Two plug-in Wi-Fi monitors with documented direct CO2 and particle sensing that differ in on-device readout, VOC signal and data access.
The decision in brief
How the options differ
Both selections document NDIR CO2 and PM2.5 sensing with temperature and humidity, and both rely on Wi-Fi for remote data. AirGradient documents a numeric OLED and local integration options. Awair documents a scored, dot-column readout and app-based history, with its sensor parts taken from an older help article.
By CompareFoundry · Published · Editorial review · Manufacturer documentation, not hands-on testing.
The buying guide
Package and specification details
Compare the sensor evidence, not the score
Awair's Help Center names a Telaire T6703 NDIR CO2 sensor and a laser PM2.5 sensor; AirGradient documents NDIR CO2 from its SenseAir revision and particle sensing. Awair's parts list dates from 2021, so check the current unit. Neither documents radon.
Awair reports TVOC in ppb from a metal-oxide sensor, and its two official pages give different ranges. AirGradient reports relative TVOC and NOx indices. Neither identifies a specific compound, and a ppb TVOC estimate is not directly comparable with an index.
AirGradient documents a numeric OLED. Awair documents a numbered 0–100 score and dot columns per factor; whether actual sensor values appear on the device was not established. If you need a CO2 number at a glance, verify that before relying on Element.
AirGradient documents local server and Home Assistant options alongside 12 months of hosted access. Awair documents the free Awair app for remote readings and history; no home-buyer export or API entitlement was verified. Choose by the data route you will actually use.
These manufacturer specifications do not establish measured performance, noise, long-term reliability or running cost. We have not independently tested these products. Check current prices, stock and operating-space instructions with the seller and manufacturer.
The manufacturer-described CO2 sensing technology.
The method alone does not establish calibrated accuracy or identical behavior between revisions.
Element (US selection)NDIR; Amphenol-Telaire T6703 named in Awair's 2021 sensor article.The article predates current production; the supplied revision's sensor part was not verified.Source · 2026-10-21Awair: Technical Accuracy of Awair Element Sensors (Help Center article)Checked 2026-10-21. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
ONE (US selection)NDIR; SenseAir S8/S88 sensor revision as documented for the supplied unit.Source · 2026-10-11AirGradient: ONE fully assembled I-9PSL specifications and service scopeChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
PM2.5 sensing
Whether a particle sensor for PM2.5 is documented.
CO2, particles and gases are different quantities. One sensor does not measure all of them.
A relative index, total-VOC estimate and compound-specific concentration are not interchangeable.
Element (US selection)TVOC reported in ppb from a metal-oxide sensor; a total-VOC estimate, not compound-specific.The product page lists 0–60,000 ppb while the sensor article lists 20–36,000 ppb.Sources · 2026-10-21Awair: Technical Accuracy of Awair Element Sensors (Help Center article)Checked 2026-10-21. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.Awair: Awair Element US product page and specificationsChecked 2026-10-21. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
ONE (US selection)Relative TVOC and NOx indices from SGP41; not compound-specific concentrations.Source · 2026-10-11AirGradient: ONE fully assembled I-9PSL specifications and service scopeChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Temperature and humidity
Whether both temperature and relative humidity sensing are documented.
Use the placement and operating conditions in the manual; a shared room does not imply identical readings.
Bluetooth synchronization does not by itself provide remote access from outside the home.
Element (US selection)2.4 GHz Wi-Fi with Bluetooth LE; a Sub-1 GHz 915 MHz (US) radio is also listed.Source · 2026-10-21Awair: Awair Element US product page and specificationsChecked 2026-10-21. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
ONE (US selection)2.4 GHz Wi-Fi; local integration is documented separately from hosted services.Source · 2026-10-11AirGradient: ONE fully assembled I-9PSL specifications and service scopeChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Power and included equipment
Power source and relevant package equipment.
A supplied USB cable does not establish a supplied wall adapter. Battery life depends on usage and settings.
Element (US selection)Mains-powered through an external 5V/2.0A adapter listed in the specifications.No box list was found; confirm the supplied adapter and cable.Source · 2026-10-21Awair: Awair Element US product page and specificationsChecked 2026-10-21. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Documented ways to view or retain data and the applicable service limits.
Local readings, a cloud dashboard, export and commercial API rights are different entitlements.
Element (US selection)Remote readings and history through the free Awair app; ambient light and noise appear only in the Awair Dashboard and business app.No local export or API entitlement was verified for a home buyer.Sources · 2026-10-21Awair: Awair Element US product page and specificationsChecked 2026-10-21. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.Awair: Understanding Awair Score and Air Quality Factors Measured By Awair ElementChecked 2026-10-21. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
ONE (US selection)12 months of hosted dashboard/API access are included; local server and Home Assistant options have their own setup requirements.Source · 2026-10-11AirGradient: ONE fully assembled I-9PSL specifications and service scopeChecked 2026-10-11. We reviewed the official page text on the check date. Checkout options were not verified.
Questions to check before buying
Element (US selection)
The US page's order buttons lead to a Stripe checkout and its marketplace links are UK/EU; the US checkout was not exercised.
Sensor parts come from a 2021 article and may differ in current production.
ONE (US selection)Read the source notes for the exact package and operating conditions.
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