Qingping Lite Smart Air Quality Monitor – Test and Review!

Full Review

I recently tested and published a review of the Qingping Gen 2 air quality monitor, which took the title of one of the best air quality monitors I have ever tried.

This time, I will be writing about the Qingping Lite, which is smaller, but still very powerful, reliable, and useful air quality monitor.

The Qingping Lite is a battery-powered monitor that works with a smart app and measures five different values: PM2.5, PM10, CO2, Temperature, and Humidity.

I have used this small monitor for some time in my place, but I have also tested and compared its accuracy and features with some other monitors tested, and in this review, I will touch on all the details about it.

Sensor Types & Accuracy

The Qingping Lite uses just three sensors to measure five different data points.

For the particular matter, it uses a Grandway laser particle sensor that measures PM2.5 particles. It measures particles in a range of 0–500 µg/m³ with an accuracy of ±10 µg/m³ or ±10%.

The problem with the Qingping Lite’s particulate matter sensor is that it detects only PM2.5 particulate matter. This means that PM10 values are typically estimated through an algorithm based on PM2.5 data, making them less precise.

Metric / Sensor	Measuring Range	Accuracy
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide): Uses SenseAir S8 NDIR sensor.	400 – 9.999 ppm	±15 %
PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter): GrandWay Sensor.	0 – 500 µg/m³	±10 µg/m³ (<100) / ±10 % (>100)
PM10: Algorithmically calculated.	0 – 500 µg/m³	~±20 % (estimated)
Temperature: Sensirion sensor.	0 – 40 °C (32 – 104 °F)	±0.8 °C
Humidity: Sensirion sensor.	0 – 95 % RH	±8 % RH

It also uses a SenseAir S8 sensor that measures CO2. What’s important is that this is an NDIR sensor, meaning high accuracy and reliability. It measures CO2 in a range of 400-9.999 ppm with an accuracy ±15%.

And, for temperature and relative humidity, it uses a Sensirion sensor. It measures temperature in a 0°C to 50°C range and humidity in a 0–99% RH range.

Overall, the Qingping Lite uses precise sensors with a pretty good accuracy, but you should keep in mind that the PM10 values might not be as accurate.

Measured Data Reporting

The Qingping Lite shows the data it gets from the sensors through the display, a small LED, and via the smart app.

It depends on what you prefer, but I like looking at the display from time to time, and it’s very practical for me, especially when using it at my office desk.

However, I think some things here could be better implemented, especially when speaking of the display.

One more thing, the Qingping Lite doesn’t measure VOCs, for that purpose you could maybe look at the Qingping Gen 2, which is its bigger brother, but with more advanced features, more reliable sensors, and definitely better data reporting.

Display

The Qingping Lite (QP Lite) uses a non-touch display that’s used only for showing the data.

What’s the most annoying thing for me is that you can’t read all the data at the same time, so you must swipe the screen by using the track button on the top, or activate auto screen switching.

Auto screen switching isn’t the best solution, although it’s better than showing just one value. However, there is a feature called a screensaver, which allows you to pick values you want to be shown when the screensaver is activated, and those will change every few seconds.

This way of showing the data reminded me of the Temtop M10i, which uses some identical principles.

Another thing to note is that the QP Lite uses USB-C for a power source, but is also battery-powered. However, when attached to the USB-C, it will always show the data, but when on battery, it will go black and will show the data only on request.

In any case, displaying any air quality data on a screen is a good thing, and much better than displaying no data at all, as is the case with devices like the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor and the IKEA VINDRIKTNING, which only have an LED light that indicates the current air quality status.

Still, when you see a number on the display, it provides more trust and gives you the feeling that the data is more accurate and reliable than showing just the status on the LED light. Still, the Qingping Lite also has an LED light, located at the top of the display, which lights up in a different color depending on the air quality level.

Qingping+ App

The most advanced and detailed overview of the current air quality, along with many other features, is available exclusively through the Qingping+ smart app.

I have already written about this app in the Qingping Gen 2 review, and there is nothing more to add except that the app is excellent. The device connects without any issues, and the data presentation is simple, clear, and precise.

Among the more advanced features, I especially liked the notification rules, which allow automatic alerts if any parameter goes above or below a set threshold.

In addition, a detailed air quality history, the ability to export all air quality readings, as well as advanced options for the screen saver, battery optimization, and more, are just some of the extra features worth mentioning.

On top of that, the Qingping Lite can be connected to the Apple HomeKit, which opens up possibilities for advanced automation, integration with some air purifiers, and synchronization with broader smart home systems.

All in all, the Qingping Lite is a small but smart air quality monitor, and I must admit that everything is very well designed and easy to use.

Cleaning & Calibrating

In general, the Qingping Lite doesn’t require manual calibration. All sensors are pre-calibrated, and there is no need for calibration under normal use.

However, the option to calibrate the CO2 sensor is available, as this is the sensor that can get dirty most easily and most often. Although this process is handled automatically, from time to time you can also perform a manual calibration through the Qingping+ app, and it only takes a few clicks.

All you need to do is follow the on screen instructions, and that is it. The process usually takes around 20 minutes.

As for the temperature and humidity sensor, it also doesn’t require calibration. However, the issue is that the Qingping Lite generates some heat because it uses a fan that runs continuously. For this reason, the sensor is configured with an internal offset, so that despite the motor heating up, it still displays the most accurate possible readings.

When it comes to the PM2.5 sensor, it also doesn’t require calibration. It is pre calibrated, and no additional calibration is possible. However, there is a chance that you may occasionally notice slightly less accurate readings, which can easily be caused by a clogged fan or blocked air inlets. This is why I recommend cleaning the back of the device from time to time.

All in all, you can use the Qingping Lite without ever having to worry about calibration.

Design & Build Quality

The Qingping Lite is a small, adorable, and very charming device that fits easily into almost any environment, whether you plan to keep it on an office desk, a nightstand, next to a TV, or anywhere else.

The build quality is excellent. The plastic feels premium, and the OLED display is easy to read, even comparable to the screen quality found on some high-end smartphones.

On the bottom, there is a rubber anti slip base that helps the device stay firmly in place on most surfaces.

However, in my opinion, a downside is that this monitor can’t be mounted on a wall, which means it is designed to be used only on flat surfaces.

All in all, this is a small but high-quality air quality monitor.

Airflow

The Qingping Lite has vents on the back that are used for air intake and air exhaust.

What is perhaps most important for reliable, real-time air quality data is the fact that it has a built-in fan.

I would strongly recommend not blocking these openings, which means the device should not be placed in a tight space. Doing so could potentially damage the motor, but more importantly, it would make it difficult to get accurate air quality readings.

What comes with the device?

When you buy the Qingping Lite, you will get the device, USB-C cable, and user manula.

Please keep in mind that it doesn’t come with the power adapter, but you can easyly use the one of your smartphone.

FAQ on Qingping Lite