In recent years, air quality has become a significant concern, especially in larger cities with high populations. However, many people are still unaware of the pollution levels in the places where they live.
At Air Purifier First, our primary focus is on testing air purifiers, which I have been doing since 2016. But over the past few years, I have also purchased and tested many air quality monitors. This article highlights the top monitors that, in my opinion, offer the best value and performance.
These compact devices can detect various air contaminants, including particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), CO2, and more.
Why do I recommend buying an air quality monitor? Simply put, having one can significantly increase your awareness of the air you breathe at home and help you understand the difference between indoor and outdoor air quality.
It can also motivate you to invest in an air purifier, a device that improves air quality in many homes today and represents a small but important step toward a healthier lifestyle.
However, not all air quality monitors are equally effective in every situation. Some excel at detecting particulate matter, others are better at identifying VOCs or CO2, and some are more suitable for outdoor use.
Keep reading to find out which air quality monitors I selected as the best options and which situations they are ideal for.
In a Hurry? Here’s a Quick Summary of the Best Air Quality Monitors!
- Qingping Gen 2 – One of the best indoor air quality monitors. It uses highly precise sensors, offers smart features, and measures PM2.5, PM10, CO2, eTVOC, temperature, humidity (RH), and noise level.
- SwitchBot CO2 Detector – The best device for actively monitoring CO2 levels in your home. It works with a smart app, provides historical data, and is very affordable.
- Qingping Lite – The best portable option for a desk, nightstand, or moving between rooms. It primarily detects PM2.5 and CO2 but also displays PM10, temperature, and humidity.
- IKEA VINDSTYRKA – The best budget-friendly option, offering a surprisingly reliable and accurate sensor. It detects PM2.5, VOCs, temperature, and humidity.
- Temtop LKC-1000S – The best air quality monitor for periodic checks. I use it for testing air purifiers, and it is also the best option for checking formaldehyde concentrations in your home.
*If you click any of these links and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Top 5 Air Quality Monitors
To make your decision easier, I have compiled a list of the top five air quality monitors I’ve tested to date.
Each monitor went through a rigorous evaluation process that included accuracy testing, a features review, and an overall performance rating.
Qingping Gen 2 – Best All-Around Monitor
Qingping Gen 2 Keypoints
- It displays data for PM2.5, PM10, CO2, eTVOC, temperature, humidity (RH), and noise level.
- It uses high-quality sensors, including the GrandWay particle sensor, Sensirion SCD40, and Sensirion SGP40, to provide highly accurate data.
- It works with the Qingping+ and Mi Home smart apps, and also offers access to the API.
- It has a built-in battery, but it lasts only up to 4 hours, so it will typically need to remain connected to a power source.
The Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2 is the best all-around monitor we tested. It uses high-quality sensors, offers plenty of features, and provides reliable, highly accurate readings.
This monitor measures real-time data for PM2.5, PM10, CO2, eTVOC, temperature, humidity (RH), and noise level, giving you a complete picture of the air quality in your home.
For CO2, it uses the Sensirion SCD40, an NDIR sensor that measures real-time CO2 concentration with an accuracy of ±(50 ppm + 5% of the reading), making it one of the most reliable CO2 sensors available.
For particulate matter, the Qingping Gen 2 uses the GrandWay particle sensor, a top-class component with an accuracy of ±10 μg/m³, ensuring highly precise PM readings.
It also includes the Sensirion SGP40, a precise and dependable VOC sensor that measures the concentration of volatile organic compounds in your space.
When you combine all these sensors, the high accuracy, and the consistently low deviations, it becomes clear why the Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2 is my top buying recommendation.
Other reasons I like this monitor include its smart features, excellent build quality, large touch display, and additional air data, such as outdoor air quality, outdoor temperature, and AQI.
