Best Air Quality Monitors Consumer Reports 2022 (Indoor, Outdoor, Professional)

This article is a review of the best air quality monitors consumer reports on the market. I’ve done my research and found these three models which I think would be perfect for you, to measure indoor, outdoor, home and office air quality.

Have you ever had the feeling that your indoor, outdoor, home or office was not as clean and fresh-smelling? If so, this article will be of great help to those who are looking for a way on how they can find out if there’s pollution in their area. With all these new air quality monitors available nowadays it has become easier than ever before knowing what kind Smell good enough without having any worries about getting sick because someone around them might have an infection too! In order get started with finding out where exactly things stand regarding safety when breathing indoors then check below:

What’s the Best Way to Keep Your Air Quality in Check?

Maintaining good indoor air quality is one of those things that many people take for granted until they start experiencing symptoms like headaches or chronic nosebleeds. The truth about our environment can be difficult to swallow- we’re surrounded by toxins 24/7, sometimes without even being aware! That’s why we created this list; so you have an easier time figuring out what kind (or amount) will work best according your situation at home…

To know if the air we breathe is good, an air quality sensor is essential. I therefore offer you a comparison of the best devices, to make sure that you and your loved ones breathe clean air every day! Thereafter, you can choose to order an air purifier , in order to find healthy air in your home or at your workplace.

These are the Best Air Quality Monitor Consumer Reports

1. Netatmo Smart Indoor Air Quality Sensor: Cheap and effective
2. Eve Room – Apple HomeKit Smart Home Indoor Air Quality Monito
3. Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor
4. Flow Plume Labs: The nomadic air quality sensor
5. IGERESS Air Quality Monitor: The Most Accurate
6. Coway Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier with Air Quality Monitoring

1. Netatmo Smart Indoor Air Quality Sensor: Cheap and effective

My opinion on the Netatmo is quite good, even if in my opinion it lacks some fairly important information to ensure the quality of the air. The sensor will only give us the level of CO2 in a room. This is important, and it allows us to know when it becomes necessary to ventilate, but it still lacks the level of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) as well as the level of fine particles.

On the other hand, we will know the humidity and the temperature of the room, which are also interesting data for our health. There is also a sound sensor, to check that our environment is not subject to harmful noise pollution.

The Netatmo sensor is rather elegant, it integrates seamlessly into our interior. It works in Bluetooth, and sends all the information it collects to our smartphone, thanks to a very complete application. We will have many tips for maintaining a healthy interior, and alerts when the CO2 level, humidity or temperature are not good. It is a good accessory, which does not cost too much.

I’ve been using the Netatmo Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitor for about a week now, and I’m really impressed with it. The device is easy to set up and use, and the app is very user-friendly. The real-time updates are helpful, and the tips provided by the app have already helped me to improve the air quality in my home.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the Netatmo Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitor and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a way to improve the air quality in their home.

2. Eve Room – Apple HomeKit Smart Home Indoor Air Quality Monitor

This small device gives you several information, to ensure the quality of the air you breathe. It is an air quality sensor capable of detecting VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and which delivers a rating between 0 and 5 stars. This is surely one of the most important pieces of information to keep the air as healthy as possible, as VOCs are responsible for many cancers.

There is also information on the humidity level in the rooms, as well as on the temperature. All the information is available on the sensor’s small screen, and you can also consult the data directly on your smartphone using the Eve application.

It works very well, the data is reliable, but we still regret not having more precise information on the real levels of pollution. There are no data on fine particles for example. Anyway, at less than $100, it’s a useful tool, with a battery life of 6 weeks, which is rather interesting. It is an ally of choice in the fight against VOCs.

The Eve Room is a great device for monitoring the air quality in your home. The app is easy to use, and the monitor is small and discreet. It’s a great addition to any smart home.

Overall, we were impressed with the Eve Room. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quality air monitor for home and office as well.

3. Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor

Temtop M10 is the newest addition to our air quality monitor line. It’s designed for use in larger homes and offers features that are perfect if you want more information about what type of environment your family spends their time living within!

If you are looking for reliability and accurate data, then this Temptop M10 air quality sensor is a great accessory. First of all, it is guaranteed for 3 years, which necessarily reassures on the quality of the equipment. He will then give us information on VOCs, on HCHO (formaldehyde) which is a VOC often present in homes, the AQI which is the air quality index and the rate of PM2 particles, 5.

With that, we really have everything we need to check that we breathe as healthy an air as possible. This device works without a fan, thanks to a very precise electrochemical sensor and an equally reliable laser particle sensor. So it makes no noise.

The Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor is easy to use. Simply plug it into an outlet and turn it on. The unit will start measuring the air quality levels and displaying them on the built-in display.

