Gauss meter only covers the measurements of the magnetic field, unlike the emf meter that covers the measurements of both electric field and magnetic field.
It measures the magnetic flux density, expressed in Tesla, Gauss, or Newton per meter.
The magnetic field depends on the current flow. If a wire connects to a power source but no devices turn on (no current flowing), no magnetic field occurs. But if there is current flowing, the magnetic field occurs. Since the power source can be AC or DC, the magnetic fields, in turn, can be static and dynamic.
If the current flows in one direction, it generates DC magnetic field. This field has 0 Hz. DC motor and battery-powered devices are some sources of DC magnetic field. Electricity is not the only one, earth’s magnetic field, permanent magnet, and thunderstorms are the other sources of DC magnetic field.
Conversely, the alternating current generates AC magnetic field; has a frequency of 50Hz or 60 Hz. In the electromagnetic spectrum, this frequency is classified as Extremely Low Frequency (ELF). Power lines, appliances, etc are sources of alternating magnetic fields.
Magnetic fields are also from RF radiation. In the electromagnetic field spectrum, the frequency from 30Hz – 300GHz is called radio frequency, consisting of smaller bands from Extremely Low Frequency (3Hz – 3kHz) up to Extremely High Frequency (30GHz – 300GHz). The electromagnetic radiation from radio frequency, called RF radiation, makes up the most electromagnetic pollution in our life. Cellphones, GPS, Wifi, TV, Radio, etc are examples.
Looking for the best gauss meter on the market can be highly time-consuming. If you are searching for one purchase, perhaps, one of the top 7 best gauss meter products below may be your preference.
Top 7 Best Gauss Meter Reviews 2025
| Products | Pictures | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. MF-30K |  | measures: AC & DC Magnetic Field | |
| 2. Gain Express |  | measures: AC Magnetic Field | |
| 3. TD8620 |  | measures: DC Magnetic Field | |
| 4. Trifield TF2 |  | measures: AC Magnetic Field | |
| 5. Amtast TES12B |  | measures: DC Magnetic Field | |
| 6. Latnex Cornet ED-88TPlus | measures: AC Magnetic Field | ||
| 7. Ghost Meter |  | measures: Ghost hunting |
1. MF-30K AC & DC Magnetic Field Gauss Meter
Latnex MF-30K is a powerful gauss meter that is able to measure both DC and AC magnetic fields. It can measure permanent magnets. Its transverse probe can measure dynamic magnetic fields from 40-500 Hz.
It’s equipped with a data logging feature that is downloadable to your computer.
However, it doesn’t have a 3-axis sensor for AC magnetic field which is a drawback.
For the measuring range of the DC magnetic field, it covers from 0-3000 mT (0-30000 G). On the other hand, the AC magnetic field measurement of this device can cover up to 1500 mT (15000 Gauss).
Pros:
- Covering DC and AC magnetic field measurements
- Data logging and downloadable
Cons:
- No 3-axis sensor for AC magnetic field
2. Gain Express AC Magnetic Field Gauss Meter
Gain Express gauss meter is an AC magnetic field gauss meter. It is dedicated to magnetic fields from AC sources only. The frequency range response that it can cover is from 20Hz to 2000Hz. This range allows you to measure the magnetic field radiation from a power line, computers, etc.
If you are going to buy a gauss meter to measure the magnetic field radiation from a power line, its accuracy is ±(3.0% + 30 digits). This accuracy should be good enough to accurately assess the radiation.
It measures with its 3-axis internal orthogonal sensors. As a result, you don’t need to turn it left and right, up or down like the single-axis model does to take the measurement.
For ease of use, it provides 6 front buttons for some instructions. The “Max Min” button is to show on the LCD screen the maximum reading or minimum reading that the device has taken. While the “Hold” button is to show the reading currently taken.
This tri-axis meter nicely comes with a data logging capability and internal memory. The memory is able to store 500 data sets of the logged data.
For the power source, it only needs a single 9V battery to operate. Make sure to operate the device with sufficient power. Using the device when it’s low power can lead to a misleading reading result.