Specs: Qingping Monitor Gen 2
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 2.9 x 4.1 x 3.3 inches (7.4 x 10.4 x 8.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 0.56 lb (0.25 kg) |
| PM2.5 Range | 0-999 μg/m³ |
| PM2.5 Accuracy | ± 10 μg/m³ |
| CO2 Range | 400-9999 ppm |
| CO2 Accuracy | ± (50 ppm + 5% of reading) |
| Connectivity | Qingping+ App and Mi Home App |
| Power Source | Battery (up to 4 hours) + USB-C |
| Sensors | GrandWay Sensor, Sensirion SCD40, and Sensirion SGP40 |
| Measured Pollutants (rating) Measured Pollutants – Score Summary: 8.5 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.4 - Best Score (2 monitors) 5.1 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating summarizes how capable the sensor suite is — including what it measures (PM2.5, CO2, etc.), usable ranges, responsiveness, and overall stability. | |
| Accuracy (rating) Accuracy – Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.5 - Best Score (1 monitors) 5.6 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating reflects how closely the monitor’s readings track a trusted reference device across different conditions and pollutant levels. |
SwitchBot CO2 Detector – Best for Monitoring CO2
SwitchBot CO2 Detector Air Quality Monitor, now $59.49 (save 15%)
SwitchBot CO2 Detector Keypoints
- Its primary purpose is to detect CO2, but it also measures temperature and humidity.
- The SwitchBot CO2 Detector works with a smart app, offers plenty of features, and is very affordable.
- It doesn’t show live readings in order to save battery life. By default, it measures CO2 every 30 minutes, but the frequency can be adjusted through the app.
- The device uses a Sensirion SCD40 sensor, which is the key reason behind its reliable and accurate CO2 readings.
Yes, there are air quality monitors with outstanding CO2 sensors in addition to other measurements, but many people are looking for a smart monitor that focuses solely on CO2.
One of the best CO2 monitors I have tested is the SwitchBot CO2 Detector. It uses the Sensirion SCD40 sensor, the same high-quality CO2 sensor found in the previously mentioned Qingping Gen 2 monitor.
The advantage of the SwitchBot is that it is far more affordable and is designed primarily to detect CO2. Its main purpose is to work alongside devices such as air purifiers and to alert you when CO2 levels rise, indicating poor ventilation.
This makes it especially useful in offices and other indoor spaces where you spend long periods of time.
The device has an accuracy of ±(50 ppm + 5% of the reading) and measures CO2 within a range of 400 to 9999 ppm.
It can run on batteries or stay connected to a power source. It works with the SwitchBot smart app and can also integrate with the SwitchBot Hub.
The app is excellent, and the display on the device is easy to read and understand. In addition to CO2 levels, it shows the date, time, temperature, and humidity. You can mount it on a wall or place it on a desk.
Overall, this is the simplest, most reliable, and best CO2-focused detector I have tested.
Specs: SwitchBot CO2 Detector
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 3.6 x 3.1 x 0.98 inches (9.2 x 7.9 x 2.5 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 0.23 lb (0.11 kg) |
| PM2.5 Range | - |
| PM2.5 Accuracy | - |
| CO2 Range | 400-9999 ppm |
| CO2 Accuracy | ± (50 ppm + 5% of reading) |
| Connectivity | SwitchBot App |
| Power Source | 2× AA batteries (≈ 1 year life) or USB-C (included) |
| Sensors | Sensirion SCD40 |
| Measured Pollutants (rating) Measured Pollutants – Score Summary: 8.5 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.4 - Best Score (2 monitors) 5.1 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating summarizes how capable the sensor suite is — including what it measures (PM2.5, CO2, etc.), usable ranges, responsiveness, and overall stability. | |
| Accuracy (rating) Accuracy – Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.5 - Best Score (1 monitors) 5.6 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating reflects how closely the monitor’s readings track a trusted reference device across different conditions and pollutant levels. |
Qingping Lite – Best Portable Monitor
Qingping Lite Keypoints
- A small, portable, battery-powered air quality monitor that detects the five parameters.
- It uses precise sensors that provide reliable and accurate PM2.5 and CO2 readings.
- It works with the Qingping+ and Mi Home smart apps and also offers API access through the Qingping IoT app.
- It detects PM2.5 particulate matter with an accuracy of ±10 µg/m³ or ±10%.
This is another air quality monitor from Qingping that deserves a place on this list. The Qingping Lite is a small, portable, and affordable monitor that detects PM2.5, PM10, CO2, temperature, and humidity.
It uses the GrandWay particle sensor, the SenseAir S8 CO2 sensor, and a Sensirion temperature and humidity sensor, all well-known for their accuracy.
The Qingping Lite detects PM2.5 particulate matter in the 0–500 µg/m³ range with an accuracy of ±10 µg/m³ or ±10%.
