Awair
Awair Element
$299Cheaper
Released 2019
Best Air Quality Monitors · head-to-head
Awair Element vs IQAir AirVisual Pro
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Awair Element is cheaper at $299. Every spec and price links to its source.
IQAir
IQAir AirVisual Pro
$329.99
Released 2018
Which is better: the Awair Element or IQAir AirVisual Pro?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Awair Element is the cheaper at $299.
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 | Awair Element | IQAir AirVisual Pro |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $299 | $329.99 MSRP per IQAir US store |
| Brand | Awair | IQAir |
| Released | 2019 | 2018 |
| Pm25 sensor | Yes | Yes |
| CO₂ sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Voc sensor | Yes | No |
| Radon sensor | No | No |
| Display screen | LED dot-matrix display (5-dot AQI score + numeric readout) | 5 in color LCD |
| App connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Power | AC plug-in (100-240 V, 5 V/2 A adapter) | 5 V USB plug-in (included); internal Li-ion battery (up to 4 hr) |
| Release year | 2019 | 2018 |
Sources — Awair Element: getawair.com (verified 2026-06-20). IQAir AirVisual Pro: iqair.com (verified 2026-06-20).
What's the difference between the Awair Element and IQAir AirVisual Pro?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Voc sensor: Awair Element true vs IQAir AirVisual Pro false
- Display screen: Awair Element LED dot-matrix display (5-dot AQI score + numeric readout) vs IQAir AirVisual Pro 5 in color LCD
- Power: Awair Element AC plug-in (100-240 V, 5 V/2 A adapter) vs IQAir AirVisual Pro 5 V USB plug-in (included); internal Li-ion battery (up to 4 hr)
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Awair Element
Two whitelisted hands-on testers cover the exact Awair Element: TechHive (2020) and Reviewed/USA Today (2024). Both recommend it as an accurate, user-friendly value pick with strong smart-home integration and helpful in-app tips. Both flag the weak on-device readout; Reviewed additionally notes it needs constant power (no battery) and lacks radon detection. Neither published measured accuracy numbers, so 'accurate' rests on qualitative comparison to reference instruments only. All six draft quotes verified as literal substrings; both sources survived intact. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Accurate real-time readings; temperature and humidity matched a reference thermometer and hygrometer; Comprehensive, user-friendly companion app delivering deeper insights and readings; Integrates with multiple smart-home platforms (Alexa, Google Home, etc.).
Flagged: Poor on-device readout — white-on-white LEDs hard to read / no real screen display; Requires constant USB power, no battery option; No radon detection, unlike pricier alternatives.
IQAir AirVisual Pro
Only one whitelisted outlet, Wirecutter (NYT), hands-on tested this exact model, and it landed in their 'competition' section rather than among the picks. Reviewers praised its easy Wi-Fi setup and clear, practical app, but panned a clunky physical interface and a steep price for a monitor that measures only PM2.5 and CO2 (plus humidity and temperature). No lab numbers were published for this model. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Easy Wi-Fi setup and connection; Clear, well-laid-out app offering simple, practical air-quality advice.
Flagged: Clunky, frustrating physical interface on the device itself; Too expensive for a monitor measuring only PM2.5 and CO2 (plus humidity and temperature).