Qingping Air Quality Monitor (Generation 2) – Hands-on Review!

The Qingping Monitor Gen 2 is one of the best in its class that we’ve tested. It shows everything you need to know about your air quality, but is it a good buy?

Our Verdict

Accuracy

9.5

Measured pollutants

9.4

Usability & Build Quality

9.3

Value for money

9.4

9.4/10

RATING

The Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2 is definitely one of the best monitors I have ever tested.

It shows seven different data points, including PM2.5, PM10, CO₂, eTVOC, temperature, humidity (RH), and noise level, and it also displays the outdoor temperature, UV index, and AQI.

It uses a high-quality Sensirion SCD40 (NDIR) sensor along with a very capable particle sensor, making it highly accurate with very low deviations in its readings.

With an accuracy of ±10 μg/m³ for PM2.5, the Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2 clearly ranks among the top performers in this category.

If you’re looking for an air quality monitor with plenty of smart features, an intuitive display, and reliable, accurate data, the Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2 is an excellent choice.

For any questions, feel free to use the comments section below the article.

What do we really like?

  • It displays more than seven data points, which are available on the display and in the smart app.

  • It uses reliable and accurate sensors. For CO₂, it features a high-quality NDIR Sensirion SCD40 sensor, with accuracy of ± (50 ppm + 5% of reading).

  • The Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2 uses a replaceable PM2.5 sensor, meaning you can easily swap it out without buying an entirely new device.

  • It uses the standalone Qingping+ smart app, but also works with the Mi Home app, allowing you to combine it with your Xiaomi air purifier with just a few clicks.

  • Premium build quality, premium design, and premium accuracy.

  • It has a built-in fan for more reliable and more accurate real-time air quality readings.

What could be better?

  • The built-in battery isn’t very good. It lasts up to 4 hours at best, and often much less.

  • It would be great if it had native HomeKit support.

$149.99 at Amazon
Price as of 8:00 AM EDT
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Air Purifier First at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Specifications

ManufacturerQingping
ModelGen 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)
MeasurementsPM2.5, PM10, CO2, eTVOC, Temperature, Humidity (RH), and Noise Level
UsageIndoor
SensorsGrandWay Sensor, Sensirion SCD40, and Sensirion SGP40
Measured Pollutants (rating)
PM2.5 Range0-999 μg/m³
PM2.5 Accuracy± 10 μg/m³
CO2 Range400-9999 ppm
CO2 Accuracy± (50 ppm + 5% of reading)
Accuracy (rating)
ConnectivityQingping+ App and Mi Home App
Power SourceBattery (up to 4 hours) + USB-C
Other FeaturesReplaceable PM Sensor Alarm Clock Function
Warranty1-year

Full Review

If you’re actively looking for an air quality monitor, I’m sure you’ve come across Qingping monitors.

These devices appear in many air quality monitor guides, and many people on Reddit recommend them—but is everything really as good as it seems?

I placed the Qingping Gen 2 Air Quality Monitor on the office desk
I placed the Qingping Gen 2 Air Quality Monitor on the office desk. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Some time ago, I bought the Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2, started using it in my home (and I still use it as my main monitor), and tested its accuracy, reliability, and features.

In this review, you’ll find out just how good it really is—and whether it’s the right choice for your needs.

Sensor Types & Accuracy

Obviously, the most important part of any air quality monitor is the quality of the sensors it uses. Almost every air quality monitor I’ve tested relies on sensors from reputable brands, and only a few manufacturers actually design and produce their own sensors.

Still, there are some exceptions. For example, the Temtop LKC-1000S uses a Temtop-made PM sensor, which is also one of the most accurate and best-performing sensors I’ve tested.

Qingping Gen 2 Air Quality Monitor - Placed on a small desk
The Qingping Monitor Gen 2. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

The Qingping Monitor Gen 2 uses three main sensors: the GrandWay sensor, the Sensirion SCD40, and the Sensirion SGP40.

The GrandWay sensor is used for detecting PM particles. It is a laser-based sensor that detects particulate matter in the 0–999 μg/m³ range, with an accuracy of±10%. By comparison, some cheaper air quality monitors, for example, the IKEA VINDRIKTNING, have an accuracy of around ±20%.

