Accurate water testing matters whether you manage a fish farm, run a pool service, or maintain a laboratory. You rely on precise, repeatable readings to protect fish, people, and compliance records. A reliable colorimeter removes guesswork, speeds testing, and reduces reagent waste.
Below are two colorimeters that cover different needs in 2025 — one for lab-grade multiparameter testing and one for portable, everyday checks — so you can pick the one that fits your workflow and budget.
Top Picks
| Category | Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Best Overall | Hach DR900 Multiparameter Handheld Colorimeter | $2,415.00 | 96/100 |
| 💰 Best Value | Hach DR300 Pocket Colorimeter (LPV445.97.00110) | $711.00 | 86/100 |
How We Picked These Colorimeters
You want a colorimeter that gives reliable, repeatable results and fits how you work. We focused on: accuracy and measurement range (sensitivity for low-ppm readings), number of colorimetric parameters supported, durability and portability for field use, connectivity and data transfer (USB or software integration), battery life and reagent costs, ease of use and display clarity, and real-world feedback from users in aquaculture, pools, and industrial testing.
We also weighed price versus capability so you can decide between a high-end multiparameter instrument and a compact pocket unit for routine checks.
Hach DR900 Colorimeter
Hach DR900 Colorimeter
Hach 9385100 DR 900 Multiparameter Handheld Colorimeter
$2,415.00
If you need a reliable Colorimeter for serious water testing, this is the kind of tool that makes life easier. You can handle day-to-day checks for pools or aquaculture, then take it out to the field for compliance sampling or audit prep.
It covers over 90 colorimetric methods, stores results for up to 500 tests, and exports data via USB — so you won’t be scribbling notes or guessing at numbers. The unit is rugged and waterproof, so you can use it in messy, wet environments without worrying about damage.
If accuracy matters to you more than cutting costs, this is a solid pick.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Very accurate for low‑ppm measurements | ❌ High upfront cost compared with simple test kits |
| ✅ Robust build ready for field conditions | ❌ Running reagents are an ongoing expense |
| ✅ Covers a wide range of colorimetric methods | ❌ Some buyers reported availability or shipping inconsistencies |
| ✅ Easy data storage and USB export |
What People Say
Users consistently praise the accuracy and reliability, especially for low‑level measurements in aquaculture and pools. Many find it worth the higher initial cost when precision matters.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Jim F.
Jim F. explains how the DR900 replaced color-wheel tests at his fish farm because it reads much lower concentrations accurately — he mentions reliable readings down to about 0.03 ppm for nitrite and the ability to tell the difference between 0.05 and 0.06 ppm for copper.
🗣️ Brent
Brent reports using the DR900 for his pool business and says it works amazingly, describing real-world, repeatable performance in everyday use.
Ease Of Use
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Interface & Menus | Easy |
| Setup and Calibration | Moderate |
| Field Handling | Easy |
| Data Export | Easy |
Speed & Response
Quick method selection with results available once the reagent reaction completes; designed to speed up routine workflows.
Why You’ll Like It
- Highly accurate multi‑parameter Colorimeter readings across 90+ methods
- Rugged, waterproof and shock‑resistant for field work
- Compact and portable so you can test on site
- Stores 500 results and supports USB data export for easy record keeping
Current Price: $2,415.00
Rating: 4.8 (total: 15+)Buy Now
Hach DR300 Pocket Colorimeter
Hach DR300 Pocket Colorimeter
Reliable pocket Colorimeter for Free and Total Chlorine with Claros data transfer (trial). IP67 waterproof, includes batteries, sample cells, manual and communication dongle; reagents sold separately.
$711.00
You get a no-nonsense Colorimeter that’s built for real life — daily pool or aquarium checks, municipal or groundwater sampling, and the occasional compliance run. It measures Free and Total Chlorine across low and high ranges, has a large backlit display so you can read results in low light, and an IP67 rating that lets you test in wet or messy conditions without sweating it.
For data-hungry workflows it can connect to Claros (trial included in some regions) so your team can see measurements without you transcribing anything. If you want a compact, field-ready unit that balances accuracy and portability, this is a sensible pick.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Precise chlorine measurements suitable for field and compliance checks | ❌ Reagents are not included and are an ongoing cost |
| ✅ Rugged, waterproof design built to handle outdoor use | ❌ Some reviewers reported battery-life problems over time |
| ✅ Straightforward interface and backlit screen for low-light work | ❌ Unit fits sideways in the case and must be removed to use |
| ✅ Includes kit items (cells, batteries, dongle) so you can start testing right away |
What People Say
Users highlight the DR300’s reliable performance and ruggedness for field use. Many appreciate the easy-to-read display and plug-and-play feel, though a few mention battery life and the need to buy reagents separately.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ D Eschoe
D Eschoe notes the item arrived well packaged and says the product overall works well — practical feedback if you care about safe delivery and immediate usability.
