Airthings Wave Plus Smart Radon Detector - Best Mid-Range Multi-Sensor Smart Monitor
A versatile and user-friendly smart detector that provides comprehensive air quality insights with intuitive gesture controls, offering a balance between features and cost.
- +Monitors six air quality factors including radon, CO2, VOCs, humidity, temperature, and air pressure
- +Features a unique, gesture-activated LED ring that displays color-coded air quality status with a wave of the hand
- +Offers long battery life (18+ months) and easy wall-mounting for discrete placement in any room
- -Relies on Bluetooth connectivity, requiring the user to be in proximity to sync data to the smartphone app
- -Lacks a built-in display for instant numerical readouts without using the app
- -Does not include WiFi for remote monitoring or smart speaker integration like the more expensive View Plus
The Airthings Wave Plus Smart Radon Detector strikes an excellent balance between comprehensive air quality monitoring and accessible pricing, positioning itself as a smart choice for health-conscious homeowners. It detects six key environmental parameters, providing context for radon levels by also tracking CO2 (an indicator of ventilation), VOCs (from cleaners and furnishings), and humidity (which can influence gas entry). Its most distinctive feature is the innovative gesture-controlled interface. A simple wave of the hand in front of the unit activates a circular LED ring that glows green, yellow, or red to provide an immediate, intuitive assessment of overall air quality. This allows for quick, discreet checks without needing to open an app or even touch the device. For detailed data, the Wave Plus syncs via Bluetooth to the excellent Airthings smartphone app, where users can view historical trends, graphs, and receive insights.
The device is powered by standard batteries that last well over a year, making it truly wireless and easy to install in an optimal location, such as a basement wall or a living area. The lack of a built-in numerical display means users must use the app to see specific radon concentration numbers, which is a minor trade-off for the sleek design. Similarly, the Bluetooth-only connectivity means it cannot send remote alerts or be checked while away from home, a feature reserved for the WiFi-enabled View Plus. For individuals and families primarily monitoring their everyday living environment who want more data than a radon-only meter provides but do not require remote access, the Wave Plus represents a compelling and feature-rich mid-point in the market. It delivers smart functionality and a holistic air quality picture without the premium cost of the top-tier model.