Looking for the best air quality monitor to keep you and your loved ones safe? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll review seven of the top air quality monitors on the market for 2022. But before we get to that, let’s take a look at what exactly an air quality monitor is and why you might need one.
Keep reading to learn more!
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Table could not be displayed.What is an Air Quality Monitor
An air quality monitor is a device that helps you keep track of the air quality around you. Most monitors will display either a numerical value or a color-coded indicator that represents the level of pollutants in the air.
Before purchasing one, consider what type of pollutants you want to monitor, how often you need to use the device, and your budget.
Air quality monitors detect various types of pollutants in the air. They include particulate matter (PM), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), and others. Some even include the weather data such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure.
Some air quality monitors are Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi enabled and can be connected to smartphones or smart home systems (Alexa, Google Home). This allows you to view the data in real-time on your mobile device.
Air quality monitors can either be battery-powered or plugged into an outlet. The best ones will have both options, so you can use them indoors or outdoors.
List of the 7 Best Air Quality Monitors:
1. Best Value: Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor
The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor is the most affordable indoor air quality monitor on the market. It can measure both particulate matter (PM2.5) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), the two most common types of indoor air pollution.
The device also has a built-in temperature and humidity sensor, so you can see how these conditions might be affecting your air quality.
The device is small, sleek, and easy to use. If you have an Amazon Echo device at home, it will automatically connect to your home router as soon as you plug it in. It will take about 7 minutes to calibrate the sensors.
After calibrating, you can check the overall indoor air quality score from the onboard color-coded indicator (Red, Yellow, Green). From the Alexa App, you will be able to check the individual scores for all the air quality metrics.
The device not only monitors air quality but also provides information on indoor carbon monoxide levels.
After three months of use, I can tell you the sensors are pretty accurate and sensitive. I didn’t face any issues during this time. Sometimes the device takes some time to load inside the Alexa app, which is annoying.
Tech Specs:
Power Source: 5W USB power adapter (included)
Network Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Mobile App: Amazon Alexa
Sensors: Particulate matter (PM 2.5), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), temperature, and humidity.
Pros & Cons:
Our 2nd choice for the best value air quality monitor with display:
No products found.
2. Best Portable: Temtop M2000 2nd Generation Air Quality Monitor
If you are looking for a professional-grade portable air quality monitor, then the Temtop M2000 2nd Generation is the one for you. It offers superior accuracy and reliability, thanks to its advanced built-in sensors.
The Temtop M2000 2nd Generation Air Quality Detector is the ideal choice for those who want a quick check on air quality (especially particles and carbon dioxide levels) in different locations in the house. It is also a great option for those who want to monitor the air quality in their cars or RVs.
This battery-powered monitor is a great way to get information without having an electric outlet near you. It can be set up quickly and provides both numeric data as well as graphic displays that make it easy to understand the changes in air quality.
Tech Specs:
Power Source: Rechargeable 3000 mAh Li-ion battery (lasts 6 to 8 hours on a full charge)
Network Connectivity: Data export with USB in CSV format
Sensors: Particulate matter (PM 2.5, PM10), carbon dioxide(CO2), formaldehyde (HCHO), temperature, and humidity.
Pros & Cons:
Our 2nd choice for the best portable air quality monitor:
No products found.
3. Best All-in-one: Airthings View Plus Air Quality Monitor
If you are looking for a compact, all-in-one air quality monitor that you can take with you wherever you go, the Airthings View Plus is a great option. This little device measures particles, temperature, humidity, and air pressure and detects harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), carbon dioxide, and radon in the air.
The Airthings View Plus is battery-powered, Wi-Fi enabled, and comes with a free mobile app that gives you real-time insights into your indoor air quality. The device also has a small e-ink display showing live readings on the seven air quality metrics.
If you are concerned about the air quality in your home or office, the Airthings View Plus is a great way to keep track of it. This compact air quality monitor is easy to use and gives you peace of mind knowing that you breathe safe, healthy air.
Here you can check the detailed review on PCMag.
Tech Specs:
Power Source: 6 AA batteries (2 years lifetime) or USB-C
Network Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Mobile App: Airthings Wave (available on iOS and Android)
Sensors: Particulate matter (PM1, PM 2.5), radon, carbon dioxide (CO2), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), temperature, humidity, and pressure.
Pros & Cons:
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Our 2nd choice for the best all-in-one air quality monitor:
No products found.
