Those small kits with the matching colors are very gross measures at best. In other words you might be able to tell if your soil is 5 (acid) or 8 (alkaline), but you really don't get an accurate reading. I tried one of those meters where you put some soil in a cup and add rainwater and stick a probe in it. It read 7.1, twice. I didn't believe it so I sent a soil sample to the local University. It came back 7.1. Sometimes you can find a local extension service or master gardener information booth at a plant fair and they will conduct the pH test for you. But I think the meters work.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DI848/
Steve
