Awair Vs Airthings Air Quality Monitor
Quick Verdict
The Awair Element gives you the full picture of your indoor air with a polished app and detailed breakdowns—perfect if you’re serious about tracking air quality. The AirThings Wave Plus? That’s your pick if radon is a concern or you hate dealing with power cords, thanks to its 16-month battery life and radon detection.
At a Glance
| Feature | Awair Element | AirThings Wave Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement Parameters | PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, Temperature, Humidity | PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, Radon, Temperature, Humidity |
| Display | Color LED display | Digital LED display |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Bluetooth |
| Mobile App Compatibility | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Battery Life | Plug-in (no battery) | 16 months (2 AA batteries) |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches | 5.6 x 5.6 x 1.2 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs | 0.77 lbs |
| Price | Approx. $199 | Approx. $249 |
Design & Build Quality
The Awair Element looks like it belongs in a modern home—sleek matte finish, clean lines, and that color LED display actually makes checking air quality kind of fun. It feels solid and premium, though you’re stuck finding a spot near an outlet.
The AirThings Wave Plus takes the understated route, looking more like a small speaker than a tech gadget. The digital display gets the job done, but it won’t win any design awards. What it lacks in looks, it makes up for in portability—at 0.77 pounds, you can easily move it around without hunting for power outlets.
Performance
This is where both devices earn their keep. The Awair Element tracks PM2.5, CO2, VOCs, temperature, and humidity with impressive accuracy. The app is genuinely helpful—not just showing numbers but actually explaining what they mean and how to improve things. I’ve seen people make real changes based on its recommendations.
The AirThings Wave Plus covers the same basics but adds radon detection, which is huge if you live in certain areas. Radon is invisible and dangerous, so having that capability justifies the extra cost for many homeowners. The accuracy holds up well over time, though the app isn’t quite as polished as Awair’s.
Noise Levels
Both are dead silent—no fans, no motors, no annoying beeps. You can stick either one in your bedroom without any issues.
Filter/Maintenance Costs
Here’s the good news: no filters to replace on either device. The Awair Element just needs occasional app updates, while the Wave Plus will need fresh AA batteries every 16 months or so. That’s maybe $5 every year and a half—hardly bank-breaking.
Maintenance Costs Comparison
| Feature | Awair Element | AirThings Wave Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Filter Required | No | No |
| Battery Type | Plug-in | 2 AA batteries |
| Battery Life | N/A | 16 months |
| Maintenance | Software updates needed | Battery replacement |
Smart Features
The Awair Element plays nice with everything—HomeKit, Google Assistant, Alexa, you name it. The Wi-Fi connection means you can check your air quality from anywhere, and the app sends useful alerts without being annoying about it.
The Wave Plus sticks to Bluetooth, which limits its smart home integration but keeps setup simple. The app covers the basics well enough, though it feels more utilitarian than the Awair’s polished experience.
Price & Value
At $199, the Awair Element feels fairly priced for what you get. The $249 Wave Plus costs more, but that radon detection is worth the premium if you need it. Otherwise, you’re paying extra for portability.
Price Comparison
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Awair Element | $199 |
| AirThings Wave Plus | $249 |
Who Should Buy Which?
Get the Awair Element if you want detailed air quality insights with smart home integration and don’t mind plugging it in. The app alone makes it worth the price.
Go with the AirThings Wave Plus if radon is a concern in your area or you need something portable. The battery life is genuinely impressive, and not dealing with cords is liberating.
FAQ
1. Can I use these monitors in multiple rooms?
Yes, though the Awair needs power outlets while the Wave Plus can go anywhere.
2. How accurate are these devices?
Both are solid. The Awair excels at detailed analysis, while the Wave Plus nails radon detection—which most competitors don’t even offer.
3. Do I need to connect them to Wi-Fi?
Only the Awair requires Wi-Fi. The Wave Plus uses Bluetooth and works fine without internet.
4. Are there ongoing costs associated with these devices?
Just batteries for the Wave Plus every 16 months. No filters, no subscriptions.
5. Can I integrate these devices with other smart home systems?
The Awair plays with everything. The Wave Plus mostly sticks to its own app.
Both monitors do their job well, but your choice comes down to whether you prioritize comprehensive smart home integration or radon detection with cord-free convenience.