4. Best Display: IQAir AirVisual Pro Air Quality Monitor
The AirVisual Pro is a top-of-the-line air quality sensor to monitor your indoor and outdoor air quality at the same time on an easy-to-use device with a big 5-inch LED screen. It includes Wi-Fi connectivity so you can also view your data from the mobile app (available for iOS and Android).
You will be able to monitor the two vital indoor air pollutants with this sensor: PM2.5 (0.3 – 2.5 μm) and carbon dioxide. The device is sleek and can be placed on a desk or table. The AirVisual Pro is battery-operated and will last up to 4 hours on a single charge.
The AirVisual Pro is a great choice for those who want to monitor their air quality and have the ability to view their data on their mobile devices. It’s one of the most feature-rich air quality sensors on the market and is sure to give you accurate readings of your indoor and outdoor air quality.
Tech Specs:
Power Source: Rechargeable 1900 mAh Li-ion battery (lasts up to 4 hours on a full charge)
Network Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Mobile App: IQAir AirVisual (available on iOS and Android)
Sensors: Particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, and humidity.
Pros & Cons:
Our 2nd choice for the best in-display air quality monitor:
No products found.
5. Best Design: Awair Element Indoor Air Quality Monitor
The Awair Element is a stylish and retro-looking air quality monitor that would be a great addition to any home. It’s easy to set up and use and provides detailed air quality information.
The device uses not only highly-precise sensors but also involves AI-based algorithms for automatic background calibration. It can measure particles, VOCs, carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity.
The Awair Element features an LED dot-matrix display that shows you both your AQI score and other air quality measurements at once! Also, the colored light indicator is there for you to recognize your overall air quality quickly.
The only drawback of the Awair Element is that it doesn’t have a battery, so it must be plugged in to work.
Tech Specs:
Power Source: 10W USB power adapter (included)
Network Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Mobile App: Awair Home (available on iOS and Android)
Sensors: Particulate matter (PM2.5), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, and humidity.
Pros & Cons:
In-depth Review >>> Awair Element Air Quality Monitor.
Awair 2nd Edition vs. Awair Element:
The Awair 2nd Edition comes with a wooden enclosure while the Element has its own plastic casing to match your preference in decor! Otherwise, they are identical siblings.
Our 2nd choice for the best stylish air quality monitor:
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6. Best Battery-powered: Qingping Air Quality Monitor
If you are looking for a battery-operated, smart app-enabled air quality monitor that is both aesthetically pleasing and informative, the Qingping Air Quality Monitor is a great choice.
The Qingping Air Quality Monitor comes in two colors: black and white. No matter which color you choose, you’ll love the sleek, high-resolution touch screen that makes checking readings a breeze.
The device measures five important metrics that indicate indoor air quality and provides information on the outdoor environment, including weather forecast, AQI, and UV index.
So if you’re looking for a stylish and functional air quality monitor, the Qingping Air Quality Monitor is a perfect choice.
Tech Specs:
Power Source: Rechargeable 1800 mAh Li-ion battery, USB Type C port (lasts up to 4 hours on a single charge)
Network Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Mobile App: Qingping+ (available on iOS and Android)
Sensors: Particulate matter (PM2.5), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, and humidity.
Pros & Cons:
Our 2nd choice for the best battery-powered air quality monitor:
No products found.
7. Best Industrial-grade: Temtop PMD 351 Handheld Particle Counter
If you are looking for a professional-grade particle counter to examine the air quality in any location, the Temtop PMD-351 is an excellent choice. Built for professionals, this device can quickly and accurately detect the presence of fine particles in the air.
The easy-to-use device measures five mass ranges simultaneously, including PM1.0 through 10 microns as well as TSP (Total Suspended Particles). This means you can measure all types of particles in one minute from start-up!
You can read all the data directly from the large 4-inch TFT display. Also, you will be able to export the data via USB or serial port. The built-in memory can store up to 2 million records.
You can use the Temtop PMD-351 in many different applications, from HVAC systems to dust-free workshops. It is also helpful for surgical rooms and filter testing, among other things!
Tech Specs:
Power Source: Rechargeable battery (lasts up to 8 hours on a full charge)
Data Export: USB or RS-232 Serial port
Sensors: Particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0, PM10) and TSP (Total Suspended Particulates).
Pros & Cons:
Our 2nd choice for the best industrial-grade air quality monitor:
No products found.
