Softwr

Weather · head to head

AirVisual vs PurpleAir

AirVisual logo

AirVisual

Weather

World's largest air quality information platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PurpleAir logo

PurpleAir

Weather

Real-time air quality monitoring for communities

From
$229/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; PurpleAir purpleAir sensors are one-time hardware purchases rather than a subscription, priced $199 to $279 USD per unit for named models (PA-I-Indoor, PA-II, PA-II-SD), per the vendor's own store (archived, 2021).
  • They diverge on capability: AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, PurpleAir covers PM2.5 monitoring.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AirVisual and PurpleAir actually diverge.

Attributes where AirVisual and PurpleAir differ
AttributeAirVisualPurpleAir
Starting priceFree$229/one-time
Pricing modelfreemiumone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsIos, Android, WebWeb, Api, Hardware

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Weather), founded (2015).

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
  • Health recommendations
  • City rankings
  • Widgets
  • Apple Watch
  • Smart displays
  • Ios support

Only in PurpleAir

  • PM2.5 monitoring
  • Real-time map
  • Community network
  • API access
  • API access
  • Home Assistant
  • Data downloads
  • Api support

Both cover

  • Historical data
  • 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 PurpleAir
  • Seven day air quality forecastsnot PurpleAir
  • Health guidance based on current pollutionnot PurpleAir
  • Comparing indoor and outdoor air with an IQAir monitornot PurpleAir

PurpleAir

  • Professional Worknot AirVisual
  • Content Creationnot 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

PurpleAir

  • PurpleAir sensors are one-time hardware purchases rather than a subscription, priced $199 to $279 USD per unit for named models (PA-I-Indoor, PA-II, PA-II-SD), per the vendor's own store (archived, 2021).

Pricing, plan by plan

AirVisual

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Global AQI data
    • Forecasts
    • Health tips
  • Pro$4.99/month
    • Ad-free
    • Historical data
    • Widgets

PurpleAir

$229/one-time
  • Outdoor Sensor$229/one-time
    • PM2.5 monitoring
    • Cloud connectivity
    • Map access
  • Indoor Sensor$199/one-time
    • Indoor monitoring
    • WiFi enabled
    • Real-time data

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.
AirVisual review

Choose PurpleAir if

  • You need pm2.5 monitoring.
  • You work on Web, Api, Hardware.
  • You also want real-time map.
PurpleAir review

Questions people ask

Is AirVisual or PurpleAir better?
Neither clearly leads. AirVisual starts at Free and PurpleAir at $229/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AirVisual or PurpleAir?
AirVisual has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for AirVisual and $229/one-time for PurpleAir.
Does AirVisual or PurpleAir run on more platforms?
AirVisual runs on Ios, Android, Web. PurpleAir runs on Web, Api, Hardware.
Can I use AirVisual for free?
Yes. AirVisual has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. PurpleAir starts at $229/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 PurpleAir is typically brought in for.
What can AirVisual do that PurpleAir cannot?
AirVisual covers Global AQI coverage, 3-day forecasts, Health recommendations, City rankings. PurpleAir covers PM2.5 monitoring, Real-time map, Community network, API access. Both handle Historical data, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

AirVisual: Why doesn't AirVisual publish pricing for its air quality products?

AirVisual does not publish specific prices on its product pages. The company offers various purchasing and financing programs instead, including 0% financing options, filter subscriptions, and trade-in programs.

Source
AirVisual: Does AirVisual offer financing for equipment purchases?

Yes, AirVisual offers 0% financing options for equipment purchases.

Source
AirVisual: Are AirVisual products eligible for HSA or FSA spending accounts?

Yes, AirVisual products are eligible for FSA and HSA payments, allowing customers to use tax-advantaged health savings accounts for purchases.

Source
AirVisual: What ongoing service does AirVisual offer beyond the initial product purchase?

AirVisual offers filter subscription services to ensure continued operation of air quality monitoring equipment.

Source
AirVisual: Does AirVisual offer trade-in or upgrade programs?

Yes, AirVisual operates a trade-in program that allows customers to trade in older equipment, as well as a Restored Program for refurbished products.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on AirVisual

More on PurpleAir

Keep looking

Other head to heads