Test result preview
Manufacturer information:
The aquaself test strips for determining water hardness are a practical and reliable tool. They enable a quick and uncomplicated analysis that is suitable for both private and professional use. After a short waiting time, the water hardness can be read off using the colour scale on the packaging. The process does not require any specific knowledge or additional equipment and generates precise results within a few seconds. The test strips are ideal for testing drinking water, aquarium water and water from other sources. They support the control of water quality and enable measures to be taken to improve water hardness where necessary. Regular monitoring of water hardness also ensures that appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers function optimally and protects them from limescale. The resealable packaging of the test strips protects them from moisture and other environmental influences and ensures a long shelf life and reliability of the test strips.
Advantages
- Easy handling
- Fast results
- Good instructions
Disadvantages
- An addendum explaining the health effects of different degrees of hardness is missing
The first impression
Packaging and contents
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
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Remark
Score achieved*
Product protection
Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected
Points
Sustainability Packaging
Unnecessary packaging waste has been avoided, the plastic film protects the product components
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions for use
Product is self-explanatory
Points
TOTAL
100
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
Analysing the water hardness test strips from aquaself gives a positive first impression, which indicates the high quality of the product. Even the packaging gives a high-quality and carefully thought-out impression. The packaging is robust and resealable, which protects the test strips from moisture and other external influences and thus extends their shelf life. The design of the packaging can be described as modern and clear. It allows the user to see all the important information at a glance.
When the packaging is opened, the neatly packaged test strips catch the eye. The test strips are precisely cut and free from visible defects. Detailed instructions explaining the test procedure step by step are included. They are easy to follow, even for inexperienced users.
To summarise, both the packaging and the contents of the water hardness test strips from aquaself make an extremely positive first impression. The product gives the user a feeling of confidence in the reliability and accuracy of the test results.

The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
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Remark
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Attractive design
Points
Processing
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability
Very stable
Points
Sustainability of the product
No details, but use of high-quality materials
Points
TOTAL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points

The quality of the water hardness test strips from aquaself is evident. The workmanship is of high quality and the design is well thought out. The test strips are precisely cut and made of robust material, which enables reliable and accurate measurement of water hardness. The appearance of the test strips and their packaging is modern and functional.
The packaging is not only visually appealing, but also practical, as it is resealable and protects the test strips from moisture and external influences. The colour scale on the packaging is clear and easy to read, making it quick and easy to evaluate the test results. The enclosed instructions are also clear and easy to understand, making it easier to use the test strips.
The product finish and appearance of the aquaself water hardness test strips are extremely positive. The high quality and well thought-out design contribute to the product being reliable and user-friendly.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
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Remark
Score achieved*
Accuracy of the water hardness display
A very high correspondence between the stripes and the colour scale
Points
Reproducibility of the results
Test results of all samples absolutely identical
Points
Handling the test strips
Test strips can be removed and used without any difficulty
Points
Comprehensibility of the colour scale
Colour scale is immediately understandable, additional information on health effects would be desirable
Points
Easy storage of the strips
Packaging is small, offers optimum protection against moisture and contamination
Points
TOTAL
98
Points
Weighting: 45%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The water hardness test strips from the manufacturer aquaself fulfil the high expectations raised by their advertising promises and are convincing in terms of user-friendliness.
The application is uncomplicated, the comprehensible instructions and the clear colour scale enable a quick and precise evaluation. This corresponds to the advertised claim of user-friendly handling. The quality of the product is also impressive. The resealable packaging protects the strips from moisture and environmental influences, thus helping to maintain product quality. To summarise, it can be said that the water hardness test strips from aquaself live up to their advertising promises.
The product combines user-friendliness, high quality and precise results, thus boosting user confidence. The manufacturer’s expectations are fulfilled. However, a little more helpful information on the health effects would be desirable.

Test plan
You can find a detailed insight into the evaluation criteria of the practical part of the test and the distribution of points here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
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Remark
Score achieved*
Price / performance ratio
Very good performance in the upper price segment
Points
Rating cut
4.3 out of 5.0 on Amazon
Points
TOTAL
58
Points
Weighting: 15%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers rate the product with an average of 4.3 stars (as of 27/01/2025). In some cases, it is criticised for being too expensive . On the other hand, the simple and functional handling and the good results are positively emphasised. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the easy reading and measurement results of the water hardness test strips are well received by customers. However, we can understand consumers’ criticism of the price of the test strip.
Prices of up to €9.99 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very cheap products are available from as little as €5.69 . The water hardness test strips from aquaself are therefore currently in the upper price segment with a price of €9.80. For the quality and performance received, the price-performance ratio is very good.
Overall result
Weighting
Score achieved*
1. packaging & contents
20%
Points
2. product processing & appearance
20%
Points
3. in the practical test
45%
Points
4. price/performance & consumer reviews
15%
Points
TOTAL
Points
*Themaximum score is 100 points