It’s a battery-powered device, but it can also operate connected to a power source. The battery typically lasts about 7 hours.
A small front display shows all the essential data, and a touch slider on the top allows you to switch between different screens and readings.
The Qingping Lite includes plenty of smart features. It works with the Qingping+ and Mi Home smart apps and can easily be integrated into home automation setups.
Overall, this is the best portable air quality monitor I have tested, making it an ideal choice if you need a device you can move from room to room.
Specs: Qingping Lite
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 2.5 x 1.8 x 2.1 inches (6.36 x 4.6 x 5.46 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 0.32 lb (0.14 kg) |
| PM2.5 Range | 0–500 µg/m³ |
| PM2.5 Accuracy | ±10 µg/m³ or ±10% |
| CO2 Range | 400-5000 ppm |
| CO2 Accuracy | ±15% |
| Connectivity | Qingping+ App and Mi Home App |
| Power Source | Battery (up to 7 hours) + USB-C |
| Sensors | GrandWay Sensor, SenseAir S8, and Sensirion Temp/RH sensor |
| Measured Pollutants (rating) Measured Pollutants – Score Summary: 8.5 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.4 - Best Score (2 monitors) 5.1 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating summarizes how capable the sensor suite is — including what it measures (PM2.5, CO2, etc.), usable ranges, responsiveness, and overall stability. | |
| Accuracy (rating) Accuracy – Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.5 - Best Score (1 monitors) 5.6 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating reflects how closely the monitor’s readings track a trusted reference device across different conditions and pollutant levels. |
IKEA VINDSTYRKA – Best Budget-Friendly
IKEA VINDSTYRKA Keypoints
- A budget-friendly, smart, and reliable air quality monitor.
- It uses the Sensirion SEN54 sensor to display PM2.5, temperature, humidity, and TVOC data.
- The IKEA VINDSTYRKA can connect to the IKEA Hub and the STARKVIND air purifier, and it also operates on the Zigbee protocol.
- It’s not battery-powered and must be connected to a power source to function.
IKEA offers some great air purifiers and air quality monitors. Although their devices are budget-friendly and don’t use the highest-end sensors, they are still excellent options for most people.
The IKEA VINDSTYRKA is a solid air quality monitor that detects PM2.5, temperature, humidity, and TVOC.
It features a large display for viewing air quality data and works seamlessly with the IKEA Hub and the STARKVIND air purifier.
One thing I would like to see improved is more precise TVOC readings instead of trend-based indicators. Still, it performs very well and provides accurate PM2.5 measurements.
The VINDSTYRKA uses the Sensirion SEN54, an all-in-one sensor that measures all the parameters shown on the device.
Its PM2.5 accuracy is around ±10%, which is quite good and comparable to other top-tier sensors included in this guide.
Overall, the IKEA VINDSTYRKA is an excellent budget-friendly air quality monitor and one of the best affordable options you can buy.
Specs: IKEA VINDSTYRKA
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 2.0 x 2.3 x 3.4 inches (5.2 x 5.9 x 8.7 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 0.51 lb (0.23 kg) |
| PM2.5 Range | 0–1000 µg/m³ |
| PM2.5 Accuracy | ±10% |
| CO2 Range | - |
| CO2 Accuracy | - |
| Connectivity | Zigbee |
| Power Source | USB-C (Adapter Not Included) |
| Sensors | Sensirion SEN54 |
| Measured Pollutants (rating) Measured Pollutants – Score Summary: 8.5 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.4 - Best Score (2 monitors) 5.1 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating summarizes how capable the sensor suite is — including what it measures (PM2.5, CO2, etc.), usable ranges, responsiveness, and overall stability. | |
| Accuracy (rating) Accuracy – Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.5 - Best Score (1 monitors) 5.6 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating reflects how closely the monitor’s readings track a trusted reference device across different conditions and pollutant levels. |
Temtop LKC-1000S – Best for Formaldehyde
Temtop LKC-1000S Keypoints
- One of the best monitors I have ever used. I rely on it in all my tests to measure the efficiency of every air purifier I review.
- It measures PM2.5, PM10, particle count, formaldehyde (HCHO), AQI, temperature, and humidity.
- The Temtop LKC-1000S is not a typical air quality monitor that you leave running on a desk. It’s better suited for periodic air quality checks.