MetricSensor ComponentMeasurement RangeAccuracy
TemperatureSensirion SHT4x−10 – 60∘C±0.2∘C (typical at 20∘C)
Relative Humidity (RH)Sensirion SHT4x0 – 99% RH±1.8% RH (typical)
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂​)Sensirion SCD4x (Photoacoustic NDIR)400 – 9999 ppm±(50 ppm+5% of reading)
Fine Dust (PM2.5/PM10)GrandWay (Laser-based)0 – 999 μg/m3±10 μg/m³
Equivalent Volatile Organic Compounds (eTVOC)Sensirion SGP4x (MOX)VOC Index 0 – 500Relative Trend (Index is relative to a 24h baseline)
Noise LevelAcoustic Sensor36 – 95 dBNot officially specified

What I also like is that the Qingping uses a photoacoustic NDIR sensor for CO₂ detection, which means it delivers highly accurate CO₂ readings based on industry standards. It uses the Sensirion SCD40 for this purpose.

Accuracy is not the only important factor here; reading stability and deviations also matter. In the case of the Qingping Gen 2, deviations are very low, which is another strong advantage of this monitor.

Replaceable Sensor

The Qingping Gen 2 uses a replaceable PM sensor, which is a great feature and something I haven’t seen on most other air quality monitors.

Qingping Gen 2 Air Quality Monitor - Replacable PM sensor
Qingping Gen 2 replaceable PM sensor. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

However, the downside is that I haven’t been able to find an official replacement sensor on Qingping’s website or through any clearly reliable retailer. I did come across a listing on AliExpress, but since it’s a third-party marketplace, its reliability is uncertain.

Realistically, there aren’t many cases of these sensors failing in normal use. So while the replaceable design is an excellent idea in theory, I strongly believe, and hope, you won’t need to replace it anytime.

Measured Data Reporting

The Qingping Monitor Gen 2 displays air quality data in two ways: on the built-in display and through the mobile app.

Whichever way you choose to view the data, you’ll get clear and comprehensive information about your current air quality. However, the smart app gives you additional features, such as access to historical air quality data.

To get the most accurate results possible, in addition to the testing practices I recommend in this review, I also suggest changing the air quality standard (region) directly on the device.

You can switch between the U.S., European, and Chinese standards.

Display

The built-in touch display is the main way the Qingping Monitor Gen 2 shows air quality data. It shows everything you need to fully understand the air quality in your home.

The display is high-resolution and fully touch-enabled. All information is well organized, easy to read, and honestly, I don’t have anything negative to say about it.

Qingping Gen 2 Air Quality Monitor - Hands-on Review
The Qingping Gen 2 uses a high-quality display. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

On the screen, you’ll find readings for PM2.5, PM10, eTVOC, temperature, humidity, CO₂, and noise level, as well as current outdoor air quality, outdoor temperature, and the UV index—more than enough for the average user.

Compared to similar air quality monitors, the Qingping displays as many data points as the Awair Element, but in my experience, it delivers more reliable data and uses higher-quality sensors.

Qingping+ App

The Qingping Monitor Gen 2 works with the Qingping+ smart app, which is available on iOS and Android, and it can also be used with the Mi Home app. In addition, Qingping offers an IoT platform mainly intended for developers and users who want to work with the Qingping API for more advanced automations.

I connected the Qingping Monitor Gen 2 to the Qingping+ app and can say that it works very well and displays everything you need.

Qingping Air Monitor Gen 2 Smart App - Screens
The Qingping Monitor Gen 2 smart app. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

That said, I do miss a few features. For example, I haven’t found a CO₂ calibration option in the app; it’s only available through the device itself, and there’s also no option to switch air quality standards (regions) within the app.

In my opinion, the most useful app features are the ability to view historical air quality data and export the data.

To be honest, I don’t use the Qingping+ app very often because I prefer checking the data directly on the display. That said, for some users, and especially for automations, the app can be very useful.

