Best Air Quality Monitors (2025): PM2.5 and Beyond
Air quality monitors measure what you can’t see. Here’s what to buy.
For all environment guides, see: Best Air Purifiers for Home.
What to Measure
| Metric | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 | Fine particles <2.5 microns | Enters lungs, most harmful |
| PM10 | Larger particles | Dust, pollen |
| CO2 | Carbon dioxide | Ventilation indicator |
| VOCs | Volatile organic compounds | Off-gassing chemicals |
| AQI | Air Quality Index | Overall score |
Top Picks
| Product | Measures | Price (~) |
|---|---|---|
| Awair Element | PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, temp, humidity | $150 |
| IQAir AirVisual Pro | PM2.5, CO2, outdoor AQI | $270 |
| Temtop M2000 | PM2.5, CO2, HCHO | $150 |
| Airthings View Plus | PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, radon | $300 |
Awair Element (~$150)
Best all-around home monitor:
Pros
- Comprehensive (PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, temp, humidity)
- Clean display
- Good app
- Smart home integration
Cons
- Not portable
- VOC sensor is general (not specific compounds)
Ideal Levels
| Metric | Good | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 | <12 μg/m³ | >35 μg/m³ |
| CO2 | <800 ppm | >1000 ppm |
| Humidity | 40-60% | <30% or >60% |
When Monitoring Helps
- Verify air purifier is working
- Identify pollution sources (cooking, etc.)
- Monitor during wildfire season
- Check ventilation (CO2)
- Track humidity levels
Radon Testing
If in radon-prone area:
- Airthings View Plus: Continuous monitoring (~$300)
- Radon test kit: One-time test (~$15-30)
EPA recommends testing any home.
Verdict
Best all-around: Awair Element — comprehensive monitoring at good price.
For outdoor AQI + indoor: IQAir AirVisual Pro.
For radon concern: Airthings View Plus.
For all environment guides, see: Best Air Purifiers for Home.