- It doesn’t work with a smart app and has no smart features. If you need those, consider the upgraded Temtop LKC-1000S+.
The Temtop LKC-1000S is the air quality monitor I use for testing purposes, and it’s the device with which I have evaluated the performance of more than one hundred air purifiers.
Although it is highly precise and accurate, it isn’t as easy to use as typical tabletop or wall-mounted monitors. The Temtop LKC-1000S is better suited for periodic air quality checks rather than continuous home monitoring.
It is clear that it can’t compete with the Qingping Gen 2 as a full-time, home-use monitor, but in terms of accuracy and reliability, the Temtop is just as dependable as the Qingping and other top-tier monitors.
For live air quality data and everyday use, it is better to choose a monitor that works with a smart app, saves historical data, and is designed to sit on a desk.
That is why I highlighted the Temtop LKC-1000S as an excellent option for detecting formaldehyde. It is the only monitor on this list that offers this feature, making it a fantastic specialized tool.
Specs: Temtop LKC-1000S
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 7.0 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches (17.7 x 6.6 x 3.2 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 0.48 lb (0.22 kg) |
| PM2.5 Range | 0-999 μg/m³ |
| PM2.5 Accuracy | ±10 µg/m³ or ±10% |
| CO2 Range | - |
| CO2 Accuracy | - |
| Connectivity | USB Only |
| Power Source | Battery (about 15–18 hours) + Micro USB |
| Sensors | Temtop’s Laser Particle Sensor and Dart Sensor |
| Measured Pollutants (rating) Measured Pollutants – Score Summary: 8.5 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.4 - Best Score (2 monitors) 5.1 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating summarizes how capable the sensor suite is — including what it measures (PM2.5, CO2, etc.), usable ranges, responsiveness, and overall stability. | |
| Accuracy (rating) Accuracy – Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.5 - Best Score (1 monitors) 5.6 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating reflects how closely the monitor’s readings track a trusted reference device across different conditions and pollutant levels. |
What You Need to Know Before Buying an Air Quality Monitor
Before buying an air quality monitor, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some key terms related to air quality readings.
These monitors typically include a range of built-in sensors designed to detect different pollutants in the air. In addition to pollutant detection, almost all models also measure temperature and humidity levels.
The most common pollutants detected by these monitors include PM2.5, PM10, CO2, and VOCs. Below, I will explain what each of these terms means.
PM2.5 and PM10
Particulate matter (PM) is one of the most important metrics that an air quality monitor measures. These sensors typically measure PM2.5 and PM10 levels, and some advanced models can even detect PM1 particles.
PM2.5 and PM10 refer to airborne particles of various types, including cigarette smoke, dust, mold spores, and pollen. For perspective, a PM50 particle is roughly the width of a human hair, which illustrates just how small PM2.5 and PM10 particles are.
It’s also worth noting that air purifiers equipped with True HEPA filters are highly efficient at trapping airborne particles. These filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is significantly smaller than a PM2.5 particle.
VOCs
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals commonly found in indoor air, often released during activities such as cooking or smoking.
Among the many types of VOCs, the most frequently experienced include benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene.
For example, formaldehyde is a gas typically found in glues, resins, and certain building materials, while benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid present in gasoline, cigarette smoke, and some industrial chemicals.
Indoor VOC concentrations tend to rise during activities like cooking or smoking. Avoiding these activities indoors, improving ventilation, or using an air purifier can significantly help reduce VOC levels. I strongly recommend using an air purifier when cooking or smoking to help capture and neutralize VOCs.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to high levels of VOCs may lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea. Long-term exposure can also cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
CO2
CO2 in the home is carbon dioxide produced mainly by breathing, cooking, and burning fuels. It naturally builds up indoors when ventilation is poor. High CO2 levels make the air feel stuffy and can cause tiredness, headaches, and reduced concentration.
CO2 increases when there is not enough fresh air, and it typically decreases simply by opening a window or using proper ventilation in your home.
How do I test Air Quality Monitors?
On our website, we’ve outlined the process for testing air purifiers and air quality monitors. Unlike laboratory testing, I prefer evaluating these devices in real-home environments while using specialized tools to measure their performance.
