Air Quality Monitors: Where To Buy Them?

Air quality monitors are an increasingly popular way to keep track of the air you're breathing. With indoor air up to five times more polluted than outdoors, it's no surprise that people are turning to technology to help them understand and improve their air quality.

There are a variety of air quality monitors available on the market, with prices ranging from $60 to $300. Basic monitors will measure temperature and humidity, while more advanced monitors can detect radon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

When choosing an air quality monitor, it's important to consider what type of pollutants you want to detect and whether you want a portable or stationary device. Some monitors can also connect to your smartphone or smart home system, allowing you to control other appliances such as air purifiers and dehumidifiers.

- Airthings View Plus

- Davis Instruments AirLink

- Airthings Wave Mini

- Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor

- Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor

- Eve Home

- Awair Element Indoor Air Quality Monitor

- Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor

Online shops like Amazon and Best Buy

Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor

The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor is a compact and lightweight device that provides continuous monitoring of five key air quality factors: particulate matter (PM 2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), humidity, and temperature. It integrates seamlessly with Alexa, allowing you to view readings on the Alexa app or any Alexa-compatible display. Setup is simple and can be done through the Alexa app on your phone. While it doesn't have a built-in display, colour-coded readings make it easy to understand air quality at a glance. It also offers notifications and routines integration with Alexa-enabled devices. However, it cannot run on battery power and requires a constant power source.

Temtop Air Quality Monitor

The Temtop Air Quality Monitor is a portable and comfortable-to-hold device that accurately measures various indoor and outdoor air pollutants. It includes sensors for PM 2.5, PM 10, AQI, HCHO, TVOC, humidity, and temperature. The large display and clear buttons make it easy to use, but the manual can be challenging to read due to small text and a lack of terminology explanations. It is battery-powered, offering up to eight hours of use on a single charge, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor monitoring. However, the temperature reading may be inaccurate, and the device cannot display historical data on the device itself.

Airthings Radon & Air Quality Monitor

The Airthings Radon & Air Quality Monitor is a smart air quality monitor that provides comprehensive monitoring of seven metrics, including radon, PM 2.5, CO2, VOCs, humidity, temperature, and pressure. It integrates with popular smart home systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Homey, allowing remote monitoring and control. The Airthings app offers an intuitive and well-designed interface with clear data visualisation and tips for improving air quality. While the device provides a small display, it lacks context for the readings. Additionally, the default notification is limited to radon detection.

INKBIRDPLUS 6-in-1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor

The INKBIRDPLUS 6-in-1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor is a well-designed device with an informative display that monitors six data points: CO2, PM 2.5, PM 10, AQI, humidity, and temperature. It is battery-powered and rechargeable via a standard USB cable, making it easy to move around. The manual could be more informative, as it doesn't explain the readings comprehensively. While it doesn't track TVOCs, it is ideal for areas with good outdoor air quality and low VOC levels.

Temtop M10 Real-Time Air Quality Monitor

The Temtop M10 Real-Time Air Quality Monitor is a compact, tabletop device that offers continuous air quality monitoring. It tracks PM 2.5, AQI, HCHO, TVOC, and humidity. The display is easy to read, with large numbers, but it only shows one reading at a time, making it cumbersome to toggle through different metrics. It is battery-powered and can be charged via USB, making it convenient for continuous monitoring. However, it doesn't record or display historical data.

Best Buy also offers a range of air quality monitors, including:

Airthings Wave Plus Indoor Air Quality Monitor

The Airthings Wave Plus is a highly regarded air quality monitor that tracks seven factors: radon, TVOCs, CO2, PM 2.5, humidity, temperature, and air pressure. It offers both a visual display and an app-based interface for monitoring. The Airthings app is user-friendly and provides trend data to help identify sources and patterns of air pollution. The device uses high-quality sensors, such as an NDIR CO2 sensor, ensuring durability and accuracy. While it is more expensive than some other options, it offers comprehensive monitoring and is a reliable choice.

Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor

The Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor is a compact and accurate device that tracks PM 2.5, PM 10, AQI, HCHO, TVOC, and temperature. It has a bright and clear display, making it easy to read. However, the temperature reading may be inaccurate, and the manual can be challenging to understand. It is battery-powered, offering flexibility for indoor and outdoor use. While it doesn't have Wi-Fi connectivity, a similar model, the Temtop M10i, offers this feature at a slightly higher price.

These options from Amazon and Best Buy provide a range of features and capabilities to suit different needs. Be sure to consider your specific requirements and budget when making your decision.

Air quality sensors and monitors

The culprit could be anything from excessive dust and other particulate matter to high humidity to fumes from household cleaners, carpeting, upholstery, and even building materials. Without an air quality monitor, these things can go undetected, even in the face of allergy-like symptoms or more dramatic health effects.

There are many options available on the market, with prices ranging from $60 to $300. Here are some of the most popular and best-rated air quality monitors:

Airthings View Plus

Housed in a white oblong case, the Airthings View Plus monitor takes smart home multitasking to the limit. It has seven built-in monitoring sensors and can act as a hub to add many more, displaying the results on its interactive screen, on the Airthings app, or over a web-based interface. It is one of the few indoor air quality monitors capable of detecting radon. It also monitors PM2.5, VOCs, temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, air pressure, and radon. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant. However, it does not monitor carbon monoxide and can take a month to calibrate the sensors.