Pros:
- Designed to measure AC magnetic fields in the range of 30 Hz – 2000 Hz
- The 3-axis sensor
- Data logging and internal memory
- Data hold function
Cons:
- Short frequency range response
3. TD8620 DC Magnetic Field Gauss Meter
If you are going to measure the permanent magnet only, you can use this TD8620 DC magnetic field Gauss meter.
It comes with a 1 m length of probe. Nicely, this meter allows you to use whether the transverse or axial probe.
Wondering about its accuracy? According to the manual, the accuracy is ±2% for the measuring range from 0 – 1000 mT and ±5% for the range from 1000 mT – 2400 mT.
The LCD screen has a backlight which is good to use in a low-light environment. You don’t need to adjust your workshop lightning to use it. For power, it uses 9 Volt battery power.
Pros:
- For DC magnets only
- Clear and large reading
Cons:
- Not for AC
4. Trifield TF2 EMF Meter (AC Magnetic Field)
Another AC magnetic field gauss meter that you can choose on the market is Trifield TF2. This device is actually an EMF meter; means it measures both magnetic and electric fields. In terms of the magnetic field, Triefield TF2 is able to measure the magnetic field in the range of 40 Hz – 100 kHz.
Since this Trifield meter covers both radiations, buying this one gives you advantages of proper measurements of emf radiation.
Despite it covers both, the sensor for the magnetic field is excellent. It’s the 3 axis model. So, this tri-axis meter should be reliable for accurate measurements.
If your intention is to measure the power line near your house, this device is good to use because it has an accuracy of ±4%.
Pros:
- Great range coverage (40 Hz – 100 kHz) for AC magnetic field measurement.
- 3-Axis sensor
- Cover other radiation measurements: electric field.
Cons:
- Expensive
5. Amtast TES12B DC Magnetic Field Gauss Meter
Amtas Tes12B is a simple, easy-to-use yet accurate gauss meter for DC magnetic fields. You could use this instrument to measure how strong your DC motor, permanent magnets, residual magnetism of your metal products, etc.
This model allows you to choose the probe that you require: axial or transverse. So it gives you flexibility when facing a certain measurement challenge.
It has a great accuracy which ±2%. Since it’s for DC, it comes with a probe.
Pros:
- Better accuracy
- Rechargeable
- For DC magnetic field
Cons:
- Expensive
6. Latnex Cornet ED-88TPlus (AC Magnetic Field)
Latnex Cornet ED-88TPlus is actually an EMF meter. It’s able to measure electric field and magnetic field.
As we are looking for a gauss meter, low-frequency magnetic fields in the range of 50Hz to 10kHz can be measured with this device.
There are two different reading ranges you could select from. In order to get a greater resolution, surely you have to select the second range. It’s able to provide a resolution up to 0.1 mG.
- Range 1: For the magnetic field from 50Hz – 10kHz, the reading range is 1 mG to 600 mG.
- Range 1: The lower one, the magnetic field from 50 Hz to 1 kHz, the range is 0.1 mG to 10 mG.
However, this meter doesn’t provide a 3-axis mode. So, it requires a little patience to measure the magnetic field radiation.
Pros:
- Not only measures magnetic field but also electric field
- Pretty wide frequency range response 50Hz – 10kHz
- Colorful LCD screen
- Connectable to a PC via a USB interface
- For 50 hours of data recording, it has a programmable time interval
- Automatic logging and recording of data
Cons:
- Single Axis magnetic field sensor
7. Ghost Meter EMF Sensor
This ghost meter is actually a gauss meter. Instead of using an LCD screen to display the readings, it uses a dial needle to show the reading in milliGauss within the range of 0 – 5 milliGauss. There are LED light notifications and audio tones. If you are looking for a Gauss meter to detect the existence of ghosts, then this is a cute choice to pick.
However, there is no description of its frequency response and the sensor type that it uses. So we don’t know whether it’s suitable to measure magnetic field from a power line or not.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use, easy to read in a dim light environment
- Affordable
- Great to use to detect ghosts
Cons:
- No clear description of what type of sensor it uses and its frequency response
Magnetic Flux Density Vs. Magnetic Field Strenght
While magnetic field strength is expressed in Ampere per meter (A/m).