Another feature I really like is the smart recommendations. For example, if the CO₂ level gets too high, the app suggests opening a window to lower it. It can also recommend turning on a heating device and provides many similar tips.

Note: The monitor requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and a smart app and doesn’t have a built-in Ethernet connection.

Cleaning & Calibrating

When it comes to calibration, this is extremely important if you want your monitor to display the most accurate data possible at all times.

The Qingping Monitor Gen 2 doesn’t require PM2.5 sensor calibration (GrandWay sensor), as this type of sensor is designed to remain stable over time. However, if you ever think it’s no longer showing correct data, you can replace the sensor, which only takes a few simple steps.

For CO₂, the device supports automatic and manual calibration. This means it will recalibrate itself periodically, but you can also perform a manual calibration directly through the device.

In general, manual calibration is only recommended if the CO₂ readings seem abnormal. The entire process takes about 5 minutes. You simply enter the settings menu, select CO₂ calibration, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Keep in mind that for accurate calibration, you should place the device outdoors or at least near an open window during the process.

If you still feel that any reading isn’t accurate, there is also an offset adjustment option, which can be changed either directly on the device or through the smart app.

Design & Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, the first thing worth mentioning is that this air quality monitor uses an aluminum–magnesium alloy, which gives it a high-quality, premium look and feel.

It also features a high-quality 4-inch IPS capacitive touchscreen display that’s easy to read, responds perfectly to touch, and has a well-organized layout of icons and data.

Qingping Gen 2 Air Quality Monitor - Power button
Power button on the top. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

I’m not sure if this detail is important, but the Qingping Gen 2 uses a 4-core A53 chipset, which is likely the main reason the display isn’t laggy, reacts almost instantly, and makes the device feel nearly as fast as a smartphone.

The built-in fan is quiet. I use the Qingping Gen 2 on my office desk and don’t even notice that it has a fan.

It comes in white or black. One more detail that might be important for future users is that it uses a USB-C to USB-C cable for power. It works with standard smartphone chargers—I tested it.

Airflow

The Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2 has air intake openings located on the back of the device.

The air is then drawn through the sensors via small openings on the front of the monitor.

Qingping Gen 2 Air Quality Monitor - Air outlet
Air outlet. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

Unlike some other air quality monitors, this model has a built-in fan, which helps provide real-time, accurate air quality readings.

Qingping Gen 2 Air Quality Monitor - Air inlets on the back
Air inlets on the back. Photo: Airpurifierfirst.com / Milan Antonic

To maintain the best possible accuracy, I recommend cleaning the air inlets and outlets from time to time.

What comes with the device?

When you buy the Qingping air quality monitor, you get 1x device, 1x replaceable PM particle sensor, 1x user manual, and 1x USB-C cable.

FAQ on Qingping Gen 2

What does the Qingping Gen 2 measure?

The Qingping Gen 2 measures PM2.5, PM10, CO₂, TVOC, temperature, and humidity.

Does the Qingping Gen 2 need calibration?

No manual calibration is required for normal use. The particle sensor is factory-calibrated, and the CO₂ sensor self-calibrates over time.

However, placing the device outdoors for a short period occasionally can help stabilize CO₂ readings if any deviations occur.

Does it work with a smart app?

Yes, it works with the Qingping+ and Mi Home smart apps, which are available on Android and iOS. Through the apps, you can view real-time data, historical charts, and receive air quality alerts.

Is the Qingping Gen 2 battery-powered?

It has a built-in rechargeable battery, but it’s mainly designed for continuous operation via USB-C power. When running on battery, the runtime depends on the refresh rate and Wi-Fi usage and usually lasts up to 4 hours.

What are the differences between the Qingping Monitor Gen 1 and Gen 2?

The Qingping Gen 2 adds PM10 and noise level measurements, upgrades the TVOC sensor from the Sensirion SGP30 to the SGP40, improves the CO₂ sensor to the Sensirion SCD40, features a better display, includes an advanced alarm clock function, and introduces a replaceable PM sensor module.

2 responses to “Qingping Air Quality Monitor (Generation 2) – Hands-on Review!”

  1. Q

    Thanks for this indepth review! I was very much interested in this model.

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