Indoor air quality has become an increasing concern in recent years. With people spending up to 90% of their time indoors, having clean indoor air is crucial for health and wellbeing. Two popular indoor air quality monitors on the market are uHoo and Airthings.
But how do you know which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison of uHoo and Airthings breaks down the key features, pros and cons of each to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | uHoo | Airthings |
| Detection capabilities | PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, CO2, temperature, humidity | Radon, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, CO2, temperature, humidity, air pressure |
| Sensor accuracy | Laser PM sensor, NDIR CO2 sensor | Piezoelectric PM sensor, NDIR CO2 sensor |
| Data connectivity | WiFi, Ethernet, Cellular | WiFi, Ethernet |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Room coverage | Up to 3000 sq ft | Up to 1300 sq ft |
| Display screen | Yes | Yes (some models) |
| Alexa compatibility | Yes | No |
| Subscription fee | No | Yes (for online data storage) |
| Price | $199 – $499 | $189 – $329 |
Overview of uHoo
uHoo is an indoor air quality monitor that measures 6 key factors: PM2.5, PM10, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and humidity.
Key Features
- Uses professional grade sensors for accuracy
- Laser PM sensor accurately measures particulate matter
- Non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor for CO2
- Measures PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, CO2, temperature and humidity
- Covers up to 3000 sq ft
- WiFi, Ethernet and cellular data connectivity
- Free mobile app (iOS and Android) provides real-time air quality data and insights
- Color display shows current indoor air quality and trends
- Alexa voice assistant integration to get verbal air quality updates
- No subscription fee for data storage/access
Pros
- Highly accurate laser PM sensor and NDIR CO2 sensor
- Large room coverage up to 3000 sq ft
- Provides 6 key indoor air quality measurements
- Cellular data allows monitor placement anywhere with network coverage
- Free app with unlimited data history access
- Alexa integration for hands-free air quality updates
Cons
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Lacks radon detection
- Max per-sensor calibration is once per year
Overview of Airthings
Airthings monitors measure radon, PM2.5, PM10, TVOCs, CO2, temperature, humidity and air pressure. Models range from the entry-level Wave to the high-end Wave Plus.
Key Features
- Detects radon in addition to other IAQ factors
- Various models with increasing features and sensors
- Covers rooms up to 1300 sq ft
- WiFi and Ethernet connectivity
- Mobile app provides air quality data and insights
- Some models have color display
- Air pressure and temperature sensors
Pros
- Only consumer IAQ monitor that measures radon
- Strong PM2.5 and CO2 sensor accuracy
- Lower price points available
- Sleek, compact design
- Unlimited data history via subscription
- Temperature and air pressure monitoring
Cons
- Radon detector requires frequent recalibration
- Max coverage up to 1300 sq ft limits placement
- No cellular option
- Subscription fee for full app data access
- No Alexa integration
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Key Differences Between uHoo and Airthings
· Detection Capabilities
Both uHoo and Airthings measure key air quality factors like PM2.5, PM10, TVOCs and CO2. Airthings additionally detects radon, temperature, humidity and air pressure.
uHoo provides an excellent balance of measurements for overall indoor air quality without the complexity of radon monitoring. It focuses on the core IAQ measurements that are crucial for health.
Airthings’ radon detection provides added value, as radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. But the radon detector requires recalibration every 2 years to remain accurate. The other sensors offer supplementary environmental data like temperature and air pressure.
For most homeowners, uHoo’s measurements will suit their needs without the hassle of radon detector recalibration. Airthings appeals more to those concerned about radon specifically.
· Sensor Accuracy
uHoo uses professional grade sensors designed for precise IAQ measurement. This includes:
- Laser PM sensor: Extremely accurate particle detection even at low concentrations.
- NDIR CO2 sensor: Laboratory grade infrared sensor accurately measures CO2 levels.
Airthings also uses quality sensors:
- Piezoelectric PM sensor: Solid PM2.5 and PM10 detection.
- NDIR CO2 sensor: Accurate CO2 monitoring.
Both brands utilize accurate NDIR CO2 sensors, but uHoo’s laser PM sensor gives it an edge for particulate sensing. The laser technology provides higher resolution particle count data vs. Airthings’ piezoelectric method.
Overall, uHoo leverages superior PM and CO2 sensors for maximum IAQ data accuracy. Airthings sensors get the job done well for most consumers.
· Data Connectivity
uHoo offers more options for getting air quality data to your devices. It has WiFi, Ethernet and cellular connectivity. Cellular allows flexible placement anywhere with network coverage.