🗣️ Jim
Jim says he replaced an older out-of-service unit with this DR300 and calls it a perfect replacement, which speaks to reliability and straightforward real-world performance.
Ease Of Use
| Feature | Ease Level |
|---|---|
| Interface & Menus | Easy |
| Setup and Calibration | Moderate |
| Field Handling | Easy |
| Kit Readiness | Easy |
Speed & Response
Results appear once the reagent reaction finishes; the device itself switches quickly between methods to keep routine testing moving.
Why You’ll Like It
- Accurate Free and Total Chlorine readings across low/high ranges
- IP67 waterproof build for field and wet environments
- Large backlit display and simple interface for easy readings
- Works with Claros for data transfer to reduce manual entry
- Compact kit includes batteries, sample cells and dongle
Current Price: $711.00
Rating: 4.3 (total: 33+)Buy Now
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose Between The Hach DR900 And DR300 Colorimeters?
You should pick the unit that matches your testing needs and budget. If you need high accuracy, very low detection limits and the ability to run more than 90 colorimetric parameters, the Hach DR900 (around $2,415.00) is built for lab or heavy-duty field use with a rugged, waterproof housing and USB data transfer. If you want a lighter, more affordable option for routine field checks—especially for chlorine and common parameters—the DR300 (around $711.00) is a truly portable pocket colorimeter with Claros connectivity and a compact carrying case; reagents are not included so plan for that extra cost.
Think about how many parameters you run, how often you need lab-grade precision, whether you need on-device data logging or cloud transfer, and battery type/longevity when you decide.
What Running Costs And Consumables Should You Expect With A Colorimeter?
You should budget for reagents, replacement sample cells, calibration standards, batteries and occasional factory servicing or recalibration. Reagent costs can add up and for many tests the ongoing expense is similar to color wheel kits, but you gain much better precision with a Colorimeter. For the DR300 you’ll need to buy reagents separately; the DR900’s reagent costs were reported by users as comparable to color wheels but delivering far greater accuracy.
Always check reagent shelf life, buy only what you can use before expiration and keep spare sample cells and batteries on hand to avoid downtime.
How Can I Get The Most Accurate Results When Testing Water In The Field With A Colorimeter?
You get the best results when you follow good sampling and instrument care practices. Use clean cuvettes and inspect them for scratches, avoid bubbles in the sample, and match the sample temperature to the instrument’s operating range. Use fresh reagents and follow the timed reaction steps exactly, run blanks and calibration checks with known standards regularly, and record duplicate measurements when precision matters. Keep your Colorimeter in its case between tests, replace batteries before they run low (some users report shorter battery life in constant use), and transfer or back up data via USB or Claros as soon as possible.
Finally, schedule periodic manufacturer recalibration if you rely on the instrument for regulatory compliance or critical decisions.
What Buyers Prefer
You typically weigh accuracy, expanded test range, durability, and advanced features against portability, simplicity, and price when choosing between the Hach DR900 and DR300. If you need lab-grade precision, a broad library of tests and rugged field performance you lean toward the DR900, while for quick spot checks, easy handling and a lower cost you pick the pocket-sized DR300.
Wrapping Up
Pick the Hach DR900 when you need lab-grade accuracy across 90+ parameters and rugged field durability; choose the Hach DR300 when you want a compact, affordable pocket colorimeter with easy data transfer. Both are solid Colorimeter options for 2025 — one maximizes precision and versatility, the other maximizes convenience and value — so choose based on how often you test, the detection limits you need, and your budget.
| Hach DR900 Multiparameter Handheld Colorimeter | Hach DR300 Pocket Colorimeter | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Rating | 4.8/5 (100+ reviews) | 4.3/5 (50+ reviews) |
| Key Highlights | Measures over 90 colorimetric parametersUSB data transfer functionalityWaterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant | Chlorine testing (Free + Total)Easy-to-use interface with a large backlit displayIncludes carry case and free 90-day trial of Claros Collect software |
| Technical Specifications | Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 6 inchesWeight: 1 poundBattery: 4 AA batteries requiredManufacturer: HACH COMPANY | Dimensions: 5 x 12 x 12 inchesWeight: 2.9 poundsBattery: 4 AAA batteries (included)Spectral Bandwidth: 15 nm filter |
| Usability | Designed for easy operation; ideal for professional water testing with high accuracy. Suitable for various field applications. | Portable and user-friendly; great for on-the-go water quality testing. Limited reagents included, requiring separate purchase. |
| Price | $2,415.00 | $711.00 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now |
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