The Best EMF Meters For Keeping Your Home Safe

Your home has detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide, but did you know these are not the only silent hazards you need to watch out for? You can’t see or hear electromagnetic fields, but increasing research is showing the close link between certain levels of ‘EMF’ and certain illnesses and even cancer in humans.

All homeowners should take the time to learn about EMF levels and how they can take the necessary precautions to protect their home.

What is ‘EMF’?

Also frequently referred to as radiation, electromagnetic fields are emitted by wires and/or electrical devices and are commonly found in households. While the term is best known as “electromagnetic” fields, it actually consists of two different components: electric and magnetic. Both are waves of energy undetectable by the human eye. That said, electric fields are emitted regardless whether a device is turned on and running, while magnetic fields only come about while the electric current is flowing (typically meaning the device has to be turned on / plugged in and running).

Either way EMF fields are not considered dangerous in all circumstances. But in others, the health effects caused by EMF exposure can be irreversible and extremely detrimental.

In order to understand the risk, it’s first important to note that there are two main types of electromagnetic field radiation. These categories focus on the actual frequency of the energy given off:

Non-ionizing EMF – This is low-frequency radiation that has so far not been shown to be harmful to the humans who are exposed to it. It is emitted by a wide variety of common wires and devices, many of which are likely already in your home or items you use on an everyday basis. Some examples are microwaves, computers and WiFi networks, Bluetooth devices, cell phones, certain lights, etc.
Ionizing EMF – This is high-frequency radiation which has the known potential for damage to human DNA and cells, thereby increasing the likelihood of certain illnesses and serious disease. This type of EMF radiation is found in X-rays and even ultraviolet “UV” rays from the sun. It is also emitted in the gamma rays that come from nuclear fission (as seen in atomic bombs).

Now, when discussing EMF, many people also lump in RF or “radiofrequency” radiation (or sometimes even “radiofrequency EMF”). Very similar in nature, these waves are another type of non-ionizing radiation. RF is emitted from radio towers, cell towers, TV transmissions, etc.

Why Do I Need to Test EMF Levels in My Home?

After learning about Non-ionizing vs. Ionizing EMF types, you might be scratching your head and thinking “But of course there are no atomic bombs in my home!”. But that doesn’t mean that you’re automatically scot-free. While non-ionizing forms of EMF are considered relatively harmless, that’s also because more research needs to be done on the matter.

See, early research in the 20th century showed a possible link between EMF from power lines and childhood illnesses like leukemia, but later studies in the same century were unable to establish the connection with adults. It’s worth noting that these studies were done well before modern common comforts like WiFi, cell phones, and laptop computers entered the average home. More research is needed on the subject. But most modern doctors agree that while there is so far no established evidence that shows a connection between these devices and cancer, the general population would be wise to take precautions.

Furthermore, as our understanding of EMF develops, we already know that it’s possible for devices to surge and produce higher-than-normal levels of EMF radiation. For example, your microwave or your WiFi router may be pretty harmless by themselves when working properly, but a faulty device could potentially “leak” and cause high levels of EMF pollution in your home.

The good news is that you can keep yourself and your loved ones protected by equipping your home with EMF meters, also called EMF detectors. Just as their name suggests, these small, convenient devices detect harmful levels of EMF radiation when used properly. In the long run, they can save lives.

How to Spot a Good EMF Meter

Before you just pick up the first EMF meter you find, you should know that not all of these detectors are created equal. The market is saturated with a lot of weak detectors that either fail to sufficiently measure dangerous EMF levels or are even too sensitive and constantly go off even under normally circumstances. It is important to take the time to choose one carefully that fits your needs and works as it should.

