Danny as been writing about air purifiers for 10+ years. He is a major fan of home technology, which makes him the perfect person to test and evaluate products for HouseFresh
Keeping your home safe and secure is the number one priority for many of us. To help us sleep soundly at night, we, fortunately, have many devices which we can count on, from smoke detectors to burglar alarms, that make us all feel more comfortable. However, fewer of us are protected regarding airborne threats such as radon, the radioactive gas you can’t see, smell, or taste.
While radon is a naturally occurring gas, it is thought to be present at problematic levels in 1 in every 15 homes in America. As the gas rises from the earth, it enters the atmosphere and will collect in enclosed spaces such as within your home. Exposure to this gas can cause profound health implications, being one of the primary causes of lung cancer, second only to smoking.
According to the EPA, radon is an issue at a reading of 4 pCi/L. At this level, you will be almost 8 times more likely to die from radon exposure than a house fire. And if you smoke, this rises to 40 times more likely. With such scary figures, testing for radon in your home and rectifying any underlying issues is imperative.
To help you obtain an accurate radon reading, we’ve put together 7 recommended detectors that you can use at home. Each sensor is simple to use, and plug in and allows one to search for any alpha particles emitted by radon. These detectors offer quick results and allow you to monitor the radon levels over time. When selecting our recommendations, we included various products with varying features across budgets. We also analyzed Consumer Reports and pulled the latest customer sentiment data:
Last update on 2023-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Radon Eye RD200 Ecosense
The Radon Eye RD200 Ecosense is a fast and efficient way to monitor radon gas levels. It features a plug-and-start design, and it offers both real-time continuous and long-term monitoring. After the first reading is displayed, you should get an accurate reading within an hour. It’s the first among both consumer and professional devices that are capable of 30 counts per hour.
This is a useful radon gas monitoring system for those of you that need to track potential exposure over time, more so if you live in areas where radon levels may fluctuate. This device can store a year’s worth of data so that you can have a long-term analysis of the situation and better track changes. You’ll immediately know if radon gas levels have exceeded the recommended threshold thanks to an alarm that automatically goes off.
There’s an LED indicator for quick reading of all the information, and you can also download the companion app and remain connected to the device via Bluetooth settings. Readings are shown through the use of graphs, insightful charts, and data logging. There’s a wide Bluetooth range as well so that you can remain connected even if you aren’t in the same room as the device.
Features:
- Technology Used: US patented ion chamber-based performance
- Result Time: Gas levels reading 30 times per hour
- Special Features: Moving alarm | Companion App
What we love
- The alarm isn't obnoxious, but it can be easily heard on a different floor level
- You are able to download data to Excel for better storage and organization
- The device, along with the app, is user-friendly
- Good frequency of updated readings as the device logs one every 10 minutes
We don't like this as much
- The device doesn't chart the data relative to time, which may be useful
- It lacks battery operation, so it can't be moved from place to place as easily
2. Corentium Home Radon Detector
The Corentium Home Radon Detector from Airthings is a small, yet mighty detector that aims to meet your short-term and long-term needs. Powered by three AAA batteries, this device is meant for portability. Along with it being sleek and compact, you can readily take this detector from room to room, monitoring the entire house or business building with ease. This can also be useful in the case of property inspections, making it more straightforward to monitor levels while on the go.
The versatility with the detector doesn’t end there. This is designed to quickly adapt to the environment it’s in, allowing for more accurate readings no matter the different external factors. The device can also alert you to whether or not the improvements you made to tackle a potential radon issue are actually working.
There are on-screen results thanks to the LCD screen. It will show both the long-term average and the short-term average. This average is based on daily, weekly, and long-term concentrations so that you get a more well-rounded indication of fluctuating levels.
Features:
- Technology Used: Airthings radon monitor
- Result Time: On-screen results for both long-term and short-term readings
- Special Features: LCD screen
What we love
- Doesn't require annual calibrations for easier maintenance
- The device has a quick response time for short-term readings
- Batteries appear long-lasting even with frequent use
- Resetting the device is straightforward so you can quickly check another room
We don't like this as much
- There is no shut-off button, so you’ll have to remove the batteries to turn it off
- It can take a few days of sampling the area for the accuracy to improve
3. Elifecity Portable Radon Meter
The Elifecity Portable Radon Meter is a cost-effective way to ensure your building or home is free from harmful radon exposure. Since this is an untraditional and portable detector, there are no lab fees to worry about. Instead, you will get the first indicators of any radon levels within 24 hours of you setting up the detector in a room. This offers professional data logging for the average home user.
