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Head-to-head · Best Air Quality Monitors

Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with Alexa vs Awair Element

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Awair Element comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.6 vs 3.9). The gap is mostly about design-focused buyers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with Alexa
Ranked #6 in Best Air Quality Monitors
Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with Alexa
$69

The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor measures PM2.5, VOCs, CO, humidity, and temperature to provide an indoor air quality score. PCMag called it 'fairly limited in terms of functionality' but noted it 'easily alerts you to pollutants and other gaseous impurities.' The device integrates with Alexa for notifications and voice control, and offers comprehensive air quality graphs. However, it doesn't purify air and lacks measurement of CO2 and radon, which some reviewers noted as significant limitations. This monitor is best for users seeking basic air quality awareness rather than comprehensive air purification solutions.

Strengths
  • — Measures PM2.5, VOCs, CO, humidity, and temperature
  • — Provides hourly, daily, and weekly air quality graphs
  • — Indicator light shows current air quality at a glance
Watch-outs
  • — Does not purify the air
  • — Only measures PM2.5, not PM10 particles
  • — Does not measure CO2 or radon gases
$69 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Awair Element
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Air Quality Monitors
Awair Element
$209

The Awair Element is praised for its elegant design and reliable performance as an air quality monitor. Trusted Review called it 'simple, reliable, and above all, elegant,' while CleanAir Community noted its 'best-looking' appearance and good responsiveness to pollution sources. However, some reviewers questioned the sensor accuracy, particularly the CO2 sensor which has a stated accuracy of ±75ppm or 10%—considered less precise than expected for its price. The device is recommended for those seeking a straightforward, visually appealing air quality monitoring solution, though users looking for maximum accuracy may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Equipped with five built-in sensors measuring temperature, humidity, CO2, TVOCs, and PM2.5
  • — Provides accurate PM2.5 readings with ±13.68% deviation in testing
  • — Intuitive setup process with seamless Wi-Fi connectivity
Watch-outs
  • — CO2 sensor accuracy of ±75ppm or 10% (whichever is greater) considered subpar for its price point
  • — Some sensors have limited lifespan, with one user reporting a short-lived PM sensor
$209 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with Alexa

The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor provides basic air quality awareness with PM2.5, VOCs, CO, humidity, and temperature measurements, but it lacks CO2 and radon detection that other models like the Airthings 2960 View Plus offer. While it integrates well with Alexa, its limited sensor range makes it less comprehensive compared to the Atmotube PRO 2, which provides more detailed particle measurements and GPS tracking.

Awair Element

The Awair Element provides a visually appealing design and good PM2.5 accuracy, but its CO2 sensor accuracy of ±75ppm is significantly worse than the Qingping Gen 2's Sensirion SCD40 sensor, which offers ±(50 ppm + 5% of reading) accuracy. While it's easier to set up than the Atmotube PRO 2, which has calibration issues, the Awair Element's CO2 accuracy makes it less suitable for users needing precise carbon dioxide measurements.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAmazon Smart Air Quality Monitor – Know your air, Works with AlexaAwair Element
SensorsSensirion SEN44, Figaro TGS5141Temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, PM2.5
Connectivity2.4GHz Wi-Fi, BLE 4.2Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
Power SourceMicro-USB (5W)AC 100/240V, 50/60Hz, 5V/2.0A external power adapter
Dimensions1.8 x 2.6 x 2.6 inches6.1 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches
Weight120 grams1.15 lb
AppAmazon Alexa appAwair Home App
MeasurementsPM2.5, VOCs, CO, humidity, temperatureTemperature, humidity, CO2, TVOCs, and PM2.5
Display—7-segment LED grid
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