Airthings Wave Plus Review: Is a $200 Radon + Air Quality Monitor Worth It?

Airthings Wave Plus Review: Is a $200 Radon + Air Quality Monitor Worth It?

Are you looking for a reliable radon and air quality monitor that offers both accuracy and ease of use? The Airthings Wave Plus is a premium choice, boasting a combination of advanced features and user-friendly design. In this review, readers will delve into the setup experience, daily use scenarios, competitors, pros, cons, and ultimately determine if this $200 device delivers on its promise.

Product Overview

The Airthings Wave Plus is a comprehensive air quality monitor that comes with a wide range of features to ensure your indoor environment remains healthy. Here are the key specs:

• Display: 1.37-inch color display
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (5.0)
• Price: ~$200
• Key Features:
• Real-time radon measurement
• VOCs and CO2 monitoring
• Humidity and temperature sensors
• Long-lasting battery life (up to one year)

Setup Experience

Setting up the Airthings Wave Plus is straightforward but does require a bit of effort. Here’s what you need:

1. Unboxing: The device comes with the monitor, charging cable, user manual, and QR code for downloading the app.
2. Connecting to Wi-Fi: Download the Airthings Connect app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, follow the on-screen instructions to connect the device to your homes Wi-Fi network.
3. Calibration: The first use of the monitor requires a calibration process through the app, which may take a few minutes.

Overall, the setup took approximately 15 minutes and required downloading the Airthings Connect app. This step ensures that the device is properly calibrated for accurate readings.

Daily Use Experience

How the Airthings Wave Plus performs in two different scenarios:

1. In the Living Room: Imagine you wake up one morning to check the air quality in your living room, where family members gather frequently. The monitor displays a real-time reading of radon levels and suggests safe thresholds. If the radon level is high, it triggers an alert that prompts you to open windows or use an air purifier.

2. In the Bedroom: Later, while settling down for bed in your bedroom, you notice the device indicating low humidity. You decide to run a humidifier to ensure comfortable sleep conditions. The Airthings Wave Plus works well with other smart home devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, making it easy to control from your smartphone.

Competitors

While the Airthings Wave Plus offers robust features, there are other monitors that excel in specific areas:

• Indoor Lab: This monitor focuses on VOCs detection but lacks radon measurement. The Indoor Labs sensors can detect various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a great choice if you’re concerned about chemical exposure.

Key Feature: VOCs monitoring with high sensitivity.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Accurate Radon Measurement: The Airthings Wave Plus provides reliable radon readings, crucial for long-term health.
2. Versatile Sensing: Besides radon, it measures CO2, humidity, and temperature, offering a holistic view of air quality.
3. Eco-Friendly Battery: Long-lasting battery (up to one year) reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Cons

1. Higher Price Point: At ~$200, it’s more expensive than some competitors like the Indoor Lab.
2. App Dependency: Requires a smartphone app for full functionality and alerts.
3. Limited Display Size: The 1.37-inch color display is smaller compared to larger monitors.

The Verdict

Which One to Buy

When considering the Airthings Wave Plus, here are some key points to ponder:

• If you prioritize accuracy in radon detection and require a device that can monitor multiple air quality parameters, the Airthings Wave Plus is a strong pick.
• For those on a tighter budget, consider the Indoor Lab, which provides strong VOCs monitoring capabilities but lacks radon measurement.

In summary, the Airthings Wave Plus offers comprehensive indoor air quality monitoring with real-time radon detection. While it comes at a higher price point, its accuracy and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking robust air quality solutions. The Indoor Lab, on the other hand, is a great alternative if VOCs are your primary concern.

FAQ

1. Can you use the Airthings Wave Plus without an internet connection?

• A: While the device can store data locally, it requires Wi-Fi for real-time monitoring and alerts.

2. How often does the battery need to be replaced?

• A: The monitors long-lasting battery (up to one year) reduces the need for frequent replacements.

3. Can you control other smart home devices from this app?

• A: Yes, the Airthings Connect app allows integration with various smart home devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Also on Cydon Says

• Understanding Radon Levels: Tips for a Safe Home
• The top Guide to Smart Air Purifiers
• How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality in 2026