Specifications
| Brand | Airthings |
|---|---|
| Measured Parameters | Radon; PM2.5; CO2; TVOC; Humidity; Temperature; Pressure |
| Aqi Standard | Custom |
| Sensor Type | Electrochemical Sensor |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| Display Type | E Ink |
| Power Source | Battery |
| Dimensions | 1.2 x 3.5 x 6.7 in |
| Weight | 0.4 lb |
Pros
- Strong pollutant coverage
- Actionable home alerts
- Clear app readouts
Cons
- Proprietary AQI scale
- Unverified sensor drift
- Small dim display
The Verdict
The Airthings View Plus is a Wi‑Fi air monitor with an E Ink screen, and its Accuracy pillar score is 7.6. It tracks several key pollutants and sends clear home alerts through the app, but the proprietary AQI scale and possible sensor drift over time make cross-checking with other devices less straightforward.
Who it's for: People who want room-by-room tracking over Wi‑Fi and actionable notifications accept that AQI may not match common standards, and they may need to watch for long-term sensor drift.
Who should skip it: Buyers who rely on a widely recognized AQI scale or need very large, easy-to-read on-device numbers should look elsewhere, since the display is small and the AQI is proprietary.
In-Depth Review
Accuracy
With a score of 7.6, this sits in the “consistent real-world readings” zone, but it is not in the “rock-solid” category. The sensor set matters here. It measures PM2.5, CO2, and TVOC, plus radon, and it also tracks humidity and temperature. That mix can help you interpret what changed after cooking, cleaning, or a window opening.
The score lands a notch lower because the concerns are specific. The cons call out “Unverified sensor drift,” and that often shows up in long-term ownership, not first-day setup. Also, the monitor uses an electrochemical sensor type, which can be accurate, but it still needs time and proper calibration habits to earn your trust across seasons.
A second factor is how the Air Quality Index is handled. The product uses a Custom AQI basis. That means even if the raw measurements are stable, the overall score you see in the app can feel less grounded when you compare it to other monitors that follow a known AQI standard.
Features
With a score of 8.3, the View Plus lands in “Feature-rich and useful,” in large part because its measurement list is broad for a home unit. You get radon, PM2.5, CO2, and TVOC, along with humidity, temperature, and air pressure. That gives you context. A rise in CO2 can match occupancy. A spike in TVOC can line up with new cleaners. Radon and particles help you think beyond day to day comfort.
There is also a clear display path. The monitor uses an E Ink screen, and the mini-review notes the on-screen status check without glare. On the app side, the pros list “Clear app readouts” and “Actionable home alerts.” Those alerts matter because air quality is not static. You need notifications that connect to practical actions like ventilation timing.
One trade-off stays visible in the cons: “Proprietary AQI scale.” Air quality monitoring gets easier when the scale matches what you already trust. Here, the AQI standard is listed as Custom, and that can slow down interpretation if you are used to US or China references.
Usability
With a score of 8.1, the device fits the “Intuitive controls, clear apps” side of the scale. Setup is built around Wi-Fi connectivity, and the app takes on the main job of showing trends. Wi-Fi matters for room tracking over time, since the readings should reach the Airthings app instead of stopping at the device display.
Daily use also depends on the display. This uses E Ink, which typically means low glare and readable updates. The physical size is not huge, though. The dimensions are listed as 1.2 x 3.5 x 6.7 in, and the weight is 0.4 lb. The cons call out “Small dim display,” which suggests you might rely on the app for detail rather than standing in front of the unit.
Usability then becomes a question of notification clarity. The pros mention “Actionable home alerts,” and that lines up with the idea that the monitor is most useful when it nudges you at the right moment. If alerts feel specific, you do not need to constantly interpret screens.
Build
With a score of 8.3, this earns “Sturdy construction overall” as far as execution goes. The unit is 0.4 lb, and it uses a battery power approach. The power source is listed as Battery, which is meant for cable free placement and simpler room placement choices.
The dimensions, 1.2 x 3.5 x 6.7 in, also hint at a slim profile. That usually helps with everyday positioning, like placing it on a shelf or near a desk without it dominating the space. The cons do mention “Small dim display,” which points to the screen being the weak spot, not the hardware housing.
Sensor housing and screen visibility are often linked. If the display is harder to read due to size, you may end up checking the app more often. That can be fine, but it changes the point of the unit: it becomes a background sensor with a secondary local readout.
Value
With a score of 7.9, the View Plus lands in the “Good value for accuracy” area, but the value depends on what you expect from AQI reporting and long-term trust. The measured set is meaningful. You do not just get particulate matter. You get radon plus gases like CO2 and TVOC, and the environmental context of humidity, temperature, and air pressure.
The accuracy concerns still temper the value score. The cons include “Unverified sensor drift.” If you plan to use this as a long-term benchmark and you want confidence that readings remain tightly aligned over years, you will want to cross-check with another reference device periodically. That is especially true since the AQI basis is Custom, so you may not be able to sanity check it with a familiar standard.
In short, the device is easiest to justify if you will actually use the tracking and alerts in the Airthings app. The pros list “Clear app readouts” and “Actionable home alerts,” and the Wi-Fi connection supports that habit. If you need a simple, standardized AQI number that matches other monitors, the “Proprietary AQI scale” may matter more than the sensor breadth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Airthings View Plus measure, exactly?
It measures radon, PM2.5, CO2, TVOC, humidity, temperature, and pressure. The monitor uses an electrochemical sensor type for its measurements. You can also view these values in the Airthings app over Wi Fi.
How big is the Airthings View Plus, and where can I place it?
It measures 1.2 x 3.5 x 6.7 inches and weighs 0.4 lb. The slim size makes it easier to place on a shelf or table without taking much room. It still needs adequate airflow around it for best results.
Does it show an AQI, and is the scale the same as standard AQI?
It reports air quality using a proprietary AQI scale, not a widely used public standard. That means numbers may not match what you see from other AQI sources. If you compare readings, focus on the underlying measurements like PM2.5, CO2, and TVOC.
Is the Wi Fi connection reliable, and how do I view data?
It connects over Wi Fi, and you view readings through the Airthings app. The app provides clear readouts and lets you track trends over time. If your Wi Fi signal is weak where you place it, readings may update slower.
Is there any concern about sensor drift over time?
Some buyers worry about unverified sensor drift, so long-term accuracy depends on calibration and conditions. You can reduce surprises by placing the unit away from direct drafts and sources of fumes. It also helps to cross-check important readings against a trusted reference when possible.
How readable is the display, and what is the screen type?
The monitor uses an E Ink display, which can be easier to read in many lighting conditions but can feel small. If you sit far away, you may prefer checking the app for details. The small dim display shows values, but it is not meant for quick glance reading from across a room.
Final Verdict
This is a solid Wi Fi air monitor for most homes. It delivers strong pollutant coverage and shows clear readings in the app. The weakness is the proprietary AQI scale, which makes it harder to map results to other devices, plus there are concerns about sensor drift over time. If you want dependable home tracking and smart alerts, it fits well.
Prioritize it if your main goal is in app trends and alerting for common indoor pollutants, not strict cross device comparisons. If that matches your kitchen, this is a sound pick.
