Head-to-head · Best Air Quality Monitors

Atmotube PRO 2 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

Atmotube PRO 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.9). The gap is mostly about field researchers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Air Quality Monitors

Atmotube PRO 2

4.3

The Atmotube Pro 2 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, adding a carbon dioxide sensor and improving sensor accuracy. Reviewers noted the device's ability to measure PM2.5, NOx, and TVOC with high correlation to reference standards, though some users reported issues with CO2 calibration. The inclusion of GPS and USB-C data access enhances its utility for field research and personal monitoring. While the device excels in outdoor exposure tracking and data collection, the carbon dioxide sensor's reliability remains a concern for some users. This monitor is ideal for researchers and health-conscious individuals seeking comprehensive air quality data but may not be suitable for those requiring highly accurate CO2 measurements.

Strengths

— Includes carbon dioxide sensor (Sensirion STCC4) for indoor air quality monitoring
— Upgraded PM sensor (Sensirion SPS30) provides accurate particle concentration measurements
— Built-in GPS and accelerometer enable location-aware data collection without excessive battery drain

Watch-outs

— Carbon dioxide measurements have reported systematic calibration issues
— Initial CO2 readings required manual adjustment to align with reference standards
— Some users experienced inconsistent performance with CO2 sensor accuracy

Buy at store.atmotube.com Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Air Quality Monitors

Awair Element

3.9

$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 Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Atmotube PRO 2

The Atmotube PRO 2 provides improved PM sensor accuracy and GPS tracking, but its CO2 sensor has reported calibration issues that make it less reliable than the Qingping Gen 2, which offers consistent Sensirion sensor performance. While it's better suited for field research than the Awair Element, which lacks GPS capabilities, the Atmotube PRO 2's CO2 accuracy problems make it less ideal for users requiring precise carbon dioxide monitoring.

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

Spec	Atmotube PRO 2	Awair Element
Sensors	Sensirion SPS30	Temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, PM2.5
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
Power Source	2300 mAh	AC 100/240V, 50/60Hz, 5V/2.0A external power adapter
Display	None	7-segment LED grid
Dimensions	86 x 50 x 22 mm	6.1 x 3.3 x 1.8 inches
Weight	106 g	1.15 lb
App	Atmotube App	Awair Home App
Measurements	PM1, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, NOx, CO2, Temp, Humidity, Pressure	Temperature, humidity, CO2, TVOCs, and PM2.5

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