IQAir AirVisual Pro Review: PM2.5 and CO2 With an Outdoor Link
IQAir AirVisual Pro review: indoor PM2.5 and NDIR CO2 beside outdoor data from IQAir's network, AQ-SPEC field R-squared of 0.63 to 0.81, and better-value options.
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Specs at a glance
- Measures
- PM2.5, CO2, temperature, humidity; TVOC on IQAir's main US page
- PM2.5 sensor (IQAir)
- Optical particle counter, 0 to 1,000 µg/m³, ±10 µg/m³ or ±10%
- CO2 sensor (IQAir)
- NDIR with automatic baseline calibration, 400 to 10,000 ppm, ±40 ppm or ±3%
- AQ-SPEC PM2.5 R²
- 0.69 to 0.73 field (0.63 to 0.81 with firmware 1.1683), 0.99 lab
- Outdoor data
- Pairs with IQAir's AirVisual Outdoor or nearby public stations
- Power
- Rechargeable; outlet or USB
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, IQAir app
- Seller on Amazon
- IQAir (few left when we checked)
- Display
- 5 in LCD with indoor and outdoor side by side
The IQAir AirVisual Pro is a good choice if you want indoor PM2.5 and CO2 readings shown next to outdoor air quality, for example in wildfire season. IQAir runs one of the largest public air quality networks, and the AirVisual Pro can pair with IQAir's own outdoor monitor or follow your nearest public station, so you can see at a glance whether outdoor smoke is getting in.
On accuracy, South Coast AQMD's AQ-SPEC field test was less flattering than for some cheaper monitors: a PM2.5 R-squared of 0.69 to 0.73, or 0.63 to 0.81 on a later firmware, against 0.85 to 0.93 for the Qingping Air Monitor Lite. Both scored 0.99 in the lab. For trend watching, the AirVisual Pro is fine; if particle accuracy is the priority, the cheaper Qingping did better in the field.
What the AirVisual Pro measures
IQAir's product page specifies an optical particle counter for PM2.5 (0 to 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter, ±10 µg/m³ or ±10%) and an NDIR CO2 sensor with automatic baseline calibration (400 to 10,000 ppm, ±40 ppm or ±3%), plus temperature and humidity; its main US page also lists TVOC, though regional pages do not. It does not measure radon. The manual says the CO2 sensor can take up to two days to calibrate. A 5 inch screen shows indoor and outdoor air side by side, and IQAir explains it tracks PM2.5 and CO2 together because sealing a home against outdoor smoke can let CO2 build up.
Independent test results
| Monitor | Field | Lab |
|---|---|---|
| IQAir AirVisual Pro | 0.69 to 0.73 | 0.99 |
| IQAir AirVisual Pro (firmware 1.1683) | 0.63 to 0.81 | 0.99 |
| Qingping Air Monitor Lite | 0.85 to 0.93 | 0.99 |
| Atmotube Pro | 0.88 | 1.00 |
| PurpleAir PA-II | 0.93 to 0.97 | 0.99 |
A lab R-squared near 1.0 with a lower field value usually means the sensor performs well in controlled conditions but is affected by real-world humidity, particle type or temperature swings. The full AQ-SPEC reports give the details for each device.
The outdoor link
The feature that sets the AirVisual Pro apart is context. In the IQAir app, indoor readings sit next to outdoor data from your own AirVisual Outdoor monitor or the nearest public station. During a smoke event, comparing the two tells you whether to keep windows shut, whether your purifier is keeping up, and when to air the house once outdoor levels drop. The EPA's guidance for smoke days is to keep indoor air cleaner than outdoor air with a clean room and a purifier; see our wildfire smoke guide.
Power and placement
It is rechargeable and runs from an outlet or USB, with Wi-Fi to the app. Place it at breathing height in the room you use, away from the kitchen and windows. Our placement guide covers why.
Who should buy the IQAir AirVisual Pro
- Buy it if you want indoor PM2.5 and CO2 shown next to outdoor air, especially in wildfire areas.
- Buy it if you already use IQAir's outdoor monitor or network.
- Skip it if field accuracy per dollar matters most; the Qingping Air Monitor Lite did better in AQ-SPEC's field test for less.
- Skip it if you need VOCs or radon; see the Airthings View Plus.
Frequently asked questions
Is the IQAir AirVisual Pro accurate?
In South Coast AQMD's AQ-SPEC test it scored a PM2.5 R-squared of 0.99 in the lab and 0.69 to 0.73 in the field (0.63 to 0.81 on a later firmware), which is good for trends but below some cheaper monitors in the field.
What does the IQAir AirVisual Pro measure?
PM2.5 with an optical counter, CO2 with an NDIR sensor, temperature and humidity, and TVOC on IQAir's main US page, with an indoor AQI and alerts. It does not measure radon.
Can the AirVisual Pro show outdoor air quality?
Yes. It pairs with IQAir's AirVisual Outdoor monitor or follows your nearest public air quality station in the IQAir app.
Does the IQAir AirVisual Pro need to be plugged in?
It is rechargeable and can run from an outlet or USB; for continuous monitoring, keep it powered.
Is the AirVisual Pro worth it over cheaper monitors?
For the indoor-outdoor comparison and IQAir's network, yes. For particle accuracy alone, the cheaper Qingping Air Monitor Lite did better in AQ-SPEC's field test.
Sources
- AQ-SPEC Sensor Evaluations: Summary of PM Sensors, South Coast Air Quality Management District
- AirVisual Pro Indoor Monitor, IQAir
- Create a Clean Room to Protect Indoor Air Quality During a Wildfire, US Environmental Protection Agency
- Final Updates to the Air Quality Index for Particulate Matter: Fact Sheet, US Environmental Protection Agency
- AirVisual Pro user guide, IQAir
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