The air quality within our homes can be up to eight times worse than outdoors. Our need for a more secure and confined environment has somehow contributed to this disparity in air quality indoors and outdoors.

Here are some of the best smart indoor air quality monitors and sensors to consider. Each air monitoring device may track some of the most critical air pollutants while also coming equipped with extra-added features.

Premium pick

1. Airthings 4200

8.60 / 10
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Anyone serious about air quality at home should definitely put the Airthings 4200 at the top of their list. The system offers three different components that can detect pollutants in multiple rooms in your home.

The Airthings Wave is a battery-powered smart Radon detector. A smaller Wave Mini tracks air quality factors like VOCs and the risk of mold growing in your home. The Airthings Hub allows you to monitor all of the different sensors at all times, even when you’re away from home online or using the smartphone app.

Integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT helps integrate the sensors into your smart home. For example, if the system senses too much humidity at home, you can automatically set a smart dehumidifier to turn on.

Key Features
  • Continuously monitors radon, something usually not found in air quality monitors
  • Sensors will let you know if conditions are ripe for mold growing
  • Contains Airthings Wave, Wave Mini, and Hub
Specifications
  • Brand: Airthings
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • Integrations: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
  • Alerts: Yes
  • Sensors: VOC, Radon, Mold, Humidity, Temperature
Pros
  • Monitor the air quality in multiple rooms
  • Can access the air quality information even away from home
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other models
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Airthings 4200
Editors choice

2. Awair Element

8.80 / 10
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The Awair Element tracks five different air quality parts—carbon dioxide, VOCs, particulate matter, temperature, and humidity. One of the monitor's best features is the Awair Score on the screen, from 0 to 100, that quickly helps you understand the quality of the indoor air without having to check the companion smartphone app.But you'll definitely want to make use of the smartphone app. You can view air quality patterns over the days and weeks so you can better understand your home. It even provides personalized tips for cleaner air. You can also use the Element as part of a more extensive smart home setup thanks to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support.

Key Features
  • On-screen Awair Score offers glanceable information
  • Can use multiple units to better understand air quality in your home
  • App offers tips to improve your air quality
Specifications
  • Brand: Awair
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • Integrations: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
  • Alerts: Yes
  • Sensors: VOC, CO2, Particulate Matter, Humidity, Temperature
Pros
  • Integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Can receive customized feedback from the app
Cons
  • You’ll need to place the monitor near an AC outlet
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Awair Element
Best value

3. Atmotube PLUS

7.60 / 10
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You'll always know the air quality no matter where you are when using the Atmotube PLUS. The portable device sports a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to seven days on a single charge. You can securely attach the device to a bag or belt with an included carabiner when outside the home.The device can monitor a wide variety of VOCs, including acetone, methanol, and formaldehyde. As a nice bonus, it also tracks temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure inside or out. You can customize the smartphone app to inform you when air quality moves below a certain point. If you opt-in, captured data can also be used as part of a global air quality map.

Key Features
  • Real-time tracking of air quality indoors or outside
  • Rechargeable battery lasts for up to seven days
  • You'll receive a smartphone alert if air quality gets below a set point
Specifications
  • Brand: Atmotube
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Alerts: Yes
  • Sensors: VOC, Temperature, Humidity, Atmospheric Pressure
Pros
  • Small enough to be securely attached to a backpack or purse
  • Tracks weather conditions along with harmful particles
Cons
  • Can't interact with smart home systems
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Atmotube PLUS

The Plume Labs Flow 2 is a great air monitoring device no matter where you are, including the home. The portable device measures three categories of pollutants: nitrogen dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. When away from home, the built-in battery will provide up to 24 hours of use. And when at home, you can monitor the air while charging on the power dock.When you want a quick look at what the current air quality is like, press a button on the device to see animated LEDs that provide feedback. The smartphone app offers a minute-by-minute look at the different pollutants during the day. It also creates an air quality map to see an overall look at where you have been.

