15 Best Air Quality Monitors (Review) In 2022
- The Best Air Quality Monitor
- 1. Airthings Wave Plus Radon & Air Quality Monitor
- 2. VSON Air Quality Monitor
- 3. UHOO Indoor Air Quality Sensor
- 4. Awair Glow C Air Quality Monitor
- 5. EG Air Air Quality Monitor
- 6. IQAir Smart Air Quality Monitor
- 7. S CHENGJIN Air Quality Monitor
- 8. Kaiterra Laser Egg+ Chemical: Indoor Air Quality Monitor
- 9. Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor
- 10. iClever Air Quality Monitor
- 11. Huma-i HI-150 Advanced Portable Air Quality Monitor
- 12. Temtop M2000C Air Quality Monitor
- 13. Temtop P600 Air Quality Laser
- 14. Consfel Indoor Air Quality Meter
- 15. Atmotube Pro Portable Air Quality Monitor
It isn’t something that most people think about, but air quality can have serious ramifications for our health, especially considering we spend nearly 80% of our time indoors. With the best air quality monitor, you can ensure that you detect any issues long before they become serious problems.
What you need to look for in an air monitor is something that can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as well as humidity, carbon dioxide, and dust, among others. When combined with humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and tower fans, you can guarantee that the air quality in your home, classroom, office, and even outdoors is safe to provide the peace of mind you need.
The Best Air Quality Monitor
1. Airthings Wave Plus Radon & Air Quality Monitor



Key Features
Radon detection
Quick and clear results
6 sensors
Smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth
Daily continuous monitoring
Increases health and productivity
The Airthings Wave Plus Radon & Air Quality Monitor is our best choice for the best air quality monitor. It comes with fast, clear results and 6 sensors that measure radon as well as a range of other options. It can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth for anywhere/anytime readings, and provides continuous monitoring throughout the day. The award-winning product speaks for itself, although you may have some issues with the app’s reliability with some devices. Despite this, it still offers a broad range of excellent features, including color-coded indicators that ensure superb performance for the home.
Pros
Award-winning product
2 AA batteries included
Color indicator
Wide range of sensors
Cons
Some issues with the app’s reliability
2. VSON Air Quality Monitor

Key Features
Multifunctional
Easy to operate
Real-time detection
Portable and rechargeable battery
Wide application range
LCD digital display
If you’re in the market for a handheld and advanced sensor, the VSON Indoor Air Quality Monitor could easily be the product for you. Its multifunctional design means it is suitable for a wide range of situations, while the ease-of-use and real-time detection make it something that should appeal to anyone. It can easily detect particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, and these are clearly displayed on the LCD screen. It’s suitable for reading indoor air quality, as well as temperature, humidity, and though there is no CO2 detection, it’s still versatile enough for most instances.
Pros
Lightweight
Wide temperature range
4 hour charge time
All-day monitoring
Cons
No ozone tracking
No CO2 detection
3. UHOO Indoor Air Quality Sensor



Key Features
9-in-1 sensor
IFTTT-compatible sync
Elegant design
Connected app
Room-to-room monitoring
Data sharing with family and friends
Our premium pick is the endlessly impressive UHOO Smart Indoor Air Quality Sensor that boasts 9 sensors for a wide range of indoor air quality detection to ensure safety within the home, classroom, or office. It has an elegant design and a connected app that makes it ideal for smart homeowners, while the multi-room monitoring gives you plenty of control over the indoor air within your home. You can share data with friends and family. However, it demands a consistent internet connection to work to its best ability.
Pros
Provides data insights
Customizable threshold alerts
Improves respiratory health and wellbeing
Enhances work environment
Cons
Constant internet connection required
No internal memory or SD option
4. Awair Glow C Air Quality Monitor




Key Features
Smart plug
Seamless air quality management
Centralized control
Personalized feedback via app
Custom nightlight
Smart assistant integrations
The Awair Glow C Air Quality Monitor demonstrates some of the very best value that you can find with an air monitor. It provides seamless air quality management and detects temperature, humidity, and VOCs, but it won’t identify carbon dioxide or PM2.5s. The built-in nightlight and smartphone integration give you the best of the past and the future, and through this, you can get personalized feedback that ensures you’re able to monitor your home’s air quality and make essential adjustments whenever you need.
Pros
Wide range of sensors including VOCs and temperature
Suitable for a range of health issues
Easy setup and installation
Affordable
Cons
No CO2 detection
Must be plugged in to work
5. EG Air Air Quality Monitor