Crucial Indoor Air Quality Metrics:
The balance of different factors determines indoor air quality. Here are some of the critical factors in measuring indoor air quality:
Particulate Matters
Particulate Matter is made up of various substances, including dust, pollen, soot, smoke, and liquid droplets. Depending on its size, it can be categorized into PM1, PM2 .5, and PM10.
When these particles are inhaled, they can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma, and other diseases.
PM1 indicates the presence of particulate matter smaller than 1 micrometer in diameter. These tiny particles can only be seen with an electron microscope. Examples of PM1 particles are ultrafine dust, bacteria, and viruses.
PM2.5 indicates the presence of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. This is about 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. Examples of PM2.5 particles are smoke, vehicle emissions, and soot from forest fires.
PM10 indicates the presence of particulate matter smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter. This is about the size of a red blood cell. Pollen, mold spores, and dust from construction sites are the PM10 particles.
The following table provides safe levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) and their related air quality index (AQI) score:
Sources: AQI factsheet by EPA
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless and odorless gas that is essential for life on Earth. Plants use it to make their food, and we breathe it out when we exhale.
A high level of carbon dioxide in our home can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be deadly. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills more than 400 Americans and sends more than 20,000 to the emergency room every year.
Most carbon monoxide poisoning deaths occur in the winter when people are more likely to be using furnaces, generators, and other gasoline-powered tools indoors. But it can happen any time of year.
Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe from carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and check it regularly.
- Don’t use gasoline-powered generators, grills, camp stoves, or other fuel-burning appliances indoors.
- Don’t leave your car running in an enclosed space, such as a garage.
- If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get fresh air immediately and call 911.
Carbon monoxide is a serious threat to your health. Be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of chemicals that can be released as gases from various solids or liquids. Indoor environments contain higher VOCs concentrations than outdoor (up to ten times higher).
VOCs are emitted by many household products such as paints, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and pesticides. Symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs can include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, allergic reaction, and others.
Exposure to VOCs can be reduced by:
- Opening windows and doors to increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs.
- Using “green” or low-VOC products.
- Storing household products that emit VOCs in well-ventilated areas.
- Avoiding the use of products that emit VOCs, if possible.
Formaldehyde (HCHO)
Formaldehyde is the gas that gives nail polish its characteristic smell. The gas is present in many household products and is also a major component of tobacco smoke.
Exposure to formaldehyde can cause adverse health effects, including cancer. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum formaldehyde concentration of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) in the indoor air.
You can reduce formaldehyde exposure by opening windows to ventilate your home and choosing household products that emit lower levels of formaldehyde.
Ozone (O3)
Ozone is a gas that forms when other pollutants (nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds) react in the presence of sunlight. Ozone is harmful to human health and the environment.
When we breathe in ozone, it can cause several respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Exposure to ozone has also been linked to premature death.
Radon (Rn)
Radon comes from the soil. It is a gas that has no color, odor, or taste. It enters the home through cracks and other openings in the foundation. You and your family are exposed to radon every day.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers in the United States.
Exposure to Radon can be reduced by:
- Sealing cracks in your home.
- Adding ventilation.
- Installing a radon mitigation system.
These are all great ways to reduce your radon exposure, but the best way to protect yourself and your family is to monitor radon levels in your home.
Room Temperature
The recommended ideal room temperature is between 68 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the optimal temperature for most people, as it will help you to avoid feeling too hot or too cold.
If you find that you are constantly adjusting the temperature in your home, it may be time to invest in a thermostat that will help to regulate the temperature for you.
Relative Humidity (RH)
The ideal indoor Relative Humidity level is between 40-60%. This keeps the air feeling comfortable and prevents static electricity.
It also helps to control mold, mildew, and dust mites.
Final Thoughts
Indoor air pollution is a serious issue that we often don’t think about. It’s important to have an air quality monitor in your home to be aware of the air quality you and your family are breathing.
We’ve provided our top seven picks for the best air quality monitors on the market, but we want to know what you think.
Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below, and share this post with your friends and family who might need an air quality monitor too.
DO NOT BUY the IQAir. IQAir has just removed access to device data for their online dashboard, making this a paid feature. I discovered this after inquiring why my sensors had suddenly disappeared, to which IQAir responded, “This is because a full view of all devices on the web dashboard has become a paying feature.”.
This has blocked my access to the data from multiple AirVisual Pros I have purchased over the past several years, *including* one which I have allowed them to list publicly, and which several thousand of their users are subscribed to. I am no longer able to see device data or make changes to device settings via the online interface. This makes the sensors, effectively useless for me.