Davis Instruments AirLink

Davis Instruments is well known for its excellent weather stations, and the AirLink air quality monitor exhibits the same precision and expert reporting. This device is unique in that it can measure particulate matter as small as 1 micron, and it can be deployed indoors or outdoors. However, it does not measure other types of air pollution, such as carbon dioxide or VOCs.

Airthings Wave Mini

The Airthings Wave Mini is a great entry-level indoor air quality monitor and a perfect complement to the Radon-detecting Airthings Wave Plus. It can also operate as a node in a network of air quality monitors, with the Airthings View Plus acting as the central hub. It monitors indoor TVOC levels, temperature, and humidity. However, it monitors relatively few air pollutants and has fewer smart home integration opportunities than the pricier Airthings Wave and Wave Plus.

Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor

The most attractive feature of the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor is its price tag. The device measures ambient temperature, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PM2.5, and carbon monoxide. It has a quick and easy setup process. However, the air quality information is buried deep in the Alexa app, and Alexa only reports indoor air quality as poor, fair, or good.

Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor

The Temtop M10 uses a blend of laser-measuring technology and pollutant-balancing algorithms to scan the air for fine particles, HCHO (formaldehyde), and VOCs produced by common household products. When the monitor detects a surplus of any harmful pollutant, an onboard alarm will sound. It is portable and designed for easy grab-and-go analytics, running off a rechargeable 2,200 mAh battery. However, the battery only lasts up to 6 hours on a single charge.

Eve Room Indoor Air Quality Monitor

The Eve Room Indoor Air Quality Monitor is a sleek and portable device that is also powered by one of the strongest rechargeable batteries on the market. You can expect up to 6 weeks on a single charge, and it can be charged using any standard USB cable. The monitor tracks overall air quality, temperature, and humidity and stores its data in detailed hour, day, week, month, and year graphs that you can access through the Eve app. It is also compatible with Apple HomeKit and can automatically trigger purifiers and other web-connected air-filtering appliances when the air quality is poor.

Awair Element Indoor Air Quality Monitor

The Awair Element measures only 6 inches wide and 3 inches tall, making it an easy addition to any part of your home or workspace. It tracks and reports on five key air categories: fine particles, VOCs, temperature, humidity, and CO2. Readings for each category are displayed on the monitor and stored in the Awair app, along with tips and advice on how to improve air quality. It also has Alexa and Google Home support, allowing you to add more control over your air quality.

Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor

The Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor is a good-looking device that packs in a ton of features, despite its $60 price tag. It features a large display that shows the temperature, humidity, and airborne particulate counts. It also has color-coded readouts, with a colored bar running through the middle of the screen that changes based on your air quality. It comes with a useful smartphone app and has a straightforward setup process. However, it cannot measure some key airborne pollutants.

Air purifiers with built-in monitors

Air purifiers with built-in air quality monitors are a great way to keep your indoor air clean and healthy. These devices can help you monitor and improve the air quality in your home, removing allergens, pollutants, and other tiny particles from the air you breathe. Here are some options for air purifiers with built-in air quality monitors that you can consider:

Coway Airmega 200M

The Coway Airmega 200M is a simple and affordable air purifier that is perfect for small rooms up to 361 square feet. It features an attractive and compact design that can easily fit into any corner of your home. One of its standout features is the built-in air quality monitor, which turns the machine off when no pollution is detected and automatically adjusts the fan speed if it senses particles in the air. This air purifier is energy-efficient and offers quiet operation, making it a great choice for those looking for a discreet yet effective solution.

AirDoctor Smart 5500i

The AirDoctor Smart 5500i is a powerful air purifier that captures fine particles and gases with its HEPA and carbon VOC trap filters. It can exchange the air four times per hour in a 1,000-square-foot space and has a built-in sensor that adjusts the fan speed based on the air quality. The AirDoctor app provides remote monitoring and control, making it easy to keep track of your indoor air quality. This air purifier is a great choice for those looking for a quiet yet effective solution, as it operates quietly even at its highest setting.

IQAir Atem X

The IQAir Atem X is a premium air purifier that offers a 10-year warranty and is known for its sleek design and custom settings. It features a built-in sensor and a dashboard phone app, allowing you to monitor and control your indoor air quality remotely. The Atem X is quiet and can be placed flush against a wall, making it a space-saving option. However, it is important to note that it does not have a carbon filter to remove gases. If you are looking for a long-term investment in an air purifier, the IQAir Atem X is a great choice.

Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0

The Rabbit Air BioGS 2.0 is a sleek and stylish air purifier that can cover up to 550 square feet with two air exchanges per hour. It features a built-in sensor that adjusts the fan speed based on the air quality and comes with a remote control for added convenience. The BioGS 2.0 also has a negative ion generator that charges air molecules, making them easier to capture. This air purifier is a great choice for those looking for a combination of form and function, as it offers both effective air purification and a stylish design.

Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1

The Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 is a unique air purifier that doubles as a fan, offering a two-in-one solution for your home. It captures dust, pollen, and fine particulates, as well as removing volatile organic compounds from the air. The built-in air quality sensor automatically adjusts the fan speed based on the air quality, ensuring that your indoor air remains clean and healthy. This air purifier is a good choice for those looking for a multifunctional device that can purify the air and provide a cooling breeze.

These are just a few examples of air purifiers with built-in air quality monitors that are available on the market. When choosing an air purifier, it is important to consider your specific needs, such as the size of the room, the level of purification required, and any additional features that may be beneficial for your home.

Air quality apps and websites

• AirNow: This app reads the US Air Quality Index (AQI) and presents it on a colour-coded scale from 0 to 500. Anything under 50 is considered good, while anything over 300 is hazardous.
• PurpleAir: In addition to selling indoor and outdoor air quality sensors, PurpleAir also offers an app that provides information on smoke, dust, and other particulate air pollution that may be in and around your home.
• AirVisual: This app provides all the essential air quality data you need and visualises it in an easy-to-understand way. It also has a website with a wide range of resources, including a live world map and articles on the world's pollution issues.
• Air Matters: This app provides a comprehensive AQI reading in a modern and user-friendly interface. It breaks down individual pollutants and their concentrations and offers mitigation suggestions.
• Plume Labs: This app has a simple and modern user interface that presents complex data in an accessible way. It provides information on all major pollutants and graphs showing their history and forecast.
• Check Air Quality: This is a simple app that provides an overall AQI reading and a detailed breakdown of individual pollutants. It also has a map feature that allows you to select individual monitoring stations.
• Breezometer: This app uses AI to convey information about air quality without overwhelming you with graphs and statistics. It automatically adjusts to the local AQI index and includes pollen measurements, which is useful for those with hay fever or other allergies.
• Haze: Air Quality & Weather: This app provides information on air quality and weather conditions in a clean and easy-to-understand interface. It also offers basic health advice based on the current level of air pollution.

In addition to these apps, there are also websites like AQICN that provide air quality information.

While air quality apps and websites are a convenient way to monitor air quality, it is worth noting that they may not be as precise as dedicated air quality monitors.

Air quality testers

Airthings View Plus

Housed in a white oblong case, the Airthings View Plus is one of the most sophisticated air quality monitors available. It has seven built-in monitoring sensors that track PM2.5, VOCs, temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, air pressure, and radon. It can also act as a hub for other Airthings sensors and provides excellent notifications and alerts. The View Plus works with Alexa and Google Assistant, but it does not monitor carbon monoxide. It takes about a month to calibrate the sensors.

Davis Instruments AirLink

The Davis Instruments AirLink is a precision air quality monitor that can be used indoors or outdoors. It is unique in that it can measure particulate matter as small as 1 micron, but it does not measure other types of air pollution, such as carbon dioxide or VOCs. The AirLink does not have any visual indicators, and readings can only be accessed via a mobile device or computer.

Airthings Wave Mini

The Airthings Wave Mini is a budget-friendly and compact air quality monitor. It tracks indoor TVOC levels, temperature, and humidity, and provides contextualized air quality readings via the Airthings app. The Wave Mini can also be used as a node in a network of air quality monitors, with the Airthings View Plus acting as the central hub.

Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor

The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor is another affordable option that measures temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, VOCs, and PM2.5. It has a quick and easy setup process and provides air quality information via the Alexa app. However, the air quality data is buried within the app, and Alexa only reports indoor air quality as poor, fair, or good.

Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor

The Temtop M10 is a portable and unobtrusive air quality monitor that uses a blend of laser-measuring technology and pollutant-balancing algorithms to scan for fine particles, HCHO (formaldehyde), and VOCs. It has a large, easy-to-read display and an onboard alarm that sounds when harmful pollutant levels are detected. The M10 is battery-operated and can run for up to 6 hours on a single charge.

Eve Room Indoor Air Quality Monitor

The Eve Room is a sleek and portable air quality monitor that is compatible with Apple HomeKit. It tracks overall air quality, temperature, and humidity, and stores the data in detailed graphs that can be accessed through the Eve app. The monitor has a high-contrast e-ink display and a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to six weeks of power.

Awair Element Indoor Air Quality Monitor

The Awair Element is a compact and aesthetically pleasing air quality monitor that measures and reports on five key air categories: fine particles, VOCs, temperature, humidity, and CO2. Readings are displayed on the monitor and stored in the Awair app, along with tips to improve air quality. The Awair Element can also be controlled via Alexa and Google Home, allowing for the automatic adjustment of thermostats and purifiers.

Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor

The Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor is a feature-rich and affordable device that offers a large display, temperature and humidity readings, and airborne particulate counts. It has a useful smartphone app and a straightforward setup process. The Govee monitor provides color-coded readouts, making it easy to understand your air quality data.

Where to Buy:

These air quality monitors can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon, as well as from the manufacturers' websites. Some may also be available at electronics stores or home improvement stores.

Frequently asked questions