Key Features
  • Portable battery can provide up to 24 hours of monitoring away from the home
  • Smartphone app provides minute-by-minute breakdown of pollutants
  • Warns anyone with asthma or allergies about pollution peaks to avoid
Specifications
  • Brand: Plume Labs
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Alerts: Yes
  • Sensors: NO2, VOC, Particulate Matter
Pros
  • Included power dock charges the device at home while still allowing monitoring
  • LEDs provide look at air quality without having to open smartphone app
Cons
  • Doesn't tie in with other smart home devices
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Plume Labs Flow 2

For a comprehensive choice, look at the uHoo Indoor Air Quality Sensor. The monitor tracks nine different air quality measurements, everything from VOCs to nitrogen dioxide. The monitor itself is designed to blend in with your home's decor.You'll view the air quality information through the smartphone app. Along with all of the data, you can also view personalized tips on improving home air quality and customizing air quality alarms and threshold alerts. The unique Virus Index will also show how suitable your home is for viruses to survive and what you can do to improve your environment.

Key Features
  • Tracks nine different air quality measurements including VOCs and carbon dioxide
  • Virus Index shows how air quality effects your health and immune system
  • Can view air quality status away from home
Specifications
  • Brand: uHoo
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • Integrations: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
  • Alerts: Yes
  • Sensors: CO2, VOC, Dust, Nitrogen Dioxide, Ozone, Air Pressure, Temperature, Humidity
Pros
  • Integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and IFTT as part of a larger smart home setup
  • Designed to blend in with your home's decor
Cons
  • No screen or other way to check the air quality by just looking at the monitor
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uHoo Indoor Air Quality Sensor

The regular smoke detector you already know is growing up. Many options, including the Nest Protect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm, are bringing smart home technology to an essential life-saving device. The Protect detects both smoke and carbon monoxide in your home. Before the actual alarm sounds, a voice will provide an early warning. And when that happens, the information is also sent to the companion smartphone.There's no more worrying about being woken up in the middle of the night by that annoying low-battery chirp. Whenever you turn off the lights for the night, a quick green glow lets you know that the detector has been testing itself, and the batteries are good. So there won't be any rude wake-up calls. If you have more than one Protect, they can work together through your home's wireless network. So when one alarm sounds, the other will also go off.And instead of worrying about running a monthly test to make sure the speaker and horn are working correctly, the Protect will automatically run its own with no intervention needed. You can select from a battery-powered or hardwired version of the detector. In the event of a power outage, the wired version also contains a battery backup.

Key Features
  • Available in a battery or wired version
  • 10-year carbon monoxide sensor
  • Automatically runs test to check that all parts of the detector are working
Specifications
  • Brand: Google Nest
  • Batteries: Yes
Pros
  • Provides early warning message if smoke or CO is detected
  • Ties in with other Google Nest devices to create a smart home
Cons
  • Doesn’t measure VOCs or other pollutants
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Google Nest Protect

There's no need to worry about tracking air quality in multiple rooms in your home with the iClever Air Quality Monitor. Away from a charger, the built-in battery can provide up to four hours of monitoring.It can track particulate matter along with temperature and humidity in a room. You can see instant feedback on the air quality with color-coded LEDs. Green means good air quality, yellow shows moderate air quality, while red means unhealthy air.The monitor's screen can show more precise readings. With the smartphone app, you can see real-time and historical air quality data. And thanks to built-in Wi-Fi on the monitor, you can also check readings when away from home.

Key Features
  • Built-in battery provides four hours of tracking away from a charger
  • Smartphone app shows real-time and historical air quality data
  • Monitors temperature and humidity
Specifications
  • Brand: iClever
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • Alerts: Yes
  • Sensors: Particulate Matter, Humidity, Tempeature
Pros
  • Color-coded LEDs provide instant feedback on air quality
  • Can monitor air quality even when away from home
Cons
  • Doesn't monitor VOCs
Buy This Product
iClever Air Quality Monitor

FAQ

Q: What Does an Air Quality Monitor Do?

Any indoor air quality sensor will monitor a number of pollution types found in the air inside your home. The monitor will then provide feedback on those current levels.In most instances, the monitor itself has some way to inform you if a particular pollutant is above the normal level, often using a built-in screen or light system. Many offer companion smartphone apps so you can also receive a notification when above-normal levels are detected.

Q: What Will An Air Quality Monitor Typically Measure?

Most air quality monitors will measure volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Other more advanced models can track compounds like radon. Many will also measure the indoor temperature and humidity levels, both important factors to remaining comfortable inside.

Q: What Should I Look for in an Air Quality Monitor?

There are many factors to consider when looking for an air quality monitor. As with most electronic devices, more expensive monitors offer additional features.Most importantly, look for a well-known manufacturer and a device with several online reviews to help you better understand if the device is best for you. Also, make sure that the monitor can detect the pollutants you’re most concerned about.