Airthings is limited to WiFi and Ethernet. This restricts monitor placement to within range of your WiFi network.
uHoo’s cellular capability provides an advantage for large homes or multi-building properties. The data can be accessed on the network no matter where the monitor is placed.
· Mobile App
Both brands offer free mobile apps (iOS and Android) that display real-time IAQ data and trends. Key features include:
uHoo app
- Simple dashboard shows current readings
- Graphs display historical data and trends
- Insights on how to improve air quality
- Data sharing options
Airthings app
- Dashboard with current readings
- Historical graphs and trends
- Air quality insights and recommendations
- Account management portal
The apps are well matched in terms of core functionality for air quality data access and insights. uHoo has an edge for ease of use with its streamlined dashboard-style interface.
Airthings provides a deeper account portal for managing monitor data. But it requires the subscription plan for full access.
· Room Coverage
uHoo touts an impressive air quality monitoring range up to 3000 sq ft. This allows flexible placement in larger spaces.
Airthings monitors cover up to 1300 sq ft. This may limit placement in bigger rooms or open floor plans. Additional units would be needed to monitor larger spaces.
uHoo is better suited for monitoring the air quality of an entire floor or open concept home. Airthings works well for individual rooms.
· Display Screen
Having a display screen on the monitor allows you to check readings without pulling out your phone.
uHoo monitors have an integrated color display that shows current measurements and trends. This gives an instant snapshot of your indoor air quality.
Some Airthings models lack a display entirely. Others have a basic LCD screen showing limited data. Only the Wave Plus has a color display comparable to uHoo’s.
uHoo provides the advantage of an air quality dashboard right on the monitor. Airthings’ display options are more limited.
· Smart Assistant Integration
uHoo stands out for its native integration with Amazon Alexa. You can ask Alexa for real-time air quality updates without touching your phone. It’s perfect for a quick air check without juggling devices.
Unfortunately, Airthings does not offer smart assistant integration at this time. You need to manually open the app to get air quality data.
uHoo’s Alexa integration brings a nice hands-free dimension that adds convenience to daily air monitoring.
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· Subscription Fee
A key differentiator is uHoo does not charge any subscription fees for full access to your air quality data. The mobile app provides unlimited data history at no cost.
Conversely, Airthings requires a paid subscription plan to access more than 24 hours of data history in the app. The subscription runs $12/month or $60/year.
uHoo gives you complete data access and insights without any strings attached. Airthings subscriptions add ongoing costs on top of the monitor price.
· Pricing
uHoo monitors range from $199 to $499 depending on the model. Airthings prices are very similar, starting at $189 for a basic unit up to $329 for the flagship Wave Plus with radon and color display.
The pricing is quite comparable between the two brands for base models. You’ll pay more for uHoo’s high-end options, but they also include more premium features like cellular connectivity.
Overall, uHoo and Airthings are reasonably matched for upfront monitor costs. Ongoing costs differ if you require an Airthings subscription.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For whole home monitoring without radon detection, uHoo is the best option. It combines wide room coverage, highly accurate sensors, cellular connectivity, unlimited data history, and smart assistant integration.
If radon monitoring is important, Airthings Wave Plus is optimal. It includes solid PM and CO2 sensing along with a quality radon detector.
The main differences are: uHoo uses professional grade laser PM sensor and NDIR CO2 sensor, while Awair uses less precise sensing methods. This gives uHoo better overall detection accuracy. uHoo monitors a larger area up to 3000 sq ft compared to Awair’s 1000 sq ft. uHoo has cellular connectivity for flexible placement, which Awair lacks. Awair has a more colorful, sleek design while uHoo is more industrial.
Non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) CO2 sensors are the most accurate option for consumer air quality monitors. Both uHoo and Airthings utilize NDIR technology for reliable, laboratory-grade CO2 measurement.
Photoionization detectors (PIDs) provide the most accurate volatile organic compound (VOC) measurement. uHoo uses a miniaturized PID engineered specifically for home use to detect VOCs. Most other consumer devices estimate VOCs by proxy using environmental sensors.
Also Read: Comparison Between IQAir and Coway
Final Thoughts
When it comes to comprehensive home air quality monitoring, both uHoo and Airthings are strong options with minor tradeoffs.
uHoo excels at delivering maximum accuracy, room coverage and connectivity for understanding your indoor environment.
Airthings offers radon detection and sleeker hardware for more specialized needs.
For most homeowners without radon concerns, uHoo is the best all-around indoor air quality monitor on the market. It empowers you with actionable insights to create a healthy home.