Key Features
Detects and tests indoor pollution
Portable testing
2.8″ color LCD display
Advanced fan and sensors
Real-time tracking
Adjustable alarm
Multifunctional and scientific, the EG Air Air Quality Monitor gives you a superb range of features that will guarantee superb air safety inside your house and on any trips you want to take. For portable testing, it’s one of the best around, and it delivers real-time tracking so you are up-to-date on the current level of air pollution. However, this comes with high battery usage, so don’t forget your portable charger, but when it works, you can enjoy easy reading on the LCD display as well as accurate measurements.
Pros
US based support
Accurate measurements
Easy to set up
Lightweight design
Cons
High battery usage
Takes longer to stabilizes compared to other options
6. IQAir Smart Air Quality Monitor



Key Features
Professional grade construction
Accurate monitoring
Real-time tracking
IFTTT compatibility
High precision laser technology
Industrial grade CO2 sensor
Ideal for those with Amazon Alexa, Google, or other smart home solutions, the IQAir Smart Air Quality Monitor is the best option for smart home integration. The real-time monitoring provides accuracy, while its high precision laser technology easily identifies particulates and lets you stay aware of danger in your new baby bedroom or anywhere else. The wi-fi setup, however, can be a little tricky, so it may be best for those experienced with smart air monitors. Still, if you have faith in yourself, this can provide peace of mind for days.
Pros
Indoor or outdoor operation
Clear alerts
On-the-go measurements
Color screen
Cons
Complicated wifi setup
Not touch screen
7. S CHENGJIN Air Quality Monitor


Key Features
DART electrochemical sensors
Portable design
Easy operation
Thousand-bit precision
Clear color LCD
Tracks a range of volatile organic compounds
With a thousand bit precision and DART electrochemical sensors, the S CHENGJIN Air Quality Monitor assesses multiple facets of air quality to ensure safety within your home. It is easy to use and boasts a clear color LCD, while also providing information regarding carbon dioxide and dust particles that furthers the level of quality readings. It may not be as stylish as other monitors, but in terms of equipment that will provide peace of mind repeatedly, this is a marvelous choice to consider for ensuring high-quality indoor air.
Pros
Air natural flow technology
5 – 45C temperature range
Rechargeable battery
Dust and CO2 detection
Cons
Not as stylish as other options
Instructions are not as clear as they could be
8. Kaiterra Laser Egg+ Chemical: Indoor Air Quality Monitor



Key Features
Multi-lingual data
Tracks fine dust and VOCs
Mobile app connectivity
IFTTT compatibility
Alerts
Historical trends
Sometimes, you may need to test the outdoor air as well as that indoors. For this, the Kaiterra Laser Egg+ Chemical: Indoor Air Quality Monitor is an excellent choice. It tracks fine dust and VOCs, PM2.5, and temperature, humidity, and more. You can also use it to discover historical trends, while the mobile app connectivity makes it easy to keep aware. However, there are some issues with regular firmware updates to keep it working at its best, and if you ignore these, you risk erratic readings that could cause severe problems.
Pros
Temperature and humidity tracking
Wifi enabled
iOS and Android support
8-hour battery life
Cons
Requires regular firmware updates for consistency
Some erratic readings in places
9. Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor



Key Features
4-in-1 air quality monitor
Laser particle sensor
Dart electrochemical sensor
Pre-calibrated
Detects wide range of VOCs
Rechargeable battery
The Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor is a 4-in-1 product that uses a dependable electrochemical sensor to detect a wide range of VOCs and ensures stable measurements for your benefit.v The compact design makes it ideal for the home without getting in the way, while the rechargeable battery allows you to charge and use it wherever you need. It can be a little slow to react, however, but the difference is only minimal, and as it’s pre-calibrated, you can expect the optimized algorithm to provide a broad application for your home air quality needs.
Pros
Optimized algorithm
Wide application
Easy to read screen
6 hour run time
Cons
Slow to react
Instructions are a little sparse
10. iClever Air Quality Monitor