Magnetic flux density can be expressed in Tesla, Gauss, and Newton per meter.
In the case you want to convert from magnetic field strength to magnetic flux density, you could convert use this equivalence 1 A m-1 = 4π × 10-7 T, in the case of free space and biological materials.
Limit Exposure of Magnetic Field Radiation
The static magnetic field’s limit exposure is 40 mT for continuous exposure, while the alternating magnetic field is 100 µT according to Council 1999/519/EC for public exposure. This information is far from thorough. You need to search further. Your country may regulate different limit exposure. Occupational and public exposure should be different as well.
Things to Consider Buying A Gauss Meter
1. Transverse Probe Vs. Axial Probe (for DC Magnetic Field)
If your intention is to measure DC magnetic field, you have to be aware of the probe you are using. There are two main models: transverse probe or axial probe.
The transverse model is rectangular shaped. It is suitable to measure in many cases. You need to lay down the probe onto the surface.
On the other hand, the axial model is tubular-shaped. It allows you to measure inside an air-core coil (cylindrical coil).
2. Single-Axis Vs 3-Axis Sensor (for AC Magnetic Field)
Similar to sensors for DC magnetic field, your gaussmeter can measure the AC magnetic field utilizing the Hall effect sensor. But, you need to know that for AC field, there are two types of Hall sensor: 1) single axis sensor and 2) three-axis sensor.
Simply, the single-axis sensor is a single Hall sensor calculating flux density in one dimension. The 3 axis sensor model is three Hall sensors positioned in 3 dimensions (x, y, and z) to calculate the flux intensity.
So, if you are purchasing a Gauss meter for very basic use, then you could choose a single-axis Gauss meter. But if you want to measure magnetic field density more precisely, easily, and faster, then the 3-axis Gauss meter should be your choice.
3. Measuring Range
Another most important parameter to check is the measuring range. If your purpose buying a Gauss meter as an emf detector, it must cover the limit exposure of radiation. It should be a range of more than 40 mT and lower than 100 µT. This range recalls that we mentioned 40 mT for continuous DC exposure and 100 µT for AC magnetic field in public exposure. You could find it in the first section of this page.
For correct measurements, you could choose the one that has a broad measuring range.
4. Frequency Range Response
You cannot use your Gauss meter to pick any magnetic field either from the Natural (Earth’s field), DC field (battery-powered devices), AC field (power line and appliances), or RF radiation (cell phone tower). The frequency range response of your Gauss meter determines.
When measuring the magnetic field (AC type) that comes from electromagnetic radiation, you have to consider the frequency range response of your meter. If it only provides a 30Hz-500Hz frequency range, then it cannot measure the magnetic field from Wifi, GPS, and 4G that operates in a 300 MHz – 3 GHz frequency band.
Another example, if your Gauss meter frequency range is just from 20Hz to 2000Hz, it cannot measure the magnetic field from the 5G tower. You could search on your own what frequency band the 5G tower operates at.
5. Sample Rate
The higher the sample rate, the better the Gauss meter to detect and measure the sudden peak magnetic field. The sensitivity over this sudden peak also determines how good is your instrument. If you learn about ADC (Analog to Digital Converter), you will know what the sample rate is.
Conclusion
Those are some gauss meter products that we found on the market. Make sure you are able to differentiate Gauss meters for DC and AC magnetic fields. You have to be aware of the frequency response the meter has.
Similar to how the underground wire cable locator works, your Gauss instrument works by picking up the magnetic field from the frequency that it recognizes. Otherwise, it won’t. Don’t blame the device for misleading results, meanwhile, you apply it for the wrong targets.
You have to learn how to use it because transverse and axial probe works differently. Aside from that, you have to learn how to use the single-axis Gauss meter. The tri axis meter is easy to use, no need long practice to get the accurate measurements. This Gauss meter / Tesla meter is expensive. Spending some time to educate yourself about it will worth it.
Whatever the frequency, if they reach you above the exposure limit, this EMF level is considered a warning. To make your Gauss meter become an EMF detector, it has at least a measuring range that covers that limit. Further, to assist you with complete EMF measurement, Gaussmeter can help but it’s not the device for complete and accurate measurements of emf radiation.