Radon is a silent killer that can come out of nowhere and claim your life. The second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. It’s also found in many homes across America with elevated levels of more than 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). But don’t worry – there are some great detectors on the market to keep an eye out!
Here is a list of the seven best radon detectors for amateurs and professionals. Please keep reading our guide to learn more about these high-quality devices that will meet your needs.
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If you’re in a hurry, check out our best picks:
- Cheapest way for short-term test
- No lab fee
- No instant result
- On-board display
- Easy to use
- No wireless connectivity
- High precision
- Compact and Bluetooth connectivity
- Poor app support
- Cheapest way for short-term test
- No lab fee
- No instant result
- On-board display
- Easy to use
- No wireless connectivity
- High precision
- Compact and Bluetooth connectivity
- Poor app support
Last update on 2023-06-08 at 13:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Radon Detector vs. Test Kit: Which One Should you Pick?
Experts have discovered elevated levels of radon gas in many homes across the US. To know if your family is at risk from radon, EPA recommends that you test your home.
The best radon test kits can alert you of the presence of radon in your home. If the reading is over 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter), EPA recommends fixing the radon issue. There are two main types of radon devices that the EPA recommends:
Active Radon Testing Devices (require power to operate)
Radon emits alpha particles. An active radon testing device continuously records and measures radon levels in the air. The device uses a sensor to look for alpha particles in the air. If the device detects alpha particles in the air, it means the radon concentration is high.
If the radon levels in your home exceed the safe threshold, the device will sound an alarm. The active radon testing device then provides a report that reveals any radon’s abnormal levels in your home. In the report, you can find the current reading for the short term and the average reading for the long time.
You can ask a home inspector to explain the report to you. There are two types of active devices:
- Continuous radon monitors
- Continuous working level monitors
Some of the active radon testing devices offer anti-interference features. To function, they require power. They also cost more and provide reliable results.
Passive Radon Testing Devices (doesn’t require power to operate)
Unlike an active device, a passive radon testing device does not require power to function. These devices include radon detectors such as:
- Charcoal canisters
- Charcoal liquid scintillation devices
- Alpha track detectors
- Electret ion chamber detectors (electrostatic radon monitor)
These components are readily available at your local hardware store. To use a passive device to detect radon in the air, you only need to expose it to the air in your home for a certain period. For example, short-term radon test kits take between 2 to 90 days to collect readings. Long-term radon test kits take a longer period. This depends on the manufacturer.
After collecting data, you need to send the data to a laboratory for analysis. Short and long-term passive radon testing devices are inexpensive. They also feature more resistance to test interference than other passive testing devices.
Which One Should I Pick?
If you want a quick test to determine radon levels in your home, we recommend passive radon testing kits. Passive devices are inexpensive and do not require power to function. You should get accurate results if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely.
After using the testing kit for the specified period, send the results to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will count the number of tracks left by alpha particles. From this, they will calculate radon levels.
We recommend active radon detectors for more accurate results. These devices monitor alpha particles in the air. Since radon levels often rise at different times, using an active radon testing detector is highly recommended.
If you want to continuously measure radon levels in your home, we recommend active radon testing devices. Not only do they allow you to protect your family by monitoring radon gas levels over the long term.
Some testers have a screen where you view both short and long-term radon level readings. Others relay the data to your Android device or iPhone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Related reviews:
List of the 7 Best Radon Detectors:
1. Best Value: Corentium Home Radon Detector
Are you searching for a digital radon detector that’s portable, easy to use, and battery-operated? You’re in luck. The Corentium Home Radon Detector is what you’re looking for. As a portable and battery-operated radon detector, you can place it anywhere in your home.
Powered by three standard AAA batteries, they last for two years allowing for short and long-term radon testing in your home.
The device’s accuracy improves with time: within 10% after 7 days and 5% of actual radon levels after 2 months. This allows the device to adapt to its environment and eliminate inaccuracies in the readings. As such, it provides the best accuracy and does not require annual calibrations.
Designed by Airthing’s in-house CERN scientists, the device is 4.7 inches and weighs 148 grams, including the batteries. It has a backlit display that shows 1 day, 7 days, and historical readings up to 1 year.
Thanks to the display, you can take action if radon levels in your home are high. All you must check is the long-term average and short-term average on-screen reading.
Quick Specs:
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| Radon Sampling: | Passive diffusion chamber |
| Radon Measurement Range: | 0 - 500 pCi/L |
| Radon Measurement Rate: | Every 1 hour |
Pros & Cons
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2. Best Design: EcoQube EQ100 Radon Detector
The EcoQube EQ100 Radon Monitor is a compact and smart radon detector. Using patented radon detection technology, it’s 15 times more sensitive than a standard radon detector.
You can get instant readings in minutes, not days. In fact, the radon detector offers results in the first 10 minutes. The EcoQube EQ100 Radon Monitor has the following product dimensions: 2.56 by 3.17 inches and 110 grams.
As a compact radon detector, you can place it anywhere in your home – on a table in any room. The device is portable. As such, you can move from room to room with ease. It also has an onboard 3-level LED radon level indicator.