Key Features
PM2.5, PM10, and PM1.0 detection
Temperature and humidity readings
Indoor or outdoor application
Actionable insights
Easy identification
LED display
To ensure that your air quality monitor can identify PM2.5 problems as well as a ranger of others wherever you are, the iClever Air Quality Monitor is a wireless chargeable option for seamless use both inside and outside the house. You can use it for temperature, humidity, and additional pollutants and receive actionable insights, such as using an air purifier, to ensure comfort and safety inside the house. The Smart Life app provides this information, but you may be disappointed there is no CO2 detection for truly quality readings.
Pros
Smart Life app
Personalized tips for better air quality
Instant information
Compact wireless design
Cons
No CO2 detection
Only Fahrenheit temperature scale
11. Huma-i HI-150 Advanced Portable Air Quality Monitor



Key Features
Real-time air quality tester
Compact and portable
Measures temperature and humidity
VOC tracking
Advanced fan and sensors
Durable and stylish design
Your air quality readings don’t always need to come from a standard device, and for a stylish option, the Huma-i Advanced Portable Air Quality Monitor will ensure excellent performance to get your home feeling easy to breathe in once more. It can measure indoor air quality by drawing in ambient air and checking for PM2.5 problems, while the status LED lights deliver real-time updates. However, these status lights only provide Green, Orange, and Red readings rather than specific numbers, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for complete accuracy from your monitors.
Pros
Status LED lights
Draws in ambient air
Easy to use
PM2.5 and PM10 testing
Cons
No specific level displays, just lights
Might not be suitable for all environments
12. Temtop M2000C Air Quality Monitor


Key Features
Multifunctional model
Laser particle sensor
CO2 sensor
Audio alarm
Colorful TFT display
Rechargeable battery
As far as multifunctional products go, the Temtop M2000C Air Quality Monitor is a fantastic choice. It delivers air quality readings for CO2 levels thanks to the laser particle sensor, while the audio alarm will help you decide whether to switch on your air purifier if needed. The colorful display is clear and easy to read, and it’s easily portable for outdoor air quality use. It will require calibration beforehand, but as it’s so easy to set up, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Pros
Ergonomic shape
Portable
24/7 technician support
6 hour battery life
Cons
Requires calibration before use
Some instances of inaccurate particle measurement
13. Temtop P600 Air Quality Laser


Key Features
Laser particle detector
Easy to operate
Translates pollutants into visual data
Wide range of applications
Large TFT color screen
Compact and lightweight
The Temtop P600 Air Quality Laser boasts a range of applications and is one of those products that is suitable for a range of demands. You can get visual data through a histogram to ensure a straightforward understanding of air quality problems, and this makes it suitable for travel as well as the home. The PM10 and PM2.5 reading will give valuable information, but as it doesn’t provide the variety of measurements as other monitors, it may not be suitable for everybody.
Pros
Ideal for home, car, travel, and camping
Straightforward interface and controls
Designed for PM2.5 and PM10 with histogram functions
Rechargeable battery
Cons
Doesn’t offer the range of measurement as other options do
No data saving capability
14. Consfel Indoor Air Quality Meter

Key Features
Electrochemistry HCHO sensor
8-in-1 detection
Indoor and outdoor use
Lightweight and portable
4 high precision sensors
Real-time air quality monitoring
The CONSFEL Air Quality Monitor is one of the most comprehensive options around. It provides 8-in-1 detection with 4 high precision sensors and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, providing the versatility that many households require for peace of mind. With it, you get CO2 and formaldehyde readings through real-time air quality monitoring, and it’s also easily portable. It isn’t as stylish as other options, but this is a minor issue when considering air monitors. If it works, that’s all that matters, and as it’s simple to use, you won’t have any issues.
Pros
Measures Formaldehyde, temperature and humidity
12-month warranty
Ergonomic design and buttons
Long battery life
Cons
Not as stylish as other options
Settings menu could use some improvement
15. Atmotube Pro Portable Air Quality Monitor



