Airthings
Airthings View Plus
$299
Released 2021-03-11
Best Air Quality Monitors · head-to-head
Airthings View Plus vs PurpleAir Touch
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. PurpleAir Touch is cheaper at $209. Every spec and price links to its source.
PurpleAir
PurpleAir Touch
$209Cheaper
Released 2023
Which is better: the Airthings View Plus or PurpleAir Touch?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The PurpleAir Touch is the cheaper at $209.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Airthings View Plus | PurpleAir Touch |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $299 | $209 |
| Brand | Airthings | PurpleAir |
| Released | 2021-03-11 | 2023 |
| Pm25 sensor | Yes | Yes |
| CO₂ sensor | Yes | No |
| Voc sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Radon sensor | Yes | No |
| Display screen | 2.9 in ePaper, 296x128 px | No screen - full-color LED ring (AQI color scale) |
| App connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Power | 6 AA batteries (up to 2 yr) or USB-C | USB Micro plug-in, 5 V (adapter not included) |
| Release year | 2021 | 2023 |
Sources — Airthings View Plus: airthings.com (verified 2026-06-20). PurpleAir Touch: www2.purpleair.com (verified 2026-06-20).
What's the difference between the Airthings View Plus and PurpleAir Touch?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- CO₂ sensor: Airthings View Plus true vs PurpleAir Touch false
- Radon sensor: Airthings View Plus true vs PurpleAir Touch false
- Display screen: Airthings View Plus 2.9 in ePaper, 296x128 px vs PurpleAir Touch No screen - full-color LED ring (AQI color scale)
- Power: Airthings View Plus 6 AA batteries (up to 2 yr) or USB-C vs PurpleAir Touch USB Micro plug-in, 5 V (adapter not included)
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Airthings View Plus
Two whitelisted testers (TechHive, Reviewed/USA Today) rate the Airthings View Plus the best overall home air-quality monitor for its seven sensors, radon detection, easy setup and app, and smart-home integration. Both flag its high price (~$300–$330) and the lack of an included AC power adapter; TechHive additionally dings the missing carbon-monoxide sensor and up-to-a-month sensor calibration. Neither published benchmarked accuracy numbers, so real-world sensor precision is untested in these sources. (2 sourced reviews, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Seven built-in sensors with comprehensive coverage including radon; Easy setup and an easy-to-navigate companion app; Smart-home integration (Alexa/Google) plus hub functionality.
Flagged: Expensive (~$300+), among the priciest options; No AC power adapter included in the box; No carbon monoxide sensor.
PurpleAir Touch
No sourced tester review yet.