Testing air quality monitors, however, involves an extra layer of complexity. It requires a highly reliable reference monitor against which I can compare the readings of the device being tested. To achieve this, I conduct tests outdoors, using a local government air quality monitor as my reference point. This monitor is conveniently located near my home and provides real-time data online.
This method allows me to compare every air quality monitor against the same trusted reference device. But my analysis doesn’t end there. I also thoroughly research the built-in sensors, their accuracy levels, and the smart features each device offers.
Combining these factors gives me a comprehensive understanding of each air quality monitor and enables me to provide a precise rating based on overall performance.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a scale developed by government agencies to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is expected to become.
Side-by-side Comparison of the Best Air Quality Monitors
| Monitor Image | | 15% off | | | |
| Manufacturer | Qingping | SwitchBot | Qingping | IKEA | Temtop |
| Model | Gen 2 | CO2 Detector | Lite | VINDSTYRKA | LKC-1000S |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 2.9 x 4.1 x 3.3 inches (7.4 x 10.4 x 8.5 cm) | 3.6 x 3.1 x 0.98 inches (9.2 x 7.9 x 2.5 cm) | 2.5 x 1.8 x 2.1 inches (6.36 x 4.6 x 5.46 cm) | 2.0 x 2.3 x 3.4 inches (5.2 x 5.9 x 8.7 cm) | 7.0 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches (17.7 x 6.6 x 3.2 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 0.56 lb (0.25 kg) | 0.23 lb (0.11 kg) | 0.32 lb (0.14 kg) | 0.51 lb (0.23 kg) | 0.48 lb (0.22 kg) |
| Measurements | PM2.5, PM10, CO2, eTVOC, Temperature, Humidity (RH), and Noise Level | CO2, Temperature, and Humidity | PM2.5, PM10, CO2, Temperature, and Humidity | PM2.5, Temperature, Humidity, and TVOC | PM2.5, PM10, Particle count, HCHO, AQI, Temperature, and Humidity |
| Usage | Indoor | Indoor | Indoor | Indoor | Indoor and Outdoor |
| Sensors | GrandWay Sensor, Sensirion SCD40, and Sensirion SGP40 | Sensirion SCD40 | GrandWay Sensor, SenseAir S8, and Sensirion Temp/RH sensor | Sensirion SEN54 | Temtop’s Laser Particle Sensor and Dart Sensor |
| Measured Pollutants (rating) Measured Pollutants – Score Summary: 8.5 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.4 - Best Score (2 monitors) 5.1 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating summarizes how capable the sensor suite is — including what it measures (PM2.5, CO2, etc.), usable ranges, responsiveness, and overall stability. | |||||
| PM2.5 Range | 0-999 μg/m³ | - | 0–500 µg/m³ | 0–1000 µg/m³ | 0-999 μg/m³ |
| PM2.5 Accuracy | ± 10 μg/m³ | - | ±10 µg/m³ or ±10% | ±10% | ±10 µg/m³ or ±10% |
| CO2 Range | 400-9999 ppm | 400-9999 ppm | 400-5000 ppm | - | - |
| CO2 Accuracy | ± (50 ppm + 5% of reading) | ± (50 ppm + 5% of reading) | ±15% | - | - |
| Accuracy (rating) Accuracy – Score Summary: 8.9 - Average Score (13 monitors) 9.5 - Best Score (1 monitors) 5.6 - Worst Score (1 monitors) This rating reflects how closely the monitor’s readings track a trusted reference device across different conditions and pollutant levels. | |||||
| Connectivity | Qingping+ App and Mi Home App | SwitchBot App | Qingping+ App and Mi Home App | Zigbee | USB Only |
| Power Source | Battery (up to 4 hours) + USB-C | 2× AA batteries (≈ 1 year life) or USB-C (included) | Battery (up to 7 hours) + USB-C | USB-C (Adapter Not Included) | Battery (about 15–18 hours) + Micro USB |
| Other Features | Replaceable PM Sensor Alarm Clock Function | Data Logging & Export | Compact Design Alerts | Works With the STARKVIND | Long-Battery Life |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year | 1-year | - | 1-year |
| In-Depth Review | Qingping Gen 2 | SwitchBot CO2 Detector | Qingping Lite | IKEA VINDSTYRKA | Temtop LKC-1000S |
| Price |
Scroll or swipe left/right to view the whole table.
