The main difference between the Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter 5 CME5 and the Tramex CMEX5 Concrete Moisture Encounter Digital Concrete & RH Meter is that the CME5 is a dedicated concrete moisture meter, while the CMEX5 is a multi-function inspection system designed for concrete, ambient humidity, in-situ RH testing, and even wood moisture testing.

That extra functionality is what makes the CMEX5 significantly more expensive.

Overview of the Two Meters

The CME5 is the simpler and more straightforward model. It is designed mainly for non-destructive moisture testing of concrete slabs and screeds before coatings, adhesives, or flooring are installed. It uses Tramex’s impedance technology to provide quick readings to a depth of about 20 mm (¾"). (tramexmeters.com)

The CMEX5 builds on that foundation but adds several advanced capabilities aimed at professional flooring inspectors, restoration specialists, and contractors who need more detailed diagnostics. (tramexmeters.com)

Product Comparison Table

What Makes the CMEX5 More Expensive?

1. Built-In Hygrometer Functions

One of the biggest upgrades in the CMEX5 is the integrated hygrometer system. It can measure:

• Ambient Relative Humidity (RH)
  
• Temperature
  
• Dew Point
  
• Humidity Ratio / Mixing Ratio
  

These environmental readings are critical for flooring installation and building diagnostics because slab moisture alone is not enough to determine whether installation conditions are safe. (tramexmeters.com)

The CME5 does not include these environmental monitoring functions.

2. Digital Multi-Mode System

The CME5 uses a traditional analog dial focused mainly on concrete moisture content. The CMEX5 uses a digital interface with multiple operating modes, including:

• Non-destructive concrete mode
  
• Ambient hygrometer mode
  
• In-situ RH mode
  
• Pin meter mode for wood and drywall
  

This makes the CMEX5 more versatile for professionals who inspect multiple materials. (tramexmeters.com)

3. In-Situ Relative Humidity Testing (ASTM F2170)

The CMEX5 supports plug-in Hygro-i2 RH probes for performing in-situ RH testing inside concrete slabs according to ASTM F2170 and international flooring standards. (tramexmeters.com)

This is a major advantage because many commercial flooring specifications now require RH testing rather than only surface moisture testing.

The CME5 can perform surface moisture readings very well, but it is not built around full RH diagnostics.

4. Wood and Building Material Moisture Testing

With optional pin probes, the CMEX5 can also measure:

• Wood moisture content
  
• Wood Moisture Equivalent (WME)
  
• Drywall moisture
  

This turns it into a broader building inspection tool rather than just a concrete meter. (tramexmeters.com)

The CME5 is almost entirely focused on concrete and gypsum screeds.

5. Advanced Reporting and Diagnostics

Both units connect to the Tramex app through Bluetooth, but the CMEX5 is designed to support more advanced workflows:

• Moisture mapping
  
• Geo-tagging
  
• Environmental logging
  
• RH trend monitoring
  
• Multi-material reporting
  

For inspection companies and restoration contractors, this saves time and improves documentation quality. (tramexmeters.com)

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the CME5 if:

• You mainly test concrete slabs
  
• You want fast non-destructive readings
  
• You do flooring or coating installs
  
• You want a simpler meter with lower cost
  
• You do not need RH diagnostics
  

The CME5 is excellent for contractors who only need reliable slab moisture screening.

Choose the CMEX5 if:

• You perform professional inspections

• You need ASTM F2170 RH testing
  
• You work in restoration or remediation
  
• You test multiple materials
  
• You need environmental diagnostics and reporting
  
• You want one device to cover several testing methods
  

The CMEX5 is essentially a full inspection platform rather than just a concrete moisture meter.

In short, the higher price of the CMEX5 comes from its added sensors, digital multi-mode capabilities, RH testing support, environmental monitoring, probe expandability, and broader professional applications.