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Head-to-head · Best Air Quality Monitors

AirGradient One vs Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about accuracy-focused buyers — read the strengths below before deciding.

AirGradient One
Ranked #5 in Best Air Quality Monitors
AirGradient One
2 sourcesall derived$230as of Aug 3

The AirGradient One measures carbon dioxide, PM2.5, VOCs and NOx on an open-source board, sold assembled for $230 or as a $138 kit. It uses better-specified sensors than most consumer monitors at the price, exposes every reading to Home Assistant and ESPHome, and keeps the data yours. What it asks in return is a tolerance for setup work: a browser-based Wi-Fi handoff, Torx screws that strip, and no radon sensor at all.

Strengths
  • — Easy to assemble and configure with user-friendly instructions
  • — Integrates seamlessly with Home Assistant for full control and automation
  • — Provides accurate readings for CO₂, PM₂.₅, VOCs, and NOₓ sensors
Watch-outs
  • — Initial WiFi hotspot setup can be problematic for some users
  • — Lacks radon sensor compared to competitors like Airthings View Plus
$230 · Buy at airgradient.comFull review →
Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Air Quality Monitors
Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2
3 sources1 derived$149.99as of Aug 1

The Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2 earns praise for accurate sensors, including a high-quality Sensirion SCD40 CO2 sensor and a replaceable PM2.5 sensor, which puts it among the top performers in its class. Reviewers noted the multiple air quality metrics on the display and compatibility with both the Qingping+ and Mi Home apps. Battery life is poor and the app has connectivity issues, which can make the device frustrating to use. It fits users who put accuracy and sensor quality ahead of battery longevity and app reliability.

Strengths
  • — Uses high-quality Sensirion SCD40 NDIR CO2 sensor with accuracy of ±(50 ppm + 5% of reading)
  • — Displays seven data points including PM2.5, PM10, CO2, eTVOC, temperature, humidity, and noise level
  • — Features replaceable PM2.5 sensor for easy maintenance without replacing the entire device
Watch-outs
  • — Poor battery life lasting only up to 4 hours, often much less
  • — Connectivity issues with the app including long wait times and firmware update failures
$149.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

AirGradient One

The AirGradient One excels in ease of setup and Home Assistant integration, making it more user-friendly than the Airthings models, which use lower-tier sensors and lack radon detection. While it doesn't match the Qingping Gen 2's sensor accuracy, it provides a more affordable option with good performance across CO₂, PM₂.₅, VOCs, and NOₓ sensors, making it a strong alternative to the more expensive Airthings devices.

Qingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2

The Qingping Gen 2 features the high-quality Sensirion SCD40 CO2 sensor, which outperforms the CO2 accuracy of the Awair Element and Atmotube PRO 2, but it suffers from poor battery life compared to the Temtop M10, which offers up to 6 hours of battery operation. While it provides replaceable sensors, the app connectivity issues make it less reliable than the AirGradient One, which offers seamless integration and better overall user experience.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAirGradient OneQingping Air Quality Monitor Gen 2
SensorsCO₂, PM₂.₅, VOCs, NOₓSensirion SCD40, Sensirion SGP40, GrandWay Sensor
ConnectivityWiFi 2.4GHz, Bluetooth LE, Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth meshWi-Fi, Qingping+ App, and Mi Home App
Power SourceUSB 5V 2ABattery (up to 4 hours) + USB-C
DisplayOLED4-inch touch screen
Dimensions5.12 x 5.12 x 1.38 in2.91 x 4.09 x 3.35 in
Weight0.77 lb0.55 lb
AppAirGradient Dashboard, Home Assistant, HomeyQingping+ App and Mi Home App
MeasurementsPM2.5, CO2, TVOCs, NOx, Temperature, HumidityPM2.5, PM10, CO2, eTVOC, Temperature, Humidity (RH), and Noise Level
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