Airthings View Plus vs Awair Element: Which Should You Buy?

A spec-by-spec comparison of the Airthings View Plus ($300) and the Awair Element ($200) — accuracy, sensors, connectivity, and which one fits your situation.

Quick Verdict

The Awair Element is $100 cheaper; the Airthings View Plus has the tighter stated CO2 accuracy (±50 ppm); the Airthings View Plus tracks more parameters (7 vs 5).

Choose the Airthings View Plus if measurement accuracy is your priority, or you want the fuller picture (CO2, Temperature, Humidity, Radon, VOC, PM2.5, Atmospheric Pressure).

Choose the Awair Element if you want to spend less.

Specs Side by Side

FeatureAirthings View PlusAwair Element
Price$300$200
SensorsCO2, Temperature, Humidity, Radon, VOC, PM2.5, Atmospheric PressureCO2, Temperature, Humidity, VOC, PM2.5
Sensor TypeNDIRNDIR
CO2 Accuracy±50 ppm±75 ppm
CO2 Range400-5000 ppm400-5000 ppm
ConnectivityBluetooth, WiFiWiFi, Bluetooth
DisplayYesYes
PortableNoNo
Battery LifeUSB powered + battery backupUSB powered

Green highlights the stronger spec where there is a clear winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, the Airthings View Plus or the Awair Element?+

The Awair Element is $100 cheaper; the Airthings View Plus has the tighter stated CO2 accuracy (±50 ppm); the Airthings View Plus tracks more parameters (7 vs 5). Choose the Airthings View Plus if measurement accuracy is your priority, or you want the fuller picture (CO2, Temperature, Humidity, Radon, VOC, PM2.5, Atmospheric Pressure). Choose the Awair Element if you want to spend less.

Is the Airthings View Plus or Awair Element cheaper?+

The Awair Element is the more affordable option at $200, versus $300 for the Airthings View Plus.

Do both use real CO2 sensors?+

The Airthings View Plus uses a NDIR sensor; the Awair Element uses a NDIR sensor. NDIR and photoacoustic sensors measure CO2 directly, unlike eCO2 estimators.

Which measures more air quality parameters?+

The Airthings View Plus tracks more, with 7 parameters (CO2, Temperature, Humidity, Radon, VOC, PM2.5, Atmospheric Pressure), compared with 5 for the Awair Element.

Neither One Quite Right? Consider These

Other monitors in the same class, ranked on sensor accuracy first.

Top pick

Aranet Aranet4 Home

$200

NDIR sensor · ±50 ppm · Built-in display

Research-grade ±50 ppm accuracy and runs 2+ years on a charge.

Runner-up

AirGradient ONE

$150

NDIR sensor · ±50 ppm · Built-in display

Research-grade ±50 ppm accuracy and tracks 6 metrics in one unit.

Best value

Temtop M2000

$130

NDIR sensor · ±75 ppm · Built-in display

NDIR sensing with a 0-5000 ppm range.

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