All information is available directly on the screen, and the device connects to your smartphone via its application. You can program alerts and react quickly, by opening the windows or activating an air purifier. The price is really canon for such a complete and precise sensor, it should be mandatory in all homes. I definitely recommend it!

4. Flow Plume Labs: The nomadic air quality sensor

The Flow 2 from Plume Labs is a great way to monitor air quality in your home. It tracks the levels of pollution in your environment and sends you updates on your phone or computer. This is a great product for people who are concerned about the air quality in their homes, or who have asthma or allergies. The Flow 2 is also a great tool for monitoring your environment for pollutants that could be harmful to your health. It’s easy to use and easy to set up, and it’s a great way to stay informed about the air quality in your home.

This small connected air quality sensor can follow you absolutely everywhere, allowing you to develop the right reflexes to minimize your exposure to pollution. Her look is quite amazing. It is a beautiful object, in metal, with a leather strap, which can be placed on a piece of furniture in the house, or attached to your backpack. It measures air quality continuously, thanks to its 24-hour battery life.

Additionally, it gives you the levels of PM10 fine particles, PM2.5 fine particles, VOCs and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide). All the data is sent to the Flow app, directly to our smartphone, so we know exactly what the air quality is. There are indications, with color codes, to quickly see the state of the air you breathe.

Attached to our backpack and connected to the GPS of our phone, the Flow Plume Labs sensor reveals the quality of the air in all the streets we take. Those who travel on two wheels or on foot regularly will be surprised to see the big differences from one street to another. It’s a great device, precise and practical, which allows us to avoid polluted areas at all times.

5. IGERESS Air Quality Monitor: The Most Accurate

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then you know the importance of having good air quality. You need to be able to breathe in order to enjoy your hike or bike ride. That’s why IGERESS has created the 7 Air Quality Sensor. This sensor is perfect for keeping track of the air quality around you while you’re outdoors.

The sensor is small and lightweight, so it’s easy to carry with you. It attaches to your phone or other mobile device, so you can keep track of the air quality readings wherever you go. The sensor also has a built-in battery, so you don’t have to worry about it running out of power.

Here, no frills, we pass on a device that looks like those that can be used by environmental and pollution professionals. It’s a remote control, equipped with a screen and a processor that does all the calculations on its own. There is no connected application, but many menus directly on the sensor screen. The build quality is very good, and there’s a pouch to take it everywhere.

Getting started is relatively simple, even if it has to be calibrated on first use. We then obtain very taken data, with the rate of formaldehydes, VOCs, fine particles PM10, fine particles PM2.5 and even ultra-fine particles PM1.0. There is a color code for easy reading of the data collected and it is quickly understood whether the air in the room is healthy or not.

It’s very good equipment, very reliable, which really allows you to check the quality of the air, both indoors and outdoors. The price is obviously a little high, and we regret not having a connected system to receive alerts, but it is still a very practical tool to use.

6. Coway Airmega AP-1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier with Air Quality Monitoring

This charcoal gray AP1512HH True HEPA Air Purifier from Coway is one of the most affordable and efficient ways to keep your home clean. With its 15000m3/ hour filtration capacity it can purify up 1000sq ft or more! Plus with easy operation features like auto restart after power failure this thing will be running round the clock cleaning you’re place right when ya need em’ too without breaking any bank account in parts costs either – though there are some subscriptions available if desired (not sure what they entail).

The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH also has a built-in carbon filter, which helps to remove harmful gases and odors from the air. It is quiet and energy-efficient, and it comes with a five-year warranty. Overall, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH is a high-quality air purifier that can provide relief from allergies and asthma symptoms.

t features three preprogrammed settings that adjust based on the size of room it’s in, as well two speed fan options for particular needs like small spaces or big rooms! The high capacity bagless air filtration system reduces particles down below 0illion/ml so even those pesky PETs don’t stand any chance against this bad boy–and best yet? This unit comes with 5 year warranty too.

Why monitor air quality?

Every day, we breathe 12,000 liters of air, or about 4 million liters per year… It is the most important element in our life, even more than the water we drink. When we breathe unhealthy air, we poison ourselves little by little, and this is how each year more than 2,000,000 people die as a result of a health problem linked to air pollution. air, whether from fine particles or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

You may be thinking that you can’t do much about pollution, and that measuring air quality won’t help you achieve healthier air. You are right about the exterior of your home, but you should know that it is often in our interiors that the air quality is the worst.

We use cleaning products, we let CO2 accumulate, we smoke, we burn incense or light a fire, we use deodorants, perfumes, essential oil diffusers, in short, we create pollution, and a very large number of fine particles and VOCs. That is why it is advisable to ventilate our homes, workshops or offices as often as possible.

