Airthings Wave Plus Review: Radon and CO2 Without the Particle Sensor
Airthings Wave Plus review: radon, CO2, VOCs, humidity, temperature and pressure on two AA batteries, how it compares with the View Plus, and who it suits.
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Specs at a glance
- Measures
- Radon, CO2, TVOC, humidity, temperature, air pressure
- CO2 accuracy (Airthings)
- ±30 ppm ±3% within 15 to 35°C
- Not measured
- PM2.5
- Power
- 2 AA, about 16 months (Bluetooth) or 18 months (hub)
- Display
- Wave a hand for a color indicator; numbers in the app
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth; remote access with an Airthings hub
The Airthings Wave Plus is the monitor to buy if radon and ventilation are your two questions. It measures radon, CO2, VOCs, humidity, temperature and air pressure, runs on two AA batteries for well over a year according to Airthings, and mounts on a wall or sits on a shelf. It leaves out a particle sensor, which keeps the price below the View Plus.
That makes it a natural fit for a finished basement or ground-floor room, the lowest lived-in level where the EPA says to test for radon. If you want to watch PM2.5 as well, for wildfire smoke or to check a purifier, the View Plus or a separate particle monitor is the better buy.
What the Wave Plus measures
| Measurement | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Radon | Long-term average to compare with the EPA's 4 pCi/L action level |
| CO2 | How well the room is ventilated |
| TVOC | Trends from cleaning, cooking, new furnishings |
| Humidity | Mold risk above 60%, the EPA's ceiling |
| Temperature and pressure | Comfort and context |
Airthings' Wave Plus page lists CO2 accuracy of ±30 ppm ±3% between 15 and 35°C. That page appears older than Airthings' current product sheets, so check the latest specification if a precise CO2 figure matters to you.
Radon: why continuous beats a one-off kit
Radon levels move with weather, season and how the house is used. The EPA recommends a short-term test followed by a long-term test or second short-term test if the first reading is 4 pCi/L or more, and acting on the confirmed level. A continuous monitor like the Wave Plus does that automatically: it builds a short-term and long-term average you can check at any time, and keeps watching after a mitigation system is installed. Our radon testing guide covers placement and what to do with the result.
Display, app and batteries
There is no screen. Wave a hand in front of the Wave Plus and a ring lights green, yellow or red for overall air quality; the numbers, history and alerts are in the Airthings app over Bluetooth. With an Airthings hub, or a View series monitor acting as a hub, you get remote access and notifications away from home. Airthings lists battery life of about 16 months on Bluetooth and 18 months through a hub.
Placement
- For radon: the lowest level you regularly use, at about chest or table height, away from drafts, windows, exterior walls and sump pits.
- For CO2: a room where people spend time with the door closed, such as a basement bedroom or office.
- Not in a bathroom, kitchen or laundry room, where humidity and air movement distort readings.
Wave Plus vs the alternatives
| Monitor | Radon | CO2 | PM2.5 | Screen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airthings Wave Plus | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Airthings View Plus | Yes | NDIR | Laser | E-ink |
| Airthings Wave Radon | Yes | No | No | No |
| Airthings Corentium Home 2 | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Airthings Wave Enhance | No | NDIR | No | No |
If you only want radon, the Wave Radon or Corentium Home 2 cost less; see our best radon detectors.
Who should buy the Airthings Wave Plus
- Buy it for a basement or ground-floor room where you want radon and ventilation readings from one cable-free device.
- Buy it if you already have an air purifier with a particle display and do not need a second PM2.5 sensor.
- Skip it if you want particles; the View Plus adds a laser PM2.5 sensor.
- Skip it if you want numbers on the device; the Corentium Home 2 shows radon on a screen.
For a broader comparison, see the best air quality monitors.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Airthings Wave Plus measure?
Radon, CO2, total VOCs, humidity, temperature and air pressure. It does not measure PM2.5.
What is the difference between the Airthings Wave Plus and View Plus?
The View Plus adds a laser PM2.5 sensor and an e-ink screen and can run on USB-C. The Wave Plus has no screen or particle sensor and costs less.
How long do the batteries last in the Wave Plus?
Airthings lists about 16 months on Bluetooth and 18 months through a hub, on two AA batteries.
Where should I put an Airthings Wave Plus?
For radon, on the lowest lived-in level at about table or chest height, away from drafts, windows, exterior walls and sump pits.
Does the Airthings Wave Plus need Wi-Fi?
No. It syncs over Bluetooth to the app; an Airthings hub adds remote access.
Is a continuous radon monitor better than a test kit?
It is more convenient for tracking, because it shows short- and long-term averages and keeps measuring. For a home sale, check whether your state requires certified testing.
Sources
- Airthings Wave Plus, Airthings
- A Citizen's Guide to Radon, US Environmental Protection Agency
- View Plus product sheet, Airthings
- A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home, US Environmental Protection Agency
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