It is battery-operated, compatible with two AA batteries, and it is designed for easy detection in multiple rooms without needing to change batteries thanks to its low power consumption. This is useful whether you are in a home filled with people with different needs such as infants and elderly relatives, to those of you who need it for a work setting such as an office, school, etc.
This simple device features an LCD screen that allows you to instantly view all the information you need. As it detects short-term and long-term readings, the measured results of both of these are laid out plainly on the screen. Everything is a good size too so that you can clearly recognize the data.
Features:
- Technology Used: Passive radon diffusion chamber (sampling method) | Alpha spectrometry (detection method)
- Result Time: On-screen results for long-term and short-term readings
- Special Features: LCD screen
What we love
- Easy-to-read battery life indicator
- The multiple measurement modes make it more versatile over time
- Offers a good accuracy range to properly detect radon levels in different environments
- Lightweight and portable so you can move it around as needed
We don't like this as much
- It does take a full 24 hours to calibrate so you won't get readings right away
- Must read the screen in well-lit conditions as it isn't backlit
4. EcoQube EQ100 by Ecosense
The EcoQube EQ100 is a high-class radon detector made compact for simple home use. After you power it up, you should receive your first results in roughly 10 minutes. This way, you can understand your indoor radon levels in a short amount of time. There is good accuracy seen in this thanks to the detector’s ability to have a sensitivity of 30 counts per hour per picocuries per liter.
Keeping up to date on the radon detected, if any, is simple enough thanks to the Wi-Fi capabilities of the detector. It is straightforward to sync this with your home or building Wi-Fi, and from there, you are able to instantly monitor the radon levels in the area even if you are not currently in the building. Results are kept private too as they are only delivered to you.
This detector is unique compared to others thanks to its cube design. If you don’t want to check your phone app for information, you can always view the cube itself to become aware of the radon levels. This is because it features a color-coded LED setup on the front of the unit that will change based on the radon levels the area has.
Features:
- Technology Used: Radon counting sensitivity 30 counts per hour per picocuries
- Result Time: First radon reading level in 10 minutes
- Special Features: Wi-Fi connection with the smartphone app
What we love
- It provides frequent reads per hour to keep you better up to date
- In the app, there is a graph vs. time feature that provides you good clarity
- This unit has a comfortable 12-month warranty
- With its compact cube design, it's easy to set this up out of the way
We don't like this as much
- You must remain connected to the internet in order to see any data
- It doesn't appear to have a reset setting
5. Airthings 2950 Wave Radon
The Airthings 2950 Wave Radon is a battery-operated, sleek, and modern radon detector fitting for the contemporary building whether it’s a workplace or used right at home. This is able to completely replace those single-use radon kits. It can provide you with daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly measurements. All of this data is viewable in the free mobile app.
This app is available on multiple devices, so you can access it from a tablet as well as you can from a smartphone. The dashboard features detailed analytics, eliminating the need to pay for lab results. You get short-term and long-term results. Once you are set up, you can generate a report via the Airthings Dashboard.
Besides the dashboard, this 2nd generation version features Smartlink. It will connect you straight to the Airthings Hub, and this will bring your data online 24/7 so there’s no worry about missing or losing any information. If you don’t want to look at all the details and instead want a simple update on current radon levels, simply wave in front of the monitor to see color-coded results to show air quality.
Features:
- Technology Used: Digital radon monitor
- Result Time: Airthings Dashboard sends short-term and long-term results to your smartphone
- Special Features: Additional humidity sensor, temperature sensor
What we love
- It's a versatile device as it monitors both humidity and temperature
- As it can be wall-mounted, it's easy for the device to blend into the background
- The app is intuitive and simple to navigate
- The color sensor on the unit is highly responsive
We don't like this as much
- A digital readout on the device would be beneficial in case you can't connect to the app
- Unable to change the acceptable ranges for the temperature and humidity
6. RADEX MR107+ Advanced Radon Gas Detector
The RADEX MR107+ Advanced Radon Gas Detector is a traditional and straightforward device. You can use this at home or at the workplace, and it features a modern build and design. Along with that is a good deal of sensitivity so that you receive accurate results each time, eliminating any guesswork on whether the air quality needs addressing.
If there ever is something that you need to address, the unit has a built-in alarm system. It will catch your attention immediately. This lightweight radon detector also features four little “legs” that allow it to stand without any support, freeing you to set this in various places without worrying it will topple over. To check on your data analysis, you can download the free Windows software.
