Specifications
| Manufacturer | Airthings |
| Model | Wave Mini (292) |
| Dimensions (inches / cm) | 3.14 x 1.02 inches (8 x 2.6 cm) |
| Weight (pounds / kg) | 0.30 lb (0.135 kg) |
| Measurements | TVOC, temperature, humidity, and mold risk (calculated, not directly sensed) |
| Usage | Indoor |
| Sensors | Airthings Total VOC Sensor, Temperature Sensor, and Humidity Sensor |
| Measured Pollutants (rating) Measured Pollutants – Score Summary: 8.5 - Average Score (14 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 | - |
| PM2.5 Accuracy | - |
| CO2 Range | - |
| CO2 Accuracy | - |
| Accuracy (rating) Accuracy – Score Summary: 8.8 - Average Score (14 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 | Smart: Bluetooth (direct) + Airthings SmartLink via hub (no built-in Wi-Fi) |
| Power Source | 3× AA batteries (≈ 2 year life) |
| Other Features | Mold Risk Indicator Wave-to-check Glow |
| Warranty | 1-year standard (free extension to 5 years with registration) |
Full Review
Airthings is one of the leading manufacturers of indoor air quality monitors. Their monitors were rated among the best by the most popular publications.
I’ve also received quite a few questions about Airthings monitors and how well they perform in everyday use.
The first device from this brand I bought was the Airthings Wave Mini. It’s a small air quality monitor that detects VOCs, temperature, and humidity, but also calculates mold risks based on these parameters.
It’s a smart device, is easy to use, but how accurate is it? Keep reading and find out more info about the accuracy, sensors, and features.
Sensor Types & Accuracy
The Airthings Wave Mini is a simple, minimalist air quality monitor that measures TVOCs, temperature, and relative humidity.
In addition, this device algorithmically calculates Mold Risk, which can be useful information if you plan to use it in basements or similar rooms that are prone to moisture.
The TVOC reading reflects total airborne chemical concentration in parts per billion (ppb), not any single specific compound. Sources include paints, cleaning products, air fresheners, new carpet, and dry-cleaned clothing.
The Wave Mini samples data every five minutes. According to Airthings, the temperature sensor has an accuracy of ±1°C with a 0.1° resolution, while the humidity sensor has an accuracy of ±3% RH with a 1% resolution.
When it comes to TVOCs and reading analysis, all we get from the Airthings Wave Mini are values and a color indicating the status. Threshold for VOC levels: ≥2000 ppb (red), 250–2000 ppb (yellow), and <250 ppb (green).
Personally, I prefer monitors that measure several important pollutants directly rather than relying heavily on calculated indicators or a single broad TVOC measurement.
Because of these limitations, I think a more comprehensive all-in-one monitor may be a better choice for many users. One example is the Qingping Air Monitor 2, which measures a wider range of indoor air quality parameters.
Measured Data Reporting
When it comes to displaying readings, things aren’t handled particularly well here either. To save battery, the Airthings Wave Mini will turn off the LED light that indicates the current air quality, and it will only light up when you wave your hand in front of the sensor.
However, there is the option to connect the Wave Mini to the Airthings Smart App, which somewhat changes the situation, but the problem is that the connection by default goes through Bluetooth, meaning you won’t be able to read the data unless you’re near the device.
A compatible Airthings Hub solves this limitation by connecting the Wave Mini to the internet through Airthings SmartLink, allowing you to access updated readings remotely. However, the Hub improves connectivity rather than the accuracy or precision of the sensors themselves.
Overall, the biggest limitation is that the Wave Mini has no numerical display. The LED provides only a quick color-coded status, so you’ll need the app if you want to see exact TVOC, temperature, humidity, and Mold Risk readings.
Cleaning & Calibrating
When it comes to sensor maintenance and calibration, there are a few things to watch out for, primarily concerning the TVOC sensor.
The TVOC sensor needs roughly seven days to establish its initial baseline, so readings during the first week should be interpreted with some caution.
Because the VOC sensor uses a relative baseline, keeping it continuously in an environment with elevated VOC levels can affect what it considers normal or clean air.
Airthings recommends periodically exposing the monitor to fresh air. For example, placing it near an open window for about 10 minutes to help the VOC sensor maintain an appropriate clean-air baseline. This shouldn’t be thought of as a manual calibration or instant reset, but rather as a way to help the sensor maintain a useful reference point.
Mold Risk Indicator
The Mold Risk Indicator is one of the Wave Mini’s most unusual features, but it’s important to understand what it actually does. The device does not detect mold or mold spores directly. Instead, Airthings uses temperature, humidity, and time to estimate whether the environmental conditions are favorable for mold growth.
The calculation considers conditions over a rolling 48-hour period, which means Mold Risk isn’t intended to react like an instant humidity alarm. It’s more useful for monitoring areas where moisture problems may develop over time, such as basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or poorly ventilated spaces.
In my opinion, this is one of the Wave Mini’s most interesting features, but it should be treated as a risk indicator rather than proof that mold is actually present.
Design & Build Quality
The Airthings Wave Mini really looks nice; I have no complaints in that regard.
The plastic feels good quality, and the device feels solid and well put together.
My main complaint is once again the lack of a display. If you want to see actual numerical readings rather than the basic LED status, you’ll need to use the app.
The LED indicator is located on the front of the device and uses different colors to provide a quick indication of current air quality.
On the back, there’s a cover, underneath which are 3x AA batteries. Another thing I like about the build is the option to mount the device on the wall.
What comes with the device?
In the box, you get the Airthings Wave Mini, three AA alkaline batteries, an attachable table stand, and the included setup and regulatory documentation.
FAQ on Airthings Wave Mini
What’s the warranty of this monitor?
Airthings provides a standard manufacturer warranty that varies by region, one year in many markets and longer in some jurisdictions, including two years in the EU/EEA.
Eligible devices can get up to five years of total coverage if registered with Airthings within 30 days of purchase.
Do you need to use the Airthings app?
The app isn’t strictly required, but I strongly recommend using it.
Without the app, the device only gives you a basic color-coded LED status; numerical readings for TVOCs, temperature, humidity, and Mold Risk are available through the app.
Does it run on batteries?
Yes. The Wave Mini runs on three AA batteries, and Airthings rates the battery life at more than two years when using Bluetooth under typical conditions.
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