Software · head to head
AirVisual vs IQAir
IQAir
Software
Global air quality information and purification
- From
- $399/one-time
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Only AirVisual has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: AirVisual outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage; IQAir extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance
- They diverge on capability: AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, IQAir covers Global AQI data.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AirVisual and IQAir actually diverge.
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in AirVisual
- Global AQI coverage
- 3-day forecasts
- Widgets
- Apple Watch
- Smart displays
Only in IQAir
- Global AQI data
- Forecasts
- API access
- Mobile apps
- Smart home
- Api support
Both cover
- Health recommendations
- City rankings
- Historical data
- Ios support
- Android support
- Web support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
AirVisual
- Checking local air quality and PM2.5 levelsnot IQAir
- Seven day air quality forecastsnot IQAir
- Health guidance based on current pollutionnot IQAir
- Comparing indoor and outdoor air with an IQAir monitornot IQAir
IQAir
- Checking real-time outdoor and indoor air quality (AQI, PM2.5, etc.) via the AirVisual appnot AirVisual
- Getting air quality forecasts for a locationnot AirVisual
- Remotely monitoring and controlling IQAir air purifiers from a smartphonenot AirVisual
- Integrating air quality/weather data into third-party apps via the AirVisual APInot AirVisual
- Tracking global air pollution using monitoring station datanot AirVisual
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
AirVisual
- Outdoor readings depend on nearby government or crowdsourced monitors, so accuracy varies with local coverage
- Indoor measurement needs an IQAir AirVisual monitor bought separately
- The app pages do not state what, if anything, costs money
IQAir
- Extremely expensive compared to competitors with similar particle filtration performance
- Energy inefficient motors consume 215W at comparable CFM to cheaper models
- Limited sensor specificity for users with specific allergies or respiratory concerns
- Bulky design and outdated appearance unsuitable for modern interior design
- Replacement filters are very expensive at $199.99 with high ongoing costs
Pricing, plan by plan
AirVisual
Free- FreeFree
- Global AQI data
- Forecasts
- Health tips
- Pro$4.99/month
- Ad-free
- Historical data
- Widgets
IQAir
$399/one-time- Atem Desk$399/one-time
- Portable desktop air purifier
- Small room coverage
- Atem Eco$799.99/one-time
- Smart air purification
- Most affordable smart model
- Released June 2026
- Atem X$1399/one-time
- Premium smart purifier
- Large room coverage
- Advanced filtration
- HealthPro Plus$949/one-time
- Medical-grade HyperHEPA filtration
- Large room coverage
- Gas and particle filtration
Which should you pick?
Choose AirVisual if
- You need global aqi coverage.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want 3-day forecasts.
Choose IQAir if
- You need global aqi data.
- You work on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware.
- You also want forecasts.
Questions people ask
- Is AirVisual or IQAir better?
- Neither clearly leads. AirVisual starts at Free and IQAir at $399/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AirVisual or IQAir?
- AirVisual has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for AirVisual and $399/one-time for IQAir.
- Does AirVisual or IQAir run on more platforms?
- AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web. IQAir runs on Web, iOS, Android, Hardware.
- Can I use AirVisual for free?
- Yes. AirVisual has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. IQAir starts at $399/one-time.
- What is AirVisual best used for?
- AirVisual is most often used for checking local air quality and pm2.5 levels, seven day air quality forecasts, health guidance based on current pollution, comparing indoor and outdoor air with an iqair monitor. Of those, checking local air quality and pm2.5 levels and seven day air quality forecasts are not what IQAir is typically brought in for.
- What can AirVisual do that IQAir cannot?
- AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, Widgets, Apple Watch. IQAir covers Global AQI data, Forecasts, API access, Mobile apps. Both handle Health recommendations, City rankings, Historical data, Ios support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
IQAir: What does IQAir do?
IQAir is a Swiss company providing two main services: air purification hardware (home and commercial air purifiers and filters) and air quality monitoring (real-time global air quality data from 80,000+ sensors worldwide, accessible via the AirVisual app and IQAir.com).
SourceIQAir: How much do IQAir air purifiers cost?
IQAir air purifiers range from $399 for portable Atem models to $949 for the HealthPro Plus. The new Atem Eco model is $799.99. Replacement filters cost $199.99 and last 1-4 years depending on usage.
SourceIQAir: What real-time air quality data does IQAir provide?
IQAir provides real-time air quality data covering 500,000+ locations in 100+ countries, integrating data from government monitoring stations and 80,000+ IQAir-validated sensors. The platform measures PM2.5, PM10, and AQI for each location.
SourceIQAir: Does IQAir have a mobile app?
Yes. IQAir's AirVisual app is available on iOS and Android, providing real-time air quality information, AQI rankings, health recommendations, and remote control of IQAir smart air purifiers.
SourceIQAir: Is IQAir affordable compared to other air purifiers?
No. IQAir air purifiers are significantly more expensive than alternatives. The HealthPro Plus at $900 offers similar particle filtering to the Winix 5500-2 at $300. Higher cost is primarily due to superior gas filtration but poor overall value for most users.
Source