I prefer the lift method, it takes practice but after awhile you'll be able to simply pick up a pot and decide if it needs water due to the difference in weight. Most cheap moisture meters suck, I have 2 of them and both are cheap plastic pieces of garbage.

ALso before you water, the top should be completely dry, it will compact as it dries and form a crust. If you water over this the water will roll off the top and run down the sides of the pot. make sure you work the upper layer of soil a bit with your hands, break up any clumping so the water saturates the soil properly.
peace