Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Air Quality Monitors

Atmotube PRO 2 vs Awair Element

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

Atmotube PRO 2 and Awair Element score essentially the same (4.2 vs 4.2). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Atmotube PRO 2
Ranked #3 in Best Air Quality Monitors
Atmotube PRO 2
4 sources$159as of Aug 1

The Atmotube Pro 2 is a meaningful step up from its predecessor, adding a carbon dioxide sensor and sharpening sensor accuracy. Reviewers noted it measures PM2.5, NOx, and TVOC with high correlation to reference standards, though some users reported problems with CO2 calibration. GPS and USB-C data access make it more useful for field research and personal monitoring. It does well on outdoor exposure tracking and data collection, while the carbon dioxide sensor's reliability remains a concern for some users. Researchers and health-conscious individuals who want comprehensive air quality data are the fit, but anyone who requires highly accurate CO2 measurements should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • Includes carbon dioxide sensor (Sensirion STCC4) for indoor air quality monitoring
  • Upgraded PM sensor (Sensirion SPS30) provides accurate particle concentration measurements
  • Built-in GPS and accelerometer enable location-aware data collection without excessive battery drain
Watch-outs
  • Carbon dioxide measurements have reported systematic calibration issues
  • Initial CO2 readings required manual adjustment to align with reference standards
  • Some users experienced inconsistent performance with CO2 sensor accuracy
Awair Element
Ranked #4 in Best Air Quality Monitors
Awair Element
3 sources$254.99as of Jul 1

The Awair Element gets credit for elegant design and reliable performance as an air quality monitor. Trusted Review called it 'simple, reliable, and above all, elegant,' and CleanAir Community named it the 'best-looking' unit while noting good responsiveness to pollution sources. Sensor accuracy drew questions, particularly the CO2 sensor's stated ±75ppm or 10%, which reviewers considered less precise than the price suggests. Buyers who want a straightforward, visually appealing air quality monitor are the fit; anyone chasing maximum accuracy may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • Equipped with five built-in sensors measuring temperature, humidity, CO2, TVOCs, and PM2.5
  • Provides accurate PM2.5 readings with ±13.68% deviation in testing
  • Intuitive setup process with seamless Wi-Fi connectivity
Watch-outs
  • CO2 sensor accuracy of ±75ppm or 10% (whichever is greater) considered subpar for its price point
  • Some sensors have limited lifespan, with one user reporting a short-lived PM sensor

How they stack up

Atmotube PRO 2

The Atmotube PRO 2 provides improved PM sensor accuracy and GPS tracking, but its CO2 sensor has reported calibration issues that make it less reliable than the Qingping Gen 2, which offers consistent Sensirion sensor performance. While it's better suited for field research than the Awair Element, which lacks GPS capabilities, the Atmotube PRO 2's CO2 accuracy problems make it less ideal for users requiring precise carbon dioxide monitoring.

Awair Element

The Awair Element provides a visually appealing design and good PM2.5 accuracy, but its CO2 sensor accuracy of ±75ppm is significantly worse than the Qingping Gen 2's Sensirion SCD40 sensor, which offers ±(50 ppm + 5% of reading) accuracy. While it's easier to set up than the Atmotube PRO 2, which has calibration issues, the Awair Element's CO2 accuracy makes it less suitable for users needing precise carbon dioxide measurements.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAtmotube PRO 2Awair Element
SensorsSensirion SPS30Temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, PM2.5
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.0Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1
Power Source2300 mAhAC 100/240V, 50/60Hz, 5V/2.0A external power adapter
DisplayNone7-segment LED grid
Dimensions3.39 x 1.97 x 0.87 in6.1 x 3.3 x 1.8 in
Weight0.23 lb1.15 lb
AppAtmotube AppAwair Home App
MeasurementsPM1, PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, NOx, CO2, Temp, Humidity, PressureTemperature, humidity, CO2, TVOCs, and PM2.5
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