Even at a professional level, the unit is simple to understand and use. There’s a simple LCD readout screen, and it features a single switch to operate. You can leave it connected to your computer via the USB for continuous use, or you can charge up the internal battery for some short-term cord-free use.
Features:
- Technology Used: RAD Data Center for Windows (free)
- Result Time: N/A
- Special Features: Audible alarms | USB connection
What we love
- Operates with zero noise so that it won't disturb anyone
- Very straightforward to operate, perfect for non-professionals
- It is easy to export to Excel to save all of your data
- With the rechargeable design, it can be used in areas without power
We don't like this as much
- This is designed so that it only supports Windows software
- As it uses a USB connection, it's important to find the right adaptor/device to recharge the device rather than a standard plug
7. Funny Kitchen Home Radon Detector
The Funny Kitchen Home Radon Detector is helpful for long-term and short-term monitoring so you can better keep an eye on any fluctuating radon levels. You are left fully in control with this type of setup, and it even helps you catch potential radon issues whether the building you’re using it in has a basement or not.
With the on-screen readouts, you don’t have to rely on lab fees to check on the data. Your first indication of any radon levels is shown to you within 24 hours of you running the unit. When you check the screen, the readouts are large enough so that just about anyone can view them.
This device is designed with a rechargeable battery. On a full charge, it should last you a good deal of time, especially seeing as it doesn’t consume that much power. You can detect radon levels on a room-to-room basis, thanks in large part to its cordless build. The LCD screen will tell you daily, weekly, and any longer-term concentrations of radon levels.
Features:
- Technology Used: Passive radon diffusion chamber (sampling method) | Alpha spectrometry (detection method)
- Result Time: On-screen results show short-term and long-term readings
- Special Features: Rechargeable battery powered
What we love
- The LCD readout screen is crisp
- After a quick setup process, operation is simple
- The handheld style of the detector makes it easy to carry around
- This device recharges quickly even after weeks of use
We don't like this as much
- The unit must be upright to properly read measurements
- Future readings may be more accurate than the initial readout
FAQs About Radon Detectors
What is radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that’s naturally occurring as it’s found in trace amounts in the atmosphere. This stems from uranium, another radioactive element found in trace amounts inside the soil, rocks, and water around many buildings. Once this uranium decays and transforms into lead, it will release the invisible radon gas. This can penetrate the lungs and lead to health problems.
Proper ventilation and sealing cracks should help keep this harmful gas out of the house. However, if this doesn’t work, the level of radon gas can exceed the standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines. This can then cause harm to both humans and animals.
Why do you need a radon detector?
A radon gas detector or a radon detection kit is essential to tracking radon gas levels whether you use it in your home or business. Since this is an invisible gas, these tools are necessary to keep track of potential exposure. This way, if the levels are high, you can react faster and manage the problem before serious health risks occur.
Besides a radon detector, you can always maintain the building’s foundation. Check for gaps and cracks to seal them off, and if there is any exposure, then ventilating the area is a good start to reducing the radon levels.
Is radon gas buildup really that dangerous?
The dangers of radon gas aren’t felt quickly, like carbon monoxide exposure, nor is this type of gas flammable. That doesn’t lessen exactly how dangerous it can be, however. Over time, exposure to it can become a health hazard. This is all due to it stemming from the radioactive element of uranium.
You can develop serious health issues like lung cancer if you inhale higher radon concentrations. In fact, it’s reported by the EPA that roughly 21,000 people in the U.S. die every year due to radon-related lung cancer. So, it’s detrimental that exposure is controlled, and if you find your home or business has a leak, quickly locate the source so you can manage it.
Which Radon Detector is Best for You?
There are several factors to consider so that you find the right one for your circumstance. For instance, if you’re checking for radon exposure in multiple buildings, then a detector that’s easily portable is key. Perhaps you’re looking in an area that lacks a nearby outlet, and in this case, a battery-powered device is vital.
Choosing a radon detector also comes down to expenses. Some high-end devices are available, but many are most useful for long-term monitoring. If you only need something short-term, then you can consider products that are more budget-friendly. In the end, however, the most important factor to look for is accuracy. That’s why we poured through countless products before finding our top seven options to suit a variety of needs.
Suppose you’re interested in choosing based on affordability. In that case, you can check out our top picks for our favorite budget-friendly detector, our top mid-range device, and our leading high-end radon detector:
Best Budget Option – Elifecity Portable Radon Meter
Best Mid-Range Option – Funny Kitchen Home Radon Detector
Best High-End Option – Radon Eye RD200 Ecosense