Key Features
Real-time air tracking
PM sensors
Multi-purpose application
Mobile app connectivity
Portable and wearing
Straightforward operation
With real-time PM2.5 tracking, as well as plenty of other features, the Atmotube Pro Portable Air Quality Monitor is one of the best options for anyone constantly on-the-move. It doesn’t have a screen but provides readings through the mobile app. This makes operation one of the most straightforward around, and the 7-day battery life takes the hassle out of charging it. The built-in weather station is another useful choice, and while the push notifications could get annoying, you can customize them to ensure convenient and satisfying use.
Pros
7 day battery life
Built-in weather station
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
No calibration needed
Cons
No screen
Push notifications may get irritating if not customized
Features To Consider With Air Quality Monitors
Size
Air quality monitors come in several shapes and sizes so they are suitable for all homes and occasions. If you are looking for an air quality monitor to keep running in your home all day, then a desk- or tabletop version complete with monitors and an LCD or LED screen is ideal. While these will typically run on rechargeable batteries, you can keep them plugged in all day long to monitor the air quality continuously.
Conversely, if you want a more portable option, then handheld indoor or outdoor air quality monitors are useful. Most of the time, these do not look as sleek or stylish as their tabletop counterparts, but they can still do a job and are easy to fit in your pocket or backpack. They are ideal for camping, travel, or worksite demands.
Neither of these versions are too large to be cumbersome, and you can easily take a desktop air quality detector out of the home, but this will depend on what you need to use it for. For perfect air quality, you should also consider an air purifier for large rooms.
Response Time
The faster the response time of your AQI, the more confident you can be. An indoor air quality monitor that takes too long to react could put you and your family in danger. Because of this, it's essential that you look for an option that provides the fastest responses to give you certified peace of mind.
Precision
Likewise, if you are looking for the very best air quality monitors, then precision is an indisputable feature to consider when searching. The more precise, the clearer each reading will be, and you can be sure that you will not leave your house or fix the problem prematurely, as this could be financially damaging.
However, you also don't want a monitor that is too unclear. It can be a challenge to determine the precision of the air quality if you have never used a temperature, humidity, CO2, or radon detector before. If possible, ask a friend with a monitor of their own to assist, or bring their own so you can compare readings.
Ease Of Use
Everybody wants an indoor air quality monitor that is easy to use, but this will depend on your tech-savviness as well as what you are used to. If you have never used an air quality monitor before, then you may not be sure which one to get so you can enjoy a straightforward and comfortable experience. However, you will be pleased to know that all of these products are easy to use even for novices.
At-home monitors will typically come with both a detecting unit as well as a smartphone-compatible app. Through this, you can adjust settings, receive alerts, and check the readings. Some will also allow you to connect to Amazon Alexa and Google Home services. These are easy to use, but they may not be for everybody. In which case, a handheld an old-fashioned; option is more user-friendly. They have clearly labeled buttons and few functions which make overall usage a breeze.
Smart Integrations
Almost every product has Smart Integrations nowadays. This goes for home climate devices like smart air conditioners too. As air quality monitors are specifically designed for the home, it's no surprise that these also use Smart Home compatible features to enhance your overall experience.
The best air quality monitors for the home can be synced with Amazon Alexa or Google Home for convenient and remote operation. As long as you have an internet or data connection, you can adjust settings or get readings. This is useful if you are traveling but receive an alert at your home that the air quality is dangerous. With this, you're able to alert someone you trust to open the windows or investigate what the issue is.
Night Light
A night light is not one of the more essential features that you will find with an air quality monitor, but it can help. Air monitors with night lights are more versatile products compared to those without, and if you have small children, then can help them feel more confident when going to sleep. Furthermore, if you receive an alert in the middle of the night, the light on the monitor can help guide you without needing to switch the lights on.
LED Display
LED or even LCD displays are entirely useful features for straightforward readings for temperature, humidity, VOCs, and other particulate matter that could affect your health. They help you take readings from a distance while also eliminating the need to check your app for CO2 levels or CO2 humidity, or any similar problems at all hours of the day. This saves time and also means that anyone can check the air quality levels even if you are not in the house or you are not near your phone.
Air Quality History
Air quality history is a feature that not many people think about when deciding which option is the right one for them. A feature such as this is indispensable when it comes to keeping track of the air quality in your home, and with enough data and information, including analytics, you can identify the primary triggers that affect the air quality within your home and then take steps to prevent it, such as opening the windows or investing in air purifiers.
AQI Readings
AQI stands for Air Quality Index, and it is a measurement of the current air quality in your home. This is usually on a scale that starts at 0, which means Good air quality, running up to over 300, which is considered Dangerous. A monitor with an AQI reading will give you an immediate indicator of the current quality of the air and ensure that you can make adjustments to the indoor air.
Air Quality Monitor FAQ
Q: What is an air quality monitor?