If the radon level indicator turns green, no action is required. But if the indicator turns red, you need to take measures to fix your home.
Since it’s Wi-Fi enabled, you can connect the radon detector to your home Wi-Fi router to monitor radon levels. You can monitor radon levels in your home via your smartphone or tablet. The results are always delivered accurately to your EcoQube app, available in App Store and Google Play. Also, the app sends notifications if radon levels in the air go above the recommended levels.
Quick Specs:
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| Radon Sampling: | Pulsed Ion chamber |
| Radon Measurement Range: | 0.2 - 99.9 pCi/L |
| Radon Measurement Rate: | Every 10 minutes |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Pros & Cons
3. Higher-grade Ion Chamber Sensor: Radon Eye RD200 Radon Detector
Like the EcoQube radon monitor, the Radon Eye RD200 is also an intelligent radon detector. The detector uses a highly accurate detection circuit and ion chamber to detect alpha particles in the air.
It then provides the first reading in less than 10 minutes after set up. After 60 minutes, the detector will give reliable results. It allows you to improve and reduce radon gas in the air by delivering fast results.
The Radon Eye RD200 Radon Detector has no buttons and is easy to set up. At the top, you have a display that shows the Bluetooth connection and vibration indicator. It also displays radon concentration values. The device is not battery-powered. To use it, plugin and place it in any room in your home.
Because it’s Bluetooth enabled, you can pair the radon detector with your smartphone and tablet. Once you pair the radon detector with your smartphone, you’ll receive accurate results every 10 minutes. The readings are either displayed using insightful graphs, dynamic charts, and data logging.
It will sound an alarm if the radon detector detects radon levels higher than the EPA recommended level of 4 pCi/L. The alert informs you to take steps to reduce the radon gas level in your home. By reducing the radon gas level in your home, you protect yourself and your family.
The RadonEye app is available in both App Store and Google Play.
Quick Specs:
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| Radon Sampling: | Pulsed Ion chamber |
| Radon Measurement Range: | 0.2 - 99.9 pCi/L |
| Radon Measurement Rate: | Every 10 minutes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Pros & Cons
4. Best All-in-one: Airthings Wave Plus Radon Detector
The Airthings Wave Plus Radon Detector is none like any other radon detector. Unlike a standard detector that only detects radon alpha particles in the air. The Airthings Wave Plus Radon Detector detects indoor air quality. It has six sensors that detect the following:
- Carbon dioxide,
- Volatile Organic Compounds,
- Temperature,
- Humidity,
- Air Pressure, and
- Radon.
Airborne pollutants such as carbon dioxide affect sleep patterns, while humidity promotes mold. The best way to ensure radon levels stay low in your home is via long-term radon testing. The device measures radon levels reliably and accurately.
Thanks to the six sensors, you can gain complete insight into your indoor air quality. The intelligent air quality monitor can minimize health effects and promote good health.
The radon detector is Bluetooth-enabled. You can pair your smartphone or tablet with the device. Using the Airthings app (App Store & Google Play), you can receive indoor air quality and radon level results in your home. The app also allows you to generate a free radon report.
The Airthings Wave Plus is compact and battery-powered; it’s easy to set up. Insert the 2 AA batteries and pair the device with your smartphone. To receive a color-coded visual indication of your indoor air quality, wave your hand in front of the device.
The batteries have a lifespan of 16 months, and you can install the device anywhere. Essential for every home, the Airthings Wave Plus Radon Detector can monitor your indoor air, daily and continuously. This helps you avoid radon side effects and maintain low carbon dioxide and VOC levels.
Quick Specs:
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| Radon Sampling: | Passive diffusion chamber |
| Radon Measurement Range: | 0 - 500 pCi/L |
| Radon Measurement Rate: | Every 1 hour |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Pros & Cons
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5. Best Short-term Test Kit: First Alert RD1 Radon Gas Test Kit:
First Alert is one of the most trusted brands. Founded in 1958, it started manufacturing residential smoke alarms. Today, they design and produce carbon dioxide alarms, security cameras, safes, and radon gas test kits.
One of the best test kits is the First Alert RD1 Radon Gas Test Kit. As a passive device, it’s simple and easy to use. The test kit comes sealed in a plastic packet. This helps to prevent contamination.
To begin your test, open the packet, fill out the information card at the bottom of the test kit then place it in the center of the room.
The test kit contains activated charcoal, which adsorbs the radon (gamma decay) from the surrounding air. You can place it in the lowest living area of your home, such as your basement. Leave the test undisturbed for 2 to 3 days.
Each test kit can monitor 1,000 square feet of open floor space. So, if your test location contains more than one room, you must place one First Alert RD1 Radon Gas Test Kit in each room.
EPA recommends testing for radon gas below the third floor of buildings. Radon enters your home via the sump pump, floor drain, cinder block basement walls, and sink.
After 2 to 3 days of testing, send the kit to the lab for testing. Results are usually sent via email in 5 to 7 business days. For residents of New Jersey, you need to send a $10 fee with each test kit.
Radon Sampling: Charcoal canister
Pros & Cons
6. Best for Home Inspectors: Corentium Pro
If you are looking for a smart, certified, and professional-grade radon detector for your radon inspection business, then the Corentium Pro by Airthings is for you.