In winter, when it is more complicated to ventilate, air purifiers come to your rescue. It is an excellent accessory, which notably allows you to purify a room before sleeping, and which above all helps you to remove the vast majority of fine particles which float in the air.

The air quality sensor therefore tells you if a room is polluted, and you can react quickly by ventilating or turning on your air purifier. When we are aware of the risks, and we see on a screen that we breathe polluted air, we can change our lifestyle to protect ourselves effectively. The air quality sensor therefore allows us to see the invisible, to better protect our home or workplace.

What are hazardous pollutants?

There are a whole bunch of pollutants in the air, here they are:

• Fine particles
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
• Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

Fine particles

It is fine particles that affect health the most, more than other pollutants. They may consist of nitrates, sulfates, sodium chloride, ammonia, carbon, water or other mineral matter. It is a relatively complex mixture, made up of solid and liquid particles, which remain suspended in the air.

PM10 particles smaller than 10 μ (μ = micron), easily enter your lungs and lodge inside. They can already bring their share of bacteria or carcinogenic substances. PM2.5 fine particles, less than 2.5 μ are even more dangerous, since they are small enough to cross the pulmonary barrier and contaminate your blood. We know that regular exposure to these fine particles considerably increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and respiratory disease.

Recommended values

The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends certain levels not to be exceeded. The rate is calculated in microgram per m³, or μg/m³.

• PM10: 20 μg/m³ annual average or 50 μg/m3 24-hour average
• PM2.5: 10 μg/m³ annual average or 25 μg/m³ 24-hour average

Thanks to an air quality sensor and an air purifier, you can easily stay below these recommended values, and then increase your life expectancy.

Volatile organic compounds

It is a mixture of odors and gases produced by many chemicals that we use every day. They can have a very serious effect on your health, whether long or short term. In the least serious cases, it will be simple irritation of the eyes, throat or nose, but it can go as far as lung, kidney or liver damage, and even cause cancer.

VOCs are found in paints, waxes, varnishes, cosmetics, cleaning solvents, deodorants, scented candles and kitchen products. In a closed space, they accumulate little by little, and gain in dangerousness. This is why it is important to check the rates regularly.

Recommended values

VOC levels are calculated in ppb, an acronym meaning “part per billion”, or “part per billion” in French. Here are the recommendations to follow as much as possible:

• Less than 250 ppb: Clean air, low VOC content.
• Between 250 ppb and 2000 ppb, it is necessary to ventilate and look for the causes of the spread.
• Above 2000 ppb: The levels are too high and potentially dangerous, it is urgent to take appropriate measures to avoid this type of situation.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

It is a VOC, but since it is the one most often found in the air, there are sensors capable of detecting it. It is all the more important as it causes the formation of fine PM2.5 particles, in addition to being relatively toxic from a certain quantity.

NO2 is created mainly by our heaters, vehicle engines or even electrical appliances which are increasingly common in our homes.

Recommended values

• 40 μg/m3 annual average
• 200 μg/m3 average per hour

The air quality sensor is essential!

To verify some or most of these rates, there are not 50 solutions. An air quality sensor is essential to ensure that our environment is healthy. It allows us to become aware of the state of the air we breathe every day, and thus to change our habits to better protect ourselves against this scourge of pollutants.

How to choose an air quality sensor?

Choosing an air quality sensor is not done at random. There are several criteria to analyze before placing an order and some will need options that will not be useful for others. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice.

The type of control

This is obviously the first selection criterion. We will choose a device capable of analyzing the quality of the air, but depending on where we live, we can opt for different models.

If you live in the countryside, use few solvents and chemicals, then a simple CO2 detector may be sufficient. It is often coupled with a thermometer and a humidity sensor, to adapt the environment to our needs. The humidity and heat of a room can affect health, but also the quality of sleep, so these are data that can be important.

However, I recommend using a sensor capable of detecting VOCs or fine particles. It is this kind of material that really gives us an indication of ambient air pollution. Some only manage VOCs, others are more complete and detect fine particles PM10, PM2.5 and even PM1.0 for the most precise sensors.

Use

Some air quality sensors are easier to use than others. There are devices which work alone, and which give their information directly on a small screen. Others are only connected and transfer the captured data to a smartphone application. Finally, the most complete combine the two possibilities, namely a small screen to read the information directly, and an application which compiles and refines the recovered data.

Personally, I find connected air sensors much more practical and fun. They can alert us if the pollution in the room is too high, allowing us to react immediately. Whether it’s for the living room where the family spends their time, a child’s bedroom, or the office of our employees, it’s good to be able to react quickly.

Overall, all air quality sensors are easy to learn. Depending on the technology used to detect the pollution, a calibration of the device is sometimes necessary, but it is never complicated.

