 Lux Range, Large Backlit Display, Light Meter for Plants, Car Headlights, Home & Office LEDs (Includes Battery)

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#1

Winner

9.9 score

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Klein Tools

Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter

Type of Light Meter: Digital Light Meter
Digital vs. Analog: Digital
Measuring Range: 4000 FC, 40,000 Lux
Additional Features: auto/manual range, backlit LCD, bar graph
Ease of Use: user-friendly interface

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Slide 1

TOPTES

TopTes TS-710 Light Meter, Lux/Foot Candles Meter with 180º Rotating Sensor, 0.1~200,000 Lux Range, Large Backlit Display, Light Meter for Plants, Car Headlights, Home & Office LEDs (Includes Battery)

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#2

9.8 score

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Extech

Extech SDL400 Light Meter SD Logger

Type of Light Meter: SDL400 Light Meter SD Logger
Digital vs. Analog: Digital
Measuring Range: up to 10,000 foot-candles
Accuracy: precision silicon photo diode
Additional Features: datalogging, timestamp, SD card storage
Ease of Use: user-friendly design

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#3

9.6 score

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Extech

Extech LT40 LED Light Meter

Type of Light Meter: LED Light Meter
Digital vs. Analog: Digital
Accuracy: High Accuracy
Additional Features: USB interface, data downloads, analysis software
Ease of Use: User-friendly digital display

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#4

9.4 score

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Sekonic

Sekonic Spectrometer (401-800)

Type of Light Meter: Spectrometer
Additional Features: Measures LEDs, HMIs, fluorescent lights
Ease of Use: User-friendly large color touch screen

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#5

9.1 score

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Extech

Extech LT10 Pocket Light Meter

Type of Light Meter: Pocket Light Meter
Digital vs. Analog: Digital
Measuring Range: up to 4000Fc/40,000Lux
Additional Features: Large backlit LCD, 1.5 times/sec rate
Ease of Use: Single-button operation, pocket-sized

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#6

8.8 score

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Kenko

Kenko KCM-3100 Color Temperature and Filtration Meter

Type of Light Meter: Color Temp and Filtration Meter
Digital vs. Analog: Digital
Accuracy: High Accuracy
Additional Features: Limited features beyond color temp measurement
Ease of Use: Easy to use

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#7

8.5 score

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Sekonic

Sekonic L-858D-U (401-858) Meter Plus RT-GX (401-628) Transmitter Module

Type of Light Meter: Sekonic L-858D-U Meter Plus RT-GX
Digital vs. Analog: Digital
Additional Features: RT-GX transmitter module
Ease of Use: Portable and easy to handle

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#8

8.2 score

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Sekonic

Sekonic L-478DR-U Pocket Wizard Lightmeter With Exclusive USA Radio Frequency And Exclusive 3-Year Warranty,Black,401-477

Type of Light Meter: Sekonic L-478DR-U Pocket Wizard
Digital vs. Analog: Digital
Additional Features: Large color LCD, measures ambient and flash
Ease of Use: User-friendly, touch icons, sliding gestures

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#9

7.9 score

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Sekonic

Sekonic L-478D-U Lightmeter With Exclusive 3-Year Warranty

Type of Light Meter: Sekonic L-478D-U
Digital vs. Analog: Digital
Measuring Range: ISO 3 to 409600
Additional Features: Large color LCD, measures ambient and flash
Ease of Use: User-friendly, intuitive, touch icons

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#10

7.6 score

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Fluke

Fluke 941 Light Meter Illuminance Meter Tester

Type of Light Meter: Fluke 941 Light Meter
Digital vs. Analog: Digital
Additional Features: Compact, lightweight, single 9V battery
Ease of Use: Digital readout, straightforward design

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Buying Guide for the Best Light Meters

Choosing the right light meter can significantly enhance your photography or cinematography by ensuring accurate exposure settings. A light meter measures the amount of light in a scene, helping you to determine the optimal exposure settings for your camera. When selecting a light meter, it's important to consider various specifications to find the best fit for your needs. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Type of Light MeterLight meters come in two main types: incident and reflective. Incident light meters measure the light falling onto the subject, while reflective light meters measure the light bouncing off the subject. Incident meters are generally more accurate for determining exposure because they are not influenced by the subject's color or reflectivity. Reflective meters, on the other hand, are built into most cameras and are useful for quick readings. Choose an incident meter for more precise control, especially in studio settings, and a reflective meter for convenience and general use.
Digital vs. AnalogLight meters can be either digital or analog. Digital light meters provide readings on an LCD screen and often come with additional features like memory storage and data logging. Analog meters use a needle to indicate light levels and are valued for their simplicity and reliability. Digital meters are generally easier to read and offer more functionality, making them suitable for most users. Analog meters might appeal to those who prefer a more traditional approach or need a durable, no-frills device.
RangeThe range of a light meter refers to the span of light levels it can measure, from very low light to very bright light. A wider range allows for more versatility in different lighting conditions. For example, if you often shoot in low-light environments or very bright outdoor settings, a meter with a broad range will be beneficial. Consider your typical shooting conditions and choose a meter with a range that covers those scenarios.
AccuracyAccuracy is crucial for a light meter, as it determines how precisely the device can measure light. Higher accuracy ensures that your exposure settings are spot-on, reducing the need for adjustments in post-processing. Look for meters with a high degree of accuracy, often indicated by the manufacturer. If you require precise exposure settings for professional work, prioritize accuracy in your selection.
Additional FeaturesSome light meters come with additional features such as flash metering, color temperature measurement, and data logging. Flash metering is useful for photographers who use studio lighting, as it measures the light output from flashes. Color temperature measurement helps in achieving accurate white balance. Data logging can be beneficial for keeping track of your settings and conditions. Consider which additional features will enhance your workflow and choose a meter that offers those capabilities.
Ease of UseEase of use is an important factor, especially if you are new to using light meters. Look for a meter with a user-friendly interface, clear display, and intuitive controls. Some meters come with instructional guides or tutorials to help you get started. If you prefer a straightforward, easy-to-operate device, prioritize ease of use in your selection process.
PortabilityPortability is a key consideration if you plan to use your light meter on location or while traveling. Compact and lightweight meters are easier to carry and handle. Consider the size and weight of the meter, as well as any protective cases or accessories that come with it. If you need a meter that you can easily take with you, look for a portable model that fits your needs.

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