The Corentium Pro is a compact, accurate, and fully AARST/NRPP-certified radon detector. Designed for home inspectors, it has four passive diffusion radon chambers.
These chambers work together in parallel to ensure accurate results. They use alpha spectrometry to detect and calculate radon gas levels in the air. Each chamber has silicon photodiodes to count alpha particles resulting from radon deterioration. The radon detector provides short and long-term readings for 2 days, 7 days, and up to a year.
Besides detecting radon gas levels, it also detects humidity, air pressure, and temperature. Bluetooth enabled, you can monitor it from the Corentium Pro by Airthings app (App Store, Google Play) via Bluetooth. You can create your profile, set up delay time, and start your radon test via the app. The app also allows you to generate or send customized reports.
The radon detector can store 5 years of measurements at 1-hour data resolution. All test results are available in responsive graphs sent to your phone or PC via USB cable.
Although the Corentium Pro is tamper-proof, it comes with a tilt sensor. This sensor notifies you if anyone tampered with the detector during your test. In fact, the detector sends a notification to your app. The device weighs 11.46 ounces and is powered by 3 AA batteries. Compact and portable, it comes with a beautiful carrying case. There are no cables, moving parts, or peripherals needed.
Quick Specs:
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| Radon Sampling: | Passive diffusion chamber |
| Radon Measurement Range: | 0 - 2700 pCi/L |
| Radon Measurement Rate: | Every 1 hour |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Pros & Cons
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7. Six-chamber Design for Professionals: Sun Nuclear Corporation 1030 Radon Monitor
Another professional-grade radon detector on our list is the Sun Nuclear Corporation Continuous Radon Monitor 1030. It is the most sensitive radon detector among SunRADON’s Continuous Radon Monitors with a six-chamber design. This allows for the highest sensitivity of up to 15 counts per hour/pCi/L.
These chambers have solid-state photodiode detectors that allow for lower measurement uncertainty while preventing radio frequency interference. Using patented sensing technology, the radon detector suppresses measurement noise. This ensures accurate results in every radon test.
Fully AARST/NRPP, CARST/C-NRPP, and NRSB approved, the detector has an integrated tamper sensor and tripod mount. The tamper sensor with a four-digit PIN prevents tampering during the test.
Besides the tamper sensor, it has onboard temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors. Results from the sensors allow you to create a healthy living environment that promotes good sleep and productivity.
The Sun Nuclear Corporation 1030 Radon Monitor comes with the OneRADON mobile and desktop software. This advanced CRM allows you to sync and save your radon test on the app. Since the Sun Nuclear Corporation 1030 Radon Monitor is not Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled, you can connect using a USB cable.
The software provides complete custom reports and invoice generation. It also offers valuable data, such as the last calibration date and the next calibration date.
Quick Specs:
| Metrics | Value |
|---|---|
| Radon Sampling: | Passive airflow diffusion |
| Radon Measurement Range: | 0.1 - 9999 pCi/L |
| Radon Measurement Rate: | Every 1 hour |
| Connectivity | USB |
Pros & Cons
How to Test Radon Levels in Home? Radon Testing Checklist:
The following is a checklist for radon testing at home.
✓ Before the Radon Test
Notify your family of the importance of the radon test. Inform them about the adverse health effects of radon gas. Buy an active or passive radon testing kit.
If using a passive radon test kit, conduct the test for at least 48 hours. For active radon detectors, accurate results are available in an hour. Before taking the test, maintain closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours. Do this for both short and long-term tests.
If conducting the radon test yourself, use a qualified radon detector or test kit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If using passive radon testing kits, consult your state for a list of qualified laboratories in your area.
Any radon test kit or detector you use should include a feature to prevent or detect interference with testing conditions or the device. If you hire a home inspector to conduct the test, ask for a photo ID. Also, request the tester’s ID number.
✓ During the Radon Test
Always maintain closed-house conditions during short-term tests that last up to 7 days. During the trial, operate your home’s heating and cooling conditions. For tests that last more than one week, use your AC unit. This will help to recirculate the indoor air.
Ensure the radon reduction system is working and operating during the test.
✓ After a Radon Test
If using a passive radon test kit, make sure you send the device to a certified and licensed lab. Complete the required information available in the package. For example, the start and stop time and date, test location, etc.
If the results reveal higher radon levels in your home than EPA recommended levels of 4 pCi/L, take appropriate measures. Contact a certified and licensed radon reduction specialist in your area about lowering the radon level in your home.
Final Thoughts
It’s critical to carry out radon tests in your home. This ensures that you and your family are not exposed to radon gas and its adverse effects. Also, it provides that you’re living within EPA-recommended radon levels of 4 pCi/L.
We recommend one of the radon detectors above for accurate radon test results. They feature powerful sensors that detect alpha particles or gamma decay in the air. Some are Bluetooth enabled, while others are Wi-Fi enabled. This ensures that the device sends detailed insights to your smartphone or tablet.
If planning to buy a home, request a radon test. We hope one of the radon test kits or detectors above will offer you peace of mind.
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