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The best air quality monitors will have multiple sensors so they can detectbothparticulate matter and gases.
The Spruce
We also prioritized models with a compact design, battery power, and a helpful display.
Our favorites include the most accurate air quality monitors, with helpful, detailed instructions.
They also track TVOCs, like those found in your cooking fumes or gasoline vapors.
We tested nine air quality monitors, including portable picks and larger tabletop models.The Spruce
The higher the AQI, the greater the health concern.
We like the inclusion of a face icon and color bar, which communicate the air quality effectively.
We also would have liked an option to view historical data or export data.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock
If youd like those capabilities in your air quality monitor, consider ourbest portable pick.
We tested this monitor without any smart speakers and found the app very intuitive and easy to use.
When we exposed it to various contaminants, we could see the readings change quickly in real time.
We burned incense near the Airknight 9-In-1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor to test its effectiveness.PHOTO: The Spruce
We also would have liked it if there was at least some kind of built-in display.
), with controls that are intuitive and easy to learn.
The only problem with the display is that it only shows one reading at a time.
Toggling through the different options feels a little cumbersome, too.
We also like that this monitor includes a small display of important info.
(you’re able to use your phone charger or any other USB power supply.
)This is also one of the lower-cost options we tested.
We also looked for options with key features like well-organized displays, compact designs, and continuous monitoring abilities.
Each pop in of sensor has its own sensitivity requirements.
High and low temperatures and humidity may impact accuracy, says Dr. McCann.
Accuracy will also decrease over the lifespan of a monitor, which is typically one to two years.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Our Experts:
Picked for You
Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics.AirNow.
Inhalable Particulate Matter and Health (PM2.5 and PM10).California Air Resources Board.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2).MN Department of Health.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.How can I know if my home has unhealthy formaldehyde levels?
Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.United States Environmental Protection Agency.
PHOTO: The Spruce / Mike Navarro
While the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor doesn’t have a display, it connects to your Alexa.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock
Thanks to the small size, the Temtop LKC-1000S+ Air Quality Monitor is comfortable to use and hold.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Temtop M10 Real-Time Air Quality Monitor has a clear display with large, easy-to-read letters.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dena Ogden
The Airthings 2960 Air Quality Monitor doesn’t take up much space and is rather stylish.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce / Henry Wortock
We appreciate the compact design and display on the Inkbirdplus 6-in-1 Indoor Air Quality Monitor.PHOTO: The Spruce
We dispersed a room spray around the air quality monitors to see if they picked up on it.The Spruce
We read the instructions for each air quality monitor we tested, including this Temtop one.The Spruce
We lit incense in our testing lab to see how the air quality monitors responded to the changes.The Spruce
Look for options that have power outlets and batteries, so your monitor never runs out of juice.The Spruce
Smart options like the Airthings 2960 Air Quality Monitor thoroughly show the reports on an app.The Spruce
Some options we tested, like the Temtop Air Quality Monitor, were really lightweight and portable.The Spruce