Data Accuracy

Many users complain about the unreliability of air quality sensors. Indeed, some devices work very poorly and never give relevant information. In my comparison, I only selected air quality monitors whose accuracy and efficiency I know. These are proven sensors.

However, it is actually possible, even in a closed room, to have different results from one detection to another. It’s completely normal. Your movements move the air in a room, and even in a completely empty room, the air continues to circulate even if you don’t feel it.

We can therefore have quite different data by taking 3 measurements in less than a minute . It’s up to you to average. If there is a significant pollution peak, and the values ​​fall back more or less to normal the next second, it is still worrying.

Keep in mind that pollutants are not homogeneous in the air . In a room of 50 m², you can have excellent air quality on one side, and dangerous pollution on the other end. It’s exactly like outside, two parallel streets separated by a few tens of meters, can look very different.

Design and build quality

Design can matter. If you have a beautiful living room, you don’t necessarily want to add a coarse monitor, which sometimes makes you think of an industrial or medical device. Some manufacturers have understood this well, and offer sensors that fit perfectly into a modern interior. These are often connected accessories, without a screen, which are very discreet and send their information to your smartphone.

The quality of manufacture is especially important for the most nomadic devices. There are manual sensors, which you can take anywhere, they must be strong enough. For the monitor that is left on a corner of furniture, the robustness of the object is necessarily a little less important.

How much does an air quality sensor cost?

The prices are quite similar from one device to another. It all depends on the technology used and the functionality of the sensor. A detector that only gives us a color or a number of stars to “rate” the quality of the air, generally costs less than a model capable of giving a figure of the rate of fine particles or volatile organic compounds.

The more accurate the sensor is able to be, the more expensive it is, it’s as simple as that. On average, it takes between $85 and $150. There are very good air quality detectors at this price, it is also in this range that all the models in my comparison are found.

Simple steps to keep the air healthy at home!

With a little goodwill and changing a few habits, you can keep the air clean and healthy at home. This is all the more important for people who are sensitive to pollutants, such as young children, pregnant women and anyone who is vulnerable to allergies. Even healthy, middle-aged people will stay healthy more easily with good air quality.

Ventilate your home for at least 10 minutes every day

Even if you live in town, the streets seem polluted, it is crucial to properly ventilate your place of life or your place of work , a good ten minutes each day. In an urban environment, it is preferable to perform this gesture in the morning, when pollution levels are at their lowest. If this is not possible, then wait until the evening, between 10 p.m. and midnight. In the countryside, you can ventilate at any time of the day.

Select your cleaning products and store them correctly

For all your cleaning products, whether for washing dishes or laundry, and even for washing your hands, I can only recommend “ EcoLabel ” certified products. They are sometimes odorless, which may seem strange to some, but be aware that cleanliness does not have an odor. If there is a scent, there are molecules floating in the air.

Bleach should be used when there is a bacteriological or viral risk, in order to disinfect when necessary. However, it should not be abused, since it is harmful to air quality.

Products for cleaning the bathroom or toilet often contain acids (sulphuric, phosphoric or hydrochloric), as well as powerful active agents, which are particularly volatile. It is therefore necessary to ventilate the room well during use and several tens of minutes afterwards.

Finally, as much as possible, avoid storing chemicals and potentially toxic products at home . We often tend to store strong detergents, turpentine, paints, or even pesticides, under the kitchen sink. We have to stop doing it. If you have a garage or better a garden shed, that’s where they belong. For those who have little space, then storage on a balcony is a good solution. For others, you will have to select the products you use even more carefully.

We avoid “smells good” of all kinds

Candles, incense, essential oils, can be very pleasant, allow relaxation and bring an olfactory atmosphere to our interiors. They are generally not toxic products, but they release fine particles which can, in high doses or during almost daily use, irritate the nose, throat and lungs.

Even if the smell is very pleasant, it is necessary to use this kind of product in a suitable environment. Candles are therefore avoided in a small room, unless the windows are open. For romantic evenings, we favor a few flowers on the table, and a subdued electric light.

We team up properly!

To know where we are in terms of air quality, there is no other possibility than using an air quality sensor. It’s the only way to ensure that we and our loved ones breathe air that doesn’t poison us over the months and years.

We will then be able to opt for an air purifier. These filtering devices are more and more efficient, and I really see no reason to do without them. Even in the mountains, where we think we are protected, our fireplaces, our raclette machines, our cleaning products give off fine particles, which it is always worth fighting, especially in winter, when we cannot always ventilate the rooms.

Note that some air purifiers, such as the Philips AC2887/10 , have an air quality sensor directly, which gives you information on fine particles. You therefore “kill two birds with one stone” with this type of material.