An air quality monitor is a device that will detect pollutants within the home or even outside. They are ideal for people who suffer from allergies or who live in areas where air pollution is prevalent. Air pollution is often worse inside the house because it does not have the means to escape, especially if you do not open your windows.
This can lead to bad air getting trapped inside and circulating. Every time you breathe, you inhale this bad air and this can affect your health. If you already suffer from respiratory problems, using a device that provides air quality readings and information regarding the humidity and temperature can help to keep your home safe from pollutants and improve your health at the same time.
Q: How does an air quality monitor work?
An air quality monitor uses electrochemical sensors to detect the tiny particles in the air, and analyze to identify how many there are, there they are, and how harmful they could be. If left to work all day, it will track and detect harmful pollutants and alert when the level of these pollutants gets too high.
Air quality monitors come in a range of styles. There portable and handheld options that require you to press a button to check the current condition of the air, but there are also those that work all day long if left plugged in. These will check the air quality with no need for you to press a button and will alert you if it detects an unsafe level of pollutants.
You can also connect these devices to your Amazon Alexa or Google Home device, while also configuring them with a smartphone app so you can keep track of the air quality no matter where you are.
Q: What time of day is air quality the best?
The only time of day where air quality is consistently good all year-round is between 5AM and 10AM. The reasons for this are relatively obvious. It is cooler in the morning, which keeps the humidity low and prevents air pollutants. Likewise, few people are out so early, there is a lack of pollution caused by vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorbikes.
The longer the day progresses, the worse the air quality gets. You can see this clearly enough with the photographs of smog in large metropolitan cities. Although you can also factor in wind, and so even areas that don’t have a lot of commercial or residential areas can still encounter poor air quality, as the wind shifts the pollution over.
It is not just the time of day to consider, but also the season. Of course, this will depend on where you live (and if you even experience seasonal change), but for those who have both a winter and a summer, you will experience worse air quality in winter as opposed to summer even with the increased humidity. This is because cold air traps the pollution particles around ground level, decreasing the air quality.
Q: What are the top pollutants?
There is a range of pollutants that can affect the air quality within your home and outside. The most common of these are PM, or Particulate Matter, as well as Volatile Organic Compounds, referred to commonly as VOCs. Such pollutants can come with a range of issues, including creating symptoms that you may associate with allergies such as itchy eyes and shortness of breath.
Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and temperature and humidity are also culprits for pollutants. They can lead to mildew and mold growth, as well as effective cognitive functions that hinder concentration or decision making. While these are mostly not harmful in small doses, too much exposure can lead to more significant health problems.
An air tester can identify the prevalence of these pollutants, but while not all products can detect everything, many of them can cover a majority. When selecting your air quality monitor, choose the product that is most relevant to your situation.
Q: What are the symptoms of poor air quality?
Just like many illnesses, there is a range of symptoms that you may experience with poor air quality, whether that is indoor or outdoor air. These symptoms will include:
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Hypersensitivity
- Flared up allergies
- Coughing and/or sneezing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
If you experience any of these symptoms, it could be a sign of poor air quality. This is especially true if you are already considered vulnerable to air quality. To ensure your safety when at home, it’s vital to take measures to prevent a drop in air quality, including using an air pollution monitor and investing in an air purifier to remove pollutants.
Q: What is a good air quality reading?
A ‘good’ air quality reading is anywhere between 0 and 50, depending on the product you use. If your air quality monitor does not use numerical ratings, it will likely use a Lighting system instead. In cases such as these, Green qualifies as a ‘Good’ reading, whereas Orange and Red mean you must take action to improve the overall quality of the air indoors.
As for a bad air quality reading, 101 and above is cause for concern. This reading means that air quality is dangerous to certain groups of people. While reading between 101 and 150 may not harm a healthy person, anyone with respiratory issues may encounter problems.
A reading of 201 is dangerous for everybody, and it is essential that you get out of the house and fix the problem as soon as possible. This reading could be caused by excess PM or carbon monoxide, which can lead to severe health issues if not dealt with. To prevent that kind of health danger, you can get a carbon monoxide detector.
Q: Do air quality monitors detect mold?
It is possible for air quality monitors to detect mold and mildew within the home when testing the air quality. However, they can only identify how many mold particles are present and not the type of mold in your home. Despite this, because many air quality monitors are capable of detecting humidity and temperature, they can make it easier for you to locate such issues and deal with them and increase the indoor air quality with a smart air purifier.
To minimize the amount of mold that grows throughout your home, usually in bathrooms, you should make sure to air the room out as often as possible. This will dehumidify the room and prevent moisture clinging to surfaces.
Sources
The best time of day for your lungs to exercise - Research Pipeline
Indoor Air Quality - General: OSH Answers - CCOHS
AQI Basics - Air Now
Can Air Quality Monitors Detect Mold? - Kaiterra