While your specific needs will vary, a good EMF meter will generally have the following qualities:

High Sensitivity – What good is a detector if it isn’t sensitive enough to pick up the source? You want an EMF meter that is not only capable of picking up the EMF in the first place, but also sensitive enough to help you track down its actual source. Most home EMF meters are handheld these days for this reason, but choose wisely, as not all can actually be used to trace the leaking EMF fields back to where they came from. Once you find the source, you can fix the problem.
High Accuracy – Next to sensitivity, you’ll also need your EMF meter to be as accurate as possible when measuring EMF radiation levels in your home. After all, lower levels may be relatively harmless and nothing to worry about, while higher levels are certainly cause for concern. This is where many cheaply-made EMF meters fail, as they will only tell you that there is EMF in your home; not how much or whether or not you should be worried.
Strong Frequency Range – Just as there are different kinds of EMF, there are also a variety of different frequencies it is transmitted across. For the most useful results, you’ll want an EMF meter with a strong frequency range. That is, it should be capable of detecting both high and low EMF frequencies, on a variety of levels.

The Best EMF Meters for Your Home

There are a lot of EMF meters out there, and it can be confusing to know where to start. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and compiled this list of some of the best ones currently available today.

Trifield TF2 – It’s tough to find any list out there of high-scoring EMF meters that doesn’t include the Trifield TF2! It’s among the more affordable high-quality detectors around, and it measures several different frequency levels of EMF/RF. Its weighted settings also allow you to conveniently measure EMF levels in larger, denser objects, such as the human body.

Easy-to-use dial can be set to measure standard frequency magnetic fields and electric fields, weighted frequency magnetic fields and electric fields, and radiofrequency.
Peak Hold captures fast pulses (to measure fast digital signals)
Fast Indicator bar displays hot spots
Non-directional meter
Adjustable backlight

Cons of this meter:

Does not have good RF sensitivity
Not good for detecting wifi, cell phone emissions, smart meters, etc…
It is good however for testing things like saunas (electric & magnetic fields)

Acoustimeter AM-10 Meter – Another easy-to-use meter the Acoustimeter (model AM-10) is much sleeker that other models and doesn’t have any confusing dials or buttons. In fact, it’s actually so thin it can easily be carried in your pocket. But its simple-looking design should not be mistaken for weakness. This is a very powerful EMF meter that clearly displays the varying levels it is capable of detecting. It also measures a broader frequency than a lot of other small-design models.

Sleek, simple design is as easy to read as it is to carry around
Durable body
Broad frequency range
Highly sensitive
Non-directional meter
Easily adjustable volume, with headphone jack

Mertek EMF Detector – This model is among the more affordable high-quality options. Many users may prefer its digital screen and automatically lighted background. The Mertek only measures electromagnetic fields (not RF), but it does have a convenient alarm feature that will sound in the presence of dangerous levels.

Digital display with lighted background
Does not measure RF, but has decent range on electromagnetic fields
Sound-light alarm feature goes off to alert you of dangerous EMF levels
Non-directional meter

* note – I do not recommend the Merterk anymore.

Cornet ED-88T Plus Meter – This meter is a little more advanced and may not be the best choice for beginners, but it still has an impressive range of features. Most importantly of course, it is highly sensitive and measures a range of EMF and RF radiation frequencies. If you’re interested in measuring the EMF emitted by your regular at-home devices, this is one of the most accurate meters to use.

Digital display shows both numerals and graph for clearer understanding
Highly accurate with broad measurement
Battery and USB charging port
Headphone jack
Directional meter

Latnex HF – B3G – For a somewhat more user-friendly directional meter that also has high accuracy, the Latnex HF- B3G is a great alternative. Both experts and beginners will enjoy this one. Its detailed digital display is accompanied by a directional triple axis feature on top, allowing you to easily pinpoint where EMF and RF radiation levels are coming from. The base is also very sturdy and grippable, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Digital display with variety of settings and features
Alarm equipped
Directional meter
Strong, durable body stands up well both indoors and outdoors

Conclusion

Do you want one you can carry around all the time with ease, or would you like one that you keep relatively stationary within your home? Do you need to test a lot of devices and areas at once, or are you only curious about a few things? The right EMF meter for you and your home will of course depend on your specific needs and lifestyle. Take your time choosing.