FAQ on Air Quality Monitors
Do air quality monitors really work?
Absolutely, air quality monitors work. However, just like any other electronic device, performance varies between brands.
Some models are more precise than others, but all monitors function with varying levels of accuracy and deviation.
Can an air quality monitor detect mold?
Some air quality monitors claim to detect mold, but this is mostly a marketing trick.
They typically use algorithms that estimate potential mold risk based on temperature, humidity, and VOC levels.
For true mold detection, I recommend using specialized tools or hiring a professional mold inspector.
What is the lifespan of an air quality monitor?
The Temtop LKC-1000S is the first monitor I bought, and I’ve been using it for more than six years without any issues. However, some brands predict that the average lifespan of an air quality monitor is around three years.
Can outdoor air quality affect indoor air?
When windows and doors are closed, outdoor air quality has little to no effect on indoor air.
However, opening windows can allow polluted outdoor air to enter, which can significantly impact indoor air quality.
Do air quality monitors detect cigarette smoke?
Yes, almost every air quality monitor can detect cigarette smoke.
Cigarette smoke produces VOCs and PM2.5 particles, both of which are easily detected by most monitors, including budget options like those from IKEA.
What device do I use for testing air purifiers?
I use the Temtop LKC-1000S for all the tests at Air Purifier First.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it to this article, you’re likely considering purchasing an air quality monitor. It’s a smart investment, especially if you live in an urban area, a region affected by wildfires, or near industrial zones.
Understanding the air you breathe is essential. To help you with this, I have tested plenty of air quality monitors and compiled a list of the best options available. My goal is to provide reliable and practical information so anyone can choose the monitor that best fits their needs.
The most complete air quality monitor you can buy is the Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2. It is reliable, smart, and powerful, giving you all the essential insights into your indoor air quality.
If this article hasn’t fully answered your questions, or if there’s a specific device you’d like to know more about, feel free to reach out. You can leave a comment below or contact me directly through the contact form.
What other devices did you test? The ones that were not the top picks?
Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike.
Besides the ones featured in the article, I also tested the IKEA VINDRIKTNING, Awair Elements, Temtop M10i, Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor, Atmotube Pro, PurpleAir PA-I-Indoor, INKBIRD CO2 Monitor, Airthings Wave Mini, Hama Safe, Aqara, GoveeLife Smart Air Quality Monitor, Breathe Airmonitor Plus, etc.
Do you have any recommendations on monitor that could be mounted outside? I live in Zagreb in an area densely populated with family homes. Many people are still using firewood and one can sometimes smell pollution related to industrial activity. Depending on the wind you can have good or bad air.
I’d like to do a bit of simple coding to make rules that would ventilate home based on humidity and CO2 *but only* if PM2 outside is below a certain threshold. I assume I’d have to use some kind of bathroom fan installed on a facade to achieve this. Probably with small automatic door to prevent draft (propuh, promaja :D) pulling bad air in.
Thank you for this website, if you add a donate button I’ll donate 10€ as I rarely buy anthing off amazon.com (do you have links for amazon.de?), but I want to see such a passionate and science-based project continue, especially if you give a bit more attention to companies that operate in Balkans or ship replacement filters to us at a reasonable shipping cost 🙂
Pozdrav 🙂
Hey Neven,
Thank you for the very kind comment!
For outdoor air quality monitors, I have two recommendations: the PurpleAir FLEX and the AirGradient outdoor sensor.
Both offer API access, making it easy to automate “something” based on current outdoor PM2.5 levels.
I truly appreciate your willingness to donate to the project. Unfortunately, I don’t have such option, so I’d kindly suggest donating the 10€ to someone who may need it more.
While my primary focus is on the US market, many air purifiers are also available in the EU (Levoit, Coway, Winix, Blueair, IQAir, etc.).
Thanks a lot! I like the Airthings 2960 since it also measures radon. It doesn’t specify which VOCs it detects, but the key point is having a total VOC measurement. CO2 is useful mainly to know when to open the windows. Temperature and humidity are already covered by my hygrometer, but it’s always good to compare readings.
I haven’t tested the Airthings 2960 yet, but I will as soon as possible.
However, I purchased and have already tried the Airthings Wave Mini. It’s an okay device, but it doesn’t offer anything revolutionary. Also, the Bluetooth-based app connection is quite annoying.