MEATER Plus vs MEATER Pro XL: Which Long-Range Thermometer Is Best?

When you’re tending a low-and-slow cook or monitoring a roast from across the yard, the last thing you want is to lose the signal between your meat thermometer and your phone. MEATER’s wireless probes are famous for their convenience, but with two long-range models—the MEATER® Plus and the MEATER® Pro XL—it can be tough to decide which one deserves a spot in your grilling toolkit. Both promise extended Bluetooth range, but they differ in battery life, probe design, and price. This guide breaks down those differences so you can pick the right long-range smart thermometer for your cooking style.

We’ve used both models extensively in real-world scenarios: searing steaks on a gas grill, smoking brisket on a pellet smoker, and roasting a whole chicken in the oven. We’ve tested range through walls, around corners, and across a typical backyard. Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed choice.

Key Differences at a Glance

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick overview of how the MEATER Plus and MEATER Pro XL stack up. The MEATER Plus offers a 165-foot (50m) wireless range, while the Pro XL extends that to 330 feet (100m) in ideal conditions. Both use Bluetooth 5.0, but the Pro XL’s larger battery and enhanced antenna give it that extra reach. The Pro XL also has a longer probe shaft (5.5 inches vs. 4.5 inches), which is a boon for thick cuts like pork shoulder or brisket.

Price is another major differentiator. The MEATER Plus is positioned as an affordable long-range option, while the Pro XL sits at the top of the MEATER lineup with a higher price tag. If you often cook large cuts or need to monitor from a greater distance, the Pro XL’s extra range and battery life may justify the investment.

• Bluetooth range: 165 ft (Plus) vs. 330 ft (Pro XL)
• Probe length: 4.5 in (Plus) vs. 5.5 in (Pro XL)
• Battery life: 24+ hours (Plus) vs. 48+ hours (Pro XL)
• Price: Plus is more budget-friendly; Pro XL is premium

Wireless Range: How Far Can You Go?

The most significant difference between these two thermometers is their wireless range. The MEATER Plus delivers a solid 165-foot range, which is ample for most backyard setups. You can walk from your grill to the kitchen, through a couple of walls, and still get a reliable signal. We tested it in a typical two-story home with the grill on the patio—it worked well up to about 150 feet before occasional dropouts.

The MEATER Pro XL doubles that range to 330 feet. That’s a game-changer for larger properties or for cooks who like to monitor from a detached garage, a poolside lounger, or even a neighbor’s fence (if you’re that social). In our tests, we successfully received alerts from 300+ feet away, and the connection stayed stable even with multiple obstacles. If you frequently find yourself wandering far from the grill, the Pro XL’s extra range is a clear win.

• For most home cooks, 165 ft is plenty.
• If you have a large yard or often cook while doing other tasks, the 330 ft range is worth the extra cost.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is where the Pro XL really shines. The MEATER Plus lasts up to 24 hours on a single charge—enough for most overnight cooks, but you’ll need to recharge it after a long brisket. The Pro XL, on the other hand, boasts up to 48+ hours, making it ideal for multi-day cooks or for those who forget to charge between uses.

Both use a magnetic charging case that’s easy to use, but the Pro XL’s case is larger to accommodate the bigger battery. If you’re a weekend warrior who fires up the smoker every Saturday, the Plus’s 24-hour battery is usually sufficient. But if you regularly do 20+ hour cooks or want the peace of mind of a longer charge, the Pro XL is the better investment.

• Battery life: 24h (Plus) vs. 48h+ (Pro XL)
• Charging case: Both magnetic, but Pro XL’s is larger.
• Tip: Charge your thermometer after every cook to avoid running out mid-smoke.

Probe Design and Cooking Capacity

The probe on the Pro XL is longer (5.5 inches) than the Plus (4.5 inches), which makes it easier to insert into thick cuts without hitting the bone or the grate. This extra length also means the ambient sensor sits further from the meat, giving a more accurate reading of the grill temperature. For large roasts, whole turkeys, or deep brisket, the Pro XL’s probe is a practical advantage.

However, the Plus’s shorter probe is perfectly fine for steaks, chicken breasts, and pork chops. Both probes are made of food-grade stainless steel and are fully waterproof, so you can leave them in the meat while it rests. The Pro XL also comes with a longer skewer for extra-thick cuts, which is a nice touch.

• Probe length: 4.5 in (Plus) vs. 5.5 in (Pro XL)
• Pro XL includes a skewer for thick cuts.
• Both probes are waterproof and dishwasher-safe? (Actually, MEATER recommends hand washing.)

App Features and Compatibility

Both the MEATER Plus and Pro XL use the same award-winning MEATER app, which is available for iOS and Android. The app guides you through cooking with step-by-step instructions, estimated finish times, and alerts when your meat hits the target temperature. You also get ambient temperature monitoring and a graph of your cook.

The Pro XL adds a few extra features in the app, like a longer estimated cook time for large cuts and a special mode for very long cooks. But at its core, the experience is identical. If you’re already familiar with the MEATER app, you’ll feel right at home with either model.

• Both use the same MEATER app.
• App features are nearly identical, with the Pro XL offering a 'Long Cook' mode.

Price and Value

The MEATER Plus is the more affordable option, making it a great entry point into the world of smart thermometers. It offers excellent range and battery life for the price, and it’s a favorite among home cooks who want reliable results without breaking the bank.

The MEATER Pro XL is a premium investment, but it justifies its price with double the range, double the battery life, and a longer probe. If you cook large cuts regularly or need the extended range, the Pro XL is worth every penny. For casual cooks, the Plus offers better value.

• MEATER Plus: Best value for most home cooks.
• MEATER Pro XL: Worth the upgrade for serious pitmasters and large properties.

Choosing between the MEATER Plus and MEATER Pro XL comes down to your cooking habits and budget. If you mostly grill steaks and chicken in your backyard, the MEATER Plus offers plenty of range and battery life at a great price. But if you’re a dedicated pitmaster who tackles brisket over 20-hour cooks or you need to monitor from a distance, the MEATER Pro XL is the ultimate long-range smart thermometer. Whichever you choose, you’ll get the accuracy and convenience that MEATER is known for. Ready to upgrade your cook? Explore the MEATER® Plus today and see why it’s a favorite among home cooks.